Jobs and investment top MENA expectations from multinational firms, Ipsos finds

• American multinationals now face the strongest global skepticism, with “Brand America” increasingly linked to ethical, environmental, and economic concerns
• A company’s country of origin has become a reputational “passport,” shaping trust as much as corporate behavior itself

Citizen-consumers are redefining the global reputation of multinationals: Ipsos study

• Despite regional differences, one expectation stands out globally: people want multinational corporations to contribute to local economies.
• This economic focus was particularly pronounced in developing and emerging markets, including many countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America.

Governments must put creativity at the center of economic strategy: Report

• The report finds that every dollar invested in creative industries generates approximately $2.50 in broader economic activity across sectors such as tourism and urban services.
• It warns that countries slow to act risk becoming importers of creative content rather than exporters shaping global cultural markets.

Web Summit Qatar 2026 in Doha draws 30,000 participants, global tech leaders

Gaming, esports GCC’s new growth play

• Flagship events such as the Dubai Esports Festival and the BLAST Premier World Final, hosted by AD Gaming, have elevated the UAE’s global standing.
• With nearly 71 percent of the population under the age of 35, Saudi Arabia’s youth form the foundation of its gaming transformation.

Gold, silver prices tumble as investors soothed by Trump’s Fed pick

• Precious metals prices tumbled on Friday after surging in recent days when investors sought a safe haven over doubts about Trump's policies
• Silver, which Thursday reached an all-time peak above $120 an ounce, shed 20 percent meanwhile in sliding down to $90 an ounce

How Doha is Building a Knowledge Economy 

• Qatar is using Web Summit not as an event, but as the organising backbone of a national startup and knowledge economy
• Rapid growth in attendance, startups, investors and female founders signals accelerating ecosystem momentum

Qatar announces $430 mn in support for Lebanon

• In a separate statement, the Qatar Development Fund said the package was valued at about $430 million, the majority of it to support the energy sector
• "The support includes a contribution of up to $400 million to support the energy sector," of which 10 percent would be allocated as a grant, it added

WEF26: Saudi Arabia positions itself as ‘connector economy’ amid shifting global trade

• Speaking at a session titled ‘Many Shapes of Trade’, Commerce Minister Majid A. Alkassabi said global trade was moving toward a more regulated framework, offering new opportunities
• Tourism Minister Ahmed A. Alkhateeb highlighted the potential of travel during a session titled ‘The New Geography of Travel: Elevating Destinations, Expanding Opportunities'

Building the Gulf’s Knowledge Future: Education, Innovation, Talent

• A knowledge economy rests on educated local talent supported by global expertise, enabling innovation and diversification in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Florin Vasvari told TRENDS
• Technology investment must be matched by strong leadership, risk-taking culture and lifelong learning to drive real productivity gains, he adds