Gaming, esports GCC’s new growth play
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the gaming surge with world-class ecosystems and youth-driven expansion. Across the region, governments...
Economy
Smart cities lead GCC’s IoT boom: NEOM and Smart Dubai in focus
IoT applications are transforming critical sectors such as transportation, where connected vehicles improve traffic management, utilities where smart grids enhance...
Economy
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.
Interview
Empowering Arab women Sheikha Bodour’s key focus
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, from the American University of Sharjah, advocates for diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning in leadership roles...
- Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, from the American University of Sharjah, advocates for diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning in leadership roles for women.
- She highlights the strengths Arab women bring to leadership and the hurdles they face, proposing mentorship and gender diversity programs as solutions.
Interview
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...
- Arab women have significant impact in shaping educational practices by embracing technology and student-centered learning, says Aziza Ellozy of The American University in Cairo.
- Embracing innovative pedagogies and technology, while strategizing success in leadership roles helps in overcoming challenges within the education sector, Ellozy adds.
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...
- Technology, from digital platforms to AI, offers a transformative avenue for empowering women, says Isabel Neiva of Kearney Middle East & Africa.
- She adds that technology is enhancing access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities beside health and well-being for women.
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...
- Women First Jobs offers tailored solutions for women in the UAE, overcoming societal norms and unequal access to opportunities, says its CEO Priyanka Sengar.
- The portal is committed to breaking down barriers to women's professional success, including pay disparity and limited leadership representation, she adds.
Business
Global challenges hit M&A activity in Middle East, GCC
Sovereign Wealth Funds emerge as pivotal players, driving economic diversification and strategic cross-border partnerships, says Riccardo Molinari of Bain &...
- Sovereign Wealth Funds emerge as pivotal players, driving economic diversification and strategic cross-border partnerships, says Riccardo Molinari of Bain & Company.
- With a spotlight on sustainability and strategic growth, 2024 holds optimistic prospects for merger and acquisition activity in the Middle Eastern region, including GCC.
Economy
Diversification helps GCC surge in global markets
Gulf economies are witnessing transformative growth and resilience with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar leading the way in global...
- Gulf economies are witnessing transformative growth and resilience with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar leading the way in global competitiveness, says a report.
- The bloc's shift from oil, through huge investments in logistics infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, positions them as prime locations for foreign investment.
Economy
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...
- Over the past decade, the UAE has become a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting significant interest from international and female-led startups.
- Supported by visionary leadership and progressive policies, this surge ushers in a transformative era for the UAE, highlighting diversity, creativity, and sustainable development.
Business
Consumer products sector grows amid rising prices
The consumer products sector enjoys tremendous growth, with retail sales value for the industry globally rising by close to 10...
- The consumer products sector enjoys tremendous growth, with retail sales value for the industry globally rising by close to 10 percent year on year in 2023, says a report.
- However, the sector remain at a crossroads, with inflation, digital transformation, and sustainability shaping the future, adds the latest report by Bain & Company.
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Gaming, esports GCC’s new growth play
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the gaming surge with world-class ecosystems and youth-driven expansion. Across the region, governments...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
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...
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...
Business
Most Read
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.