The Gulf is gearing up for a major economic surge — with GCC real GDP set to climb to 4.3% by 2027, more than doubling its 2024 growth rate. Driving this momentum is the rapid rise of non-oil sectors, which expanded by around 4.4% last year, proving that the region’s bold diversification vision is no…

In today’s competitive Middle East market, traditional “rational” marketing no longer cuts through. A recent look at Oman shows how behavioural economics — the study of how real people make decisions — is transforming the way brands connect with consumers. Omani brands are using loss aversion (the idea that people fear losing what they have…

Last week, Dubai took a leap forward in its mission to be the world’s most business-ready city. The recently launched Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit (Executive Council Decision No. 11 of 2025) ushers in a new model — one that dissolves old boundaries between free zones and the mainland, paving the way for thousands of…

Next week, the world’s largest tech and startup spectacle returns to Dubai—GITEX GLOBAL Largest Tech & Startup Show in the World (Oct 13–17) and Expand North Star (Oct 12–15) will once again transform the Dubai World Trade Centre and DUBAI HARBOUR into a living blueprint of the future. From AI-native nations to climate tech, fintech,…

Ready. Steady. Eat! According to Alpen Capital’s latest report, food consumption across the GCC is set to grow by 4.6 million MT over the next four years by 2029, driven by rising population, increased spending power, and booming tourism. In the UAE alone, over 85% of food produce is imported—making it one of the most…

Space is no longer just the final frontier — it is fast becoming the investment frontier in the Middle East. According to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, the MEA space market is now valued at USD 18 billion, with the UAE capturing 40-45% of government spending. In 2024 alone, the UAE committed USD 443…

According to a Strategy& Middle East report, between 2020 and 2024, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman captured around USD 24 billion of the roughly USD 1 trillion in global green foreign direct investment (FDI). That’s just 2% of the global total — even as these same GCC states invested more than USD 132 billion…

The UAE’s retail landscape is undergoing a seismic shift—and it’s not just about e-commerce anymore. According to Zoho’s latest UAE Retailer Survey, 70% of retailers are now integrating digital tools directly into their physical stores. This signals a bold move toward omnichannel strategies that blend online convenience with offline engagement. What’s driving this transformation? Retailers…

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is entering a landmark moment, particularly in the Western Region—and Jeddah Construct 2025 is shaping up to be the showpiece event bringing it all into focus. From September 28-30, the new Jeddah Superdome | جدة سوپردوم will host the second edition of Jeddah Construct, and this year’s scale is noticeably larger:…

As the new trade show and exhibition season gets underway in the UAE, the region once again becomes a focal point for global business exchange. From technology and healthcare to food, construction, and aviation, Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to host some of the world’s most influential gatherings, offering international companies a unique opportunity to…