MENA Outlook: Diversification, AI, and economic integration take centre stage
As the region pivots toward a post-oil future, recent developments across the Middle East and North Africa suggest an accelerating...Economy
Oil under $65 a boon for consumers, but a burden on producers
London, United Kingdom -- US President Donald Trump's tariffs, his call to "drill baby drill" and especially a decision by...Business Economy
Oil prices surge, Asian markets fall following Iran explosions
Oil prices surged more than three percent in early Asian trade, and Asian stock markets slumped by over 3 percent...West Texas Intermediate jumped 4 percent to $86 and Brent rose 3.9 percent to $90.5
Asian stocks tumbled Friday, with Japan’s Nikkei slumping as much as 3.5 percent
From sand dunes to boardrooms: Strategies for success in challenging times
"Leadership teams must recognize that the livelihoods of their employees' families hinge on the stability of the business. Understanding that...When there is a significant decline in economic activity over a long period of time, retaining employees and attracting new talent also becomes difficult
In smaller or medium-sized organizations, equipping your teams with the skills and knowledge to pivot products, services, and methodologies is crucial for instilling confidence
Low-pressure system eases over UAE: Dubai Airport delays remain
The Ministry of Interior has announced the end of the low-pressure weather system that wreaked havoc for many Dubai International...The UAE recorded its heaviest rainfall in the 75 years
Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, is barely functional
Equities sink, oil rallies on fears of Iran-Israel conflict
Stock markets fell and oil prices climbed Tuesday on growing fears of a wider war in the Middle East after...The selling came after Wall Street's three main indexes tanked
Investors appeared to ignore figures showing China's economy grew 5.3 percent in Q1, 2024
Special economic zones are a new craze in Middle East
Vast swathes of land across the desert region are seeing the sprouting of new special zones to entice big business...In 2023, Saudi Arabia set up four new special economic zones, with incentives for international companies to operate within the kingdom
SEZs are seen as catalysts for economic diversification, which offer platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in non-oil sectors
Saudi Arabia surpasses homeownership goals, sets sights on 70% by 2030
The kingdom's housing program achieves remarkable success, surpassing targets and reducing waiting times from 15 years to immediate entitlement, revolutionizing...The housing program, which implements over 15 development initiatives and programs, successfully increased Saudi families' homeownership rate to more than 60% by 2023
It also accomplished over 165,000 housing units and plans to provide 365,000 housing units over the next few years, with 95,000 units going to the most vulnerable families by 2025
Space economy set to triple to $1.8trn by 2035, reveals new research
The growth of the space industry will largely be built upon the increased reach of space-based and/or -enabled technologies, such...The growth will largely be due to space-based and -enabled technologies, such as communications positioning, navigation and timing.
Space technologies are delivering greater value to a more diverse set of stakeholders than ever before, including in industries as varied as food and beverage, among others.
MENA region is leading the on-demand talent revolution: report
Agile work models and diverse skill demands propel MENA's freelance economy, empowering businesses to thrive amid modernization and digital transformation.MENA companies, particularly those in the IT, banking, finance, real estate, construction, energy, and hospitality sectors, actively embrace agile workforce models
Emerging trends like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, data analytics, and procurement are expected to fuel the demand for local and international talent
Innovation, flexibility fuel GCC remote work growth
The UAE especially has become a regional hub for remote work, attracting digital nomads and businesses with its visa programs.Oman and Kuwait are more cautious due to infrastructure limitations and traditional work cultures.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying economy, emphasizes remote work for economic development.
MENA startup investment surges in March 2023
Saudi startups were the biggest beneficiaries of LEAP24 tech conference, securing the lion's share of the total investment of S254...The gender gap in the MENA startup ecosystem remains a pressing issue. Male-founded startups secured nearly 90 percent of the deals.
March 2024 wasn't just about investments. The month witnessed several noteworthy mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals.
