How travel brands can target high-intent travelers in the MEA region
As tourism booms across the Middle East and Africa, travel brands face fierce competition. Success now means using data-driven, personalized...
Opinion
3 ways travel drives economic growth while enhancing global connections and sustainability
WTTC research shows that, having endured estimated losses of $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs in 2020 alone, travel and...
Opinion
EVs help GCC countries achieve net zero goals
Through strategic investments in our vehicles, services, businesses and technologies, we are leading the way toward a cleaner, smarter and...
- We remain optimistic for a bright future of mobility as regional governments bring to life various net zero visions, writes Gary West of General Motors
- Through strategic investments in our vehicles, services, businesses and technologies, we are leading the way toward a cleaner, smarter and safer society, he adds
YEARBOOK 2023
Stories from MENA that defined democracy in 2022
The MENA region remains largely uneven, and the democracy and human rights situation looks bleak with little prospect of improvement...
- During 2022, autocrats in the region have taken advantage of opportunities to extend their powers, says International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy 2022 Report
- Overall, the MENA region remains largely uneven, and the democracy and human rights situation looks bleak with little prospect of improvement in 2023, the report adds
Business
Growing skill gap adds to cybersecurity burnout
Studies suggest that the Middle East and Africa region rank fourth worldwide in terms of the most ransomware attacks. Between...
- Less than half of new employees receive cybersecurity training and regular updates throughout their career, highlights a study by Accenture
- Well-trained staff and a monitored environment are crucial to the successful protection of any organization, says Adrian Taylor of A10 Networks
Opinion
The rise of the new Arab World
Cities across Europe and North America, and their infrastructure, service and hospitality are pale in comparison to the Arab region...
- Today, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh [in alphabetical order] are among the best cities/markets to work and live in, with opportunities and speed of execution unseen elsewhere
- The developments of the past two months have shown the world that this part of the planet will have a bright future, writes Julien Hawari, a Dubai-based thought leader
Opinion
Constant evolution of enterprise technology helps Middle Eastern economies grow at faster pace
Enterprise technology will move from closed, centralized platforms to more open, federated, and streaming ecosystems of services. The key battlegrounds...
- Changes in enterprise technology lie at the root of major shifts in the economy and in the ways that companies do business, across nearly every industry
- Customers are pulling companies toward this technology-driven edge, since many now prefer using digital platforms to deal with real people, say experts
Opinion
Word of mouth eventually makes customers custodians of brands through trust and meaningful connections
People share ideas or content or experiences that reinforce their values or their sense of identity, which is good for...
- For the last 10 years, business models have been taking big leaps toward profits with marketing strategies largely driven by new technologies
- However, word of mouth remains the biggest driver of business even today. People share ideas or content or experiences that reinforce their values or their sense of identity
Opinion
Fast-paced digital lifestyle of customers key focus of marketers as they seek to beat peers, competitors
With the use of advanced analytics platforms, marketers can measure consumer engagements, gaining insights into their brand equity, learning to...
- Marketers are looking for platforms that can leverage unified marketing data from various channels and campaigns and simplify analysis.
- Brands need tangible data that tells them how their campaigns are performing in real-time to optimize for improvement.
Opinion
Multi-disciplinary solutions needed to deal with food crisis and water scarcity in MENA region
It is essential to adopt sustainable water management practices to build resilience, sustain peace and improve the well-being of local...
- The MENA region is the world's most water-scarce area with economic downturns, climate change, and so forth rapidly worsening the situation, writes Dake Rechsand CEO Chandra Dake
- All nations in the region are experiencing groundwater depletion. The rate of withdrawal of surface and groundwater is very high, with low replenishment rates, he adds
Opinion
AI, metaverse boost training and streamline hirings
The new virtual training environments allow the creation of a fully realised world that can be manipulated to appeal to...
- Combining AI and metaverse technologies affords companies an incredible new opportunity to train and equip people with the necessary skills
- The new technologies have the potential to deliver a US$1.6 trillion boost to the global economy over the next eight years, according to PwC forecasts
Opinion
How the Middle East can promote agritech
The region’s agriculture suffers from a variety of economic and policy problems. There is a lack of agricultural labor. The...
- The Middle Eastern countries need to adopt the latest agritech to make their farming sustainable, and to overcome their food supply and security challenges
- The region’s agriculture suffers from various economic and policy problems. The sector’s capabilities are underdeveloped, yields are low and soil salinity is an issue
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How travel brands can target high-intent travelers in the MEA region
As tourism booms across the Middle East and Africa, travel brands face fierce competition. Success now means using data-driven, personalized...
Opinion
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Act now as climate crisis has reached critical point
"Renewable energy is key to our planet's future. It's time to phase out fossil fuels and embrace sustainable solutions. The...
Opinion
Time to transform climate commitments into action
"At COP28, governments need to focus on two timeframes: an immediate surge in climate action and a springboard for the...
Opinion
Social media plays key role in shaping online trading
"The rapid pace and fervor surrounding social media have introduced volatility into financial markets, leading to instances where stocks, particularly...
Opinion
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Opinion
AI, NLP transform business operations in Gulf region
AI and NLP are revolutionizing workplace efficiency by enabling employees to swiftly access essential information, thereby augmenting customer and personal...
- AI is creating a 'frictionless' work environment, streamlining daily operations.
- Invisible apps provide seamless integration, enhancing employee efficiency.
Opinion
Gaza and Ukraine: Two sides of the Western bias
The US President Joe Biden's recent statements on the ongoing Gaza conflict, especially his assertions about Hamas' headquarters and the...
- US President Joe Biden's recent press conference highlights differing narratives on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, writes Shakir Husain.
- Western support for Israel's actions in Gaza underscores a shift from observers to participants in Middle Eastern conflicts, he adds.
Opinion
Russia-UAE economic ties strengthen with $9bn trade
The streamlined IP processes, including efficient patent registration and robust litigation frameworks, are key factors contributing to this thriving bilateral...
- The UAE's innovations in the oil sector offer patent opportunities in Russia.
- Intellectual Property (IP) protection vital for Russian imports of UAE goods.