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...
Business
Digital innovation spurs gender parity in Middle East
Technology, from digital platforms to AI, offers a transformative avenue for empowering women, says Isabel Neiva of Kearney Middle East...
Business
Economy
Sustainability prime focus as KSA invests heavily in modern cities, transforms building patterns
Urban development projects such as Cube and NEOM are aimed at improving the quality of life and creating a stimulating...
- Urban development projects such as Cube and NEOM are aimed at improving the quality of life and creating a stimulating environment for foreign investments in the Kingdom.
- The Saudi leadership seeks to establish good infrastructure for urban agglomerations, create an attractive and join the league of best cities in the world for housing
Economy
Global recession fear may affect UAE’s hiring rate
Companies are spending more on employee salaries and retention, such as increasing insurance premiums and investing in employee benefits, says...
- Companies are spending more on employee salaries and retention, such as increasing insurance premiums and investing in employee benefits, Brian Habibi of Bayzat tells TRENDS
- Although the UAE has remained extremely resilient, the market is not immune to global economic conditions, adds the Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of the platform
Arts & Culture
Unique platforms raise Arab women’s voices
Empowering women through platforms that allow them to tell their stories and express their opinions is crucial in achieving gender...
- Platforms such as Womena help in empowering women in the Arab region by advancing their rights and taking initiatives for gender equality
- It is crucial to recognize that women across the Arab world have the power to empower one another, says Womena founder Elissa Freiha
Economy
New Saudi law brings in new businesses, more FDI
The New Companies Law simplifies the procedures to set up foreign businesses in Saudi Arabia, and removes several restrictions, says...
- The New Companies Law simplifies the procedures to set up foreign businesses in Saudi Arabia, and removes several restrictions, James Swallow of PRO Partner Group tells TRENDS
- Since the new law's implementation, there has been considerable interest from companies to operate and invest in the Kingdom, says Swallow, adding that is generating employment
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
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...
Business
Company News
Latest News
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.
Business
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...
Economy
MENA’s $2trn construction boom boosts sustainability
With innovative technologies and a focus on reducing emissions, this transformation could position the region as a global leader in...
Economy
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Economy
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...
- The report projects a nearly $11 billion deficit on average over 2023-2026 which is 0.5 percent of average GCC GDP over this period
- Prudent fiscal policy and the relatively higher oil price environment have resulted in some governments repaying part of their debt stock
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...
- Pausing of rate hikes by global central banks amid fluctuating inflation rates influences global markets, with specific impacts in the MENA region, says a new report.
- The latest Kamco report offers an insightful analysis of economic trends in key Gulf countries, shedding light on their unique inflationary challenges and strategies.
Business
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...
- The sector's growth, driven by the transition to digital transactions and tech innovations, positions UAE as a leader in the evolving global payments landscape, says a report.
- Moreover, the Gulf country's economic expansion and changing consumer preferences towards digital payments are also leading to continuous growth of the payment industry.