Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

Arab region’s economy recovers, growth projected at 3.7% in 2026

Wed, 25 Feb 2026

The Arab region is experiencing a gradual economic recovery despite mounting challenges, according to a new report issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

Private equity resurgence gathers steam, competition rises: report

Mon, 23 Feb 2026

A resurgence in global private equity is gathering steam after a rebound in dealmaking last year that saw both buyout deals and exits surge ahead to register their second highest values on record, says a report from Bain & Company.

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

Non-oil growth: KSA must focus on quality over scale, says PwC

Fri, 20 Feb 2026

Saudi Arabia’s sweeping diversification drive has transformed the structure of its economy, but the next phase must focus on quality and productivity rather than scale, as oil market dynamics continue to shape non-oil performance, according to PwC.

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

What is the impact of US-Iran tensions escalating?

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

The US has positioned forces in the Gulf region, pressuring Iran to accept a set of US demands. Diplomatic channels remain open, but miscalculation by either party could result in an escalation. CIO Office Viewpoint from Lombard Odier examines the potential implications if US-Iran tensions were to escalate.

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

Income-focused strategies gain ground in changing rate climate

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest global asset managers, said investors should expect a prolonged period of more divergent investment outcomes across markets, with increasingly uneven performance across asset classes and strategies, as global markets adapt to structural shifts in interest rates, capital allocation and technology adoption.

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

Five strategies CISOs must adopt in 2026

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

The 2026 CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) predictions made one point unmistakable: large-scale disruption is not hypothetical; AI increases both the likelihood and the blast radius of failure. Because of this, business continuity planning will need to evolve accordingly.

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

GCC real estate markets to continue upward momentum in H1 2026: report

Mon, 16 Feb 2026

The GCC real estate market is poised to sustain its upward trajectory into the first half of 2026, building on strong momentum recorded in the latter part of 2025, according to a new report by Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz).

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

MENA M&A activity value tops $106bn with 884 deals

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

The MENA region recorded a robust 26% rise in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity with 884 deals, compared to 701 in 2024 with the total deal value reaching $106.1 billion, according to the EY MENA M&A Insights 2025 report.

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

UAE and Saudi Arabia set the benchmark for GCC IPO: report

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have emerged as the clear leaders of the GCC IPO market, setting the benchmark for scale, sophistication, and investor expectations across the region, according to a new Viewpoint by Arthur D Little.

Analysis, Interviews, Opinions

Construction costs set to increase in Saudi Arabia, UAE

Wed, 11 Feb 2026

Construction costs are expected to rise in the Middle East this year, increasing by around 4% in Saudi Arabia and 3% in the UAE. Across key sectors, demand remains strong, but delivery conditions are becoming more complex, says a new report.