‘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
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...
Business
Geostrategy
Expansion may offer limited economic boost to BRICS
The anticipated inclusion of six nations into BRICS, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, is expected to ease tensions among them,...
- The anticipated inclusion of six nations into BRICS, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, is expected to ease tensions among them, and foster increased bilateral collaboration
- After expansion, the bloc will represent 30% of global GDP, 45% of the population, control 80% of oil production, and account for 16% of global trade by next year
Business
Smart factories transform manufacturing across GCC
Saudi Arabia and UAE lead the region in rapidly embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, shifting from traditional factories to smart...
- Saudi Arabia and UAE lead the region in rapidly embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, shifting from traditional factories to smart ones.
- Bahrain's commitment to transform 300 factories by 2026 solidifies the region's dedication to technological advancements in manufacturing.
Analysis
Gulf banking sector flourishes amidst rising rates
GCC banks experienced robust lending growth during Q2-2023, despite multi-decade high rates from US hikes, with loans from GCC-listed banks...
- GCC banks experienced robust lending growth during Q2-2023, despite multi-decade high rates from US hikes, with loans from GCC-listed banks hitting a record $1.9 trn
- Customer deposits in the GCC rose 1% quarter-on-quarter to $2.3 trillion, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 79.0%, and net income surging 3.5% to 13.7 billion in Q2-2023
Market Report
Energy, commodity prices hurt profits of GCC firms
GCC-listed companies' net profit dropped to US$ 57.9 billion in Q2-2023. While retail, capital goods, and utilities sectors faced profit...
- GCC-listed companies' net profit dropped to US$ 57.9 billion in Q2-2023. While retail, capital goods, and utilities sectors faced profit declines, the banking sector thrived
- Energy, materials, and capital goods sectors faced y-o-y profit fell in Q2-2023 as Saudi Aramco's profits fell by 37.3%, while Dubai-listed companies saw a 28.6% profit rise
Business
Dubai’s realty builds on innovation and sustainability
Dubai's skyline epitomizes modern development, with its appeal bolstered by strong property management and developers capitalizing on increasing sales.
- Dubai's skyline epitomizes modern development, with its appeal bolstered by strong property management and developers capitalizing on increasing sales
- COVID-19 and innovations have transformed property management, with a surge in demand for larger apartments and villas, says Deyaar Development's VP
Business
GCC asset management market $500bn by 2026
Strong capital inflows, a young and growing population and growing awareness about asset management will drive the sector's growth in...
- The rise of a middle class is increasing the demand for investment products and services.
- Strategy& Middle East estimates that currently more than 70 percent of regional private wealth is in offshore accounts.
Economy
GCC shows economic resilience as inflation hits globe
GCC countries consistently maintain inflation rates below the global average, with the Food and Beverages CPI subcategory showing moderate growth...
- GCC countries consistently maintain inflation rates below the global average, with the Food and Beverages CPI subcategory showing moderate growth across the region
- Saudi Arabia's CPI is being driven by housing and food, the UAE experiences a sharp CPI drop due to transport costs, while Qatar sees its lowest inflation since July 2021
Arts & Culture
Cinematic revolution helps KSA realize cultural dreams
Saudi Arabia, shedding its conservative past, has ushered in a vibrant art and cinema era, with its box office revenue...
- Saudi Arabia, shedding its conservative past, has ushered in a vibrant art and cinema era, with its box office revenue soaring to $250 million in 2022
- "Movie Cinema" plans a $160m cinematic content investment over five years, symbolizing Saudi Arabia's evolving identity and cinematic aspirations
Economy
AI startups set to rake in $10bn investments by 2026
Half of new cloud deployments will be integrated cloud data ecosystems by 2024, while edge AI will see 55% of...
- Half of new cloud deployments will be integrated cloud data ecosystems by 2024, while edge AI will see 55% of all data analysis by deep neural networks by 2025, says a report
- By 2024, data-centric AI will prioritize synthetic data, comprising 60% of AI data, while ChatGPT's popularity prompts 45% of executives to boost AI investments, adds Gartner
Business
Saudi smart homes market builds on digitization drive
Saudi Arabia's smart homes market is growing due to government backing, tech advancements, and evolving consumer tastes. As the Kingdom...
- The Kingdom's smart homes market is being driven by growing affluence of Saudi population, govt emphasis on digitization, and rising popularity of smart home devices.
- With the support of govt initiatives and technological advancements, the sector is poised to play an important role in shaping the country's future urban landscape
Most Read
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
‘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
Company News
Epstein case: Social media frenzy over released papers
Arts & Culture
Latest News
Global HQs help Saudi youth boost skills, get jobs
The presence of multinationals promises a transfer of expertise and skills, enhancing opportunities for Saudi youth and contributing to the...
Economy
GCC at the forefront of 2024 sukuk market expansion
This year, emerging markets, led by the UAE, issued record bonds against declining yields and expected rate cuts by major...
Market Report
Crypto market sees drop in scams, stolen funds
The cryptocurrency sector recorded a promising recovery in 2023, with a significant decline in crypto scams and stolen funds revenue,...
Business
Most Read
Business
Qatar to set up Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution
Davos, Switzerland -- The war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, monetary policy in 2024, jobs, equitable economic growth,...
- A Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution will also be established in Vietnam.
- WEF and GovTech Campus Deutschland announces the establishment of the Global Government Technology Centre Berlin.
Economy
Saudi startups soar amid surge in venture investments
Saudi Arabia, which secured over 50 percent of MENA's total venture investments in 2023, strategically focuses on financial technology to...
- Saudi Arabia, which secured over 50 percent of MENA's total venture investments in 2023, strategically focuses on financial technology to support Vision 2030,
- The Saudi Venture Capital Company plays an important role, with more than $2.1 billion invested in various sectors, marking a new era of innovation and growth.
Arts & Culture
Epstein case: Social media frenzy over released papers
The release of Epstein-related court documents has ignited a social media frenzy, sparking intense scrutiny and various reactions about high-profile...
- The release of Epstein-related court documents has ignited a social media frenzy, sparking intense scrutiny and various reactions about high-profile individuals' involvement.
- The scandal has shown how social media can transform public discourse and activism, allowing for the expression of outrage, demands for justice, and alternative narratives.