GCC powers ahead in global clean energy transition with solar and hydrogen investments
Now, the region is turning its attention to newer innovations, including hydrogen production, small modular reactors (SMRs), and compact nuclear...
Business and leisure combo drives GCC tourism boom
Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious...
Business
Economy
Gulf countries eye global metal recycling hub status
Amidst an electric vehicle market boom, a looming global shortage of crucial minerals such as lithium and cobalt threatens to...
- Amid an electric vehicle market boom, a looming global shortage of crucial minerals such as lithium and cobalt threatens to double metal prices.
- Gulf countries are positioned to become global recycling hubs, offering a solution to the impending crisis and aiding the transition to clean energy.
Business
GCC telecom firms turn to Europe, Asia for expansion
Wielding piles of cash and cutting-edge technology, many Arab telecom firms are scouting overseas markets to expand business beyond home...
- Lower valuations of international telecom companies are enticing GCC companies to venture into newer markets with a lot of potential for growth
- Many experts feel expansion will provide diversification of the portfolio beyond the GCC to mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations
Economy
Arab region faces soaring youth unemployment crisis
The region, with the world's highest youth unemployment rate, requires the creation of 33.3 million jobs by 2030 to accommodate...
- The region, with the world's highest youth unemployment rate, requires the creation of 33.3 million jobs by 2030 to accommodate the large number of candidates.
- Arab countries are required to transform their education systems to align with the evolving labor market and create job opportunities for youth in the region.
Business
GCC telecom firms turn to Europe, Asia for expansion
Wielding piles of cash and cutting-edge technology, many Arab telecom firms are scouting overseas markets to expand business beyond home...
- Lower valuations of international telecom companies are enticing GCC companies to venture into newer markets with a lot of potential for growth
- Many experts feel expansion will provide diversification of the portfolio beyond the GCC to mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations
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.
GCC powers ahead in global clean energy transition with solar and hydrogen investments
Now, the region is turning its attention to newer innovations, including hydrogen production, small modular reactors (SMRs), and compact nuclear...
Company News
Latest News
Shifting dietary trends boost MEA’s protein market
Rise of flexitarian and vegan diets in the region is driving demand for alternative proteins, with the market expected to...
Business
Stable credit conditions make GCC firms resilient
Gulf companies benefit from supportive credit environments, ensuring resilience in 2024 despite global economic challenges and geopolitical risks, says a...
Business
Empowering Arab women Sheikha Bodour’s key focus
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, from the American University of Sharjah, advocates for diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning in leadership roles...
Interview
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Business
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...
- Technology, from digital platforms to AI, offers a transformative avenue for empowering women, says Isabel Neiva of Kearney Middle East & Africa.
- She adds that technology is enhancing access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities beside health and well-being for women.
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...
- Women First Jobs offers tailored solutions for women in the UAE, overcoming societal norms and unequal access to opportunities, says its CEO Priyanka Sengar.
- The portal is committed to breaking down barriers to women's professional success, including pay disparity and limited leadership representation, she adds.
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 &...
- Sovereign Wealth Funds emerge as pivotal players, driving economic diversification and strategic cross-border partnerships, says Riccardo Molinari of Bain & Company.
- With a spotlight on sustainability and strategic growth, 2024 holds optimistic prospects for merger and acquisition activity in the Middle Eastern region, including GCC.