Economic Resilience Amidst Oil Output Cuts: GCC Growth Prospects

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies faced an intricate economic landscape in the second quarter of 2023, marked by reduced oil production. This led to a 0.5 percentage point downward revision in growth forecasts for the GCC, setting the growth rate at 1.4% for the year. However, the region’s non-energy sectors have shown resilience, with robust growth in tourism-related industries. Rising energy prices, driven by global factors, have also played a pivotal role, with Brent oil reaching $90 per barrel. The impending inclusion of Saudi Arabia and the UAE into the BRICS group offers a ray of hope, fostering economic diversification and reducing reliance on the US dollar, setting the stage for a more optimistic future.

Emirates and Etihad Sign MoU to Expand Interline Agreement

The two UAE national carriers – Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways – on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their interline agreement and provide travellers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE.

Telecom Italia issues third profit warning in a year

Telecom Italia (TIM) (TLIT.MI), facing a takeover approach from U.S. fund KKR (KKR.N), has cut the 2021 earnings forecast for its domestic business due to lower-than-expected fixed line revenue from its partnership with DAZN to screen Italian soccer.