At first glance, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — long synonymous with oil wealth — may appear to be entering a more restrained phase of growth. Ambition, geopolitics, and technology are aligning in ways not seen before — creating a window that will define the region’s trajectory for decades. For global companies, the question is…

The UAE beauty market is continues to enter a new phase where AI is transforming shoppers from passive consumers into informed decision-makers. What was once driven by in-store consultation and brand messaging is now shaped by data-led personalisation, immersive digital tools, and intelligent guidance, reflecting the region’s high digital adoption and appetite for premium experiences.…

Last week, the Dubai Airshow 2025 officially closed its doors — but the ripples from its announcements, deals, and demonstrations will reverberate across the aviation world for years to come. This year was defined by bold orders, local industrial growth, and major signals about where the region is heading. Big Orders, Bigger Ambitions UAE carriers made…

Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is on the rise—and international brands should be paying close attention. With projections expected to reach up to USD 398.45 million by 2030, the Kingdom is fast becoming a magnet for global retail expansion. The Kingdom’s retail sector is becoming a major pillar of its Saudi Vision 2030 transformation, with the…

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…