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...
Business
Tech revolutionizes professional landscape for women
Women First Jobs offers tailored solutions for women in the UAE, overcoming societal norms and unequal access to opportunities, says...
Business
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
Economy
Qatar eyes 1.5 million Saudi tourists in 2023 after thaw in bilateral relations
Sports, social and marketing events, including various global activities and competitions, are likely to bring in more Saudi tourists, Qatar...
- Sports, social and marketing events, including various global activities and competitions, are likely to bring in more Saudi tourists, Qatar Tourism's data suggest
- A package launched at the beginning of this year aims to attract 6 million visitors annually and increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP to 12%
Economy
Gulf Common Market moves ahead with new tracks
New tracks have been launched in the Gulf common market to supplement the 10 current tracks. The bloc also seeks...
- New tracks have been launched in the Gulf Common Market to supplement the 10 current tracks. The bloc also seeks collaboration with the private players in the region
- The "third phase" of the statistical survey was also reviewed during the meeting to assess the implementation of the GCC Common Market plans on the ground
Interview
GCC will be least hit by recession: WEF’s MENA head
In 2023, some Middle Eastern economies appear to be more resilient than most developed markets, Maroun Kairouz, Director for MENA...
- In 2023, some Middle Eastern economies appear to be more resilient than the most developed markets, Maroun Kairouz, Director for MENA at the World Economic Forum, tells TRENDS
- During the global crisis of 2007 and 2008, all western leaders knocked on the doors of GCC sovereign wealth funds because those are the pools of long-term capital, he adds
Business
GCC gas stations expand as global oil demand surges
The annual expansion of more than 100 fuel stations in the Gulf countries add around US$500,000 per day to companies'...
- The annual expansion of more than 100 fuel stations in the Gulf countries add around US$500,000 per day to companies' revenues in each country in the region, say experts
- Major Gulf gas station firms-- including Saudi Aramco, the UAE's ADNOC, Qatar's Woqod, and Oman's Omco -- have announced new expansion plans for the coming years
Business
Giga projects attract more foreign banks to KSA
At least six banks, seeking to open branches in Saudi Arabia, have obtained licenses from the Saudi Central Bank to...
- At least six banks, seeking to open branches in Saudi Arabia, have obtained licenses from the Saudi Central Bank to conduct operations in the Kingdom in the coming months.
- New banks are expected to add value to the Saudi economy by strengthening the services sector, expanding financing options and boosting public confidence in financial system
Business
Aramco’s digitalization drive set to transform Saudi Arabia’s energy sector
The launch of Aramco Digital follows months after the energy company announced preliminary plans for a strategic collaboration with the...
- The company's journey toward comprehensive digitization began in 2017 when it announced the launch of the Digital Transformation Program
- The launch of Aramco Digital during the seventh edition of IKTVA marks a new and significant stage in digital transformation of Saudi Arabia's energy sector
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...
Business
Company News
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Gaza conflict casts shadow on Israel’s gas industry
War with Palestinians disrupts Israel's gas exports, causing economic losses and altering energy strategies.
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...
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
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Analysis
Saudi pioneering solutions for water scarcity
The kingdom is forging partnerships with major corporations to revolutionize water technologies and achieve water self-sufficiency.
- Water scarcity is 500 cubic meters per capita, while Saudi Arabia's annual per capita share of water does not exceed 89.5 cubic meters.
- The Saline Water Conversion Corporation has signed agreements with several major corporations to tackle water scarcity.
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.