In today’s evolving economic and financial landscape, it's crucial to look beyond traditional investment paradigms and embrace opportunities closer to home.
Investing in stocks isn't just about trading on Wall Street. Sometimes, the most promising investment opportunities are right in front of us.
The Middle East and North Africa region, with its dynamic markets and companies, offers an exciting avenue for investors to explore and consider.
Mena stock investments not only emphasise accessibility and familiarity, but also the promise of participating in the region's transformational journey.
We also believe that Mena stocks transcend being mere investments; they represent a means to empower both ourselves and our region.
Investing in what you know
One of the fundamental principles of successful investing is putting your money where your knowledge is. In the Mena region, this concept holds significant weight.
We all see the heavy congestion on Dubai roads now and think about what that means for Salik, Dubai’s toll operator and one of the more popular traded Mena stocks.
Or consider Emaar Properties, the developer of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
As Emaar and other developers launch new projects to meet the growing demand for housing, think about what that may mean for the company’s share price.
These are just a few examples of the tangible growth potential that you can see happening in front of your eyes.
But it’s not just the UAE, we see similar trends in many companies across the Mena region.
And the best part? Investing can be treated as something beyond making financial gains; it’s also about participating in the growth and supporting our communities and enterprises.
Advantages of investing locally
Investing locally has several advantages. Firstly, local investments offer better access to information.
You have a front-row seat to news and developments that can affect your investments.
This proximity allows for informed decision-making, a crucial aspect of successful investing.
Secondly, investing in Mena stocks offers an opportunity to take part in the strategic transformation our regional economies are powering through.
As significant reforms are being implemented and development plans are being executed, growth opportunities are plentiful.
For example, the Saudi Tadawul Exchange ranks today as the eighth largest in the world by market capitalisation, which speaks volumes about increasing investor confidence and the potential for further growth.
Additionally, investing in Mena stocks can provide the potential for both dividend yields and capital appreciation.
Many of these names include state-owned enterprises being floated, as governments in the region divest a percentage of their stakes to push ahead with diversification plans.
Seizing the opportunity
Mena markets have been on a remarkable growth trajectory. Take Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s oil company, for instance.
Its initial public offering in 2019 was the largest ever, underlining the growing global significance of Mena markets.
As the world’s largest oil producer, Aramco can easily compare with global tech companies like Apple and Alphabet when it comes to profitability.
So, names such as Aramco, Emaar and Salik are not just stock symbols; they are emblematic of the Mena region's transformational growth story.
As investors, we have the privilege of being a part of this narrative.
By considering Mena stocks, we not only have a chance to make a financial gain but can also contribute to the prosperity of our communities.
Mena potential
Mena stocks represent a unique investment opportunity for those looking to participate in their region’s growth journey.
The accessibility and familiarity of local investments, combined with the region's growth potential and the advantages of investing locally, make a compelling case for exploring these opportunities.
As you contemplate your next investment move, remember that some of the most exciting prospects might be closer to home than you think.
Muhammad Rasoul is chief executive of neo-broker amana
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Key features of new policy
Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6
Exams to test critical thinking and application of knowledge
A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) will form the standard for schools
Schools to implement online system to encouraging transparency and accountability
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Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Armies of Sand
By Kenneth Pollack (Oxford University Press)
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Episode list:
Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery
Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges
Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic
Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks
Ep5: Travel and tourism
SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
The years Ramadan fell in May
Saturday's results
West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
Brighton 0-2 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Norwich City
Watford 0-3 Burnley
Manchester City v Chelsea, 9.30pm
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
How Beautiful this world is!
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If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
Checks continue
A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.
Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.
