MENA

Eid al-Fitr 2025: Holiday dates announced in UAE, Saudi Arabia, other GCC states

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait announced today that March 30 will mark the first day of Eid al-Fitr 2025

Gulf SWFs lead global growth with assets set to reach $18 trillion by 2030, says Deloitte

Gulf funds are strategically pivoting toward Asia, with many establishing new offices throughout Asia-Pacific

Eid al-Fitr 2025: Shawwal crescent unlikely to be visible on March 29 in the Arab world

For countries that require an accurate crescent sighting, Ramadan is expected to last 30 days and Eid al-Fitr will fall on Monday, March 31

EFG Holding posts record revenue of $482 million with strong growth across verticals

The Group's net operating profit rose 84 percent Y-o-Y in FY24 to $175.9 million

March 30 expected to be first day of Eid al-Fitr 2025, says Qatar

The crescent moon for this year's Shawwal will be born on the evening of Saturday, March 29 at 1:58 PM Doha local time, said Al Ansari

GCC banking sector poised for growth in 2025 on strong capital levels

Banks in the UAE will maintain robust growth in their lending activities, bolstered by relaxed monetary policies and a favorable economic environment

GCC economic growth to rise to 4 percent in 2025 despite trade headwinds: ICAEW

Gradual oil output hikes in the GCC region will generate oil-sector growth of 3.2 percent this year, following two years of contraction

Oil prices climb to $71.32 amid Mideast tensions, China’s stimulus

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also rose by 0.4 percent to $67.61 per barrel

UK businesses see Middle East as prime investment destination as interest in the region doubles

36 percent of UK business leaders now see the Middle East as a key investment hub for the next five years

Workers in GCC countries contribute $131.5 billion in remittances: Official data

The volume of workers’ remittances from GCC countries is the highest globally, with the U.S. following closely behind

World Bank presents $1 billion program for Lebanon reconstruction

Reconstruction and recovery requirements following the conflict that affected Lebanon are estimated at $11 billion

Egypt’s drive for gender equality: A necessity for economic prosperity

Comprehensive, well-designed reforms, and investing in the empowerment of women keep country on track for future growth

Arab equity market cap declines 4.1 percent to $4.38 trillion in 2024

In the UAE, equity markets recorded an increase of $69.2 billion in market capitalization

GCC inflation reaches 1.7 percent by end of October 2024, reports GCC-Stat

Annual inflation is driven by housing prices up 6.4 percent, goods and services 3 percent, hotels 1.7 percent

Renewable generation in Middle East expected to rise by about 14 percent yearly from 2025-2027: IEA

The UAE leads regional solar PV growth, with a 23 percent annual average growth rate through 2027

Standard Chartered boosts investment in Futuremakers Women in Tech program across Africa, Middle East and Pakistan

Over three years, 400 women entrepreneurs will receive support to build thriving micro businesses and create jobs

MENA startups raise $494 million across 58 deals in February, up 371 percent 

Startups in Saudi Arabia raised $250.3 million across 25 deals last month, leading the region in fundraising

Türkiye’s inflation eases to 39.05 percent in February, raising rate cut bets

As inflation continues to decelerate, the central bank is widely expected to deliver another 250 basis-point cut this week

SC Ventures, Visa partner to support MENA region’s SME growth and innovation

Collaboration aims to provide SMEs with the solutions they need to support their long-term growth

MENA M&A activity grows 7 percent to $92.3 billion in 2024: Report

The UAE reported the MENA region’s largest M&A deal of the year worth $12.4 billion

Renewable energy targets boost electricity investment growth in GCC, says Fitch

Investments related to the expansion of the existing grid between 2023-2028 will reach $1.8 billion

GCC real estate market transactions surge over $383 billion in 2024, Dubai leads growth

Dubai's share of the GCC region's transactions reached 54 percent at $207 billion

GCC universities make historic ranking gains in 2025, advancing towards global recognition

The region’s focus on developing world-class institutions is not just about improving rankings but about building a knowledge-driven economy

The GCC’s digital leap is setting the bar for smarter immigration

Immigrant populations range from as low as 40 percent in Oman to over 88 percent in Qatar