Middle East

This report assesses the business environment in Oman, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and innovative…

This report assesses the business environment in Lebanon, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and…

Increased economic uncertainty, digitisation of business activities, the need to improve operational efficiency, and stricter regulations encourage companies to review their supply networks and fortify them against the potential risks in the future.…

This report assesses the business environment in Bahrain, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and…

The economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expanded in real terms in 2022, driven by increasing public and private consumption, recovery in the tourism and construction sectors and strong external demand. However, over the near term, the country…

The report examines the economic landscape of Qatar and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade, investments and government finance. The economy in Qatar expanded in real terms in 2022, driven by increasing public and private…

The world is rapidly evolving due economic, political, geographic and climate changes. This is contributing to a change in consumer’s habit and behaviour as they try to keep pace with these newer developments. Deeper understanding of these changes…

Retail in 2022: The big picture

It is important to understand how urbanisation is being driven in emerging markets, and how new suburban developments are occurring in developed markets, what changes in household types and sizes will occur, and how the modern home will evolve,…

A significant number of expats left the country after the outbreak of COVID-19 but they are now returning, with this providing a boost to retail in Oman in 2022. Consumers in Muscat are demanding greater convenience due to increasingly hectic…

Full-service restaurants in the Middle East experienced a significant decline during the pandemic, due to their relatively high price and the nature of the category, that relies on dine-in experience. The post-pandemic recovery is accelerating every…

Positive growth was seen in retail in 2022 as shopping in malls remained a popular pastime among Kuwaitis. However, e-commerce boomed during the year as investment in tech start-ups brought more convenience to consumers. Kuwait’s population is young,…

Qatar’s affluent population makes the country an attractive prospect for international retailers, especially given the popularity of shopping as a leisure activity and the preference for global brands. However, the country’s low population and the…

The economy in Saudi Arabia recorded one of the fastest growth rates globally in 2022, driven by elevated oil demand and peaking oil prices, allowing it to boost production and exports. Vast crude oil reserves and relatively small dependence on wheat…

Tea has continued to record positive growth rates in volume terms in recent years, but has also seen declining sales in real value terms in Middle East and Africa. With consumers struggling in a difficult economic climate, many have been trading down…

This report examines the global car rental industry, providing analysis on market sizes, brand and company shares, growth trends over the review period and prospects over the forecast period. The report also considers the major trends shaping the…

Due to changing global demographics and unfolding financial and environmental concerns, consumption patterns have been evolving over the recent years, accelerating the shift towards more budget-conscious and eco-aware shopping. As changing consumer…

This report provides a global overview of industrial trends from 2022 through to 2027 for the key manufacturing and service sector industries. Insights analyse long-term global trends that can help businesses adapt to changes in the production and…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries. In 2023, global inflation is expected to ease from its peak in 2022, but remaining significantly above-trend. Geopolitical risks and uncertainty in the energy market are…

Now in its seventh edition, this report explores the top digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this edition touch on topics such as second-hand shopping, community group buying,…