GCC leads MENA in fintech maturity: report

Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Riyadh named MENA’s top fintech ecosystems by Startup Genome

Nasdaq Dubai Dubai Islamic Bank

Dubai Islamic Bank lists $1bn sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

Dubai Islamic Bank is now the largest UAE-based sukuk issuer by value on Nasdaq Dubai with a total of $7.3bn listed on the exchange

Oman returns to debt market as rally reduces borrowing costs

The sultanate raised $500m in a tap of its bonds due in 2027 and 2032

Foreign nationals permitted 100% business ownership in the UAE

The rule will be applicable from December 1, 2020, with businesses no longer requiring an Emirati sponsor

Bitcoin revival unleashes animal spirits and $300,000 forecast

The world’s largest digital currency is in the midst of an exuberant rally this week

Bahrain’s Investcorp invests in India’s Xpressbees

Xpressbees has a presence across more than 2,000 towns and cities in India

Acwa power solar panels

Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power set to raise $1bn in sukuk sale

The sukuk will be used to help fund Acwa’s share of an $8bn acquisition of gasification and power assets at Jazan

DIFC Dubai

Israel’s Bank Hapoalim signs agreement with DIFC, AGDM

The agreement enables Bank Hapoalim to access banking and innovation opportunities in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia through the DIFC platform

Saudi Arabia to review VAT hike once economic crisis ends

The VAT hike to 15 per cent, was implemented in July this year

Industry outlook: How has the wealth management space fared in the GCC?

Similar to wealth, wealth management has gone through layers of evolution to become a specialised investment advisory service

Abu Dhabi Israel

Abu Dhabi Global Market signs fintech agreement with Israel Securities Authority

The agreement provides a framework for information sharing, and will facilitate the movement of startups and transfer of knowledge and talent

World’s biggest oil firm Saudi Aramco sells $8bn in bonds

Aramco sold $8bn in tranches maturing in three, five, 10, 30 and 50 years

Saudi Arabia to pivot attention, plow funds at home

The fund intends to play a leading role in refocusing the economy toward underdeveloped industries

Central Bank of the UAE

UAE Central Bank extends Targeted Economic Support Scheme until June 2021

The TESS loan deferral programme has already benefited over 310,000 retail customers, nearly 10,000 SMEs and more than 1,500 private sector companies

UAE gets first rating from Fitch ahead of federal bond sale

The company ranked the sovereign AA- with a stable outlook

Hawala operators in the UAE must register before December 2 to avoid penalties

Relevant legal actions will be taken for non-compliance

Mapping the future for energy trading organisations

A global health emergency and collapse in crude oil prices have ratcheted up the pressure to address the sector’s critical challenges: efficiency, agility and growth

Kuwait’s $124bn pension fund plans infrastructure boost

The new plan, developed with US-based consultancy Mercer, will start next year

Abu-Dhabi

UAE to establish new court to combat money laundering and tax crimes

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department will organise training courses for judges and prosecutors specialising in money laundering and tax evasion

DIFC set to grow its fintech base with new ‘Innovation Hub’

Startups benefit from access to industry experts, mentors and partner organisations

No plans to hike VAT in the UAE, officials reiterate

The UAE government levied a 5 per cent VAT on goods and services in January 2018

Customers can now co-own an Ellington Properties’ home in Dubai through SmartCrowd

Customers can co-own residential properties and earn healthy returns on their investments, for as low as Dhs5,000

Abu Dhabi wealth fund culls Japan team, seeking new growth focus

It will continue to invest in Japanese equities but only through its external managers

SAUDI-ARAMCO-ENERGY-STOCKS Tadawul

All Tadawul-listed issuers must offer disclosures in English and Arabic – Saudi regulator

The decision, taken by the Capital Market Authority, takes effect from January 1, 2021

FinTech firm Ripple chooses Dubai’s DIFC for regional headquarters

Financial institutions across more than 45 countries already use RippleNet

How Covid-19 propelled the UAE’s digital payments space

Increased online activity in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak has led to a rise in digital payments

Fintech thrives as digital transformation jolts finance sector

UAE expected to attract $2.5bn in investment into fintech by 2022

Saudi VAT increase: What are the long-term implications?

The kingdom hiked its value added tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 15 per cent in July

How diversification can ensure sustainable growth in the GCC

Credit downgrades and double-digit deficits poses challenges for regional countries that are not diversifying their economies