Analysis Tax Oman delays introduction of personal income tax Oman’s plan to introduce personal income tax for high earners has been put on hold following a meeting on Wednesday of the sultanate’s State Council. Under the initial draft bill, first introduced in 2022, foreign nationals in Oman who earn over $100,000 would be taxed between 5 to 9 percent from 2026. Omani citizens would […] December 13, 2024
Analysis Economy The pros and cons for Turkey of a Syrian exodus The end of the civil war in Syria will, at least in time, offer strong economic opportunities for neighbouring Turkey, though there could also be a few unwanted costs coming as part of any peace dividend. On December 10 Turkish officials said they were developing plans to support up to 2 million of the 3.2 […] December 12, 2024
Oil & Gas Conflict hampering Mediterranean operations, says Chevron CEO US energy major Chevron has struggled to keep natural gas production online in the Eastern Mediterranean during the conflict in the Middle East, according to its chairman and chief executive Mike Wirth. Chevron is the largest producer of natural gas for Israel, in particular through two “large” offshore platforms, Tamar and Leviathan, that also supply […] December 12, 2024
OpinionTRADEJapan’s ‘kaizen’, or continuous improvement, chimes with the Gulf’s focus on the futureDavid Walker, Head of corporate banking, Citi Japan
OpinionECONOMYAssad’s regime was totalitarian. Hopefully, the New Syria will be pluralist, pragmatic and capitalistMatein Khalid, Chief investment officer
OpinionconstructionHowever ambitious Oman’s plans are for Muscat, it should remain mindful of its heritageSaleh Al-Shaibany, CEO, Al-Safa Press & Publishing
Analysis Sustainability Red Sea coral to get extra protection from tourists Saudi Arabia has vowed to implement a series of measures to protect its Red Sea coral reef over the next five years as it pushes ahead with major tourism projects in the area. But experts have warned that Saudi coral remains at risk, even with major spending policies. According to the National Red Sea Sustainability […]
People & Lifestyle Abu Dhabi thinks big to attract super-wealthy From exclusive schools and members’ clubs to private banking and wealth management institutions, Abu Dhabi is ramping up efforts to attract family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals to the emirate. US private equity investor Leon Black, who has a net worth of about $14 billion, in September opened a branch of his family office in Abu […]
Analysis Finance Cultural factors reduce risk for Gulf BNPL providers Buy-now-pay-later companies in the US and Europe have endured prolonged losses due to high operating costs and rising customer defaults, but BNPL operators in the Gulf may be faring better thanks to differing market dynamics, according to analysts. BNPL has soared in popularity in many regions as an easy and cheap form of consumer debt, […]
Analysis Business of Sport Saudi Arabia expands global reach with 900 sports deals Saudi Arabia’s vast number of sports sponsorship deals, now in excess of 900, are part of the kingdom’s strategy to diversify away from oil but their long-term success will not be known for some time to come, experts have said. Play the Game, a publicly funded sports ethics institute in Denmark, compiled a list of […]
Analysis People & Lifestyle Egypt’s historic rent controls are a problem to be solved Ahmed lives in a four-bedroom apartment in a concrete tenement with his ailing mother. The flat has been in the family since his father, who died several years ago, began renting it when he graduated from university in the 1960s. It is in Manial, a bustling, lower-middle-class area of Cairo, the kind of place where […]
Analysis Tax Doubt surrounds e&’s earnings as UAE tax rise looms There is uncertainty over whether e&, the UAE’s former telecom monopoly, will pay more of its profit in taxes after the federal government announced it would raise corporate tax for multinational companies operating in the country from 2025. Emirates Telecommunications Group, which rebranded as e& but is better known under its previous name Etisalat, is […] December 12, 2024
Trade UAE finalises trade deal with five-nation EAEU bloc The UAE has finalised an economic agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) that will reduce or remove tariffs and eliminate technical barriers to trade with five countries. The economic partnership agreement with the EAEU, made up of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, will align customs procedures and harmonise digital trade and ecommerce, UAE […] December 12, 2024
Renewable Energy UAE-backed group to take India’s ReNew Energy private A consortium including UAE-based investors plans to take the $2.4 billion Indian clean energy company ReNew Energy Global private. The group, comprising Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s subsidiary Platinum Hawk, Masdar, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Sumant Sinha, founder and chairman of ReNew, have proposed $7.07 per share. This is a premium of 11.5 percent to the stock’s last close, […] December 12, 2024
Markets Mubadala-backed Brazilian bourse targets 2025 debut Brazil’s newest stock exchange, which is owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2025, following a six-month testing phase. Base Exchange, the operator of the exchange, will initially trade equities, real estate funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through its own clearing and settlement structure, Reuters reported, citing CEO Claudio […] December 12, 2024
People & Lifestyle Abu Dhabi thinks big to attract super-wealthy From exclusive schools and members’ clubs to private banking and wealth management institutions, Abu Dhabi is ramping up efforts to attract family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals to the emirate. US private equity investor Leon Black, who has a net worth of about $14 billion, in September opened a branch of his family office in Abu […] December 12, 2024
Tourism Saudi Arabia donates $52m for Paris Pompidou Centre renovation Saudi Arabia has agreed to donate €50 million ($52 million) towards the renovation of the Pompidou Centre, one of the landmark buildings in Paris. Officially named Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, the building is closing next year for five years for renovation works. Famous for its inside-out architecture and colourful exterior, it […] December 12, 2024
Sustainability Saudi Arabia to invest $10m in sandstorm warning system Saudi Arabia will invest $10 million over the next five years to support its global sand and dust storm monitoring initiative. The initiative, launched through its United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Cop16 presidency, will expand on existing international sand and dust storm capacity, overseen by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Two billion tonnes […] December 12, 2024
Business of Sport Saudi Arabia wins 2034 Fifa World Cup bid Fifa, the world football governing body, has officially named Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup. The kingdom submitted its bid to host the event in July under the slogan “Growing. Together” after Fifa invited bids from countries in Asia and Oceania last year. The only country in contention, Australia, did […] December 12, 2024
Transport Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors to sell electric vehicles in UK Saudi Arabian mobility provider Jameel Motors has signed an agreement with a Chinese manufacturer to distribute electric commercial vehicles in the UK. Farizon Auto, which is based in Zhejiang, manufactures zero-emission vehicles, including trucks, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and buses. The deal between Jameel Motors, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Abdul Latif Jameel Group, and Farizon […] December 12, 2024
Analysis Sustainability Red Sea coral to get extra protection from tourists Saudi Arabia has vowed to implement a series of measures to protect its Red Sea coral reef over the next five years as it pushes ahead with major tourism projects in the area. But experts have warned that Saudi coral remains at risk, even with major spending policies. According to the National Red Sea Sustainability […] December 12, 2024
Sustainability Morocco partners with central African nations on EV plan Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia have joined together to develop the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles (EVs), as they strive to lower their dependence on fossil fuels. The three nations will club their resources and experiences to support the development of EV batteries and battery precursors. Developing carbon-free transportation is essential […] December 12, 2024
Aviation Middle East airlines earn highest profit per passenger, says Iata Airlines across the Middle East generated the most profit per passenger carried this year, according to the International Air Travel Association. The region’s carriers made $23.10 profit per passenger in 2024, Iata said. This is more than double the figure for the second-placed market, North America. Iata expects the Middle East’s figure to rise to […] December 11, 2024
Oil & Gas Kuwait’s state oil company to expand in Indonesia State-owned Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company plans to expand its operations in Indonesia, according to the company’s senior executive. Kufpec is a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, tasked with exploring and extracting oil and gas outside Kuwait’s borders. It is active in nine countries across Australasia, Africa, North America and Europe. In Indonesia Kufpec already […] December 11, 2024
Tourism Morocco reports 20% rise in tourists this year Morocco has reported a 20 percent year-on-year increase in tourists through to the end of November, welcoming close to 16 million visitors. Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s minister of tourism, described the numbers as an “historic achievement”. “This achievement isn’t just a number, it’s a testament to the success of our roadmap and confirms we’re on track […] December 11, 2024
Construction Turkish builders sense opportunity in Syria Turkey’s construction sector is hoping to build on the rubble of the collapsed Assad regime in Syria. There are high expectations that Turkish companies will be in the running to win valuable contracts to replace damaged housing and infrastructure. There were sharp rises in building shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange on December 9, the […] December 10, 2024
Opinion Construction Oman’s heritage is at stake as it seeks investors for ‘lavish’ city The growth of Muscat must be handled with sensitivity December 10, 2024
Economy Kuwait faces recession but will recover over medium term The Kuwaiti economy is expected to remain in recession through 2024, but is projected to recover over the medium term, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. Real GDP will shrink by 2.8 percent in 2024, primarily due to additional Opec+ production cuts. However, economic activity will rebound in 2025, with a projected growth of 2.6 […] December 10, 2024
Tourism Qatar-backed owner of Claridge’s to open hotel in Dubai Maybourne Hotels, the owner of Claridge’s in London, is planning to expand to Dubai, Paris, New York and Miami, its co-chief executive has said. The company, owned by Qatari royals Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, owns and operates six hotels – four in London and […] December 9, 2024
Analysis Economy The pros and cons for Turkey of a Syrian exodus The end of the civil war in Syria will, at least in time, offer strong economic opportunities for neighbouring Turkey, though there could also be a few unwanted costs coming as part of any peace dividend. On December 10 Turkish officials said they were developing plans to support up to 2 million of the 3.2 […] December 12, 2024
Opinion Economy Syria after Assad: a long road to recovery The failed state needs a government of technocrats, not warlords December 11, 2024
Construction Turkish builders sense opportunity in Syria Turkey’s construction sector is hoping to build on the rubble of the collapsed Assad regime in Syria. There are high expectations that Turkish companies will be in the running to win valuable contracts to replace damaged housing and infrastructure. There were sharp rises in building shares on the Istanbul Stock Exchange on December 9, the […] December 10, 2024
Transport Turkish electric vehicle sales up 39% in a year Turkey’s electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly, with sales increasing almost 39 percent year on year as new models become available and supporting infrastructure is put in place. The rise is in contrast to conventional car sales, which are showing modest growth compared to their greener rivals. Turkey is also bucking global trends, which has […] December 9, 2024
Manufacturing Turkish arms exports up 19% year on year Turkish defence companies have posted another record-breaking year for exports, with a 19 percent increase year on year and sales to 178 countries. Sales from January to November this year have already eclipsed 2023’s total of arms and equipment shipments to overseas clients, reflecting the arms industry’s technical developments and broader product range. Defence and […] December 5, 2024
Leisure & Hospitality Hilton set to triple Egypt presence with new brands Hilton is set to triple its presence in Egypt, increasing the number of hotels to 25 and expanding its footprint to more than 40 properties over the coming years. The expansion includes the opening of its lifestyle brand, Tapestry Collection, on the African continent, as well as Egypt’s first Curio Collection and a resort under […] December 13, 2024
Opinion Trade Kaizen meets Vision 2030: Japan’s expanding role in Gulf growth Trade with the GCC is already almost $100 billion in imports and exports December 12, 2024
Analysis People & Lifestyle Egypt’s historic rent controls are a problem to be solved Ahmed lives in a four-bedroom apartment in a concrete tenement with his ailing mother. The flat has been in the family since his father, who died several years ago, began renting it when he graduated from university in the 1960s. It is in Manial, a bustling, lower-middle-class area of Cairo, the kind of place where […] December 6, 2024
Opinion Trade Gulf is not immune to Trump’s tariff threats President-elect’s de-dollarisation warnings are likely to flounder amid complex economic realities December 5, 2024
Finance Egypt to list military-linked companies says PM The Egyptian government will reveal plans next week to list military-affiliated companies on the local stock exchange, prime minister Mostafa Madbouly has said. Local media reports said three to four companies will be listed on the Egyptian stock exchange. No company names were given. The listings will attract investment and promote economic development, he said […] December 5, 2024
EXCLUSIVE Media & Advertising Imax seeks investors in its vision of growth in the Gulf Imax Corporation, the US cinema technology giant, is in discussions with Gulf investors including sovereign wealth funds as it seeks to deepen its presence in one of its fastest-growing markets. The UAE and Saudi Arabia rank among Imax’s top 20 global markets, its popularity driven by rising demand for premium cinematic experiences. “We’re meeting various […]
Analysis Finance GCC sukuk’s best-kept secret: Dublin For many people, the city of Guinness and James Joyce may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about Islamic bonds. Yet, according to a report last month from Fitch Ratings, the Dublin stock exchange – Euronext Dublin – is now the world’s largest listing venue for hard currency global sukuk. […]
Video Transport Drone deliveries all about speed, not profit, says Careem Drone deliveries across the Middle East are expected to grow significantly over the next decade. However, the commercial viability is up for debate, says a Careem executive. Mohamad Charafeddine, Careem’s vice president of product for data and AI, says that drone deliveries have their value in speed, such as for essential medical products. But the […]
Analysis Real Estate Reforms pay off as Sharjah property market surges ahead Successive reforms in Sharjah’s property market and sky-high rental prices in neighbouring Dubai are contributing to a surge in the price and popularity of the emirate’s rental properties. According to a report by property management firm Asteco, rental prices for the third quarter of 2024 in Sharjah increased 16 percent year on year for typical […]
Analysis Agriculture Down on the farm, Saudi Arabia has a $9.8bn hole to fill The Saudi government is stepping up efforts to attract investors to its agriculture sector after identifying a funding gap of SAR37 billion ($9.8 billion). The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture says there are investment opportunities in plant and animal production, as well as fisheries, processing, manufacture of agricultural products and infrastructure development. Saudi Arabia […]
Economy Billionaires in UAE rise as Saudi numbers drop The number of billionaires in the UAE increased in the last year as the amount of super-wealthy residents in neighbouring Saudi Arabia dropped. Forty-eight billionaires lived in the UAE in 2023, with a combined wealth of $205 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7 percent. Dubai made up 39 of that total and welcomed one extra […]
Health AI in healthcare is not a cure-all solution Large language models such as the AI chatbot ChatGPT are gaining traction in healthcare, and Gulf states are investing heavily in the prospect, but LLMs’ integration into clinical practice presents challenges. A study led by Dr Ethan Goh, published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association Open Network, tested whether ChatGPT could […]
Analysis Health Golden returns draw investors to fitness markets Investors are showing increasing interest in homegrown fitness companies, tempted by the “golden egg” returns on offer. The fitness market in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) has been growing at an annual rate of 30 percent since 2020, with the UAE sector valued at an estimated $550 million and Saudi Arabia at $1.7 […]
Tourism Salvator Mundi destined for Riyadh giga-park The $450 million Leonardo Da Vinci painting Salvator Mundi is destined for a museum of art inside the King Salman Park giga-project in Riyadh in time for hosting the World Expo in 2030, two separate sources have said. The artwork is a big part of Saudi Arabia’s plans to rebrand itself globally as a socially […]
Analysis Real Estate Building more homes a better strategy for Kuwait, say experts Kuwait has tightened property ownership restrictions on non-GCC nationals in an attempt to make real estate more affordable for locals, but industry watchers say building more homes would be the better strategy. The small, oil-rich emirate has already imposed strict standards on nationals of countries from outside the Gulf who wanted to purchase domestic real […]
Analysis Health Bahrain government rebuffs citizens’ quota in healthcare A unanimous call by the Bahraini parliament for half the jobs in private healthcare to be reserved for citizens has been rejected by the government on the grounds of possible harm to patients and the potential impact on foreign direct investment. Government officials told the National Assembly that the proposed quota would constrain private healthcare’s […]
Analysis Health Healthy progress made in Saudi Arabia’s wellness drive Private health services in Saudi Arabia are rapidly expanding as its growing population and the focus on improving citizens’ wellbeing under the Vision 2030 programme bring in billions of dollars in new domestic and foreign investments. During the Global Health Exhibition, held in Riyadh at the end of October, Saudi officials announced deals worth $13.3 […]
Editor's Insight Transport Trains, planes and more trains (or metros) Is it finally happening? It was conceived back in 2013 and was supposed to take four years to build but the Riyadh metro looks like it is about to open. To the hard-pressed inhabitants of the Saudi capital, that can only be a good thing. Alternatives to the car and bus – Riyadh has a new […]
Trade EU and GCC officials aim to resume FTA negotiations European and Gulf officials are holding “informal” efforts to “revive” and even “upgrade” negotiations over a free trade agreement between the two blocks. Efforts towards such an agreement are three and a half decades in the making, Luigi Di Maio, the EU’s special envoy to the Gulf has said. “I have to say it’s a […]
Sustainability Latest talks on global plastics treaty end in stalemate Negotiations over creating a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution adjourned on Monday with the 170 participating nations failing again to reach agreement. Some oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, objected to proposals supported by more than 100 other nations to limit plastic production, Reuters reported. Plastics are made from hydrocarbons – […]
Construction US charges billionaire Gautam Adani in $265m bribery case US prosecutors have indicted Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and seven others, including his nephew Sagar Adani, in connection with an alleged $265 million bribery scheme tied to India’s largest solar power project. Adani has extensive business interests in the Arabian Gulf. The indictment, unsealed in New York on Wednesday, accuses the Adanis and Vneet Jaain, […]
EDITOR'S INSIGHT Oil & Gas Nobody likes methane seepage. Especially Europe Liquefied natural gas has always had a heroic reputation in the energy world. Heroic engineering, heroic logistics and heroic expense, yes – but a heroic outcome: clean (or not-so-dirty) energy and a seat with the good guys at the high table of energy transition. Qatar of course, Egypt, Oman, Israel and the UAE – these are the lucky producers and […]
