05/06/2020
Moody’s affirms ratings of Saudi banks; outlooks changed to negative
Rating actions follow negative outlook on Saudi Arabia’s government ratings
Research, Comment and Analysis
05/06/2020
UAE banks can take on upcoming global challenges
The UAE’s banking sector witnessed major progress on consolidation last year with 7.5 per cent growth in gross assets to Dh3.08 trillion.
05/06/2020
Opinion: Globalisation is evolving, not dying - just look to the Middle East
Today, we are faced with a slew of headlines proclaiming that globalisation is dead. The forum seems a thousand years away.
05/05/2020
Saudi Arabia hit with Moody's downgrade, prepares for 'painful' measures — but can likely weather the storm
Forecasts for Saudi Arabia’s GDP contraction this year are as steep as -3.2%, while ratings agency Moody’s downgraded the country’s sovereign outlook to negative from stable on Friday.
05/05/2020
Qatar- Islamic finance gaining stronger foothold in China
Some of the BRI projects will go through core Islamic finance countries and therefore likely will be financed in Shariah-compliant ways.
05/05/2020
Turkey's banks combined net profit rises to 15.79 bln lira (2.05 bln euro) in March
The total shareholders' equity totalled 500.17 billion lira in March, up 15.4% on an annual comparison basis.
05/05/2020
Faisal Omar Alsaggaf, CEO, National Commercial Bank
The current circumstances will facilitate further uptake of digital solutions, with new users adopting digital banking and existing ones conducting more transactions.
05/05/2020
UAE central bank says GDP grew by 1.7% in 2019
The report noted that the higher hydrocarbon output, as well as growth in non-hydrocarbon economic activity, supported the pace of the country's overall economic growth in 2019.
05/05/2020
UAE banking sector remains resilient to global challenges
Banking sector recorded significant gains on key indicators last year, says Central Bank
05/05/2020
MEA Retail Banks are the Strongest Believers in a Cashless Society, Prioritizing Digitalization to Drive Financial Inclusion: Study
Middle East and Africa (MEA) retail banks believe delaying digitalization poses genuine threats to their business models
05/04/2020
Digital technologies to play key role in fighting COVID-19: Al Mansoori
G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting discusses joint response to coronavirus outbreak
05/04/2020
Fitch places two Egyptian banks on rating watch negative
Fitch has revised its support rating floor for CIB down to 'B' from 'B+'
05/03/2020
Mastercard study shows consumers in Middle East & africa move to contactless payments for everyday purchases, seeking touch-free payment experiences
In a Mastercard global consumer study, seven in 10 in the Middle East & Africa say they use contactless payments
05/01/2020
Report: Green energy can save Middle Eastern economies
The study presents several scenarios
05/01/2020
Emirates will really miss its business travellers and high flyers
More than any of its rivals, the Gulf carrier relied on luxury-conscious customers to fuel profits.
05/01/2020
Qatar Airways' Boeing 787-9 'Qsuite 2.0' ready for take-off
When they begin flying, the longer-range Dreamliners will include an 'evolved' version of Qatar Airways' Qsuite business class.
05/01/2020
UAE’s banking sector acts quickly to provide relief
The UAE banking sector has acted quickly to provide essential support towards the banks and the customers with various relief and stimulus measures amounting to more than $70 billion, executed in line with regulatory guidance.
05/01/2020
UAE Exchange House's parent company now 'finds' $1 billion plus debt
Finablr investigation finds $1.3b in such loans which were later diverted
04/30/2020
What are the Middle East’s working from home habits?
76.3% of respondents work as well or better at home, with 42% saying that they are just as productive working at home as they are in the office.
04/30/2020
Credit profile of GCC banks to weaken over COVID-19, lower oil prices
Despite unprecedented stimulus, credit profiles are expected to weaken