Shopping Cart is empty
View cart - checkout

Featured

News

01 Sep 2026 Admin SAE Health and life style
2355

Translated by: Hayat Hernández

Although palm trees are considered beautiful decorative plants and very suitable for sunny days, they have a very significant role in nutrition being a rich source of vitamins and important minerals.

As said in the Quran “For it is He who has brought into being gardens-[both] the cultivated ones and those growing wild -and the date-palm, and fields bearing multiform produce, and the olive tree, and the pomegranate: [all] resembling one another and yet so different! Eat of their fruit when it comes to fruition, and give [unto the poor] their due on harvest day. And do not waste [God's bounties]: verily, He does not love the wasteful”, Al Ana‘am (6: 141)

It’s thought that the first place where palm trees were cultivated was the Arabian island “Harkan” in Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf, and later spread through Iraq into the other parts of the world according to “Ibn Wahshyah”, one of the oldest writers in terms of agriculture. Confirmed by “Al Subai’I” 1933.

 

Palm trees and different cultures

This tree was a symbol of warship amongst Chaldea, Assyrians and Phoenicians, in fact, many ministries in Arab countries relate palm trees with culture, religion and history. According to the official website of the ministry of agriculture in Jordan, palm tree was mentioned in the Jewish scripts, as well as dates which were one of the seven sacred fruits. It was mentioned in the bible also that Crist was born under a palm tree, and his followers paved the ground with palm leaves along his way when he entered Jerusalem. As for Islam, dates have a very special quality when it comes to Ramadan (the month that Muslims fast during), where it is desirable for the fasting person to break his fast on dates. This was proven by the actions of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace.

Many civilizations have cherished palm trees since the beginning of their rise by decorating their palaces and monuments, their trunks were also used as columns. Cultivating palm trees was the first type of farming that certain laws were made for to follow, as it was in Hammurabi’s Code.

 

The Economic value

Some of the oil supplying countries are having a drop off in the oil production, while in the meantime there is another kind of oil in the pipeline that requires different climate conditions, and that is palms oil.

Nowadays, 30 countries around the world cultivate palm trees, almost 600 thousand hectares of farmed land, 422 thousand of them belong to Arab lands. The economic worth of this plant is tremendous that it’s in the vein of oil growing on trees. The Arab world has come in the lead in the dates production by 70% of international production, out of 100 million trees that are planted in the world, almost 80 million are planted in Arab countries. Although palm trees cultivation isn’t the easiest, the outcomes of this kind of investment are noteworthy considering 80 to 100 Kg of dates come from just one tree after 7 years of planting.

Obviously the date fruit production represents a very significant sector in the economy, and it’s rising constantly. For example, Turkey consumes almost 10 thousand tons of dates in Ramadan according to the Jordan newspaper “Al-Raya”, and this sector is considered to be in the lead in terms of hiring a tremendous number of workers, which reduces the average number of unemployed people in the Arab world.

Regarding the types of dates that exist, they passed 2000 types, in Iraq only there are over 600 types, 400 in Iran, and almost 400 in Libya according to the “Iraqi Network of Palm Tree”, plus over 400 type of dates in Saudi Arabia, in addition to the varieties that are cultivated in all Africa excluding Libya, they would reach more than 2000 varieties, every type having a different name which illustrates the importance of this agroindustry.

 

Population growth

The number of human population on earth will reach 9 billion people in 2050, which will cause the need of more food to increase, and consequently, MENA resources to decrease especially palm trees and dates due to many factors, but it will remain the best region to grow palms regarding the climate and soils.

 

Healthy benefits of date fruit

Balah (a type of dates) contains most basic nutrients for the human body, and they are considered a good source for vitamins. This fruit is like a mine containing a lot of basic minerals like phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, and chloride. It has also numerous benefits on the health being consumed as food, a fruit, a drink, dessert, and also a medicine. It contains 21% of water and many vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, D, 1.2% protein, 18% fat, 73% sugar, and 3% fibers. 1 Kg of dates provides your body with the same amount of calories that a kilogram of meat does, and three times the calories that 1 Kg of fish provides.

Date fruits contain monosaccharaides (glucose and fructose) such as Al-Barhi, Al-Sayer, Al-Zuhdi, Al-Sidi, and Halawi, and disaccharides (sucrose) such as Dajla Noor and Dajla Baida.

 

All parts of the palm tree can be useful, such as:

The kernel: suitable as fodder for livestock and increases its production of meat and milk. And enters in the yeast industry as well.

Leaves and fronds: to make tools, furniture, antiques, cages, ropes and baskets.

Logs: to make house roofs, doors and seats in addition to bridges, archways and pulp.

Parts of the stems can be used as fuel or tanks for planting ornamental plants.

Some types of dates are used to extract natural incense from, such as Dagla, which is bred in Morocco.

The fruit (Rutab and Dates): has a high nutritive value, as well as being a source for oil, sugar, and syrup, besides its role in the cosmetic industry.

Pollen: used in pharmaceutical manufacture.

Roots: to keep the soil consistent.


Palms and the surrounding environment

Date palm tree has a significant role in maintaining a balanced environment and preventing the desert invasion, due to its ability to adapt to it, the extension of its roots vertically and horizontally permits the plant to reach humid areas in order to get to the sources of water. As for the leaves, they are attached to the wickers and covered with a waxy layer and folded into V shape along their branch, forming a canoe-like shape, with its bottom facing upward to reduce water loss. Palm trees are also used to ward off the wind around farms, as they prevent and slow desertification. They also protect the trees and plants grown around them. The palm also tolerates high temperatures, salinity and drought.

Arab countries that most produce this unique fruit:

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom owns more than 23 million palm trees, with a production exceeding one million tons, according to Food and Agriculture Organization "FAO", equivalent to 16% of the total global production, and increasing by about 3% annually. The Kingdom supports palm farmers by about 50 riyals per palm, and this market also provides thousands of job opportunities. There are dozens of factories to manufacture palm products. Nevertheless, the kingdom does not export more than 5% of its annual output.

The most famous area in which date palm is cultivated is the Qassim region, where the "City of Dates" was established. It is famous for containing almost eight million palm trees, of which there are six million productive trees, more than 205 thousand tons of various types of dates are also grown in Saudi Arabia and more than 400 species, seventy of them have a high economic value.


United Arab Emirates

There are about 40 million palm trees in the UAE, 8.5% of them are planted in “Al Ain” region where there is a gene pool that includes almost 120 species, and high quality varieties were added recently imported from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and the Sultanate of Oman.

 

Palestine

Cultivated date palms have existed in Palestine for thousands of years. Being a tree of great economic value, and a great religious status, being a perennial tree, and its ability to withstand many climatic conditions, in addition to its ability to grow in saline soils, palm tree has gained the attention of the Palestinian farmer.

The Mediterranean climate conditions dominant in the area provide optimal conditions for growth and development of date palm.

Date palm cultivation is widespread in Palestine in the Jericho area, the Jordan Valley, and the Gaza Strip, especially in the cities of Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis. Historically, the city of Jericho was called the "City of Palms". Because of the large number of palm plantations in it.

Date palm cultivation is the least labor-intensive crops, and the least labor-intensive crops. The tree needs three years to bear fruit, and after six years it reaches its peak. This sector, which was on the top of the Palestinian agricultural sector in the Jordan Valley, in terms of areas, water consumption, and agricultural labor absorption.


After 1967, considerable areas of the Jordan Valley were cultivated by Israeli farmers with new high-quality date palm cultivars including Medjool. The adaptability of the new cultivars and the use of advanced techniques for propagation and cultivation of dates produced crop of excellent quality and yield to supply local and international markets.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture the cultivated area in the Palestinian valleys with palm trees is estimated at about 24 thousand dunums at the end of 2020 out of a total of 55 thousand dunums of land that Palestinians exploit in the Jordan Valley. This is a small fraction of 300 thousand dunums suitable for cultivation, but still unexploited. According to the statistics of the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, the number of palm trees by the end of 2020 was estimated at about 330 thousand trees, and the quantity of production of pure Palestinian dates until at about 12,800 thousand tons. The Palestinian local market in the West Bank and Gaza Strip consumes about 6,000 tons of dates annually. It was estimated that 60% of the Palestinian production of dates goes to the local market, and only 40% of the production is exported from the Palestinian Majool (Medjool) variety, where the per capita consumption is estimated annually at about 900 grams of dates.

The most important palm varieties cultivated in Palestine are Medjool, Al-Barhi, Elhayani. Medjool dates are one of the finest dates produced in the Palestinian, at the regional and international levels. Because it is grown in areas below sea level; It increases the percentage of oxygen, which gives it a distinct flavor and color.

According to Abu-Qaoud several constraints face date cultivation and development, including high investment costs, poor marketing, and inequitable competition with Israeli products, limited water, pests, and diseases. However, there is a trend by formal governmental agencies as well as by national NGOs to support the cultivation of date palms in Palestine. The Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture has initiated several programs to support date palm cultivation in the Jordan Valley since 2000 with local NGO participation.

Egypt

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture, date palms cultivation extends in most governorates of the country where there are about 20 million palm trees, representing 73,653 acres, or about 6.32% of the total fruit cultivated land, as it currently reaches approximately 14% of the total fruit production. This increase is attributed to the expansion of the areas planted with palm trees in the governorates of Matrouh, New Valley, North Sinai, South Sinai, the Red Sea, Nubaria, Toshka, Al Uwaynat, and modern reclaimed lands.

Due to the varied climatic conditions in Egypt, the wet and semi-dry varieties have spread in the Delta and Middle Egypt regions, while the Upper Egypt region, especially Aswan, is known to uniquely contain dry varieties.

Palm trees need relatively high temperatures and low amount of humidity during the summer to produce fruits with good quality and high yield, specific thermal conditions that differ for different varieties are required.

A team of scientists consisting of researchers from the Genetic Engineering Research Institute, and the Central Laboratory for Palm Research and Development of the Agricultural Research Center, as well as the Bioinformatics Department of Nile University succeeded in determining the initial version of the genetic map for some varieties of date palms. Therefore, this accurate information about the commercially desirable species can be used to predict the type and gender of palm trees planted, and to contribute with reveling ways to increase Egypt's production of palm trees as well, thus enhancing its reproduction developing programs to protect the plants from diseases and pests.

Some indicators of the growing interest in palm cultivation:

Date palm tissue culture laboratory

Many countries rely on traditional agricultural methods such as seed and seedling planting, so in order to make a change by developing palm cultivation to increase its production, the Palm Tissue Cultivation Laboratory was established in 1989 at the UAE University, which intended to produce hundreds of thousands of palm seedlings. Consequently, the laboratory gained a prominent scientific position commercially as one of the largest laboratories for palm trees propagation.

Palm tissue cultivation has many advantages compared to the traditional methods, such as:

  • Increasing the cultivation of female seedlings that are free of diseases and pests and resilient seedlings, or best pollen producing male seedlings.
  • Cultivation of offshoots in sustainable lands directly without waiting for the incubation phase (2-3 years), the offspring then have an entire root system (offspring with whole cells) and are planted during the propagation season (August – September) or (March – April).
  • Increasing the production of selected types of dates. One of the most significant advantages of this method is the homogeneity of the produced shoots, which guarantees the homogeneity and velocity of plant growth, as the crop can be harvested after only 4 years of planting.
  • Palm seedlings can be propagated from known varieties or from cultivars with a seed origin.
  • Ensuring an easy and rapid exchange of plant materials between different regions of the country, or between countries, without risking the spread of diseases or pests.
  • Obtaining offsets from palm trees that have lost their ability to produce offspring.
  • Considered to be an economic aspect as a result of increasing production in large quantities without causing any type of diseases.

In addition to that, the Dates International Council was established in Saudi Arabia, a large number of conferences and exhibitions were also held in MENA to enhance trade exchange between producing and consuming countries and also to encourage the exchange of expertise among them.

Popular date festivals such as the Palm Carnival in Saudi Arabia were organized, as well as the Emirates International Palm and Date Festival, which was arranged by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

Causes of the decline in date palm production in the Arab region

Agricultural pesticides: Palm trees in Egypt are exposed to many insect pests that reduce the harvest or damage it when stored, and as a result of infection with these pests, the loss in the crop may reach 52%. In fact, some of these pests, such as the red palm weevil, may lead to the death of the palm within a year or two, which limits the spread of palm cultivation in many areas. In addition, these pests don’t just affect the fruit, but also the fronds, branches, roots and the stems.

Lack of the farmers awareness on how to fight agricultural pests.

Using traditional agricultural methods instead of modern technologies for irrigation and fertilization; increasing their rates leads to an increase in the rates of productivity of date palms and thus causing the economic outcome to rise.

Palm trees aging, which leads to a lack of production as is the case in Algeria and Tunisia, where 35% of their palms suffer from a lack of production due to their aging process.

Poor marketing as a result of lack of experience internally and externally.

Weak technical expertise that allows raising the level of the product to fit the international standards of foreign markets, as is the case in some small producing countries.

The high cost of production in the case of poor infrastructure such as roads, high transportation costs, pollen prices, fertilizers and pesticides, as is the case in Palestine where Israel controls palm pollen and pesticides for this type of tree.

Wars and political instability, as happened in Iraq, which toped the list of dates producing countries with more than six hundred species, and it is the place where man began planting palm trees four thousand years ago according to the head of the Date Palm Center at Basra University, Dr. Kazem Jasam Hammadi, who stated for “Deutsche Welle” channel the decline causes in the number of date palms in Basra, which he attributed to the war and high levels of salinity due to the rise in Gulf waters, in addition to the population invasion at the expense of palm groves.

 

Countries that have made qualitative progress

Palestine

Despite what may seem a small market compared to the other major markets, date producers in Palestine have made a quantum leap in the cultivation of palm trees in terms of quantity and quality within a short period not exceeding six years. The Palestinian farmer was able to plant 59,000 thousand palm seedlings; an area of ​​4,249 acres during the period (2006 - 2012).

A study issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Industry in Jericho city and the Jordan valley (Al Aghwar) in 2014 indicated that date palm cultivation is one of the most promising investments, as the production of dates doubled between 2012 and 2014 by 100%, bringing the production amount to about 4000 tons. There are other types of dates in Palestine such as Al-Barhi, Al-Hayani and Medjool.

According to the study carried out by the Jericho Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, dates exports reached 50% of the total agricultural exports during 2011 - 2014, because Palestinian dates fit the international quality standards, which have competed with Israeli dates on the international market. The total number of employees and workers during the harvest season was estimated at 3200 persons.

Rare dates: pass under the sea

Medjool dates are considered one of the finest types of dates produced in the Palestinian, Jordanian territory, on regional and international levels. Due to its growth in areas below sea level, the percentage of oxygen increases, which gives it a distinct flavor and color. As for the expected output of "Majhoul or Medjool" dates for the year 2015, it reached 4 to 5 thousand tons, and this figure may double ten times within one decade, according to the officials of Nakheel, which is owned by PADICO Holding Company, whose annual production of this type reached 400 tons out of 26,000 date palm trees. The Palestinian market is small, but it is a promising market. "This rare date is grown in the Palestinian valleys and parts of Mexico and California, but the" Medjool "dates grown under the sea remain the most distinctive and highest quality, as stated by Engineer Tariq Al-Qawasmi, General Manager of the Arab Agricultural Company in Jericho.

Moamen Mazen Sinokrot, General Manager of Pal Garden in Jericho, which produces 600 tons of dates per year, said that he expects significant growth in the coming period that may reach 30% annually, as a result of high demand and high return on investment.

Palestine won first place (for the fourth category) in the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm in its seventh congregation as the best development project in the field of date palm development, in which 34 Arab and foreign countries participated with 137 research. Dr. Nasser Al-Jaghoub, head of the Agricultural Risks and Insurance Fund, and Ahmed Fares, Director of Jericho Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture, won the award.

The characteristics of the Medjool or Majool palm tree

The origin of this variety is from the Kingdom of Morocco, but it disappeared from there due to agricultural pests that affected it, so its seedlings were transferred to California and then to the Jordan Valley areas in Palestine and Jordan. This variety is characterized by a medium-sized stem, and short fronds of medium bending, and the bases of the fronds are of medium width, starting with a dark green and then yellowing, and showing lines or brown spots in the middle, the number of thorns on a single frond ranges from 30 to 38, although the fruit is considered amongst the soft varieties, other type of dates fruit can be softer than meat in comparison. The fruits of this variety may suffer damage from rain and high humidity, but to a small degree. The date palm yield ranges from 80 - 100 kg per year.

Jordan

In Jordan there are about a quarter of a million trees, and the Jordan Valley region is the most famous for its palm cultivation and some areas of the northeastern desert (Al-Azraq), and Jordan is making great efforts to develop this cultivation appropriate to the nature of a large part of its lands. Where agricultural reserves for this purpose were being established, as the United Arab Emirates supplied the Kingdom with fifty thousand seedlings of tissues originating from different varieties to study their suitability for agriculture, they included Barhi, Maktoumi, Khalas, Sandy Gish, Khadrawi, Razeer, Zuhdi, Namishi. As for the interest in Medjool dates, it began in Jordan some twenty-five years ago.

Dates are the future sustenance

Engineer Muhammad Batayneh, General Manager of AgriJordan (which grows approximately 4,500 trees), stated that the date palm is the future cultivar, due to the uniqueness of this tree in its ability to purify the water it absorbs from the soil so that the plant does not secret any heavy metals or unwanted elements to the fruit. Because normally, palm trees are irrigated with recycled sewage water, which is a source for many palm farms due to the severe water shortage in the area. As a result to the unique quality of the fibers of the long stem of the palm, it purifies the water as a natural water filter. Batayneh, who is proud of the Jordan Valley dates, especially Medjool dates which are among the best in the world, carries on saying that the future of fruit and vegetables cultivation is endangered because of clean water shortage. However, palm cultivation remains feasible and profitable, and thus the cost of repeated water for irrigation purposes can be borne."

Economy

Algeria

10 Mar 2015

  Economy of Algeria Algeria’s economy is based mainly on oil and gas, it has the eighth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the fourth-largest gas exporter; it ranks 18th in oil reserves. The hydrocarbon sector represents about 40–45 percent of total GDP and about two-thirds of budget revenues. Oil and gas resources account for 98 percent of the country’s exports and 70 percent of tax revenues. The chief challenges that Algeria faces in the short and medium terms are the need to diversify the economy, strengthen political and economic reform, improve the business climate, reduce regional inequalities and create jobs. Structural reform within the economy, such as development of the banking sector and the construction of infrastructure, moves ahead slowly. According to the World Bank indicator for ease of doing business in 2015, Algeria is ranked 154 out of 183 economies.   Essential Information   Area: 2,381,741 sq kmCapital: AlgiersPrincipal Towns: Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Stiff, Blida, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Batna, Tlemcen.Languages: Arabic is the official language but French is still widely used. There are Berber-speaking minorities.Climate: The coast has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 13 to 32°C. The summer months of June to September can be hot and humid with daytime temperatures registering between 27 and 32°C; these can be exceeded, for brief periods, when the hot, dry sirocco wind blows from the southCurrency: 1$ = 78.9 Algerian dinar (DZD). DEMOGRAPHY 39,5 (Million 2015 est.) (source: IMF) 0-14 years: 28.4% (male 5,641,148/female 5,378,207) 15-24 years: 17.4% (male 3,451,069/female 3,291,166) 25-54 years: 42.8% (male 8,398,770/female 8,209,634) 55-64 years: 6.2% (male 1,230,865/female 1,186,832) 65 years and over: 5.2% (male 931,769/female 1,094,262) (2014 est.) Source: CIA factbook. EducationLiteracy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 80.2% male: 87.2% female: 73.1% (2015 est.) (Source: CIA factbook). NATURAL RESOURCESpetroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc Fossil FuelOil - proved reserves: 12.2 billion bbl (January 2012 est.)Natural gas - proved reserves: 4.502 trillion cu m (1 January 2011 est.) MineralsIron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zincHydro-electric0.3% of production Visa Requirements: Nationals from the following countries do not require a visa to travel to Algeria:Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Democratic Republic Sahraoui, Seychelles, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Yemen.Non-resident foreigners must change the equivalent of AD 1,000 on entering the country. WTO accession: Observer Independence Day July 5 Current local time  Weather Find the Algerian Diplomatic representation in Switzerland  

Bahrain

  Bahrain is a banking and financial services centre; its small and reasonably prosperous economy is less dependent on oil than most Gulf states. Bahrain has taken great strides in diversifying its economy and its highly developed communication and transport facilities make Bahrain home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain's economy, however, continues to depend heavily on oil. Petroleum production and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP. Other major economic activities are production of aluminum - Bahrain's second biggest export after oil - finance, and construction. Bahrain competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center for Islamic banking and continues to seek new natural gas supplies as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminum industries. The country’s limited oil reserves, which are expected to last only another 10 to 15 years, have led Bahrain to already make significant progress on developing the non-oil sector. Other major segments of Bahrain's economy are the financial and construction sectors. The financial sector contributes around 27 per cent of the kingdom’s GDP, while hydrocarbons contributes around 25 per cent. Manufacturing contributes around 13 per cent. The Kingdom is the main banking hub for the Gulf and a centre for Islamic finance with a total size of $800 billion, which has been attracted by the strong regulatory framework for the industry.   Essential Information Area: 695.25 sq kmPopulation: 1.3 millionCapital: Manama Principal Towns: Muharraq, Jidhafs, Isa Town, Awali, Hidd, Rifaa.Area: 695.25 sq kmPopulation:1.3 millionCapital: ManamaPrincipal Towns: Muharraq, Jidhafs, Isa Town, Awali, Hidd, Rifaa.Languages: Arabic is the official language. English is used widely in business circles.Gross Domestic Product (official exchange rate): $26,5 billion (2012 est)GDP per capita: $20,385 (2012 est.)International Reserves: $5.0 billion (2012 est.)Climate: Tropical Gulf climate with hot summers, mild winters and high year-round humidity. The annual average rainfall is only some 70 mm.Currency: 2.64 US Dollar (USD) = nearly 0.377 Bahraini Dinar (BHD)           Visa Requirements: No visa is required for GCC and British nationals. Other travellers must obtain entry visas in countries where there is a Bahraini consulate, these can then be extended locally. Travellers with an onward reservation may obtain a 72-hour transit visa at the point of entry. Bahrain National Day 16 December Current local time  Weather Bahrain Diplomatic representation in Switzerland  

Comoros

  Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labour force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 50% to GDP, employs 80% of the labour force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang; and Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports and promote tourism. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP.  The international donor community currently plays a modest role in the country’s development. According to the OECD statistics, Comoros received approximately US$25 million in development assistance in 2005. France was by far the largest donor contributing almost $17 million followed by UN agencies (including the World Bank) with over $7 million and the EC with over $4 million. Further, the economy is also significantly dependent upon remittances from the estimated 150,000-strong Comorian Diaspora in France and elsewhere. Economic development in the past two decades has been hindered by a combination of recurrent political crises, macro-economic imbalances, and external shocks. A gradual recovery of the economy is observed since 2008. Real GDP is driven by agriculture and services increased by 0.6% in 2008, 1.1% in 2009 and 2.1% in 2010.   Essential Information      Area: 2,170 sq kmPopulation:795,000 (July 2011 est.) Capital:MoroniPrincipal Towns:Fomboni, Moutsamoudou, DomoniLanguages: Arabic and French are the official languages while Comoran, a blend of Swahili and Arabic, is also spoken. Gross Domestic Product (purchasing power parity):$872 million (2012 est.) Gross Domestic Product (official exchange rate):$595 million (2012 est.) GDP per capita: $1,300 (2012 est.) Reserves: 6.2 months of imports of goods and services (2009 est.)Climate: The coast has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 13 to 32°C. The summer months of June to September can be hot and humid with daytime temperatures registering between 27 and 32°C; these can be exceeded, for brief periods, when the hot, dry sirocco wind blows from the south. The Sahara desert is hot and arid with daytime temperatures reaching 43°C while night temperatures fall to 10°C or less. Currency: Comoros Franc (KMF) = nearly 0.00281 US Dollar (USD) Visa Requirements: A valid passport and onward/return ticket are required. A three-week entry visa, which may be extended, may be obtained from the airport on arrival. Travellers should obtain the latest details from the nearest Mission of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros.   Comoros' National Day 6 July   Current local time  Weather Diplomatic representation of Comoros in Switzerland  

Djibouti

  Djibouti’s economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in the Horn of Africa. Two-thirds of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transhipment and refuelling centre. Imports and exports from landlocked neighbour Ethiopia represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal. Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects.  The Djiboutian economy has benefited from huge investment in the transport sector namely; port investment, construction and banking sector during the last years. Foreign direct investment (FDI) as well has registered a positive evolution in the last ten years. With the aim of strengthening Djibouti's position as a hub for trade, logistics and related services, as well as a provider of financial services, several road corridors were opened or renovated in 2010. Nevertheless, the economy remains little diversified and highly dependent on port operations in the tertiary sector. This accounts for 76% of GDP, while the primary sector contributes a mere 3.9%. The country depends almost entirely on imports for its food supply. Domestic agricultural production covers only 10% of the country's food needs.  Djibouti is at the crossroads of major sea routes for trading oil and other goods, and wants to become a hub for commercial, logistical and financial services for the Gulf of Aden countries. The government has launched a 4.3 billion US dollar (USD) investment programme, and in 2012, funding was obtained to build new port facilities for salt and potassium exports.  The government is also drafting a long-term development strategy called Vision 2035, and a study is being done of which leading sectors could diversify the sources of national growth and create jobs. Essential Information     Area: 23,200 sq km Population: 792,198 (2013 est.) Capital: Djibouti Principal Towns:Dikhil, Tadjoura, Obock Languages: Arabic and French are the official languages. Afar, Amharic and Somali are also widely spoken. Gross Domestic Product: $1.4 billion (2012 est.) GDP per capita: $1,767 (2012 est.) GDP per capita (PPP): $2,700 (2012 est.) Gross Official Reserves: $0.2 billion (2012 est). Climate: Very hot and arid from April to August with average temperatures of 32°C but reaching 45°C. October through March is slightly cooler with occasional light rain. Currency: 1.00 USD ≈ 179.7 Djiboutian Franc (DJF), 1.00 DJF = 0.00556 USD. Visa requirements: Visas are required by all visitors, except French nationals, on short stay visits. Ten-day visas are available on arrival for US and EU nationals - an onward ticket is also required.    Djibouti National Day, 27 June. Current local time  Weather Diplomatic representation of Djibouti in Switzerland  

Egypt

  Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. The Egyptian economy relies heavily on tourist revenues. Egypt is the most populated Arab country, it counts about 82.1 million people, with $2,922 GDP per capita. The contribution of the Egyptian economy is about 0.3% of the emerging markets index MSCI. Egyptian population is rather young. The aged 15 years or less, about 34%, and the age group of youth from 15-35 years old about 35%.  The people who represent the workforce in the category of 15-65 years old represent 62%, which requires a clear map to take advantage of the power work in economic activity. The services sector is the owner of the largest share in terms of its contribution to the GDP of the acquisition of more than 50%, while the contribution of industry and agriculture, two sectors that offers a real job opportunities, permanent and constitute a measure of value added is 37.7% and 13.1% subsequently. The rising contribution of services sector because of its education and health services, provided by public institutions. On the other hand, the tourism sector is considered historically a main source of Egypt’s national income with some 12 million tourists visiting Egypt and spending about $11 billion annually.Egypt’s economy is still suffering from a severe downturn and the government faces numerous challenges as to how to restore growth, market and investor confidence. Political and institutional uncertainty, a perception of rising insecurity and sporadic unrest continue to negatively affect economic growth. Real GDP growth slowed to just 2.2 percent year on year in October-December 2012/13 and investments declined to 13 percent of GDP in July-December 2012. The economic slowdown contributed to a rise in unemployment, which stood at 13 percent at end-December 2012, with 3.5 million people out of work. Foreign exchange reserves have continued to decline to reach about 3 months of imports. Essential Information  Area: 1,002,000 sq kmPopulation: 85,3 Million (2012 est.) Capital: CairoPrincipal Towns: Alexandria, Tanta, Damietta, Suez, Port Said.Languages: Arabic is the official language; French and English are both widely used, particularly in business circles. Gross Domestic Product: $255billion (2012 est.)GDP per capita: $2,989International Reserves: $15.72 billion Climate: Generally warm and dry from November to March although day temperatures can rise to over 38°C. April to October can see periods of intense heat in Cairo and Upper Egypt. Rainfall is limited to the northern, coastal region. A hot and dusty desert wind, the Khamaseen, blows in April/May and August/September.Currency: 1$ ≈ 6.8 Egyptian Pound (EGP) DEMOGRAPHYAge Distribution (2012 est.) 0-14 years: 32.5% 15-24 years: 18.2% 25-54 years: 38.1% 55-64 years: 6.5% 65 years and over: 4.7%  Population Growth 1.92% (2012 est.) Education71.4% of the total population age 15 and over can read and write  NATURAL RESOURCESFossil FuelPetroleum, natural gas MineralsIron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc  Hydro-electricAssuan and Nasser Dams Visa: All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport and a visa. Travellers should ensure that their passports extend for three months from the date of the visa being issued. Where this date may be exceeded intending visitors are advised to renew their passports beforehand as persons found with non-registered passports can be liable to a £E 20 fine. One-month tourist and seven-day transit visas are available at Egyptian ports, airports and frontier posts; even so it is preferable to obtain visas before travelling.  National Day 23 July. Current local time  Weather Diplomatic representation of Egypt in Switzerland

Doing business

Egypt Accelerates Investment Reforms and Prepares New State-Owned Company Listings

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid Saleh, announced that the government plans to intensify efforts to improve the business environment and reduce bureaucratic obstacles, while preparing to li…

Opinion

4th Industrial Revolution, but for whom?

  By Ayman Abualkhair   (النسخة العربية) Nowadays, much is being said on the 4th Industrial revolution. The world has gone through three industrial revolutions during the last two centuries. The First Indus…

Finance

World Bank Group Allots US$200 Million for Road Repairs in Lebanon

  World bank   (Version Française) (النسخة العربية)    The World Bank Group has earmarked US$200 million for upgrading Lebanon’s road network, seen as a risk to public safety as well as an impediment to urban-rural …

Diplomatic corner

وفد دايركشن المعرفية يزور جنيف ويكرم السفير السعودي الجديد لدى منظمة التجارة العالمية الدكتور عبد العزيز بن محمد الواصل

  نقلا عن موقع "نشر"   قام وفد رحلة دايركشن المعرفية والثقافية بزيارة الى جنيف في السادس والعشرين من شهر كانون الثاني/ يناير من هذا العام حيث التقي سعادة السفير الدكتور عبد العزيز بن محمد الواصل المندوب الدائم لوفد ال…

Magazine

Davos 2026: Will AI Drive Global Growth or Deepen Economic Divides?

Davos 2026: Will AI Drive Global Growth or Deepen Economic Divides?

المنتدى العام لمنظمة التجارة العالمية 2025 التجارة، الثقة والتحوّل في عصر الذكاء الاصطناعي (مختصر)

المنتدى العام لمنظمة التجارة العالمية 2025 التجارة، الثقة والتحوّل في عصر الذكاء الاصطناعي (مختصر)

WTO Public Forum 2025, Trade, trust and transformation in the age of AI

WTO Public Forum 2025, Trade, trust and transformation in the age of AI

WTO Public Forum 2025, Trade, trust and transformation in the age of AI (Summary)

WTO Public Forum 2025, Trade, trust and transformation in the age of AI (Summary)

Reports

Algeria Launches 2026 Oil and Gas Bid Round to Attract New Foreign Investment

22 Apr 2026

Algeria officially launched a new licensing round for the oil and gas sector, titled "Algeria Bid Round 2026." The move aims to bolster production and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the energy sector, the country’s primary source of foreign currency. The bid round includes seven exploration blocks stretching across fields in Ogla, Illizi, Touggourt, and El Bayadh. These areas are believed to hold significant oil and natural gas reserves, positioning them among the most prominent investment opportunities in North Africa this year. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to revitalize the energy upstream sector and solidify Algeria’s position as a regional gas hub, particularly amid rising global demand for energy sources following the supply chain disruptions of recent years. According to the Algerian Ministry of Energy, the process will enter a technical phase in June 2026, during which project data will be opened to international firms, followed by briefing sessions and technical consultations. Final bids are expected in November 2026, with contracts slated for signing in January 2027. These will include production-sharing contracts (PSCs) or partnership agreements with the state-owned oil giant, Sonatrach. Through this round, Algeria seeks to draw new global energy players into the local market at a time when it is working to scale up production levels and improve the investment climate in a sector that serves as the backbone of the national economy. Its substantial gas reserves further cement its role as a key player in the European and Mediterranean energy markets. The move also highlights a gradual shift in Algeria’s investment policy—moving from traditional reliance on national companies toward a model more open to foreign capital. By offering flexible contractual incentives via production-sharing models, the state aims to mitigate risks for international investors and incentivize entry into high-cost exploration projects. Ultimately, the "Algeria Bid Round 2026" reflects a clear effort to reposition Algeria on the global energy investment map by linking untapped natural resources with foreign capital and technology, amidst a wide-scale reshaping of global energy supply and demand dynamics.

Egypt Ranks Third Regionally in Investment Attractiveness: Insights into Fitch’s FDI Inflows Report

A report by Fitch Ratings—reviewed by the Egyptian Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC)—revealed that Egypt ranked third among 18 markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in terms of investment openness. Globally, Egypt secured the 27th position out of 202 countries, a metric reflecting a relative improvement in its standing on the global investment map. The report indicates that this ranking reflects Egypt's capacity to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, bolstered by a diversified investment landscape. Key sectors include oil and gas, automotive manufacturing, ICT, food industries, renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services. This sectoral diversity demonstrates the breadth of the Egyptian economy and its multiple investment catalysts, moving away from reliance on a single sector or limited economic axis. Fitch attributes the improvement in investment flows to several structural factors, including economic growth, a strategic geographic location linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, low labor costs, and a wealth of human talent. This is further supported by a massive domestic market, abundant energy sources, and a tourism sector that remains a long-term draw for capital. Additionally, the report notes the increasing role of Gulf-based financing, which has become a primary source of foreign capital in Egypt in recent years. In the same vein, the report suggests that a flexible exchange rate policy, in alignment with International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations, is expected to support the stability of foreign currency inflows in the short and medium term by enhancing the economy’s resilience to external shocks and boosting investor confidence. Egypt aims to attract approximately $60 billion in FDI between 2026 and 2030—a target the report deems relatively achievable, given that annual inflows typically range between $9 billion and $11 billion, excluding exceptional mega-projects. The report contrasts this figure with total investment flows into the African continent, which often remain below $60 billion annually, highlighting the scale of Egyptian ambition relative to its regional context. The report also highlights Egypt's position as a premier investment destination in North Africa, with growing interest from multinational corporations in the industrial, pharmaceutical, and electronic sectors. It notes that the Egyptian government has taken significant steps in recent years to enhance the investment climate, including the implementation of the unified approval system for investment licenses, known as the "Golden License." This system allows for the establishment and operation of projects within a relatively short timeframe of approximately 20 working days, reducing administrative hurdles and accelerating investment entry. The legislative framework has been further strengthened by Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 and its subsequent amendments, which provide tax incentives and guarantees for investors, including facilitating the repatriation of profits and ensuring equality between local and foreign investors. Recent amendments under Law No. 160 of 2023 introduced further incentives, alongside efforts to improve the geographical distribution of investments across the country. Regarding future sectors, the report points to a surge in interest in renewable energy. Fitch expects Egypt to lead the region in solar and wind capacity growth, driven by reforms initiated in 2014 that allowed private sector participation in electricity production and the gradual reduction of energy subsidies. The government aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy to 42% of total electricity production by 2030, a goal currently being met ahead of schedule. The report also sheds light on the expansion of investments in coastal development and tourism, particularly in the North Coast region, alongside the continued importance of the real estate sector, which contributes roughly 20% of GDP, reflecting its deep integration into the macroeconomy. Fitch confirms that Egypt possesses the largest stock of FDI in North Africa. The United Arab Emirates emerged as the largest investor in the country during 2024 and 2025, followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, reflecting a diversified base of foreign capital sources. In summary, the report presents a dual image of Egypt as an investment hub: on one hand, there is clear progress in the legislative framework, attractive sectors, and capital flows. On the other hand, actual performance remains tied to the economy's ability to translate these structural advantages into sustainable, long-term inflows within a highly volatile regional and international environment.

Saudi Arabia and Switzerland: A Strategic Partnership from Historical Roots to the Horizons of Vision 2030

The bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Swiss Confederation represents a continually evolving partnership. Grounded in a long history of mutual understanding, it has now entered a new phase characterized by strategic depth, particularly in light of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. While Switzerland is a global hub for innovation, finance, and technological expertise, Saudi Arabia stands as the region's largest economy and a gateway for monumental developmental transformation. This confluence of interests creates a vital intersection for collaboration in the fields of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and technology. Historical Foundations of Diplomatic Relations The institutional connection between the two countries dates back many decades, with Switzerland recognizing the newly established Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1927. However, formal diplomatic relations were only established in 1956. This relationship saw a significant economic turning point with the formation of the Saudi-Swiss Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in 1975. Since then, the JEC has served as the primary platform for enhancing cooperation in economic, trade, investment, scientific, and technical domains. The relationship has been strengthened by high-level reciprocal visits, underscoring Switzerland's role as a trusted partner, even playing a crucial diplomatic role in representing Saudi and Iranian interests in 2017. Analysis of Economic Relations and Investment Opportunities The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently ranked as Switzerland's second most important trading partner in the Middle East (after the UAE). The total trade volume between them amounts to approximately CHF 6.8 billion (including gold), with Swiss exports accounting for over CHF 6 billion of this figure. Furthermore, the cumulative investment of Swiss companies in Saudi Arabia reached about CHF 1.41 billion by the end of 2022. While this economic volume is an indicator of mutual trust, the biggest driver for future growth is Vision 2030. This unprecedented economic shift has offered vast opportunities for numerous Swiss companies to participate in "Giga-projects" such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Riyadh Expo 2030. This direction was affirmed during the recent 14th Joint Economic Commission meeting, where discussions emphasized the need to finalize bilateral legal agreements, such as improving the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between EFTA states and the GCC, and expediting the conclusion of a new Investment Protection Agreement (IPA). Partnership in Transformation Pillars: Technology, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship The new Saudi-Swiss partnership is focused on three main pillars, as the Kingdom seeks to leverage Switzerland’s extensive expertise to accelerate its non-oil economic diversification. 1. Technology and Innovation Switzerland is a world leader in technological education and innovation, hosting institutions like the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), which is globally prominent in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. This expertise aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global technology power, especially after its leadership in global digital development indices. Technological cooperation is evident in several forms: AI and Digital Transformation: Specialized Swiss companies are seeking opportunities to integrate solutions in AI, Blockchain, and even the Metaverse into vital Saudi sectors. Digital Infrastructure: Swiss firms are participating in building the advanced digital infrastructure that supports projects like NEOM, which relies entirely on cutting-edge technologies. 2. Sustainability and CleanTech Sustainability holds paramount importance in the partnership, particularly with Saudi Arabia's adoption of ambitious climate initiatives, including the NEOM Green Hydrogen projects, set to be the world's largest of their kind. CleanTech Forum: The two nations hosted the First Saudi-Swiss CleanTech Forum in 2023, gathering Swiss SMEs that offer innovative solutions for climate change mitigation. Knowledge Transfer: Saudi Arabia benefits from the "bottom-up" Swiss approach to innovation, which focuses on funding basic research in universities and supporting start-ups in renewable energy and environmental solutions. 3. Entrepreneurship and Business Localization The Kingdom views the private sector, including Swiss companies, as an essential engine for achieving development goals, specifically in job creation and economic diversification. Figures indicate that Saudis hold a positive perception regarding the availability of entrepreneurial opportunities and the necessary skills to launch a business. The Localization Challenge: As the market grows more attractive, Saudi Arabia has introduced new policies to ensure value localization.The most prominent is the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) program, which requires foreign companies to move their regional headquarters to the Kingdom to secure government contracts. Additionally, the Economic Participation Policy (EPP) has been adopted, mandating a local economic participation of at least 35% in certain public procurement contracts. Swiss Response: Despite the complexity of these rules, about ten Swiss companies have already responded by relocating their regional headquarters to the Kingdom.This reflects the strategic importance they attach to the opportunities in the Saudi market. Furthermore, cooperation in the hospitality and tourism sector through partnerships for qualifying Saudi tourism competencies is evidence of Swiss expertise penetrating new sectors. Future Outlook and Strategic Trajectory The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland is currently at its strongest point, having evolved from a traditional trade partnership into a strategic alliance aimed at building the future. Vision 2030 serves as the driving force connecting the robustness of the Swiss economy with Saudi Arabia's ambitious push for diversification. While the Kingdom imposes regulatory challenges (such as RHQ and EPP) to ensure value localization, the fields of CleanTech, Artificial Intelligence, and entrepreneurship remain ideal areas for deepening this cooperation, establishing it as a model for partnership between a developed European economy and an ascending regional power.

UAE's Reno, a Home Renovation Tech Platform, Secures $4 Million to Fuel GCC Expansion

Reno, a technology platform based in the UAE specializing in home renovation and interior design, has successfully closed a $4 million funding round, comprised of a mix of equity and debt. The funding is specifically aimed at building the region's first end-to-end operating system for renovation processes. The round was led by prominent investors, including Sanabil 500, Hub71, Plus VC, Zero 100 VC, FlyerOne Ventures, Sandstorm VC, AngelSpark, and the Swiss Founders Fund. Leading Home Renovation with AI Technology Founded in 2024 by Marc Michel, Amr Hosny, and Farah Karabeg, Reno positions itself as a comprehensive, all-in-one platform for interior design and renovation across residential and commercial projects. The current funding will support the launch of Reno’s new app in early 2026, which is set to introduce innovative features, including: Real-time AI-powered design. Instant budget estimates. An Intelligent Materials Engine, providing customers with complete clarity from the very start of their renovation journey. A Comprehensive and Transparent Business Model Unlike traditional renovation services, Reno integrates all stages of the renovation process into a single platform, covering design, project management, contractor oversight, and financing options. One of its signature offerings is the "Renovate Now, Pay Later (RNPL)" financing option. This model provides a transparent, structured, and fully supervised renovation experience, giving homeowners and property investors unmatched control and visibility through AI-driven workflows and transparent, milestone-based processes. Control and Growth for Investors: Ibrahim Shami, CEO and Co-founder of Seraya (one of the fastest-growing short-term rental operators in the UAE), leveraged the RNPL financing options to renovate multiple units without paying upfront. Reno's support helped him double his portfolio's renovation pace from two to four apartments per month, effectively turning a renovation "bottleneck into an opportunity to expand faster and smarter." Reducing Stress for Families: For a customer like Camillo Schobesberger, a busy professional, the platform-driven approach transformed his renovation into a smooth, structured experience thanks to daily updates, clear budget oversight, and milestone-linked payments. He noted that the platform "made the renovation journey smooth for my family, minimising disruption," and the carefully managed upgrades "increased my property value by nearly 40%." Expansion Outlook Marc Michel, Co-founder and CEO of Reno, stated: "Our goal is to make home renovations as seamless and transparent as possible." With the new $4 million funding, Reno plans to expand its geographical footprint across the GCC region, scale its technology capabilities, and continue to refine the renovation experience. By leveraging innovation and data-driven workflows, Reno is redefining how renovations are managed, helping clients save time, reduce stress, and maximize their property value.

TERN Group Raises $24 Million to Expand Partnerships Across Europe and the Gulf

TERN Group, an AI-powered global workforce-mobility platform for healthcare professionals headquartered between the UK and the UAE, has secured $24 million in a Series A funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $33 million. The round was led by Notion Capital (UK) with participation from EQ2 Ventures (UAE), RTP Global, LocalGlobe, Leo Capital, Presight Capital, and investor Tom Stafford, co-founder of DST Global. Founded in 2023 by Avinav Nigam and Krishna Ramkumar, TERN trains, certifies, and places healthcare professionals from 13 countries, cutting international hiring timelines from 6–12 months to under 10 weeks. The new funds will be used to: Scale the company’s AI platform. Enhance training and compliance infrastructure. Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers across the Gulf region while supporting growth in Europe and the UK. CEO Avinav Nigam emphasized TERN’s mission to make global healthcare hiring faster and more transparent, noting the UAE’s rapidly growing demand for skilled professionals—healthcare spending there is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2029. The platform already serves more than 650,000 healthcare professionals and over 100 healthcare organizations, offering end-to-end solutions including résumé analysis, compliance tracking, and initial interviews, with a support team that assists candidates with training, relocation, and cultural integration. Notion Capital highlighted TERN’s ability to address the global shortage of healthcare workers by combining AI-driven efficiency with strict regulatory compliance, making it a trusted partner for health systems in the UK, UAE, Germany, and beyond. With this investment, TERN Group plans to accelerate expansion in the Gulf and deepen integration with regional health systems, building a sustainable workforce infrastructure that enables hospitals and governments to meet rising healthcare demand efficiently and confidently.

About Us

Enjoy the power of entrepreneurs' platform offering comprehensive economic information on the Arab world and Switzerland, with databases on various economic issues, mainly Swiss-Arab trade statistics, a platform linking international entrepreneurs and decision makers. Become member and be part of international entrepreneurs' network, where business and pleasure meet.

 

 

Contact Us

Please contact us : 

Cogestra Laser SA

144, route du Mandement 

1242 Satigny - Geneva

Switzerland