In the wake of a period of severe disruption to global trade, Gulf shipping and logistics companies are adapting to government efforts to boost self-sufficiency in the region, while also investing in corporate digital solutions to improve communication with stakeholders, and predict and mitigate challenges along the supply chain. Looking ahead, shipping and logistics companies face growing sustainability…
AFCM conferences usually attract over 350 qualified professionals from the Financial Markets and Equities communities. The Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM) is having its Virtual annual conference on the 29th and 30th of March 2022 due to the worldwide pandemic. The AFCM Annual Conference Bahrain 2022, the largest event for exchanges and financial markets in the Arab world, is hosted…
– Increased demand and supply shortages have pushed oil prices to nearly $100 per barrel – The high-price environment could give rise to an increase in drilling and coal usage – Energy companies and governments say they will use the windfall to invest in renewables – Oil-producing countries in the Gulf have expanded their renewable energy commitments Amid an increase in global demand…
On a shifting focus to sustainability in the banking sector What must banks consider when adapting their organisation and activities to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles? JEAN-CHRISTOPHE DURAND: One of the clear signs to assess the level of commitment of any organisation towards sustainability is the appointment of qualified professionals who are responsible for ensuring…
Though challenging, the experience of 2020 – 2021 has made us all more agile and resilient, open to new horizons and taught us about our own capabilities and limits. Such experience should not be neglected, and we should apply maximum effort to learn from this experience - the upcoming edition of the OPEX MENA conference will highlight and share the best examples of successful OE & Safety practices…
– Higher oil prices helped Middle Eastern countries return to growth in 2021 – Notwithstanding the rebound, some governments rolled out fiscal rationalisation plans – Business-friendly and social reforms were implemented to improve competitiveness – Major players stepped up investment in a range of renewable energy solutions On the back of higher oil prices and a stronger global economic…
– GCC universities are adapting their offerings to the post-pandemic economy – Boom areas include cybersecurity, software design, robotics and fintech – There has also been an increase in drug development and supply chain courses – Some institutions are teaming up with private players to help meet industry needs With the current semester winding up, many higher education institutions…
Bahrain entered the pandemic with the most diversified economy in the GCC, which meant it was not overly susceptible to the sharp drop in the oil market. The country also benefits from some of the lowest operational costs in the region, helping businesses to maintain continuity amid the uncertainty, aided by supportive measures from the government and the central bank. Its advanced testing and treatment…
– A first wave of M&A in GCC banking was prompted by the 2014 oil price crash – The coronavirus pandemic has given rise to the start of a second wave – Saudi Arabia and Qatar have seen major tie-ups finalised in recent months – Covid-19 fallout and an excess of smaller banks will prompt further consolidation More than a year after the initial onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the…
On leveraging capital markets to facilitate economic recovery In what ways can the BHB enhance its contribution to the country’s post-pandemic recovery? SHEIKH KHALIFA BIN EBRAHIM AlKHALIFA: The most impactful way the BHB can support the economic recovery is by focusing on its core mission: to facilitate the raising of capital. At a time when banks are being much more selective and cautious…
