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The fallout of US foreign aid cuts
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The United States has historically been a key financial supporter of many MENA countries, providing aid to sustain fragile economies, strengthen security frameworks, and fund humanitarian projects. In 2023 alone, Jordan and Egypt ranked among the top beneficiaries, receiving $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.
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How is the world building for a better future?
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By 2030, more than $10 trillion will be invested in green energy projects worldwide – and already, there is a country clearly taking the lead for its renewable energy capacity: China. With a staggering 1300 GW capacity, it takes top spot by a mile, followed by United States (450 GW), India (180 GW), Brazil (165 GW), Germany (145 GW) and the United Kingdom (80 GW).
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MENA sees increased M&A activity in 2024
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According to the latest EY MENA M&A Insights 2024 report, the MENA region recorded a 3% rise in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity with 701 deals in 2024, compared to 679 deals in 2023.
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A Massive Cube Is Being Built in the Desert
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.A 400-meter cube is set to rise in Riyadh, promising to be the largest structure ever built. Designed to house 400,000 people, this futuristic mega project could redefine urban life. Whether it becomes a groundbreaking success or an impossible dream remains to be seen.
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Advanced Systems: Innovations in solar inverters
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The efficiency and reliability of solar power systems heavily depend on the quality of its components. Solar inverters are one of the key components and perform an important function in PV systems by converting direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for grid integration or direct power supply.
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A jobs agenda for the Middle East and North Africa
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The World Bank’s jobs agenda for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a respectable view of a region where nearly 300 million youth are projected to enter the labor market in the next 25 years. Yet, the MENA’s experience over the last 25 years shows that current efforts are unlikely to generate enough jobs for incoming generations. A new jobs agenda is urgently needed.
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The world needs a circular economy.
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The circular economy offers a fresh approach to how we produce and consume, focusing on reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering. It moves us away from the traditional “make, use, discard” model, creating a more sustainable system to balance the needs of the economy, society and nature.
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The UAE turns to AI to make it rain
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Decades of work and millions of dollars have been plowed into easing endless drought in the oil-rich UAE, whose mainly expatriate population is soaring undeterred by a dry, hostile climate and hairdryer summer heat. Despite the United Arab Emirates’ best efforts, rainfall remains rare.
Why religion is fundamental to addressing climate change
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Research by me and my colleagues suggests that framing religion and science as totally separate entities is unhelpful in advancing a global response to climate change.
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