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...
Economy
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...
Business
Interview
Hyperinflation imminent in Lebanon: Nasser Saidi
A crushing economic crisis, a sharp collapse of the local currency and a bankrupt banking sector are adding to the...
- Lebanon's banking sector must reduce the size by at least 50 percent if not more, says senior economist Nasser Saidi
- Lebanon, he says, will take 5–7 years to recover if it agreed to an IMF program within the next three months
Research
Five cities poised to become GCC tech hubs
As part of economic transformation, some Gulf countries seek to achieve targets in digital transformation via long-term plans such as...
- The UAE has become a technological leader in hosting the world's largest event, Expo 2020 Dubai.
- In February 2021, 24 global firms had signed agreements to open regional offices in Riyadh.
Analysis
UAE platforms lead GCC crypto market
Even as the GCC countries dither to embrace cryptocurrencies, the UAE has made some significant strides in this regard.
- The United Arab Emirates already boasts about some of the biggest crypto exchange platforms in the GCC region
- However, it is yet to warm up to crypto ATMs, a field where the United States rules the roost
Arts & Culture
Dubai’s gourmet restaurants hungry for a star
It is a prize a restaurant or a chef would die for to possess. It is the culinary equivalent of...
- Technically there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in the Arab countries, as Michelin does not publish a city guide yet
- However, many restaurants in Dubai are owned by chefs who have earned Michelin stars in other countries
Business
Holy and worldly offerings of Saudi tourism
The Arab world's most powerful economy is devoting enormous resources to attracting at least 100 million tourists by 2030. TRENDSMENA...
- King Fahd Fountain, the tallest fountain in the world, holds up to 318 tons of seawater and measures 312m in height.
- Masjid al-Haram comprises 13 minarets, while five main entrances/doors and hundreds of subsidiary doors give the building its overall form.
Analysis
Covid-19 fails to impact realty in UAE, Saudi Arabia
While the UAE has seen a record amount of real estate sales in the first six months of 2021, Saudi...
- Demand for villas increased in the UAE because of the pandemic outbreak and also due to low-interest rates.
- The real estate sector contributed 14.2 percent of the Saudi GDP ranking third as the most contributing economic activity.
Analysis
Unemployment will haunt Gulf in 2021
While joblessness will be a worry, the economies of the GCC countries are expected to grow by about 2.5 percent...
- Saudi Arabia ranked first in the GCC in terms of the unemployment rate, which reached 8.2 percent of the total workforce in 2020.
- Bahrain and Oman are struggling with rising public debts while their unemployment rates stood at 4.1 percent and 5 percent respectively.
Investigation
Anghami rules regional music streaming sector
Homegrown music-streamer Anghami is giving industry bigwigs like Spotify and Deezer a run for their money.
- The $220-million merger with Vistas Media made Anghami the first Arab technology company listed on Nasdaq
- Due to large companies signing agreements with international and local musicians and artists, voice platforms have gained global attention
Infographics
How will new remittance rules affect Lebanon?
The new rule authorizes banks to buy dollars from fresh dollar accounts without a customer's permission.
- Lebanon ranked third in the Arab world in receiving remittances in 2020
- Dollars entering Lebanon in the first half of 2021 were higher by 50 percent than those over the same period in 2020
Business
GCC hotel industry readies for a comeback
The Gulf hotel sector's investments, according to reports, have reached $27 billion. New hotel projects worth $3.5 billion in the...
- Hotel licenses in Saudi Arabia can now be obtained in just 10 days.
- Until March 2021, UAE had 1096 hotels with 181.3 thousand rooms.
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...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
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
Office segment demand drives Saudi Arabia’s real estate boom
"The office sector shines brightest in the real estate market. Saudi Arabia's rapid economic growth drives the demand," Faisal Durrani,...
Economy
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...
Business
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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
Economy
HNWIs’ wealth in Middle East grows despite slowdown
Despite a global economic slowdown in 2022, high-net-worth individual wealth in the region experienced growth on the back of strong...
- Despite a global economic slowdown in 2022, high-net-worth individual wealth in the region experienced growth on the back of strong earnings in the oil and gas sectors
- Globally, HNWI wealth and population declined, with North America experiencing the sharpest decline. HNWIs have shifted focus to value and prioritized wealth preservation
Business
UAE, Saudi firms eye global acquisitions worth $20bn
Companies like ADNOC, Saudi sovereign fund, and Niu are making significant strides as the two Gulf countries seek to diversify...
- Companies like ADNOC, Saudi sovereign fund, and Niu are making significant strides as the two Gulf countries seek to diversify their economies and capitalize on high oil prices
- "M&A surge in the Middle East fueled by private equity and sovereign wealth funds, and backed by liquidity and reforms, is giving wings to region's transformative aspirations