WEF’s inaugural session in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing influence
Gabriel Chahine, Middle East Lead for AlixPartners, discusses the significance of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, economic outlook, AI,...
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...
Economy
Economy
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...
- The GCC region is on the brink of a major tech revolution, led by advancements in AI, fintech, and sustainable technology, UAE-based tech expert Dua Al Toobi tells TRENDS.
- Innovations are set to reshape the Gulf's economic and social landscape in 2024, marking a pivotal shift towards a knowledge-based economy, adds Al Toobi.
Business
Dubai leads way as GCC markets show mixed results
Amid market volatility influenced by geopolitical tensions and fluctuating oil prices, pharma, insurance, and healthcare indices led with substantial gains...
- Amid market volatility influenced by geopolitical tensions and fluctuating oil prices, pharma, insurance, and healthcare indices led with substantial gains in 2023.
- In 2023, global equity markets neared record highs, led by the US and Japan, with the Nasdaq index's remarkable surge standing out as a key highlight
Arts & Culture
Saudi football dominates Gulf sports scene this year
The Kingdom's football undergoes a historic transformation in 2023 with major investments and player signings, and Saudi Arabia wins the...
- The Kingdom's football undergoes a historic transformation in 2023 with major investments and player signings, and Saudi Arabia wins the bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
- UAE-owned Manchester City wins the Champions League, while Qatar hosts major 2023 sports events, preparing for the 2024 Asian Football Cup, taking the Gulf sports to next level.
Business
GCC forges ahead in sustainable tech initiatives
In 2023, the Gulf countries made a strong push towards renewable energy and pioneering green hydrogen projects, signaling a significant...
- In 2023, the Gulf countries made a strong push towards renewable energy and pioneering green hydrogen projects, signaling a significant green transition in the region.
- The GCC's commitment to sustainable technology initiatives, including advancements in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and smart city solutions, make it a global leader.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead MENA’s smart city development
In 2023, the region advanced in smart city initiatives, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the transformation, with Frost...
- In 2023, the region advanced in smart city initiatives, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the transformation, with Frost & Sullivan projected $50bn investment by 2025.
- Saudi Arabia, leading with Riyadh, targets 17 cities for smart development, while the UAE's Masdar City, Oman's Sultan Haitham, and Qatar's Lusail City follow suit.
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...
- The GCC faces a critical challenge as climate risks like extreme heat and water stress rise, potentially impacting the region's economic stability and financial health.
- A new S&P Global report underscores the urgency for adaptation and resilience investments to mitigate risks such as climate-induced flooding.
COP28 UAE
COP28 initiatives to narrow climate finance disparity
Antoine Samaha of BCG applauds the launch of a Loss and Damage Fund for developing countries, emphasizing the need for...
- At COP28, a significant focus was placed on climate finance, with the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund to aid developing countries.
- Antoine Samaha of BCG underscores the urgency of securing more funds and ensuring its equitable distribution to combat climate change.
Clean energy sees marked investment rise since 2020
With a 40% increase in clean energy investments since 2020 and a focus on innovative policies, the global community is...
- With a 40% increase in clean energy investments since 2020 and a focus on innovative policies, the global community is making strides towards a greener future, says an expert.
- However, challenges remain in meeting the Paris Agreement goals and ensuring all nations can participate in the transition, adds Ferdinand Varga of Boston Consulting Group.
Cloud security challenges haunt firms in UAE and KSA
Rapid cloud adoption in the two GCC countries is accompanied by increased security risks, leading to costly data breaches, reveals...
- Rapid cloud adoption in the two GCC countries is accompanied by increased security risks, leading to costly data breaches, reveals a latest study by Illumio.
- Organizations have been advised to adopt robust security measures, including Zero Trust Segmentation, to protect against emerging cyber threats.
Economy
Localization in focus as KSA raises military spending
Saudi Arabia's 2024 budget hikes military spending to $71 billion for industry localization and modernization, targeting 50% equipment spending localization...
- Saudi Arabia's 2024 budget hikes military spending to $71 billion for industry localization and modernization, targeting 50% equipment spending localization by 2030.
- The Kingdom has partnered with global defense companies, enhancing capabilities, aiming for SAMI to rank among top 25 global military industries by this decade's end.
WEF’s inaugural session in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing influence
Gabriel Chahine, Middle East Lead for AlixPartners, discusses the significance of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, economic outlook, AI,...
Company News
Latest News
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...
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...
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 &...
Business
Most Read
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.
Economy
KSA seeks to lead global sustainability drive with Alat
Led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Alat is poised to revolutionize the tech sector, aiming for carbon neutrality...
- Led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Alat is poised to revolutionize the tech sector, aiming for carbon neutrality and creating thousands of jobs.
- Alat, with its seven strategic units like semiconductors and smart devices, aims to innovate in over 30 categories, from robotics to heavy equipment, serving diverse industries.