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.
Israel-Gaza conflict creates global economic ripples
As Israel grapples with the surprise Hamas action and global community gauges economic ramifications, the future of Israel's relations with its neighbors hangs in the balance.
Celebrities make Middle East peace appeals online
Anguished at the horrifying images coming out of the Gaza Strip and Israel, celebrities like Madonna and Mark Ruffalo have pleaded for dialogue to end differences.Fintech innovations reshape GCC’s banking landscape
The region's fintech growth, fueled by a tech-savvy populace, robust regulations, and digital adoption, is drawing global focus, heralding the future of financial services.
Digital quality adds shine to life in Arab countries
The UAE leads the Arab world in digital quality of life, with its advanced digital infrastructure and commitment to tech advancements. Saudi Arabia secures second position.UAE most competitive MENA economy
The 2023 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking placed the UAE among the world's 10 most competitive economies.Aramco, IHC among biggest companies in Middle East
Energy, banking and financial services, and industrial sector companies are among the largest in the Middle East, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council region.COP28 to boost climate resilience and agri innovation
Chaired by UAE Envoy for Climate Change Sultan Al Jaber, the global climate summit will focus on a four-pillar strategy for a sustainable future.Middle East sets global standards in renewable energy
This TRENDS Explainer Video explores how the Middle East is fueling its economy with renewables like solar, wind, and green hydrogen, catalyzing a global clean energy shift.A glimpse into GCC’s financial evolution
As the winds of change blow, three major forces—regulation, consolidation, and digitization—are shaping the trajectory. These elements intertwine, creating a complex tapestry that defines success.GCC optimistic about FDI growth despite hiccups
Despite a decline in FDI inflows in the past few years, GCC countries remain optimistic as they expect strong economic growth in 2023 and beyond.
Malaysia’s edible oil industry eyes Middle East market
As Middle Eastern countries rise economically and their populations grow, Malaysia sees a bigger role in fulfilling the region's growing demand for edible oils and fats.
Oil price, COVID-19 spur Arab world’s public finance
Central banks are prioritizing fiscal and monetary policy coordination to boost macroeconomic stability, cut inflationary pressures, and support long-term growth.UAE leads world in mobile and omnichannel shopping
The UAE scored 134 on the Global Digital Shopping Index, exceeding the global average of 125, as 94% of adults in the country use digital shopping features, say a survey.Dubai leads as GCC real estate transactions soar in H1
Gulf real estate hit $90.7 billion in the first half of 2023, a 9.9% rise y-o-y, as Dubai led the market with a 57 percent increase, fueled by demand for luxury properties.
Binance allegations stir up Middle East crypto market
Amidst the escalating crackdown on key cryptocurrency players, the Middle East is emerging as a potential beneficiary and a new frontier for the crypto industry.Strong growth key to GCC’s FDI appeal
Saudi Arabia has reentered into this year's Kearney FDI Confidence Index, which ranks the markets likely to attract the most investment in the next three years.High oil prices, reforms spur Saudi economic boom
The Kingdom's non-oil private sector expanded sharply in June as output and new orders rose at accelerated, multi-year record rates, indicating strong growth rate.Saudi tourism magnets: Oasis, bustling cities
New tourism framework has been enacted, refining regulations and systems to lure investors, boost competitiveness, and elevate service quality in the sector across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MENA region trails in global race for gender parity
The Middle East and North Africa region scores only 62.6% in gender parity, and at the current pace, the region will achieve full parity in 152 years, says a latest WEF report.GCC ramps up ESG efforts amid green investment push
Businesses are getting ready for COP28 by moving from starting ESG programs to growing them, and those who know the benefits of ESG Reporting may gain a lot, say experts.Are ‘unethical’ PR tactics harming GCC journalism?
TRENDS investigation uncovers Media-Public Relations Nexus as PR companies in the region are found crossing ethical boundaries to secure favorable coverage.
Cloud adoption may unlock $181bn for UAE economy
By 2036, cloud infrastructures in UAE could generate $11.2bn for the country's economy, supporting about 6,000 full-time jobs annually, says a report by Amazon Web Services.UAE implements corporate tax amidst mixed reactions
Some experts deem the tax rate reasonable in global context, while others remain concerned about challenges the new tax regime could pose for family-owned businesses.
UAE Corporate Tax: All you need to know
The UAE aims to attract more businesses and investments by having a competitive Corporate Tax system that follows international standards and a network of double tax treaties.
Data democratization a ‘game-changer’ for businesses
Experts highlight need for data literacy, good governance, and stringent security measures as data democratization revolutionizes decision-making in businesses in the region.
9% corporate tax to be effective in UAE in two weeks
The move aims to foster compliance and business activity, with special exemptions for Free Zone transactions and small enterprises.GCC project awards surge despite economic challenges
Saudi Arabia remains the largest projects market in the GCC as the total value of contracts awarded increases by 54.7 percent YoY during Q1-2023 to US$29.9bn, says a latest report.MEA manufacturers eye digital technology for growth
While 82% firms are increasing investments in industrial automation and robotic process automation, 56% of them focus on enhancing employees' digital experiences at workplace.Technology drives facility management growth in GCC
The sector is likely to grow at a CAGR of about 10% on the back of technology adoption, rising expenditures in building industry, and flourishing tourism industry, says an expert.
Digital platforms are transforming the way GCC countries attract investments
Since the beginning of 2023 alone, three digital and physical platforms have been launched by Qatar, Oman and Kuwait to facilitate investments by foreigners and the local private sector.GCC-listed firms post record growth in 2022, fueled by a thriving energy sector
Net profit reported by the companies jumped to a record high of US$ 273.3 billion in 2022, compared to US$ 199.0 billion in 2021, according to a new report by Kamco Invest.Strong demand for UAE luxury real estate
By the end of 2022, the UAE was expected to attract more than 4,000 high-net-worth individuals. Around 25 percent of GCC's millionaires are moving to the UAE.Innovation key to solving Gulf water woes
Improved farming techniques, better desalination technologies, awareness campaigns and global cooperation can mitigate the regions problems caused by water scarcity.DP World’s overseas logistics investments cross $10bn
Despite global economic slowdown, the firm continues to expand its partnerships and investments, with key focus on Africa and UK. Last year, its investments totalled $320m.Banks face reduced profits as CBDCs gain traction
The emergence of interoperable central bank digital currencies may lower costs and reduce settlement risks, but may hit bank revenues from cross-border transactions, warns Moody's.WEF23 continues to impact global policies, events
TRENDS comes out with exclusive interviews of eminent leaders who had set a blueprint for a peaceful and successful global future during the Davos Summit earlier this year.
UAE-Israel ties solid despite clashes in Palestine
The Israeli-UAE trade is likely to get an added boost in the next few weeks as an anticipated signing of a customs agreement will enable the FTA signed last year to go into effect.Uncertainty haunts macroeconomy, says US professor
Significant technology development is going on in the climate space in the UAE, distinguished Professor Laura D'Andrea Tyson tells TRENDS in an interview.
Gulf women empowerment bid inspires global change
TRENDS explores the efforts and achievements made across GCC in promoting women's empowerment, and the impact these initiatives have had on the wider society.
Proactive govt policies, high rates, slow global growth to lower impact of inflation in Gulf region
The GCC countries are likely to benefit from the relative stability in their financial covers due to high oil prices and strong energy exports in 2022, reports suggest.
Super-rich Russians lift UAE property market to record heights
There might be a global slowdown in the property market, but thanks to Russian buyers, the UAE, in contrast, has seen a stunning growth in the sector.‘KSA bets big on technology and AI, makes global supply chain excellent’
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef highlighted his ministry’s role in the country’s development in a interview with TRENDS at DAVOS 2023.On the edge: Saudi workplace wellness needs overhaul
WHO says that globally an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.Egypt ranks globally fifth in remittances
Although the remittances grew by an estimated 5 percent in 2022, they were lower than the 10.2 percent increase in 2021.
Middle East talent hunt pits UAE against Saudi Arabia
The two biggest economies of the region are leaving no stone unturned to hire the most talented professionals in order to run the ever-expanding companies.
Dubai realty: 2023 starts with ‘strongest’ sales
The emirate saw a record-breaking rise in real estate sales in the first two weeks of 2023, with a total of AED13.22 billion transacted across 4,275 deals, data suggest.A true leader embraces meritocracy, shuns nepotism, says Vision 3 head Khalid Abdulla-Janahi
Khaled Abdulla-Janahi , an international Arab thought leader, feels strongly about changing the traditional perception encompassing the concept of leadership.Energy security key driver of climate investments
The US Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden last year, is the most significant climate pact since the Paris Agreement in 2015, says IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.Two UAE cities among best expat destinations
Expat Essentials Index ranks cities on the basis of quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, personal finance and digital life among other criteria.UAE remains the most innovative Arab economy
The Global Innovation Index ranks the countries on 81 indicators across seven categories, including Business Sophistication, Infrastructure and Technology Outputs among others.
