Are these reforms sufficient? They are more likely to help the off-plan (eg Emaar Development) than the completed (eg Emaar Malls) part of the real estate sector, which might prompt a reversal in the relative ytd performance of these two subsidiaries...

It should be no surprise that Oman is attempting to increase fiscal revenue from tax given persistent low oil prices is pushing its fiscal deficit to 18% and 17% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, according to IMF forecasts. But the pace of introduction...

Yalla has the potential to become a home-grown alternative to social network giants like Facebook in MENA. It provides investors exposure to the rise of EM tech through a US-listed entity. While social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twi...

At least, most in the GCC region are forecast to bring down their fiscal breakevens in 2021, eg Saudi drops from US$78 (with a c11% fiscal deficit) in 2020 to US$68 (6% fiscal deficit) in 2021. Saudi and GCC currencies: Drop the pegs while FX reserve...

Further to their preliminary announcement on 25 June, Saudi Arabia’s National Commercial Bank and Samba Financial Group have entered into a legally binding merger agreement. According to NCB Chairman Saeed Al-Ghamdi: "Saudi Arabia’s historic transfor...

GCC equities (MSCI GCC) broadly tracked the 10% increase in oil price over July and August 2020. Oil price has dropped 10% since the start of September but GCC equities are flat, implying higher risk near-term......given fiscal break-even oil prices...