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Opinion & Analysis

Opinion stories

Emirates NBD was the first bank merger to occur, in 2007

UAE needs bigger but fewer banks, says expert

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has too many banks and the sector needs to see more consolidation, especially as profits are squeezed and costs continue to rise, an industry expert told AGBI today. “I think it would be helpful to have fewer banks [in the UAE]. I have been an advocate of that,” Asad Ahmed, […]

  • Analysis

Stars and strife: rebuilding UAE-US relations

The passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa has prompted an outpouring of condolences and support from around the globe, with heads of state being hurriedly dispatched to Abu Dhabi.  Particularly notable among these was the high-profile delegation sent by the US; headed by Vice-President Kamala Harris, it included nearly all of the administration’s top national […]

Abu Dhabi’s $2bn green energy splash will deepen India ties

Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company PJSC’s (IHC) AED 7.3 billion ($2 billion) investment in Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group takes the UAE-India partnership to “a different level” with more deals on the horizon, market observers said.  IHC provided capital to Adani Green Energy, Adani Transmission, and Adani Enterprises, which are all listed on the Bombay […]

Sitting, Person, Human

Iran nuclear deal remains in the balance

There is little doubt a solution would bring rapid economic gains for Tehran while some other Gulf countries would also benefit from an easing of trade restrictions, but political calculations could yet scupper a deal The diplomatic traffic through Tehran has continued at a steady pace in recent weeks, as intermediaries doggedly try to revive […]

Dubai real estate bonanza fuelled by Expo 2020 success

Dubai’s real estate market felt the full impact of Expo 2020’s success in April, with deals soaring to record levels. After the conclusion of Expo 2020 Dubai, 6,983 real estate sales transactions worth AED 18.2 billion ($4.9 billion) were recorded in April – the highest figure for the month since 2009. Secondary market sales transactions, […]

Oman: the next hydrogen energy superpower

With lengthy daytime sun, strong overnight winds and an accessible coastline, H2 investors and developers have long admired Oman, dubbed a “future renewable superpower,” by green energy titans. The government has noticed their admiration, and is looking to hydrogen to help power the oil-rich country’s energy grid and recharge its fossil fuel-reliant economy.  Since announcing […]

Qatar, the reigning champions, would have the infrastructure to host the Asian Cup thanks to this year's World Cup

Qatar may tackle Asian Cup as replacement host for China

The 2023 Asian Cup could be shifting west to the Gulf, where new infrastructure has made the region a magnet for international tournaments, after China withdrew as host. China had planned to hold the Asian Cup across 10 cities in June-July next year, but has dropped the 24-team tournament because of “exceptional circumstances caused by […]

Etisalat launched its e& identity in February

$4.4bn sounds a lot but e& has made the right call on Vodafone

Vodafone and e&, formerly known as Etisalat, will look to launch new products globally while working together to make greater efficiencies following the UAE telco’s deal to buy a $4.4 billion stake. Following the announcement that the UAE’s biggest telecoms operator has acquired a 9.8 percent stake in British mobile operator Vodafone Group, AGBI spoke […]

Hotels swallow rising costs so guests can sleep at night

Despite costs rising to a three-year high, hoteliers in the United Arab Emirates told AGBI they are not planning to increase room rates, instead opting to squeeze their existing profits as they search for ways to increase operational efficiencies. The latest S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), released on Monday, found that costs are […]

AerCap, the world's biggest aircraft lessor, has submitted a $3.5 billion insurance claim. Picture: Creative Commons

Billion dollar battle to begin for planes grounded in Russia

Lessors with hundreds of jets stuck in Russia are preparing for what one said would be a “vigorous” pursuit of insurance claims while maintaining discreet contact with some customers after Moscow blocked the jets from leaving. The loss of over 400 leased planes worth almost $10 billion since Western countries sanctioned Russia has led to […]

In the race to be the global hub of Web3, there is significant opportunity

Will Dubai win the Web3 race?

The co-founder of Tahseen Consulting, one of the MENA’s top tech policy firms, rates Dubai’s chances of becoming a hub for the decentralised web and crypto exchange

‘Savvy’ investors snap up DEWA shares

Plenty of mystery surrounds the listing of Dubai utilities giant DEWA, the Middle East’s largest IPO since the floating of Saudi Aramco in late 2019. When CNBC’s Dan Murphy organised an interview with DEWA’s CEO, he hoped to extricate some details from the infamously secretive boss.  Amid surging shares following news of the float, Saeed […]