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
Interview
Expo 2020: Accenture enables ideal visitor interface
Accenture created integrated intelligent systems for Expo teams, nations, vendors and supplier, says Angelo Lorusso, the company's MD and Client...
- Accenture delivers an integrated solution at Expo 2020 Dubai right from designing, implementing, and running the platforms that power hyper-personalized guest experience
- Accenture supports Expo Live – an innovation and partnership program by teaming up with Smart Labour, a UAE-based Expo Live grantee helping blue-collar workers gain new skills
Arts & Culture
NFTs take Mideast art world by storm
An NFT is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items and videos. They are bought...
- An NFT is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items and videos. They are bought and sold online
- They include data about the artwork or item, such as the artist's name, the date it was sold, and the buyer's identity
Expo 2020 DUBAI
Inside Saudi Arabia’s ‘window to the world’
The memorable landmark was conceived as a minimalistic prism that rises from the ground towards the sky, symbolizing Saudi Arabia's...
- The memorable landmark was conceived as a minimalistic prism that rises from the ground towards the sky, symbolizing Saudi Arabia's unlimited ambitions
- Visitors can also explore a giant digital kaleidoscope and an interactive digital floor at the exhibition's highlight in the 'Vision' space
Interview
Arab world warming up to data analytics: Expert
Data analysts are already helping businesses set marketing strategies, explains Jadd Elliot Dib, founder and CEO of Pangaea X.
- Through data analytics, SMEs can get a better understanding of their customers behavior
- Big Data has the ability to positively impact all industries in the region by creating new revenue streams
Interview
Amazon extends its cloud over Middle East
Nearly two years after it set up a base in Bahrain, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has widened its footprint beyond...
- The new AWS Middle East UAE Region will have three Availability Zones and will be AWS' second Middle East region
- Customers with data residency requirements in the UAE can now store their data in the new AWS Region in UAE
Business
Taxation and confiscation to rein in crypto market
Last few years have seen a lot of tension between governments and central banks around the world, on the one...
- Concerns are rising that these currencies could be used to fund illegal actions and for money laundering.
- Several countries have taken strict measures to crack down on the industry that is viewed with suspicion uniformly across the world.
Research
R&D in Arab world: Challenges and successes
Raging political crises across the region have negatively impacted the economies of several countries. Consequently, spending on research has barely...
- Jordan's ratio of researchers to its citizens was 150 percent of that of its closest competitors.
- Saudi Arabia spared the highest--$12.5 billion--funds for research and development in the Middle East and Africa Region,
Arts & Culture
E-Sports a billion-dollar industry in GCC
The Middle East has 25% of the worldwide gaming audience, followed by Latin America 13.9%, the Asia Pacific 9.2%, Western...
- The Middle East has 25% of the worldwide gaming audience, followed by Latin America 13.9%, the Asia Pacific 9.2%, Western Europe 4.8%, and North America 4%
- The value of gaming in the MENA is estimated to be US$4.5 billion with over 100 million gamers in the region
Expo 2020 DUBAI
The most interesting pavilions at Expo 2020
Expo 2020 Dubai boasts some unique pavilions. Here’s a look at the most engaging among them.
- Future Forest, the Spanish Pavilion, boasts an organic and recycled artificial ecosystem
- The Women’s Pavilion is intended to honor the significant roles that women, known and unknown, have played throughout history
Business
Digital transformation helps GCC banks prosper
Digital transformation brought about by COVID-19 has made banks more open to branchless and cashless banking enabling them to perform...
- Tech adoption amidst COVID-19 makes regional banks more open to branchless and cashless banking enabling them to manage better in H1 2021 than they did in 2020
- The margins of the regional banks were under pressure throughout 2020 and early this year, but they managed to stay afloat by reducing costs and improving efficiency
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
Gulf economies pivot towards China: Multi-billion dollar investments strengthen relations
Economic ties between China and the Gulf region's largest economies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have surged since President Xi...
Economy
Travel companies give wings to Saudi tourism aspirations
Fueling this ambition is an intricate web of travel companies, including tour operators, airlines, accommodation providers, cruise lines, and destination...
Economy
GCC project awards surge by 86% to $49.7bn in Q2
The highest quarterly project awards value in over five years showcases the region's determination for diversification, and reflects the strength...
Business
Most Read
Economy
Saudi Arabia: An emerging tourism hub
The Kingdom is harnessing the potential of tourism for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. In 2022, Saudi Arabia...
- With impressive tourism statistics and a vision to attract 100 million annual visits by 2030, the Kingdom aims to contribute 10% to its GDP through tourism
- Saudi Arabia seizes opportunities through visa simplification, major events, and new markets as sustainability drive and Vision 2030 help the sector grow
Business
Rise in foreign sukuk offset by local currency decline
Saudi Arabia's reduced banking liquidity and lower oil prices have led to a decline in local currency sukuk, but a...
- Saudi Arabia's reduced banking liquidity and lower oil prices have led to a decline in local currency sukuk, but a surge in foreign currency issuances, says a report
- A new report by S&P Global Ratings indicates mixed activity levels, suggesting the need for harmonization of Sharia standards to attract non-core jurisdictions
Economy
Will extended oil production cuts stunt Saudi growth?
The decision to prolong oil output cuts may herald a significant reversal for the Kingdom's fast-growing economy as oil remain...
- The decision to prolong oil output cuts may herald a significant reversal for the Kingdom's fast-growing economy as oil remain a key source for its revenue, say experts
- Amidst varying projections, the overall concern is clear: the extended cuts could strain the economy and may even lead to contraction if the trend continues into 2024