Dubai property market cools speculation but retains underlying strength
After a record-breaking 2025, the Emirate’s market has found a new level and a new temperament., writes Charles Philion, founder...
Analysis
Dubai property market rises 31% to $68 billion in first quarter
Dubai, UAE -- Dubai’s real estate transactions rose 31 percent year-on-year to 252 billion dirhams ($68.6 billion) in the first...
Business
Interview
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...
- Media Cluster enables talent development by providing access to globally renowned institutions at Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, part of TECOM Group.
- The Media Cluster offers Grade A offices, recording and green rooms, and even world-class backlots and sound stages at Dubai Studio City.
Geostrategy
Trump at Davos demands ‘immediate’ Greenland talks but rules out force
Trump's quest to take control of Greenland, which he said was needed for national and international security, dominated his address...
- But Trump appeared to rule out the threat of military action against fellow NATO member Denmark -- which he branded "ungrateful" -- that has threatened to tear the alliance.
- Trump, however, lambasted Europe on a number of fronts from Greenland to tariffs and the economy, saying it was "not heading in the right direction".
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.
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.
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
Dubai property market cools speculation but retains underlying strength
After a record-breaking 2025, the Emirate’s market has found a new level and a new temperament., writes Charles Philion, founder...
Analysis
Company News
Latest News
Meta, YouTube face trial over children harm
Geostrategy
BYD 2025 revenue surges
Business
MEA market decision-making cycle is fast but risk-averse: Ralph Melis
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets are characterized by rapid growth, high owner influence, diverse operator models, and a...
Interview
Meta, YouTube face trial over children harm
Opening statements in the first trial began in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where Instagram parent company Meta and Google’s...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Economy
The Gulf’s Capital Plumbing
Futuristic, lifestyle-changing entrepreneurial ideas are targeting liquid GCC markets, where hyperscalers and deep-pocketed sovereign and private investors and family offices...
- SWFs anchor the large rounds and funds, while big regional CVCs and family offices pool their resources to finance projects.
- The World Bank projects GCC GDP growth of 3.2 percent in 2025, rising to 4.5 percent in 2026, outpacing the global average.
Economy
Jobs and investment top MENA expectations from multinational firms, Ipsos finds
As geopolitical turbulence grows, companies are increasingly at the mercy of forces beyond corporate leadership’s control.
- 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
Interview
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...
- AI and XR are no longer future trends; they’re reshaping leadership, business models, and education across the GCC today.
- Applying global models without considering local realities remains one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs in MENA.