Insights: Rethinking a new social welfare model for GCC countries Image: Supplied

Insights: Rethinking a new social welfare model for GCC countries

GCC welfare systems can be enhanced by strengthening coherence among social protection programmes, expanding the social insurance offering, and focusing on the economic activation of social assistance beneficiaries

Saudi Arabia’s Avalon Pharma sets IPO price range

Saudi Arabia’s Avalon Pharma sets IPO price range

The company will offer six million shares, or 30 per cent of its issued share capital, on the Saudi Exchange

QNB Group’s full-year net profit jumps 8%

QNB Group posts QAR15.5bn in full-year profit

The banking group had QAR1.23tn in total assets at the end of December, a 4 per cent increase, driven by growth in loans and advances

DP World signs 3bn MoUs with India’s Gujarat state government

This Indian state has signed MoUs worth $3bn with DP World

The MOUs cover the development of new ports, terminals, and economic zones in the Indian state

NEOM to feature Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy at Sindalah Image Supplied

NEOM to feature Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy at Sindalah

The property, set to open this year, will feature units ranging from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments

An armed, masked group has boarded a ship near Oman, says UKTMO.

UPDATE: Iran has seized St Nikolas ship near Oman

About 4 to 5 unauthorised individuals boarded a vessel near Oman on Thursday, a security group has reported

Oman

Oman sets up sustainable finance framework in green push

The Sultanate plans to issue sustainable finance instruments whose proceeds will be used to fund and re-finance renewable energy projects

NEOM's Aquellum development. (Source: NEOM)

NEOM reveals ‘upside-down’, underground skyscraper in Saudi mountains

NEOM’s new futuristic project will also include bringing life-like meta-verse experiences and an “omnidirectional internal transit system”

PIF-backed ROSHN partners with EVIQ to power EV adoption in Saudi Arabia Image courtesy Getty Images

PIF-backed ROSHN, EVIQ to power EV adoption in Saudi Arabia

The collaboration between ROSHN and EVIQ will also see the launch of the kingdom’s first fast-charging public site launch at ROSHN Front in Riyadh

climate

Women can drive climate action in the region, here’s how

The Middle East is home to many women-led initiatives that have brought about positive climate action, ranging from renewable energy projects to sustainable agriculture practices

Dubai’s own clocktower: First look at London Gate’s $545m Franck Muller Aeternitas

Standing tall at 106 floors, the residential clocktower will redefine the Dubai skyline and house an exclusive range of homes by London Gate

Mother, son and pets

Woofing success: The Petshop’s CEO talks dogs, cats and investments

The UAE’s pet care industry is worth over $360m and is expected to reach $2bn by 2025

Saudi Arabia unveils new premium residency scheme

How Saudi Arabia seeks to attract foreign talent, investments

The five new premium residency products offer a wide range of benefits to holders, including the ability to conduct business and own real estate properties

BUILT WIND POWER

The case for decarbonising the built sector

Circularity has the potential to create substantial economic advantages, with projected yield on annual net profit gain of up to $46bn by 2030

Avalon Pharmaceuticals partners with AlUla Peregrina

Saudi Arabia’s Avalon Pharma partners with AlUla Peregrina Trading

The patented formulas that will emerge from the collaboration will undergo a few months of formulation, tests and assessment process

Hatta Beach project and other projects approved by Sheikh Hamdan Image courtesy X Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Hamdan approves Hatta Beach Project, private school and council to be set up

Hatta Beach will stretch across 10,000 square metres alongside an artificial lake and will feature a host of amenities and services for visitors

Some roads in Dubai will have new names here's why

You will soon be able to suggest new names for Dubai roads, here’s how

Steps to engage and involve community members and accept proposals from them for new road names will start in the upcoming phases of the initiative

Saudi Arabia leads MENA venture capital market

Saudi Arabia secures $1.4bn in 2023, leads MENA VC fundraising

The kingdom’s venture capital market was boosted by the government’s focus on innovation, a dedicated unicorn project, and investments from sovereign funds

Al Habtoor Goup's Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor

Al Habtoor Group threatens Lebanon with investment dispute notice

UAE conglomerate, the Al Habtoor Group, has moved to serve an official Investment Treaty Dispute against the Lebanese government

Sharjah SEC approves transports service between Sharjah and Oman image courtesy Sharjah Tourism

Bus service between Sharjah and Oman to commence soon

Daily trips will be operated from Al Jubail Station in Sharjah to Al Azaiba Bus Station in Muscat and vice versa

Mubadala lists dual currency bond on ADX

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala lists $5.3bn dual currency bond on ADX

The listings include Mubadala’s debut green bond and the fund’s inaugural dirham-denominated bond

UAE: Fourth edition of 'World's Coolest Winter Campaign' kicks off image DUbai Media Office

UAE: Fourth season of ‘World’s Coolest Winter Campaign’ kicks off

In its third season, the campaign saw tourists numbers reach 1.4 million, an increase of 8 per cent compared to the second edition

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open: WTA top seeds Raducanu, Jabeur, Maia to participate

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open: WTA top seeds Raducanu, Jabeur, Maia to participate

This year, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open tournament features 10 of the Women’s Tennis Association’s top 20-ranked players

Football fever: Qatar gears up for AFC Asian Cup, other key events in Q1 2024 image Getty Imges

Football fever: Qatar gears up for AFC Asian Cup, other key events in Q1 2024

Qatar will welcome football fans from around the region for the AFC Asian Cup being held from January 12 – February 10 this year

UAE GDP growth-in-2024 to grow by 3.7 per cent forecasts World Bank report GettyImages-1432592872-e1670484896463

UAE GDP projected to grow by 3.7% in 2024, 3.8% by 2025: World Bank

Growth in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow by 4.1 per cent this year, rising to 4.2 per cent next year

Sheikh Mohamed in Gujarat

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed lands in India for Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will see the participation of 34 countries and 16 international organisations in its 10th edition

Strong demand for Saudi Arabia’s $12bn bond issuance

Saudi Arabia has successfully sold $3.25bn, $4bn and $4.75bn bonds in tenors of six, 10 and 30 years for domestic budgetary purposes

Ex-UAE climate change minister to head IHC’s $27bn fund

Ex-UAE climate change minister to head IHC fund 2PointZero

The investment vehicle’s sprawling portfolio includes Abu Dhabi’s newest fund Lunate, International Resources Holding, and private investment firm Chimera

indigo seat prices

Sky wars: India’s Indigo drastically cuts tickets prices

The airline has cutback on fuel surcharge but increased prices for seat selection

Red Sea and a map of Saudi Arabia. (Getty Images)

World’s fifth biggest shipping firm steers clear of Red Sea

German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd will continue to circle around the Cape of Good Hope as issues in the Red Sea remain