UAE’s steady economic rise fertile ground for growth of facilities management
A steady stream of development projects and year-round tourism in the country propel demand for tech-enabled facilities management, says Adnan...
Interview
‘Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector to achieve 150 million visitors by 2030’
Saudi Arabia isn't aiming to be the next Dubai but is forging its own unique path in tourism," Aradhana Khowala...
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.
Business
Defying global trend, UAE leads Middle East IPO surge
The region's IPO momentum is driven by strong performances from entities like Dubai Taxi Company and a significant announcement from...
- The region's IPO momentum is driven by strong performances from entities like Dubai Taxi Company and a significant announcement from Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector.
- Despite a 54 percent annual decrease, Middle East IPOs raise $8.4 billion in 2023, as the MSCI Gulf States Index climbs 8 percent, defying global economic downturns.
Business
Fintech fuels growth in Islamic finance sector
Islamic banking, making up 70% of the Islamic finance market's assets, is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by fintech innovations...
- Islamic banking, making up 70% of the Islamic finance market's assets, is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by fintech innovations and poised to hit $4 trillion by 2026
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of the Islamic fintech revolution, setting new digital standards and driving the sector's global expansion, says a latest report
Business
GCC banks navigate rising rates with record lending
Despite global credit risks, GCC banks thrive with overall lending growth, bolstered by strong performances in Saudi Arabia and the...
- Despite global credit risks, GCC banks thrive with overall lending growth, bolstered by strong performances in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and robust economic indicators.
- GCC-listed banks hit a new record with aggregate gross loans reaching US$1.95 trillion by Q3-2023, as strong manufacturing and project awards boost market scenario.
Market Report
Q3 corporate earnings show mixed results in GCC
While the energy and commodity sectors faced declines due to falling prices, the banking and telecom sectors demonstrated remarkable resilience,...
- While the energy and commodity sectors faced declines due to falling prices, the banking and telecom sectors demonstrated remarkable resilience, says a latest report.
- The latest comprehensive analysis by Kamco Invest delves into the intricacies of the GCC's corporate financial performance during a turbulent economic period.
Geostrategy
Global food-security crisis nudges GCC to look inward
Billions of dollars are being invested into ventures to grow food in the GCC to make the arid, hot region...
- The region is pouring investments into food manufacturing projects, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods
- The GCC governments have devised measures to support local farmers, with much of the focus on local farms and investments in farms outside the Middle East
Business
Conflict hits regional gas supply and infrastructure
The Israel-Hamas conflict has halted gas production at the Tamar plant, significantly impacting the region's infrastructure and disrupting Israel's gas...
- The Israel-Hamas conflict has halted gas production at the Tamar plant, significantly impacting the region's infrastructure and disrupting Israel's gas exports.
- The conflict poses risks to the regional energy sector, potentially affecting Egypt's gas supply and oil and gas prices due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Business
AI transforms office roles and enhances productivity
Artificial intelligence automates tasks and boosts capabilities, leading to transformative changes in job roles, productivity, and staff engagement dynamics.
- Artificial intelligence automates tasks and boosts capabilities, leading to transformative changes in job roles, productivity, and staff engagement dynamics.
- Chatbots and virtual assistants are set to enhance employee experience and workplace efficiency, while companies shift focus to outcome-based performance.
Economy
Rising temperatures worry MENA region
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces severe climate change challenges, including water scarcity and extreme temperatures, with...
- With diverse strategies from GCC to non-GCC nations, the battle against climate change underscores a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
- In the MENA region, resource-rich GCC countries are better equipped to tackle climate change challenges that threaten food security, water resources, and biodiversity.
Most Read
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
UAE’s steady economic rise fertile ground for growth of facilities management
A steady stream of development projects and year-round tourism in the country propel demand for tech-enabled facilities management, says Adnan...
Interview
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
Most Read
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.