UAE’s economic rise: opportunities for Pakistan
In fewer than fifty years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has evolved from a small rentier state administered by the United Kingdom to a modern society with a diverse economy and a strong regional presence as well as a worldwide network of friends and partners. The once-divided and marginalized state is seen today as a rising middle power with the second-largest Arab economy. In the international arena, the UAE has clear ambitions: rather than being known just as a regional power, it aims to be more like Singapore, wielding technological and economic power that is greatly disproportionate to its size. But the story of UAE’s development is not complete without the mention of the Pakistani Diaspora played a vital part in its growth, particularly in sectors such as health, construction and education. On top of a deeply entrenched Pakistani Diaspora, UAE being the largest source of remittance for Pakistan and the third largest trading partner Diaspora signify strong Pak-UAE relations and situates Pakistan in a perfect position to leverage the rise of the UAE for the benefit of both nations.
UAE considers 10-year golden business licenses
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is exploring the possibility of introducing long-term business licenses, including 10-year golden licenses and five-year silver licenses, with the aim of enhancing government revenues and promoting sustainable economic development.
The proposal to implement new regulations for trade licenses was deliberated during the inaugural 2024 Economic Integration Committee meeting held on Wednesday.
Chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, the meeting saw the participation of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and representatives from the economic development departments of all emirates. Discussions primarily centered on advancing economic initiatives and fostering collaboration to drive growth.
Experts weigh in on what a trump win would mean for GCC economies
As the 2024 US elections draw near, anticipated tension and uncertainty in the markets have become increasingly evident, a common phenomenon during election cycles. Close races, especially in pivotal states, underscore the importance of strategic planning among investors, who are bracing for the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House.
Experts predict that a Trump victory could affect the GCC markets in several ways. Trump’s emphasis on bolstering domestic energy production, deregulating the oil and gas industry, and promoting LNG exports globally could strengthen the US energy market. However, this might adversely impact the economies of the GCC countries.
Back to reality for Kuwait’s economy after oil windfall fades
After reaping the benefits of surging oil prices in the immediate wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kuwaiti finances reverted to the mean in 2023, as lower prices and production dragged its economy back into the doldrums.
With a contraction in gross domestic product in 2023 set to be followed by a further decline this year, the country remains hamstrung by a fractious political environment and stalled reform agenda that continues to hold back its long-term development goals.
While its neighbours in the Gulf Cooperation Council have begun to make strides in diversifying away from a reliance on hydrocarbons, Kuwait’s economic fortunes remain tied to the vagaries of the international oil market, with crude revenues accounting for around half of GDP and approximately 90 percent of government export revenue.
S&P raises Oman’s outlook to ‘positive’
S&P Global Ratings has revised its outlook on Oman to positive from stable, saying the outlook revision reflects ongoing improvements in Oman’s government balance sheet.
At the same time, it affirmed its ‘BB+/B’ long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Oman. The transfer and convertibility assessment is ‘BBB-‘.
The positive outlook reflects the agency’s view that the government’s balance sheet will strengthen and the economic reform programme could lead to faster-than-expected deleveraging in many state-owned enterprises, without dampening economic growth outcomes. This would strengthen the economy’s resilience to adverse oil price shocks, it said.
Saudi Arabia introduces Madarik program
Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission on Tuesday launched a program designed to empower and develop national capabilities in the space sector.
The Madarik program, which will run from May 5 to Aug. 15 in collaboration with specialist international institutions, aims to build a sustainable future for the sector by drawing on the knowledge of partners with experience in the field to develop professional pathways for Saudi citizens, officials said. The goal is to build a foundation of knowledge in the space sciences to help participants in the program take their first steps on their journey to develop their skills and play a part in the growth of the nation’s space sector.
Tourism spearheads Dubai economic recovery
Despite global conflicts and recent regional unrest, Dubai’s economy, driven by key sectors, remained steadfast in its recovery. The performance of the tourism sector reflects as much, a new report showed on Thursday.
According to Cavendish Maxwell’s Dubai’s Hospitality Sector Market Performance, in 2023, the city welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors, surpassing its previous high of 16.73 million in 2019 and the 14.36 million recorded in 2022. Moreover, the tourism sector’s GDP contribution is expected to have nearly doubled this year from 2021 to 36.1 percent, and is forecasted to reach 2019 levels once again, by 2024. To continue driving the upward trajectory of tourism in the country, the UAE has set ambitious goals in its National Tourism Strategy 2031, aiming to position itself as a top global destination by 2031.