MEED
Karen Thomas
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Ports in Saudi Arabia defy domestic slowdown
Issue 11 16-22 March 2012
Riyadh is pressing ahead with Saudi port development, despite a forecast downturn in domestic economic growth in the short term -
Focus shifts to early learning in the Middle East
Issue 10 9-15 March 2012
Governments in the Middle East are identifying strategies aimed at improving pre-school care and education facilities for their youngest citizens -
A lack of skilled workers in Saudi Arabia
Issue 51 23-29 December 2011
The kingdom needs to find work for a rising number of unemployed youngsters, but a focus on degree-level education is making the task much harder -
Demand grows for doctorates in the Middle East
Executive Education 2011
The increasing popularity around the world of professionally focused doctorate courses has led several Middle East business schools to offer programmes that use a more practical approach -
Education: A fast-changing market
Executive Education 2011
Regional master of business administration (MBA) programmes are evolving to meet the demands of today’s markets and to equip students with the skills required for future economic growth -
The funding challenge for international eductation institutions
Executive Education 2011
With home governments slashing education budgets, international universities, under growing pressure to make money, are turning to the Middle East to find donors -
Freight lines take priority in Gulf
Rail Supplement 2011
Rail plans in the Middle East are firmly focused on the need to transport freight around the region, but whether rail services can compete with tried and tested modes of transport remains to be seen -
Bridging the learning divide in the Middle East
Issue 36 9-15 September 2011
As school leavers struggle to meet the entry requirements of universities, Middle East governments are looking to reform curriculums and improve the standard of teaching -
Publishers benefit from Middle East education spending
Issue 36 9-15 September 2011
As Middle East governments increase spending on education, international publishers of academic materials are focusing more on the region -
Fighting against a diabetes epidemic in the Gulf
Issue 32 12-18 August 2011
Middle East governments are embarking on a multi-pronged strategy to tackle diabetes. It includes surveys to source data, along with targeted health awareness campaigns -
Nakilat
Issue 30 29 July-4 August
Qatari liquefied natural gas shipper is diversifying to target shipbuilding and repairs -
Nakilat: MEED Assessment
Issue 30 29 July-4 August
The firm operates the largest, most energy-efficient LNG vessels in the world -
Putting money into education reform in Saudi Arabia
Issue15 15-21 April 2011
In the past decade, Riyadh has consistently increased spending on education. However, societal challenges will need to be overcome before full reform is possible -
Building a logistics hub in Qatar
Issue 12 25-31 March 2011
Qatar has ambitions to become a major cargo hub for the region. With plans to pour millions of dollars into improving road, sea and air links, international logistics firms are looking on with interest -
Cevital
Issue 12 25-31 March 2011
Algeria’s largest conglomerate has fallen foul of the government in recent months -
Cevital: MEED Assessment
Issue 12 25-31 March 2011
Cevital needs European partners to help fund a planned $8bn project to source solar power from the Sahara -
Focus shifts beyond GCC for logistics firms
Issue 12 25-31 March 2011
Major logistics firms are looking to consolidate their businesses in the region and target new deals in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the less developed countries of the Arab world -
Pace of new port projects ease in the Middle East
Issue 12 25-31 March 2011
Port development in the Middle East has slowed as operators put schemes on hold and focus on the projects that are the most economically viable -
Jashanmal Group
Issue 11 18-24 March 2011
The GCC conglomerate is looking to grow through acquisitions -
Jashanmal Group: MEED Assessment
Issue 11 18-24 March 2011
Jashanmal Group is a slowly evolving company, averse to speculative or risk investments -
Q&A: Tony Jashanmal, group executive director, Jashanmal Group
Issue 11 18-24 March 2011
We are interested in any opportunities that fit our existing lines of business -
Gulf aluminium producers build up dominance
Issue 10 11-17 March 2011
After two years of rapid expansion, GCC aluminium producers are well placed to meet new demand from Asian markets in the coming decade -
Metals price outlook uncertain
Issue 10 11-17 March 2011
Analysts are divided over the prognosis for steel and aluminium prices this year, despite strengthening demand. Unrest in the region could forestall a recovery -
Improving students’ skills in the Middle East
Issue 9 4-10 March 2011
Tertiary education has expanded rapidly in the Arab world in the past decade, but high school education needs to improve so that more citizens can benefit -
Room rates to remain depressed in the UAE
Issue 5 4-10 February 2011
Despite tourist arrivals in the UAE recovering after the economic crisis, an oversupply of hotel rooms will continue to put downward pressure on prices -
Gulf International Services
Issue 51 17-23 December 2010
The Qatari holding company is seeking new partnerships at home and abroad -
Gulf International Services: MEED Assessment
Issue 51 17-23 December 2010
With plans to expand internationally, the company is now set to embark on a new phase of growth -
Dubai’s silver-service free zone hub
The region's hub
The creation 25 years ago of Jebel Ali Free Zone has played a key role in the establishment of Dubai as a regional trade and logistics base -
New era of logistics growth for Jebel Ali Free Zone
The region's hub
The past 25 years have seen Jafza emerge as a leading brand in global distribution and logistics. But what strategies must it adopt to stay on top of its game? -
The car is the star at Jebel Ali Free Zone
The region's hub
Jebel Ali Free Zone is positioning itself as a hub for automotive shipments in the region but it will face competition from Abu Dhabi -
Bringing more healthcare to the UAE
United for Growth
Healthcare remains a basic requirement in the UAE, regardless of the vicissitudes of the economy. With rising populations and strong government backing, the scope for British service providers is huge -
Construction’s changing market in the UAE
United for Growth
Abu Dhabi is overtaking Dubai as the epicentre of construction activity in the UAE and government-backed schemes are providing plentiful opportunities for savvy players -
The UAE government: Investing in education for the next generation
United for Growth
Many Emirati nationals still prefer to seek tertiary education abroad, but investment in education and training is a commitment for the UAE government and opportunities for British institutions are growing -
Wealth of opportunities for British creative industries in UAE
United for Growth
As creative industries develop in the UAE, British brands and businesses determined to gain a foothold can expect to see opportunities in everything from film-making to event management to merchandising -
Corporate training budgets cut in the Middle East
Supplement: Executive Education Guide
Management scholarships are scarce this year as the economic downturn puts funding under scrutiny -
Executives go back to the classroom
Supplement: Executive Education Guide
The growing need for executive education in the Gulf is good news for global business schools enduring a slow-down in Western markets -
Knowledge hubs grow in numbers in the Middle East
Supplement: Executive Education Guide
With global operators setting their sights on Asia, can the new, purpose-built education cities springing up throughout the Middle East change the way learning is delivered? -
Abu Dhabi wakes up to Jebel Ali port
Issue 45 5-11 November 2010
Work is under way on a multi-billion-dollar port and industrial project in Abu Dhabi, but shipping lines will only come if it generates the volumes needed to justify a port call -
Medical treatment in the Middle East
Supplement: The Health Challenge
Historically, Middle East nationals have gone abroad for medical treatment. Now, regional governments are targeting inbound medical tourism, but should they try to compete with established destinations? -
Danzas AEI Emirates
Issue 40 1-7 October 2010
The Dubai-based logistics firm is among the first to make a base at Al-Maktoum International airport -
Danzas AEI Emirates: MEED Assessment
Issue 40 1-7 October 2010
The Dubai-based logistics company must increase its market share to fill its current and planned capacity -
Q&A: Stefan Fallet, UAE Country Manager, Danzas AEI Emirates
Issue 40 1-7 October 2010
The company’s strategy is to improve quality and customer focus and it wants to bolster its sea-air capability -
The Middle East: Catching up online
Issue No 38 17-25 September 2010
The Middle East and North Africa region has seen strong growth in internet usage in the past decade. Yet, compared with more developed markets, the region still lags behind -
Private sector to play larger role in Oman healthcare
Issue 33 13-19 August
Oman has built an enviable health system in just four decades. But population growth and rising chronic diseases mean it must build more hospitals and clinics to keep ahead of demand -
Downstream aluminium ambitions falter
Issue 32 6-12 August 2010
Insufficient local customers and questions over Oman’s ability to access further gas supplies are hindering Sohar Aluminium’s phase two expansion -
Q&A Romeo Salvador, CEO, Tartous Container Terminal
Issue No 30 23-29 July 2010
The global crisis has created a new opportunity to promote containerisation for conventional cargo -
Tartous Container Terminal
Issue No 30 23-29 July 2010
The port operator is positioning itself to serve the growing markets of Iraq and Syria -
Tartous Container Terminal: MEED Assessment
Issue No 30 23-29 July 2010
The port operator is a flagship project for Syria, but it faces tough competition from rival Lattakia Port -
Q&A: Jens Floe, CEO, Suez Canal Container Terminal
Issue No 27 2 - 8 July 2010
The company expects solid growth in both trans-shipment and in domestic volume to and from Egypt -
Suez Canal Container Terminal
Issue No 27 2 - 8 July 2010
The terminal operator is still expanding, despite the fall off in global shipping -
Suez Canal Container Terminal: MEED Assessment
Issue No 27 2 - 8 July 2010
The company has performed well but striking a balance between terminal supply and shipping line demand is notoriously tricky -
Crucial test for new Dubai airport
Issue No 24 11-17 June 2010
Al-Maktoum International airport quickly needs to attract cargo customers to ensure investment for future phases of Dubai’s aviation and logistics hub is forthcoming -
GAC
June 2010 Online Content
The Dubai-based transport services firm has responded to a downturn in trade with cost-cutting solutions -
GAC: MEED Assessment
June 2010 Online Content
The past 18 months have seen GAC trim its costs, but it continues to search for new business opportunities -
Q&A: Lars Safverstrom, Group President, GAC
June 2010 Online Content
Safverstrom explains how the the shipping and logistics company is navigating the downturn and outlines the prospects for each of its businesses -
Qatar tourism: Building a destination
Issue No 23 4-10 June 2010
Qatar’s tourism authority is aiming to raise the country’s profile as an attractive destination for business and leisure, but a visa law amendment nearly cost its plans dear -
Iran Khodro
Issue No 18 30 April - 6 May 2010
The cash-strapped Iranian carmaker is to be fully privatised later this year -
Iran Khodro: MEED Assessment
Issue No 18 30 April - 6 May 2010
Privatisation exposes Iranian carmakers to genuine competition -
Region tops the occupancy table
Issue No 18 30 April - 6 May 2010
But a surge in new room supply coming onto the market is casting a shadow over the long-term prospects -
Dubai adapts to shifting tourism market
Issue No 16 16-22 April 2010
After a long period of high occupancy rates, the global financial crisis and an oversupply of premium accommodation has left the emirate needing a new strategy to bolster tourist numbers -
Marketing Qatar’s aluminium
Supplement: Qatalum
Norwegian joint venture partner Hydro is responsible for selling Qatalum’s output, but in the long term Qatar hopes to develop a downstream metals sector of its own -
Global trade slowdown hits maritime carriers
Issue No 12 19-25 March 2010
Middle East maritime industry finds its growth constrained by the financial crisis -
Merger moves forward between Qatar Navigation and Qatar Shipping Company
Issue No 9 26 February - 4 March 2010
Qatar’s Qatar Navigation and Qatar Shipping Company (Q-Ship) have agreed to an initial share swap proposal for their alliance, but details on final structure await shareholder approval -
Qatari rail plans gather pace
Issue No 6 5-11 February 2010
Doha is investing $25bn and drawing on German technical know-how to put Qatar’s integrated transport plans on track -
Banks finance Nakilat ship acquisition plans
Supplement: Nakilat
With its business backed by long-term charter agreements, Nakilat raised the $6.8bnof debt needed to fund its wholly owned fleet despite a tough financial climate -
MEED List: Qatar Nakilat
Supplement: Nakilat
The six key figures in the development of Nakilat, the Qatar Gas Transport Company are: Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Muhammad Ghannam, Ali al-Hammadi, Stephen May, Faisal Mohammed al-Suwaidi -
Nakilat a yard ahead
Supplement: Nakilat
Nakilat is building a 1.1 square kilometre shipyard to guarantee priority access to essential services for its ships as well as taking revenue by maintaining, converting and repairing third-party vessels -
Nakilat building a world-class shipping fleet
Supplement: Nakilat
Nakilat has made an $11bn investment in 45 high-tech LNG vessels that offer unparallelled size and efficiency to cut the cost of delivering fuel around the world -
Nakilat delivers Qatar’s vision
Supplement: Nakilat
As Qatar ramps up its exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), gas transport company Nakilat is building up one of the largest shipping fleets in the world and investing in marine infrastructure -
Q&A: Martijn van de Linde, CEO, Salalah Port Services
Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Linde outlines plans for Terminal Two and prospects for future container volumes -
Salalah Port Services
Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Despite the global downturn in container traffic, the Omani port operator is forecasting growth -
Salalah Port Services: MEED Assessment
Issue No 50 11-17 December 2009
Salalah’s expansion needs to strike a balance between gauging market demand and adding capacity for the future -
Sharjah expands logistics operations
Issue No 49 4-10 December 2009
The emirate is investing in port infrastructure and building a series of inland ‘logistics cities’ to help it achieve its aim of becoming the distribution hub for the northern emirates -
Training business leaders: A guide to executive education in the Gulf
Supplement: Gulf Executive Education Guide
MBA courses are flourishing in the region as interest in executive education grows and foreign business schools invest in Middle East bases -
Home-grown business education
Supplement: Gulf Executive Education Guide
An influx of international business schools into the Gulf offering globally recognised qualifications means students now have less need to travel overseas to find the right executive study programme -
Increasing student choice
Supplement: Gulf Executive Education Guide
Students in the region now have a choice between more than 80 business schools based in the GCC, with more than 100 MBA programmes offered across the wider Middle East -
The rise of bespoke teaching
Supplement: Gulf Executive Education Guide
Higher education institutions in the Gulf are working more closely with governments and private companies to create courses designed to develop the specific skills they need -
Case study: Tanger Med
Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
Morocco is positioning the port as a hub serving Europe and Africa, but the global economic downturn is putting its expansion plans in jeopardy -
Operators of ports projects proceed with caution in the region
Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
Port projects around the region are moving ahead, but the pace of development has slowed as operators put some schemes on hold and focus on those that are the most economically viable -
Regional port firms take stock
Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
The past year has been a difficult time for the region’s port operators, with trade volumes falling, forcing some of the biggest to downsize and reconsider their investment plans -
The case for expansion of ports in the region
Supplement: Middle East Ports 2009
Are port operators right to continue with plans to build billions of dollars worth of additional capacity in the current economic climate? -
Port developers in UAE search for a niche
Issue No 42 16-22 October 2009
Despite the economic downturn forcing many port expansion plans to be put on hold, competition in the sector is increasing and operators need to focus on specialisation -
Charting a route through the downturn
7 August 2009, 12:50 GMT
With the five-year trade boom that underpinned the expansion of the Gulf shipping sector over, ship owners are struggling to fill their vessels and port operators face fierce competition for business. -
Kawar Group: MEED Assessment
31 July 2009, 15:38 GMT
Like many family conglomerates, the company faces some tough decisions about its future structure and direction -
Q&A: Rudain Kawar, Chief Executive Officer, Kawar Group
31 July 2009, 15:36 GMT
The company has a good financial position and easy access to liquidity, says CEO Kawar -
Kawar Group
31 July 2009, 15:23 GMT
The diverse Jordanian family business is expanding its information and communications technology arm. -
Gulf states compete to be the regional air transport hub
16 July 2009, 16:16 GMT
Gulf countries are pushing ahead with their ambitious airport projects despite the global downturn. But if passenger numbers continue to fall, will there be the demand to support a five-fold increase in capacity? -
National Shipping Company
2 July 2009, 15:44 GMT
Despite a poor outlook for the sector, National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia is expanding its fleet. -
National Shipping Company: MEED Assessment
2 July 2009, 15:26 GMT
The company’s decision to invest in large crude carrier vessels ties its fortunes to the fluctuations in global demand for oil -
Building the world’s biggest smelter in the Emirates
12 June 2009, 16:22 GMT
Emirates Aluminium is preparing to bring on line the first phase of its new production facility at Khalifa Port Industrial Zone in 2010, but plans for phase two face further delays. -
Doha building a transport backbone
11 June 2009, 18:57 GMT
Doha is undertaking the most ambitious infrastructure programme in the Gulf, spending $25bn on upgrading the capacity of its airports, ports and rail network. -
Al-Hokair Group
21 May 2009, 17:19 GMT
The family-owned conglomerate is expanding its food and restaurant activities. -
Al-Hokair Group: MEED Assessment
21 May 2009, 15:25 GMT
The family-owned conglomerate is expanding and has expressed interest in the Cedar of Lebanon tourism megaproject -
Bahrain takes on Gulf shipping giants
16 April 2009, 16:16 GMT
The opening of Khalifa bin Salman Port in Hidd marks the beginning of a new era for the kingdom’s ports sector as it seeks to tap into the growing market for trade with the northern Gulf states. -
Americana Group
2 April 2009, 13:53 GMT
The Kuwait-based firm aims to build on its base as the leading food company in the Middle East. -
Americana Group: MEED Assessment
2 April 2009, 9:41 GMT
The Kuwait-based firm has flourished over the past five years but there are signs that retrenchment may be on the way -
Permit delays in Riyadh hold back developers
26 March 2009, 15:56 GMT
The government urgently needs to address the time, cost and bureaucracy surrounding the award of construction permits in the kingdom if it is to meet growing demand for housing. -
Riyadh rewires for growth
26 March 2009, 15:54 GMT
Saudi Arabia has made the development of its information and communications technology sector a priority as it seeks to improve the work prospects of nationals. -
Gulf tourism
19 March 2009, 13:19 GMT
The six leading personalities developing tourism in the region: Nabil Hassan al-Fakih, Mubarak Hamad al-Muhairi, Mohamed Ali al-Noman, Ahmed Abdulla al-Nuaimi, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdelaziz al-Saud and Khalid bin Sulayem. -
Yamama Cement Company
13 March 2009, 0:00 GMT
As domestic cement demand falls, the Saudi firm is pushing for the government to lift the export ban. -
Slowdown piles pressure on malls in Emirates
12 March 2009, 16:07 GMT
Just six months ago, the UAE retail sector was forecast to grow by about 20 per cent this year, but expectations are being lowered following the departures of expatriate workers. -
MEED 100 - Sector Analysis: Transport
1 March 2009, 12:40 GMT
As the slowdown in global trade dents traffic at DP World ports, Qatar’s Nakilat is set for expansion. -
MEED 100 - Sector Analysis: Metals & Mining
1 March 2009, 12:14 GMT
A focus on phosphate exports is shoring up the metals and mining sector after a tough year. -
MEED 100 - Sector Analysis: Logistics
1 March 2009, 12:11 GMT
Agility Logistics will cut debt and boost liquidity as it seeks to reduce its exposure to Iraq and real estate. -
MEED 100 - Sector Analysis: Conglomerates
1 March 2009, 11:31 GMT
Five companies on this year’s MEED 100 list are conglomerates, down from seven in 2008. Kuwait’s National Industries Group (NIG) and Egypt’s Talaat Mostafa Group have fallen off the list this year. NIG was ranked at 35 in 2008, with a market capitalisation of $8.1bn, which fell to $1.3bn this year, while Talaat was 58 last year. -
GB Auto: MEED Assessment
1 March 2009, 10:33 GMT
The Egyptian stock market is nervous about the company’s prospects, but a broad product range and delivering value for money should help -
GB Auto
1 March 2009, 10:16 GMT
The rapid rise of the Egyptian car manufacturer has been halted by the global slowdown. -
Q&A: Raouf Ghabbour, CEO, GB Auto
1 March 2009, 8:40 GMT
The manufacturer is building lines of business other than cars, including trucks, buses, construction equipment and services -
Yamama Cement Company: MEED Assessment
19 January 2009, 6:11 GMT
Demand for cement is set to continue and the company will be a key supplier -
Q&A: Jehad Al-Rasheed, CEO, Yamama Cement Company
19 January 2009, 6:10 GMT
With new companies entering the Saudi market, there is a danger of oversupply, says Al-Rasheed -
Yamama Cement Company
19 January 2009, 6:10 GMT
As domestic cement demand falls, the Saudi firm is pushing for the government to lift the export ban. -
Sector outlook 2009: Transport
2 January 2009, 14:15 GMT
A series of major transport projects will go ahead this year, despite a slowdown in other sectors. -
Foreign airport operators pilot reform in Saudi Arabia
21 December 2008, 13:57 GMT
The kingdom’s three international airports have been put under the management of private companies as Riyadh launches a radical shake-up of the aviation sector. -
MBAs outside the GCC: MBA elite compete for students
11 December 2008, 10:42 GMT
The US has traditionally been the destination for Gulf students seeking to study an MBA overseas, but colleges across the globe are now competing to tailor business courses to meet their needs. -
GCC Business Education
1 December 2008, 16:12 GMT
Six leading figures in the Gulf’s growing business education sector are: Mohammed Alkhozai, Ilker Baybars, Randa Bessiso, Zeger Degraeve, Robert Rice and Stefan Szymanski. -
Centre of trade moves south to Jebel Ali
28 November 2008, 14:50 GMT
The expansion of Jebel Ali port and creation of a state-of-the-art logistics hub at Dubai World Central will transform the southwestern region of the emirate. -
Easing the capacity crunch at Gulf ports
21 November 2008, 18:30 GMT
Gulf states are racing to catch up with growing demand at their ports, with a series of major developments aimed at expanding capacity and bringing overdue modernisation. -
Gulf shippers take on global peers
23 October 2008, 14:21 GMT
Regional firms are challenging the dominance of international rivals by investing heavily in new vessels. -
Changing attitudes to online trading
8 August 2008, 14:52 GMT
While internet shopping is booming worldwide, a combination of low credit card penetration and concerns over payment security are hampering the growth of the sector in the region. -
Survival of the strongest
8 August 2008, 14:37 GMT
While plans to scrap laws giving UAE nationals exclusive rights to import foreign brands will not be welcomed by all, the biggest firms will benefit. -
Regional airports defying the global downturn
11 July 2008, 11:08 GMT
Governments in the region are spending billions of dollars on expanding airport capacity despite the crisis facing the industry. But will their investment pay off? -
Islamic hospitality sector emerges
2 May 2008, 13:31 GMT
Investors are backing a new breed of culturally sensitive hotel that can provide the facilities and environment demanded by the increasing number of Muslim tourists in the region. -
Development approaches its peak
2 May 2008, 13:20 GMT
With the Gulf outperforming many parts of the world in terms of tourism growth, the number of hotels in the region is increasing rapidly. But by 2010, supply will catch up with demand. -
Building a regional brand
2 May 2008, 13:06 GMT
Gulf developers have traditionally signed up foreign companies to manage their hotels, but this is changing as local firms seek to become established names in the region’s hospitality sector. -
Medina Knowledge Economic City: Where technology meets faith
4 April 2008, 11:52 GMT
The holy city of Medina is planned to become a centre of excellence for information technology and communications as well as religious scholarship. -
Tourism: Many ways to boost numbers
14 March 2008, 12:58 GMT
With Dubai now an established holiday destination, other emirates are keen to grow their tourism industries, and are developing their own strategies to attract visitors. -
Easing the strain on Qatari healthcare
8 February 2008, 12:43 GMT
In a radical overhaul of the sector, Qatar is planning to introduce compulsory health insurance for expatriates, develop its infrastructure and recruit local workers. -
The boom spreads north
9 January 2008, 17:17 GMT
The northern emirates have long lived in the shadow of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but plans to co-ordinate development across the UAE are dragging them into the spotlight -
Trends: Riyadh transforms port sector
21 December 2007, 10:43 GMT
The kingdom’s sea ports will receive a $50bn boost as it bids to reposition itself as a trans-shipment hub. -
Transport is a blueprint for Abu Dhabi growth
14 December 2007, 17:24 GMT
The development of an integrated transport system is central to Abu Dhabi’s plans to transform the capital into a sustainable, global city. -
Saudi logistics: delivering success
30 November 2007, 17:46 GMT
Plans to create logistics hubs in key cities and speed up the Saudi supply chain will help the kingdom make the most of its booming economy -
Tourism: Riyadh opens the doors
30 November 2007, 17:35 GMT
The relaxing of visa restrictions and a series of infrastructure projects aimed at increasing visitor numbers are giving a welcome boost to tourism in the kingdom.
