Syria’s banking sector entered 2026 with a clearer legal path to global reintegration and recovery, although liquidity, capital quality and depositor confidence have yet to return to levels needed for growth. Syria’s capital markets are showing signs of momentum as the country works to rebuild its economy and re-engage with regional and global investors. Trading value on the Damascus Securitie
Qatar’s retail sector is set for sustained growth in 2026 and 2027, driven by rising tourism and strong domestic demand from Qataris and expatriates with high disposable income and purchasing power. Despite heightened geopolitical tensions in the wider Middle East following the Iran conflict, Qatar’s retail sector has remained resilient, supported by strong domestic consumption, stability, and…
Interview: Omar Alfardan, CEO & Managing Director, Alfardan Corporation, on digital transformation deepening engagement in physical spaces How are retailers adapting to reconcile visitor demand with evolving domestic expectations, as tourist arrivals are expected to exceed 5.3m in 2026? ALFARDAN: Luxury and experiential retailers are embracing a dual-track strategy that meets the expectations…
Qatar’s retail sector is set for sustained growth in 2026 and 2027, driven by rising tourism and strong domestic demand from Qataris and expatriates with high disposable income and purchasing power. Despite heightened geopolitical tensions in the wider Middle East following the Iran conflict, Qatar’s retail sector has remained resilient, supported by strong domestic consumption, stability, and…
Despite heightened regional uncertainty stemming from the 2026 Iran conflict, Qatar continues to demonstrate economic resilience, supported by its position as one of the world’s leading LNG exporters, strong fiscal fundamentals and prudent policymaking. While short-term disruption has affected energy exports, trade and logistics, the country remains committed to advancing the objectives of Qatar
On pressure and opportunity in rebuilding Syria’s consumer goods market How would you describe the evolution of Syria’s fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) market from the pre-war years to the post-conflict period? FIRAS SHAMMAS: In the mid-2000s, the Syrian market was increasingly driven by quality, brand selection and consumer aspiration. Syrian consumers were well educated and eager to access…
Kuwait is advancing a broad reform agenda under the New Kuwait 2035 development plan, aiming to strengthen economic resilience and diversify beyond hydrocarbons. Recent governance and fiscal reforms, including the passage of a new public debt law, are expected to expand financing options and support capital market development. At the same time, investment in infrastructure, logistics, digital tech
Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term development roadmap, with greater emphasis on consolidating and maximising the impact of economic reforms introduced over the past decade. Since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, the Kingdom has pursued an ambitious agenda aimed at diversifying and moving away from hydrocarbons and expanding private sector activity. Sa
Interview: Bader Al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director, Darwish Holding, on evolving preferences and omnichannel integration How is the luxury retail segment evolving in response to a shift in consumer preferences, driven by younger, more digitally connected shoppers? BADER AL-DARWISH: While exclusivity, craftsmanship and quality remain essential, younger consumers seek more personalised, tech-enabled…
Qatar’s retail landscape is evolving rapidly following a boost in modernisation and infrastructure investment in 2022. As the country becomes increasingly attractive as a tourist destination, it continues its expansion of high-end shopping malls, often embedded as a part of a greater customer experience that includes leisure activities and entertainment options. While particularly popular as a shopping…
