Latest news with #pan-GCC
India.com
09-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
150 km in 30 minutes: This train to connect two big cities, top speed to be..., stoppages include...
Etihad Rail (File) Etihad Rail: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of the most popular destinations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and indeed the entire Middle East. Now imagine if one could travel between two beautiful cities within 30 minutes. Well, commuting between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is poised to get a lot more convenient and faster with the upcoming high-speed passenger service of Etihad Rail, the UAE's national rail network, expected to transform train travel and general commute in the desert nation. What is Etihad Rail? Established in June 2009, Etihad Rail is the national railway network of the UAE, linking the country with nearby Oman and Saudi Arabia. The modern, high-speed rail network funded by the Federal Government of the UAE and the Government of Abu Dhabi has a standard track gauge of 1,435mm, and is designed to make travel within the emirates faster and more convenient. According to officials, the Etihad Rail network is expected to carry more than 60 million tonnes of freight and 37 million passengers by 2030. When will UAE's rail network become operational? The Etihad Rail network is finally complete after nearly 17 years, and passenger trains are expected to begin operations early next year. As per media reports, nearly all passenger stations are nearing completion and trains carrying freight and passengers will ply on tracks once the stations are ready. UAE rail network is expected to transform public transport in the UAE and across the Gulf region as it aims to reduce road congestion by moving heavy cargo off highways. This will improve logistics for businesses and industries, and boost regional economy by linking key trade and industrial hubs. How big is the Etihad Rail network? The Etihad Rail network spans 1,200 km across the UAE, starting from the Ghuweifat on the Abu Dhabi-Saudi Arabia border to Fujairah on the east coast. In the near future, there is a proposal to connect the network to the ambitious pan-GCC rail network, which will link the UAE to other Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The main 900 km rail network was completed in 2023, connecting all seven emirates, and major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Etihad Rail main stations Etihad Rail will have main passenger stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah cities, which will feature business-class lounges, retail outlets and family-friendly amenities. The first station was built in Sakamkam, Fujairah, followed by another near the University City of Sharjah. Six other key stations include Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi; and the train stations near the Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf in Dubai. In Dubai, another station is currently being built near the Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while in Abu Dhabi, another station is likely to come up along the pipeline corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The railway network will connect 11 cities and and regions across the seven emirates, with key stoppages in Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. What is speed of Etihad Rail trains? According to media reports, Etihad Rail passenger trains will have a maximum operation speed of up to 200 kmph, while Abu Dhabi-Dubai high speed train is expected to reach 350 kmph, drastically reducing travel times by up to 40 percent compared to the current transport network. The distance between Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to be covered in 57 minutes, Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais in 70 minutes, and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 105 minutes. Each train will have the capacity to carry up to 400 passengers, and feature modern amenities including Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, along with food and beverage options. Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 30 minutes? While the regular Etihad train is likely to take around an hour to cover the near 150 km distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a new high-speed train project unveiled in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, which is expected to cut the travel time to just 30 minutes. The train will travel at speeds of up to 350 kmph, stopping at six stations in between. These are Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Zayed Airport in Abu Dhabi; and Al Maktoum Airport and Jaddaf in Dubai.
Biz Bahrain
19-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Gulf International Bank B.S.C closes debut $500mln Islamic syndicated financing facility
Gulf International Bank B.S.C. (GIB) today announced that it has successfully closed its debut US$500 million syndicated Murabaha financing facility, marking the Bank's first Islamic syndicated transaction in the international market. The three-year Shariah-compliant facility was well oversubscribed, driven by strong demand from a broad mix of leading regional and international banks. The successful completion of the facility underscores GIB's sound financial position in the market. The strong interest garnered by the facility has enabled GIB to further diversify its funding base and facilitate the Bank's continued business growth across its core markets and key business lines. Sara Abdulhadi, Chief Executive Officer of GIB B.S.C., said, 'We are proud to have successfully closed GIB's inaugural syndicated Murabaha facility, marking a key milestone in the ongoing diversification of our funding strategy. The strong response and oversubscription from such a diverse group of regional and international banks reflects tremendous market confidence in GIB's position as a leading pan-GCC universal bank.' SMBC Group acted as the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner and Coordinator for the facility. Emirates NBD Capital Limited and First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC were the Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: GIB partners with Stanhope to offer wealth advisory services
Bahrain - Gulf International Bank Group (GIB Group), a pan-GCC universal banking group, and Stanhope Capital Group (Stanhope), one of the world's leading independent global wealth management firms, announced that they have entered into an agreement to offer wealth advisory services to institutional and qualified private clients in the GCC region. The partnership will enable GIB to offer clients a comprehensive suite of services including advisory, outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) and discretionary wealth advisory, expanding the GIB Group's existing offering, which includes commercial banking, retail, treasury services, asset management, investment banking and Sharia-compliant banking services. The group will also extend its suite of value-added services to clients to include asset and wealth management locally and on a global basis. This model, which combines a regional bank partnering to provide international wealth advisory services, is new to the region and will have the enhancement of local skillsets as an additional focus. For Stanhope Capital, whose core business is to offer wealth management and advisory services to its global client base, the agreement is an opportunity to further expand in the GCC, which has become one of the fastest growing regions for such services and to do so whilst capitalising on the GIB Group's established regional presence, local expertise and extensive network. The investment platform offered to clients in the region will cover all global asset classes, including equities, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity and real estate combined with a strong expertise in Sharia-compliant products. Alternative investments offering access to top-quartile buyout and venture capital managers will form a core part of the offering. Commenting on the partnership, GIB chief executive Sara Abdulhadi said, 'This agreement is a significant step forward in the GIB Group's strategy to expand and diversify our offerings, with asset and wealth management as a key pillar of our growth. 'By leveraging our deep regional presence and trusted client relationships, alongside Stanhope Capital's global investment expertise and strong performance track record, we are creating a compelling wealth advisory proposition tailored for institutional and private clients in the GCC. 'The increasing demand for sophisticated investment solutions requires a partner that understands both local and international markets. Through this collaboration, we are well-positioned to provide our clients with a comprehensive, world-class investment platform that aligns with their evolving financial goals,' Ms Abdulhadi added. GIB Capital chief executive Osamah Shaker said, 'We are excited to join hands with Stanhope Capital. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering superior investment advisory services and tailored solutions to our clients. 'By leveraging Stanhope Capital's global insights and expertise, combined with GIB Capital's strong footprint and track record in the region, we aim to offer enhanced value and support to our clients in achieving their financial goals.' Stanhope Capital Group chairman and chief executive Daniel Pinto said, 'We are delighted about entering into this important commercial agreement with the GIB Group, undoubtedly one of the most respected financial institutions in the region. 'The demand for asset and wealth management services in the GCC is immense and our ability to combine the GIB Group's access and expertise with our long-standing experience servicing the most demanding institutional and private clients globally will create something unique in the region.' Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Biz Bahrain
30-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
GIB Group and Stanhope Capital Group Announce Strategic Partnership to Offer Wealth Advisory Services in the GCC Region
Gulf International Bank Group ('GIB Group'), a pan-GCC universal banking group, and Stanhope Capital Group ('Stanhope'), one of the world's leading independent global wealth management firms, announced that they have entered into an agreement to offer wealth advisory services to institutional and qualified private clients in the GCC region. The agreement will offer clients a comprehensive suite of services including advisory, outsourced chief investment officer ('OCIO') and discretionary wealth advisory, expanding the GIB Group's existing offering, which includes commercial banking, retail, treasury services, asset management, investment banking and Sharia-compliant banking services. The partnership will enable the GIB Group to extend its suite of value-added services to clients to include asset and wealth management locally and on a global basis. This model, which combines a regional bank partnering to provide international wealth advisory services, is new to the region and will have the enhancement of local skillsets as an additional focus. For Stanhope Capital, whose core business is to offer wealth management and advisory services to its global client base, the agreement is an opportunity to further expand in the GCC, which has become one of the fastest growing regions for such services and to do so whilst capitalising on the GIB Group's established regional presence, local expertise and extensive network. The investment platform offered to clients in the region will cover all global asset classes, including equities, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity and real estate combined with a strong expertise in Sharia-compliant products. Alternative investments offering access to top-quartile buyout and venture capital managers will form a core part of the offering. Commenting on the partnership, Sara Abdulhadi, Chief Executive Officer of GIB B.S.C., said, 'This agreement is a significant step forward in the GIB Group's strategy to expand and diversify our offerings, with asset and wealth management as a key pillar of our growth. By leveraging our deep regional presence and trusted client relationships, alongside Stanhope Capital's global investment expertise and strong performance track record, we are creating a compelling wealth advisory proposition tailored for institutional and private clients in the GCC. The increasing demand for sophisticated investment solutions requires a partner that understands both local and international markets. Through this collaboration, we are well-positioned to provide our clients with a comprehensive, world-class investment platform that aligns with their evolving financial goals'. Osamah Shaker, Chief Executive of GIB Capital, said 'We are excited to join hands with Stanhope Capital. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering superior investment advisory services and tailored solutions to our clients. By leveraging Stanhope Capital's global insights and expertise, combined with GIB Capital's strong footprint and track record in the region, we aim to offer enhanced value and support to our clients in achieving their financial goals. Daniel Pinto, Chairman & CEO Stanhope Capital Group, said 'We are delighted about entering into this important commercial agreement with the GIB Group, undoubtedly one of the most respected financial institutions in the region. The demand for asset and wealth management services in the GCC is immense and our ability to combine the GIB Group's access and expertise with our long-standing experience servicing the most demanding institutional and private clients globally will create something unique in the region'.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GIB Group and Stanhope Capital Group announce strategic partnership
Gulf International Bank Group ('GIB Group'), a pan-GCC universal banking group, and Stanhope Capital Group ('Stanhope'), one of the world's leading independent global wealth management firms, announced that they have entered into an agreement to offer wealth advisory services to institutional and qualified private clients in the GCC region. The agreement will offer clients a comprehensive suite of services including advisory, outsourced chief investment officer ('OCIO') and discretionary wealth advisory, expanding the GIB Group's existing offering, which includes commercial banking, retail, treasury services, asset management, investment banking and Sharia-compliant banking services. The partnership will enable the GIB Group to extend its suite of value-added services to clients to include asset and wealth management locally and on a global basis. This model, which combines a regional bank partnering to provide international wealth advisory services, is new to the region and will have the enhancement of local skillsets as an additional focus. For Stanhope Capital, whose core business is to offer wealth management and advisory services to its global client base, the agreement is an opportunity to further expand in the GCC, which has become one of the fastest growing regions for such services and to do so whilst capitalising on the GIB Group's established regional presence, local expertise and extensive network. The investment platform offered to clients in the region will cover all global asset classes, including equities, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity and real estate combined with a strong expertise in Sharia-compliant products. Alternative investments offering access to top-quartile buyout and venture capital managers will form a core part of the offering. Commenting on the partnership, Sara Abdulhadi, Chief Executive Officer of GIB B.S.C., said,"This agreement is a significant step forward in the GIB Group's strategy to expand and diversify our offerings, with asset and wealth management as a key pillar of our growth. By leveraging our deep regional presence and trusted client relationships, alongside Stanhope Capital's global investment expertise and strong performance track record, we are creating a compelling wealth advisory proposition tailored for institutional and private clients in the GCC. The increasing demand for sophisticated investment solutions requires a partner that understands both local and international markets. Through this collaboration, we are well-positioned to provide our clients with a comprehensive, world-class investment platform that aligns with their evolving financial goals'. Osamah Shaker, Chief Executive of GIB Capital, said 'We are excited to join hands with Stanhope Capital. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to delivering superior investment advisory services and tailored solutions to our clients. By leveraging Stanhope Capital's global insights and expertise, combined with GIB Capital's strong footprint and track record in the region, we aim to offer enhanced value and support to our clients in achieving their financial goals. Daniel Pinto, Chairman & CEO Stanhope Capital Group, said 'We are delighted about entering into this important commercial agreement with the GIB Group, undoubtedly one of the most respected financial institutions in the region. The demand for asset and wealth management services in the GCC is immense and our ability to combine the GIB Group's access and expertise with our long-standing experience servicing the most demanding institutional and private clients globally will create something unique in the region'. For more information, please contact: Zahraa Taher Managing Director FinMark Communications Email: ztaher@
