The future is already here
Humanity is on a tech-fueled trajectory. Data and informed predictions are inspiring, showing how AI is reshaping economies, smart cities...
Analysis
Oil prices fluid amid geopolitics, economic recovery
Geopolitical tensions, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war and the trade war between the United States and China, have sent shockwaves...
Business
Analysis
Investors stay away as oil fuels tension in Iraq
The long-simmering dispute came to a head in February when the federal supreme court ordered Kurdistan to hand over oil...
- Iraq, the second largest OPEC producer, sits on enormous oil reserves, and revenues from the sector feed 90 percent of the federal government budget.
- The country exports an average of 3.3 million barrels of crude oil per day (bpd), while production in Kurdistan amounts to just over 450,000 bpd.
Analysis
More deals in sight as UAE-France ties strengthen
The past years witnessed the signing of dozens of agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries in various...
- Relations between the UAE and France date back to establishment of the UAE Federation when some French firms such as 'Total' helped UAE explore oil
- The past years witnessed dozens of agreements and MoUs between the two countries in various economic, cultural, military and environmental fields
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
The future is already here
Humanity is on a tech-fueled trajectory. Data and informed predictions are inspiring, showing how AI is reshaping economies, smart cities...
Analysis
Company News
Qatar’s economy remains strong despite global crises
YEARBOOK 2023
UAE set to lead GCC’s e-commerce markets next year
YEARBOOK 2023
Latest News
As Ukraine war grinds on, Saudi influence grows
Saudi Arabia's unexpected role in brokering the release of foreign fighters detained in Ukraine was just the latest example of...
Geostrategy
Death toll mounts in Iran protests as online services cut
Amini, 22, died last week after her arrest by the Islamic republic's feared morality police for allegedly wearing a hijab...
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
Most Read
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...
- The US Federal Reserve will lean "hawkish," raising rates by 75 bps in September and 50 bps both in November and December, before a final 25 bps hike in early 2023
- Despite the recent slowdown, the US economy remains robust, which allows for more aggressive monetary policy tightening, Qatar National Bank says in its weekly report
Analysis
Dribbling cost of bringing forward the start of FIFA Cup
The sudden move to bring forward Qatar's match against Ecuador -- to make it the opening match – may put...
- The decision to bring forward Qatar's match against Ecuador -- to make it the opening match – may put pressure on Doha's public relations team, add to the costs and confuse fans
- The organising committee of the key sports event says "huge excitement" is building for the World Cup, which will now start on November 20
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