The Middle East

Following the success of compulsory medical insurance policies in other Gulf states, Oman has initiated the rollout of its own national mandate.

Abu Dhabi has unveiled a series of programmes aimed at boosting food security by encouraging innovation in the agri-tech and processing segments, while also incentivising international food firms to establish a presence in the emirate.

Rising energy demand and a commitment to divert hydrocarbons to processing and export has incentivised a shift toward renewables in Saudi Arabia, with the Kingdom set to become the region’s largest market for wind energy components and services.

New financing and financial security channels are likely to help export and re-exporting firms in Dubai cement recent gains and create a foundation for the emirate’s further growth as a retail transit centre.

An ongoing round of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Kuwait’s financial services sector is set to create two banking and asset-management powerhouses, with market consolidation having the potential to spur additional tie-ups.

A series of initiatives designed to promote entrepreneurship and incubate start-ups in Qatar are strengthening the country’s research, development and innovation (RDI) ecosystem.