Overview

Higher oil prices support a growing roster of private and public real estate developments in Kuwait
OBG
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After some years of slowing growth, Kuwait’s real estate sector saw signs of a significant revival in 2018, with sales increasing and prices stabilising. At the same time, new projects are under way, with some of the first of a number of large-scale, mixeduse developments nearing completion. Better economic growth overall, fuelled by rising oil prices and a government infrastructure programme,…

Overview

Kuwait's telecoms providers diversify offerings to increase revenue and customer base
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With Kuwait’s national strategy focused on establishing the country as a global and regional knowledge and communications centre, ICT development has gained significance in the country’s shift away from an economy based on hydrocarbons. The adoption of 5G technology has been key to achieving these goals, as is the earmarking of financial and human resources to create a wider and deeper…

Overview

Kuwait’s new industrial zones and petrochemical products spark expansion
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The non-hydrocarbons industrial sector has long played a secondary role to oil and gas in Kuwait. As the country pivots towards easing the dependence of its economy on hydrocarbons, manufacturing is one of the sectors the government is looking to further develop, with the Public Authority of Industry (PAI) taking the lead. Sector stakeholders are welcoming the increased availability of industrial…

Overview

Support for small and medium-sized enterprises key to sustainable industry growth
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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the engines of global economic growth and employment, accounting for an average of 33% of GDP and 45% of the workforce in high-income countries, and over 60% of GDP and 70% of employment in developing economies. In the case of the latter, the rise in the number of SMEs has been crucial to economic diversification and resilience, particularly in…

Overview

Online retail shopping set to expand in emerging markets
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While e-commerce has become well established in more developed markets, the segment has been slower to take off in emerging economies. Online purchasing has been held down in these markets by financing, purchasing and logistics challenges. Nevertheless, online sales are growing rapidly in many developing countries in spite of these obstacles. Some governments are changing frameworks to boost…

Overview

Kuwait retail performance rebounds as retailers look to secure larger customer base
OBG
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With a strong fiscal base, a high average per capita income and a strong shopping culture, Kuwait looks set to rebound from a period of stagnant growth caused by declining oil prices. While the local retail sector is small compared to larger GCC markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, consumers are quickly catching up with their regional peers in their tastes and demand for international food,…

Overview

Medical technology leads to improved patient care and cost savings
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Rising health care costs, ageing populations and changing lifestyles in emerging economies are stoking demand for medical technology (medtech) solutions. These entail not just smart devices that remotely monitor and transmit biometric data, but any instance of technology that helps to deliver health services. These initiatives are happening everywhere, but there are significant differences…

Overview

Private sector participation to meet rising health care demand in Kuwait
OBG
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Significant improvements in health outcomes have been achieved in Kuwait over the past 20 years, especially in terms of the extension of life expectancy and the reduction of infant mortality rates. The reform of the Kuwaiti health care sector is central to the Kuwait National Development Plan, which is also known as New Kuwait 2035. With a growing population and an increasing incidence of lifestyle-related…

Overview

Investment in education technology surges around the world
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In an era marked by profound technological disruption and intense global competition in new frontier industries, emerging markets are striving to improve and adapt their education systems to reconcile the demands of the modern economy and the needs of citizens. As such, innovative solutions are being developed to address barriers within traditional education systems. As such, education technology…

Overview

Kuwaiti education reforms to improve the quality of teaching and encourage private sector participation
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Amid concerns over the quality of education and training, and in recognition of the country’s growing youth population, the Kuwaiti government has demonstrated its intention to revitalise the education sector through a series of policy reforms and investments in recent years. Some 37% of the population is under the age of 14, while 35% is between the ages of 15 and 34, making the provision…