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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

How 5G rollout will unlock productivity gains in the GCC
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With connectivity widely recognised as a key driver of the post-Covid-19 economic recovery, GCC countries are poised to expand their 5G networks. 5G in the GCC The UAE unveiled its Industry 4.0 initiative in October 2021 to increase innovation and productivity, lower the industrial sector’s carbon footprint and add some $6.8bn to the economy by 2031. The programme is a cornerstone of the government’s…

Analysis

How Oman’s digital economy supports start-ups and innovation
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As part of its efforts to develop the digital economy, the government of Oman launched the National Digital Economy Programme (NDEP) in October 2021 to accelerate the sultanate’s technological transformation and build on the National ICT Strategy established in 2017. The programme is designed to aid the country’s progress in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, the country’s blueprint for…

Analysis

E-sports growth supports GCC diversification plans
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As Gulf countries continue to pursue plans to diversify their economies and unlock job creation for their relatively young populations, they are increasingly investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as electronic sports (e-sports). The MENA gaming market is expected to expand by some 19% between 2019 and 2025, according to strategic consultancy RedSeer, to reach a value…

Analysis

How governments are responding to rising cyberthreats
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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 caused disruptions across the global economy, prompting an increase in the number and sophistication of cyberattacks. According to a poll of 800 chief audit executives by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, 77% of respondents thought the war in Ukraine had elevated cybersecurity and data-security risks. Senior cybersecurity analysts…

Analysis

How renewable energy projects are driving investment in Oman
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In October 2022 Oman became the third GCC country to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, in support of the Paris Agreement. Following the UAE and Saudi Arabia – which in 2021 pledged to reach net-zero – Oman aims to build on a series of clean energy investments and power projects across the sultanate. Oman’s oil production surpassed 1m barrels per day during the first nine months of 2022,…

Analysis

How rising global oil prices are impacting shift towards renewables
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After opening 2022 at around $78 per barrel, Brent crude oil 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 – before moderating slightly to around $106 as of mid-March. Although investment in oil and gas has fallen by about 30% since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are signs…

Analysis

Hydrogen key to GCC energy transition
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With hydrocarbons-rich countries in the Gulf increasingly looking to reduce their carbon emissions, some in the region are turning to multi-coloured hydrogen as a more environmentally sustainable solution. Along with renewable sources like solar and wind, hydrogen is regarded as a potential low-carbon or zero-carbon fuel that is key to the transition away from fossil fuels. However, different types…

Analysis

Renewables to help Oman reach green hydrogen targets
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With the development of a global hydrogen-based economy presenting a significant avenue to advance economic transformation across the GCC, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have taken the lead in exploring such opportunities. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE are developing general hydrogen strategies, Oman is focusing specifically on green hydrogen generated from renewable or low-carbon energy sources. Opportunities Oman…

Analysis

Carbon capture and hydrogen to support GCC clean energy transition
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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…