Saudi banks still sit on a relatively large portfolio of government and private sector securities that can be eventually liquidated to accommodate lending growth

This is a mutually beneficial partnership with the UAE getting access to one of the fastest-growing economies

Tax reforms in the UAE are progressing along with changes to social policy and the business environment, such as no longer requiring the participation of local partners in every business and allowing foreigners to own up to 100% of local companies

The GCC, with its projected growth, hungry consumers and widespread connectivity, starting to be recognised as one of the biggest untapped e-commerce opportunities

Innovators are using the UAE and KSA as fertile testing grounds for  innovative agritech solutions aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing food and environmental challenges

It is those enterprising individuals that are initially ridiculed for their interest and investment in such emerging sectors who eventually reap huge returns

The increased participation of large GREs in the capital markets may not only create momentum for the capital markets, but also provide institutional investors access to key strategic sectors of the region

This year should see slower growth, higher inflation, and, crucially for markets, an accelerated tightening from western central banks

As increasingly more corporates set up operations here, developers and landlords will have to be cognisant of the preference for ESG compliant buildings and prepare accordingly