central bank outlines measures to alleviate burden of residential property loans for UAE nationals Image courtesy CBUAE

UAE issues measures to address impact of rising interest rates on property loans for citizens

The notice was issued following approval from the Central Bank of UAE’s board of directors, with the measures coming into effect from July 1

BARAKAH

Barakah One completes refinancing of Barakah plant

The KEXIM loan facilities were refinanced through a competitive market process resulting in the selection of two banks, ADCB and FAB

Emirates NBD introduces carbon market trading -GettyImages-630846210

UAE’s Emirates NBD introduces compliant carbon market trading

The offering will help the bank’s clients to seamlessly tap global carbon credit markets to support their net zero ambitions and sustainability goals

Wio Bank, ADX partner to enable instant, digital IPO subscriptions

Wio Bank, ADX partner to enable instant, digital IPO subscriptions

The bank allows its customers to digitally create an investor number on the Abu Dhabi bourse and apply for IPO subscriptions

emaar

Emaar shares push Dubai stocks to 2015 high as economic outlook lifts mood

S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded Emaar Properties based on the strong demand seen in the UAE’s real estate sector

Abu Dhabi Global Market introduces Sustainable Finance Regulatory Framework Image ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market introduces regulatory framework for sustainable finance

The framework complements ADGM’s existing regulation of carbon offsets, facilitating the establishment of the world’s first regulated carbon offsets exchange and clearing house

HDFC

HDFC vaults into ranks of world’s most valuable banks

The tie-up of HDFC Bank and Housing Development Finance Corporation creates a lender that ranks fourth in equity market capitalisation

UAE national banks provide $201bn in financing by April

UAE national banks provide $201bn in financing by April

The banks increased their credit balance by Dhs2.1bn or 0.3 per cent in April 2023, up from Dhs735.2bn a month earlier

UAE banking system

UAE banks reap the benefits of an economic boom

Strong capital buffers have supported the UAE financial services sector over the years and banks are re-articulating their value proposition to thrive in the new digital environment

Qatari banks’ external debt

Qatari banks’ external debt: Is the problem over?

One of the main sources of concern for the Qatari banking system has been the build-up of external debt

Bahrain’s Al Salam Bank acquires majority stake in Algerian unit

Bahrain’s Al Salam Bank acquires majority stake in Algerian unit

The plans to further support its Algerian business to accelerate its growth and capture new pockets of opportunities within the country and the wider region

DET AND MASTERCARD DIGITAL PARTNERSHIP

Dubai Tourism, Mastercard launch digital city partnership

The digital partnership will work to accelerate growth across the tourism ecosystem

Astra Tech National Bonds Sign MOu to iffer investment solutions to Botim Image Astra Tech Botim

Botim users to benefit from Astra Tech, National Bonds saving, investment solutions

This partnership gives Astra Tech customers access to microfinance options specifically designed for individuals with low and medium incomes through Botim, supported by National Bonds’ Al Manassah Platform

CBUAE on UAE banks’ assets

Gross assets of UAE banks hit Dhs3.8tn in April

The central bank said banks’ gross credit increased by 0.1 per cent to Dhs1.89tn in April, driven by a 0.4 per cent growth in domestic credit

Majid Al Futtaim x Tabby to introduce flexible payment solutions Image Majid Al Futtaim

Majid Al Futtaim, Tabby to introduce flexible payment solutions

The collaboration will further enable customers to better manage their spending and make purchases more conveniently both in-store and online

Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO Emirates Development Bank Image Emirates Development Bank

Emirates Development Bank launches UAE’s first agritech loans programme

The programme is targetted at farmers, local producers, technology providers, equipment suppliers, and those involved in the agriculture support ecosystem

eid al adha holiday

Eid Al Adha 2023 holiday for financial markets in UAE

The financial markets will close for Eid Al Adha holidays as per the guidance by Securities and Commodities Authority

UAE islamic banks assets

UAE Islamic banks’ Q1 2023 assets up 7.3%

The UAE central bank said Islamic bank’s gross assets increased by 7.31 per cent in Q1 2023, equivalent to Dhs44.3bn

fund

Silicon Valley investor plans $100m Saudi Arabia VC fund

Plug and Play is in talks with Jada to help kick-start the domestic venture capital industry

Abu Dhabi bourse, CASE join hands to boost cooperation

These 13 UAE-listed private joint-stock companies have Dhs8.3bn in capital

The inclusion of private joint-stock firms in the local markets helps companies access a large capital base

FINANCIAL LITERACY

How rethinking financial literacy can empower a new generation of investors

The financial literacy gap is partly driven by a younger demographic entering the capital market

Modirum

PayTabs becomes first to deploy Modirum 3D secure payment solutions in Saudi Arabia

The alliance aims to offer flexible and cost effective secure authentication solutions for PayTabs merchants, banks and processors

TECOM Group's Dubai Internet City

TECOM Group secures $2.1bn refinancing deal for existing facility

The unsecured loan facility is expected to have a positive impact on the company’s cash flow profile while providing funds to execute growth strategy

UAE, Qatar central banks maintain key interest rates

UAE, Qatar central banks keep interest rates steady, tracking US Fed move

The move by the Fed to leave its benchmark rate unchanged suggests that higher borrowing costs have made some progress in slowing inflation

UAE banking sector savings deposits

Savings deposits in UAE banking sector hit $71.6bn in March

The central bank said savings deposits in the UAE banking sector jumped 4.7 per cent year-on-year compared to Dhs251.3bn in March 2022

Commercial Bank of Dubai green bonds issuance

Commercial Bank of Dubai raises $500m from debut green bonds

The proceeds from debut green bonds will be used to finance projects eligible under CBD’s Sustainable Financing Framework

Image Courtesy: Salik Twitter

Dubai’s Salik warns investors against ‘high-return’ scams on social media

The toll operator has advised the public to exercise caution and vigilance when being targeted by such offers

NymCard acquires BNPL firm Spotii

NymCard acquires Middle East BNPL firm Spotii

The integrated platform will serve both B2C and B2B markets seamlessly, enabling instant instalment options

George Soros

George Soros hands control of Open Society Foundations to his son

The foundation founded by George Soros donates money to humanitarian and democratic causes ranging from criminal justice reform to climate change initiatives

UAE bank investments

UAE bank investments hit a record $149.3bn in March

Month over month, bank investments jumped 1.3 per cent from Dhs541.4bn in February