Author: dailyguardian.ae

The UAE banking sector is likely to maintain its solid performance in 2024 and take the lead in regional growth after a strong third quarter 2023 result despite a slight moderation expected in the second half with the US Federal Reserve likely to start cutting rates in mid-2024, two leading rating agencies predicted. Analysts at Fitch Ratings said the UAE banking sector growth will be driven by robust credit demand stemming from dynamic non-oil sectors and comprehensive economic diversification programs in both countries. In its GCC Banking Sector Outlook 2024, Fitch also predicts that the UAE and Saudi Arabia will…

It doesn’t get much bigger than this: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s side sits atop the La Liga table, while Atletico are 10 points back and will enter the unfriendly confines of Santiago Bernabeu likely needing a victory to remain alive in the title chase. As we’ve already seen three times this season, the Madrid Derby is a must-watch event with tons of goal-scoring firepower on both sides, and this one will be no different. The match is about to start, at 3:00 p.m. ET, and it will be on both ESPN+ (English or Spanish broadcast) and ESPN…

“Solidarity and understanding are essential for achieving peaceful coexistence throughout the world,” tweeted the UAE President on the International Day of Human Fraternity, observed on February 4. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to X to share a message of peace. “We pray that our shared human values will guide us towards lasting peace and stability for all,” he concluded. On this day in 2019, Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al Tayyib, met in Abu Dhabi and signed a document titled ‘Human fraternity for world peace and living together’.

Canada on Sunday announced a two-year extension to a ban on foreign ownership of Canadian housing, saying the step was aimed at addressing worries about Canadians being priced out of housing markets in cities and towns across the country. Canada is facing a housing affordability crisis, which has been blamed on an increase in migrants and international students, fueling demand for homes just as rising costs have slowed construction. “As part of using all possible tools to make housing more affordable for Canadians, the ban on foreign ownership of Canadian housing, which is currently set to expire on January 1,…

Dubai’s real estate market serves as a shining model of how the global community can establish a sustainable and adaptable environment that is prepared to tackle the difficulties posed by climate change. As the world grapples with the urgency of addressing climate change, the call on governments to speed up the transition, away from fossil fuels to renewables, can play a pivotal role in shaping the global built environment in the coming decades. The conversations that occurred during COP28 in Dubai in December 2023 revolved around the transition. In this light, Dubai’s real estate industry has consistently showcased its dedication…

India’s Shubman Gill said on Sunday the hosts remain favourites to win the second Test after his century left England needing a record chase of 399 on day three. England, who lead the five-match series 1-0, reached 67-1 at stumps after opener Ben Duckett fell for 28 in Visakhapatnam. Left-hander Duckett put on an attacking 50-run stand with fellow opener Zak Crawley, who is still batting on 29, before Ravichandran Ashwin got him out for his 497th Test wicket. “Definitely pleased but I left a few out there. We could have done with a few more runs,” said Gill. “I…

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the next hotly anticipated entry in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise. The game is releasing over 13 years after the last entry in the series, and it’s making its debut on consoles as an Xbox Series X exclusive. GSC Game World, just one of the many European developers, is currently in the midst of an aggressive invasion from Russian forces that has caused their entire lives to be disrupted. In their efforts to support their country’s freedom, the team had to put development on pause to “help our employees and their families to survive.” Other game…

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s party has redefined election campaigning in Pakistan with its social media rallies and use of AI technology in a bid to sidestep a nationwide crackdown that has followed it online. Khan was jailed in the build-up to the campaign, while his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has been heavily restricted from campaigning for Thursday’s vote and banned from the television airwaves. Censorship then followed as the party pushed its election campaign online. “They can ban what they want, they can ban YouTube and TikTok, whatever they want but our vote is for Imran Khan,” 18-year-old Imran Aziz,…

In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in the demand for state-of-the-art developments that cater to the diverse needs of real estate investors, whether it be for commercial, residential, or industrial purposes. Within this realm, Dubai has emerged as one of the leading destinations offering mixed-use developments seamlessly integrated into the city’s urban landscape. In contemporary urban planning and real estate, mixed-use developments’ significance has witnessed an upward trajectory. These innovative projects merge various functions within a single property or complex, integrating residential, commercial, and often recreational spaces into a unified and cohesive environment. Such an approach marks…

Danielle Collins, Heather Watson and Ashlyn Krueger were among the players to book their place in the main draw of this year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open as day two of the tournament hosted the final round of qualifying matches. The main draw of the WTA 500 event begins on Sunday with the likes of Emma Raducanu, Marie Bouzkova, Caroline Garcia, Sorana Cirstea, Beatriz Haddad Maia and Xiyu Wang in action. Saturday’s focus, however, was on the final round of qualifying matches, and there were some brilliant performances to enjoy for those fans watching on in the Abu Dhabi sunshine. Grand…