Aramco signed 145 agreements as it looks to boost In-Kingdom Total Value Add
Politics & Economics
saudi industrial sector
Saudi Arabia announces major incentives to attract industry; 30-year land deals and attractive financing offered
Saudi Arabia introduces 15 enablers and incentives for industry and mineral companies
corporate taxes
New Kuwait tax to raise $800m a year: Minister
Kuwait has introduced a new tax for multinational enterprises and expects to raise around %800m from 300 companies
Dubai
Dhabi Holdings launches FO Club to boost Dubai’s growing trillion-dollar family office network
The latest initiative aims to consolidate and expand the growing family offices network in the emirate
Beirut
UAE reopens embassy in Lebanon following election of new president
The decision follows the election of Lebanon’s new president Joseph Aoun last week, ending a prolonged 15-month leadership vacuum in the country
automotive industry
Analysis: Tesla tests limits of brand politics as Musk readies for government role under Trump
Inside Elon Musk’s risky experiment mixing luxury EVs, presidential politics, and US-China relations with just days until Trump’s inauguration
saudi industrial sector
Saudi Arabia announces $2.7bn of incentives to industrial sector
Saudi Arabia provides massive program of incentives to boost industrial sector
export
Saudi Arabia announces new benefits for importers and exporters as it looks to boost trade
Saudi Arabia’s Zatca collaborates with government agencies to enhance international trade
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
UAE and Mexico look to boost $2.6bn trade relations
UAE and Mexico host high-level discussions as they look to enhance trade and diplomatic relations
FDI
Qatar sets $100bn FDI target, reveals commerce and industry strategy
Qatar looks to enhance foreign direct investment
interest rates
UAE GDP to stay ‘strong in 2025-2027’, driven by non-hydrocarbon activity, tax reforms: S&P
Despite the potential vulnerability to sudden increases in regional geopolitical tensions and significant drops in oil prices, the economic risks will remain manageable, the report said
Almarai
S&P Global believes rated companies will absorb Saudi diesel price hike
Company maintains ratings for SABIC, Almarai and SEC, saying the price rise will only lead to a marginal increase in production costs for them
Lebanon
Lebanon elects army chief Joseph Aoun as new president
The presidency had remained vacant since Michel Aoun’s term ended in Oct. 2022
GaStat
Saudi industrial activity records 3.4% growth, mining and manufacturing increase
GASTAT reveals growth in Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Production Index
Financial Action Task Force
MENA financial crime watchdog launches landmark 5-point anti-money laundering strategy
The announcement comes as regional financial centres face mounting pressure to demonstrate their commitment to combating illicit financial flows
automobile industry
Analysis: Why Tesla’s ties with China made Elon Musk indispensable to Trump
A closer look shows that Musk’s upcoming role in government was no coincidence – it was years in the making
Golden visa
Spain to end Golden Visa programme on April 3, 2025
Launched in 2013, the Golden Visa Program of Spain is estimated to have made a significant contribution to the country’s economy