RAKEZ powers Ras Al Khaimah’s growth: CEO Ramy Jallad
Jallad underscores the role played by RAK ruler Sheikh Saud in positioning the emirate as a magnet for SMEs and hub of industrial innovation
Interview
Saudi fashionistas attempt beach rebrand
A fashion show marked the Kingdom's first Red Sea Fashion Week, pitched by organizers as a milestone both for Saudi fashion and for a nascent tourism sector whose growth is key to diversifying the economy of the world's biggest crude oil exporter. Saudi Arabia is forging ahead with its fashion and tourism investments even as Gaza conflict drags down economic growth prospects for the wider region.
The setting for Red Sea Fashion Week, the St Regis Red Sea Resort on Ummahat Alshaikh island, is part of Red Sea Global, one of the giga-projects at the heart of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 social and economic reform program.
‘Over 91 percent of travel bookings are now online’
Digitalization is revolutionizing travel, and data analytics is hyper-personalizing the sector, notably in GCC's growing business tourism, says Pallav Singhvi of Almosafer in an interview with TRENDS.
Business
Luxury goods boom in Gulf draws global investors
The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 billion in 2023, with long-term growth expected, reaching US$ 13.70 billion by 2028.
Business
Alberta seeks to charm the world with a solid tourism growth plan, says Minister Joseph Schow
Alberta's tourism sector, with attractions resonating with GCC travelers, aims for a $25 billion visitor economy by 2035, says Joseph Schow in an exclusive interview with TRENDS.
Business and leisure combo drives GCC tourism boom
Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious...
Business
GCC tourism growth skyrockets as diversification drive gains momentum post-Covid
GCC countries collaborate on comprehensive tourism strategy, leading global recovery post-pandemic with remarkable growth rates and ambitious plans for sustainable development.
Economy
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 to set up shop. But can the model work to power the GCC economy?
Business
MENA’s rising debt: A cause for global concern
MENA's debt-to-GDP ratio surged 23% in 6 years due to pandemic fallout, with only 8 of 19 countries returning to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
Economy
‘Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Bahrain have reinforced position as top GCC tourist spots’
GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel, tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
GCC countries mobilize to build resilient industrial supply chains: report
GCC countries are prioritizing actions like near-shoring, international partnerships, and technology adoption to ensure supply chain adaptability and responsiveness, says a report by Oliver Wyman.
Economy
RAKEZ powers Ras Al Khaimah’s growth: CEO Ramy Jallad
Jallad underscores the role played by RAK ruler Sheikh Saud in positioning the emirate as a magnet for SMEs and...
Interview
Company News
Saudi fashionistas attempt beach rebrand
The setting for Red Sea Fashion Week, the St Regis Red Sea Resort on Ummahat Alshaikh island, is part of Red Sea Global, one of the giga-projects...
Latest News
Israel, Hamas reject bid before ICC to arrest leaders for war crimes
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Saudia Group in ‘landmark’ deal for 105 Airbus planes
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Israel, Hamas reject bid before ICC to arrest leaders for war crimes
Karim Khan said he was seeking warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes including "starvation", "willful...
Iran media declares President Raisi dead, no official confirmation yet
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Deadly strikes hit Gaza as US envoy visits Israel
Israel has also fought and bombed resurgent Hamas forces in northern and central areas of the coastal territory previously considered...
‘Over 91 percent of travel bookings are now online’
Digitalization is revolutionizing travel, and data analytics is hyper-personalizing the sector, notably in GCC's growing business tourism, says Pallav Singhvi...
Business
Luxury goods boom in Gulf draws global investors
The region's luxury goods market was worth US$ 10.52 billion in 2023, with long-term growth expected, reaching US$ 13.70 billion...
Business
EDITOR'S PICK
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar emerge as soft power leaders
The surge of three GCC nations in the Global Soft Power Index, with UAE leading...
Empowering Arab women Sheikha Bodour’s key focus
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, from the American University of Sharjah, advocates for diversity, inclusion, and...
Arabic in demand as non-English content rules market
This trend shift reflects not only changing consumer preferences but also highlights the significant potential...
Shifting dietary trends boost MEA’s protein market
Rise of flexitarian and vegan diets in the region is driving demand for alternative proteins,...
GCC tourism growth skyrockets as diversification drive gains momentum post-Covid
GCC countries collaborate on comprehensive tourism strategy, leading global recovery post-pandemic with remarkable growth rates and ambitious plans for sustainable...
Economy
Latest News
Deadly strikes hit Gaza as US envoy visits Israel
Israel has also fought and bombed resurgent Hamas forces in northern and central areas of the coastal territory previously considered...
UN aid chief warns of ‘apocalyptic’ consequences of Gaza shortages
"If fuel runs out, aid doesn't get to the people where they need it, that famine, which we have talked...
Oil tanker hit by missile off Yemen, no casualties
"At approximately 1 am (Sanaa time) May 18, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) into the Red Sea...
Israel calls for immediate release of hostages, reports two Thai people held in Gaza killed
The Israeli army said Thursday that two Thai hostages earlier believed to be alive in Gaza were killed in the...
Arab League calls for UN peacekeepers in Palestinian territories
In a concluding statement following a meeting in Manama, the 22-member grouping called for "international protection and peacekeeping forces of...
Company News
Alberta seeks to charm the world with a solid tourism growth plan, says Minister Joseph Schow
Alberta's tourism sector, with attractions resonating with GCC travelers, aims for a $25 billion visitor economy by 2035, says Joseph...
‘Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Bahrain have reinforced position as top GCC tourist spots’
GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo...
Business and leisure combo drives GCC tourism boom
Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious...
Business
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...
Business
MENA’s rising debt: A cause for global concern
MENA's debt-to-GDP ratio surged 23% in 6 years due to pandemic fallout, with only 8 of 19 countries returning to...
Economy
GCC countries mobilize to build resilient industrial supply chains: report
GCC countries are prioritizing actions like near-shoring, international partnerships, and technology adoption to ensure supply chain adaptability and responsiveness, says...
Economy
Geostrategy
US envoy touts ‘potential’ of Israel-Saudi deal in Netanyahu talks
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says there is a potential of Israel-Saudi normalization deal if Netanyahu alters his political...
- An Israeli strike killed 31 people in central Gaza on Sunday, said the Palestinian territory's civil defense agency
- President Biden said Sunday he heard the voice of Gaza war protesters as some students turned their backs during his speech
Arts & Culture
Saudi fashionistas attempt beach rebrand
The setting for Red Sea Fashion Week, the St Regis Red Sea Resort on Ummahat Alshaikh island, is part of...
- Beach developments are seen as major potential attractions, and Red Sea Fashion Week was partly intended to highlight what is already in place.
- Officials involved in Red Sea Global stress they are making progress, opening two resorts last year and preparing to launch 14 more hotels by the end of next year.
Geostrategy
Prayers and concern in Iran as President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter remains missing
Search and rescue teams are looking for the crash site in the remote mountain area, says Iranian state media, adding...
- The harsh weather conditions and heavy fog have made it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the accident site.
- Iranian president's convoy included three helicopters, and the other two had "reached their destination safely.