Gaming, esports GCC’s new growth play
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the gaming surge with world-class ecosystems and youth-driven expansion. Across the region, governments...
Economy
Smart cities lead GCC’s IoT boom: NEOM and Smart Dubai in focus
IoT applications are transforming critical sectors such as transportation, where connected vehicles improve traffic management, utilities where smart grids enhance...
Economy
Science
GCC healthcare: Transforming the region and impacting the world
PwC forecasts that AI could contribute US$320 billion to Middle Eastern economies by 2030, with healthcare predicted to see some...
- At the heart of this transformation is the adoption of advanced technologies like Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, genomic medicine
- Saudi Arabia exemplifies this technological shift through its National AI Strategy 2031, which integrates AI into healthcare and other sectors
GCC powers ahead in global clean energy transition with solar and hydrogen investments
Now, the region is turning its attention to newer innovations, including hydrogen production, small modular reactors (SMRs), and compact nuclear...
- The approach is to combine gas-based and power-based low-carbon technologies, creating a balanced energy portfolio that capitalizes on each solution's unique strengths
- This strategy ensures a more sustainable energy future that aligns with global climate commitments and contributes to the GCC’s economic diversification goals
‘Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector to achieve 150 million visitors by 2030’
Saudi Arabia isn't aiming to be the next Dubai but is forging its own unique path in tourism," Aradhana Khowala...
- In recent years, Saudi Arabia has invested $800 billion in tourism, and just in the first 6 months of 2024, the country welcomed 60 million tourists, Aradhana Khowala tells TRENDS
- Nearly 50% of those involved with Red Sea Global are locals, which highlights an important shift from the old model of relying on imported, inexpensive labor, she notes
Business
‘Over 91 percent of travel bookings are now online’
Digitalization is revolutionizing travel, and data analytics is hyper-personalizing the sector, notably in GCC's growing business tourism, says Pallav Singhvi...
- Our omni-channel approach offers seamless and personalized experiences across multiple touchpoints that aim to redefine customers’ travel booking journey, says Singhvi
- as become even more important to create hyper-customized and context-sensitive, targeted measures to reach and engage with the right kind of audience, he adds
Interview
RAKEZ powers Ras Al Khaimah’s growth: CEO Ramy Jallad
Jallad underscores the role played by RAK ruler Sheikh Saud in positioning the emirate as a magnet for SMEs and...
- Ras Al Khaimah is strategically located near several logistics’ routes, including shipping and aviation, says Jallad.
- RAKEZ has investors and companies from over 100 different countries, as well as 100 different industries and segments.
WEF’s inaugural session in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing influence
Gabriel Chahine, Middle East Lead for AlixPartners, discusses the significance of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, economic outlook, AI,...
- The Middle East is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, says Chahine
- Saudi Arabia's US$20 billion investment pledge to establish 300 AI startups by 2030 exemplifies the region's commitment to fostering innovation, he adds
Business
Business and leisure combo drives GCC tourism boom
Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious...
- The region has positioned itself as a hub for a diverse range of travelers, including job seekers, investors, artists, and even those merely passing through
- The GCC is becoming a hub for major cultural and entertainment events, from art exhibitions and live concerts to sports events
‘Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Bahrain have reinforced position as top GCC tourist spots’
GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo...
- What began with Emirates and Dubai has expanded to include Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, says Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel
- The region hosts numerous trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions, and have so many hotels that are capable of accommodating tens of thousands of attendees, he adds
Business
Luxury goods boom in Gulf draws global investors
The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 billion in 2023, with long-term growth expected, reaching US$ 13.70 billion...
- The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 bin in 2023, with long-term growth expected
- The market size is predicted to reach US$13.70 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.42%
Business
Special economic zones are a new craze in Middle East
Vast swathes of land across the desert region are seeing the sprouting of new special zones to entice big business...
- In 2023, Saudi Arabia set up four new special economic zones, with incentives for international companies to operate within the kingdom
- SEZs are seen as catalysts for economic diversification, which offer platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in non-oil sectors
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Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Gaming, esports GCC’s new growth play
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the gaming surge with world-class ecosystems and youth-driven expansion. Across the region, governments...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
‘Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector to achieve 150 million visitors by 2030’
Saudi Arabia isn't aiming to be the next Dubai but is forging its own unique path in tourism," Aradhana Khowala...
‘Over 91 percent of travel bookings are now online’
Digitalization is revolutionizing travel, and data analytics is hyper-personalizing the sector, notably in GCC's growing business tourism, says Pallav Singhvi...
Business
RAKEZ powers Ras Al Khaimah’s growth: CEO Ramy Jallad
Jallad underscores the role played by RAK ruler Sheikh Saud in positioning the emirate as a magnet for SMEs and...
Interview
Most Read
Business
Business and leisure combo drives GCC tourism boom
Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious...
- The region has positioned itself as a hub for a diverse range of travelers, including job seekers, investors, artists, and even those merely passing through
- The GCC is becoming a hub for major cultural and entertainment events, from art exhibitions and live concerts to sports events
‘Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Bahrain have reinforced position as top GCC tourist spots’
GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo...
- What began with Emirates and Dubai has expanded to include Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, says Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel
- The region hosts numerous trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions, and have so many hotels that are capable of accommodating tens of thousands of attendees, he adds
Business
Luxury goods boom in Gulf draws global investors
The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 billion in 2023, with long-term growth expected, reaching US$ 13.70 billion...
- The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 bin in 2023, with long-term growth expected
- The market size is predicted to reach US$13.70 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.42%