Brian Lott

Today, there is increased focus by the region – both governments and the private sector – to strengthen their influence in emerging urban hubs in Africa. Among G20 economies, China and India now top their go-to list.   Three factors have led to this: The first is the rise in the economic and geopolitical clout of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. After staying in the shadows of the global power corridors for long, these nations have underlined that when it comes to the Arab world, their voices really matter. These nations, with reliable allies in the East and the West, are asserting their role in advancing the transformation of the Global South societies.   The second is the boredom and fatigue induced by the Western media’s often lazy, inaccurate, and biased reporting of the region. This, in no way, undermines of the role of journalism to challenge the status quo and there is no denying that brilliant journalism about the region did exist and still does.   The third factor is that the 200 million plus digital-savvy youth in MENA, who form about 60 per cent of the population, have their own well-rounded worldview. They are informed by social connectivity, and disappointed with irresponsible political complacence and the enduring cycle of strife in many parts of the Arab world. Read the full piece on IPRA International Public Relations Association https://lnkd.in/dutyPWUz

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I am glad to share the 2024 Saudi Arabia Edelman Trust Barometer which revealed that the Saudi public continues to place a high level of trust in the Kingdom’s government and business sector. As the country pursues its transformation towards Vision 2030, trust in all areas of society has never been more crucial. The findings showed: > Saudis have a high level of trust (at 86%) in their government, which is the highest rate globally. Saudi Arabia also leads the global survey in the belief that innovation is well-managed. > In terms of trust in business, Saudi Arabia is among the world leaders with an impressive 78% of respondents expressing confidence in this institution. > More than 80% of Saudis place significant trust in government leaders and scientists, who they see as key partners in managing and regulating innovation. >The Kingdom ranks among the top countries globally for trust in AI regulation (56%), which highlights the country’s strong commitment to fostering and managing technological advancements effectively. By comparison, trust levels are much lower in other countries such as United States (24%), France and Japan (23%), the UK (18%), Germany (27%), and South Korea (28%). For more on the report, visit Edelman.com  #EdelmanTrustBarometer #Trust2024

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Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 recently published a detailed analysis of the current state of women's representation on the boards of publicly listed companies in the GCC. Called the GCC Board Gender Index Report 2024, this represents the first time that a comprehensive data set has been published collating information from across the GCC. Key findings from this report are as follows: - In January 2024, of the 168 companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), 133 out of 1,231 (10.8%) of board seats are held by women. - Across the GCC (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia), as of January 2024, women hold 5.2% of the 5,591 board seats in 752 publicly listed companies. While we still have some way to go, this represents a substantial increase from before. Forbes Middle East has reported on this, and the complete GCC Board Gender Index Report 2024 can be accessed here. https://lnkd.in/dt7juniB

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Launched by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Unified Economic Licence framework consolidates multiple business activities under a single, comprehensive licence. I sat with Mohamed Ghareeb Al Hosani, our Chief Experience Officer at KEZAD Group, to learn what it is and what it means for our clients. #uae #abudhabi #economy

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UAE's Renewable Energy Revolution: Mana Al Suwaidi is Exploring Key Ventures 💬 Your insights, recommendations, and industry perspectives are invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of renewable energy ventures. I invite you to share your expertise, foster meaningful dialogues, and explore potential collaboration opportunities in this dynamic sector. 🔍 Here's an overview of some of the notable endeavors shaping the UAE's renewable energy landscape: 1️⃣ Masdar City: A flagship of sustainable urban development, integrating renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. Have you engaged with this project firsthand or collaborated within its ecosystem? 2️⃣ Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park: A monumental undertaking in Dubai, positioning the region at the forefront of renewable energy adoption. What insights can you offer regarding its operational efficiency and technological advancements? 3️⃣ Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm: While situated in Saudi Arabia, this project exemplifies the collaborative ethos driving renewable energy initiatives across borders. Are you involved in similar transnational ventures, and if so, what lessons have you learned? 4️⃣ Zayed Future Energy Prize: Recognizing excellence in sustainability, this prestigious award spotlights global innovators shaping the future of renewable energy. Whose work in this domain resonates with your strategic vision? 5️⃣ UAE Energy Strategy 2050: A comprehensive roadmap toward a diversified, sustainable energy portfolio. How do you envision aligning your business objectives with the strategic imperatives outlined in this vision? 6️⃣ UAE Wind Atlas: Informing strategic decisions with empirical data, this resource plays a pivotal role in optimizing wind energy utilization. What strategic considerations should businesses weigh when leveraging wind energy assets? #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #BusinessInnovation #StrategicCollaborations

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Power IR and the undeniable role of AI in our industry's continued growth. Incredible to be here at the Middle East's most prestigious capital markets conference Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM) in Qatar with true senior executive leaders in this dynamic region where I will soon be going on stage to share my views on AI and careers in IR - But I need your help! It is acknowledged that we are still at the foothills of where the transformative effect of AI will take our global IR and corporate reputation industries. Whilst we know that relationships with investors and analysts are critical and will always remain central to an effective IR programme, it is obvious to me that AI won’t replace you – but someone who can use AI will! Only last week a large FTSE 100 client for whom we provided a strong shortlist of candidates quite literally could not choose between four of the final 12. The only reason they plumped for the preferred candidate was that they had recently developed via Microsoft a bespoke IR programme which would save the CFO millions in the IR budget but also elevate the IR programme to make it more effective. So it’s not me saying this but it’s in the results of our searches. DM if you have any anecdotes you want me to share for when I'm on stage or if you are here in Qatar. Looking forward to the discussion with Amani Korayeim, Paolo Casamassima & Ayman Farouk Taha, MBA, CFTe and moderated by the incredible Marwa AlMaskati - reach out and say hello to her as you won't be disappointed! Thanks to the brilliant team at Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM) - Joe Hachem Fadi A. Kanso, Ph.D Rami El-Dokany, MSc. #qatar #AFCM #LeadingTheSearch #InvestorRelations

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Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) has been ranked in the top ten #most #sustainable companies in the Middle East, according to the S&P Global ESG Scores. Yahsat has sealed the 6th and 3rd positions in the Middle East and the UAE rankings respectively.   The S&P Global #ESG Scores assess the sustainability performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (#ESG) practices of the world's largest companies. Ranking high among more than 250 companies assessed in the #MiddleEast reinforces #Yahsat’s strong reputation as a local, regional, and global sustainability leader.   Yahsat is dedicated to integrating and promoting sustainability #ESG principles across all its business operations and value chain, creating a positive impact on society and the environment. The company developed its #Sustainability Framework in 2022, which aligns with national, regional, and global sustainability priorities, alongside its business growth strategy.   Ali Al Hashemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yahsat, said: “We are delighted and proud to be ranked in the top ten most #sustainable companies in the #MiddleEast by S&P Global. Sustainability has been deeply rooted within #Yahsat through its momentous journey, yet this reputable ranking is a clear testament to the notable achievement of developing a robust sustainability framework and policies since going public in 2021. Our constant commitment to embracing international standards is beneficial for the environment, the communities we serve, and in making us a more efficient and productive organization.”     read more on the story - https://lnkd.in/eNc-J4fd #Newstoday #SatEvo #Satelliteevolution #Yahsat #Sustainability

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The #UAE's (and #SaudiArabia's) interest in sub-Saharan #Africa (beyond North Africa and the Horn of Africa) is growing exponentially and rapidly, not least because of the need to secure supplies of critical #minerals. All with the blessing of the #UnitedStates, which sees it as a means of countering Chinese hegemony on the continent. Interesting to watch! https://lnkd.in/dFNEiHCd

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In this week’s IR Monitor... FTI Consulting appoints Oliver Williams as Head of its Strategic Communications Segment in the Middle East: the segment’s leadership in capital markets comms is exemplified by recent milestones such as Parkin’s record-breaking IPO on the Dubai Financial Market and Modern Mills Company’s historic IPO on the main market of the Saudi Tadawul Group From the Financial Times, proxy season results show support for ESG efforts continues to ebb. Only two climate-related proposals received majority support this year & no diversity initiative cleared 50% Blame shoddy audits on absent investors: high-profile company failures show audit firms are failing to scrutinise corporate accounts but shareholders are also falling short Activist investors mount record number of campaigns but win fewer board seats globally as companies have fought back effectively, data from Barclays shows A recent IR Magazine webinar shared how to keep stakeholders informed on emerging events: a combination of maximising internal links and using external partners is key to keeping investors informed And finally … could AI wreck your business? asks Bloomberg. Executives have spent the last year and a half sermonising on earnings calls about how their companies will successfully ride the artificial intelligence wave. But these same firms have been quietly issuing warnings on the various ways that AI could actually wreck their businesses This issue is combined by Jack Ridings and Lena Kacperska with contributions from Talal Almoallem, Ben Fletcher, Rose Zu, CFA, Rob Winder and Maxime Lopes, CFA Lopes.  Get in touch if you'd like to be added to the distribution list.

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The #IPO pipeline for the Gulf is extremely active, according to the top ECM bank in the region so far this year. Spoke to Ali Khalpey from EFG Hermes with Julia Fioretti about the outlook for equity offerings in the second half. Here’s what he had to say:

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Insightful view from Alpha Dhabi Holding Managing Director and CEO, Hamad Salem Al Ameri about global economy, Alpha Dhabi Holding growth, opportunities and vision.

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I am thrilled to share my latest story featured in the June issue of Forbes Middle East magazine: "Asset Managers Betting On The Middle East." Discover insights into the top 7 asset managers who have recently established operations in the region and learn more about the factors driving this strategic shift. Check out the full story here: https://lnkd.in/d3at5veC

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👇🏻 Might one day go down as one of the most effective and impactful of all economic transformation-driven initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Invest and develop Saudi manufacturing supply base around existing and new industrial production. Support existing market winners to export. A turbocharged ecosystem build-out. Will make products made in Saudi more competitive and, obviously, boost localization across the board.

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Saudi Arabia Tops the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024 The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, published by the global consulting and public relations firm Edelman, revealed that Saudi Arabia has achieved the 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 in terms of trust. An impressive 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make the necessary decisions to achieve national aspirations and targets. 🔝 Saudi Arabia Ranks Fourth in Business Sector Trust. The report's 24th edition highlighted that Saudi Arabia ranks fourth globally in the business sector trust index, with 78% of participants expressing confidence in the sector. Countries that surpassed Saudi Arabia in this sector include China, India, and Indonesia. Additionally, over 80% of participants highly trust Saudi leaders and scientists in managing and organizing innovation. 🥉 Saudi Arabia Ranks Third Globally in Overall Trust. Despite increasing global concerns about modern regulations and emerging technologies, Saudi Arabia achieved high trust levels, reaching 56%, placing it third globally after China and India, among the 28 countries surveyed. 🥇 Saudi Arabia in the Top Position for AI-Related Regulations. Saudi Arabia is among the top countries globally in trust regarding AI-related regulations, surpassing the United States (24%), France and Japan (23%), the United Kingdom (18%), Germany (27%), and South Korea (28%). Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in this sector. 🥈 Second in Clean Energy and AI Trust. The report also highlighted high trust levels in clean energy and artificial intelligence within Saudi Arabia, key elements of Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia ranked second globally after China in trust towards companies operating in regulated AI technologies, with 68% compared to the global average of 50%. 🔆 Role of Innovation and Effective Communication. Arent Jan (AJ) Hesselink , CEO of Edelman EMEA, highlighted that innovation is a key player in Saudi Arabia's progress. However, the public needs assurances that new technologies are appropriately evaluated and regulated. Effective communication and transparency are essential to building trust in managing innovation and emerging technologies. 🔆 Trust and Innovation in Saudi #Vision2030. Yelie Kezi , General Manager of Edelman Saudi Arabia, emphasized that the high levels of trust in the Saudi government present a real opportunity to showcase the impact of innovation on economic and social development. The proactive approach to innovation and regulatory frameworks has fostered high trust in emerging technologies, which is crucial for achieving Saudi Vision 2030's goals. 🔸️The annual Edelman Trust Barometer study surveyed 32,000 people in 28 countries, including #SaudiArabia #UAE #Japan #Ireland #Canada #UK #Netherlands #Indonesia #SouthKorea #Russia #Germany #Australia #USA #Singapore #China #Argentina #Malaysia #Kenya #France #Brazil #SouthAfrica #Thailand #Spain #Colombia #HongKong #Italy #Mexico #India

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Forget "just" complying with ESG. In today's landscape, true leadership lies in unlocking the power of ESG to generate lasting shareholder value, says John Iossifidis, Group CEO of Al Ghurair in a new Op-Ed for ESG Mena. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dEeDNAsr to discover his views on how companies can leverage #ESG excellence to become the most impactful and competitive forces of tomorrow. #ESGExcellence #SustainableInvesting #Decarbonisation #ESGImpact #GreenFuture #ESGMENA #corporatecitizenship #corporatecommunications #CEOInsights #leadershipcommunications #executivevoices #thoughleadership

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I can say, from first hand, in-depth conversation with Mr Al-Ardhi, that he is of a rare breed of leaders. Towards the end of our one-hour conversation, i asked him how he defined his role at Investcorp away from titles and job descriptions. His analogy of the bus 🚌 carrying the Investcorp teams is brilliant! Watch it here https://lnkd.in/d4AHjgCx

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Gulf sovereign wealth funds, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), dominate global sovereign investments according to Matthew Martin's Bloomberg report. People often look to the Gulf as a source of inward investment to their own countries and businesses and the potential is huge. But another interesting side to the Gulf Investment story is the potential of investing in Saudi Arabia. According to a Goldman Sachs report on Saudi Arabia's National Investment Strategy, published at its launch late last year, USD$ 3.3 Trillion is set to be invested in the Kingdom's local economy to enable Saudi Vision 2030. With the برنامج شريك - Shareek Program seeking to grow the private sector to 65% of the economy and growing non-oil exports by more than 3X by 2030. With so much occurring in Saudi the opportunity for global investors is Mega if not "Giga"! #Saudi #Arabia #Gulf #Investment #Opportunity #Growth #Potential #Economy

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