DIFC company registrations surge by 34% in 2023

DIFC says company registrations rose by 34% in 2023

The financial hub said 1,451 new companies commenced operations in the centre last year, the highest number of new registrations in 20 years

Why the UAE is emerging as the preferred wealth hub for HNWIs

Here’s why the UAE is attracting more high-net-worth individuals

Yves Bruggisser, equity partner and Head of Zone Middle East Pictet Wealth Management tells us that the UAE is at the heart of a networking hub that attracts innovation and ambition

Emirates NBD introduces Dhs9-prize draw for customers -GettyImages-630846210

Emirates NBD’s Dhs9m prize draw encourages savings

Three customers depositing at least Dhs500,000 into their current or savings accounts have the opportunity to win Dhs1m each

Alpha Dhabi’s annual profit surges to Dhs13.3bn

IHC’s Alpha Dhabi posts Dhs13.3bn in full-year net profit

The group’s balance sheet remains resilient with Dhs140.4bn in assets and a strong cash position of Dhs20.2bn

For illustrative purposes

WGS 2024: New Buna system to ease cross-border payments in Arab region

The platform currently links 108 out of 120 Arab banks signed up, with a target of 160 by the end of 2024

Bitcoin hits $50,000 level for first time in more than two years

Bitcoin hits $50,000 level for first time in more than two years

The cryptocurrency has risen 16.3 per cent so far this year, on Monday touching its highest since December 27, 2021

Investcorp plans 2024 listing of GCC portfolio company

Bahrain’s Investcorp plans 2024 listing of GCC portfolio company

The alternative investment firm listed Investcorp Capital on the Abu Dhabi exchange last year, defying a depressed market for IPOs

Dubai unlocks Dhs500m to fuel SME growth, here's how firms can apply Image-credit-WAM

Dubai unlocks Dhs500m to fuel SME growth, here’s how firms can apply

A dedicated specialist will conduct a comprehensive review of the applicants’ business followed by the joint steering committee’s review for inclusion in the initiative

MENA region dealmaking jumps 4% to $86bn in 2023

M&A activity in MENA region jumps 4% to $86bn in 2023

The UAE consolidated its status as the preferred destination for investors due to its business-friendly regulations and efficient legal framework

ALDAR

Aldar reports record 40% net profit on sales surge

The company attributed the growth to its highest-ever quarterly development sales of Dhs8.5bn in Q4, with full-year sales reaching a record Dhs27.9bn

Lunate, Blue Owl partner to invest in mid-size asset managers

ADQ’s Lunate partners with Blue Owl to invest in mid-size asset managers

The joint venture seeks to acquire minority stakes in private market investment managers with fee-paying AuM of less than $10bn

Savola Almarai

Saudi’s Savola to distribute 34.52% stake in Almarai to shareholders

Savola’s board has approved the rights issue and the distribution of Almarai shares

Modern Mills to list 30% stake in Riyadh IPO

Saudi Arabia’s Modern Mills to sell 30% stake in IPO on local bourse

The company appointed HSBC as the sole financial adviser, global coordinator and lead manager on the deal and Emirates NBD Capital as joint book runner and underwriter

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM expands global reach with New York office

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM expands global reach with New York office

The new office presents an opportunity for the company to explore new partnerships and investments

Regulations for VASPs GettyImages-1366240594

Virtual assets: Why VASPs should stay on the right side of the law

The UAE is ushering in a new era of regulatory oversight for virtual asset activities. We speak to Karm Legal Consultants about what this means for virtual asset service providers

GCC insurance sector growth soars: $44.4bn projection by 2028

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest insurance market in the GCC surpassing the UAE

IHC Announces Stellar Preliminary Financial Results for 2023 Image courtesy IHC X

IHC sees 18% revenue jump in 2023, as diversification pays off

Diversification into new sectors and strategic acquisitions fuelled growth, with preliminary net profit remaining strong at Dhs32.75bn

DFSA issues first ESG fee waiver to Emirates NBD

DFSA issues first ESG fee waiver to Emirates NBD

The waiver applies to all new and repeat issuers who make a relevant application to the financial regulator

paytm

Thousands of accounts at India’s Paytm Payments Bank set up improperly: Report

Paytm’s stock plunged 36 per cent in the two days following the RBI’s move against its bank wiping $2bn off its market value

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank - ADCB

UAE bank ADCB Q4 net profit jumps 38%, beats forecasts

Net interest income in the fourth quarter increased by 17 per cent year-on-year to Dhs3.41bn

business

What is the average salary increase in the UAE in 2024?

More than one-third of companies have plans to raise wages by up to 5 per cent

GCC markets update

GCC markets update: QE, DFM and Tadawul

Follow our live blog below to stay abreast of news and updates across the GCC markets

BRICS: Dubai ranks 3rd among top 10 wealthiest cities, see full list here

Dubai lives up to its reputation as the ‘City of Gold’, hosting 72,500 millionaires, 212 of whom are centi-millionaires and 15 billionaires

Merger and Acquisition (M&A)

What does 2024 herald for MENA M&A and private credit?

Despite global dealmaking challenges in 2023 the Middle East will continue to be a global bright spot for transactions in the year ahead

digital dirham-sheikh mansour

Landmark Digital Dirham payment to China marks CBUAE’s 50th anniversary

Facilitated through the multi-CBDC platform ‘mBridge’, the transaction utilised central bank-mandated digital currencies for international fund transfers

Mashreq posts 130% rise in full-year profit

Mashreq’s annual profit surges to record on higher net income

The bank’s non-interest income reached Dhs3.1bn in 2023, up 13 per cent compared to the previous year

saving - loud budgeting

Loud budgeting: How a TikTok trend can help your wallet in the new year 

This trend encourages users to boldly express their budget constraints and rethink their spending habits

UAE green bonds, sukuk issuance hit Dhs15bn

Insights: Why bonds are becoming investors’ favourite words

Bond investors are presented with the opportunity to lock in one of the highest yields in more than ten years

TAX

What do Indian expats expect from interim Budget 2024?

With the unveiling of Budget 2024 just round the corner, the NRI community hopes that the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) process as well as the tax bracket is re-worked to provide relief

ABHI to relocate headquarters to Abu Dhabi

Pakistan’s ABHI moves to Abu Dhabi in bid to deepen tech ties

The fintech platform is currently in discussions with multiple UAE banks about rolling out its solutions