Riyadh’s cultural economy is gaining momentum, supported by investment in digitalcontent, visual arts and talent development. Major events such as Riyadh Season, Noor Riyadh and the Riyadh International Book Fair are drawing millions of visitors, demonstrating the scale of the city’s engaged cultural audience. Alongside $1.1bn deployed through IGNITE, new talent pathways and the…
On the district's transformation into a high-tech industry and logistics centre How would you evaluate Bektemir District's developmental dynamics regarding trade and investment? NURILLA LUTFILLAYEVICH ABDURAXMANOV: Bektemir occupies a unique position in the geography of greater Tashkent – we sit at the gateway between three major regions, which gives us a natural advantage in logistics and…
On the readiness to adopt digital financial services and the importance of the availability of cash during the recovery How might changes in the sanctions environment affect Syrian banks’ ability to finance foreign trade? HOSSAM HALLAQ: For many years, Syrian banks have faced significant obstacles in financing foreign trade, largely due to long-standing sanctions. Only a limited number of…
As economies become increasingly knowledge-based and technology-driven, higher education is playing a growing role in supporting workforce readiness, innovation and long-term competitiveness. In Oman, these trends are closely linked to Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s ambitions to diversify economic activity, strengthen human capital and expand participation in future-oriented sectors.Produced…
On the science-driven transformation of Uzbekistan's agricultural sector To what extent does the ANORA platform initiative represent Uzbekistan's agricultural transformation? How will it translate into tangible outcomes for farmers and agribusinesses? ABDURAKHMONOV: Uzbekistan's agricultural reforms over the past eight years have been grounded in President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's vision of human…
On enabling investment and financing reconstruction How would you assess the current effectiveness of the capital market framework? ISSA CHAMI: The framework is constrained by outdated regulations, weak legal infrastructure and institutional practices that do not align with the functioning of capital markets in open economies. The regulations date back to a period before major global advances…
The Mexico Insurtech Summit 2026 brings together leaders, innovators and decision-makers who are transforming the insurance industry through technology. It is a space designed to discover how innovation, digitalization and new technological solutions are redefining the way we understand, operate and build the insurance of the future. During the event, sector executives, insurers, start-ups, investors…
On how real estate is fostering Syria’s economic recovery How would you characterise the current state of the real estate sector in post-conflict reconstruction? MOAFAQ AHMAD AL GADDAH: Syria’s real estate sector is entering a phase shaped by the structural consequences of prolonged conflict, including widespread physical destruction, shifts in income distribution and institutional constraints.…
On how local manufacturing, technology investment and human capital development are strengthening industrial competitiveness What role can manufacturing play in Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic transformation? AHMED ZAATARI: Manufacturing has a central role to play because it creates a deeper and more sustainable economic impact than many service activities. When a company invests in manufacturing,…
On how natural gas and sustainable technologies contribute to economic diversification efforts How important is a secure natural gas supply in supporting industrial competitiveness and long-term economic development? AL DHAHERI: Reliable and affordable natural gas is fundamental to industrial competitiveness, particularly in economies where energy-intensive industries play a significant role.…
