Category: 1arabia updates

In a move hinting at a potential shift in global reserve management, advanced economies are signaling increased interest in accumulating gold. This comes after a period of dominance by the US dollar as the world's primary reserve currency. Central banks around the world are tasked with safeguarding the financial stability of their nations. They do this by holding foreign exchange reserves, which are essentially stockpiles of assets denominated in other currencies. These reserves can be used to intervene in currency

China is urging Visa and Mastercard, the world's leading payment processors, to reduce the fees levied on transactions conducted with foreign credit cards within the country. This move aims to streamline the payment process for international visitors and potentially boost tourism spending. The negotiation is being spearheaded by the Payment & Clearing Association of China (PCAC), an industry group representing China's domestic payment networks. The PCAC has reportedly proposed a reduction in transaction fees to 1. 5%, down from the

Kuwait's banking sector is awash with cash, with total liquidity reaching a record high of $208 billion. This windfall, attributed to a confluence of factors including high oil prices and government spending, has bolstered the financial system and created a positive outlook for the country's lenders. The surge in liquidity is primarily driven by Kuwait's strong oil export earnings. With global oil prices hovering near multi-year highs due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, the country's coffers have been

The United Arab Emirates' renewable energy champion, Masdar, announced a significant move into the European market on June 20th, 2024, with a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Greece's Terna Energy. The deal, valued at €3. 2 billion ($3. 4 billion), positions Masdar to become a major player in the European renewable energy sector and propel Greece's clean energy ambitions. Under the terms of the agreement, Masdar will initially purchase 67% of Terna Energy's outstanding shares at a

Saudi Arabia's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market witnessed a surge in activity during the first quarter of 2024, with a total deal volume reaching $955 million. This upswing was primarily fueled by the chemicals sector, which contributed over half of the total value at $500 million. The data, compiled by financial markets platform Dealogic, highlights Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the Middle Eastern chemicals M&A landscape. This dominance aligns with the country's Vision 2030 economic diversification goals, which

This year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, was marred by a deadly heat wave that claimed over 1, 000 lives. Soaring temperatures, reaching a scorching 51. 8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit), proved too much for many pilgrims, especially those with underlying health conditions. The majority of fatalities were attributed to heatstroke and heat exhaustion, highlighting the growing dangers posed by climate change to this sacred ritual. While Saudi Arabian authorities haven't released official death tolls, reports from various

Kuwait is bracing for more disruptions to its electricity grid as the searing summer temperatures push the nation's power capacity to its limits. The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy announced the implementation of extended power cuts across various regions to combat the rising demand for electricity during peak hours. These scheduled blackouts, lasting up to two hours, are a stark reminder of the challenges Kuwait faces in balancing growing electricity needs with an aging power infrastructure. The scorching

British oilfield services and engineering company John Wood Group Plc is setting its sights on expanding its presence in the Middle East, even as it negotiates a potential takeover by Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara. This move comes amid growing demand for energy transition solutions in the region. Wood Group revealed plans to establish an energy transition hub in Abu Dhabi by August 2024. Gerry Traynor, the company's senior vice president for Middle East projects, highlighted the increasing interest

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a global hub for foreign direct investment (FDI), climbing to the second spot internationally for greenfield FDI projects in 2023. This significant surge, propelled by a business-friendly environment and strategic initiatives, positions the UAE as a major player in the race to attract international investment. According to the 2024 World Investment Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UAE witnessed a remarkable 33% increase in

London-listed Energean plc has struck a deal to sell its exploration and production assets in Egypt, Italy, and Croatia to private equity giant Carlyle Group for an enterprise value of up to $945 million. The transaction, announced on June 20, 2024, marks a strategic shift for Energean, allowing it to focus on its core gas development projects in Israel and Morocco. The divestment encompasses a portfolio with a significant gas weighting, currently producing an estimated 47, 000 barrels of oil

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a significant investor in Bahrain, solidifying its position as the third-largest contributor to the island nation's foreign direct investment (FDI) pool. According to recent figures released by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), the UAE currently accounts for 10% of Bahrain's total FDI stock. This development comes amidst a banner year for Bahrain's FDI landscape. The country witnessed a record-breaking inflow of US$6. 8 billion in 2023, reflecting a staggering 148% increase

The longstanding dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the commercial passenger jet market could face a significant challenge in the coming decade, according to industry insiders. Firoz Tarapore, the chief executive of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), a leading aircraft lessor, believes that China's state-owned planemaker, COMAC, has a unique opportunity to break the duopoly. Tarapore points to the current difficulties faced by both Airbus and Boeing as key factors that could pave the way for COMAC's entry. Airbus is struggling

The Sultanate of Oman is gearing up for a vibrant season as the much-anticipated Khareef, also known as the Dhofar monsoon, commences today, June 21st, 2024. This unique climatic phenomenon transforms the southern governorate of Dhofar into a verdant paradise, drawing tourists from across the region and beyond. In stark contrast to the usual aridity of the region, the Khareef brings with it a refreshing change. Monsoon winds laden with moisture sweep in from the Arabian Sea and the Indian

The longstanding grip of Airbus and Boeing on the passenger jet market could be loosening, according to industry insiders. Firoz Tarapore, head of aircraft leasing giant Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), believes that China's state-owned planemaker, COMAC, has a unique opportunity to disrupt the current duopoly within the next decade. Tarapore points to the challenges faced by both Airbus and Boeing as key factors opening the door for COMAC. Airbus is currently struggling to ramp up production despite a surge in

DP World, a leading global logistics provider, has finalized a significant expansion project at Peru's Callao Port. The Bicentennial Pier project, valued at $400 million, significantly enhances the port's container handling capacity and strengthens Callao's role as a vital trade gateway on South America's west coast. The expansion extends the Bicentennial Pier from 650 meters to 1, 050 meters, enabling Callao to accommodate three vessels simultaneously – a feat achievable by only a handful of ports in South America. This

Financial services giant Franklin Templeton announced the appointment of Hardeep Dogra to its Global Sukuk and MENA Fixed Income team, bolstering its expertise in Islamic finance. Dogra joins the team as a Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst, bringing his experience to a unit recognized as one of the largest globally focused on sukuk investments. Franklin Templeton has established a strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and the company highlighted its commitment to the Islamic finance

DUBAI, June 21, 2024 - In a move signaling confidence in the company's future, shareholders of Dubai conglomerate IHC overwhelmingly approved a Dh5 billion ($1. 36 billion) share buyback program on Wednesday. The program, first announced in May, is designed to return capital to investors and bolster IHC's financial ratios. IHC intends to repurchase up to 3% of its outstanding shares at a price to be determined by a future board meeting. The buyback program is subject to regulatory approval.

Saudi Arabia and Switzerland solidified their economic partnership during the 4th Saudi-Swiss Financial Dialogue held in Zurich. The financial talks, which convened key financial authorities from both nations, aimed to foster collaboration on various financial sector initiatives. The dialogue served as a platform to discuss the current state of global and regional financial markets. Representatives from both countries exchanged views on sustainable finance, digitalization of capital markets, and debt management. A particular focus was placed on aligning these efforts with

The Al Habtoor Group, a Dubai-based conglomerate with a significant presence in Hungary's hospitality sector, has initiated arbitration proceedings against Marriott International. The dispute centers on the management of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Budapest, with Al Habtoor seeking to terminate its agreement with the hotel giant and claiming substantial compensation. Details regarding the specific grievances behind the arbitration case remain confidential. However, the move signifies a serious escalation in the relationship between the two parties, suggesting failed attempts at resolving

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Meta have unveiled a collaborative effort to launch a novel business incubator program. This initiative aims to harness the potential of large language models (LLMs) to revolutionize product and service innovation across various industries. The program leverages Meta's open-source AI model, LLAMA 3, to empower entrepreneurs to develop impactful AI use cases. These use cases will address real-world challenges, promote economic growth, and contribute to Dubai's transformation into a global AI hub. This collaboration aligns

The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), a leading force in the United Arab Emirates' clean energy sector, announced a significant acquisition on June 20, 2024. Masdar has struck a definitive agreement with GEK TERNA SA and other shareholders of TERNA ENERGY SA, a prominent Greek renewable energy company. The deal signifies Masdar's ambitious plans to solidify its presence in the European renewables market. The agreement entails Masdar acquiring an initial 67% stake in TERNA ENERGY, subject to regulatory approvals

Ground freight and logistics company FTAI Infrastructure announced on Thursday that its subsidiary, Jefferson Energy, signed a multi-year agreement with Aramco Trading Americas, the energy trading arm of Saudi Aramco. This agreement will significantly increase the crude oil supply reaching Jefferson Energy's Main Terminal located in Beaumont, Texas. The deal involves incorporating bi-directional flow capability into Jefferson Energy's Southern Star Pipeline. Currently, this pipeline transports crude oil from the Main Terminal to the Motiva Port Neches Terminal. The modification will

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing a surge in credit facilities available to its business and industrial sectors. According to recent data, the total value of credit facilities surpassed a staggering $206. 2 billion, marking a significant boost for the nation's economic engine. This growth is attributed to a confluence of factors, including strategic government initiatives, increased bank lending, and a maturing financial sector. The UAE government has actively implemented policies aimed at bolstering credit accessibility for businesses. These

The winds of change swept through the cryptocurrency market today, bringing a surge in value across the board. Bitcoin, the undisputed heavyweight of the digital asset arena, experienced a significant rise, reclaiming the coveted $66, 000 mark. This uptick, at roughly 1. 5% over the last 24 hours, represents a positive shift in investor sentiment after a period of relative stagnation. The positive momentum wasn't confined to Bitcoin alone. The broader crypto market, as measured by the CoinDesk 20 Index