MENA Brief: Key Geopolitical, Defence, and Innovation Updates – June 11, 2025
Regional tensions, high-stakes defence deals, and new innovation-led collaborations defined the Middle East and North Africa landscape on Wednesday. Here’s...
Analysis
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
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
Infographics
What are the GCC’s top stock exchange constituents?
What are the top constituents of stock exchanges spread across the GCC countries? Here’s our infographic.
- Some constituents — publicly traded companies — of the MSCI World Index would be heavier than others
- And countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council have some of the biggest public companies in the world
Analysis
Eid holidays boost Gulf tourism as COVID curbs ease
From overseas to the domestic circuit, the tourism industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council is witnessing a welcome resurgence, especially...
- Gulf citizens are looking to spend Eid al-Fitr abroad after being compelled to stay home for the past two years
- This year’s Eid al-Fitr holiday witnessed high occupancy in the UAE hotel sector, driven by strong domestic tourism demand
Analysis
Physical security adds to digital transformation
Cybercrime has risen to the forefront of physical security concerns. And big firms are acutely aware of the problem, says...
- Physical security has progressed from when it was viewed as merely a technique for responding to crime
- It now plays a more significant role as a critical component in the digital transformation of business processes
Analysis
‘UAE’s new labor law is a game-changer’
Legal and business leaders tell TRENDS that the new legislation is in line with the industrial modernization roadmap that the...
- The changes in the new labor law are fairly substantial and necessitate amendments to existing employment contracts
- They also call for modifications to policies and procedures concerning future agreements with new employees
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
MENA Brief: Key Geopolitical, Defence, and Innovation Updates – June 11, 2025
Regional tensions, high-stakes defence deals, and new innovation-led collaborations defined the Middle East and North Africa landscape on Wednesday. Here’s...
Analysis
Company News
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