The region is in decarbonizing the built environment, with a focus on sustainable urban planning, energy-efficient buildings, and renewable energy integration.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Ministry of Media and Google have joined forces in a strategic collaboration aimed at driving the digital transformation of Saudi Arabia's media sector. The announcement, made during the 3rd Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh, aligns with Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosary's declaration that 2024 is...

"We continue to capitalize on the promising opportunities in this market through innovative offerings and solutions, while strengthening our substantial presence in the UAE, where we operate more than 60 branches and over 500 ATMs, alongside our strategic markets including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and Iraq," he adds.

The consumer products sector enjoys tremendous growth, with retail sales value for the industry globally rising by close to 10 percent year on year in 2023, says a report.

GCC retail sector evolves dynamically, blending innovation with tradition to woo investment, says Khalifa Bin Braik of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management.

Industries are increasingly investing in transformative technologies, including cybersecurity, sustainable solutions and AI, Sapthagiri Chapalapalli tells TRENDS in an interview.

SMEs are contributing 63.5% to the UAE's non-oil GDP and are at the forefront of innovation and growth, Ayham Gorani, CEO of Pemo, tells TRENDS.

"The digital transformation, which relies on artificial intelligence technologies, has touched all sectors and contributes to improving the quality of life and supporting businesses. This transformation promotes sustainable development toward a more advanced and prosperous future," Al Kuwaiti adds.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, 91% UAE business leaders are facing critical challenges in aligning data strategies with their business goals, says a latest report.

Companies in the region are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and stay competitive in the dynamic marketplace.

Entrepreneurs equipped with the right skills, a robust business strategy, and the ability to forge meaningful collaborations are well-positioned to succeed in Bahrain's evolving tech landscape and beyond. As the ecosystem continues to mature, the potential for startups to significantly impact the region's economy is substantial, he adds.

"Critical infrastructure organizations are distinct from other enterprises; their downfall could bring entire sectors of the economy down with them. It is hoped that in the coming year, the industrial control system's security will receive the comprehensive overhaul it so urgently requires," adds Selcuk.

"The digital economy represents a clear path to employment opportunities. Additionally, exploring other avenues, such as the green economy, is crucial. This sector could provide over 8 million jobs by 2030. Achieving these goals requires clear political will and coordination among stakeholders," he adds.

The partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation in Kazakhstan.

Islamic banking, making up 70% of the Islamic finance market's assets, is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by fintech innovations and poised to hit $4 trillion by 2026.

With a focus on economic diversification and technological advancements, the region is setting a precedent for strategic growth and innovation in the post-pandemic era.

"As we look ahead, the manufacturing landscape is set to continue evolving, navigating through the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) environment. This evolution goes beyond merely boosting productivity. It's about fostering innovation, sustainability, and shaping a future that melds human creativity with technological advancement," he adds.

AI and NLP are revolutionizing workplace efficiency by enabling employees to swiftly access essential information, thereby augmenting customer and personal convenience. Invisible virtual assistants streamline tasks, such as directly emailing the service desk for ticket creation or speeding up purchase requisitions and expenses, he adds.

Adoption is driven by government initiatives, global cloud providers, and the need for agility and scalability in the region.

The Ukraine-Russia conflict and Gaza crisis are impacting investor confidence and economies in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, Iyad Malas, CEO of Al Ghurair Group, tells TRENDS.

Dubai, UAE - The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) banking sector has witnessed a remarkable 30% year-on-year increase in net profits and a substantial 12.2% growth in net assets, the EY MENA H1 2023 Banking Report revealed on Monday. Returns on equity increased by 6.18%, and the net interest...

The bloc's initiative aims for a customs union by 2024, fostering competition and ensuring the smooth flow of goods between Gulf countries through joint economic action.

The bloc's initiative aims for a customs union by 2024, fostering competition and ensuring the smooth flow of goods between Gulf countries through joint economic action.

As GCC leads in digital innovations, there's an urgent need for strong cybersecurity to combat increasingly complex threats targeting governments, businesses, and individuals.

The region's fintech growth, fueled by a tech-savvy populace, robust regulations, and digital adoption, is drawing global focus, heralding the future of financial services.

The region's IT spending is set to rise by 4% to $183.8 billion in 2024, with software and IT services witnessing double-digit growth, and device spending recovering post-2023 decline.

In landmark developments, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have taken significant strides to enhance their bilateral relations, especially in the economic and technological arenas.

Shanghai, China - Huawei has unveiled an ambitious five-year initiative that will see a total investment of $430 million dedicated to driving technological advancement and digital transformation in the 28 countries located north of the equator within the African continent. The investment plan is structured as follows: $200 million will...

The region's IT spending is set to rise by 4% to $183.8 billion in 2024, with software and IT services witnessing double-digit growth, and device spending recovering post-2023 decline.

"The banking and financial sector, being a prime target for cybercriminals, necessitates evolving solutions and strategies for protection. Regulatory compliance is vital, and stakeholders recognize that it extends beyond legalities to ensure adherence to top-tier cybersecurity standards," he adds.

“By placing an emphasis on inclusive policies, embracing digitalization and fostering stronger international collaboration, we can establish a trade landscape that benefits everyone and leaves no one behind,” she adds, referring to the UN’s fifth global survey on digital and sustainable trade facilitation aimed at easing international trade.

Saudi Arabia and UAE lead the region in rapidly embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, shifting from traditional factories to smart ones.

A significant 16% of Middle Eastern organizations have fully implemented Responsible AI policies and processes, a latest report highlights.

In 2023, data breach costs in the Middle East soared to $8 million, marking a 155.9% rise over a decade, with the financial sector bearing the brunt, a report points out.

Doha, Qatar - Ooredoo Group has announced new partnerships with Tech Mahindra and Google Cloud that will see the company accelerate its digital transformation in six operating companies across its global footprint. Powered by Google Clouds API Management Platform (Apigee), with Tech Mahindra as implementation partner, Ooredoo's IT operations will...

With an estimated IT spending of $175.5 billion in 2023, the region is embracing digital solutions, leveraging advanced technologies, and investing in flagship projects.

"The Emirati-Indian economic cooperation is gaining increasing momentum in sectors of the circular economy, tourism, aviation, entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprises, renewable energy, technology, digital transformation and transportation, in light of their economic partnership and the capabilities," he adds.

VR and AR technologies offer tourists pre-visit virtual explorations of cultural and natural sites, driving engagement and anticipation. Onsite, the growing use of digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and UnionPay simplifies transactions, boosting the overall travel experience, they add.

"The UAE government prioritizes keeping pace with global advancements to proactively address opportunities and challenges," adds Al Olama. "This priority includes fostering collaboration among government entities, aiming to expedite the UAE's digital transformation, and harnessing technology to design innovative models for a sustainable economy."

Financial institutions in the Gulf region are also focusing on sustainable practices like renewable energy investments, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting sustainable businesses, say experts,

Driven by expats and national development programs, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to experience growth in consumer and enterprise segments, say experts.

By 2036, cloud infrastructures in UAE could generate $11.2bn for the country's economy, supporting about 6,000 full-time jobs annually, says a report by Amazon Web Services.

Global supply chain constraints and escalating inflation are unlikely to affect IT spending in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa region, which is set to reach US$233.8bn.

"The UAE is well positioned to further strengthen its leadership in combating fraud, with continued investment in technology, training and collaboration. Besides, the National Cybersecurity Strategy contributes to enhancing the integrated system by implementing many initiatives," he adds.

While 82% firms are increasing investments in industrial automation and robotic process automation, 56% of them focus on enhancing employees' digital experiences at workplace.

Dubai, UAE -  Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has signed a collaboration agreement with Mastercard that aims to drive digital transformation through partnerships with innovative FinTech companies. The partnership between DIFC and Mastercard will provide FinTech...

The latest developments are generating substantial growth opportunities for both local and international service providers in the outsourcing market, a report points out.

The Gulf country has an influential and effective international presence and continues to fulfil its obligations in enhancing the efficiency of health systems worldwide by providing vaccinations and medical supplies to prevent future epidemics and chronic diseases, increasing the length of a healthy life., adds UAE's Minister of Health Abdul...

Organizations across the Kingdom are witnessing major DX impact in customer satisfaction, cost efficiencies, and data-driven insights, an IDC executive tells TRENDS.

"To support productive Qatari farms in marketing their products directly and to ensure that consumers obtain their needs for fresh local vegetables, the agricultural product yards will continue to operate during Ramadan. The agricultural product yards programs was launched by the Ministry of Municipality," he adds.