Ramadan influences consumer habits, retail strategy
The ongoing fasting month brings traditional practices and modern shopping habits together, impacting market trends significantly in the Gulf region.
Business
Women playing key role in educational innovations
Arab women have significant impact in shaping educational practices by embracing technology and student-centered learning, says Aziza Ellozy of The...
Interview
Economy
GCC countries take steps to close gender pay gap
TRENDS Twitter poll suggests 48% candidates face discrimination during job recruitment process in the Gulf region, while 30% do not,...
- Recent updates to labor laws in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain aim to bridge the gender pay gap and address discriminatory practices
- These updates include prohibiting discrimination between male and female employees who perform the same job and introducing paternity leave in the UAE
Business
Digital platforms are transforming the way GCC countries attract investments
Since the beginning of 2023 alone, three digital and physical platforms have been launched by Qatar, Oman and Kuwait to...
- The Qatar Investment Promotion Agency launched the latest Gulf investment platform on April 4, 2023
- The most prominent investment platform in the UAE is "Invest in Dubai", launched in February 2021
Economy
Dubai faces tough fight as GCC nations compete for tourists on digital, social media platforms
The emirate still remains at the top of the list of places to visit in the region because of the...
- Several Arab Gulf countries are ambitiously trying to turn themselves into major tourist destinations, and some have already had considerable success
- Dubai still remains at the top of the list of places to visit in the region because of the sheer diversity of products it has to offer and the infrastructure it has built
Interview
Focus on innovation and sustainability as RAKEZ helps businesses grow
The economic zone supports over 18,000 SMEs and multinational corporations, providing them with simplified processes, customized packages, and digitalized services,...
- The economic zone supports over 18,000 SMEs and multinational corporations, providing them with simplified processes, customized packages, and digitalized services, says Jallad
- RAKEZ offers regular B2B networking opportunities, hosts workshops and seminars, and provides aftercare support to ensure businesses thrive in the UAE and beyond, he adds
Economy
Saudi Arabia’s FDI bid: Economic zones, 100% foreign ownership, tax sops
The kingdom hopes that its regulatory incentives and strategic location would help it compete with the UAE, whose tax-free zones...
- The kingdom's availability of natural resources, organizational changes, and a young population add to its attraction for the investors
- The country has benefited from the rise in oil prices caused by the Ukrainian war and is expected to achieve the G20's highest growth rate
Economy
GCC-listed firms post record growth in 2022, fueled by a thriving energy sector
Net profit reported by the companies jumped to a record high of US$ 273.3 billion in 2022, compared to US$...
- Net profit reported by the companies jumped to a record high of US$ 273.3 billion in 2022, compared to US$ 199.0 billion in 2021
- The energy sector alone witnessed US$ 74.2 billion, or 37.3 percent growth, mainly on the back of a steep jump in profits led by Aramco
Business
GCC data center market to reach $5.5bn by 2028
Major cloud service providers such as Microsoft, Tencent Cloud, Oracle, Amazon Web Services, and Alibaba Cloud are establishing local cloud...
- Saudi government has implemented the Cloud First policy to encourage the adoption of cloud services
- Microsoft, Tencent Cloud, Oracle, Amazon Web Services, and Alibaba Cloud are establishing local cloud regions
Business
Why do firms falter in Middle East’s booming sectors?
In the last 10 years, a motley of supposedly best-run companies in the Middle East have collapsed, disappearing into obscurity....
- In order to stave off total ruin and collapse of a business, industry experts recommend for the board to take charge of strategy, in cahoots with the management.
- Many experts blame disagreements within a board, or a lack of team spirit as the reason for tipping a company toward a slow demise
Economy
Saudization, progress help KSA reduce unemployment
Since the launch of Vision 2030, the kingdom's unemployment rate has notably dropped due to economic development, job localization, and...
- Since the launch of Vision 2030, the kingdom's unemployment rate has notably dropped due to economic development, job localization, and greater women participation in labor market
- The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources, which conducted a labor market supply and demand study, aims to create a national unit to identify future specializations and required skills
Economy
TRENDS poll: GCC residents opt to be in Dubai for Eid vacation
Most of the participants, in the poll from as far away as Egypt and Lebanon, picked up Dubai to celebrate...
- Dubai has been attracting young travelers in droves, thanks to its infrastructure, cleanliness, beaches, and high levels of safety
- Qatar has seen an influx of tourists, with a record number already being registered in the first two months of the year
Ramadan influences consumer habits, retail strategy
The ongoing fasting month brings traditional practices and modern shopping habits together, impacting market trends significantly in the Gulf region.
Business
Company News
Latest News
Fintech fuels growth in Islamic finance sector
Islamic banking, making up 70% of the Islamic finance market's assets, is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by fintech innovations...
Business
GCC banks navigate rising rates with record lending
Despite global credit risks, GCC banks thrive with overall lending growth, bolstered by strong performances in Saudi Arabia and the...
Business
Q3 corporate earnings show mixed results in GCC
While the energy and commodity sectors faced declines due to falling prices, the banking and telecom sectors demonstrated remarkable resilience,...
Market Report
Most Read
Business
Conflict hits regional gas supply and infrastructure
The Israel-Hamas conflict has halted gas production at the Tamar plant, significantly impacting the region's infrastructure and disrupting Israel's gas...
- The Israel-Hamas conflict has halted gas production at the Tamar plant, significantly impacting the region's infrastructure and disrupting Israel's gas exports.
- The conflict poses risks to the regional energy sector, potentially affecting Egypt's gas supply and oil and gas prices due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Business
AI transforms office roles and enhances productivity
Artificial intelligence automates tasks and boosts capabilities, leading to transformative changes in job roles, productivity, and staff engagement dynamics.
- Artificial intelligence automates tasks and boosts capabilities, leading to transformative changes in job roles, productivity, and staff engagement dynamics.
- Chatbots and virtual assistants are set to enhance employee experience and workplace efficiency, while companies shift focus to outcome-based performance.
Economy
Rising temperatures worry MENA region
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces severe climate change challenges, including water scarcity and extreme temperatures, with...
- With diverse strategies from GCC to non-GCC nations, the battle against climate change underscores a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
- In the MENA region, resource-rich GCC countries are better equipped to tackle climate change challenges that threaten food security, water resources, and biodiversity.