Israel-Gaza conflict creates global economic ripples
As Israel grapples with the surprise Hamas action and global community gauges economic ramifications, the future of Israel's relations with...
Analysis
Qatar’s economy remains strong despite global crises
The year 2022 was crowned with excellent ratings for the Qatari economy, as the S&P's credit rating agency raised the...
YEARBOOK 2023
Economy
Fear of global slowdown worries Gulf economies
The global economic stagnation is expected to impact the GCC growth due to the decline in industrial and economic activities...
- Economic stagnation has been a concern in many countries worldwide, especially in the Gulf states
- Economic stagnation is a concern in light of the growing inflation, rise in interest rates and disruption in supply chains
Analysis
Apex banks under pressure to deliver lower inflation
The world economies are staring at the deep recessions and more financial instability. If inflation does not moderate significantly over...
- Global bond and equity markets have been particularly volatile in recent weeks, says the latest Qatar National Bank report
- The main driver of the volatility was the multitude of negative prints coming from inflation figures in key economies, it adds
Arts & Culture
Reforms crucial to revive pandemic-hit culture sector
The sector also saw a decline of 25 percent of its Gross Value Added in 2020. However, while most of...
- The culture was one of the most seriously impacted sectors globally due to COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 10 million jobs lost in 2020 alone
- Revenues from the digital creative economy totalled US$2.7 billion globally in 2020, over a quarter of the sector’s overall revenue, says a report
Business
MENA gaming sector plays well with new technologies
The region's gaming industry is estimated to be worth $5 billion by 2025 with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading...
- The region's gaming industry is estimated to be worth $5bn by 2025 with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the growth closely followed by Egypt and Qatar
- Although a spike in gaming consumption was driven by the pandemic, sustained growth is expected owing to a combination of factors, says market players
Market Report
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...
- The Saudi Stock Exchange's general index recorded its lowest level since January and ended the week down by nine points
- The Dubai market managed to rise above 3200 points, supported by a rise in real estate and investment shares, during the week
Analysis
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...
- While the global manufacturing PMI is still comfortably within expansionary territory, there are signs of a slowdown or even reversal of economic activity
- Nevertheless, different growth patterns can be observed across regions and geographies, a latest report by Qatar National Bank (QNB) has highlighted.
Arts & Culture
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...
- Joumana Haddad pays a price for her strong voice advocating for the rights of people, addressing otherwise taboo subjects
- A big believer of self-expression, she uses her publication Jasad to tackle issues related to art, literature, and politics of the body
Analysis
‘Workplaces must prioritize mental health’
In many industries, working from home is the way of the future and a better working and mental lifestyle, Quartz...
- People tense or stressed at work are more than three times likely to plan to look for a new job
- In contrast, employees who feel supported are more likely to stay, lowering turnover costs
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
Israel-Gaza conflict creates global economic ripples
As Israel grapples with the surprise Hamas action and global community gauges economic ramifications, the future of Israel's relations with...
Analysis
Company News
Latest News
Uncertainty rules even as MENA crypto market grows
Crypto investors fear a possible global recession, especially amidst weak economic activity data, Wael Makarem, Senior Market Strategist - MENA...
Analysis
Gulf construction market builds on KSA-UAE rivalry
As Saudi Arabia is all set to become the largest construction site in the world, the competition between Dubai and...
Analysis
US Fed Reserve may remain hawkish in coming months
Despite the recent slowdown, the US economy remains robust, which allows for more aggressive monetary policy tightening. The US consumer...
Analysis
Most Read
Business
Retaining customers rattles retailers as sales drop
From optimizing the purchasing ecosystem to driving personalization and developing schemes that help consumers with finance management, retailers must work...
- From optimizing the purchasing ecosystem to driving personalization and developing schemes that help consumers with finance management, retailers must work harder
- During the pandemic, nearly 40 percent switched brands or retailers, and more than 80 percent developed new shopping habits, says a recent McKinsey study
Geostrategy
“US lives in solipsistic fantasies”
Diminished leverage in the Gulf region makes Washington a less compelling partner than it once was, says Chas W Freeman,...
- Diminished leverage in the Gulf region makes Washington a less compelling partner than it once was, says Chas W Freeman, Former US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
- West Asia is a region in which abundant policy failures offer a veritable cornucopia of insights into warfare and diplomacy, the former diplomat highlights
Business
‘Mobile-first mindset’ rules companies in Middle East
With an average of 40 percent of sales taking place via mobile, a growing number of enterprise-sized brands see mobile...
- With an average of 40 percent of sales taking place via mobile, a growing number of enterprise-sized brands see mobile as a highly strategic acquisition and retention channel
- However, it’s not just about having a mobile app, it’s also about delivering an exceptional user experience and being able to integrate mobile with any other channels seamlessly