The second Innovation Week is under way in the UAE. Ever since it was formally launched last year by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the country has rallied around the concept.

Continue reading Innovation is name of the game in the UAE →

As the UAE hurtles towards World Expo 2020, many of the nation’s industries are preparing to reap the rewards represented by the event’s projected 17.5 million foreign visitors. Continue reading Expo 2020 effect: Benefits of new tech for UAE Inc. →

I adhere to the old Wall Street folklore first thing every morning. Watch the four heartbeats of global finance in real time: the price of gold, crude oil, US dollar and the 10-year US Treasury note. Continue reading The four heartbeats of global finance →

Blockchain technology is complex, but the idea is simple. While blockchain was developed for cryptocurrencies and bitcoin, its application is transforming the way trade is conducted. It could fundamentally change the financial services industry by dropping the cost and complexity of financial transactions and improving transparency and regulation. Continue reading How blockchain enhances enterprise security →

For all the differences among the countries that make up the Arab world, ask policymakers from Morocco to the Gulf what their top economic priorities are, and you will get much the same response: rapid, diversified growth and jobs for young people. Continue reading Busting barriers: Helping SMEs join trade highways →