UAE is shifting from attracting talent to unleashing it: Sheraa vice-chairperson
With national campaigns such as The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World setting targets of training 10,000 Emiratis and...
Interview
UAE’s steady economic rise fertile ground for growth of facilities management
A steady stream of development projects and year-round tourism in the country propel demand for tech-enabled facilities management, says Adnan...
Interview
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...
- The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 bin in 2023, with long-term growth expected
- The market size is predicted to reach US$13.70 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.42%
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%
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.
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UAE is shifting from attracting talent to unleashing it: Sheraa vice-chairperson
With national campaigns such as The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World setting targets of training 10,000 Emiratis and...
Interview
Company News
Latest News
‘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
RAKEZ powers Ras Al Khaimah’s growth: CEO Ramy Jallad
Jallad underscores the role played by RAK ruler Sheikh Saud in positioning the emirate as a magnet for SMEs and...
Interview
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,...
Most Read
‘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...
- What began with Emirates and Dubai has expanded to include Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, says Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel
- The region hosts numerous trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions, and have so many hotels that are capable of accommodating tens of thousands of attendees, he adds
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...
- The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 bin in 2023, with long-term growth expected
- The market size is predicted to reach US$13.70 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.42%
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