ByDNB-ADMIN
Monday, 15 May 2017
Published inMay 2017

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Hello,

CRIF – Dun & Bradstreet is pleased to bring to you the latest edition of our newsletter ‘CRIF Gulf Insights’ (CGI). CGI will keep you informed about the current trends in the GCC markets and highlight key events in the regional and global economy.

We look forward to your feedback at [email protected]

Happy Reading!

Best Regards,
CRIF Dun & Bradstreet Communications Team

NL/18.05.2017

CGI | Issue 69 | May 2017

Country Risk Update – Bahrain

Bahrain has enjoyed a series of strong structural current account surpluses over the past decade, allowing it to build up significant FX reserves and reduce its foreign debt. However, this situation is now in reverse, with the recent sharp drop in the oil price forcing the government to draw down on these reserves and increase its debt levels. Meanwhile, financial sector risk has been given a boost by the October issue of a USD17.5bn international bond. the government pursues policies to reduce dependence on the hydrocarbon sector. Although the domestic market is small, it has a sizeable component that is highly affluent, however, Persistent government deficits could undermine ambitious public investment plans.

Business, Finance and Commodity News

Dubai’s private sector sees strongest growth in 26 months

Non-oil companies in Dubai’s private sector posted strong growth in April on the back of improving business conditions in the construction sector. The survey noted strong performances across all three key sub-sectors monitored, led by an increase in construction (index at 57.9), followed by wholesale and retail (57.8) and travel and tourism (57). The improvement in the overall index was driven by a steep increase in output.

UAE businesses can rise above others by offering superior service

The UAE has proven its strength across a multitude of business areas. This has created an opportunity for businesses to take the lead and really own a large section of market share. Companies should be reinvesting budget into designing customer experience journeys and focusing on creating memorable interactions with their customers. Overall it is more cost and time effective to create a repeat customer, than to constantly attract new business.

UAE construction companies are feeling the pain

Earlier, oil was higher than $100 a barrel which encouraged a seemingly endless stream of lucrative projects. Now, with crude priced at half that, companies are trying to rebuild their balance sheets. The downturn has translated into pain for investors in two of the largest construction companies in the UAE. Investors may look to DSI results on May 14 for signs its restructuring plan is working after Arabtec reported its first quarterly profit since 2014.

MENA registers record period for mergers and acquisitions

The first half of 2016 was a record period for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). A total of $30.5 billion of deals were struck – the highest volume over a six-month period since 2013, said A.T. Kearney’s 2017 MENA M&A report. The report said M&A activity is expected to remain dynamic this year “as market players continue initiatives to enhance competitiveness”. Investors are expected to focus on transactions with scale and impact.

Commodity Tracker

D&B Article of the Week

B2B Industry Pressures Shaping the Next Decade of Agency-Client Relationships

The pressure is on. Marketing and advertising technologies – affectionately referred to as “MadTech” – are transforming the agency-client relationship as we know it. A modest 150 players back in 2011 have increased to a dizzying swarm of 3,500 companies, growing by 87% this year alone. It’s tough not to steal the spotlight with a stat sheet like that. But that’s not the whole story.
The real forces driving this change are hiding in plain sight: B2B brands and their buyers. Read more

CRIF D&B Highlights

CRIF strengthens its positioning in Jamaica by acquiring all shares in CRIF NM Credit Assure Ltd.

CRIF NM Credit Assure was established in 2011 with the objective of providing a world-class credit bureau and related added-value services in Jamaica and the Caribbean. After obtaining the license in 2012 from the Ministry of Finance to operate a full file (positive and negative data) credit bureau in Jamaica, it began operations in September 2013, benefiting from the experience and commitment of both CRIF and Massy Technologies InfoCom Jamaica (MTIJ).

CRIF Gulf Introduces iPulse in UAE
iPulse is a new state of the art business application that supports end-to-end field due diligence process. For more information, send an email to [email protected]

Click Here to Know More and Register for Free!

Upcoming Events this Week

23rd GCC Smart Government and Smart Cities Conference
May 13 – May 17
The Ritz Carlton Hotel

World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo Middle East
May 15 – May 17
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre

Reading Recommendation of the Week

StrengthsFinder 2.0

From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths. To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in 2001 which ignited a global conversation.
Release Date:
Feb 1, 2007