Luxury stocks: when good results are not enough
Luxury sales are rising, but investors remain increasingly selective as markets reward durable, high-quality growth over headline gains, says etoro...
Analysis
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
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
Analysis
GCC turbulence mires Airbus rise
Airbus has been mired in controversy despite its best efforts to increase its customer base, across the world in general...
- Qatar Airways and Airbus have tussled for months over the deterioration of aircraft paint and lightning protection
- Kuwait plans to announce an agreement to restructure the national airline fleet of Airbus aircraft
Analysis
Covid-19 shakes up GCC’s in-demand job profiles
Now, the fastest-growing job profiles in the GCC include a mix of both pandemic-resultant and non-pandemic-resultant positions.
- Traditional jobs such as healthcare personnel and core corporate operations are still in high demand around the world
- Employment rates in the Gulf region have risen by 40% annually, thanks to the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Luxury stocks: when good results are not enough
Luxury sales are rising, but investors remain increasingly selective as markets reward durable, high-quality growth over headline gains, says etoro...
Analysis
Company News
Latest News
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
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
Most Read
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
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