GCC startups will surprise the world by building culture-first tech
Snap’s regional chief Hussein Freijeh outlines growth plans across MENA and APAC in an interview with TRENDS, highlighting startups, creators...
Interview
UAE launches first 7-year Islamic Treasury Sukuk worth $150 million
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE Ministry of Finance said on Sunday it had launched its first-ever seven-year tranche of...
Business
Interview
The future of luxury residential development needs to be green and smart
The GCC luxury market segment has experienced significant growth, driven by an increase in the number of high-net-worth individuals. Accommodating...
- In the GCC, there's also a real focus on community. Dubai is the United Nations of the world, wherein one residential building might have neighbors from different nations.
- We try to future-proof our building, technologically speaking, to allow people to evolve and go forward, says Belton.
Economy
UAE’s real GDP increases by 3.8% during first nine months of 2024
Dubai, UAE -- The UAE’s real GDP increased by 3.8 percent during the first nine months of 2024 compared to...
- This growth was driven by a strong expansion in non-oil sectors, which grew by 4.5 percent to AED 987 billion.
- The contribution of non-oil activities to real GDP reached 74.6 percent, highlighting the increasing role of these sectors in supporting economic growth.
Opinion
New-Age Growth Comes Home to the GCC
The region, fueled by ambition and massive investment, is rapidly advancing in technology and infrastructure, aiming to secure a leading...
- The GCC’s ongoing “giga” projects, economic diversification, focus on the digital economy, and emerging technologies all signal a promising future.
- With over US$2 trillion invested in capital-intensive projects, the GCC’s future looks increasingly secure, despite persistent negative portrayals in parts of the Western media.
Economy
Oil, gas, and renewables: How global policies and markets are reshaping energy in 2025
The Trump administration’s trade tariffs and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement pose major risks to global economic growth and energy...
- Trump's trade and geopolitical plans are adding to energy price volatility
- Resolving outstanding administrative and infrastructure issues could allow renewables to boom
Analysis
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...
- The global travel and tourism industry is projected to contribute over $15 trillion annually to the world economy by 2030.
- By 2035, 60% of the city traffic and emissions can be reduced thanks to shared autonomous electric vehicles.
Business
China, Canada retaliate to Trump tariff war as markets fall
Washington, United States -- Mounting trade wars between the United States and its largest economic partners deepened Tuesday as huge...
- Trump had announced -- and then paused -- blanket 25 percent tariffs on imports from major trading partners Canada and Mexico in February.
- The duties will hit over $918 billion in US imports from both countries, and are set to hamper supply chains for key sectors like automobiles and construction materials.
Economy
China says will fight to ‘bitter end’ if US pushes trade war
Pressure from Trump could motivate Beijing to strengthen the kinds of support for the economy seen last year -- interest...
- China is grappling with a prolonged property sector crisis and high youth unemployment
- China plans to deal with an increasingly unpredictable United States, its largest trading partner
Geostrategy
Future of Humanity – TRENDS’ yearly Special Issue now online
Dubai, UAE -- TRENDS’ yearly Special Issue is out. This year’s edition, titled Future of Humanity, explores key global shifts...
- The edition delves into transformative themes such as GCC’s leadership in urbanization, smart cities, and logistics, as well as the role of AI in reshaping healthcare and finance.
- It also highlights cultural diplomacy, the evolving digital economy, and the power of travel in shaping the human experience.
Science
Microsoft retires Skype, the online voice and video call pioneer
San Francisco, United States - Microsoft on Friday announced it was retiring Skype, the online voice and video call pioneer...
- Skype was founded in 2003 by Scandinavians Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis in Estonia, revolutionizing internet communication by offering free voice calls
- Over the years, and as internet speeds improved, Skype evolved to include video calls, instant messaging, file sharing and group communication features
Economy
Saudi Arabia’s inflation rate 2 percent in Jan, rental prices main driver
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's annual inflation rate in Jan 2025 reached 2 percent compared to January 2024, the...
- According to GASTAT, Saudi Arabia's inflation rate is considered the lowest among the G20 countries.
- CPI measures the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and services consisting of 490 items.
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
GCC startups will surprise the world by building culture-first tech
Snap’s regional chief Hussein Freijeh outlines growth plans across MENA and APAC in an interview with TRENDS, highlighting startups, creators...
Interview
Company News
Latest News
WEF’s Dubai Summit tackles existential digital risks
DUBAI, UAE – A powerful confluence of more than 500 experts and 150 cybersecurity leaders has converged in Dubai for...
Business
Nobel economist warns of AI dangers amid “amazing possibilities”
Washington, United States - A winner of this year’s Nobel prize in economics warned Monday that artificial intelligence offers "amazing...
Economy
As Trump mulls imposing additional 100% tariff, China says will ‘fight to the end’ in trade war
China said on Tuesday it was ready to "fight to the end" in a trade war with the United States...
Economy
Most Read
Geostrategy
China accuses US of ‘double standards’ over new tariffs threat
Beijing, China -- China accused the United States of "double standards" on Sunday, after President Donald Trump threatened an additional...
- China said on Friday that it would impose "special port fees" on ships operated by and built in the US, calling it a "defensive action."
- The US leader also threatened to pull out of a mooted meeting with Xi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.
Economy
Trump says no reason to meet Xi, threatens ‘massive’ China tariffs
US President Donald Trump said Friday he no longer feels the need for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping...
- In a lengthy and unexpected Truth Social post, Trump railed against China imposing export controls on rare earth minerals -- a critical component in modern technology
- "Some very strange things are happening in China! They are becoming very hostile," Trump said in the post, which he sent as he headed for medical check-up at a military hospital
Business
Silver price hits decades high as gold rush eases
Stock markets, meanwhile, were mixed as traders weighed a slew of issues: massive AI investments, corporate results, US interest rates,...
- The price of silver topped $50 an ounce for the first time since 1993 in the wake of sister safe-haven gold soaring to record highs.
- The metal hit $50.1900, while gold retreated after hitting a record above $4,000 an ounce on Wednesday.