Beyond entertainment: How storytelling is shifting in the digital age
In a world where our screens shape how we think, feel, and connect, entertainment has become more than an escape...
Interview
Stealth to Health: Medical innovation to combat silent killers
The future of healthcare is shifting towards decentralized, preventive care, leveraging AI to anticipate risks and improve long-term health outcomes,...
Science
Economy
Saudi Arabia surpasses homeownership goals, sets sights on 70% by 2030
The kingdom's housing program achieves remarkable success, surpassing targets and reducing waiting times from 15 years to immediate entitlement, revolutionizing...
- The housing program, which implements over 15 development initiatives and programs, successfully increased Saudi families' homeownership rate to more than 60% by 2023
- It also accomplished over 165,000 housing units and plans to provide 365,000 housing units over the next few years, with 95,000 units going to the most vulnerable families by 2025
Economy
March sees GCC Index drop as heavyweight sectors lag
GCC equity markets experienced a March downturn, influenced by seasonal selling pressure during Ramadan, leading to a 3.0% drop in...
- The decline was mainly led by seasonal selling pressure during Ramadan as investors booked profits after last month’s healthy gains
- Qatar suffered the steepest fall by 6.0%., Saudi Arabia was next with a slide of 1.8% while Kuwait and Dubai indices fell by 1.5%
Business
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...
- Foreign investors were net buyers for the last 14 consecutive quarters since Q1-2020, the year of the pandemic.
- The quarterly data on trading activity on GCC exchanges showed all the exchanges recorded foreigners as net sellers during Q4-2023, barring Saudi Arabia.
Business
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...
- As GenAI narrows cybersecurity skills gap, organizations will prioritize aptitude over specialized education, adapting hiring practices to meet demands of emerging technologies.
- With malinformation costs set to exceed $500bn, businesses must invest in anti-malinformation programs and leverage chaos engineering to figh against evolving cyber threats.
Economy
Gulf nations transition from oil to solar powerhouses
The Gulf region is embracing the future of energy by investing in polysilicon production, crucial for solar panel manufacturing, with...
- The Gulf region is embracing the future of energy by investing in polysilicon production, crucial for solar panel manufacturing.
- With Qatar leading by example and Saudi Arabia set to follow, these moves signify a key shift towards renewable energy sources.
Business
Foreign investments boost Saudi financial market
Saudi Arabia's financial market is on an upward trajectory, fueled by substantial foreign investments and strategic economic diversification under Vision...
- The Kingdom's financial market is on an upward trajectory, fueled by substantial foreign investments and strategic economic diversification under Vision 2030.
- With the Aramco IPO on the horizon and a series of reforms attracting global attention, Saudi Arabia is setting the stage for a financial revolution.
Business
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.
- The ongoing fasting month brings traditional practices and modern shopping habits together, impacting market trends significantly in the Gulf region.
- From altered shopping hours to a rise in e-commerce and spending on traditional foods and gifts, Ramadan shapes retail landscape in unique ways.
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...
- Logistical adaptations, strategic planning, and forecasting essential for addressing the unique demands of increased consumption during Ramadan, says Aramex's Tarek Abi Yaghi.
- A shift towards late-night deliveries reflects changing consumer preferences, highlighting the crucial role of transparency and integrity in maintaining strong client relations.
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...
- Rise of flexitarian and vegan diets in the region is driving demand for alternative proteins, with the market expected to cross $2.71 billion by 2029, says a report.
- Disruptive tech leads alternative protein firms' growth, positioning the UAE as a future hub for sustainable food production, adds Data Bridge Market Research.
Business
Stable credit conditions make GCC firms resilient
Gulf companies benefit from supportive credit environments, ensuring resilience in 2024 despite global economic challenges and geopolitical risks, says a...
- Gulf companies benefit from supportive credit environments, ensuring resilience in 2024 despite global economic challenges and geopolitical risks, says a report.
- GCC entities are poised to handle higher refinancing and interest costs through improved performance and non-oil growth, maintaining stable debt levels, it adds.
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Beyond entertainment: How storytelling is shifting in the digital age
In a world where our screens shape how we think, feel, and connect, entertainment has become more than an escape...
Interview
Company News
Latest News
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,...
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...
Business
‘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...
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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
Economy
Saudi Arabia surpasses homeownership goals, sets sights on 70% by 2030
The kingdom's housing program achieves remarkable success, surpassing targets and reducing waiting times from 15 years to immediate entitlement, revolutionizing...
- The housing program, which implements over 15 development initiatives and programs, successfully increased Saudi families' homeownership rate to more than 60% by 2023
- It also accomplished over 165,000 housing units and plans to provide 365,000 housing units over the next few years, with 95,000 units going to the most vulnerable families by 2025
Economy
March sees GCC Index drop as heavyweight sectors lag
GCC equity markets experienced a March downturn, influenced by seasonal selling pressure during Ramadan, leading to a 3.0% drop in...
- The decline was mainly led by seasonal selling pressure during Ramadan as investors booked profits after last month’s healthy gains
- Qatar suffered the steepest fall by 6.0%., Saudi Arabia was next with a slide of 1.8% while Kuwait and Dubai indices fell by 1.5%