Low oil prices: An opportunity for GCC oil firms to change

It’s vital for national oil companies in the Gulf to change, writes David Branson, executive advisor at Strategy& (formerly Booz & Company).

Five minutes with.. Jean-Loup Desamaison-Cognet, CEEMEA VP, Arrow ECS

Enterprise technology distributor Arrow ECS is looking at opportunities in Iraq and Egypt, according to Jean-Loup Desamaison-Cognet.

Top 10 countries with the highest unemployment rates

European and African countries dominate the list for 2015, as compiled with data from the International Labour Organisation.

Five minutes with… Sam Lehain, CEO, Logic Utilities

The regional energy management sector is still underdeveloped considering the potential and scope, says Lehain.

What higher education needs to know about data security

Matthew Boice, VP of Ellucian Middle East, explains why higher education institutions are among the most at risk of cyber attack.

Qatar Labours On As Reforms Fail To Take Shape

Despite promises to overhaul its labour laws to prevent the abuse of migrant workers, Qatar is yet to take firm action.

The Long Term Impact Of Low Cheap Oil On The GCC

Volatile fuel prices could be a good thing for the GCC, writes Abhay Bhargava, associate director and regional head – ME, Energy & Environment Practice, Frost & Sullivan.

30 Seconds On The Business Of… Philanthropy

Gulf Business speaks to Mohanna al Muhairi, CEO, Emirates Foundation.

Iran’s Isolated Banks May Have Slow, Painful Return To Global System

Smothered in bad debt and shut out of the global system by sanctions, Iranian banks badly need to resume business with foreign lenders.

The Middle East’s Top Three Happiest Countries To Work In

Availability of jobs is not the only contributor towards happiness, writes Suhail Masri, VP of Sales at Bayt.com.

Five Minutes With.. Captain Patrick Gordon, Acting President And CEO, Royal Jet

Royal Jet will receive two new Boeing business jets later this year as part of a $700 million fleet expansion and replacement programme, says Gordon.

Revealed: Top 10 Most Populous Cities In The World

Japanese capital Tokyo ranks first worldwide, with a population of 37.2 million.

King’s Absence From US Summit Shows Saudi Displeasure Over Iran Push

Analysts and diplomats in the Middle East described King Salman’s decision to skip the meeting at Camp David this week as a snub.

UAE Construction Sector: Know The Legal Do’s And Don’ts

Undertake commercial and technical due diligence before signing any contract, says Celine Kanakri, senior associate at Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla.

Regional Crises Push Turkey, Saudi Closer Despite Ideological Rift

The rapprochement between two of the Middle East’s biggest powers already appears to be paying dividends in Syria.

Dubai: You’re Welcome Here

The emirate is creating an environment for mutual success, writes Tommy Weir, founder of the Emerging Markets Leadership Center.

Will Gulf Carriers Triumph Over US Airlines In The Subsidy Row?

Dto Gulf airlines really get unfair assistance from their governments, or are US carriers looking to stifle the competition?

Have Saudis Succeeded In Maintaining Their Oil Market Share?

Figures from Asia’s top three importers show that the Kingdom is more or less holding its ground in market share, writes Reuters’ columnist Clyde Russell.

Abu Dhabi’s Property Market: Stable And Slowing

The emirate’s real estate is expected to stabilise this year, but the negative impact of lower oil prices could be felt in the longer term.

Gulf Countries Scramble To Generate More Power As Consumption Surges

The new oil paradigm and what it means for GCC’s power generation sector.

Trickle, Not Flood Of Foreign Money Likely As Saudi Bourse Opens Up

Many barriers such as strict foreign ownership limits, rules for settling traders and its long way into MSCI index are some of the factors curbing a flood of foreign money.

Will Low Oil Prices Impact Middle East Hotels’ Performance?

CBRE Middle East’s Associate Director Phil Rist talks about the impact of oil price volatility on Middle East’s hotels.

Peter Cooper: Is This The Right Time To Invest In Dubai’s Property Market?

Buying is easy. Holding on is tougher, writes the editor of Arabianmoney.net.

What To Avoid When Crafting Your Video Marketing Strategy

Sophie Rayer, director of Marketing EMEA & LATAM, Brightcove, tackles some of the key hurdles in video marketing.

Q&A: Aldar’s CEO On The Abu Dhabi Property Market

Aldar Properties CEO Mohamed Al Mubarak says the company is looking to launch 5,300 units over the next four to five years.

The GCC’s Business Education Boom

Business education institutions are grabbing the GCC market with both hands, as the private sector searches for candidates with the right skillsets.

Different Arab money

GCC Banks Tighten Credit For Small Firms As Cheap Oil Prices Hit

Banks are demanding tougher terms such as more collateral, stricter documentation and shorter tenors.

GCC Turns To Energy Sharing To Sustain Low Power Costs

Energy sharing is an idea whose time has come, but subsidy removal is an idea that should have been implemented years ago.

Saudis Under Time Pressure To Break Yemen Stalemate

Yemenis warn that the longer the fighting lasts, the harder it will be to restore meaningful state control.

Five Minutes With.. Alessio Ruffoni, Manager, Al Grissino Restaurant & Lounge Dubai

Alessio Ruffoni explains why he is bringing Milan’s Al Grissino dining concept to Dubai, and potential plans for Abu Dhabi.