Arab Youth Survey 2022 Arab youth ‘trust Russia and China more than UK and US’ Arab youth see the United States and the United Kingdom as bigger enemies than Russia and China, with the majority blaming the US and NATO for the war in Ukraine, a new survey has said. Close to three quarters (72 percent) of young Arabs describe Russia as either a strong ally or somewhat of an […] September 21, 2022
Energy Berlin, Paris and Madrid unveil plans to cope with energy crunch European governments have outlined new measures to cope with potential energy shortages this winter and improve networks so they can share power, as the war in Ukraine continues to affect gas flows from Russia. On Monday, Spain unveiled plans that could force energy-intensive industries to shut at peak demand times; France said it was preparing […] September 19, 2022
Exclusive Health Altibbi plans healthcare expansion in North Africa and Pakistan Altibbi, the largest AI-based digital health provider in the Arab world, is looking to expand into North Africa and Pakistan after “turbocharging” growth in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, its CEO has told AGBI. Jalill Allabadi said the proceeds from Altibbi’s latest funding round of $44 million – the largest ever single financing round for a […] September 19, 2022
Real Estate Pakistan property sees surge in Gulf-based interest Pakistan’s real estate sector has seen increased interest from Gulf-based investors over the last year, according to data from the country’s largest property portal. The Pakistan Property Show was held in Dubai’s World Trade Centre earlier this month. With over 60 exhibitors, it attracted around 20,000 attendees, including Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, director general of […] September 19, 2022
Lifestyle Middle East royals and leaders to attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral Royals and leaders from the Middle East will attend Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral at London’s Westminster Abbey on Monday (September 19). Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died on September 8 aged 96. Although no official guest list has been issued, media reports suggested invitations have been sent. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is likely to […] September 18, 2022
Opinion Energy UAE has taken the lead on net zero as rest of Gulf plays catch-up Even if countries fall short of their net-zero goals, more serious climate action, founded on solid and achievable initiatives, has arrived in the Middle East September 16, 2022
Analysis Banking & Finance Sukuk issuances slow as belt tightens around the world Global sukuk issuance is projected to moderate, settling at $185 billion in 2022, amid a worldwide tightening cycle and a surge in oil prices. However, sukuk issuance is still projected to grow at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8 percent over the next five years, reaching $257 billion in 2027, according to […] September 16, 2022
60 seconds with Lifestyle Medhat Karam, ArpuPlus Medhat Karam is CEO and managing director of ArpuPlus, a telecommunications service which provides entertainment and communication solutions across the Middle East and North Africa. ArpuPlus was set up in 2003 and is a subsidiary of A15, a Cairo-based venture capital firm. What does your company do? Entertainment-wise, we specialise in affordable music, video, gaming, […] September 16, 2022
Analysis Banking & Finance DeFi could go mainstream, with a little help from Gulf regulators For those who imagine a world without banks, decentralised finance – better known as DeFi – is an empowering development in the crypto universe. So, how does it put users in charge of their own finances? DeFi is the provision of financial products and services without the need for intermediaries such as banks, exchanges or […] September 14, 2022
Analysis Banking & Finance Central banks go digital, bit by bit The turmoil in cryptocurrency markets this year has been a wake-up call to investors and regulators, prompting questions about how viable many digital currencies really are. According to CoinMarketCap, the total value of cryptocurrencies has slumped from almost $3 trillion in November 2021 to less than $1 trillion in September this year. But not all […] September 14, 2022
Banking & Finance A gleam of light, deep in the murky crypto mines Bitcoin mining consumes more energy each year than some countries, but the crypto industry is working on ways to become more sustainable September 14, 2022
Analysis Banking & Finance The beginner’s guide to cryptocurrencies Cryptocurrencies are a new form of digital money that are not issued or maintained by central authorities. Instead, they usually operate through blockchain technology, a shared digital database that facilitates and records transactions between individuals. The use of blockchain technology means crypto transactions tend to be cheaper and faster than those involving traditional fiat currencies. […] September 14, 2022
Analysis Banking & Finance Middle East outlook ‘positive’ as largest economy eyes $1 trillion milestone The outlook for most Middle East economies remains positive despite a significant downgrade in global GDP growth, rising inflation and interest rates, according to new research. Analysts at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) predict regional growth of 5.5 percent this year, up 0.3 percent on their forecast three months ago. […] September 14, 2022
Analysis Economy Sharjah has world’s second-largest growth of millionaires Sharjah recorded the second-largest increase in millionaires in the first half of this year, as the Gulf claimed five of the top ten hotspots. The total number of millionaires residing in the emirate is now 3,700, up 20 percent from December. Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital, tops the list with 17,200, also up 20 percent. […] September 14, 2022
Opinion Employment If you really want the job, lock down your socials An ill-advised Instagram video or tweet might be the difference between getting an interview and not. Don't give bosses an excuse not to hire you September 14, 2022
Analysis Lifestyle Charles III will build on his mother’s close ties to the Gulf While the great republics of the United States and France, and the governments of China and Russia, grapple for influence in the Arabian peninsula, Britain’s constitutional monarchy has often provided an edge in fostering relations with the Gulf states. Much of the Arab world reacted with deep sadness to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. […] September 12, 2022
Opinion Banking & Finance China’s long-term potential for investors remains unrivalled The struggling property and retail sectors might raise questions, but the yuan's growing importance as an alternative reserve currency shows the path ahead September 12, 2022
EXCLUSIVE Banking & Finance Dukkantek unveils plan to lend capital to small retailers Dukkantek, whose tech platform is used by 13 million retailers in the Middle East, has secured $10m in pre-series-A funding September 12, 2022
Lifestyle Middle East royals and leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II Middle East royals and leaders have paid tribute to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday 8 September at the age of 96. Her eldest son Charles, the 73-year-old former Prince of Wales, was immediately declared King Charles III following the announcement of her death by Buckingham Palace. The world mourns Queen Elizabeth II: […] September 9, 2022
Media & Advertising Gulf states demand Netflix pull content deemed offensive Gulf Arab states have demanded that US streaming giant Netflix remove content deemed offensive to “Islamic and societal values” in the region, Saudi Arabia’s media regulator said on Tuesday. It did not specify the content, but mentioned that it included content aimed at children. Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya TV, in a programme discussing the issue, […] September 7, 2022
