On corporate governance in the GCC and business opportunities in Africa What are the primary factors shaping the evolution of corporate governance in the GCC’s financial sector? MARCO DE LEO: Corporate governance as a legal framework has improved significantly in the GCC in recent years, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The aim is to motivate and leverage corporate governance regulations…
– In June the GCC and the UK officially launched negotiations for a free trade agreement – The deal is expected to boost renewable energy and food security in the bloc – The launch comes as the GCC looks to attract investment for diversification plans – A final agreement would expand the GCC’s global trade footprint As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners,…
– Despite high oil prices, many Gulf countries are following fiscally stringent strategies – Saudi Arabia is expecting its first budget surplus in eight years in 2022 – Some countries are introducing corporate taxes and VAT to bolster revenue – Governments are balancing the need for diversification with fiscal realities As oil prices reach 7.5-year highs, a number of countries in the…
The Gulf Futures Forum is the first-of-its-kind and largest online global risk conference, beginning on March 9 2022, which will focus on The Looming Iranian Threat: Mitigating Risk andPreventing Crisis with a strong lineup of policymakers and heavy-hitting industry experts. The conference agenda will address the future of strategic risk in the Gulf, and more broadly towards the security and…
The three-day event, held under the theme 'Generation Next: Chambers 4.0', will feature more than 44 thought-provoking sessions designed to tackle pressing issues facing chambers of commerce today, promote knowledge sharing, showcase success stories of chamber-led innovation and test chambers’ digital fitness. Commenting on the upcoming Congress, Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber…
– Higher oil prices helped Middle Eastern countries return to growth in 2021 – Notwithstanding the rebound, some governments rolled out fiscal rationalisation plans – Business-friendly and social reforms were implemented to improve competitiveness – Major players stepped up investment in a range of renewable energy solutions On the back of higher oil prices and a stronger global economic…
On connections between leading global cities and the evolving nature of business What are the similarities between London and the cities of the UAE, and how does this likeness help to strengthen global trade and growth? RICHARD BURGE: London, an urban centre of 9m people that is involved in every possible economic activity and contributes 20% to the GDP of the UK, should be viewed as a world city…
– The UAE has launched two new visas to support growth in its tech ecosystems – Saudi Arabia has taken steps to attract the most highly skilled foreign workers – Other countries have sought to tighten restrictions in order to provide jobs for locals – GCC countries are balancing the need to upskill nationals and bring in global expertise Amid an attempt to drive a post-coronavirus economic…
–Efforts under way to increase the number of women in the workforce – Examining the impact of reforms introduced in the UAE – Employment, entrepreneurship and education opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia More female employees are joining workplaces and boardrooms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with gender equality a key target of a regional drive to improve environmental, social…
Dubai’s diversified and digitalised economy was able to absorb the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic relatively well. The emirate enjoys some of the fastest internet speeds and most advanced broadband infrastructure in the world, which facilitated the rapid shift to online work, education and commerce. Dubai and the broader UAE also benefit from one of the highest Covid-19 vaccination rates to date,…