Kelsey Goodman of the World Economic Forum discusses Strait of Hormuz disruptions, global trade risks, and how GCC economies can turn crisis into opportunity.

The escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States is emerging as a major test for the Gulf’s sovereign wealth funds, which collectively manage around $5 trillion in global assets

Despite fierce branding as rivals, Gulf startup hubs share capital, policy, and talent structures that are quietly shaping distinct, globally ambitious growth paths.

The Gulf combines an interrelated web of business habitats and tech infrastructure to create rapid, policy-driven media and knowledge hubs that attract talent and investment, writes Hadi Khatib.

AI, geopolitics, climate, and demographics are reshaping the Middle East’s growth model beyond oil.

MEA markets feature rapid growth, high owner influence, diverse operator models, and younger hotel infrastructure, says Ralph Melis, co-founder and chief operating officer (COO) of ExploreTECH.

For a region long shaped by sovereign balance sheets and state-owned champions, the Gulf is quietly rewiring its financial plumbing, with governments relaxing ownership rules, rewriting regulators’ mandates.

The company, launched in May, is bankrolled by Saudi's powerful Public Investment Fund, which has played a key role in financing the kingdom's gigaprojects - major developments aimed at boosting and diversifying its oil-reliant economy.

Brandishing bamboo sticks and chanting patriotic hymns, thousands of uniformed men parade in central India, a striking show of strength by the country's millions-strong Hindu ultranationalist group.

The US space agency's Artemis program hopes to return humans to the Moon as China forges ahead with a rival effort that is targeting 2030 at the latest for its first crewed mission.

Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais unveils a tech-human hybrid approach to personalize travel experiences — and announces a strategic India office to tap into Dubai’s largest source market.

Partnerships with institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Venice Biennale, and Hollywood productions elevate the GCC’s cultural landscape.

The framework for future-proofing tourism revolves around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purpose. This vision is particularly evident in the GCC, where a people-first transformation is taking place.

In an exclusive interview with TRENDS, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter emphasized the critical role of financial stability in safeguarding global economic health, calling for nations to act from "inner strength."

The widening skills gap challenges employers, with over 59% of the workforce needing reskilling while millions risk redundancy due to insufficient training for future job market demands.

Discussions led by the UAE include provisional administration, PA leadership overhaul, and Gaza reconstruction, requiring extensive international cooperation and adherence to a two-state solution framework.

The platform faces accusations of espionage in the United States, while the European Union has launched an investigation into claims it was used to sway Romania's presidential election in favor of a far-right candidate.

Smaller AI models save energy, reduce costs, and enhance data security but work alongside large models for advanced solutions.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and the first African to head the WTO, is the only candidate in the race, paving the way for the body's 166 members to re-elect the 70-year-old Nigerian at a closed-door meeting.

The 22-member OPEC+ group led by Saudi Arabia and Russia was due to decide on its 2025 output policy at a ministerial meeting originally scheduled for Sunday.

The November 20 bombshell indictment in New York accused billionaire industrialist founder Gautam Adani and multiple subordinates of deliberately misleading international investors as part of a bribery scheme.

War in the Middle East continues as Israeli attack kills 73 in northern Gaza while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says that Hezbollah tried to kill him.

Hamas called the Palestinian resistance a testament of resilience against Israeli aggression, while Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to crush Hamas and restore security across its borders.

Israel has been planning for months to kill Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in south Beirut. Reports say Israeli PM approved the killing from his New York hotel while he was visiting UN annual meetings.

Israel's army chief told troops on Wednesday to be prepared for possible entry into Lebanon as Israeli fighter jets bombarded targets in north, east and south of Lebanon. More than 90,000 people are displaced within Lebanon, says United Nations.

The Kingdom’s tourism and entertainment investments, including a new star rating system, support growth in hospitality, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leisure destination by 2030.

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.

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.

The growth of the space industry will largely be built upon the increased reach of space-based and/or -enabled technologies, such as communications, positioning, navigation and timing, and Earth observation.

As expected, Iran retaliated early Sunday by firing more than 200 drones and missiles toward Israel in response to Israel's covert attack of Iran's diplomatic office in Damascus that killed nine people.

In its efforts toward sustainable transportation, the German embassy is the first diplomatic representation in Doha to utilize an electric vehicle as a staff car.

The region is spearheading sustainability initiatives to address climate challenges, with Saudi Arabia making significant strides towards renewable energy and clean technology.

The Middle East is emerging as an important region in the battle against methane emissions, crucial for curbing global warming. say a latest IEA report.

Logistical adaptations, strategic planning, and forecasting essential for addressing the unique demands of increased consumption during Ramadan, says Aramex's Tarek Abi Yaghi.

Arab women have significant impact in shaping educational practices by embracing technology and student-centered learning, says Aziza Ellozy of The American University in Cairo.

The region sees a robust future for digital cross-border transfers in the Middle East, marked by innovation and a strong commitment to financial inclusion, says a report.

The Kingdom's property sector is driven by a projected $3 trillion GDP by 2030 and evolving consumer preferences towards homes equipped for remote work and wellness.

Technology investment and corporate partnerships can play a crucial role in driving significant emission reduction, Hans Kobler of Energy Impact Partners tells TRENDS.

Climate finance plays a critical role in protecting Virunga National Park through innovative solutions like hydroelectric energy, director Emmanuel de Merode tells TRENDS.

China's GDP is expected to grow 5 percent this year as the country has significantly recovered from COVID-19, Xiaoyan Zhang of Tsinghua University tells TRENDS.

There is a need to align AI goals between public and private sectors to balance cost reduction with job creation and enhancement, Dr. Arturo Bris of IMD tells TRENDS.

The region is on a growth track due to modernization, education, and broad integration with global economies, Joshua Friedman of Canyon Partners tells TRENDS.

Industries are increasingly investing in transformative technologies, including cybersecurity, sustainable solutions and AI, Sapthagiri Chapalapalli tells TRENDS in an interview.

Africa is moving away from stereotypes of poverty and incapacity to a narrative of ability and competitiveness, Sithembile Ntombela maNdaba, the CEO of Brand South Africa, tells TRENDS.

The GCC -- with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar -- plays an important role in the energy transition, Dr. Atul Arya of S&P's Global tells TRENDS.

Despite existing laws, global corruption has not decreased due to lack of enforcement and judicial independence, Francois Valerian of Transparency International tells TRENDS.

Geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East unrest, and China-Taiwan ties are key economic disruptors, says Bill Browder of Hermitage Capital.

ASI & AI Tutor is collaborating with the UAE Ministry of Education to democratize learning with AI tutors, its 20-year-old CEO Quddus Pativada tells TRENDS.

There is a need for global policy alignment to meet the rising energy demands and tackle climate change challenges, Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power, tells TRENDS.

Amid declining sales and safety concerns, CEO covets more control, seeking solace in SpaceX's success.