Foreign investors retreat from GCC markets in Q4
Regional market trends, IPOs, geopolitical issues and crude oil prices affected the flow of foreign money in the region, said...
Business
Supply chain challenges hit Ramadan retail rush
Logistical adaptations, strategic planning, and forecasting essential for addressing the unique demands of increased consumption during Ramadan, says Aramex's Tarek...
Business
Economy
Office segment demand drives Saudi Arabia’s real estate boom
"The office sector shines brightest in the real estate market. Saudi Arabia's rapid economic growth drives the demand," Faisal Durrani,...
- Prime rents in Riyadh have risen by 19 percent in the last year, while in Jeddah, they have risen by about 9 percent
- The main demand centers for office space in the kingdom are Riyadh and Jeddah, and Dammam Metropolitan Area
Business
Adaptability, innovation crucial for success in Dubai’s competitive F&B industry
Commitment, market awareness, and adaptability are keys to success in Dubai's highly competitive F&B industry, says Deepti Chawla of Infiniti...
- Commitment, market awareness, and adaptability are keys to success in Dubai's highly competitive F&B industry, says Deepti Chawla, Founder of Infiniti Holdings & DCloud Kitchens
- The F&B sector in the UAE is expected to touch US$8.9-billion mark by 2025, with Dubai, which hosts more than 20,000 eateries, leading from the front, adds Chawla
Economy
MENA region trails in global race for gender parity
The Middle East and North Africa region scores only 62.6% in gender parity, and at the current pace, the region...
- The Middle East and North Africa region scores only 62.6% in gender parity, and at the current pace, the region will achieve full parity in 152 years, says a WEF report
- Solutions like Gender Parity Accelerators and DEI Lighthouse Program are being implemented, but the path to gender parity remains a challenging one, it adds
Business
Gaming navigates financial woes amid inflation rise
The GCC gaming industry, bolstered by Saudi Arabia's $38 billion investment, is poised for significant growth that may make it...
- The GCC gaming industry, bolstered by Saudi Arabia's $38 billion investment, is poised for significant growth that may make it a global leader by the year 2030, says an expert
- With the largest gaming community in the GCC, Saudi Arabia recognizes the potential of esports and gaming as drivers of economic growth and cultural development, he adds
Economy
HNWIs’ wealth in Middle East grows despite slowdown
Despite a global economic slowdown in 2022, high-net-worth individual wealth in the region experienced growth on the back of strong...
- Despite a global economic slowdown in 2022, high-net-worth individual wealth in the region experienced growth on the back of strong earnings in the oil and gas sectors
- Globally, HNWI wealth and population declined, with North America experiencing the sharpest decline. HNWIs have shifted focus to value and prioritized wealth preservation
Business
UAE, Saudi firms eye global acquisitions worth $20bn
Companies like ADNOC, Saudi sovereign fund, and Niu are making significant strides as the two Gulf countries seek to diversify...
- Companies like ADNOC, Saudi sovereign fund, and Niu are making significant strides as the two Gulf countries seek to diversify their economies and capitalize on high oil prices
- "M&A surge in the Middle East fueled by private equity and sovereign wealth funds, and backed by liquidity and reforms, is giving wings to region's transformative aspirations
Business
Tech-driven sustainability focus of banks
Financial institutions in the Gulf region are also focusing on sustainable practices like renewable energy investments, reducing their carbon footprint,...
- Through digitalization, collaboration with fintech companies, and responsible banking practices, banks are leading the charge in sustainable development in the region, say experts
- Gulf banks are also focusing on sustainable practices like renewable energy investments, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting sustainable businesses, they add
Geostrategy
Resumption of Saudi-Iran relations: A step towards regional, economic stability or a strategic play?
The peace deal has ignited debates on its potential to transform Middle East from a region hit by conflicts to...
- The bilateral peace agreement has sparked intensified debates about its potential to transform the Middle East from a conflict-ridden region to peaceful and prosperous place
- Despite government-level reconciliation, Saudi-Iran ties face early-stage challenges, including Iranian aggression, and businesses in both countries risk political uncertainties
Geostrategy
Resumption of Saudi-Iran relations: A step towards regional, economic stability or a strategic play?
The bilateral peace agreement has sparked intensified debates about its potential to transform the Middle East from a conflict-ridden region...
- The bilateral peace agreement has sparked intensified debates about its potential to transform the Middle East from a conflict-ridden region to peaceful and prosperous place
- Despite government-level reconciliation, Saudi-Iran ties face early-stage challenges, including Iranian aggression, and businesses in both countries risk political uncertainties
Business
Expo 2030: All eyes on Riyadh as it makes a big pitch
With ongoing mega-projects and economic diversification, Riyadh's strong Expo 2030 candidacy has already garnered support from 90 of 170 member...
- With ongoing mega-projects and economic diversification, Riyadh's strong Expo 2030 candidacy has already garnered support from 90 of 170 member states
- Aiming to surpass Expo 2020 Dubai's visitor count, the Kingdom anticipates more than 40 million on-site and a billion virtual Metaverse visits during the event
Foreign investors retreat from GCC markets in Q4
Regional market trends, IPOs, geopolitical issues and crude oil prices affected the flow of foreign money in the region, said...
Business
Company News
Latest News
Q3 corporate earnings show mixed results in GCC
Market Report
GCC forges ahead in sustainable tech initiatives
In 2023, the Gulf countries made a strong push towards renewable energy and pioneering green hydrogen projects, signaling a significant...
Business
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead MENA’s smart city development
In 2023, the region advanced in smart city initiatives, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the transformation, with Frost...
Geostrategy
Climate threats haunt GCC’s economy and finance
The GCC faces a critical challenge as climate risks like extreme heat and water stress rise, potentially impacting the region's...
Economy
Most Read
Clean energy sees marked investment rise since 2020
With a 40% increase in clean energy investments since 2020 and a focus on innovative policies, the global community is...
- With a 40% increase in clean energy investments since 2020 and a focus on innovative policies, the global community is making strides towards a greener future, says an expert.
- However, challenges remain in meeting the Paris Agreement goals and ensuring all nations can participate in the transition, adds Ferdinand Varga of Boston Consulting Group.
Cloud security challenges haunt firms in UAE and KSA
Rapid cloud adoption in the two GCC countries is accompanied by increased security risks, leading to costly data breaches, reveals...
- Rapid cloud adoption in the two GCC countries is accompanied by increased security risks, leading to costly data breaches, reveals a latest study by Illumio.
- Organizations have been advised to adopt robust security measures, including Zero Trust Segmentation, to protect against emerging cyber threats.
Economy
Localization in focus as KSA raises military spending
Saudi Arabia's 2024 budget hikes military spending to $71 billion for industry localization and modernization, targeting 50% equipment spending localization...
- Saudi Arabia's 2024 budget hikes military spending to $71 billion for industry localization and modernization, targeting 50% equipment spending localization by 2030.
- The Kingdom has partnered with global defense companies, enhancing capabilities, aiming for SAMI to rank among top 25 global military industries by this decade's end.