COMMENTS: Another report on M&A’s in the Middle East (seems to exclude North Africa). It indicates that M&A activity surged 62% in the first half of 2018 reaching US$ 25.4 Billion, of which the UAE’s share was 65% (UAE Inbound M&A’s totaled 34 deals valued at US$ 6.6Bill). Continue reading “More on: M&A’s in the Middle East and the UAE”
Author: Marsal
India’s Oil Supply Dilemma
COMMENTS: Officially, India does not recognize the US sanctions on Iran and had announced that it will continue buying Iranian oil.
But, unofficially, the long arm of the US extends to the financial Continue reading “India’s Oil Supply Dilemma”
Is Turkey in Line for US Sanctions?
COMMENTS: The US/Turkish relations have not been rosy for a while now. They have been souring (at least visibly) since the failed coup against President Erdogan a couple of years ago, which Turkey insinuated was supported clandestinely by the US through the Fethulla opposition organization. Continue reading “Is Turkey in Line for US Sanctions?”
The Tale of a Kuwaiti Bank Merger
Article in Arabic onlyA Delicate Period for the Saudi Economy
COMMENTS: A wide mix of ingredients are cooking in the Saudi economic pot. The final dish is Vision 2030, a thriving Saudi economy not totally dependent on oil.
But because 2030 is only 12 years away, turbo speed is required in the transformation process and this may necessitate adding a Continue reading “A Delicate Period for the Saudi Economy”
Is there Enough Gold?
COMMENTS: As the world teeters economically as well as politically, many are predicting a major market and hence economic collapse, which could lead to wars. Gold is the age-old safe haven for dangerous times. Despite the Continue reading “Is there Enough Gold?”
Pessimism or Optimism?
Optimism begets peace of mind, tranquility and possibly happiness, while pessimism begets worry, gloom and anxiety. Does this mean that we should ignore negative outlooks and only listen to those that are positive and optimistic? Maybe, but that would expose us to the vagaries of the negative events – if they occur – without being prepared for them. Continue reading “Pessimism or Optimism?”
Fintech and Blockchain in Saudi
COMMENTS: Saudi regulators have just issued the first two licenses for crowd funding services companies, and more are on the way.
In a nutshell, Crowd Funding is a growing novel form of Continue reading “Fintech and Blockchain in Saudi”
Bahrain’s Economic Woes
COMMENTS: Although it is the least wealthy among its Gulf sisters, Bahrain has been chugging along with a combination of its population resourcefulness, modest oil production, inflow of foreign direct investment and support from the GCC members. But things have slowed up and, for the first time in Continue reading “Bahrain’s Economic Woes”
Who Inherits the UK Financial Center?
COMMENTS: As Brexit sputters, stops and restarts, the potential heirs are vying for the largest share of the estate. Frankfurt was the first to dash into the arena to attract the financial and investment institutions, followed by Dublin and Luxembourg. Now, Paris has joined the fray and seems to have Continue reading “Who Inherits the UK Financial Center?”