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
The future of logistics: Insights from DHL’s Amadou Diallo
The future of logistics is a convergence of technology, sustainability, and human ingenuity, which are transforming supply chains into more...
Interview
Interview
Despite culture, MENA coffee business still nascent
The region’s coffee market growing rapidly creates new business opportunities, says Ali Al-Ebrahim, founder and CEO of COFE.
- Coffee consumption in MENA has experienced a massive shift, with sales growing at twice the global average
- Coffee has been at the heart of Middle Eastern culture for centuries
Interview
Self-mobility a ‘promising business’: Ekar founder
Car ownership could become a hobby only for wealthy people in future, says Ekar founder Vilhelm Hedberg.
- Ekar’s founder believes car ownership could become a hobby only for wealthy people in the upcoming years
- Ekar is looking into an addressable market of 138 million people in the MENAT region
Interview
Major GCC countries see push for Arabic e-gaming
People are hungry to consume content that they can understand and more importantly relate to, says Eyad Basheer, chief operating...
- Around 70 percent of Arab smartphone users have their phones set to Arabic, indicating a preference for content in their mother tongue
- According to management consultancy firm Strategy&, mobile gaming will be a $2.3-billion industry in the region by 2022
Interview
‘Challenging year ahead for logistics industry’
Companies have used innovative methods to keep their operations running while overcoming numerous challenges linked to Covid-19 pandemic. However, the...
- The limited capacity and high freight rates will remain until global vaccine campaigns gather traction
- Logistic companies who fail to recognize necessity of digital adoption will be left behind
Business
Ecommerce is fastest-growing channel in ME
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE account for nearly 80 percent of the overall ecommerce market.
- A PwC report indicates that UAE consumers are making purchases on smartphones (53 percent), computers (39 percent) and tablets (31 percent)
- As a result, the UAE’s retail ecommerce market reached $3.9 billion in 2020, indicating a 53 percent year-on-year increase
Interview
Breathable sand could disrupt UAE agri-sector
The technology could help the UAE grow more crops within its boundaries, ensuring food security, says Dake Rechsand CEO and...
- The UAE is 80 percent desert, with less than 1 percent agricultural land
- Systemic, climatic, and geographic concerns threaten food and water security in the country
Business
New Dubai adventure: Eco-friendly surfing
What makes Dubai a tourist hub and an essential market for sustainable surfing is the region’s proximity to the sea?...
- What makes Dubai a tourist hub and an important market for sustainable surfing is the region’s proximity to the sea
- Artificial surfing has now takers in countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt which also boast of a strong community of surfers
Interview
Jordan eyes investments with ICT growth
Investment opportunities also exist in IT solutions for Jordan's financial sector and enterprise solutions and emerging applications. In addition, Jordan...
- Jordan's ICT sector generates 75 percent of the region’s Arabic internet content
- Jordan offers a competitive proposition for investment in content applications and e-learning with fairly priced broadband internet tariffs
Interview
Saudi Arabia looks to lead solar-cell industry
Demand for PV technology will increase in 2022, says Fahad Bin Omairah, CEO of Bin Omairah Holding Company.
- Masdar is a state-of-the-art PV solar panels factory with a total capacity of 1.2 GW and a SAR700 million investment
- Solar panel systems are now priced $1-1.5 per watt
Interview
‘Saudi women entrepreneurs have it easier now’
Boundary-pushing journalist and entrepreneur Muna AbuSulayman tells TRENDS how things have changed for businesswomen in Saudi Arabia.
- Young entrepreneurs who have never worked before struggle severely, and their businesses fail early, says Muna AbuSulayman
- Influencers should create important and meaningful content for this new world and the new generations, she adds
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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
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‘UAE’s new labor law is a game-changer’
Legal and business leaders tell TRENDS that the new legislation is in line with the industrial modernization roadmap that the...
Analysis
Musk’s world and we just live in it
Buying Twitter is just the latest conquest for Musk, who has revolutionized the car industry, sent his own rocket to...
Business
Should you invest in Metaverse real estate?
The economic opportunities and jobs created by the Metaverse will revolutionize how we work, socialize, play, and earn, says Sebastien...
Analysis
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Interview
Abu Dhabi to trade carbon credits like assets
Carbon credits can be traded on legal carbon markets, such as the Emissions Trading System of the European Union. They...
- Expected to launch in Q3 2022, ACX will be established as a recognized investment exchange regulated by ADGM
- The GCC's broader plan to achieve net-zero was one of the main factors in establishing a carbon market in Abu Dhabi
Interview
BNPL gains currency in the UAE
It also seems to be extremely helpful for customers who want to pay for a purchase in installments or make...
- BNPL payments in the UAE are expected to grow 89.4% on an annual basis to reach $1.82 billion in 2022
- BNPL is not just for Gen Y and millennials; it is expected to see adoption by elderly individuals as well
Interview
GCC luxury market grows despite supply chain woes
The GCC personal luxury market will continue to be on a ‘strong growth trajectory,’ Chalhoub Group Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)...
- High-end jewelry is expected to continue to record strong growth in the region
- Meanwhile, online shopping has doubled in the Middle East in the last two years