HSBC facilitates first blockchain transaction for steel between UAE, India

The Contour blockchain platform enabled end-to-end digitisation of the documentation required to import flat carbon steel

UAE Central Bank projects real GDP to grow by 7.6 % in 2022

UAE Central Bank extends economic-support programme until mid-2022

Banks can draw on the facility to provide new loans and financing

UAE’s Emirates Islamic Bank posts 37% rise in Q1 net profit

The bank’s operating profit dipped 12 per cent y-o-y to Dhs319m

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs in Kuwait

The highest ranked Arabs originating from Kuwait in Gulf Business’ annual Arab power list

Sharjah Islamic Bank

Sharjah Islamic Bank operating profits up 27% in Q1 2021

Net profit for the three months ended March 31, 2021, amounted to Dhs164.2m, compared to Dhs153.7m for the corresponding period last year

Four reasons why investing is for everyone

As economies remain volatile, investing smartly can help anyone achieve financial freedom, according to AIX Investment Group

Citigroup to exit retail banking in 13 markets, including Bahrain

The move is part of an ongoing review of the company’s strategy by its chief executive officer

Qatar stocks surge on plans to allow full foreign ownership

The cabinet approved a draft law that will allow overseas investors to own up to 100 per cent of listed companies

Explainer: Have workplace savings plans taken off in the GCC?

Having a pension solution ensures that the employer sets aside a defined amount on a periodic basis for end of service benefits, opines Reena Vivek, senior executive officer, Zurich Workplace Solution

Tristar pulls Dubai IPO as investors push back on valuation

Tristar’s IPO was slated to be the second listing in three years on the Dubai Financial Market

Kuwait asks banks to employ citizens in top leadership positions

Banks will have until the end of 2023 to implement the changes

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs in Qatar

The highest ranked Arabs originating from Qatar in Gulf Business’ annual Arab power list

Bitcoin rallies to all-time high as traders eye Coinbase listing

The token rose as much as 4.3 per cent to $62,531

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs in the UAE

The highest ranking entries originating from the UAE in Gulf Business’ annual Arab power list 2021

Mubadala says it’s close to IPO of Emirates Global Aluminium

The company had planned an IPO in 2018 or 2019 but it was pulled after then-US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on aluminum imports from the UAE

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs in Saudi Arabia

The highest ranked Arabs originating from Saudi Arabia in Gulf Business’ annual Arab power list

Emirates Sheraa

Emirates partners with Sharjah’s Sheraa to spur startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem

Emirates will offer discounted fares for attendees of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival and to startups relocating to the UAE through Sheraa’s initiatives

UAE: Zand launches institutional-grade digital asset custody services

Emaar chief, Mohamed Alabbar, to chair new UAE digital bank

Zand aims to make banking quicker and simpler, via its digital offerings

UAE’s Mubadala may join $12bn Aramco oil pipelines deal

Mubadala is in talks with US investor EIG Global Energy Partners, the lead member of the consortium

Dubai Chamber

Dubai Chamber members’ exports reach Dhs54.8bn in Q1 2021, up 6% y-on-y

Over 6,000 new member companies joined Dubai Chamber in the first three months of 2021

How banks can leverage technology to explore the digital economy

JMR Infotech’s innovation adds value to the digital transformation journey of banks and financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa region

Mubadala discusses GlobalFoundries IPO at $20bn value

Technology companies have already raised $20bn in US IPOs this year

UAE names Jassem Al Zaabi as central bank vice chairman

The new position follows the appointment of Khaled Mohammed Al Tameemi as central bank governor

Oman is said to study strategic options for state energy firm OQ

OQ is an integrated energy company with oil and gas exploration and production operations, refineries, a retail network and a large petrochemical business

Saudi bourse restructures itself with eye on IPO in second half

The newly created Saudi Tadawul Group will have four subsidiaries

Khaled Al Tameemi appointed as UAE Central Bank governor

He previously held the central bank’s deputy governor post

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank posts 38% dip in net profit for 2020; approves 46.6% cash dividend

Its revenues also pared to Dhs5.35bn in 2020

Crypto firms got more funding last quarter than in all of 2020

The funding surge is happening as Bitcoin hits record highs

Islamic Development Bank sukuk Nasdaq Dubai

Saudi’s Islamic Development Bank lists $2.5bn sustainability sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

The total value of the bank’s sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai stands at $17.14bn

Logistics firm Tristar sets price range for second Dubai IPO in three years

The company plans to offer up to 24 per cent of its shares in the IPO