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
Female founders flourish in UAE’s startup ecosystem
Over the past decade, the UAE has become a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting significant interest from international...
Economy
Saudi Arabia expands economic diversification plan
The Kingdom is making significant investments in new economic sectors, including mining, tourism, and information technology, particularly the electronic games...
- The Kingdom is making significant investments in new economic sectors, including mining, tourism, and information technology, particularly the e-game sector
- Saudi Arabia, which is seeking alternatives to crude oil revenues, is planning to invest US$37.8 billion in electronic gaming initiatives and programs through PIF
Business
SVB crash may hit GCC investments in US tech firms
Saudi Arabia and US tech firms have numerous partnerships and investments, with the PIF investing over US$7bn in American companies...
- Saudi Arabia and US technology firms have numerous partnerships and investments, with the PIF investing over US$7bn in American companies and banks, with key focus on tech sector
- Middle East startups, however, have become resilient and resistant to setbacks, with a well-established network of startup incubators in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Manama, and Doha
Reforms help UAE, KSA lead M&A activities in MENA
Local deals account for 51% of total M&A volume with technology sector at 25% as improved market conditions and pro-business...
- Local deals account for 51% of total M&A volume with technology sector at 25% as improved market conditions and pro-business reforms boost investor confidence in the region
- Rise in oil prices over the past six years, pro-business legislative reforms, and relaxation of government travel restrictions were some other reasons behind strong M&A activities
Business
GCC banks face minimal impact of US banking crisis
The impact of SVB failure on regional banks and corporates may remain limited due to the diversity of Gulf investment...
- The impact of SVB failure on regional banks and corporates may remain limited due to the diversity of Gulf investment portfolios, Junaid Ansari of Kamco Invest tells TRENDS
- The decline in regional indices reflects shaken investor sentiment in global markets, the volatility of interbank rates and uncertainty related to bankruptcy crisis, he adds
GCC insurance sector growth may slow down this year
The expansion of infrastructure investment and medical insurance coverage will continue to drive premiums in 2023, albeit at a slower...
- The expansion of infrastructure investment and medical insurance coverage will continue to drive premiums in 2023, albeit at a slower pace than in 2022, reports suggest
- Strong premium growth, relatively modest earnings, and high costs to meet new accounting standards and other regulatory demands will erode capital and solvency buffers
Interview
Unequal pay checks plague GCC workplaces
Businesses in the region need to embed diversity strategies by setting diversity KPIs to ensure fair assessments for women and...
- Reinforcing supportive workplace culture is crucial for MENA employers to effectively attract, recruit and retain talented young women, PwC Middle East’s Norma Taki tells TRENDS
- To make sustainable progress toward gender equality in the MENA region, businesses should embed diversity strategies aimed at ensuring fair assessments for women, she adds
Business
AI, ML make banks in MENA region smarter and faster
The artificial intelligence is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of region's financial services, Tarabut Gateway...
- The artificial intelligence is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of region's financial services, Tarabut Gateway CCO Adnan Erriade tells TRENDS
- Every stakeholder in the financial ecosystem stands to gain from open banking, but end customer remains the biggest beneficiary, adds Erriade in an interview
Business
Despite hurdles, women entrepreneurs thrive in MENA tech sector
As the governments and private organizations in the region are taking measures to encourage and support women entrepreneurs in the...
- A UNESCO study found that 57 percent of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics graduates in Arab nations are women
- Another study revealed that 34 percent of the region's tech-focused start-ups have been founded by women
Economy
Proactive govt policies, high rates, slow global growth to lower impact of inflation in Gulf region
The GCC countries are likely to benefit from the relative stability in their financial covers due to high oil prices...
- The GCC countries are likely to benefit from the relative stability in their financial covers due to high oil prices and strong energy exports in 2022, reports suggest
- Inflation in the GCC averaged at around 4 percent mark and showed a downward trend for most countries in the region during the second half of 2022, they add
Analysis
Gulf boardrooms lag in gender diversity
The Middle East has made significant progress in advancing gender diversity in the workplace through measures such as generous parental...
- While more companies are paying closer attention to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues in the region, only 8% of seats in Saudi Arabia and 17% in UAE went to women last year
- However, there's progress in enabling gender diversity in Middle East such as generous parental leave policies and flexible working arrangements for reintegration after long breaks
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
Company News
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GCC sovereigns eye fiscal rejuvenation
A report by S&P Global Ratings forecasts improved fiscal positions due to higher oil prices, fiscal consolidation and a robust...
Economy
GCC maintains stable inflation rates despite crises
Pausing of rate hikes by global central banks amid fluctuating inflation rates influences global markets, with specific impacts in the...
Economy
Technological advances propel UAE’s payments industry
The sector's growth, driven by the transition to digital transactions and tech innovations, positions UAE as a leader in the...
Business
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Business
Sustainability in style: UAE’s couture goes green
The UAE is shifting from Western influences to eco-friendly practices in its apparel market. 2023 marks the nation's commitment to...
- In the UAE, environmentally friendly, competitively priced, stylish, and high-quality products are increasingly being offered by brands
- They use organic cotton and other environmentally friendly materials like bamboo, hemp, and recycled polyester
Business
Blockchain enhances efficiency, security in aviation
Despite facing challenges like regulatory compliance and interoperability, blockchain promises to revolutionize airline operations, offering improved passenger experiences.
- Despite facing challenges like regulatory compliance and interoperability, blockchain promises to revolutionize airline operations, offering improved passenger experiences.
- Blockchain technology is revolutionizing aviation with enhanced transparency, security, and operational efficiency, promising significant cost savings, says Aerobloc's founder.
Sustainably yours: Redefining travel for green future
The future of travel is expected to see greater use of renewable energy in transportation and advancements in technology, driving...
- The tourism industry grapples with several environmental challenges, with notable concerns being the carbon emissions associated with air travel
- Travelers can help reduce the negative impacts of tourism and support the long-term sustainability of the industry, by choosing sustainable tourism options