#Insights

Beyond the risk register: Why future-ready leadership demands strategic discomfort. Authored by (left) Doris Viljoen, director at the Institute for Futures Research at Stellenbosch Business School and (right) Nic Labuschagne, head of Strategy and Crisis Management, APCO MENA

Beyond the risk register: Why future-ready leadership demands strategic discomfort

If your risk register doesn’t provoke discomfort, it’s incomplete. And if your future looks smooth and linear, it’s probably fiction, says these experts

Dubai's higher education sector sees nearly 20% rise in enrollment

Dubai’s higher education sector sees nearly 20% rise in enrollment

The KHDA’s City of Students initiative, part of its broader Education 33 strategy, aims to increase international student enrollment to 50 per cent by 2033

Carl Sykes, CEO, Neptune P2P Group on why GCC ports' security faces risks as trade grows

Insights: Gulf ports face new security challenges as trade ambitions accelerate

Port security should not be seen as an obstacle to trade but as a core pillar of competitiveness, says Sykes

Gabriele Obino of Denodo on brealign down barrirs in insurance

Breaking down barriers in insurance: Why sharing data matters

The window to act is narrowing; As regulations toughen and customer expectations rise, insurers have a short window to embed transparency, security, and seamless data sharing into their operating core

Insights: The renaissance of philanthropy in the Middle East

Insights: The renaissance of philanthropy in the Middle East

As we stand on the cusp of a new era, the Middle East’s philanthropic shift from traditional charity to strategic, impactful giving marks a pivotal moment in the region’s social and economic narrative

Kathleen Walch Thinking big, start small, iterate often: A practical guide to setting up successful AI projects

A practical guide to setting up successful AI projects

Using a framework that accounts for the unique demands of data-driven projects and provides clear processes and practices for data-heavy, iterative projects is essential

What do leaders do and why is it so difficult Image for illustrative purposes Getty Images

Insights: What exactly do leaders do and why is it so difficult?

The image of CEOs often look effortless from the outside, but the reality is far more complex. We uncover what truly defines effective leadership – and why it’s tougher (and more rewarding) than it looks

Insights: GCC, tariffs and the new world trade order

Insights: GCC, tariffs and the new world trade order

Against the backdrop, public and private-sector decision makers in the GCC must think strategically and leverage their stability and strengths to prepare for the new-look future

Differentiating your businesses in the era of commoditised AI

Differentiating your businesses in the era of commoditised AI

The winners will be those who find ways to go beyond the simple automation that saves on labour and differentiate themselves though applying their unique data to more advanced models

Inclusivity in the workplace: A strategic imperative for the UAE

Inclusivity in the workplace: A strategic imperative for the UAE

Employers must embed inclusivity into their values and operational systems. And society must embrace diversity as a strength, not a challenge.

Saudisation plan for private sector accountants: New rules set to transform jobs

Saudi retail real estate shows cautious optimism in a shifting landscape

Saudi Arabia’s retail real estate sector looks poised for growth. However, risks like oversupply, evolving consumer preferences, and economic volatility could test the market’s resilience

Harnessing AI: why asking the right questions is key to success

Harnessing AI: Why asking the right questions is key to success

By fostering environments that encourage continuous learning, and celebrating champions, we can accelerate AI adoption across the region

From idea to impact: How MENA startups can stand out in a global arena

From idea to impact: How MENA startups can stand out in a global arena

Today’s investors are more cautious, prioritising startups with proven track records, scalable business models, and clear paths to profitability

SABI's Ademola Adesina on why a global minerals strategy needs trust and traceability

Insights: Why a global minerals strategy needs trust and traceability

The US-Saudi agreement on critical minerals is a promising start, but its success hinges on building transparent, scalable, and reliable supply chains

Building trust in AI: The UAE’s journey to a digital cognitive future

Building trust in AI: The UAE’s journey to a digital cognitive future

Organisations must recognise that trust and innovation are not competing priorities but complementary forces

How people-centric businesses are winning in the Middle East and beyond 

How people-centric businesses are winning in the Middle East and beyond 

The future of business lies in leadership that places a strong emphasis on human capital, creating supportive and inclusive cultures

 Embracing AI: The key to unlocking the future of banking and finance

 Embracing AI: The key to unlocking the future of banking and finance

The journey toward an AI-enabled future requires a commitment to ethical practices, robust risk management and a proactive approach to navigating the evolving regulatory landscape

nsights: Preparing for the future of auto distribution

Insights: Preparing for the future of auto distribution

As leasing becomes more important, distributors must develop their relationships with financial institutions so that they can offer competitive rates to their customers

Al Masaood's Marwa Kaabour shares her thoughts on China’s crackdown on luxury forces brands to rethink valueoughts on

Insights: China’s crackdown on luxury forces brands to rethink value

Luxury brands must address a new breed of consumers who value sustainability over logos, authenticity over exclusivity, and ethics over price tags, says the group head of marcomms at Al Masaood

The evolving role of corporate culture in boutique wealth management

The evolving role of corporate culture in boutique wealth management

Corporate culture may not appear on a balance sheet, but in boutique wealth management firms, it’s the driver of long-term success

The AI imperative: 5 steps to transforming public sector services By Mohammed Amin of Dell Technologies

The AI imperative: 5 steps to transforming public sector services

Governments should take the lead in shaping AI with a clear vision, strong ethical foundations, and collaboration between public and private sectors

Insights: Are positive stereotypes holding women leaders back?

Insights: Are positive stereotypes holding women leaders back?

While often viewed as flattering, positive stereotypes about women in leadership — such as being empathetic or nurturing —can subtly reinforce outdated gender roles

Why Abu Dhabi is the new global hub for longevity medicine

Why Abu Dhabi is the new global hub for longevity medicine

Abu Dhabi offers a globally relevant model, combining clinical excellence, technological innovation, and impactful regulatory governance, says Dr Sirotin

LBS' Sir Andrew Likierman on making better choices in the age of AI. Image: London Business School/ Photo © Sheila Burnett

LBS’ Sir Andrew Likierman on making better choices in the age of AI

Professor of Management Practice in Accounting at London Business School and author, Sir Andrew Likierman unpacks the six elements of good judgment

Saudi takes big leap in banking reform with NPL securitisation

Insights: Saudi eyes banking reform with NPL securitisation

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for its first major sale of non-performing loans — a pivotal move signalling its commitment to global financial standards

ISEZA CEO Damir Valeev on Dubai's growing role as a global sports, entertainment hub

Insights: Dubai’s growing role as a global sports, entertainment hub

Locally, Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5bn annually to the Emirates’ economy while supporting 105,000 jobs

Decoding the Saudi consumer: Ghassan Harfouche talks brand strategy

Decoding the Saudi consumer: Ghassan Harfouche talks brand strategy

Here are insights into changing consumer behaviours, influence of digital platforms and key shifts shaping the kingdom’s brand landscape

Cybersecurity: Why 'public-private-people' partnerships hold the key

Cybersecurity: Why ‘public-private-people’ partnerships hold the key

The UAE is shaping a resilient cyber ecosystem by prioritising proactive security measures, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and fostering collaboration

INited Developer CEO Shane Eldstrom shares insights on Qatar retail

Insights: Is Qatar retail at a crossroads?

With a growing population, a well-connected award winning international airport, and an expanding hospitality sector, Qatar is well-positioned to sustain its retail and leisure momentum

Dr Raymond Khoury on AI's role in transforming Saudi's RDI landscape

AI’s role in transforming Saudi’s research. development, innovation landscape

By overcoming existing challenges through collective action, the kingdom can fully unlock AI’s potential, driving progress, economic diversification and establish global leadership