#GCC

visa free travel

Oman heads into 2024 with projected budget deficit

The Sultanate of Oman is expecting a budget deficit for the year, after it swinging away from a surplus during 2023

Saudi Arabia’s foreign reserves fell from SAR1.57tn the previous month

Unemployment for Saudis rises slightly to 8.6% in Q3

The unemployment rate for Saudis is still lower than the 9.9 per cent recorded in the same period a year ago, according to data from the kingdom

GCC region M&A blazes trail as global deals decline

GCC region M&A blazes trail as global deals decline

The GCC region has proven to be one of the most kinetic deal markets in the world in 2023, with dealmakers expected to remain relatively active in the near future

islamic finance_ sukuks Getty images

Global outstanding sukuk market hits $823bn in Q3 2023

The growth in outstanding sukuk is attributed to several factors that are driving the issuance of Islamic bonds including issuers that seek to plug budget deficits

Masdar

Top marks for GCC nations in digital connectivity index

Countries in the GCC are ranking among the highest in the world when it comes to the state of their digital connectivity in 2023

S&P Global affirms positive outlook on Bahrain

Bahrain notched up 2.45% growth in third quarter of 2023

The Kingdom of Bahrain showcased healthy GDP growth for the third quarter of 2023, according to the latest statistics revealed by that country.

Oracle generative AI

Oracle targets training 50,000 Saudis in AI, latest tech

The training is set to form part of an initiative called ‘Mostaqbali’ (My Future), and will be supervised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Ali Al Kuwari on embracing smart and sustainable practices in construction

Insights: Embracing smart and sustainable practices in construction

Here’s why modern brands and construction projects must have sustainability and smart features at their core, and not just as an afterthought

UAE ransomware

Hackers are targetting UAE, Saudi businesses’ cloud services — survey

The targetting of cloud infrastructure among corporates in these two countries is on the rise, according to a new survey.

Qatar’s Ooredoo, Zain and TASC to create 2.2bn tower company

Qatar’s Ooredoo, Zain and TASC to create $2.2bn tower company

The new tower entity is expected to achieve run-rate revenues close to $500m annually

Revealed: Winners of the Gulf Business Awards 2023

The awards celebrated luminaries from across the region’s business ecosystem

saudi arabia

Saudi Arabia trade surplus grows to $12bn — GASTAT

The trade surplus in Saudi Arabia remains stable amid continued levels of strong trade in the country

How dealmakers in Middle East are enhancing M&A strategies

How dealmakers in Middle East are enhancing M&A strategies

Dealmakers and their advisers are including insurance on their agenda just as much as the traditional corporate risk manager

How the GCC's real estate sector is pivoting towards sustainable development Image for illustrative purposes by Getty Images

Insights: How GCC real estate is pivoting towards sustainable development

With the forthcoming COP28 in Dubai, the momentum for sustainable real estate development in GCC countries is set to receive even greater international attention

Dubai Frame symbolically faces both the older and newer parts of the city.

Daily Insider: How the UAE has transformed in just 10 short years

The sheer rate of change in the UAE and gulf region over the last decade is nothing short of astounding, writes Gulf Business group editor, Gareth van Zyl.

GCC neobanks and the next banking revolution

How GCC neobanks are shaping the next banking revolution

Neobanks have reset the paradigm for the traditional banking industry in terms of customer experience, product innovation and pricing

Visa unveils visa installament payment solution in GCC Image Getty Images

Visa unveils new payment installment solution for cardholders

Participating card issuers and acquirers in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar will be able to offer cardholders flexible and transparent payment plans at merchant checkouts, both in-store and online

Here’s how MoneyGram is fostering growth strategy after privatisation

Exclusive: Alex Holmes on MoneyGram’s transformation and growth journey

The global CEO and chairman explains how the company has emerged as an industry-leading digital remittance firm providing an expansive set of offerings

Saudi Arabia economic outlook

Saudi Arabia receives 7.8 million tourists in Q1 2023

The kingdom’s incoming tourism revenue grew by about 225 per cent to reach SAR37bn in the first quarter of this year

Protiviti's George Thomas on the M&A trends

Opinion: Will M&A transactions continue to surge in the Middle East?

Regional integration efforts like the GCC facilitating smoother M&A transactions by streamlining regulations and cross-border investments will support M&A growth

Dubai Chamber of Commerce names GCC as top export market for members in H1 2023 Image Dubai Media Office

GCC remains top export market for members in H1’23, reveals Dubai Chamber of Commerce

Saudi Arabia was the top destination for members’ exports in H1 2023, with the total value recording year-over-year growth of more than 15 per cent

Agthia Group is fostering UAE’s food security strategy

Exclusive: Alan Smith on Agthia Group’s growth and food security strategy

The group’s CEO explains how they are setting an example for the industry, contributing to UAE’s food security strategy

Top startups

GCC: Top startups to watch in 2023

We shine the spotlight on some of the region’s most prominent startups

India school GCC

India supports community initiatives for new schools in GCC

Within the GCC, the largest number of Indian schools are in the UAE

GCC wealth funds are new bankers to the world

GCC wealth funds are new bankers to the world: Here’s why

The sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE appear to have become go-to investors in difficult times for the global markets

GCC stock markets are hitting record highs

GCC stock markets are hitting record highs. Here’s why

After a strong performance last year, the GCC region is set to see more activity in its capital markets in the medium term

GCC central banks raise interest rates tracking US Fed move

GCC central banks raise interest rates in lockstep with the US Fed

GCC central banks normally change their interest rates in lockstep with the US Fed as Gulf countries’ currencies are pegged to the dollar

GCC wealth funds are fueling growth and prosperity

How GCC wealth funds are fuelling growth and prosperity

Sovereign wealth funds in the GCC region continue to increase in number, size, variety and scope

Global outstanding sukuk volume break the $800bn barrier

Global outstanding sukuk volume breaks $800bn barrier

Sukuk issuance is expected to plunge in Q3 2023 before picking up pace in the last quarter of the year

Emirates unveils on-demand charter service

UAE, GCC travellers can now book charter flights with Emirates

The service allows customers to fly to several GCC destinations both within and outside of the carrier’s network