S&P cut its outlook for Saudi Arabia’s “AA-/A-1+” foreign and local currency credit ratings to negative from stable and lowered ratings of Bahrain and Oman.
Mobile will continue to drive the growth of e-commerce sales in the region, writes Mouchawar.
Luxury car brand BMW is looking to launch several new and relevant models in the region this year, says Seibert.
The airline carried 6.5 million passengers in 2014, almost double the 3.3 million which it carried in 2013.
The UAE’s healthcare sector needs to address the shortage of local talent, writes Abedin.
The environment makes all the difference, writes Tommy Weir, founder of the Emerging Markets Leadership Center.
Figures from Airbus show that 47 per cent of its aircraft deals in the ME in the first 11 months of 2014 were funded by local banks.
Double decker sleep pods and bicycle seats are just some of the ideas floating around for the future of aircraft seating.
2015 could also see some fundamental shifts in the e-commerce market, writes Hachem.
King Salman is more sympathetic to religious conservatives than his predecessor Abdullah and is seen as less hostile to the group.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are the fastest growing markets with their continued investment in building mega malls, says Pilkington.
Gulf Business speaks to Sanjit Gill, general manager, ICLP.
Isn’t 2015 finally time to let the world’s female population experience true equality?
The GCC’s retail growth will be supported with the opening of new malls across the region, writes Sethi.
Foreign Direct Investment flows remain strong as investors seek exposure to the GCC and Mumtalakat has partnered with a number over the course of this year, writes Al Koheji.
There is significant need to evolve public services and infrastructure in the MENA region, says Shehadi.
An important area for 2015 will be new technology and the development of Dubai’s smart economy, writes Buamim.
The upbeat sentiment across various sectors of the UAE economy helped the company in the march forward, writes Khalban.
The healthy fast food retailer is looking to expand across the region, says Haddad.
Salman’s announcement suggested that the government remained willing to spend heavily despite the hit to its oil revenues from low prices.
The outlook for UAE banks in the near to medium term remains favourable, writes Nelson.
South Korean and Taiwan might be the most promising markets in 2015, writes Khalid.
The need for economic diversification and social and hard infrastructure is not going away, writes Ashkar.
The 50 lashes administered to activist Raif Badawi this month signal that religious conservatives have the upper hand in a tug-of-war with reformists.
Amid announcements of luxury suites and personal butlers, are Gulf Airlines returning us to the golden age of aviation?
Production at the country’s biggest steel works has been cut and the port of Misrata has been forced to restrict operations.
As Lego opens its first Middle Eastern store, regional director Simon Bast explains where the toymaker is placing its bricks.
Abu Dhabi grabbed the top spot in the region, ranking 25 among the top 50 safest cities in the world.
Etihad Airways has an important role to play in the future development of trade and tourism into the UAE, writes James Hogan.
Georges Chehwane, founder and chairman of Plus Holding, gives his insights into the UAE’s outdoor advertising market and Group Plus Media’s expansion plans.