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
UAE set to lead GCC’s e-commerce markets next year
“E-commerce sales via marketplaces will continue to grow in double-digit percentages in 2023, driven by a higher proportion of cross-border...
YEARBOOK 2023
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
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
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
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
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...
Analysis
Most Read
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
Analysis
Crises put Gulf investments in Sri Lanka at stake
The region has invested billions of dollars across sectors in the South Asian nation as recent past witnessed an expansion...
- The region has invested billions of dollars across sectors in the South Asian nation in the recent past
- Sri Lanka has been enduring shortages of food, fuel, medicines and other essentials for months