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Analysis

How industry is adopting circular economic policies to boost exports
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With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reigniting debate about the pace of the energy transition and the risks of relying on oil and gas imports from countries with opposing agendas, discussion in the Gulf is framed around how to extract maximum benefit from hydrocarbons while also playing a responsible role in efforts to both mitigate climate change and maintain stability in international energy supply.…

Analysis

Construction industry prioritising sustainable architecture
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As the construction industry redefines its priorities to ensure sustainability, there is increasing recognition of the benefits of regenerative architecture as a means of lowering emissions. According to the “2019 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction” published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the construction sector accounts for nearly 40% of global energy-related greenhouse…

Analysis

Transport modernisation projects drive GCC efficiencies
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Following delays, the long-awaited GCC Railway looks likely to be revitalised – a move that could transform trade and connectivity across the Gulf. The initiative was given a significant boost in December 2021 when leaders of the six GCC countries approved the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority, the body that will oversee the coordination of the project. The decision marks a potentially…

Analysis

Kuwait invests in transport infrastructure to enhance global connectivity
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In July 2021 Kuwait Port Authority (KPA) announced plans to establish a series of logistics cities on recently acquired land adjacent to several major ports across the country. The project is expected to be completed by 2025 at an investment of $400m. The proposed cities would be located on a combined area of 1.9m sq metres around Doha Port – with the new facility spanning 270,000 sq metres to the…

Analysis

Kuwait investing in clean energy projects
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To address one of the highest rates of per capita energy consumption globally, the government of Kuwait is taking a multi-pronged approach involving the reduction of subsidies following the rollout of incentives for green energy solutions and national energy efficiency initiatives in 2016-17. Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah first announced a target in 2012 to increase domestic energy production…

Analysis

Rising oil prices catalysing investment in alternative energy in GCC
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After opening 2022 at around $78 per barrel, Brent crude prices rose sharply over the next few months to surpass $127 on March 8 – the highest price in 14 years, driven in part by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Prices remained elevated throughout much of the year, although they had returned to early January levels by early December amid growing fears of a global recession and weakening demand. The…

Analysis

Gulf countries look to carbon capture to drive net-zero emissions
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As hydrocarbons producers reap sustained revenue from high global prices, national oil companies (NOCs) in the Gulf are accelerating investment in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS); hydrogen; and cleaner sources of energy to make their activities less carbon-intensive and support the energy transition. Gulf NOCs’ low-cost production advantages and massive hydrocarbons resources mean…

Analysis

Kuwait's Islamic banks seek greater efficiencies through consolidation
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Kuwait’s Islamic banking sector has consolidated its position as one of the largest markets in the world with the completion of the acquisition of Bahrain’s Ahli United Bank (AUB) by Kuwait Finance House (KFH) in October 2022. Prior to the deal, the Kuwait government held 23.9% ownership in KFH, an additional 24.1% via the Kuwait Investment Authority, and 18.69% in AUB. The Kuwaiti lender initially…

Analysis

Islamic banking gaining global traction
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After a resilient performance in 2020, the international Islamic finance sector fared positively in 2021 as an improved economic environment and a rise in the number of large projects combined to drive demand for services. Despite the twin challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fall in international oil prices that affected many of the world’s heavyweights in Islamic finance, the global sector’s…

Analysis

Kuwait passes regulation to accelerate digital banking
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The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) introduced new guidelines in February 2022 for establishing digital banks. These regulations reflect Kuwait’s efforts to support banking innovation for future economic development and financial stability. The new guidelines are expected to help the country’s banking sector keep pace with developments in global financial services. The guidelines were issued after…