Business

  Government Initiatives for Diversification  :  Many Middle Eastern governments are actively pursuing economic diversification in 2025, aiming to lessen their reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 continues to drive growth in non-oil sectors like tourism and technology, with the non-oil economy projected to expand significantly. The UAE is also advancing its diversification agenda, focusing on knowledge-based industries and attracting foreign investment, building upon the foundations of its Vision 2021. These initiatives involve substantial investments in new sectors, regulatory reforms, and efforts to enhance the private sector's role, all geared towards creating more sustainable and resilient economies in the region.

Aramco Slashes $40 Billion in Dividends Amid Saudi Fiscal Pressures Saudi Aramco, the world’s most valuable oil company, has announced a major cut in its dividend payouts for 2025, signaling mounting financial pressure on the Kingdom as it presses ahead with its costly economic transformation plans. The oil giant plans to distribute $85.4 billion in total dividends this year, a significant drop from the $124.2 billion paid in 2024 — a reduction of nearly $40 billion. The move has sparked concerns about Saudi Arabia’s ability to finance its ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, which relies heavily on Aramco's profits to bankroll infrastructure and diversification projects. Performance-Linked Payouts Plunge 98% The sharpest decline came in the form of performance-linked dividends, which are set to fall from $43.1 billion in 2024 to just $900 million in 2025 — a staggering 98% decrease. The dividend cuts reflect a broader decline in Aramco’s financial performance. Net income dropped by 12%, ...

  Gold Exports to UAE Surge Amid Trump Tariff War Gold exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have seen a notable surge as a result of the ongoing trade war between the United States and China under former President Donald Trump’s administration. The conflict, which involved the imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods, has disrupted global supply chains and prompted investors to seek out safer investment options, with gold emerging as a top choice. As tariffs spiked and trade tensions escalated, many global traders and investors turned to gold as a hedge against economic instability. The precious metal, traditionally viewed as a safe-haven asset during times of uncertainty, saw increased demand, driving up exports to regions like the UAE. Dubai, already a well-established hub for gold trade, has become a key destination for gold exports. Traders have increasingly used the UAE as an intermediary, capitalizing on its favorable trade conditions such as lower taxes and fewer regulato...

  UK Economy Shrinks in January; Stocks and Euro Surge on German Debt Deal The UK economy contracted in January, raising concerns about a potential slowdown amid persistent inflation and high interest rates. Preliminary data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a decline in GDP, marking a weak start to the year. Analysts attribute the shrinkage to a combination of weaker consumer spending, disruptions from industrial action, and the lingering effects of tight monetary policy aimed at controlling inflation. Sectors such as retail, hospitality, and manufacturing showed signs of strain as higher borrowing costs and cost-of-living pressures dampened economic activity. The contraction could fuel speculation that the Bank of England (BoE) might consider rate cuts later in the year to stimulate growth. However, policymakers remain cautious, balancing inflation control with economic support. Stock Markets and Euro Surge on German Debt Deal While the UK economy faced h...

Emirates NBD's Acquisition of Emirates Islamic Bank (EIB) Emirates NBD, the largest bank in Dubai by assets, has launched a mandatory cash offer to acquire the remaining 0.11% of shares in Emirates Islamic Bank (EIB), a subsidiary that operates under the Emirates NBD Group. The bank has put forward an offer price of AED 11.95 per share, which values the total outstanding stake at approximately AED 69.88 million. This strategic acquisition is part of Emirates NBD’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its operations and streamline its business structure, further enhancing its operational efficiency. Following the successful completion of the transaction, Emirates NBD plans to integrate EIB fully, but EIB will continue to operate under its own brand name. The transaction is expected to result in the delisting of EIB’s shares from the Dubai Financial Market (DFM). Once the offer is completed, Emirates NBD will hold 100% ownership of Emirates Islamic Bank, thereby further strengthening it...

Dubai Real Estate Market Report - January 2025 In January 2025, Dubai's real estate market experienced a slight decline, with property prices decreasing by 0.57%. This marks the first downturn since mid-2022, suggesting a potential stabilization in the market. Key Highlights: Sales Volume: 14,413 transactions, the highest-ever for January, though a 4.6% decrease from December 2024. Average Price per Sq. Ft.: AED 1,484 ($404). Off-Plan Market: 53 project launches from 37 developers, introducing 12,400 new units. Mortgage Transactions: Increased by 6.8% month-on-month, with 4,134 loans secured. Zhann Jochinke, COO at Property Monitor, commented: "After four years of continuous growth, Dubai’s real estate market is starting to show signs of stabilization. While transaction volumes remain strong, affordability constraints and market maturity are beginning to shape the landscape."   Median Property Prices: Apartments: AED 1.35 million Townhouses: AED 2.61 million Villas:...