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  • A Region On The Rise: Top Trends Driving the GCC in 2025

    There’s a unique energy running through the GCC right now. Cities once defined by their skylines are now setting global benchmarks in creative expression, technological innovation, and sustainable growth. With a region-wide focus on ambitious economic visions and goals, the Gulf is not just adapting to trends but creating them - transforming how we live, experience, and connect. Here are seven trends shaping 2025 for the region, blending together experiential, digital, and consumer behaviour.

  • How global brands can tap GCC’s luxury market

    Luxury in the GCC is no longer just about status; it’s about storytelling that connects to a culture that is deeply proud of its heritage. The CXG report highlights how global luxury brands have recognised the importance of aligning their offerings with local traditions and sensibilities. Take, for instance, Dior’s Ramadan capsule collection, Dior Or, or Chanel’s Dubai Funfair, which celebrated a classic watch model. These events exemplify how global brands are weaving their identity into the cultural fabric of the region. Dolce & Gabbana’s fashion show at AlUla further demonstrates how aligning with iconic GCC locations can elevate a brand’s relevance. Localisation, as a trend, is also reflected in the rise of homegrown brands like L’Afshar and The Giving Movement, which merge cultural pride with innovative and stylish design. Global brands must adapt their collections, marketing, and even store designs to reflect regional values and create a stronger emotional connection.

  • The Gaza war has not distanced Morocco from Israel, quite the opposite

    "The war in Gaza and the disastrous situation in the Middle East have led to a freeze in cooperation between Arab countries and Israel," Youssef Amrani, Morocco's ambassador to the United States, told Al Hurra television on 13 February. This situation seems to be true for some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, but certainly not for Morocco, which has deepened its ties with Israel without even hiding it. The latest example is the purchase, announced in early February, of 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled artillery systems from the Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems. Morocco is once again turning away from one of its traditional suppliers, France, from which it had purchased in 2020 the Caesar system, which is manufactured by KNDS and is similar to its Israeli competitor. These are cannons that are especially useful in the desert thanks to their mobility. Last July, Morocco's Royal Armed Forces had already given up replacing their Mohammed VI-A and Mohammed VI-B spy satellites, manufactured by European companies Airbus and Thales, with "made in France" models.

  • Saudi banks optimistic on loan growth; limited financial stress in 2025

    Most banks in Saudi Arabia expect low double-digit to mid-teens growth in 2025, driven by corporate and mortgage lending, according to Al Rajhi Capital. Banks believe that their net interest margin (NIM) sensitivity has now reduced and expect minimal impact from rate cuts.  At the same time, they remain optimistic on the quality of loans and forecast limited financial stress, as their cost-of-risk guidance stays broadly in line with 2024, the brokerage said. The Saudi banking sector’s net profits grew by 21% year-on-year (YoY) and were 4% above consensus in the fourth quarter of 2024. Retail banks such as Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank, Bank Albilad posted a beat of 8%, while corporate banks reported a miss of 2% on consensus.

  • Saudi Arabia pledges $500 million to support global polio eradication efforts

    An agreement was signed to help the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and its partners vaccinate 370 million children against polio each year and stop transmission of the virus for good. Funding was initially pledged in April 2024 at the first special meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), hosted in Riyadh. “The world is on track to eradicate polio once and for all, and Saudi Arabia is proud to be part of this global initiative,” said Dr. Al Rabeeah. “Saudi Arabia’s contribution will go toward the important work of protecting today’s most vulnerable children so that tomorrow’s generations can live free from this preventable disease.”

  • Saudi’s DataVolt to develop data center in Riyadh

    Saudi-based data center developer DataVolt is to build a facility in Riyadh. The company and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) have agreed on land lease terms for the development of an AI-ready data center in Riyadh. The 55,000 square meter (592,015 sq ft) plot is located in east Riyadh’s First Technology Park. Further details were not shared. News of the DataVolt facility was first announced during the recent LEAP 2025 conference, when MODON announced data center contracts with DataVolt, GDH, and Ezditek. MODON said DataVolt’s deal would see a 2.5 billion riyals ($670m) investment. Riyadh-based DataVolt was founded in 2023 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vision Invest, a Saudi Arabian development and investment holding company focused on critical infrastructure.

  • Saudi Arabia poised to lead in AI, aims for double returns: PIF Governor

    Al-Rumayyan said that the fund worked to develop the Saudi economy by establishing 103 diverse companies operating in 13 different sectors, both locally and internationally. Since its 2017 strategy launch, the fund has generated over 1.1 million direct and indirect jobs globally, prioritizing quality over quantity of jobs, to promote sustainable development.  He went on to say that the PIF invests heavily in new projects, injecting between $40 and $50 billion annually. This substantial investment demonstrates the fund's dedication to economic diversification.

  • Saudi Arabia Fashion Market Report 2025: Cultural Shifts, Changing Attitudes, & Rise of Modest Fashion Influence on the $5.7 Billion Industry

    The Saudi Arabia Fashion Market was valued at USD 4.25 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.70 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 5.07%. The Saudi Arabian fashion market is witnessing significant growth, fueled by changing consumer preferences and a younger, fashion-conscious population. As the country diversifies its economy through Vision 2030, fashion and retail sectors have become pivotal to its development. International brands are increasingly entering the market, while local designers are gaining recognition. E-commerce is rapidly expanding, offering consumers more convenience and a broader range of choices.

  • Saudi Cup was a race for the ages, highlight of weekend global racing

    There haven't been and won't be many races like Saturday's $20 million Grade I Saudi Cup. And that was only the pinnacle of a solid weekend global schedule stretching from the Middle East to Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and Dubai. But my oh my! That Saudi Cup. The dictionary definition of "horse racing" could be illustrated with the photo finish of the 2025 Saudi Cup. Two of the world's best horses hooked up at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh and the only shame was one had to lose. Japan's top dirt horse, Forever Young, prevailed by a neck over Hong Kong's world-record money earner, Romantic Warrior -- but only after the two swapped leads while leaving their other rivals far behind.

  • Hegseth Welcomes Saudi Defense Minister to Pentagon, Underscores Partnership

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today highlighted the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia while hosting that country's defense minister during a bilateral engagement at the Pentagon. Referencing the cooperation that took place between the countries during Trump's first administration, Hegseth pointed out that both nations worked together to pursue security and stability in the Middle East, as well as to combat terrorism in the region and increase mutual prosperity. "Today, our relationship is a critical center of gravity in a very turbulent world," he added.  Stating that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the president's top priorities, Hegseth said he wanted to thank the Saudi Kingdom for hosting conversations between top U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, Feb. 18, 2025.  "And I also want to continue deepening and strengthening our partnership to pursue security and prosperity for both Americans and Saudis. So, I'm very much looking forward to a great discussion," Hegseth said.