AI in the Middle East: From potential to profit
The region is making significant strides in integrating AI into various sectors, promising substantial productivity gains and innovation, a latest...
Business
Oil sees fluctuating prices, shifting output trends
The crude oil market experienced significant volatility in the year 2023, with prices swinging dramatically, influenced by various global factors.
Business
Economy
Region needs tourism to beat inflation
Despite the global closures and economic crisis, the tourism sector in the Gulf region fared well in 2021 due to...
- Despite global closures and the economic crisis, the tourism business thrived in 2021
- The sector is likely to rebound in 2022 after faltering due to lifting travel restrictions
Economy
Inflation pinches GCC consumers’ pockets
The wave of inflation continues to put pressure on consumers not just in the United States, Europe, and the Arab...
- Wholesale costs have been rising at a significantly across the region, and that this will continue to affect consumer prices in 2022.
- Saudi Arabia contributed 0.5 percentage points to the overall GCC inflation figures in October 2021, the month for which the latest data is available.
Economy
Why and how high is inflation in the region?
The main reason for high inflation rates in the GCC is a rebound in prices in the sectors that were...
- Kuwait was the costliest country in the Gulf to live in in 2021, with an annual inflation rate of around 4.1 percent
- Only in Qatar does annual inflation exceed 5 percent, owing to a high increase in the cost of’ recreation and culture
Economy
Saudi job market to stay upbeat in 2022
During the past four years, the kingdom has created 555,000 new jobs as part of its plan to develop $1...
- Slump in other job markets makes candidates open to moving the kingdom for employment.
- Working on infrastructure projects underway in the kingdom will demonstrate future companies' capacity to work within different cultures and adapt to different cultures.
Business
Innovations boost comfort level in hot Gulf cities
More than 400 cities are impacted by the urban heat island effect and increasing energy consumption that makes cities less...
- Cooling cities will save energy, enhance road durability and improve human health, says Abu Dhabi-based FortyGuard
- The urban heat island effect increases energy consumption in more than 400 cities, adds the clean-tech startup
Economy
Ukraine-Russia war may affect Gulf food supply
The ongoing conflict will directly impact the Gulf and Arab countries since they import vast food items from the two...
- The Gulf states will be directly affected by the conflict as they depend on the two countries to meet a large proportion of their food requirements.
- Experts, however, believe a severe food shortage crisis in the Gulf countries is unlikely to happen in the short term as they can absorb rising import costs
Arts & Culture
Art Dubai 2022 embraces digital art, NFTs
Art Dubai 2022, the art fair's largest edition and one of the few major international art events to take place,...
- This year's event is unique as it will demonstrate that Dubai has become a big part of the discussion about modern art.
- Dubai is a global crypto hub with a diverse group of collectors and entrepreneurs.
Analysis
GCC turbulence mires Airbus rise
Airbus has been mired in controversy despite its best efforts to increase its customer base, across the world in general...
- Qatar Airways and Airbus have tussled for months over the deterioration of aircraft paint and lightning protection
- Kuwait plans to announce an agreement to restructure the national airline fleet of Airbus aircraft
Interview
UAE banks on Instant Payments to shake up sector
The UAE Instant Payments Platform (IPP) is set to go live in Q4 2022, with participation mandatory for all banks...
- The UAE IPP is set to go live in Q4 2022, with participation mandatory for all banks and financial institutions
- Being part of the IPP scheme will allow banks to leverage real-time payments to target new customer segments
Analysis
GCC eyes floating hotels, eateries to buoy tourism
Floating restaurants and hotels could be a significant supporting player as the GCC region aspires to increase its footprint as...
- The UAE is well known for its floating restaurants and five-star floating hotels
- Qatar aims to construct 16 floating hotels for 2022 FIFA World Cup visitors
Most Read
Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
AI in the Middle East: From potential to profit
The region is making significant strides in integrating AI into various sectors, promising substantial productivity gains and innovation, a latest...
Business
Company News
Latest News
Healthcare, F&B and telecom companies spoil GCC stockmarkets’ three-month party
GCC equity markets saw their first decline in three months during August, influenced by global market performance and hawkish Fed...
Market Report
GCC real estate transactions surge on demand increase
GCC real estate hits $90.7 billion in the first half of 2023, a 9.9% year-on-year increase, with Dubai leading the...
Business
Single window offers fresh air to Qatar enterprises
This enhanced suite of services simplify registration for investors, enabling them to complete company setup steps without visiting multiple ministries...
Business
Most Read
Geostrategy
Expansion may offer limited economic boost to BRICS
The anticipated inclusion of six nations into BRICS, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, is expected to ease tensions among them,...
- The anticipated inclusion of six nations into BRICS, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, is expected to ease tensions among them, and foster increased bilateral collaboration
- After expansion, the bloc will represent 30% of global GDP, 45% of the population, control 80% of oil production, and account for 16% of global trade by next year
Business
Smart factories transform manufacturing across GCC
Saudi Arabia and UAE lead the region in rapidly embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, shifting from traditional factories to smart...
- Saudi Arabia and UAE lead the region in rapidly embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, shifting from traditional factories to smart ones.
- Bahrain's commitment to transform 300 factories by 2026 solidifies the region's dedication to technological advancements in manufacturing.
Analysis
Gulf banking sector flourishes amidst rising rates
GCC banks experienced robust lending growth during Q2-2023, despite multi-decade high rates from US hikes, with loans from GCC-listed banks...
- GCC banks experienced robust lending growth during Q2-2023, despite multi-decade high rates from US hikes, with loans from GCC-listed banks hitting a record $1.9 trn
- Customer deposits in the GCC rose 1% quarter-on-quarter to $2.3 trillion, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 79.0%, and net income surging 3.5% to 13.7 billion in Q2-2023