Iran escalation sharpens oil, inflation concerns
Lale Akoner, Global Market Analyst, says while the escalation has introduced new risks, the broader investment case for equities in...
Geostrategy
The trillion-dollar paradox in GCC venture capital markets and exits
Despite trillions managed by GCC sovereign wealth funds, late-stage venture capital remains scarce, leaving startups stranded between early traction and...
Economy
World Economic Forum
Readying for jobs of tomorrow: WEF’s Till Leopold stresses upskilling
Davos, Switzerland -- In the next five years, millions of jobs will be created. Governments, employers, and education institutions, therefore,...
- The key report findings highlighted that there will be 78 million new job opportunities by 2030 but urgent upskilling is needed to prepare workforces.
- The fastest-growing skills by 2030 will include technological skills alongside human skills, such as cognitive skills and collaboration.
FED keeps interest rates unchanged
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates at the current target range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent after its January meeting, according...
- Inflation is still deemed ‘somewhat elevated’
- The euro fell to 1.04 against the US dollar following announcement
World Economic Forum
Lithium-sulfur batteries will transform energy storage, says Lyten’s Horvath
Lyten, a Silicon Valley-based company, is revolutionizing the energy storage market with its groundbreaking lithium-sulfur battery technology. These batteries offer...
- Lithium-sulfur batteries are about half the weight of a lithium-ion batteries, but they have twice the energy density.
- These batteries work better in heat and, therefore, will be better suited to tropical countries that are expected to grow at a much faster pace.
Economy
‘Middle East is a promising area with a lot of initiatives going on in the UAE, Saudi Arabia’
Beyond AI, new technologies will leverage artificial intelligence to drive the next phase of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Alphaeus Hanson,...
- The Middle East is emerging as a key investment hub, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar leading ambitious initiatives, Hanson tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview
- Beyond AI, new technologies will leverage artificial intelligence to drive the next phase of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he adds
Economy
NHC signs strategic deals worth $8 billion at the opening of Real Estate Future Forum 2025
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The National Housing Company (NHC) has signed a series of agreements, deals, and memoranda of understanding...
- The agreements included a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources to enhance collaboration in supply chains
- In another key agreement, a memorandum of understanding was signed with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
Economy
Davos2025: 33 industrial clusters from 16 countries commit to economic growth, jobs creation and emissions cuts
The Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative aims to improve collaboration and develop a shared vision among co-located companies and public institutions,...
- The initiative’s 33 members from 16 countries represent combined potential greenhouse gas emissions reductions comparable to the annual emissions of Saudi Arabia
- A new report highlights the critical role that industrial clusters play in accelerating the deployment of clean-energy infrastructure at scale worldwide
Economy
Exclusive: ADP’s Nela Richardson on how AI is reshaping the global workforce
Davos Switzerland - The rapid adoption of AI and automation is redefining labor markets, reshaping industries, and transforming skills globally,...
- Drawing from insights in the Future of Jobs Report 2025, Dr. Richardson emphasized the dual forces of opportunity and risk that AI introduces to labor markets
- Reflecting on the findings of the report, Dr. Richardson highlighted the critical gaps that need to be addressed, including the skills gap and the employers-employee disconnect
World Economic Forum
Fourth Industrial Revolution centers announced for Riyadh, Muscat, Pretoria
Davos, Switzerland -- The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced signing agreements for three new Centers for the Fourth Industrial...
- The upcoming centers in Muscat, Pretoria, and Riyadh will tackle critical global challenges with innovative solutions tailored to national and regional needs.
- Additionally, the WEF announced that the C4IR United Arab Emirates has been renewed.
Economy
WEF25: Saudi delegation calls for nations to put “greater good” first
The international community must prioritize cooperation and dialogue to overcome the challenges of a fragmented world, the Saudi delegation to...
- Saudi Arabia urges global cooperation and prioritizes private sector-led economic diversification
- Key initiatives focus on AI, sustainability, and transforming industries for future growth
Billionaires on the rise globally- Oxfam Davos report
In its latest annual inequality report, “Takers Not Makers”, Oxfam explores how most billionaire wealth is taken, not earned. At least five...
- At least five trillionaires are now expected within a decade
- In 2024, the number of billionaires rose to 2,769, up from 2,565 in 2023
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
Iran escalation sharpens oil, inflation concerns
Lale Akoner, Global Market Analyst, says while the escalation has introduced new risks, the broader investment case for equities in...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
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
AI or inequality tipped for economics Nobel
Stockholm, Sweden - The Nobel economics prize wraps up the 2025 season when it is announced on Monday, as experts...
Economy
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...
Geostrategy
Most Read
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.
Economy
Gold tops $4,000 for first time on political, economic worries
New York, United States - Gold topped $4,000 an ounce for the first time Wednesday as investors flocked to the...
- US and European stock markets rose while Asian equities fell as investors also kept tabs on the AI investment boom and the prospect of further US interest rate cuts this year
- Gold, considered a safe investment in times of uncertainty, reached an all-time high of nearly $4,060 an ounce Wednesday with silver also rising close to a record high
Economy
WTO hikes 2025 trade growth outlook but tariffs to bite in 2026
The WTO raised its forecast for trade volume growth in 2025 to 2.4 percent -- up from 0.9 percent in...
- In an unusual move, the global trade body has revised its estimates several times this year due to uncertainties surrounding the new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
- Since returning to office in January, Trump has slapped several waves of new tariffs on imports entering the United States.