MUST-READS

• 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.

• Syrian leader hails ‘historic’ dialogue conference

  Syria's interim president has told a national dialogue conference that the country has a "historic" opportunity to rebuild after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Ahmed al-Sharaa also stressed the need for armed groups to integrate into the military and for the state to have a monopoly on weapons, saying Syria's "strength lies in its unity". The 600 delegates have been asked to provide recommendations on transitional justice, the economy, the new constitution and other topics to guide a new transitional government. But there has been criticism that the process has been rushed, and the Kurdish-led militia alliance and autonomous administration which control north-eastern Syria were not invited.

• Discovering New Gold: Culture and the Future of Saudi-U.S. Relations

  American culture has long found a welcoming audience in Saudi Arabia. Hollywood films, bestselling novels, and global music icons have shaped Saudi perspectives on the world. Yet, culture is not a one-way street. Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has emerged not just as a consumer of culture but as a global cultural contributor. This shift is evident in the unprecedented international presence of Saudi creatives. Solo U.S. exhibitions, such as Ahmed Mater’s “Symbolic Cities” and Abdulnasser Gharem’s “Hospitable Thoughts,” have challenged outdated narratives and placed Saudi contemporary art at the heart of the global artistic conversation. Meanwhile, Saudi cinema is undergoing a renaissance, led by studios such as Telfaz11, whose productions capture authentic Saudi stories that have long been absent from the international screen. With Saudi Arabia now boasting the world’s fastest-growing box office, it is on a path to become a powerhouse in the global film industry. Saudi music, too, is making its mark. The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s historic performance at the Metropolitan Opera House in September 2023 introduced New York audiences to the kingdom’s rich and multifaceted musical traditions and showcased its deep connections with the global music scene.

• Saudi joins rarefied league of nations with a currency symbol

  Saudi Arabia has joined the short list of countries with a dedicated symbol for their currencies, and possibly the first that launched with a glitzy video. The new design, a stylised version of the Arabic letters in “riyal,” will take its place alongside the $ and £, and less well-known ones like ₺ (the Turkish lira symbol, introduced in 2012) and ₾ (the Georgian lari, since 2014). Officials say the symbol will reinforce Saudi financial and national identity. For most, it will only really have arrived when it starts to show up on price tags, banknotes, and keyboards. It remains to be seen if other countries using riyals try to adopt it too, just as the $ is used for non-US dollars.

• 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 launches first aircraft industrial zone in Jeddah

  Saudi Arabia launched today, Feb. 24, the first industrial zone for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance in Jeddah during the Aerospace Connect Forum currently held in Jeddah. The first industrial licence for aircraft maintenance was awarded to Middle East Aircraft Engines Co., while the second licence was received by Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI). Several MoUs were also signed during the event, including one between the National Center for Industrial Development and Cluster 2 Co. to provide spaces within airports to establish specialized centers for aircraft maintenance, contributing to boosting national industrial capabilities and development.

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