All Regions and All Sectors

While 2022 was a year of global economic uncertainty fuelled by inflation, geopolitical crises and supply chain insecurity, the Middle East witnesseda second consecutive year of economic growth, with countries in the region investing in new technologies and projects that could herald greater integration in the years ahead. Whereas in October 2022 the IMF’s “World Economic Outlook” projected…

As part of ongoing efforts to diversify their economies and build a platform for sustainable future growth, MENA nations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI). A slew of recent investment and initiatives – primarily in academia and the government, but also in the private sector – has reinvigorated interest from industry leaders around the globe in the potential for AI to strengthen…

Oman’s 10th five-year development plan, which runs from 2021 to 2025, aims to accelerate economic diversification, foster private sector development and strengthen fiscal stability. The strategy is anchored on the strategic priorities of the long-term Oman Vision 2040 development agenda and builds on the ninth fiveyear plan spanning 2016-20, which aimed to promote human capital development, diversified…

Alongside significant political efforts to speed up the energy transition, green finance has been a key tool in financing growth, as governments, international institutions and lenders alike seek to support the shift towards renewables. The issuance of green bonds – financial instruments that fund environmentally sustainable projects – hit a new record of $596.3bn that year, according to the Climate…

Following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said in January 2020, Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, an Oxford-educated cousin of the late sultan, was named Oman’s new leader. The new sultan had held various government positions over the previous 30 years, including minister of culture and heritage, secretary-general of foreign affairs and head of the Anglo-Omani society. He also led the committee…

As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners and fulfil their respective national development strategies, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement (FTA). This partnership is expected to bolster the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses. On June 22, 2022 the two parties signed a joint statement…