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
Climate threats haunt GCC’s economy and finance
The GCC faces a critical challenge as climate risks like extreme heat and water stress rise, potentially impacting the region's...
Economy
Business
What are the top ecommerce platforms in the GCC?
Ecommerce in the world in general and the GCC region in particular has proliferated despite the Covid-19 pandemic, or probably...
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia together accounted for 75 percent of total ecommerce sales in the region
- Ecommerce is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 19 percent in 2024
Science
GCC nations eye Hyperloop travel by 2030
It is predicted that the Hyperloop technology will carry between 45 and 50 million passengers yearly in the Gulf Arab...
- It is predicted that the Hyperloop technology will carry between 45 and 50 million passengers yearly in the Arab Gulf states using clean and renewable energy
- The Dubai government owned DP World has granted permit to Virgin Hyperloop to develop the technology in the emirate
Business
Stock markets in GCC rise as oil prices gain
Most stock markets in the Gulf rose on Thursday as oil prices gained on growing fuel demand and a bigger-than-expected...
- Dubai's main share index added 0.2%, extending gains from the previous session
- blue-chip developer Emaar Properties rising 0.7% while DAMAC Properties advanced 2.4%
Economy
Non-oil sectors fuel Saudi economic growth
Amidst forecast of economic recovery of Saudi Arabia, a few sectors that have driven the Kingdom's Q2 growth include real...
- The overall Saudi Arabia's GDP in Q2 of 2021, according to the General Authority for Statistics, has been 1.8 percent
- The robust growth was witnessed in real estate (12 percent), non-oil manufacturing (15 percent), and wholesale, retail trade restaurants, and hotels (16.9 percent)
Interview
Gulf region poised for higher growth in 2021: Expert
The economies of the region are recovering fast on the back of the rising oil prices and speedy vaccination programs,...
- The economies of the region are recovering fast on the back of the rising oil prices and a reasonably speedy vaccination program
- In 2022, tourism should also significantly boost growth, resulting in recovery in the non-oil sector as domestic consumption and investment demand improves
Analysis
Investment in agritech key to UAE’s food security
Investing in agricultural technologies can take the UAE closer to its goal of being one of the top 10 countries...
- Over 100 entities use organic farming techniques in the UAE, including advanced farms that utilize modern agricultural technologies.
- The Abu Dhabi Investment Office is investing at least US$100m in agritech startups as part of their food security strategy.
Interview
Covid-19 drives e-learning in GCC
There has been a massive growth in content creation and learners' demand in last two years as the pandemic puts...
- There has been a massive growth in content creation and learners' demand in last two years
- E-learning is highly dependent on digital infrastructures, such as Internet usage and connection fees, which vary dramatically from one Arab country to another
Research
Saudi biggest Arab economy, Sudan most indebted
The Saudi economy, as per IMF, is recovering "well" from the pandemic, estimating the kingdom's non-oil economy will grow by...
- COVID-19 increased the average debt in Arab countries to 81.8 percent of its GDP in 2020, up from 69.4 percent in 2019.
- Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the Arab world due to its small population.
Research
Saudi gold glitters more in the region
Gold prices reached record levels in 2020 following an increase in investor appetite because of COVID-19. The price of yellow...
- Gold jewelry shopping in Saudi Arabia and Egypt grows 13 percent and 4 percent and decreases 12 percent in the UAE
- China purchased 191.1 metric tons of gold in 2021, followed by India, which bought 102.5 metric tons
Business
Cloud adoption picks up pace in GCC region
The strong demand for cloud computing in the Gulf region is driven by efforts of the member states to diversify...
- The UAE leads the region in terms of cloud computing adoption and annual spending.
- The MENA region will be worth around $5 billion to cloud suppliers by 2022.
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
Company News
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E-visas to drive tourism’s GDP share to 10%
Saudi Arabia is leveraging digital solutions to streamline travel, link tourists with local enterprises through apps, and enhance experiences via...
Economy
AI ‘disrupts economy’ but Middle East optimistic
The Boston Consulting Group survey found that 58 percent of Middle East employees, managers, and leaders believe that AI will...
Economy
High oil prices, reforms spur Saudi economic boom
The Kingdom's non-oil private sector expanded sharply in June as output and new orders rose at accelerated, multi-year record rates,...
Economy
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Business
Adaptability, innovation crucial for success in Dubai’s competitive F&B industry
Commitment, market awareness, and adaptability are keys to success in Dubai's highly competitive F&B industry, says Deepti Chawla of Infiniti...
- Commitment, market awareness, and adaptability are keys to success in Dubai's highly competitive F&B industry, says Deepti Chawla, Founder of Infiniti Holdings & DCloud Kitchens
- The F&B sector in the UAE is expected to touch US$8.9-billion mark by 2025, with Dubai, which hosts more than 20,000 eateries, leading from the front, adds Chawla
Economy
MENA region trails in global race for gender parity
The Middle East and North Africa region scores only 62.6% in gender parity, and at the current pace, the region...
- The Middle East and North Africa region scores only 62.6% in gender parity, and at the current pace, the region will achieve full parity in 152 years, says a WEF report
- Solutions like Gender Parity Accelerators and DEI Lighthouse Program are being implemented, but the path to gender parity remains a challenging one, it adds
Business
Gaming navigates financial woes amid inflation rise
The GCC gaming industry, bolstered by Saudi Arabia's $38 billion investment, is poised for significant growth that may make it...
- The GCC gaming industry, bolstered by Saudi Arabia's $38 billion investment, is poised for significant growth that may make it a global leader by the year 2030, says an expert
- With the largest gaming community in the GCC, Saudi Arabia recognizes the potential of esports and gaming as drivers of economic growth and cultural development, he adds