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…
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…
Qatar is channeling its hydrocarbons wealth into long-term economic transformation, with diversification accelerating after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. In 2024 non-oil sectors accounted for over 60% of GDP, led by tourism, logistics and financial services. Strong fiscal buffers, a US dollar peg and prudent management of the $475bn Qatar Investment Authority support macroeconomic stability. Reforms in
Interview: Ahmed Akaak To what extent can infrastructure development attract and sustain industrial investment? AHMED AKAAK: Globally competitive infrastructure is essential to attracting and sustaining industrial investment in Oman’s economic zones. For example, critical assets at Duqm include the multipurpose fisheries port, which features dedicated fisheries industrial complex housing processing…
Interview: Harssha Shetty What role is the iron and steel industry expected to play in Oman’s development and industrialisation? HARSSHA SHETTY: The iron and steel industry is pivotal to Oman’s economic development and industrialisation, aligning with Oman Vision 2040. Historically, manufacturing – specifically steel production – has been a catalyst for wealth creation. Steel is a crucial…
Interview: Dawood Al Hadabi Which strategies is Oman using to enhance the competitiveness of its industrial areas? DAWOOD AL HADABI: The strategies being implemented are deeply integrated with the objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040. This vision encompasses a comprehensive approach to diversifying the energy portfolio to reduce carbon emissions and the dependency on traditional sources like natural…
