Cybersecurity must evolve from blocking threats to safeguarding the innovation process
When businesses increasingly rely on AI to make decisions, a manipulated dataset can cause more harm than a ransomware attack,...
Interview
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...
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.
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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
Cybersecurity must evolve from blocking threats to safeguarding the innovation process
When businesses increasingly rely on AI to make decisions, a manipulated dataset can cause more harm than a ransomware attack,...
Interview
Company News
Latest News
Foreign investments boost Saudi financial market
Saudi Arabia's financial market is on an upward trajectory, fueled by substantial foreign investments and strategic economic diversification under Vision...
Business
Ramadan influences consumer habits, retail strategy
The ongoing fasting month brings traditional practices and modern shopping habits together, impacting market trends significantly in the Gulf region.
Business
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
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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...
- Gulf companies benefit from supportive credit environments, ensuring resilience in 2024 despite global economic challenges and geopolitical risks, says a report.
- GCC entities are poised to handle higher refinancing and interest costs through improved performance and non-oil growth, maintaining stable debt levels, it adds.
Interview
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...
- Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, from the American University of Sharjah, advocates for diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning in leadership roles for women.
- She highlights the strengths Arab women bring to leadership and the hurdles they face, proposing mentorship and gender diversity programs as solutions.
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.