Opinion Economy Modi’s coalition era: a new chapter for Gulf ties? The test for Modi’s foreign policy will be its execution amid domestic economic discontent The BJP must now share power, potentially complicating relationships with crucial partners like the UAE Megha Merani, Senior editor, AGBI
Opinion Transport The Rolls-Royce Spectre: saving the planet, ostentatiously Range and recharging are still the main issues with EVs. The Spectre's 'real range' is 465km The new elite EV is a jaw-dropping phenomenon even on Dubai's blingy roads Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Media & Advertising In-app model paying off for GCC advertisers In a region where the smartphone rules, in-app ads give GCC advertisers new options In a region glued to its phones, in-app advertising presents plentiful opportunities for consumer engagement Austyn Allison, Middle East advertising expert
Opinion Banking and Finance Bahrain’s fiscal discipline bodes well for its capital markets The Achilles’ heel of the Bahraini economy is its public debt-to-GDP ratio, the highest in the GCC Banking and finance now contributes 17 percent of the country's GDP Matein Khalid, Investor
Opinion Employment Private sector may not solve Oman’s rise in unemployment Omanis don't apply for jobs that fail to match the attractive packages of the civil service Less pay and longer working hours are not something young graduates are very keen on Saleh Al-Shaibany, Journalist, Al-Safa Press & Publishing
Opinion Economy Russia’s resilient economy means war is the ‘new normal’ Western sanctions have failed: Russia is still managing to export vast quantities of oil and gas Putin’s recent hubris has caused some in the West to think again about the efficacy of its sanctions package Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Banking and Finance The Gulf is ripe for fintechs to serve the underserved Providing financial products for unbanked consumers is an untapped opportunity in the Gulf Expanding financial inclusion offers an opportunity for savvy innovators Rabia Yasmeen, Senior consultant, Euromonitor International
Opinion Energy Booming Baku gears up for critical Cop29 I get the impression that Baku is well aware of the challenges that will be coming its way at Cop29 Azerbaijan faces all the challenges the UAE overcame at Cop28 – and some more Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Video length: 05:11 Opinion Trade Oman and UK remain firm friends in uncertain times As Oman attempts to make its mark, it must pay more than lip service to its business ecosystem Britain is well positioned to lend knowledge-based services and training Alicia Buller, Comment editor, AGBI
Opinion Trade The GCC will benefit from a US-China chill The GCC and its Middle East hinterland is an increasingly important partner for China The Gulf's expanding strategic links with Asia mean higher growth at home Nasser Saidi, Economist, Nasser Saidi and Associates
Opinion Oil & Gas Opec+ meetings spring just enough surprises for the oil markets The UAE's special treatment was just one surprise from the latest Opec+ meetings The phasing out of voluntary cuts begins this year – how will the speculators react? Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Infrastructure Libya’s water woes must be addressed For Libya’s water security the Great Man-Made River Project must be completed soon The country urgently needs a national strategy to strengthen water security Salem Maiar, Consultant in Libyan natural resources and geopolitics
Opinion Tourism Ireland should market itself – and its rain – more aggressively in the Gulf Ireland should market itself more aggressively in the Gulf – the 'soft' rain is an irresistible draw The weather was just what a visitor from early summer Gulf would want Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Oil & Gas Opec+ and the US are fighting a silent price war A silent oil price war is under way between the US and Opec+ – and there is little reprieve in sight Opec+ is battling two giant challenges – the US ability to fill supply gaps and renewables growth M R Raghu, CEO, Marmore Mena Intelligence
Opinion Oil & Gas Opec+ – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it Opec+ is likely to continue its programme of restraint because if it ain't broke, don't fix it The rejigged meeting is likely to maintain the status quo in global crude markets Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Finance A Labour government should not frighten the horses What could a Labour government mean for the Gulf? GCC holdings in the UK are enormous The UK general election is likely to mean changes, but Gulf citizens need not be too worried James Drummond, Editor-in-Chief, AGBI
Opinion Trade The next UK government must prioritise a GCC trade deal Global trade is a competitive sport - the UK government must step up or other countries will With an impending election, government-to-government relations are critical Simon Penney, Former HM Trade Commissioner to the Middle East
Opinion Business of Sport Marseille ticks boxes for Saudi’s next football foray A move to buy Marseille aligns with PIF's aim of acquiring commercially underperforming clubs Reports suggest the kingdom is keen to add the French club to its growing sports portfolio Simon Chadwick, Professor of AfroEurasion sport
Opinion Aviation Is Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy cleared for landing? Saudi Arabia's aviation strategy is showing a genuinely remarkable level of progress The masterplan is in place – all the kingdom needs now is passengers John Grant, Partner, Midas Aviation
Opinion Oil & Gas As Iran mourns, questions about its oil remain While looking for a new leader, Iran must consider religion, oil and the outlook in Washington The next president will have to deal with economic woes and rumblings from Washington James Drummond, Editor-in-Chief, AGBI
Opinion Energy Shell and BP have seen the error of their ways – but is it too late? A volte-face by Shell and BP may not redeem them in the eyes of shareholders What TotalEnergies got right about energy transition, the UK giants got very wrong Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large, AGBI
Opinion Trade Kingdoms hope to usher in a new era of UK-Saudi trade The two kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and the UK share a common history and a genuine friendship A change of UK government should not affect a flourishing relationship Justin Doherty, Chairman, Hemington Consulting
