Industry Trend Reports

Data-driven deep dives from our regional expert network covering the Middle East's most pressing economic development issues. Use these longer form PRO trend reports to enhance your own analysis.

Israel | Nov 30, 2023

How the Israel-Hamas war is impacting Middle East economies, from energy to arm sales

An Israeli soldier walks next to an armed APC (Armed Personnel Carrier) in southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on November 30, 2023, as a truce between Israel and Hamas enters its seventh day. A truce between Israel and Hamas was extended on November 30 just before it was due to expire, the two sides announced, with mediator Qatar reporting it would continue for one day under the same conditions that saw hostages released in exchange for prisoners. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP) (Photo by

Israel | Oct 31, 2023

Tourism tipping point: Middle East travel boom delivering economic boost as Israel-Hamas war threatens recovery

The outbreak of fighting between Israel and Hamas in October 2023 has undercut a fledgling tourism rebound in the Holy Land after years of struggle.

TABA, EGYPT: Beach resorts close to the Egyptian Taba Hilton (background-R) remain empty 11 October 2004, four days after three attacks targeted this well-known hotel in the Sinai peninsula next to the Israeli border and another two minor resorts, killing at least 32 people and causing the exodus of thousands of Israeli tourists from the area called the Egyptian Riviera. Israel's resort of Eilat, close to the border with Egypt, is set for a boom as thousands of Israelis who regularly holiday in Sinai look e

North Africa | Sep 13, 2023

The EU’s migration roadmap: harnessing North African talent to bridge the labor gap

For years, European nations have been courting talent from the Maghreb region, offering youth opportunities in key domains with domestic shortages such as IT, science, engineering, healthcare and agriculture.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Buedenbender Chat with refugees attending the training program for mechanics while visiting the Gallinchen job training and technology center on June 23, 2017 in Cottbus, Germany

Gulf | Aug 25, 2023

Saudi Arabia’s soccer spending spree reshapes Middle East sports sector

The kingdom is gunning to become a professional sports powerhouse.

Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo shoots during the AFC Champions League playoff football match between Saudi's Al-Nassr and UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on August 22, 2023. (Photo by Yazid al-Duwihi / AFP) (Photo by YAZID AL-DUWIHI/AFP via Getty Images)

Qatar | Aug 11, 2023

Middle East Water Security: Competition heats up as resources become scarcer

The Middle East and North Africa region is “the most water-scarce region in the world” and is home to 11 of the 17 most water-stressed countries globally.

A worker performs a routine inspection of filters at the Hadera Desalination Facility, in the central Israeli coastal town of Hadera on April 3, 2002. - Israel, a leader in making seawater drinkable, plans to pump excess output from its desalination plants into the Sea of Galilee, depleted by overuse and threatened by climate change. Israel now plans to tackle the challenge by reversing the water flow through its vast network of pumps, pipes and tunnels dating to the 1960s, the National Water Carrier. (Phot

North Africa | Jul 21, 2023

Supply and demand: North African military expenditures raise stakes for global defense suppliers

North Africa features three countries that rank among the world’s top 30 arms importers, but the region currently lacks any significant arms exporters.

A Royal Moroccan Air Force CH-47 Chinook military helicopter takes off during the second annual "African Lion" military exercise in the Tan-Tan region in southwestern Morocco on June 30, 2022. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP) (Photo by FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)

North Africa | Jun 29, 2023

How North Africa’s renewable energy regulations can boost FDI

Foreign investors and institutions are showing serious interest in North Africa’s renewable energy industry, but regulations remain key.

A Moroccan farmer walks past solar panels that are connected to a generator which feeds a pump extracting water from underground in Tafoughalt, a little village deep in the mountains of Morocco's eastern Berkane province, on October 31, 2016. As the Cop22 gets underway in Marrakesh, negotiators are thrashing out the details of a landmark global agreement designed to stave off disastrous climate change, but in Tafoughalt that impact is being felt already. Rising temperatures are among the factors making the

Turkey | Jun 16, 2023

Economic arsenals: the Middle East’s rise as a global defense industry hub

The Mideast's defense market is evolving, motivated by a desire to secure greater self-sufficiency and national sovereignty.

Visitors view a TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK attack helicopter on display at the Turkish Aerospace stand during the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX), part of the wider International Defence Exhibtion (IDEX) at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre on February 20, 2023. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP) (Photo by RYAN LIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Gulf | May 25, 2023

From roads to routers: The future of China-Middle East connectivity

Latest Trend Report: China is deepening its engagement in the Middle East, and the region, by and large, is welcoming it.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (4th R) attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (3rd L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 22, 2019. (Photo by HOW HWEE YOUNG / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit should read HOW HWEE YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)

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