Analysis

Urban solutions in emerging markets lower carbon emissions
OBG
plus

Transport inefficiencies are among the most persistent barriers to growth in emerging markets, particularly in urban areas. Congestion, pollution and unreliable mobility systems impose measurable costs on productivity and competitiveness. Globally, traffic congestion is estimated to cost some $70.4bn per year in lost time. Though statistics vary, most estimates show the transport sector regularly accounting…

Analysis

Mega-projects boost Kuwait’s construction digitisation
OBG
plus

Across the GCC, construction and real estate are undergoing a quiet but consequential shift as digital technologies move from pilot-stage experimentation to system-wide adoption. Long characterised by large-scale projects, fragmented supply chains and labour-intensive delivery models, the region’s urban environment is increasingly shaped by data-driven design, automated construction techniques and…

Analysis

The MENA region poised to lead global steel decarbonisation
OBG
plus

As global industry seeks to reduce or eliminate its carbon footprint, a number of MENA countries are investing in green steel production to capture market share and help meet emissions targets. Industry generates 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, with the steel manufacturing segment accounting for the largest share, at 7%, due in part to a reliance on coal to heat smelting furnaces.…

Analysis

GCC localises supply chains for employment growth
OBG
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International patent applications via the Patent Cooperation Treaty reached approximately 273,900 in 2024, representing a modest 0.5% increase following a slight decline recorded the previous year. Within this global context, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a remarkable growth trajectory, with the World Intellectual Property Organisation citing the Kingdom for its exceptional rises in filing activity.…

Analysis

GCC strengthens response to emerging cyberthreats
OBG
plus

With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies, the GCC is developing more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to respond to the evolving nature of such threats. Since experiencing their first major cyberattacks in the early 2010s, the six members of the GCC have looked at ways to bolster their cybersecurity by increasing…

Analysis

Investment and innovation boost digital platforms in Kuwait
OBG
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Revenue in the GCC digital health market is forecast to reach $2.58bn in 2025 and grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.93% to total $3.50bn by 2029. Kuwait’s digital health market generated approximately $540.3m in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.8bn by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 22.9%. At present, telemedicine is the largest contributor to the sector’s growth. In line…

Analysis

Gulf countries build partnerships to boost regional tourism
OBG
plus

In 2024 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to UN Tourism, the Middle East, with 95m arrivals, remained the strongest-performing region when compared to…

Analysis

Success in Saudi Arabia's aviation subsector depends on infrastructure delivery
OBG
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Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, contributing to economic diversification and propelling the tourism, infrastructure and logistics sectors as it positions itself as a leading global air transport hub. The Kingdom aims to nearly triple annual passenger traffic to 330m by 2030, expand connectivity to over 250 international destinations from its 29 airports and increase…

Analysis

Eco-friendly fuels play increasing role in worldwide transport development strategy
OBG
plus

Global tourism activity has continued its recovery momentum after the Covid-19 pandemic, supported by sustained investment in tourism infrastructure and expanding air connectivity. This trend is expected to continue over the medium term, underpinned by rising disposable incomes in key source markets and targeted government strategies to position tourism as a driver of economic diversification. Revenue…

Analysis

Urban solutions in emerging markets lower carbon emissions
OBG
plus

Transport inefficiencies are among the most persistent barriers to growth in emerging markets, particularly in urban areas. Congestion, pollution and unreliable mobility systems impose measurable costs on productivity and competitiveness. Globally, traffic congestion is estimated to cost some $70.4bn per year in lost time. Though statistics vary, most estimates show the transport sector regularly accounting…