#GCC

Blockchain’s transformative impact on Islamic finance

Revolutionising Islamic finance: The transformative impact of blockchain technology

Blockchain offers significant benefits for Islamic finance, including enhanced transparency and the development of innovative financial products

UK GCC TALKS

New UK government to finalise FTA by end of 2024, says GCC secretary-general

The GCC Secretary-General’s London visit comes a week after the UK elected a new Labour government

KFH plans to acquire a stake in Saudi Investment Bank

Kuwait’s KFH reportedly plans to acquire a stake in Saudi Investment Bank

Deliberations between the two lenders are reportedly ongoing but there is no certainty that they will result in a deal

GCC’s non-oil sector sees robust growth despite production cuts

GCC’s non-oil sector sees robust growth despite production cuts, ICAEW says

The overall GCC budget position is projected to remain somewhat in surplus this year, driven by robust financial standings and favourable credit ratings

Help AG CTO Nicolai Solling shares the impact of cyber threats in the GCC and findings of the 2024 state of the market report

Help AG CTO Nicolai Solling shares the impact of cyber threats in the GCC

The CTO shares the findings of Help AG’s State of the Market Report, which delivered key insights into cybersecurity threats, trends and emerging technologies over the past year

GCC telcos embrace tech to diversify revenue streams

GCC telcos embrace tech to diversify revenue streams

Top GCC telcos are looking for new ways to expand their businesses and diversify revenue streams as they reinvent themselves as techcos

How MENA is dominating the global crypto market

Here’s why MENA is world’s fastest-growing crypto market

Cryptocurrency is more than just a new asset class, it represents a fundamental change in how assets are managed and verified

Three Eight Six Holdings, B.Grimm Power to develop renewable energy projects in the Middle East

Three Eight Six Holdings, B.Grimm Power to develop renewable energy projects in the Middle East

This strategic investment will leverage B.Grimm Power’s experience and capabilities to develop solar energy projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain

Bahrain

Bahrain’s credit rating ‘stable’ at B+/B amid economic challenges: S&P

S&P’s affirmation of Bahrain’s credit ratings and stable outlook highlights the country’s ongoing fiscal reforms and support from GCC allies

GB Tech awards 2024 _ web pic w trophy

Gulf Business Tech Awards 2024: Celebrating innovation and leadership in the Middle East

The awards aim to recognise innovation, financial performance, service delivery, corporate social responsibility, growth, and product quality.

women occupy 10.8 per cent of board seats in listed UAE firms shows report -hr-GettyImages-1398963973

Women now hold 10.8% of board seats in listed UAE firms, reveals report

The report showed that while the UAE leads the region with women holding board seats, the overall picture for the GCC is less rosy

Spinneys’ $375m IPO draws orders worth $19bn

Supermarket chain Spinneys’ $375m IPO draws orders worth $19bn

The company priced its IPO at the top of the previously announced range, selling its shares at Dhs1.53 per share to raise $375m (Dhs1.38bn)

Schengen visa process to go digital from 2028

Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas

investcorp golden horizon

Investcorp announces $1bn GCC fund along with China’s CIC

This initiative, announced at Investcorp’s China-GCC Investment and Business Cooperation Summit, aims to attract institutional and private investors from the GCC, along with CIC

IMF cuts Middle East growth outlook on geopolitical tensions

IMF cuts MENA growth outlook on geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions

Gulf economies are seen growing 2.4 per cent this year, a downward revision of 1.3 percentage points from October

Oman puts 103 countries on visa-free list Image Getty Images

Oman’s fiscal future brightens as S&P boosts outlook to positive

The ratings agency expects Oman’s real GDP to expand by about 2 per cent per year on average during the 2024-2027 period

Türkiye, GCC states to launch talks for free trade pact

Türkiye, GCC states to launch talks for free trade pact

The trade pact is expected to lead to one of the world’s largest free trade areas, between Türkiye and the GCC, with a total value of $2.4tn

Schengen visa application

Visa-free travel to Schengen countries soon? GCC-EU talks see progress

Representatives of the GCC and EU meet in Belgium to discuss the visa-waiver programme

Almarai to invest over SAR18bn under five-year plan

Saudi Arabia’s Almarai to invest over SAR18bn under five-year plan

The strategy, which envisions investments in supply chain and tech capabilities, will be financed from the company’s operating cash flow

GCC IPO momentum to remain robust in 2024

Here’s why the GCC IPO bonanza is here to stay

The GCC region is set to see more equity capital markets activity in 2024 as more companies are considering public listings amid a global slowdown

Saudi Arabia, Qatar - GCC

Lower GCC growth amid oil cuts, says Oxford Economics

GDP growth for Saudi Arabia in 2024 is expected to top 2.1 per cent, while growth in the UAE is set to reach 4.4 per cent

DeepFest 2024: The imperative for responsible AI

DeepFest 2024: The imperative for responsible AI

With AI increasingly evolving into a general-purpose technology, issues of control and accountability have been brought to the forefront

How GCC sovereign funds are accelerating growth

Why GCC wealth funds are becoming engines of regional growth

Sovereign funds in the GCC region are key to their respective governments’ national development plans and contribute to deploying national wealth in strategic sectors of interest

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

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

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

GCC travel and tourism

GCC travel and tourism: On a steady path to growth

Chris Ross, chief commercial officer, EMEA Collinson, gives us insights into how the travel industry is contributing to the region’s economy and key travel trends

HONOR rides the wave of foldables

HONOR rides the wave of foldables

The Magic V2 comes with all the bells and whistles expected of a premium phone

UAE-UK visa waiver programme

Solo travel to London anyone? UAE nationals no longer need a pre-entry visa to UK

The visa waiver programme kicks in from February and travellers can apply for it at the start of the month

Muzzammil Ahussain CEo fo Almosafer

Power Letters 2024: Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer

A surge in visitor numbers is on the cards both in Saudi Arabia and the wider region when the announced unified GCC tourist visa begins to be implemented