Professor Tareq Osaili, Vice Dean, College of Health Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Sharjah, says the UAE’s integrated food system combines imports, manufacturing, innovation, and efficient ingredients to strengthen resilience, affordability, nutrition, and sustainability amid global disruptions.
Dubai moves from importing innovation to exporting it, says Future Solutions Head
Dubai’s innovation ecosystem is entering a new phase, argues Amer Abdulraoof, Head of Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity, with university-led prototypes now being scaled through government and industry partnerships.
MENA’s next tech breakthrough depends on infrastructure, not hype
Jamil Shinawi, CEO and Co-founder of AHOY and co-founder of Actual VC, speaks to TRENDS about risk, capital efficiency, and building scalable ventures in MENA.From Wall Street to Cairo: Face-to-face dialogue defines global leadership
True global leadership is forged through sustained, face-to-face dialogue, cross-cultural immersion, and relationships that transcend digital convenience and headline-driven narratives.
The trillion-dollar paradox in GCC venture capital markets and exits
Despite trillions managed by GCC sovereign wealth funds, late-stage venture capital remains scarce, leaving startups stranded between early traction and scalable commercial growth.
Gaming, esports GCC’s new growth play
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the gaming surge with world-class ecosystems and youth-driven expansion. Across the region, governments increasingly recognize gaming and esports as key drivers of future economies.
To build a knowledge economy, the GCC must bet on its young minds
In Saudi Arabia, more than 60 percent of the population is under 30, and across the GCC, over 50 percent was under 25 in 2021. This demographic strength is shaping the foundation of the region’s emerging knowledge economy.
GCC should focus on tech-enabled authentic, sustainable hospitality
AI fluency is not prioritized enough in schools today. If AI skills are not on your resume, you will have a very difficult time finding a job in the future, says Klaus Kohlmayr, Chief Evangelist and Development Officer at IDeaS.Saudi Arabia’s high-stakes race toward Vision 2030: Diversifying amid global uncertainty
Moving forward, lower oil revenues will continue to pose challenges to the Saudi economy and its overall targets. Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that Saudi Arabia faces a new test: how to sustain reform momentum in an era of potentially lower oil revenues without slipping back...Carney’s UAE mission: A new era for Canada’s global trade ambitions
The latest visit of the Canadian PM is a part of his efforts to find new markets for his nation’s products and forge sustainable trade relations outside of North America.
Digital sovereignty Is the new independence, says UAE cybersecurity official
Digital sovereignty, in my view, is no longer a technical concept — it’s a cornerstone of national independence and strategic stability, says Lt. Colonel Al Shebli in an interview to GISEC GLOBALFrom entertainment to economics: GCC govts make room for creators in their national vision plans
In Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, digital content creation is a key pillar of economic transformation, and Qatar National Vision 2030 too identifies digital creators as essential for building a knowledge-based economy
A hospitality trailblazer talks resilience in a shifting global landscape
Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at Accor, spells out the Group's motto of "pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures with heartfelt care."
New-Age Growth Comes Home to the GCC
The region, fueled by ambition and massive investment, is rapidly advancing in technology and infrastructure, aiming to secure a leading role in the 4IR.
GCC leaders explore regional growth and opportunity at Doha investment meet
The burgeoning creator economy presents an unprecedented opportunity for GCC to outpace global cities and establish itself as the epicenter of next-generation content, said Julien Hawari, CEO Million.AI and the future workforce: Navigating the transition
AI systems exceeding human capabilities across all fields could render many jobs obsolete in a decade, Stuart Russell, Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley told TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
Media: Two major American liberal newspapers refuse to endorse Kamala Harris
With few days remaining to vote in the US election, two major liberal American newspapers have decided not to endorse the Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
‘Canon aims for a 42% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050’
Venkatasubramanian (Subbu) Hariharan, MD of Canon Middle East and Turkey, highlights the significance of remanufacturing and refurbishment for reducing environmental impact, in an interview with TRENDS.
Here is why sovereign sukuk is a game changer
It presents a more cost-effective alternative to conventional sovereign bonds, particularly for governments with lower credit ratings, a report has said.UAE cements position as a top global investment hub in 2024
UAE ascends to 8th on Kearney's 2024 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, affirming its appeal as a prime investment haven, spurred by diversification initiatives and superior infrastructure.Exports key target of GCC hydrogen strategies
Clean hydrogen could be bigger than the oil and gas economy for the region, says Jo Bamford, chairman of HYCAP, which invests in net zero and hydrogen economy.Reforms help Saudi banking sector post robust growth
The financial sector plays vital role in the Kingdom's economy, with a 9.5% surge in operating income and 10.9% increase in non-interest income in FY 2023, says a report.Ramadan influences consumer habits, retail strategy
The ongoing fasting month brings traditional practices and modern shopping habits together, impacting market trends significantly in the Gulf region.UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar emerge as soft power leaders
The surge of three GCC nations in the Global Soft Power Index, with UAE leading with a perfect economy score, highlights their global influence and reputation enhancements.UAE banks ride on growth, operational efficiencies
The country's banking sector emerges stronger, showcasing resilience and profitability with a notable 54.1% increase in net income, says a latest report.Consumer products sector grows amid rising prices
The consumer products sector enjoys tremendous growth, with retail sales value for the industry globally rising by close to 10 percent year on year in 2023, says a report.West Bank crisis deepens with Israeli employment ban
As the West Bank grapples with its worst economic crisis in two decades, sparked by Israel's ban on Palestinian day laborers, poverty and despair escalate.GCC retail pins hope on customer loyalty programs
Retailers in the region are relying on card-linked offers, utilizing data analytics, mobile apps, and blockchain to enhance engagement and personalize shopping experiences.
EU adopts cavalier approach in its desire for primacy
For EU leaders, it is their way or the highway as the wealthy, powerful bloc seeks to tame opposition and browbeat defiant countries and individuals into submission.Tourism takes Saudi Arabia to a new global height
Strategic initiatives and a focus on domestic tourism help Saudi Arabia's tourism sector experience unprecedented growth, positioning it as a future global travel leader.
UAE, KSA lead as tech and energy drive IPOs in GCC
The 2024 outlook for GCC IPO markets shows strong potential with diversified sector participation, bolstered by government support for both state-owned and private offerings.Rising costs, debt challenges grip Egypt’s economy
Egypt begins 2024 with steep increases in essential services' prices, exacerbating the economic strain on its citizens amidst a broader economic crisis.Government, financial sectors top cyberattack targets
The Middle East's oil and gas sector also stays on hit list of of cyberattackers, Trellix CEO Bryan Palma tells TRENDS, stressing the need for widespread cybersecurity investments.Gulf countries eye global metal recycling hub status
Amidst an electric vehicle market boom, a looming global shortage of crucial minerals such as lithium and cobalt threatens to double metal prices. The region expects to benefit from it.GCC realty builds on diversification, sustainability
The Gulf real estate sector demonstrates remarkable resilience, buoyed by strategic economic diversification and a focus on sustainable and innovative urban development.Sustainable mobility rises as GCC turns to hydrogen
MENA countries, adopting ambitious clean energy and transportation strategies, aim for significant hydrogen production by 2050, led by UAE's National Hydrogen Strategy.2023: A year of technological triumphs in the GCC
This year, the GCC region has solidified its technological leadership, with AI, blockchain, and the metaverse leading the charge in transforming various sectors.MENA faces economic turbulence due to Gaza conflict
The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.
GCC media outlets think outside the box to stay afloat
Reeling from a calamitous drop in advertisement revenues and public trust, news media organizations are reworking strategies to create "niche" content.Global health crisis looms amid climate change: WEF
Global coalition and trillions of dollars are required to prevent escalating human deaths due to climate change, Dr. Shyam Bishen of the World Economic Forum tells TRENDS.KSA, Russia plan fertilizer JV, deepen OPEC+ ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Riyadh underscores the deepening economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries.COP28 offers a chance to rethink, reboot and refocus
COP28 UAE provides a crucial chance to reevaluate and intensify efforts, as experts urge pragmatic energy transition strategies to meet the 2030 emissions reduction target.Global food-security crisis nudges GCC to look inward
Billions of dollars are being invested into ventures to grow food in the GCC to make the arid, hot region self-sufficient, in a sector vulnerable to the vagaries of war, climate and disease.Does Anghami and OSN+ collab make financial sense?
A first of its kind in the region, the combination will offer consumers digital services of the best and latest in premium movies, TV shows, music, podcasts.
Gaza conflict casts shadow on Israel’s gas industry
War with Palestinians disrupts Israel's gas exports, causing economic losses and altering energy strategies.Gaza unrest poses risk to oil markets, global growth
Middle East tensions likely to spur a mild global recession, with oil potentially hitting $120-$150 per barrel, says a latest report by Oxford Economics.10,000 deaths raise specter of genocide in Gaza
Some world leaders like Turkey's President Erdogan use the term genocide to describe Israeli actions in Gaza. Israel has also been accused of war crimes by rights organizations.UAE charges ahead in global electric vehicle readiness
The Gulf country's ascent to the top of regional EV preparedness rankings and seventh position globally marks a significant stride towards its 2050 carbon neutrality goals.Politics in fashion: Luxury brands react to Gaza crisis
From L'Oréal's controversy involving model Amena Khan to Chanel's significant financial pledge, the fashion industry is deeply entwined in political discourse amid Gaza conflict.Esports scores big for Saudi economy, culture & jobs
The Kingdom, with its passion for sports and tech, is set to reshape the competitive gaming landscape by hosting the world's premier Electronic Sports World Cup from 2024.Qatar eyes North Field to boost liquefied gas output
Qatar plans a 60% boost in liquefied gas production by 2027 through North Field expansion, tapping the world's most substantial gas reservoir with 50.97trn cubic meters.
