digital

Annual digital transformation spending across META region to top $74bn by 2026

Digital transformation investments in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa are set to more than double across the 2021–2026 period

G42

Abu Dhabi’s G42 Cloud and Dell Technologies sign MoU to accelerate digital transformation

The two companies will work together across various areas including private cloud solutions, as well as consulting, residency and managed services

ASUS businesses

How ASUS’ ExpertCenter D500SC serves needs of small businesses

With its ultra-compact, flexible and sleek small form factor, business users can enjoy a flexible workspace

Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports rise 4% to $6.6bln in October

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rise 4% to $6.6bn in October

Non-oil exports mainly comprised chemical and allied industries, accounting for 41 per cent of the total non-oil merchandise exports

Metaverse

How virtual reality and the metaverse will change workplace in 2023

In order to get a better understanding of the mixed emotions surrounding the metaverse, Meta commissioned a study of nearly 2,000 employees and 400 business leaders around the world

TikTok

TikTok celebrates the most inspiring creators and popular communities

The #ForYouParty which included an immersive event was held at Sound Stage 2, Dubai Studio City

ENOC

ENOC Group opens new service station in this locality in Dubai

The group now operates 177 service stations in the UAE

DP World, Hassana announce $2.4bn investment in UAE

DP World, Hassana announce $2.4bn investment in UAE

Hassana will hold its economic interest in a stake of approximately 10.2 per cent in three UAE assets of DP World

IMF

UAE economy survived economic impact of Covid-19: IMF official

According to the latest IMF report, UAE GDP growth is projected to reach above 6 per cent in 2022, up from 3.8 per cent last year

FOOD

Top 5 ways restaurants can reduce waste and improve food safety

There are a couple of changes restaurants can implement that will not require any huge investment

Dubai Airbnb

Airbnb launches remote working hub in Dubai

Those interested in working and living in Dubai can access the hub for local long-term listings and information on entry requirements and visa policy

Robotics

How cloud is assisting emergence of robotics as a service in the region

The ability to move on-demand services for robotic assistance to a cloud platform will boost demand from SMBs in the region, explains Doaa Sulaiman, robotics director, Proven Robotics

Nothing

London-based consumer tech company Nothing hires new business lead for Middle East

Rishi Kishor Gupta will be responsible for driving growth and spearheading business development and operations for the company

Holiday

Top 5 cybersecurity threats to look out for this holiday season

Online shopping has seen a massive uptick and this growth has attracted new cyberthreats, with scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting shoppers in a various ways

How life sciences will define the next chapter in the Middle East transformation story

Life science companies are in a unique position to work with local governments to support capacity-building around early diagnosis and treatment

Their call comes in a year of record profits for Big Oil as energy prices surged with the world economy reopening from Covid lockdown

Big oil investors call for more aggressive climate targets

The companies boosted shareholder payouts in response even as many investors backed away from stronger climate advocacy

Saudi's Shaker and LG expand long-term partnership

Saudi’s Shaker Group and LG expand long-term partnership

The new supply agreement will come into effect from January 1, 2023 and enable Shaker to offer LG’s full product range

UAE Central Bank

National banks’ financing of trade, industry sectors total Dhs37.2bn in nine months

The cumulative balance of credit provided by national banks to trade and industry sectors reached Dhs720.8bn at the end of August

QatarEnergy wins working interest in Brazil's offshore exploration block

QatarEnergy wins working interest in Brazil’s offshore exploration block

The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2023

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to launch mega-coaster in January 2023

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s new mega-coaster to launch in Jan 2023

Mission Ferrari will provide a 5D rollercoaster experience that includes the world’s first sideways coaster drop

Apple

Apple suppliers accelerate buildup outside China, analysts say

Key electronics manufacturers are moving faster to diversify their capacity globally, taking advantage of local incentive policies, according to Counterpoint Research analysts

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan to establish joint business council

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan to establish joint business council

The committee also witnessed the signing of an MoU between the Saudi Fund for Development and the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan

Kenya Airways operates inaugural flight from Mombasa to Dubai’s DXB

The carrier will be operating four weekly flights between Mombasa and DXB’s Terminal 1

UAE’s Amanat acquires majority stake in Sukoon

UAE’s Amanat acquires majority stake in Sukoon

The merger is part of Amanat’s plan to expand CMRC from 256 beds to 1,000 beds in three years

Alec

UAE’s Alec Group furthers regional expansion through acquisition

The firm has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Target Engineering Construction Company

OPEC Fund approves over $500m in new global development support

OPEC Fund approves over $500m in new global development support

The 15 new projects approved reflect OPEC Fund’s launch of a $1bn food security action plan and the adoption of its first dedicated climate action plan earlier this year

Abu Dhabi’s AUH commences biometric initiative, face becomes new boarding pass

The systems will use biometric cameras to verify passenger details at self-service baggage drop, passport control, business class lounge and boarding gates

edtech - YaSchools

Here’s how the Middle East’s $4bn edtech sector could transform learning

Edtech’s potential to improve learning around the world is vast, whether in day to day school settings, or during humanitarian emergencies

Arada awards contracts worth $256m to build 986 homes at Sharjah’s Masaar

Arada awards contracts worth $256m to build 986 homes at Sharjah’s Masaar

A total of 1,416 homes are now under construction at Masaar

UAE Central Bank projects real GDP to grow by 7.6 % in 2022

UAE Central Bank projects real GDP to grow by 7.6 % in 2022

The review expected the non-oil GDP to grow by 6.1 per cent in 2022, against 4.3 per cent previously, with the oil GDP to expectedly grow by 11 per cent this year