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Bahrain airshow sets stage for aerospace partnerships

The airshow will showcase Bahrain’s role as a hub for international aerospace events and its growing role in driving regional growth and innovation. Supplied
The airshow will showcase Bahrain’s role as a hub for international aerospace events and its growing role in driving regional growth and innovation. Supplied
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Updated 10 January 2025

Bahrain airshow sets stage for aerospace partnerships

Bahrain airshow sets stage for aerospace partnerships
  • Event promises major deals, display of cutting-edge technologies

MANAMA: The Bahrain International Airshow 2024 is poised to elevate Bahrain’s position as a leader in the global aerospace industry, foster economic growth, and forge vital industry partnerships.

Under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the seventh biennial event will take place from Nov. 13 to 15 at Sakhir Air Base, attracting key players from the world’s aviation, defense, and space sectors.

The airshow will be graced by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, along with prominent international thought leaders and industry experts.

The event will feature discussions on critical topics such as sustainability in aviation, cutting-edge technological innovations, infrastructure investment, space operations, gender equality in aerospace, and the future workforce challenges facing the industry.

With the participation of both civil and military aviation manufacturers, along with representatives from the fields of transportation, telecommunications, research, and space exploration, BIAS 2024 will serve as a major platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The airshow will also showcase Bahrain’s role as a hub for international aerospace events and its growing influence in driving regional growth and innovation.

The event will be hosted across a vast 14,000-sq. meter exhibition hall, 40 luxury chalets, and an 86,000-square-meter static aircraft display area. Major international exhibitors, including Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Thales, DHL, Indra Spain, Otokar, Defense Technology Equipment, and UAE’s Tawazan, will present the latest in aerospace and defense technologies. These displays will provide attendees with a firsthand look at the most advanced technologies shaping the future of aviation and defense.

Bahrain’s role as a strategic player in the aerospace sector has been reinforced in recent years through significant investments and partnerships that have propelled the country’s economic growth.

According to the event’s organizing committee, Bahrain’s gross domestic product grew by 4.9 percent in 2023, the highest rate since 2013. This growth is further supported by an increase in the performance of the non-oil sectors, which expanded by 1.3 percent year on year, reaching 3.7 billion Bahraini dinars ($9.8 billion) in the second quarter of 2024. These figures reflect the ongoing success of Bahrain’s economic diversification strategy, with the non-oil sector contributing more than 85 percent to the overall GDP.

For the first time, 13 companies from Europe, the US, China, Malaysia, and Thailand specializing in airport ground services will participate in BIAS 2024. This marks an expansion of the airshow’s scope, introducing new players and expertise to the event. Additionally, international aviation institutes will offer educational opportunities for attendees, further enhancing the event’s value by inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Key features

The airshow will also feature a series of impressive aerial displays. These include performances by the Royal Bahraini Air Force’s Copra Zolo by Bell, the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Typhoon and Saudi Hawks aerobatic display teams, as well as the Global Stars, Boeing 787-9, and the Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter team. These high-flying performances will showcase the technical capabilities of both military and civilian aircraft, captivating audiences and demonstrating the precision and skill of the world’s top aviators.

Since its launch in 2010, BIAS has grown significantly in both scale and prestige. Traditionally held in January, the event was moved to November in 2018 to better accommodate the needs of participants and the broader aerospace community. The 2022 edition attracted over 46,000 visitors from nearly 60 countries, with 186 companies participating and deals totaling $1.85 billion. The event also featured 100 aircraft on static display and was supported by 18 sponsors.

The final preparations for BIAS 2024 were reviewed in a meeting held two weeks ago, with Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, personal representative of King Hamad and chairman of the BIAS supreme organizing committee, confirming that everything is in place for the event.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the ongoing success of BIAS reflects Bahrain’s growing role as a premier host for international events and highlighted the importance of continuing to organize specialized aviation affairs. These events not only help solidify the aviation sector’s role as a key economic growth driver but also create valuable opportunities for the youth in innovation and development.

As part of its commitment to engaging the next generation, BIAS 2024 will host approximately 5,000 students from public and private schools. These students will have access to the entertainment zone, where they can enjoy daily air displays and participate in educational programs and workshops. These initiatives are designed to spark interest in aviation, science, and technology, inspiring future careers in these fields.

The Supreme Organizing Committee for the event is chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and includes key figures such as Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Bahrain’s newly appointed minister of transportation and telecommunications; Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Musalam, commander of Sakhir Air Base and head of the military committee; and Yousif Mahmoud, director general of BIAS.


Saudi industrial output rises 1.5% in May on mining, manufacturing gains, latest data shows

Saudi industrial output rises 1.5% in May on mining, manufacturing gains, latest data shows
Updated 9 sec ago

Saudi industrial output rises 1.5% in May on mining, manufacturing gains, latest data shows

Saudi industrial output rises 1.5% in May on mining, manufacturing gains, latest data shows

RIYADH: Ƶ’s industrial production expanded 1.5 percent year on year in May, driven by growth in mining, quarrying, and manufacturing activities, official data showed. 

The Industrial Production Index reached 108.8 in May, rising 2.5 percent from April, according to preliminary figures from the General Authority for Statistics. 

The latest IPI figure, reflecting continued growth in the manufacturing sector, underscores Ƶ’s progress in its economic diversification efforts aimed at reducing its decades-long reliance on crude revenues. 

In its latest release, GASTAT stated: “Preliminary results indicate a 1.5 percent increase in the Industrial Production Index in May 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year, supported by the rise in mining and quarrying activity, manufacturing activity and water supply, sewerage and waste management and remediation activities.” 

The release further added that the index of oil activities saw an annual rise of 0.5 percent in May, while non-oil activities increased by 3.8 percent. 

In May, another report released by GASTAT revealed that the Kingdom’s gross domestic product grew by 2.7 percent year on year in the first quarter, driven by strong non-oil activity. 

Commenting on the GDP figures at the time, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim, who also chairs GASTAT’s board, noted that the contribution of non-oil activities to the Kingdom’s economic output reached 53.2 percent — an increase of 5.7 percent from previous estimates. 

According to the latest GASTAT report, the sub-index of manufacturing activities increased by 0.9 percent year on year in May. 

This growth was driven by an increase in the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products, which rose by 14 percent, and the manufacture of food products, which increased by 3.2 percent. 

GASTAT added that the sub-index of mining and quarrying activity rose by 2.1 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. 

“Ƶ increased its oil production to 9.18 million barrels per day in May 2025 compared to 8.99 million barrels per day in May 2024,” added GASTAT. 

The report further noted that electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply activity recorded an annual decrease of 7.7 percent in May, while water supply, sewerage, and waste management and remediation operations rose by 15.5 percent during the same period. 

On a monthly basis, manufacturing activity in Ƶ increased by 2.3 percent, supported by growth in the production of coke and refined petroleum products, which rose by 1.9 percent. 

Compared to April, mining and quarrying activities in Ƶ also increased by 2 percent in May. 

Overall, oil activities rose by 2 percent in May compared to the previous month, while non-oil activities increased by 3.9 percent during the same period. 


Oil Updates — prices steady amid bearish Trump tariff outlook, weaker US dollar

Oil Updates — prices steady amid bearish Trump tariff outlook, weaker US dollar
Updated 22 min 25 sec ago

Oil Updates — prices steady amid bearish Trump tariff outlook, weaker US dollar

Oil Updates — prices steady amid bearish Trump tariff outlook, weaker US dollar
  • Threat of 50% tariffs on Brazil, copper cloud growth outlook
  • Weaker US dollar, US gasoline demand growth provide support
  • OPEC+ actual output unlikely to rise much, even with quota increases — analysts

SINGAPORE: Oil prices were steady on Thursday as investors weighed the potential impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on global economic growth, while a weaker dollar and signs of strong US gasoline demand underpinned prices.

Brent crude futures were up 4 cents at $70.23 a barrel by 8:00 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1 cent to $68.37 a barrel.

On the demand side, macro uncertainty has led to a more cautious buying environment, particularly in Asia, said analytics firm Kpler in a note, while adding that geopolitical risk premiums have faded with the Israel-Iran ceasefire holding.

On Wednesday, Trump threatened Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, with a punitive 50 percent tariff on exports to the US, after a public spat with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

He has also announced plans for tariffs on copper, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, and his administration sent tariff letters to the Philippines, Iraq and others, adding to over a dozen letters issued earlier in the week, including for powerhouse US suppliers South Korea and Japan.

As policymakers remain worried about the inflationary pressures from Trump’s tariffs, only “a couple” of officials at the Federal Reserve’s June 17-18 meeting said they felt interest rates could be reduced as soon as this month, the minutes released on Wednesday showed.

Higher interest rates make borrowing more expensive and reduce demand for oil.

Supporting oil prices, however, is a weaker US dollar in today’s Asia trading session, said OANDA senior analyst Kelvin Wong. A weaker dollar lifts oil prices by making it cheaper for holders of other currencies.

Also supporting prices, US crude stocks rose while gasoline and distillate inventories fell last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Gasoline demand rose 6 percent to 9.2 million barrels per day last week, the EIA said.

Global daily flights were averaging 107,600 in the first eight days of July, an all-time high, with flights in China reaching a five-month peak and port and freight activities indicating “sustained expansion” in trade activities from last year, JP Morgan said in a client note.

“Year to date, global oil demand growth is averaging 0.97 million barrels per day, in line with our forecast of 1 million barrels per day,” the note said.

Additionally, there is doubt the recent increase in production quotas announced by OPEC+ will result in an actual increase in production, as some members are already exceeding their quotas, said Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG.

“And others, like Russia, are unable to meet their targets due to damaged oil infrastructure,” he said.

OPEC+ oil producers are set to approve another big output boost for September, as they complete both the unwinding of voluntary production cuts by eight members, and the UAE’s move to a larger quota.


CMA approves new rules to spur Saudi investment fund sector

CMA approves new rules to spur Saudi investment fund sector
Updated 09 July 2025

CMA approves new rules to spur Saudi investment fund sector

CMA approves new rules to spur Saudi investment fund sector

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Capital Market Authority has announced a package of regulatory enhancements aimed at strengthening the investment fund environment in the Kingdom, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.

The reforms, which involve amendments to the Investment Funds Regulations, Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations, and the glossary of terms used across CMA regulations, are designed to advance the regulatory framework governing investment funds.

The goal is to elevate the competitiveness of the asset management industry by identifying development opportunities, adopting international best practices, and enhancing transparency and governance.

The reforms reflect Ƶ’s broader efforts to deepen its capital markets and attract more local and international investment, in line with Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.

According to a CMA board decision, the updated rules will help expand and develop the investment fund and REIT sectors, increase transparency for unitholders, and improve investor protection through more robust governance standards.

Key reforms

One of the major changes includes broadening the categories of entities allowed to distribute investment fund units. Under the new rules, fund units may now be distributed via licensed investment platforms and e-money institutions approved by the Saudi Central Bank, including through their websites and mobile apps.

Additional reforms cover the procedures for fund termination and the removal of fund managers, as well as new guidelines for voluntary withdrawal by managers of both public and private funds.

A key requirement is obtaining CMA approval for such withdrawals, and ensuring that the outgoing fund manager transfers all management responsibilities to a successor within 60 days. This is aimed at safeguarding investor rights and ensuring a smooth transition process.

REIT flexibility in parallel market

In a move to expand investment opportunities and increase potential returns for investors, the CMA will now allow traded real estate investment funds listed on the parallel market to invest in real estate development projects at the time of fund establishment.

These investments will not be bound by the standard asset allocation ratios and restrictions previously outlined in the Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations.


Egypt’s annual urban consumer inflation at 14.9 percent in June, stats agency says

Egypt’s annual urban consumer inflation at 14.9 percent in June, stats agency says
Updated 09 July 2025

Egypt’s annual urban consumer inflation at 14.9 percent in June, stats agency says

Egypt’s annual urban consumer inflation at 14.9 percent in June, stats agency says
  • Urban food and beverage prices were down 1.2%

DUBAI: Egypt’s annual urban consumer price inflation slowed to 14.9 percent in June from 16.8 percent in May, data from statistics agency CAPMAS showed on Wednesday.

The drop in inflation is steeper than the median forecast of 15 analysts polled by Reuters, which had seen annual urban consumer inflation last month at 16.2 percent.

Urban food and beverage prices were down 1.2 percent overall compared to May 2025 but were up by 6.9 percent against June 2024, according to CAPMAS.

Urban inflation on a monthly basis inched down in June by 0.1 percent compared to May, as meat and poultry prices were down by 3.8 percent, fruits by 2.1 percent and vegetables by 1 percent, while the prices of bread and cereals were up by 0.3 percent and seafood by 0.8 percent.

Egypt’s annual inflation has plunged from a record high of 38 percent in September 2023, helped by an $8 billion financial support package agreed with the International Monetary Fund in March 2024. 


Most Gulf markets close higher shrugging off Trump’s tariff news

Most Gulf markets close higher shrugging off Trump’s tariff news
Updated 09 July 2025

Most Gulf markets close higher shrugging off Trump’s tariff news

Most Gulf markets close higher shrugging off Trump’s tariff news
  • Ƶ’s benchmark index eased 0.1%
  • Abu Dhabi index added 0.4%

LONDON: Most stock markets in the Gulf reversed early losses to close higher on Wednesday as investors appeared unfazed by the latest tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. 

Trump ramped up his trade offensive on Tuesday, announcing a 50 percent tariff on copper and renewed long-threatened levies on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. He also reiterated plans to slap 10 percent tariffs on imports from Brazil, India, and other BRICS countries. 

Ƶ’s benchmark index eased 0.1 percent, dragged down by a 3.1 percent slide in utilities heavyweight ACWA Power and a 0.9 percent decrease in oil giant Saudi Aramco.

In the UAE, Dubai’s main index gained 0.7 percent, hitting a fresh 17-year high, lifted by a 3.6 percent rise in Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corp. 

Emirates has signed a preliminary agreement with Crypto.com to accept payments through its platform. 

The UAE continues to grow as a regional hub for crypto firms, with several enabling crypto payments for real estate, tuition, and transport. 

Abu Dhabi index added 0.4 percent, posting its sixth straight session of gains. 

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Co. advanced 6.4 percent following regulatory approval to open a branch in India. 

Qatar’s benchmark index closed flat. 

Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index, which traded after a session’s break, finished 0.4 percent higher, with Commercial International Bank rising 0.6 percent higher. 

Egypt’s stock exchange suspended trading on Tuesday, citing ongoing disruptions affecting brokerage firms’ ability to communicate efficiently across the trading system, after a fire broke out on Monday in a telecoms data center in Cairo.