ME PoV Summer 2023 issue has been saved
Insights
ME PoV Summer 2023 issue
Swift moves
 |
Swift movesDownload the full issue |
About this issue
In the bustling realm of Middle Eastern business, where opportunity dances hand-in-hand with ambition, one must balance out their “swift moves.” And since the business landscape in this region is marked by a relentless pace and a fervent quest for growth, it takes such swift moves to keep up with the tempo.
Economic growth in the region is palpable. In his article The thriving e-commerce landscape in the Middle East, Dr. Ahmed Hezzah shows how with advancements in technology, changing consumer behavior, and increased internet penetration, e-commerce has emerged as a key driver of economic growth in the region. In The evolving role of finance post IPOs: Shaping the future of finance and the UAE capital markets, Farhad Aklas and Nav Dulay weigh in on the dynamics of the economic landscape and how the UAE has emerged as a prominent destination for initial public offerings (IPOs), reflecting the country’s commitment to foster a robust capital market and attract global investment.
In Humaid Hussain and Khushnood Khan’s article Is artificial intelligence the new benchmark for financial crime risk management? it becomes apparent how the game of cat and mouse between criminals and regulators has reached unprecedented levels. While the synergistic partnership between AI and financial institutions brings hope for a safer financial landscape, it also raises concerns about the ethical implications of such power. On high alert: The darker side of generative AI, by Ralph Stobwasser and Nicki Koller, emphasizes how in order to mitigate the risks of generative AI, individuals and organizations should drive awareness of these risks alongside the benefits in order to move forward.
As the swift moves of generative AI continue to shape our world, it becomes crucial to address the intricacies of our digital age, according to Govinda Mengji in the article Integrating IoT and blockchain to ensure cyber safety. Cyber security, once a mere afterthought, now intertwines with the very fabric of our everyday lives.
In addition, and more than ever before, the mantra of "adapt or perish" resonates, propelling businesses to embrace innovation and forge strategic alliances to leave an indelible mark on the ever-evolving business world. This world has become increasingly environmentally conscious as well, and businesses are quick to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainability. However, amidst the hustle for eco-friendly practices, the trend of greenwashing has emerged. Collin W. Keeney looks at this trend in more detail in Too green to be true: When a well-intentioned statement creates a world of risk.
And finally, COP 28 is just around the corner, and all eyes are on the region for a direction forward to address the global climate agenda. In With COP 28 on the horizon, the time to act in the Middle East is now… by Daniel Gribbin, we see clearly that change is coming and the need to adapt and transition to a low carbon economy is inevitable.
In this world where swift moves dictate our trajectory, it is our responsibility in the end to nurture the positive aspects while navigating the darker corners.
We hope you enjoy this latest Summer issue of the Middle East Point of View.
The ME PoV editorial team
The thriving e-commerce landscape in the Middle East
Over the past decade, the Middle East has witnessed significant growth in e-commerce, transforming the retail landscape across the region. With advancements in technology, changing consumer behavior, and increased internet penetration, e-commerce has emerged as a key driver of economic growth.This article explores the rise and impact of e-commerce in the Middle East, encompassing various countries.
Over the past decade, the Middle East has witnessed significant growth in e-commerce, transforming the retail landscape across the region. With advancements in technology, changing consumer behavior, and increased internet penetration, e-commerce has emerged as a key driver of economic growth.This article explores the rise and impact of e-commerce in the Middle East, encompassing various countries.
On high alert: The darker side of generative AI
The emergence of new technologies is making our daily lives more convenient, but with the rise of generative AI, to date most notably ChatGPT and DALL-E/DALL-E 2, it has become easier for individuals and organizations to misuse these technologies for malicious purposes. While it is imperative to continue to develop and adopt new technologies, we must also remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks, and take necessary measures to prevent financial crimes, as well as crime on all fronts.
The emergence of new technologies is making our daily lives more convenient, but with the rise of generative AI, to date most notably ChatGPT and DALL-E/DALL-E 2, it has become easier for individuals and organizations to misuse these technologies for malicious purposes. While it is imperative to continue to develop and adopt new technologies, we must also remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks, and take necessary measures to prevent financial crimes, as well as crime on all fronts.
Integrating IoT and blockchain to ensure cyber safety
IoT and blockchain have become buzzwords in the current technological era, a time when technology can help to solve problems, yet also generate new challenges. Cybersecurity is one such major challenge that is hindering the fearless usage of technology. The solution lies in how effectively these technologies are integrated and implemented. Hence, this article is an overview of the integration of IoT and blockchain to ensure cyber safety.
IoT and blockchain have become buzzwords in the current technological era, a time when technology can help to solve problems, yet also generate new challenges. Cybersecurity is one such major challenge that is hindering the fearless usage of technology. The solution lies in how effectively these technologies are integrated and implemented. Hence, this article is an overview of the integration of IoT and blockchain to ensure cyber safety.
Is artificial intelligence the new benchmark for financial crime risk management?
The Middle Eastern financial services industry (FSI) has experienced rapid growth in the post-pandemic era. The initial lockdowns compelled financial institutions (FIs) to enable digital accessibility of their offerings to existing and prospective customers. This digital transformation, enacted in a short duration, led to the creation of risk that financial criminals have exploited.
The Middle Eastern financial services industry (FSI) has experienced rapid growth in the post-pandemic era. The initial lockdowns compelled financial institutions (FIs) to enable digital accessibility of their offerings to existing and prospective customers. This digital transformation, enacted in a short duration, led to the creation of risk that financial criminals have exploited.
With COP 28 on the horizon, the time to act in the Middle East is now…
COP 28 is at the door ... and all eyes are on the biggest hydrocarbon producing region for a pathway forward to explore how to address the emissions crisis. The Middle East has committed to several net-zero related pledges. From Bahrain and the UAE to KSA and Oman, the region has realized that a change is coming for how these historically high petrochemical economies need to adapt and transition to a low carbon economy.
COP 28 is at the door ... and all eyes are on the biggest hydrocarbon producing region for a pathway forward to explore how to address the emissions crisis. The Middle East has committed to several net-zero related pledges. From Bahrain and the UAE to KSA and Oman, the region has realized that a change is coming for how these historically high petrochemical economies need to adapt and transition to a low carbon economy.
The evolving role of finance post IPOs: Shaping the future of finance and the UAE capital markets
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has continued to experience strong economic growth despite the recent global headwinds, as a result of continued economic diversification and government investment which further positions the country as a global economic powerhouse. With increased investment in sectors such as tourism, logistics, real estate, financial services, and technology, the country’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has positioned it as a regional leader for leading businesses – both private and public.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has continued to experience strong economic growth despite the recent global headwinds, as a result of continued economic diversification and government investment which further positions the country as a global economic powerhouse. With increased investment in sectors such as tourism, logistics, real estate, financial services, and technology, the country’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has positioned it as a regional leader for leading businesses – both private and public.
Too green to be true: When a well-intentioned statement creates a world of risk
In today's increasingly environmentally conscious world, businesses are quick to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainability. However, amidst the hustle for eco-friendly practices, an unfortunate trend has emerged: greenwashing. As we delve deeper into the complexities of greenwashing, it becomes crucial to navigate this maze of half-truths and identify the true champions of environmental management.
In today's increasingly environmentally conscious world, businesses are quick to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainability. However, amidst the hustle for eco-friendly practices, an unfortunate trend has emerged: greenwashing. As we delve deeper into the complexities of greenwashing, it becomes crucial to navigate this maze of half-truths and identify the true champions of environmental management.
