The GCC must deploy its ‘strategic advantages’ to lead the transition
The models that once governed aid, CSR, employment, and economic engagement are shifting, and the GCC has an opportunity to...
Opinion
Trump’s tariffs fallout: Why trade tensions are a ‘storm cloud’ over financial markets
Stocks later rallied after Trump announced a 90-day pause on additional higher tariffs that were set to impact around 80...
Economy
Opinion
US curbs on Iran’s oil exports may hit global portfolios
The US tightening sanctions on Iranian oil could have a negative impact on individual and institutional investment portfolios by disrupting...
- The potential US sanctions on Iran's crude oil exports, due to its support for Hamas, could directly impact global portfolios, especially those with energy sector assets.
- Potential restrictions on Iran will present both challenges and opportunities for energy stocks, possibly prompting central banks to raise rates amid inflation concerns.
Opinion
Women break barriers for gender equality in finance
This culture should recognize and value the contributions of women and prioritize their growth and development. By highlighting successful women...
- In the financial sector, diverse teams enhance decision-making and performance, yet women occupy just 10% of CEO roles in Fortune 500 companies
- Emirati women constitute 31% of the UAE's finance sector workforce, underscoring the crucial role of mentorship and role models in advancing their careers.
Economy
For GCC, centralized demand planning is indispensable
Facing challenges like varied categorization and technical standards, GCC economies are turning to innovative solutions. With digital technologies and unified...
- GCC governments can attain more effective demand planning by mandating a common harmonized data structure and forecasts based on volatility metrics
- As GCC aims to reshape their economies by fortifying local industries, governments and SOEs have a golden opportunity to attract the necessary investment
Opinion
MEA brands focus on personalized customer experience
"Post-Covid GCC travel trends are promising: about 50% of customers plan to increase digital spending in travel and retail. With...
- In the digital era, customer engagement is vital, shifting from transactional ties to interactive bonds; 20% of engaged patrons drive 80% of sales through endorsements
- Post-Covid, travelers see personalized offers, not just reminders; 34% might switch due to poor communication; GCC sees rising digital spend; CEPs promote sustainable growth.
Market Report
New initiatives to enhance Saudi market infrastructure
"This quarter, we focused on enhancing our market infrastructure and introduced several initiatives, including changes to the debt market; negotiated...
- In Q2 2023, Saudi's capital market grew steadily, with Main Market capitalization rising by 9.24%, despite slower GDP growth and declining inflation from Q1
- Nomu - Parallel Market's capitalization surged by 54.61% during Q2 with eight new companies listed, as Saudi Exchange prioritized attracting foreign investors
Opinion
Logistics delivers boom with value-added services
"A top-tier, industry-specific enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution is vital for efficiently delivering these value-added services. Distributors grapple with supply...
- The Middle East and African freight and logistics market is predicted to record a compound annual growth rate of about 6% between 2023 and 2028
- To tap into growth opportunities in the region and for better results, distributors must consider incorporating value-added services into their strategies
Opinion
BRICS expansion points to a shift in global dynamics
The Middle East, with its vast resources and strategic position, can play a crucial role in BRICS' vision of a...
- The inclusion of major Middle Eastern countries, six out of the ten biggest global oil suppliers, will now be part of the BRICS
- This gives the alliance significant leverage in the global energy market, potentially influencing global oil prices and energy policies
Opinion
Cloud-based tools help optimize customer experience
Customer experience leaders in organizations of any size will see increased satisfaction in self-service, routing, and agent utilization by implementing...
- Seventy percent of consumers believe a company's effectiveness is determined by its service
- New tools help automate tasks, provide data and insights, inform decisions, and improve workflow
Opinion
Gulf’s green transition: How Turkiye can lead the way
As these countries -- including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar -- progress to the next phase of their economic diversification,...
- The act of presenting an electric car to the leaders of major fossil fuel-producing countries by Erdoğan highlights a shift in regional perspectives on future energy sources
- As these countries -- including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar -- progress to the next phase of their economic diversification, Turkiye can emerge as a dependable partner
Opinion
Generative AI brings challenges and opportunities
"New technologies like generative AI bring both opportunities and risks. A holistic AI strategy ensures privacy, security, and compliance, considering...
- The rise of ChatGPT has ignited immense interest in generative AI, with numerous businesses integrating it enterprise-wide
- AI technology is proliferating at an unprecedented pace, surpassing any other technology, writes Gail Coury, SVP and CISO, at F5
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The GCC must deploy its ‘strategic advantages’ to lead the transition
The models that once governed aid, CSR, employment, and economic engagement are shifting, and the GCC has an opportunity to...
Opinion
Company News
Latest News
Cyber insurance shapes the future of cybersecurity
Cyber insurance, particularly around ransomware, is moving towards a world where insured businesses have strong cyber resilience, well-defined disaster recovery...
Opinion
Vision 2030 empowers women in Saudi legal sector
"The progressive momentum generated in the past decade fills us with positivity and reassurance in the Kingdom, where we have...
Opinion
Zero trust remains an ongoing cybersecurity evolution
Achieving Zero Trust Data Resilience is not an overnight task but a journey requiring organizational alignment, continuous adaptation, and the...
Opinion
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Opinion
CFOs at forefront of ESG integration in businesses
"The CFO's role as an ESG guardian and promoter varies significantly across organizations. CFOs with limited ESG experience should deepen...
- Integration of ESG into finance sectors highlights the evolving expectations from CFOs.
- In-house research shows 89 percent of CFOs rate communication as the most vital skill.
Opinion
Choice and opportunity are crucial for empowerment
"These are all campaigns into which I have poured my heart and soul. True empowerment, the kind I want for...
- Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America, responds to criticism in The Washington Post regarding the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia.
- She highlights the significant progress in women's rights and sports in Saudi Arabia, with 330,000 female athletes, advocating for a global, balanced dialogue on women's issues.
Opinion
Disinformation, misinformation hurt global businesses
"These risks are serious because they limit our ability to tackle the big global challenges we are facing. Changes in...
- Rebuilding trust and fostering global collaboration are essential to address the present challenges.
- The role of AI and digital innovation in combating misinformation and boosting productivity.