PIF’s diverse investments transform Saudi economy
From sports and gaming to pharmaceuticals and aviation, the Saudi Public Investment Fund's strategic initiatives are shaping a dynamic future...
Business
2024 set to see new era of digital transformation
The GCC region is on the brink of a major tech revolution, led by advancements in AI, fintech, and sustainable...
Economy
Business
Saudi Arabia eyes gas primacy with Al-Jafurah
The country is looking to move up a position and become the world’s second-largest gas producer with this field.
- Saudi Arabia intends to be one of the most influential in defining global policies in the gas market
- Al-Jafurah is the country’s largest non-associated gas field, with reserves estimated at 200 trillion cubic feet
Economy
UAE’s curtailed working week rule welcomed
UAE is the first country in the world to offer a national work week that is shorter than the five-day...
- Government entities will have 7:30am-3:30pm workdays from Monday to Thursday, while working hours in the private sector may last till after 5pm.
- The new system will allow federal authorities to use flexible working hours and the remote work system on Fridays.
Business
Saudi Arabia drops paper, adopts e-invoicing
The first phase of electronic invoicing in Saudi Arabia has begun, affecting all taxpayers liable to VAT in the Kingdom...
- The Kingdom's first phase of electronic invoicing has begun, affecting all VAT payers
- Purchasing with tax invoices and failing to notify the Authority of any fault will result in a fine of 10,000 Riyals
Interview
‘Saudi women entrepreneurs have it easier now’
Boundary-pushing journalist and entrepreneur Muna AbuSulayman tells TRENDS how things have changed for businesswomen in Saudi Arabia.
- Young entrepreneurs who have never worked before struggle severely, and their businesses fail early, says Muna AbuSulayman
- Influencers should create important and meaningful content for this new world and the new generations, she adds
Analysis
Saudi Arabia, UAE ripe for hydrogen investments
Green hydrogen has the potential to rapidly replace fossil fuels on a large scale, says Cranmore Managing Partner Yusuf Macun.
- Green hydrogen has a lot of potential particularly in heavy transport and heavy industries
- Green hydrogen has the ability to rapidly replace fossil fuels while simultaneously enhancing electrification
Interview
Online food delivery infra a necessity now
‘The delivery sector has become critical to the hospitality industry's survival,’ says Deliverect Middle East General Manager Naji Haddad.
- The explosive rise of online food delivery is forcing restaurants to change how they operate
- Restaurants needed to survive through the pandemic, and now they need to stand out from the competitors
Interview
Tech-enabled sustainability can help hospitality
SB Group founder and CEO Sanjeevv Bhatia says the hotel industry can no longer ignore net-zero goals.
- Hospitality buildings account for about 40 percent of worldwide energy consumption and GHG emissions
- Old buildings are riddled with vendor-locked and legacy systems that are inflexible and thus difficult to optimize
Market Report
Omicron batters indices across MENA
Stock markets across the MENA region suffered losses on Sunday as dip in oil prices and mounting concern over ‘Omicron’...
- The Saudi stock market's main index falls by more than 5% to 10,700 points
- The Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange index (ADX) drops by 2.6% to 8230 points
Business
Tips to consider before starting a new business
With the Covid-19 pandemic leading people to start their own businesses, a good beginning could make all the difference.
- While it is feasible to start a business with limited resources, there are always obstacles to overcome
- Over 65 percent of businesses fail within 10 years, and approximately 20 percent within two years
Interview
UAE industries are embracing solar power
Al Bayader International, for example, has set up solar farms to offset energy costs and build sustainability, says Founder and...
- Companies want to decrease their carbon footprint and lower their electricity expenses
- As a result, they are increasingly installing rooftop solar farms to save on energy bills
PIF’s diverse investments transform Saudi economy
From sports and gaming to pharmaceuticals and aviation, the Saudi Public Investment Fund's strategic initiatives are shaping a dynamic future...
Business
Company News
Latest News
GCC eyes global recycling dominance amidst EV boom
While rising EV demand may cause a global shortage of metals like cobalt and lithium by 2030, the Gulf region's...
Business
Oil prices fluid amid geopolitics, economic recovery
Geopolitical tensions, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war and the trade war between the United States and China, have sent shockwaves...
Business
Dubai leads as GCC real estate transactions soar in H1
Gulf real estate hit $90.7 billion in the first half of 2023, a 9.9% rise y-o-y, as Dubai led the...
Business
Most Read
Geostrategy
Eastward shift: GCC builds strategic ties with ASEAN
Trade between GCC and ASEAN doubles, marking a new economic collaboration era as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and UAE enhance...
- Trade between GCC and ASEAN doubles, marking a new economic collaboration era as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and UAE enhance ties by signing Treaty of Amity and Cooperation
- The UAE dominates Gulf investments in ASEAN with 74% share from 2016 to 2021 as recent free trade agreements with Indonesia and Singapore indicate expanding GCC-ASEAN ties
Business
Flying taxis: Saudi Arabia stares at sustainable skies
NEOM, the Kingdom's futuristic city, hosts Volocopter's pioneering eVTOL aircraft test flights, marking a substantial stride towards sustainable, smart mobility.
- NEOM, the Kingdom's futuristic city, hosts Volocopter's pioneering eVTOL aircraft test flights, marking a substantial stride towards sustainable, smart mobility
- 'Taxi ports', air traffic systems, private sector participation, and new regulations are crucial to futuristic transportation to ensure safety and efficiency in mobility
Business
$1.3trn mineral reserves shift Saudi focus to mining
The Kingdom, leveraging its significant copper reserves across the nation, seeks to address the global shortage, particularly crucial amid the...
- The Kingdom, leveraging its significant copper reserves across the nation, seeks to address the global shortage, particularly crucial amid the transition towards clean energy
- The Kingdom, despite facing challenges in logistics and water provision at mining sites, is harnessing technology and collaborations to improve production quality