#Business

Six areas to cover in your startup’s first 100 days

The first few months for any startup are critical

Three rules for successful business transformations in the Middle East

Companies that reap the most rewards also set up a transformation management office that is different from a typical programme management office

Why management is both an art and a science

The more managers are boxed in by their inbox, the more they are disconnected with their teams

Saudi non-oil private sector growth quickens to 7-year high

A Purchasing Managers’ Index compiled by IHS Markit rose to 58.6 in September

UAE seeks $1 trillion in business with Israel over next decade

The UAE was looking at sectors including defense, energy and food security

Projects of the 50: UAE aims to create 75,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis

Several incentives have been unveiled to encourage UAE nationals to join the private sector including salary top-ups and unemployment benefits

How to keep pace with rising consumer expectations

The needs of consumers are evolving and it is critical that businesses remain flexible to meet these demands

Boardroom connection: How to get young directors to be more effective

Young directors should be encouraged to find mentors within and outside of your own board

How protected is your business from cyber attacks

The increase in global data protection laws and the awareness of individual data protection rights are giving rise to new business challenges

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi slashes private sector business setup fees by over 90%

Business setup and licence renewal fees have been reduced to Dhs1,000

Alan’s corner: How to make organisational change effective

Market dynamics can dictate the need for a restructure of your organisational chart

Saudi non-oil economy rebounded to 2.9% growth in first quarter

In the first quarter, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy grew at its fastest pace since 2019

Saudi business activity expands at fastest pace since 2017

The kingdom’s Purchasing Managers’ Index survey compiled by IHS Markit rose to the highest since January

Alan’s corner: Seven ways to secure a profit for your business

These principles are essential to help you tighten up your business model

Women on average have just 76% of men’s legal rights worldwide

Covid-19 has exacerbated women’s challenges in employment and education

Saudi to only award government contracts to firms that have an HQ in the kingdom

The new decision, which does not apply to private sector firms, will take effect from January 1, 2024

Kuwaiti MPs urge the government to relax Covid-19 restrictions or compensate businesses

Health clubs, salons and barbershops have been closed for a month, while malls and shops need to stay shut from 8pm until 5am

Dubai’s Emirates introduces special fares to select destinations

Bookings have to be made between January 19 to February 2, 2021, for travel until June 15, 2021

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature: Expert insights on navigating the new normal

Several top regional and international authors and speakers will headline the Dubai-based event this year

Power Letters 2021: Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director, commissioner general office, Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai will be a vital, timely platform to bring the world together, in a spirit of hope and optimism and a unified purpose to inspire solutions

Qatar’s first IPO since 2019 sees shares in QLM soar 24%

The listing was the first in Qatar since the debut of dairy producer Baladna at the end of 2019

Dubai UAE

Dubai Economy issues 42,640 new licences in 2020

It represented a 4 per cent increase over the number of new licences issued in 2019

Murtaza Hashwani

Biggest lessons from 2020 – the hospitality perspective

The hospitality industry will have to rethink its strategy with revised priorities in mind

Dubai e-commerce platform Sprii goes into liquidation after failing to raise more capital

Sprii has hired Guy Wall of Grant Thornton as liquidator

Dubai’s DMCC opens office in Tel Aviv to boost diamond trade with Israel

The new representative office will be based in the headquarters of the Israeli Diamond Exchange

Gulf Business Awards

Revealed: Gulf Business Awards 2020 shortlists

The Gulf Business Awards 2020 will take place virtually on Thursday, November 26, at 3pm

UAE to allow 100% foreign business ownership: Key points to note

The new decision is hoped to enhance the UAE’s attractiveness for investment and business growth

Foreign nationals permitted 100% business ownership in the UAE

The rule will be applicable from December 1, 2020, with businesses no longer requiring an Emirati sponsor

Real Estate

Revealed: The most transparent real estate markets in the MENA region

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked as having the most transparent property markets in the region according to JLL’s latest index

Peter Maerevoet

Why SMEs should consider export factoring when seeking funding

Export factoring provides a full suite of trade finance benefits including cash advances, credit protection, and collections and reconciliation services