GenAI set to bridge cybersecurity skills gap by 2028
As GenAI narrows cybersecurity skills gap, organizations will prioritize aptitude over specialized education, adapting hiring practices to meet demands of...
Business
Shifting dietary trends boost MEA’s protein market
Rise of flexitarian and vegan diets in the region is driving demand for alternative proteins, with the market expected to...
Business
Business
Saudi healthcare needs 175,000 professionals by 2030
The Kingdom is modernizing healthcare with national e-health initiatives, integrated plans for virtual and remote healthcare, and the implementation of...
- The Kingdom is modernizing healthcare with national e-health initiatives, integrated plans for virtual and remote healthcare, and implementation of AI at service provider levels
- The Saudi government is also investing in training and recruiting healthcare professionals, encouraging Saudi students to pursue medical and healthcare-related education
Business
Gulf telecom shows robust growth, eyes new avenues
Driven by expats and national development programs, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to experience growth in consumer and...
- Driven by expats and national development programs, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to experience growth in consumer and enterprise segments, say experts
- Telecom operators in the region are diversifying into fintech, gaming, healthcare, cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, and emerging tech, driving digital transformations across sectors
Economy
Diversification, global investment key to UAE’s growth
The Gulf nation is strategically establishing comprehensive economic partnerships with various countries in bid to diversify its economy and encourage...
- The Gulf nation is strategically establishing comprehensive economic partnerships with various countries in bid to diversify its economy and encourage global investments
- As of June 2023, the UAE has entered into five such agreements, notably with Israel, India, Indonesia, Turkey, and Cambodia, with plans to sign three more in the first phase
Interview
Rate rise boosts Gulf banks amid crisis
Despite global economic challenges such as the crisis, inflation, and high interest rates, the GCC banking sector has shown impressive...
- Despite crises in US and Europe, the GCC banking sector has shown significant growth, aided by rate hikes and digitalization, says Commercial Bank of Kuwait CEO Elham Mahfouz
- Kuwait's banking industry recorded a 37% profit increase in 2022, and is making strides in adopting AI and supporting sustainability initiatives, she tells TRENDS in an interview
Business
Gulf banks witness continued growth in lending activities
The first quarter of 2023 experienced a surge in credit demand, except for a slight dip in Qatar. The latest...
- GCC banks witness a 3.2% increase in aggregate gross loans, reaching a record of $1.87 trillion, while NPL ratios improve, with the average ratio decreasing to 2.3%
- Due to the expansion of the banking business and government support, the UAE has the highest NPL ratio, while Saudi Arabian banks exhibit the highest q-o-q growth
Economy
UAE implements corporate tax amidst mixed reactions
Some experts deem the tax rate reasonable in global context, while others remain concerned about challenges the new tax regime...
- Some experts deem the tax rate reasonable in global context, while others remain concerned about challenges the new tax regime could pose for family-owned businesses
- Experts see long-term gains including transparency, diversification, and investor appeal from the taxation, which aims to diversify UAE's revenue and strengthen its financial base
Interview
Luxury car market rides on sustainability
A shift in consumer preferences -- with a substantial percentage of sales coming from smaller and midsize vehicles -- hasn't...
- A shift in consumer preferences -- with a substantial percentage of sales coming from smaller and midsize vehicles -- hasn't dented the appeal of luxury cars, says an expert
- Audi is working on new technologies, including digitization of production processes, AI, and robotics, to optimize output, adds Peter White, Sales Director at Audi Middle East
Business
UAE, Saudi Arabia front runners in GCC talent race
The UAE's strategic allure for global talent through enticing policies clashes with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, diversifying economy and...
- The UAE's strategic allure for global talent through enticing policies clashes with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, diversifying economy and broadening talent avenues
- Incorporating technology in every industry is crucial today. "Failure to do so could lead to a loss of competitive edge," says Chaitanya Peddi, Co-Founder of Darwinbox
Interview
More females steer toward luxury vehicles
Bentley's Regional Director for the UK, Middle East, Africa, and India also anticipates further growth luxury car market throughout 2023...
- Demand for luxury cars is set to stay strong in the Middle East, including GCC, due to economic stability and business activity in the region, says Richard Leopold of Bentley
- Bentley expects the GCC luxury car market to continue growing in 2023, adds Leopold, the brand's Regional Director of Bentley for the UK, the Middle East, Africa, and India
Interview
Data-driven insights become crucial for GCC govts, businesses for making informed decisions: Urbi CEO
Live and constantly updated data ensure precise navigation, right down to the building level, says the chief of leading provider...
- Live and constantly updated data ensure precise navigation, right down to the building level, says the chief of leading provider of geospatial data and analytical tools in UAE.
- Urbi has launched Urbi CityLens, an AI-powered solution designed to transform city management by providing key data for proactive decision-making and preventive actions
GenAI set to bridge cybersecurity skills gap by 2028
As GenAI narrows cybersecurity skills gap, organizations will prioritize aptitude over specialized education, adapting hiring practices to meet demands of...
Business
Company News
Q3 corporate earnings show mixed results in GCC
Market Report
Latest News
COP28 initiatives to narrow climate finance disparity
Antoine Samaha of BCG applauds the launch of a Loss and Damage Fund for developing countries, emphasizing the need for...
COP28 UAE
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...
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...
Most Read
Business
GCC equity markets record first gain in four months
The GCC equity market index rebounded notably in November 2023, with the MSCI GCC index rising 5.2%, led by Qatar...
- The GCC equity market index rebounded notably in November 2023, with the MSCI GCC index rising 5.2%, led by Qatar and closely followed by Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
- This resurgence is a positive sign for the region's markets, which are showing robust growth and diversification efforts, particularly in sectors like Pharma & Biotech.
Economy
Is 2030 the finish line for the Gulf Railway Project?
The Gulf Railway aiming for completion by 2030, will link GCC nations with a comprehensive rail network, marking a new...
- The Gulf Railway aiming for completion by 2030, is set to link GCC nations with a comprehensive rail network, marking a new era in regional transportation and economic integration.
- Saudi Arabia's railway expansion, an integral part of the Gulf Railway Project, boosts GCC connectivity and trade, with parallel progress in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
Business
Defying global trend, UAE leads Middle East IPO surge
The region's IPO momentum is driven by strong performances from entities like Dubai Taxi Company and a significant announcement from...
- The region's IPO momentum is driven by strong performances from entities like Dubai Taxi Company and a significant announcement from Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector.
- Despite a 54 percent annual decrease, Middle East IPOs raise $8.4 billion in 2023, as the MSCI Gulf States Index climbs 8 percent, defying global economic downturns.