“The question for investors is," says Nagham Hassan, Market Analyst at etoro MENA, "whether AI will expand Accenture’s business or reduce demand for some of the work it traditionally provides. A steady quarter would be reassuring, but the outlook will matter more. Investors want evidence that companies are moving beyond...
Putting people at the center of justice
Al Shamsi said technology could support analysis, accelerate access to information and improve efficiency, but stressed that “AI cannot replace legal judgement or human responsibility for decisions."
Shein’s debut puts its valuation, and its growth story, to test
Shein’s weak debut is a telltale sign that limited share availability cannot disguise investor concerns over valuation and growth, says Josh Gilbert, Lead Analyst, Middle East at etoro.
GCC banks need stronger safeguards amid geopolitical uncertainty, KPMG says
KPMG says banks can strengthen portfolios through scenario analysis, stronger governance and monitoring as geopolitical tensions threaten borrowers, funding conditions and asset quality across region.
GCC lenders should reassess credit risks continuously
Today's environment calls for continuous reassessment rather than periodic review. Institutions need to challenge assumptions, stress-test portfolios against multiple scenarios, and ensure credit decisions reflect emerging risks, not just historical conditions, he adds.
Luxury stocks: when good results are not enough
Luxury sales are rising, but investors remain increasingly selective as markets reward durable, high-quality growth over headline gains, says etoro analyst Nagham Hassan, leaving weaker recovery stories under pressure.
Alphabet and Tesla in focus as markets demand more from Big Tech
"Three months ago investors were comfortable funding aggressive AI investment," Gilbert added. "Today they're asking tougher questions. Markets now want proof that this level of spending will generate durable returns."
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 Pure Value.
Logistics: At the heart of economic activity
The global logistics market is expected to be around US$10 trillion in 2024, and is estimated to reach US$21.91 trillion by 2033, registering a healthy CAGR growth of 9.35 percent from 2024 until 2033.The future is already here
Humanity is on a tech-fueled trajectory. Data and informed predictions are inspiring, showing how AI is reshaping economies, smart cities are rising, and boundaries are dissolving.AI is revolutionizing news ecosystem: Expert
Generative AI has removed barriers in the previous generation of AI such as news devices, new hardware and technical expertise, an expert says.
Saudi pioneering solutions for water scarcity
The kingdom is forging partnerships with major corporations to revolutionize water technologies and achieve water self-sufficiency.
$10 trn of ‘hidden costs’ on food and agriculture system per year, says UN
Paris, France - The food and agriculture system adds at least $10 trillion in "hidden costs" to the global economy every year due to unhealthy diets, emissions and undernourishment, a UN agency said on Monday. The Food and Agriculture Organization said it conducted an analysis in 154 countries to determine the...Passion for football catapults housebound Jordanian to stardom
Abu Nawas grew up spending much of his time watching football matches, analysing the teams and playing football video games.Total broad money supply in Qatar reaches US$189bn in September 2022
The Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) has released the 105th issue of (Qatar; Monthly Statistics) bulletin for the month of September, which showed total broad money supply (M2) increasing 11.4 percent YoY to US$189 billion (QR 688 billion).Death toll mounts in Iran protests as online services cut
Amini, 22, died last week after her arrest by the Islamic republic's feared morality police for allegedly wearing a hijab headscarf in an "improper" way, and news of her death sparked widespread outrage. Protesters have been heard shouting "death to the dictator" and "woman, life, freedom" in video footage shared...
Dare to be different to make positive change: Joumana
Lebanese writer, journalist, and human rights activist Joumana Haddad tells TRENDS why she is unperturbed despite being one of the ‘most hated’ persons in her country.
Metaverse: Opportunities vs challenges
New business models must be developed to take advantage of the metaverse's technology, says Fadi Kassatly, Partner, Enterprise Systems and Cloud Solutions Leader at KPMG. The biggest challenge appears to be that metaverse is not ready yet for the masses to digest immediately across different impactful use cases. A lot...‘Workplaces must prioritize mental health’
In many industries, working from home is the way of the future and a better working and mental lifestyle, Quartz Communications Managing Partner Khaled Almaeena tells TRENDS.
Beauty, fashion brands eye NFT advantage
There is enormous potential for NFTs in the fashion and beauty business, says Louis Chen, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Perfect Corp.Saudi real estate rides high on positive sentiment
Saudi Arabia's real estate sector continues to show promising signs, with increasing tourist numbers, consumers returning to retail stores, and more demand for office space.What are the GCC’s top stock exchange constituents?
What are the top constituents of stock exchanges spread across the GCC countries? Here’s our infographic.Eid holidays boost Gulf tourism as COVID curbs ease
From overseas to the domestic circuit, the tourism industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council is witnessing a welcome resurgence, especially after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.Physical security adds to digital transformation
Cybercrime has risen to the forefront of physical security concerns. And big firms are acutely aware of the problem, says Ephrem Tesfai from Genetec tells TRENDS.‘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 country has undertaken.New trends drive Arab automotive growth
From pre-owned cars to electric vehicles, a number of trends are driving the growth of the automobile sector in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.Iftar lightens the pocket in GCC
Here’s a look at how the price of an Iftar meal compares to a standard meal eaten in moths other than Ramadan.Protests, pension, pandemic mark Macron presidency
Emmanuel Macron, who had never held elected office before becoming president in 2017, has weathered several crises throughout his presidential tenure.
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 Borget, COO and cofounder of The Sandbox.
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 payments later, but do not qualify for credit cards. However, they have to be able to qualify for the BNPL schemes being offered, with criteria including a good credit score.
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) Jasmina Banda tells TRENDS.Europe energy market: Will Qatar replace Russia?
The United States has asked Qatar to supply gas to Europe if Russian supplies were disrupted due to Moscow's military operation in Ukraine and the consequent Western sanctions.Grocery apps reap Ramadan benefits
Grocery apps are witnessing a busy period during the Holy Month as scorching summer persuades customers to remain indoors while ordering their basic daily necessities with few taps on the smartphones.
Policy eyed as Mideast bears brunt of climate change
Disasters caused by climate change since 2000 have killed approximately 2,600 people, affected seven million others, and caused $2 billion in direct material damage. It may have also reduced annual economic growth by 1-2 percentage points on a per-capita basis, it adds.
GCC exchanges recoup their losses
From the UAE to Saudi Arabia, the main indexes made up for their losses as the week came to a close.Inspiring people is ‘a good legacy’: Sheikha Lubna
Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the first woman to be an Emirati cabinet minister, opens up to TRENDS about changing perceptions, both in the UAE and abroad.
Global projects to fuel Aramco 2022 growth
The Saudi Arabian Oil Company has outlined a clear strategy to continue to invest in both upstream and downstream segments, says Rehan Akbar, Senior Vice-President at Moody’s.GCC keeps pace with global solar, wind trends
Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman appear on track to take giant strides in diversifying their portfolios when it comes to power generation.UAE free zones set to gain from corporate tax relief
Around 40 free zones in the UAE are likely to attract more investors and FDI after they were declared exempt from the upcoming corporate tax regime, experts tell TRENDS.
Gulf countries warm up to waste-to-fuel plans
Here’s a broader look at how the region has prioritized solid-waste recycling and the production of alternative fuels to deal with the trash they generate.How can UAE firms adapt to corporate tax?
Now entities that typically have strong brand equity, control over distribution, and very few competitors, have a competitive edge that makes it difficult for rivals to emulate their products and services. What of the rest? Lovrenc Kessler, Managing Partner of Simon-Kucher & Partners Middle East, explains.
Riyadh, Dubai lead IPO surge in GCC
For the second time since the global financial crisis, the Middle East has surpassed Europe in terms of IPOs as regional investors seek liquidity from increased oil prices.
UAE expats seek extra citizenship cushion
More than ever before, wealthy expatriates in the UAE as well as the world are pursuing citizenship options elsewhere.
GCC looks to ease fiscal burden with privatization
The privatization move will also help the regional governments in maintaining better economic growth, increasing private participation and attracting foreign investments.Weekly loss for UAE markets, amid contrast for TASI
Oil prices rose by more than 20 percent this week, due to ongoing concerns about supply disruptions and Russian output.
How did Saudi Arabia ensure food security?
The country has been able to overcome the hurdles that stood in the way of achieving food security by implementing comprehensive strategies and plans.GCC beauty sector puts best face forward
Consumers are spending more on beauty products and fragrances despite inflation, says Salem Kaissi, Vice-President of multi-brand luxury beauty concept Faces.Covid-19 shakes up GCC’s in-demand job profiles
Now, the fastest-growing job profiles in the GCC include a mix of both pandemic-resultant and non-pandemic-resultant positions.
Lebanon’s ‘zombie banks’ downsize to weather crisis
More than two years into a financial crisis that has seen the local currency lose 90 percent of its value, the reputation of Lebanese lenders has been shredded.GCC eyes floating hotels, eateries to buoy tourism
Floating restaurants and hotels could be a significant supporting player as the GCC region aspires to increase its footprint as a global tourism hub.
Global trade hit record $28.5trn in 2021: UNCTAD
The UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update said all major trading economies saw imports and exports rise above pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter of 2021.
