The arrival of Primark in the UAE (through Alshaya Group), has been nothing short of a retail moment. Within hours of opening its doors at Dubai Mall, the numbers told the story: 10,000 shoppers, 80,000 items sold, and 15,000 pairs of pyjamas and underwear gone in a single day. But beyond the headlines and queues…

The latest GCC-Stat report reveals a region that has quietly become the world’s 9th largest economy, with a combined GDP of USD 2.3 trillion. But for those of us in the business world, the real story isn’t just the size of the pie; it’s the ingredients. In trade performance, GCC countries ranked 10th globally in…

When we think of botanic gardens, the first image that comes to mind is often serene landscapes, conservation and education. But with the recent announcement from the Muscat Municipality (MM) بلدية مسقط opening up commercial #hospitality and #retail opportunities at the Oman Botanic Garden (OBG), this iconic destination is emerging as a vibrant ecosystem for…

Oman’s manufacturing sector is reaching a defining milestone — contributing an estimated USD 10 billion (RO 3.879 billion) to GDP in 2025, marking steady year-on-year growth of 7.2%. This is more than a strong headline number. It signals structural change — and long-term intent. As global economies accelerate diversification strategies, Oman’s industrial base is emerging…

What does it take for a country to leap from regional investment hub to global investment powerhouse? In the UAE’s case, the answer lies in a combination of strategic vision, diversified economic reforms, and an ability to attract capital from across the world. Over the past year, the Emirates have not only exceeded inbound investment…

The question facing the GCC construction market in 2026 is no longer one of scale, but of intent. As sustainability and digitalisation reshape delivery models, international players must decide whether they aim to chase projects — or help shape the future of how the region builds. Sustainability has moved firmly from ambition to requirement. Across…

Saudi Arabia’s ambition to attract USD 10.7 billion in investment into its recycling industry by 2035 marks a decisive shift: waste management is no longer just a municipal function — it’s becoming a core industrial sector. Through a new national licensing framework, the Kingdom has formally integrated recycling into its industrial ecosystem, covering eight activity…

At a time when global foreign direct investment is under pressure, the UAE has gone against the grain. In 2025, the country attracted more than USD 45 billion in FDI, marking a nearly 50% year-on-year increase and capturing over half of all investment flows into the Middle East. For businesses considering expansion into the UAE,…

In every era of transformation, there comes a moment when leaders must stop forecasting the future and start building it. We are at one of those inflection points. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mubadala’s Group CEO highlighted a defining reality: the pace of technological change — driven by #AI and #robotics — has…

The announcement of seven new malls opening across the UAE in 2026 signals far more than another wave of commercial real estate projects. It reflects a retail sector that continues to expand, diversify, and evolve in response to shifting consumer expectations. The UAE’s retail market (projected to surpass USD 120 billion by 2026) —already one of…