Other Briefings
GCC Countries 2024 Economic Outlook and Growth Trends
In 2024, the GCC anticipates robust economic growth, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with the World Bank highlighting positive trends and the rebound from slower 2023 performance.
GCC-South Korea Free Trade Agreement to Eliminate Almost 90% of Tariffs
On December 28, 2023, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Korea signed a joint statement committing to a free trade agreement (FTA).
China’s High-Net-Worth Individuals Flock to Dubai in Search of New Lucrative Business Opportunities
China’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) are attracted by the favorable policies and stable political and economic environment in Dubai.
China’s Rongsheng Petrochemical and Saudi Aramco Forge Closer Energy Ties with New MoU
Discussions are ongoing between Saudi Aramco and China’s Rongsheng Petrochemical regarding their mutual intent to acquire ownership stakes in each other’s subsidiary entities.
The UAE F&B Market: Opportunities for Businesses
The UAE’s F&B market, the Gulf’s second-largest after Saudi Arabia, thrives on consumption driven by an affluent local population, large expat presence, and the country’s role as a regional commercial hub attracting millions of global visitors yearly.
Delays Anticipated to Oman-India FTA Over Duty Concessions on Petrochem Products
Customs duty concessions on petrochemical products, utilized heavily in the plastics industry, are raising concerns among Indian stakeholders.
Oman-India FTA Talks Expected to Conclude in January: Latest Updates
Oman and India have continued to keep pace with fast moving negotiations to their bilateral free trade deal. We discuss the key issues in brief.
Shaping ASEAN-GCC Investment Dynamics in 2024
By Michael Barantschik The global economic landscape is continuously shaped and reshaped by the dynamic interactions between various regional blocs. Among these, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stand out for their unique contributions and growing interdependence in trade and investment.
QIA Secures 4.26% Share in Kingdee, Injecting $200M Investment
On December 10, Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd, (0268.HK) announced that Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will make a strategic investment of around US$200 million in consideration for approximately 4.26 percent of Kingdee’s total issued ordinary shares, subject to a lock-up period of 180 days.
NIO’s $2 Billion Funding by CYVN: Catalyzing New Narratives for China and the Middle East
On December 18, 2023, China’s Nio (NIO) revealed it received a US$2.2 billion (RMB 15.55 billion) investment from Abu Dhabi’s CYVN for 294 million new shares. With this deal, CYVN will hold a 20.1 percent stake in Nio.
