MENA must integrate research, enterprise, and leadership development
Over the next five years, knowledge and innovation will redefine the MENA region’s economic landscape, moving it beyond traditional resource...
Interview
Lessons from Davos: From digital health tools to health intelligence
Despite ongoing disagreements over economic and geopolitical shifts, there remains a strong commitment to collaboration, says Andrew Moose, Head of...
Interview
Geostrategy
G42 launches ‘digital embassies’ model to help governments deploy sovereign AI
Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence group G42 on Tuesday launched what it calls a Digital Embassies framework and an operating model...
- It allows governments to deploy AI while retaining legal authority and control over data and systems, even when infrastructure is located outside national borders.
- The initiative comes as governments seek to accelerate the use of AI in areas such as public services, healthcare, national security and energy.
Interview
MENA’s gaming sector projected to ‘touch $6 billion by 2027
Nikita Matsokin, Executive Director of MGVC (MY.GAMES, shares his thoughts on the MENA region’s creative talent, government support, and rapid...
- The region’s gaming sector is already a multibillion-dollar powerhouse, projected to reach $6 billion by 2027—twice its 2021 value.
- Dubai alone is home to more than 350 gaming companies, including 260 specialized developers, and the program aims to create 30,000 new jobs.
Geostrategy
Who has been invited to be on Trump’s Gaza boards?
The White House said there would be a main board, chaired by Trump himself, a Palestinian committee of technocrats meant...
- BOARD OF PEACE - The White House says this body will focus on issues such as "governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction.
- NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF GAZA - This body, made up of technocrats, will "oversee the restoration of core public services, the rebuilding of civil institutions.
Interview
UAE is converting talent, trust, and technology into a Knowledge Nation
Dr. Lolowa AlMarzooqi, Associate Vice Provost at New York University Abu Dhabi, tells TRENDS that the UAE’s real competitive edge...
- At the early childhood level, today’s learners are growing up in an environment that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and bilingual fluency.
- By university and early-career stages, Emirati youth are more globally aware, digitally confident, and purpose-oriented than ever before.
Geostrategy
Trump threatens European nations with tariffs over Greenland
Trump aimed his ire at Denmark, a fellow NATO member, as well as several European countries that have deployed troops...
- If realized, Trump's threats against Washington's NATO partners would create unprecedented tension within the alliance.
- It was not immediately clear what authority the US leader would invoke to impose the threatened tariffs of up to 25 percent.
Economy
Saudi knowledge economy accelerates as Vision 2030 targets move within reach
The government has successfully implemented more than 900 reforms, including restructuring legal and labor frameworks, establishing new public authorities, and...
- Saudi Arabia’s digital economy is valued at $132 billion, accounting for 15 percent of GDP.
- The government has invested more than $20.7 billion in AI technologies and data center infrastructure.
Economy
AI promise uneven as economists flag debt and market vulnerabilities
In its latest Chief Economists’ Outlook, the WEF said 53 percent of surveyed economists expect global economic conditions to weaken...
- Economists expect defence, energy and digital infrastructure spending to rise, while environmental budgets shrink amid difficult fiscal trade-offs.
- Survey respondents see South Asia leading growth, Europe lagging, and foreign investment favoring the United States over China.
Business
GCC’s quest for AI dominance has several hurdles to surmount
For governments and corporates across the Gulf, the immediate task is pragmatic: marry sovereign ambition with sustainable skills programs and...
- The AI market in the region is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.63 percent between 2024 and 2030.
- Analysts say the region’s real test will be turning pilots into production systems that deliver measurable economic and social outcomes
Geostrategy
Gaza ceasefire enters phase two despite unresolved issues between Israel and Hamas
The most contentious questions remain Hamas's refusal to publicly commit to full disarmament, a non-negotiable demand from Israel, and Israel's...
- Gaza, whose borders and access points remain under Israeli control, continues to face severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel.
- Under the second phase, Gaza is to be administered by a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee operating under the supervision of a so-called "Board of Peace."
Interview
MEA market decision-making cycle is fast but risk-averse
MEA markets feature rapid growth, high owner influence, diverse operator models, and younger hotel infrastructure, says Ralph Melis, co-founder and...
- The Middle East is unique because its hotel landscape is expanding faster than anywhere else globally, but its technology knowledge infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.
- This region is open to new platforms, new operating models, and rapid digital adoption, making it ideal for building a category-defining ecosystem.
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
MENA must integrate research, enterprise, and leadership development
Over the next five years, knowledge and innovation will redefine the MENA region’s economic landscape, moving it beyond traditional resource...
Interview
Company News
Latest News
Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos after Greenland u-turn
A group of leaders and senior officials from 19 countries -- including Trump allies from Argentina and Hungary -- gathered...
Geostrategy
How To Enhance Human Potential? The answer: Cognitive Cities, AI, and Leadership in MENA
Joseph Bradley, former CEO of Tonomus, shares with TRENDS his views on how AI and leadership can help MENA build...
Economy
Dubai Media City bets on AI to cement its global creative hub status
Dubai Media City has moved decisively beyond real estate into intellectual and digital value creation to support the next generation...
Interview
Most Read
Interview
The Middle East has become our living lab for digital reinvention
In the MENA region, we see an extraordinary opportunity to shape a digitally empowered workforce aligned with national transformation agendas,...
- The Middle East has become our living lab for digital reinvention, where ideas rapidly evolve into impactful, real-world solutions.
- AI, cloud, and IoT are no longer enablers but strategic levers reshaping productivity, resilience, and value creation across MENA.
Geostrategy
G42 launches ‘digital embassies’ model to help governments deploy sovereign AI
Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence group G42 on Tuesday launched what it calls a Digital Embassies framework and an operating model...
- It allows governments to deploy AI while retaining legal authority and control over data and systems, even when infrastructure is located outside national borders.
- The initiative comes as governments seek to accelerate the use of AI in areas such as public services, healthcare, national security and energy.
Interview
MENA’s gaming sector projected to ‘touch $6 billion by 2027
Nikita Matsokin, Executive Director of MGVC (MY.GAMES, shares his thoughts on the MENA region’s creative talent, government support, and rapid...
- The region’s gaming sector is already a multibillion-dollar powerhouse, projected to reach $6 billion by 2027—twice its 2021 value.
- Dubai alone is home to more than 350 gaming companies, including 260 specialized developers, and the program aims to create 30,000 new jobs.