Browsing: Business

MUSCAT: Gulf Cooperation Council countries outperformed the global average in the 2026 Economic Freedom Index, with the bloc posting an average score of 66.9 against a world average of 59.9, according to data released by the GCC Statistical Centre. The figures pointed to

ABU DHABI: The Central Bank of the UAE kept the Base Rate applicable to the Overnight Deposit Facility unchanged at 3.65% on April 29, leaving the country’s main policy benchmark at the same level after the latest U.S. rate decision. The move preserves

SEOUL: Sales at South Korea’s major retailers rose 5.6% from a year earlier in March, extending gains in consumer spending as online platforms outpaced store-based outlets and department stores benefited from seasonal demand. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

WASHINGTON: The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved US$225 million in grant financing from the International Development Association for Syria on April 23, allocating US$150 million for water services and US$75 million for health services. The financing will be delivered through two

SYDNEY: Dnata said on April 22 it will invest about A$32 million to establish a dedicated cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport, becoming one of the early freight operators at Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway before full passenger services begin. The

CUPERTINO: Apple said Tim Cook will become executive chairman of its board of directors and John Ternus will become chief executive officer on September 1, 2026, in a leadership transition the company said followed a long-term succession planning process approved unanimously by the board.

ABU DHABI: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday during a working visit to the UAE, with the two leaders focusing on steps to deepen cooperation in the economy, trade,  renewable energy and technology. The

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates entered 2026 with a strong run of official economic data showing broad-based expansion across non-oil activity, trade, banking and investment, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. Releases published in the first

TOKYO: Japan’s defense spending and related costs for fiscal 2026 will total about 10.6 trillion yen, or roughly 1.9% of the country’s 2022 gross domestic product, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Friday, putting the latest budget cycle near a level that had

KUALA LUMPUR: Halal exports of Malaysia rose to RM68.52 billion in 2025, up 10.9% from a year earlier, as food and beverage products and halal ingredients continued to anchor overseas sales in one of the country’s key export segments. Halal Development Corporation