Digital economy has driven the startup investment upsurge in the MENA region in 2021.

Floating restaurants and hotels could be a significant supporting player as the GCC region aspires to increase its footprint as a global tourism hub.

The Gulf region leads in adoption of artificial intelligence or machine learning to boost productivity, says Rami Darwish, CEO of Dubai-based Arrow Labs.

In economically free societies, governments allow labor, capital, and goods to move freely.

TikTok is among top ten most downloaded apps in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, says Hany Kamel, Director of Content Operation for TikTok MENA.

The market is expected to grow at an annualized growth rate of 3.2 percent, from $26.5 billion in 2021 to $31.1 billion in 2026. Along with the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, digitization activities by insurers in the region will boost the expansion plan of the insurance business.

The UAE is the most competitive emerging market in GCC and the third most competitive on a global scale after China and India, according to the annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index. The UAE led all 50 countries in the Index in creating the best business conditions and in the...

It's time to review demand generation plans as Covid-19 is still posing challenges for the regional markets, says Michele Montecchio, Acer's country manager for the region.

The Gulf Cooperation Council region witnessed a 40 percent rise in job creation in the last quarter of 2021 compared to the corresponding period of 2020, and hiring activity will continue to strengthen in 2022, said recruitment specialist Cooper Fitch. Job creation across the region was driven primarily by a...

From solar farms to wind energy, the infrastructure is being put in place at varying paces by GCC nations.

Compared to Europe and US, cyber insurance is a profitable proposition for GCC firms due to amenable market factors such as low litigation environment.

GCC countries appear to be reaping the benefits of their efforts this year, with all indications pointing to the economies making significant progress.

For several years, there has been a rush of investments from GCC countries into European sports. TRENDS explores the reasons that woo Gulf investors beside profits.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of the UAE Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the closing of the "Arab Gulf Security 3" Exercise held in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States, has affirmed that the security of the GCC states is indivisible, asserting that the "Arab Gulf Security 3" is a message of determination and peace. Arab Gulf Security 3 is a joint tactical exercise of...

Around 31 million visitors are expected to enter the UAE yearly by 2025 as the country has initiated several measures to revitalize the tourism sector, particularly eco-tourism.

The region must urgently strengthen innovation and localization. These two make significant contribution to GDP and jobs, either directly through revenue and direct employment, or indirectly by nurturing a startup ecosystem. Governments should begin this process by identifying and prioritizing sectors that fit with the country’s resources, strengths, and strategic...

The Gulf region stays strong both regionally and globally in terms of the number of internet users and the populations with maximum number of cell phones.

Saudi Arabia's finance minister, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, has stressed the need for the promotion of the joint Gulf action, with the need to raise the pace of coordination among all GCC states.

In 2021, Triple-A estimated global crypto ownership rates at an average of 3.9 percent, with over 300 million cryptocurrency-owners and users worldwide. Over 18,000 businesses are already accepting cryptocurrency payments.

The setting up of the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority in 2019 has enabled countries in the Middle East to save $3 billion.

The dialogue discusses the new developments in trade and investment exchange.

"While online learning is a supplement to a broader educational experience, course enrollment statistics strongly imply that it is a vital aspect of professional growth for many, particularly busy professionals," Anthony Tattersall, VP of EMEA at Coursera, tells TRENDS.

GCC Secretary-General Naif Falah Al-Hajraf with the chairman of the Board of Directors of the FGCCC, Samir Abdullah Nas.

Member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council are increasingly working towards the empowerment of women.

GCC Secretary-General Naif Falah Al-Hajraf and Chinese State Advisor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, also agreed on a free trade agreement.

On 12th October 2021, the European Commission issued its first-ever NextGenerationEU green bond

The business environment in the region will experience a transformation that will have a far-reaching impact on economic trends and social dynamics.

The IMF's warning that developing nations are about to face what it called “economic turbulence” is bad news for the GCC as it may hamper the revival of regional economies.

The action plan was finalised during a delegation-level meeting between Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and GCC Secretary General Dr Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf.

Payment landscape in Gulf countries is headed for a significant change, Ralf Wintergerst, Group CEO of G+D tells the TRENDS. "CBDC solves several challenges of today’s payment and crypto-currency world. There’s a multitude of payment options, be it cash or digital, as well as the emergence of new forms of...

Qatar's main healthcare provider has suspended leave for all medical and administrative staff dealing with Covid, as infections surge across the Gulf. The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Qatar -- have been recording their highest...

As ecommerce expands, companies are becoming more aware of the region's shifting consumer behavior and needs, say experts.

During the meeting, the Canadian ambassador was briefed about the initiatives launched by the UAE to strengthen women's rights.

The UAE is one of the most attractive Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for GCC citizens to work in, according to the 2021 statistics released by the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA). A total of 6,903 employees from GCC countries work in the UAE, out of the total...

The UAE is the most popular destination in the world for Indian tourists, according to figures submitted to Indian Parliament by the Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan. The Minister Muraleedharan confirmed that 314,495 Indians left on tourist visas for the UAE in the first quarter of this...

India's Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has said that his country's goal is to become the UAE's number one trading partner. Goyal talked with industry executives and leaders of Export Promotion Councils in Mumbai on Saturday on using available opportunities to widen their global impression by grasping business...

Etihad Airways has announced a new travel solution aimed at corporate and frequent travelers booking from the UAE, said local media. The newly launched Etihad WorldPass allows the airline’s customers to purchase a travel subscription which offers complete flexibility and ease with rearranging bookings throughout the year, said sources. Etihad...

Factors ranging from internet penetration to smartphone ownership to bank-account holdings, and more are coming together to make Saudi Arabia an ecommerce powerhouse.

The 18th edition of the show, organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, has exhibitors from 47 countries and 12 national pavilions

The GCC leaders discuss political issues and security challenges that require intensified efforts to enhance regional solidarity.

The National Centre for Statistics and Information says domestic guest have supported the Oman's hotels.

Companies are increasingly focusing on health and wellness in products and services, says Mohammad A Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Dubai-based conglomerate GMG Group.

Female representation on boards and at higher levels across the Gulf is trailing behind much of the rest of the world

The UAE’s newly-announced working week will not have any negative impact on the UAE and Gulf countries’ business relations, say experts.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the “Order of Zayed” on Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Abu Dhabi.

Moody’s has forecast a stable outlook for GCC banks during the next 12 to 18 months, primarily due to economic recovery in the region and higher oil prices.

The union amongst Emirates is just fine despite being a new experience for us. We did not adopt our neighbors’ experiences. We rather counted on our faith in our brethren rulers of the Emirates and in the importance of the union as a cordial solution to the problems of disintegration,...

A total of 44 GCC brands, which include Emirates, Aljazeera, and ADNOC Distribution, figure in the 2021-2022 World Branding Awards. More than 5,300 brands from over 60 countries were nominated for the awards across multiple categories. Of these, only 500 brands were declared winners. The Virtual Awards Ceremony welcomed over...

Barry Greenberg, Of Counsel at BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associated, breaks down what a landmark bankruptcy ruling means for regional companies.