Designing Cities: Balancing History and Innovation
by MENA-Forum | 10 April 2026 | Built Environment, Culture, Sustainable Development, Technology | 0 Comments
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Cities are often described as living archives of human memory. Walk through an old neighbourhood in an Islamic city like Fez in Morocco or Cairo in Egypt, and you can see layers of history in its streets and buildings.
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Middle East economic growth to slow to 1.8 percent
by MENA-Forum | 9 April 2026 | Culture, Energy Transition, Sustainable Development, Technology | 0 Comments
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In the event of a prolonged conflict, the current impacts on the region will be compounded through elevated
energy and food prices, declining trade, tourism and remittances, increased fiscal pressures and displacement.
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AI Data Centers And The Thirst For Water
by MENA-Forum | 9 April 2026 | Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, Energy Transition, Sustainable Development | 0 Comments
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Artificial intelligence needs vast computing power, and that power now depends on water. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), one of the world’s driest regions, this creates a serious new pressure on already scarce resources.
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Recent Articles
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The Role of Theological Education in the Middle East
Mar 13, 2025
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.The origins of theological education in the Middle East, both formal and non-formal, can be traced back to its early development. The monastic movement, which has deep roots in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, served as a foundation for spiritual formation. Early monasteries were not only centers of worship but also places of theological learning and discipleship.
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Oman: Digital transformation for sustainable developmen
Mar 12, 2025
With the continued implementation of sectoral strategies and national transformation programmes aimed at accelerating the goals of the Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate of Oman has made significant improvements in its position in various international indicators related to innovation and digital transformation.
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What does Egypt’s plan to rebuild Gaza involve?
Mar 11, 2025
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Egypt’s reconstruction plan calls for Gaza to be rebuilt over five years. It is designed in three phases, structured to stabilise, reconstruct and develop the region into a self-sustaining economy. Gazans will remain in their homeland throughout.
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The digital republic: Struggle between power and freedom
Mar 10, 2025
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Rapid technological advancements and the growing entanglement of economic and security interests blurred the boundaries between the tech industry and the state. As highlighted in The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West by Alexander Karp and Nicholas Zamiska, tech companies that once embodied a rebellious spirit against authority gradually became key players in shaping national strategies.
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Will AI build the construction industry 2.0?
Mar 8, 2025
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Construction remains a highly under digitised industry, yet it faces specialist skills shortages all while massive demand for new infrastructure continues. Will AI address these challenges?
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The fallout of US foreign aid cuts
Mar 7, 2025
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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?
Mar 6, 2025
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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
Mar 5, 2025
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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
Mar 4, 2025
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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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