UAE's economy is forecast to grow by 3% in 2023, most momentum coming from non-oil sectors. Labour participation rates are rising, boosted by government initiatives to support economic growth. The introduction of unemployment insurance will likely attract more workers and add to non-life insurance sector premiums. Headline CPI is projected to moderate at around 3.5% in 2023. Given UAE's currency peg, the central bank will follow the US lead on interest rate moves. That said, still elevated rates will help keep a lid on inflation pressures.   Key takeaways Forecast the UAE economy will grow by 3% in 2023, slower than in 2022 due to cuts in oil production. The outlook is positive, with ongoing expansion in the non-oil sector sustaining robust growth in the medium and long terms. We expect headline CPI inflation to moderate to 3.5% this year from 4.8% in 2022, with central bank interest rate hikes keeping a lid on price pressures.   Labour market participation rates have improved post COVID, with unemployment declining from 4.3% in 2020 to 3.3% in 2022. Non-oil sector to drive economic growth in 2023 and beyond The United Arab Emirates (UAE) economy will grow by an estimated 3.0% in 2023, after a strong 7.9% gain in 2022. The slowdown will be largely due to OPEC's recent decision to cut production of crude oil.   1.  However, robust activity in other (ie, non-oil) sectors like real estate and tourism, should help maintain steady growth. For example, Dubai's residential market saw 57 737 transactions in volume terms in the first half of 2023, up 48% from a year earlier. Residential home prices were up 17% in June year-to-date, the strongest increase since late 2014.   2.  Meanwhile, tourists' arrivals in Dubai grew to 4.67 million in 1Q23, nearing pre-pandemic levels of 4.75 million in 1Q19. The S&P Global' s UAE PMI reached a new high of 56.9 in June, driven by a rise in new orders, output and employment growth. The PMI sub-indices for employment rose to 80-month high in April. We expect demand and employment growth in the non-oil sectors will continue to support the economy's expansion trajectory. Ongoing investments in infrastructure and efforts to diversify away from the oil sector, should sustain economic growth over the medium and long terms.   Inflation to moderate due to price caps and policy measures After rising to 4.8% in 2022 due to increases in transportation, food and beverage costs, headline Inflation is expected to moderate to 3.5% in 2023. There will be various drivers including fuel subsidies, and price caps on food and essential items. Further, the Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) increased the policy rate by 25 basis points (bp) to 5.15% in May 2023, making for a cumulative increase of 340 bp since April 2022. Elevated interest rates will help contain inflation pressures, and also support insurance sector earnings with stronger investment returns. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar and as such, the CBUAE will follow the Fed's lead in the current interest rate cycle. With inflation pressures persistent, we see the near-term risk for US rates as being to the upside, with a first rate cut in the first quarter of 2024 at the earliest.

  Qatar’s economy is projected to grow at 4 percent in 2023, down from 4.75 percent recorded last year, according to a report released by Standard Chartered.    Even though this reflects a 0.75 percentage point drop from, the British multinational bank said the forecast is only temporary as the gas-rich Gulf nation should build on the 2022 World Cup to further expand its tourism sector.     The Qatari authorities are planning to boost the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product to 12 percent by 2030, up from 7 percent currently, the report disclosed.    To achieve this, the authorities are seeking to attract as many as 6 million visitors by 2030, with Qatar hosting up to 14 sporting events this year alone – including a Formula 1 race.   The bank stressed that Qatar is also working on raising the capacity at the North Field in an attempt to increase natural gas output to 126 million tons, up from 77 million tons currently.    Investments in gas expansions are expected to back other sectors such as the private sector credit growth, according to Standard Chartered.    “With increased levels of uncertainty across the globe, no market will be immune to economic headwinds,” CEO and Head of Corporate, Commercial, and Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered Muhannad Mukahall said.    He added the data shows that Qatar is well-placed to be resilient to these challenges.     After 12 years of preparation to host the FIFA World Cup, the country is focusing on maintaining its momentum and boosting its tourism and cultural industries.    “The World Cup, to us, was a bonus on top of what we were already doing in the cultural realm,” Reem Al-Thani, acting deputy CEO of exhibitions and marketing for Qatar Museums, told Arab News in March.    Much of Qatar’s tourism and cultural boom, said Al-Thani, is part of the Qatar National Vision 2030 strategy, which was formalized in July 2008.   

Wild pepper     Wild pepper has therapeutic effects :  - The bitter taste, the warmth of wild pepper has a very good cooling effect   - Treatment of joint pain in the elderly   - Support normal eating process, avoid indigestion leading to stomach pain   - Wild pepper has an effective anti-inflammatory ability, so it can treat boils, mastitis or pyoderma -  The use of pepper is to relieve stress, help sedation, sleep better   - Being the savior of women every month, stimulating blood circulation easily, limiting menstrual delay, late period.   - Removes mucus from the uterus

Learn about wild pepper plants     It is an upright, woody plant with many branches, smooth bark and no spines. The pepper leaves are very smooth, the green color grows tightly into 3 leaves on both sides and is very luxuriant. Wild pepper (black bamboo shoots) grows wild in the forests of the provinces from the north to the south, especially in the Northwest and Central Highlands provinces such as Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Ha Giang, Dien Bien, Son La, Kon Tum , Dak Lak and some neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia..   The harvesting season for forest pepper is from June to July or November 10 every year. People often go to the forest to pick the whole branch, then separate the fruit, pick up the stalks and then dry them and store them for sale all year round   Wild pepper fruit grows alternately on branches and in clusters of about 3 fruits per cluster. Wild pepper has many essential oils that we can use fresh or dried.   When using dipping sauce, we only need to add a few wild pepper fruits to have a very fragrant aroma, suitable for most Vietnamese dishes, sauces, sweet taste, not too spicy and fragrant enough to feel.   A forest pepper tree can produce about 1kg to 2kg of fresh fruit because this fruit is very wrong and succulent. The seeds of forest pepper are completely different from the common pepper that people often grow (forest pepper is a woody plant, not a vine, and produces fruit in branches, not in clusters like regular pepper, the spiciness is also much lighter. much)   How to distinguish forest pepper and common pepper?   Wild pepper fruit when dried has a brown, black color that we can distinguish with the naked eye, to distinguish this seed from cultivated pepper, we just need to distinguish it by its very fragrant and less pungent aroma.   Outwardly they are also quite similar, but there is a small detail that we can immediately recognize that forest pepper has a rather long stalk that pepper usually does not have, its color is also much darker.   How to use wild pepper? After harvesting, the seeds have been dried or packed by us in different sizes: 100g, 500g, 1kg and sold to customers. When buying, to ensure that the dried forest pepper always retains the desired aroma and taste, we recommend that you store the word preservation and when we use it, we will roast and grind until it is the best. You should not pre-roast so much for a long time, it will reduce the aroma of the seeds   Note when using: You should not give too much when seasoning the dish, but we should only give a sufficient amount or less. When eating, if the dish is not bold enough, we can increase the pepper in the seasoning so that the dish always retains enough flavor without worrying about being bitter.

This is Vietnam's leading export product in the world     According to preliminary statistics of the General Department of Customs, in July 2022, Vietnam's cashew exports reached 54,675 tons, worth more than 304.3 million USD, down 7.5% in volume and down 10 2% in turnover compared to June 2023. Generally in the first 7 months of the year, cashew nut exports reached 334,870 tons, bringing in more than 1.94 billion USD, up 13.3% in volume and 9.7% in value over the same period in 2022. average import in the first 7 months reached 5,805 USD/ton, down 3% over the same period last year.   In terms of market, the US is the largest import market of Vietnam's cashew nuts. Specifically, cashew nut exports to the US in July reached 14,385 tons with a turnover of more than 79.5 million USD, down 12.2% in volume and 15% in value compared to June 2023. Generally in the first 7 months of the year, cashew nut exports to the US reached 88,903 tons with a value of more than 512 million USD, up 0.7% in volume and 0.32% in value over the same period in 2022.     Thus, the US accounted for 26.4% of Vietnam's total cashew exports in the first 7 months of the year.   Regarding the trade situation between the two countries, in the first 7 months of the year, exports to the US reached a turnover of more than US$53,096 billion, down 20.82% over the same period last year. Leading the export turnover was the group of machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts with $ 9.2 billion, down 18.5% over the same period in 2022 and accounting for 17.5% of the export proportion.   According to statistics of the General Department of Customs, in 2022, Vietnam exported 519,782 tons of cashew nuts with a value of 3.08 billion USD. Compared to 2021, cashew exports decreased by 10.3% in volume and 15.1% in value. With this result, the cashew industry has not fulfilled the target of export turnover of 3.2 billion USD and ended the previous 10-year period of cashew growth (from 2011 to 2021). Also in 2022, the total cashew acreage in the country will remain stable at 305,000 ha. The average yield is 1.25 tons/ha, the output of raw cashews (dry nuts) is estimated at 370,000 tons.   Currently, Vietnam's cashew kernels are present in 90 countries and territories around the world. Export turnover has increased steadily over the years. Since 2006, with a turnover of 520 million USD, Vietnam is officially the world's No. 1 cashew exporter.

  China, 147.691 million tonnes, the top rice producing country China leads as the top rice-producing nation, meeting domestic demand and exporting globally. Vast agricultural landscapes and advanced farming techniques contribute to its unrivaled position. The country achieves an impressive annual output of 147.691 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), cultivated across 29.87 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23). In the 2023-24 season, China’s rice production is projected to reach 149 million tonnes, solidifying its agricultural prowess.   India, 125.039 million tonnes India closely trails China in rice production and boasts a diverse array of rice varieties cultivated across various regions. With fertile lands, favorable climate, and traditional farming practices, India holds a significant position in global rice exports. Achieving an annual output of 125.039 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) across 45.513 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), India’s agricultural might is evident. The projected rice production of 134 million tonnes for the 2023-24 season further cements India’s prowess in the agricultural sector.   Bangladesh, 35.512 million tonne Bangladesh heavily relies on rice as a staple food, and rice cultivation is a vital component of its agricultural economy. The country’s fertile deltas and continuous efforts to modernize farming techniques have contributed to its significant rice production. Producing an annual output of 35.512 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) across 11.66 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), Bangladesh showcases its agricultural strength. The projected rice production of 37 million tonnes for the 2023-24 season solidifies Bangladesh’s position as an agricultural powerhouse.   Indonesia, 34.36 million tonnes Indonesia benefits from its warm and humid climate, providing an ideal setting for rice cultivation. With a robust agricultural sector and government backing, Indonesia consistently ranks among the top global rice producers. Producing an annual output of 34.36 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) across 11.53 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), Indonesia showcases its agricultural strength. The projected rice production of 34.45 million tonnes for the 2023-24 season also solidifies Indonesia’s position as an agricultural powerhouse.   Vietnam, 27.10 million tonnes Vietnam holds a prominent position in the global rice market. It is famous for its high-quality rice varieties. The country’s focus on agricultural innovation and efficient irrigation systems has positioned it as a significant rice exporter. With an annual output of 27.10 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) cultivated across 7.30 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), Vietnam demonstrates its agricultural prowess. The projected rice production of 27 million tonnes for the 2023-24 season further cements Vietnam’s status as an agricultural powerhouse.   Thailand, 19.39 million tonnes Thailand is celebrated for its aromatic and premium rice varieties, highly sought after in international markets. The country’s well-established rice sector and government support contribute significantly to global rice production. With an annual output of 19.39 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) cultivated across 10.55 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), Thailand showcases its agricultural strength. Moreover, its projected rice production for the 2023-24 season is 19.70 million tonnes.    Myanmar, 12.53 million tonnes Myanmar stands as a prominent rice-producing nation, benefiting from its fertile lands and favorable climate. The country’s focused efforts to expand rice cultivation and enhance post-harvest infrastructure have led to a notable increase in rice production. With an annual output of 12.53 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) cultivated across 6.93 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), Myanmar showcases its agricultural strength. The projected rice production of 12.50 million tonnes for the 2023-24 season further solidifies Myanmar’s position as an agricultural powerhouse.   Philippines, 12.243 million tonnes Rice stands as a staple food in the Philippines. The country has consistently maintained a significant level of rice production to meet its domestic demands. Government initiatives and agricultural reforms continuously work towards enhancing rice productivity in the nation. With an annual output of 12.243 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) cultivated across 4.75 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), the Philippines showcases its agricultural strength. The projected rice production of 12.60 million tonnes for the 2023-24 season further strengthens the Philippines’ position as an agricultural powerhouse.   Pakistan, 7.53 million tonnes Pakistan ranks among the major rice-producing nations globally, and rice holds significance as one of its staple foods. The country’s diverse agro-climatic conditions, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, provide conducive environments for rice cultivation. With an annual output of 7.53 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) across 3.14 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), Pakistan exemplifies its strength in the rice sector. Additionally, the country’s projected rice production for the 2023-24 season is 9 million tonnes.    Brazil, 7.37 million tonnes,  Brazil’s expansive agricultural lands and favorable weather conditions position it as a significant player in the global rice market. While the country primarily focuses on other crops, its rice production remains noteworthy. With an annual output of 7.37 million tonnes (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23) cultivated across 1.63 million hectares (5-year Average; 2018/19 – 2022/23), Brazil exemplifies its strength in the rice sector. Additionally, its projected rice production for the 2023-24 season is 6.8 million tonnes.   Summary of the top 10 rice producing countries in the world  In conclusion, rice is undoubtedly a vital crop for sustaining the world’s growing population. These top 10 rice-producing countries play a crucial role in ensuring global food security. Their efforts in agricultural innovation, sustainable farming practices, and consistent productivity contribute to the availability of this essential staple food in various regions of the world. As the global demand for rice continues to increase, these countries remain at the forefront of rice production. They are crucial in shaping the future of global food systems.

     According to forecast of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Africa's rice production in the crop year 2022-2023 is forecast to reach 24.3 million tons, increased by 1.7% compared to crop year 2021-2022; in which North Africa is estimated at 3.6 million tons, an increase of 23.7% and sub-Saharan Africa is estimated at 20.7 million tons, decreased by 1.2%.   In addition, rice consumption and stocks throughout Africa in 2023 will reach over 42.2 million tons, an increase of more than 570,000 tons compared to 2022; in which, North Africa reached about 4.4 million tons, an increase of 50,000 tons; sub-Saharan Africa reached about 37.5 million tons, an increase of 300,000 tons.   Imported rice is vital to Africa's food security, despite many countries' efforts towards self-sufficiency.   To meet the rice demand estimated at over 42.2 million tons in 2023, Africa is expected to import about 17.7 million tons, decreased by 4.5%. The reason for the decrease in imports is that from the second half of 2022, many countries in the continent have actively imported rice for stockpiling, in case food prices continue to increase due to the consequences of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.   In the upcoming period, Africa's main rice supply will still focus mainly on India, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. The main types of rice imported by African countries include fragrant rice, white rice and broken rice.   According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam exports rice to 54 African countries with a volume of over 600,000 tons, of which, the largest rice importing markets include Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon , Tanzania, Egypt, etc.   For the African market, Vietnam's market development orientation is to strengthen the market share of white rice, long grain, hard rice, parboiled rice, fragrant rice, etc. At the same time, meet the needs of this market by improving competitiveness in terms of price, quality and payment and trading conditions in African countries.   Rice is always a key export item in the export of agricultural products in particular as well as the export of Vietnam in general. Despite facing many difficulties due to climate change, geopolitical fluctuations between countries or rising inflation, rice exports still made significant progress in both quantity and value.   In particular, with Vietnam's rice export price leading the rice exporting countries for many months, trade experts forecast that rice export turnover in 2023 will reach about 7 million tons with an estimated value of about USD 4 billion.

  Customer preferences: Saudi Arabia has a rapidly growing population, which has led to an increase in demand for food products. In addition, there is a growing preference for organic and locally-sourced produce among consumers.   Trends in the market: One of the major trends in the Agriculture market in Saudi Arabia is the adoption of modern farming techniques and technologies. This has led to increased efficiency and productivity in the sector. Another trend is the growing investment in the agriculture sector by the government, which has led to the development of large-scale farming projects.   Local special circumstances: Saudi Arabia has a harsh climate, with high temperatures and limited rainfall, which makes it difficult to grow crops. However, the government has invested heavily in irrigation systems, which has enabled the cultivation of crops in areas that were previously unsuitable for farming. Another special circumstance is the country's dependence on food imports, which has led to a focus on increasing domestic food production.   Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Agriculture market in Saudi Arabia is supported by the country's strong economy, which has enabled the government to invest in the sector. In addition, the country's Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil, includes a focus on developing the agriculture sector. The government has also implemented policies to support local farmers and increase food security in the country.

  Many Vietnamese agricultural products have created a foothold in Gulf markets, the most prominent of which is seedless lemons. Viet Nam's seedless lemon currently has an absolute competitive advantage in many markets in this region.   Specifically, the Ras Al Khor wholesale market imports Vietnamese seedless lemons weekly. Although the host countries have a tremendous demand for lemons, businesses in Dubai hardly import seedless lemons from anywhere other than Viet Nam.   Mr. Venkat Addala - Fuchsiana General Trading, Dubai, noted that Vietnamese lemons now have almost no competitors.   "Lemons from Viet Nam are favored because of their outstanding flavor compared to lemons from other countries. We are currently importing them for re-export to other Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain or Qatar", Mr. Mohammed Naimath - Director of Zin Food Company, Dubai, shared.   Seedless lemons from Viet Nam are green lemons. Besides, yellow lemons in the Gulf market can still be imported from India or South Africa.   However, for Middle Eastern people, green and yellow lemons are irreplaceable fruits. Green lemon is for dishes that need flavor and especially for drinking water. Green lemons are now making a mark of Viet Nam in supermarkets here.   According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoang - Director of Jamal Al Jasmin Company, Dubai, Vietnamese lemons are famous because they are seedless and have a pure fragrance. In particular, the consumption of lemons increases in the hot season, when people prefer to drink lemonade.   Al Maya is one of the leading retail groups in Dubai. Recently, the group has paid much attention to Vietnamese agricultural products. Starting with rice and seedless lemons imported from Viet Nam, the success has made Al Maya now expand into importing Vietnamese coconuts, guava, or mangoes.   Mr. Kamal Vachani - Director of Al Maya Group, said many customers want to buy Vietnamese agricultural products. It gives Al Maya the confidence to import more agricultural products and other foods. In particular, lemon is an essential product from Viet Nam./.

    1. Dates   The world’s oldest cultivated fruit, date palms are referred to as the “trees of life.”   Originally cultivated from Iraq, this sweet fruit comes with many positive benefits.   2. Pomegranate   Originated from modern-day Iran, and since then has been cultivated throughout the Middle East region. It is translated to “Romman” in Arabic. It is used in a wide range of main dishes with chicken, meat, fish or vegetables. The seeds are also used in salads. The juice can be used to make sauces.   3. Lemons     The ellipsoidal yellow fruit has both culinary and cleaning uses worldwide. The origin of the world “lemon” is Middle Eastern, from the Arabic word “lay-mun.” The fruit was first recorded in literature in a 10th century Arabic treatise on farming. Between 1000 and 1150 it was widely distributed throughout the Arab world.   4. Figs     Native to the Middle East and Western Asia, figs have been cultivated since ancient times and now widely grown throughout the world. They can be enjoyed fresh or dried, and are also used to make jams and sauces.   5. Watermelons     Although this fruit is 92% water, it is filled with many powerful benefits. The refreshing fruit was cultivated in the Nile Valley. Evidence of watermelon seeds were actually found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Today, watermelons are grown in tropical or subtropical regions. There are more than 1,200 different types of watermelon. The Arabic word is “Bateekh.”   6. Mulberries     Mulberries originate from the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Northern Africa, and eventually spread across Europe. In Britain, mulberries were used as medicine! In later years, Vincent Van Gogh included mulberries and their trees in numerous paintings. Today, mulberries are enjoyed fresh, as well as in jams, tarts, pies, and herbal teas. The Arabic word for mulberries is “toot“.   7. Guava     In Arabic, Guava is called “Amrood.” This is possibly a variant of “armoot,” meaning “pear” in Arabic and Turkish. Guava is usually eaten raw and can also be made into a fresh juice. It can also be made into jams, preserves, marmalades and candies.   8. Oranges   The word orange derives from Arabic “nāranj.” The most popular type of orange from the Middle East is the “Jaffa Orange.” It is a very popular orange variant that was first developed by Palestinian farmers in the mid-19th century. Jaffa Oranges, also known as “Shamouti,” are practically seedless, with a sweet flavor and a deep orange color.