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
Global projects to fuel Aramco 2022 growth
The Saudi Arabian Oil Company has outlined a clear strategy to continue to invest in both upstream and downstream segments,...
- In March, Saudi Aramco said its net income increased 124 percent to $110 billion in 2021, compared to $49 billion in 2020
- This was the result of higher oil prices, stronger refining and chemicals margins, and SABIC’s consolidation of full-year results
Analysis
GCC keeps pace with global solar, wind trends
Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman appear on track to take giant strides in diversifying their portfolios when...
- Across the greater MENA region, Yemen, Jordan, Turkey, and Morocco have generated more than 10 percent of their power from solar and wind
- However, things appear poised to change very soon, with several projects that may improve the region’s overall renewable outlook
Business
UAE free zones set to gain from corporate tax relief
Around 40 free zones in the UAE are likely to attract more investors and FDI after they were declared exempt...
- The 9-percent corporate tax will be levied on companies with profits above AED375,000 (approximately $102,090)
- Announced on January 31 by the UAE’s Ministry of Finance, the tax regime will be implemented from June 1, 2023
Economy
Gulf countries warm up to waste-to-fuel plans
Here’s a broader look at how the region has prioritized solid-waste recycling and the production of alternative fuels to deal...
- Solid waste management is one of the most critical challenges facing all GCC countries
- Construction waste accounts for 53% of the total solid waste generated in the Gulf countries
Opinion
How can UAE firms adapt to corporate tax?
Now entities that typically have strong brand equity, control over distribution, and very few competitors, have a competitive edge that...
- Generally, businesses react negatively to any tax announcement, like the UAE’s corporate tax
- However, companies within the UAE might themselves benefit the most from such a tax
Analysis
GCC looks to ease fiscal burden with privatization
The privatization move will also help the regional governments in maintaining better economic growth, increasing private participation and attracting foreign...
- Planning, executing, and concluding are the three primary stages of privatization
- The privatization process in Kuwait will expand to 38 government institutions and activities
Interview
GCC retail electronics set for boost as buyers return
The retail electronics sector has proliferated in GCC countries, with demand rising not only due to the urge to own...
- In 2020, the global consumer electronics market was expected to generate revenues of $1.4 bn, with a CAGR of 4.6%
- The retail electronics market reached over $1 bn globally in 2022, and is expected to grow by 1.82% annually
Analysis
Can Gulf producers tame oil prices?
However, Gulf countries have an interest in acting in coordination — both within OPEC, and with Russia-led allies in the...
- US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced a ban on US imports of Russian oil and gas
- Britain said it would phase out crude imports from the country by the end of this year
Analysis
How did Saudi Arabia ensure food security?
The country has been able to overcome the hurdles that stood in the way of achieving food security by implementing...
- Saudi Arabia has enhanced its food security by adopting several strategies to ensure an excess of food supply
- It now has the largest storage capacity for wheat and flour in the Middle East, exceeding 3.3 million tons
Interview
GCC beauty sector puts best face forward
Consumers are spending more on beauty products and fragrances despite inflation, says Salem Kaissi, Vice-President of multi-brand luxury beauty concept...
- Brands have had to strategize and react quickly to continue resonating with consumers in the market
- According to Euromonitor International, the sector is estimated to be worth $58.3 billion by 2025
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
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
Latest News
“US lives in solipsistic fantasies”
Geostrategy
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...
Business
“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,...
Geostrategy
‘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...
Business
Most Read
Science
Are EVs driving towards greener world or uncertainty?
Studies suggest the electric vehicles may not eliminate all emissions even by 2050, particularly those related to mining and battery...
- Recent studies suggest the electric vehicles may not eliminate all emissions even by 2050, particularly those related to mining and battery production.
- Wider adoption of EVs will hinge on affordability which, in turn, is reliant on battery production and robust charging infrastructure
Geostrategy
Biden’s Arab trip lukewarm, at best
The US president could not dispel the view that the Washington is no longer a reliable ally and he also...
- The US president could not dispel the view that the US is no longer a reliable partner and he also failed to connect at a personal level with the young GCC leaders, say experts
- He publicly invited UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed for a state visit to Washington. 'Why did he not extend the same thing to Mohammed bin Salman?' a professor asks
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.