MENA

How fiscal policy, increased public spending are shaping GCC economic resilience in 2025

Total public spending in GCC countries is projected to reach $542.1 billion in 2025 

Lebanon: World Bank approves $250 million financing to support reconstruction in conflict-affected areas

The conflict in Lebanon is estimated to have caused total direct damages across 10 sectors at $7.2 billion

Will the GCC introduce personal income tax after Oman makes the landmark policy shift?

Oman's decision marks a milestone for the region, where tax-free personal income has long been a defining feature of the social contract

UAE, Qatar airlines suspend and reroute some flights despite ceasefire

Etihad Airways cancelled flights to several GCC destinations on Monday, namely Qatar

Will green hydrogen become the future of GCC energy exports?

The GCC, with its abundant and low-cost solar energy resources, is set to become a leading producer of green hydrogen

Travel disruptions persist as Middle East tensions escalate, airlines suspend flights

Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until Monday June 30, 2025

Valu welcomes tech giant Amazon as shareholder following Egyptian Exchange debut

The move comes shortly after Valu’s successful listing on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX)

GCC dominates Dubai Chamber exports in Q1 2025 with AED 40.5 billion in trade

Markets across the Middle East (non-GCC) came in second, with exports and re-exports totaling AED 25 billion

GCC economies set to grow 4.4 percent in 2025 despite mounting global trade tensions, says ICAEW

Non-oil sectors in the GCC are forecast to grow 4.1 percent this year, supported by strong domestic demand

Armenia grants GCC nationals, residents visa-free travel starting July 1

New policy will enable travel without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period

GCC banks with Turkish subsidiaries set to benefit from enhanced macro conditions: Fitch

Banks report averagely decreased losses as Turkish inflation rates drop significantly in 2025

GCC economic growth to strengthen to 3.2 percent in 2025, 4.5 percent in 2026: World Bank

The UAE's growth is projected at 4.6 percent in 2025, and 4.9 percent in 2026 and 2027

Syria to boost foreign direct investment by resuming SWIFT services soon

Resuming SWIFT operations is expected to reduce informal trade channels in Syria’s economy 

Eid al-Adha 2025 drives 45 percent mobile commerce boom in MENA: Report

Gross merchandise volume orders are projected to grow 15 percent

Syria needs at least $1 trillion to rebuild economy, says minister

Al-Shaar said the World Bank's estimate of $400 billion for rebuilding the economy is insufficient

MENA media market to grow to $20.6 billion by 2028: Report

From 2024 to 2028, all major MENA markets will see consistent growth in gaming revenues

GCC banking sector profits hit record $15.6 billion in Q1 2025 on higher non-interest income

UAE-listed banks showed the biggest absolute growth in net profits with an increase of $639.6 million or 11.8 percent

GCC, Malaysia to strengthen trade relations through new agreement

The signing marks the start of negotiations covering various sectors of mutual interest

Eid al-Adha 2025: Holiday dates announced in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait & Oman

The exact Eid al-Adha 2025 dates will be confirmed in each country according to its respective moon-sighting committee closer to the time

Eid al-Adha 2025: How the festival fuels economic growth across the GCC and globally

Intra-GCC tourism peaks during Eid, enhancing hospitality and entertainment sectors across multiple countries.

GCC retail sector to reach over $390 billion by 2028 amid digital transformation

Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to lead the region, representing over 75 percent of all retail sales today

Google launches region’s second AI First Accelerator for Startups to bolster AI innovation

Program provides eligible startups with Google Cloud credits to accelerate the development and deployment of their AI solutions

GCC inflation rate hits 1.7 percent by December 2024 on rising housing prices: GCC-Stat

Housing prices increased by 5.9 percent, significantly impacting the overall inflation rate in the region

Landmark Valu IPO to leverage listing for growth

Move will help bolster the fintech’s growth and commitment to innovation, financial inclusion