Rising demand for critical metals pose dilemmas for investors
PARIS, FRANCE - Soaring demand for the raw materials needed for the transition towards renewable energy is creating dilemmas for investors...
Business
US Jews battle new ‘mainstreamed’ anti-Semitism
One day after hip-hop and fashion mogul Kanye West voiced a "love" for Nazis and 10 days after ex-president Donald...
Interview
Despite hurdles, interest in 5G high in MENA
As GCC shifts away from dependence on oil and gas revenues, 5G is set to fuel tech growth and ease...
- 5G subscriptions in the MENA have exceeded 1 million at the end of 2020
- The deployment of a 5G network faces several challenges
Investigation
Have Pandora papers jeopardized Lebanon aid?
The country is already reeling under the impact of its worst-ever economic crisis, shutting down of power stations due to...
- Offshore companies are legal and were established to reduce the tax burden on some companies that require foreign branches.
- Lebanon was first in terms of registering individual companies in tax havens, with nearly 3 million papers leaked.
Business
Taxation and confiscation to rein in crypto market
Last few years have seen a lot of tension between governments and central banks around the world, on the one...
- Concerns are rising that these currencies could be used to fund illegal actions and for money laundering.
- Several countries have taken strict measures to crack down on the industry that is viewed with suspicion uniformly across the world.
Geostrategy
Male candidates sweep Qatar’s first legislative polls
Male candidates were elected in all 30 of the seats up for election despite 28 women initially being cleared to...
- Women candidates fail to break through in Qatar vote for the Shura Council
- It is not known when the appointments will be announced, or when the council will meet
Research
Semiconductor shortage slows down GCC auto sector
Auto exports to the region are likely to suffer for the next more than a year due to an estimated...
- Toyota Middle East has pledged it would do its best to avoid inconvenience to customers waiting for delivery of vehicles.
- On an average, a car needs around 1400 chips. Electric vehicles utilize even more.
Videos
Watch: Saudi GDP to grow faster than expected in 2021
The global drop in oil prices, along with the pandemic and related issues, had dealt quite a blow to the...
- The Saudi economy grew 1.8 percent in Q2 of 2021
- This was the second time it had risen since Q2 2019
Analysis
Gulf aviation sector maintains regional lead
Several airports in the region have announced plans to expand their airports to meet the expected growth in travel demand.
- Experts see up to 40 percent rise in premiums in the next two to three years.
- The total number of passengers traveling through DXB in the first five months of 2021 was around 9.9 million.
Analysis
The Grand Renaissance Dam: Egypt’s Nile nemesis
Ethiopia's refusal to sign a binding agreement on the dam has dashed hopes of a settlement with Egypt and Sudan.
- Egypt's area under agriculture could lose by up to 72 percent in case of short filing of the dam.
- Ethiopia has said earlier treaties on Nile waters have undermined its rights and the dam will help in the country's development.
Analysis
GCC insurance firms battle pandemic woes
It has been a roller coaster ride for insurance companies in the GCC countries and the health care sector since...
- Experts see up to 40 percent rise in premiums in the next two to three years.
- Abu Dhabi-based Daman Insurance looking at new markets such as Kuwait and Bahrain.
Investigation
MENA firms: The public-private games go on
Two key Dubai firms — Dubai parks operator DXB Entertainments and Dubai ports operator DP World — have de-listed from...
- Companies in MENA region, once enticed by the prospect of growth, looked to be listed on global exchanges
- However, mandates like following transparency norms are putting them off even further
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
Rising demand for critical metals pose dilemmas for investors
PARIS, FRANCE - Soaring demand for the raw materials needed for the transition towards renewable energy is creating dilemmas for investors...
Business
Company News
Dare to be different to make positive change: Joumana
Arts & Culture
Latest News
Saudi Index at lowest levels since January
Saudi Stock Exchange's general index fell by nine points. Abu Dhabi market was below 9,200 points, Dubai market rose above...
Market Report
Growth likely to vary across regions and geographies
While the global economy has been slowing down, the picture looks very different across regions and geographies. This is based...
Analysis
Dare to be different to make positive change: Joumana
Lebanese writer, journalist, and human rights activist Joumana Haddad tells TRENDS why she is unperturbed despite being one of the...
Arts & Culture
Most Read
Analysis
UAE’s Covid-19 response gets global plaudits
Earlier this year, the UAE rose to the top of Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking, outperforming European countries in terms of...
- For one, smart-technology platforms were effectively used in the UAE to combat Covid-19
- The UAE also adopted the mandatory use of face masks in March 2020, well ahead of the WHO recommendation
Analysis
Beauty, fashion brands eye NFT advantage
There is enormous potential for NFTs in the fashion and beauty business, says Louis Chen, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer...
- Brands are using NFTs and blockchain technology to attract, verify, and engage consumers globally
- GCC brands should take advantage of the trend to engage with customers in new, innovative ways
Analysis
Saudi real estate rides high on positive sentiment
Saudi Arabia's real estate sector continues to show promising signs, with increasing tourist numbers, consumers returning to retail stores, and...
- Q1 2022 saw an increase in the number of units built in Saudi Arabia's residential sector
- In Q1 2022, Saudi Arabia's house price index rose by 0.4 percent compared to Q1 2021