Technology development is central to Kuwait’s long-term plans to diversify the economy, with the government attempting to position the country as a regional leader in ICT and financial services. The competition in those spaces across the GCC is fierce, and countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are making concerted investment in ICT infrastructure and financial technology. The highly competitive…
A productive cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem underpins the world’s leading economies, enabling countries such as the US, China and Germany to respond effectively to existential challenges, economic inefficiencies and commercial opportunities that ultimately bolster economic sustainability. In recognition of this, Saudi Arabia’s government is working to plug gaps in the Kingdom’s own innovation…
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 caused disruptions across the global economy, from food to energy, and prompted an increase in the number and sophistication of cyberattacks – exacerbating similar impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a poll of 800 chief audit executives conducted by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, 77% of respondents thought the war…
Economy-wide digitalisation and a steadily developing innovation ecosystem are aiding socioeconomic development in Saudi Arabia. When strategically implemented and harnessed, innovative and disruptive technologies not only positively impact commercial economic performance, but also equip nations to find cost-effective solutions to pressing challenges. Saudi Arabia’s government has built its long-term…
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…
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…
In the last two decades e-commerce has transformed the global retail sector. The adoption of e-commerce accelerated further at the beginning of 2020 due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many customers switched to safer and more convenient digital shopping channels. “The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated e-commerce adoption in the region, and this carries profound implications for the way marketing…
A productive cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem underpins the world’s leading economies, enabling countries such as the US, China and Germany to respond effectively to existential challenges, economic inefficiencies and commercial opportunities – ultimately bolstering economic sustainability. In recognition of this, Saudi Arabia’s government is working to plug gaps in the Kingdom’s own innovation…
The ICT sector is primed for considerable expansion in the coming years as digital technologies become increasingly central to cross-sectoral operations and performance. Recently, the government has made significant financial and time savings after successfully shifting many internal processes and public services online, raising efficiency, productivity and coordination across and between its various…
Interview:Munir El Desouki How can the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) enhance the research, development and innovation (RDI) ecosystem? MUNIR EL DESOUKI: The RDI ecosystem is constantly evolving, and as such, the policies and regulations involved need to be regularly updated. This requires the undivided attention of all key stakeholders. The RDIA was established in 2021…