Smart cities lead GCC’s IoT boom: NEOM and Smart Dubai in focus
IoT applications are transforming critical sectors such as transportation, where connected vehicles improve traffic management, utilities where smart grids enhance...
Economy
‘Over 91 percent of travel bookings are now online’
Digitalization is revolutionizing travel, and data analytics is hyper-personalizing the sector, notably in GCC's growing business tourism, says Pallav Singhvi...
Business
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.
Business
GCC equity markets record first gain in four months
The GCC equity market index rebounded notably in November 2023, with the MSCI GCC index rising 5.2%, led by Qatar...
- The GCC equity market index rebounded notably in November 2023, with the MSCI GCC index rising 5.2%, led by Qatar and closely followed by Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
- This resurgence is a positive sign for the region's markets, which are showing robust growth and diversification efforts, particularly in sectors like Pharma & Biotech.
Economy
Is 2030 the finish line for the Gulf Railway Project?
The Gulf Railway aiming for completion by 2030, will link GCC nations with a comprehensive rail network, marking a new...
- The Gulf Railway aiming for completion by 2030, is set to link GCC nations with a comprehensive rail network, marking a new era in regional transportation and economic integration.
- Saudi Arabia's railway expansion, an integral part of the Gulf Railway Project, boosts GCC connectivity and trade, with parallel progress in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.
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Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
Smart cities lead GCC’s IoT boom: NEOM and Smart Dubai in focus
IoT applications are transforming critical sectors such as transportation, where connected vehicles improve traffic management, utilities where smart grids enhance...
Economy
Company News
Latest News
Supply chain challenges hit Ramadan retail rush
Logistical adaptations, strategic planning, and forecasting essential for addressing the unique demands of increased consumption during Ramadan, says Aramex's Tarek...
Business
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
Most Read
Interview
Women playing key role in educational innovations
Arab women have significant impact in shaping educational practices by embracing technology and student-centered learning, says Aziza Ellozy of The...
- Arab women have significant impact in shaping educational practices by embracing technology and student-centered learning, says Aziza Ellozy of The American University in Cairo.
- Embracing innovative pedagogies and technology, while strategizing success in leadership roles helps in overcoming challenges within the education sector, Ellozy adds.
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.