Strategy& Middle East insights

Live at LEAP: Keeping humans in the driver’s seat in the age of AI

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:59:36 +0000

Recorded live at LEAP 2026, Scott Armstrong speaks with Georges Hakme, Head of AI Products at Strategy& Middle East, about how AI is reshaping the way organizations and people work.

They explore what meaningful AI adoption requires beyond new technology, including upskilling people, redesigning workflows, and rethinking processes. The conversation also looks at the rise of AI agents, the growing importance of human judgment, and how people can remain at the center of decision-making as AI capabilities advance.

Live at LEAP: How the GCC can win in the next evolution of media

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:57:32 +0000

Recorded live at LEAP 2026, Scott Armstrong speaks with Karim Sarkis, Partner at Strategy& Middle East and media sector leader, about the transformation of the media industry and the opportunity for the GCC to help shape its future.

They explore the growth of gaming, streaming, audio, video and digital publishing, and how the region can bring together talent, investment, infrastructure and technology to build globally competitive media businesses, intellectual property and creative tools

Live at LEAP: Can Saudi Arabia build a global automotive powerhouse?

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:53:43 +0000

Recorded live at LEAP 2026, Scott Armstrong speaks with Andreas Gissler, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, about Saudi Arabia’s ambition to build a globally competitive automotive industry.

They explore what it will take to create a sustainable automotive ecosystem, including manufacturers, suppliers, infrastructure, talent and international demand. The conversation also looks at how Saudi Arabia’s ability to build a new automotive ecosystem with greater flexibility could help embrace AI, advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles and the future of mobility.

Live at LEAP: AI gets real, founders get honest and Saudi tech looks ahead

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:51:50 +0000

Recorded live at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, Scott Armstrong speaks with Mina Vucic of Entrepreneur Middle East about how the technology conversation is evolving across the region.

They explore a more mature era of AI, what founders need to navigate as they scale, and how Saudi creators are building sustainable careers beyond viral success. The conversation also looks at what journalists really want from business leaders, why authenticity matters, and how strong storytelling is becoming even more important in the age of AI.

Live at LEAP: From AI sovereignty to Esports 2.0: What the GCC needs to control, and monetise next

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:49:35 +0000

Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC are making major investments in AI and esports, but the next challenge is turning that momentum into lasting economic value.

Recorded live at LEAP 2026, Scott Armstrong speaks with Sreedhar Nair, Principal at Strategy& Middle East, about a pragmatic approach to AI sovereignty, and Jad El Mir, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, about the evolution of esports in Saudi Arabia, its growing global influence, and the economic model needed to sustain the industry’s growth.

The new infrastructure doctrine: How Gulf states can rebuild for economic resilience and industrial growth

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:31:49 +0000

The ongoing Iran conflict presents the Gulf with an opportunity to build back stronger. From resilient infrastructure to industrial development, the choices made today could shape the region's long-term competitiveness and growth. Listen to this article by Yahya Anouti and Chady Zein to learn more.

Lessons of Hormuz: How Gulf states can become long-term resilience partners for critical materials

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:16 +0000

The Strait of Hormuz is more than an energy corridor. Critical materials including helium, sulphur, and ammonia, which are essential to semiconductors, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, also depend on the region. This article explores the growing importance of these materials and outlines how Gulf states can position themselves as long-term resilience partners for global industries and governments.

The day after Hormuz: A defining moment for logistics in the Gulf

Fri, 22 May 2026 09:58:45 +0000

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is more than a regional disruption. It marks a turning point for global trade and Gulf logistics, accelerating the reconfiguration of trade corridors and putting resilience at the centre of logistics systems. Listen to this article by Maha Raad and Hamza El Mounhi to learn how GCC countries can strengthen regional connectivity, build integrated logistics corridors, and position themselves within more resilient global supply chains.

Caring for the carers: Investing in healthcare workforce wellbeing

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:01:18 +0000

Burnout and stress among healthcare professionals are driving absenteeism, errors, and rising costs across the GCC. But a structured approach to workforce wellbeing—from reducing stressors to supporting recovery—could save billions and improve care quality. Listen to this article by Irfan Merali, Dr. Christelle Abou Nader, and Andrew AlHamouch to learn why investing in carers is essential for resilient healthcare systems.

How to lead the future of global luxury

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:58:00 +0000

Despite a global slowdown, the GCC’s luxury market is thriving, fueled by rising wealth and strong demand. But to become a true global hub, the region must close gaps in infrastructure, talent, and retail experiences. Listen to this article by Makram Debbas, Sukalp Tipre, and Matteo Amici to learn how the GCC can lead the future of luxury.

The future is now for humanoid robotics

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:12:48 +0000

Humanoid robots machines that perceive, move, and interact like humans are set to transform industries by boosting productivity and cutting costs. With the potential to replace 35% of jobs and operate up to four times longer than humans, GCC countries can seize the opportunity by investing in RD, developing regulations, and strengthening their robotics ecosystem. Listen to this article by Camil Tahan to learn more.

How the Middle East can assume the mantle of green energy leadership

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:10:32 +0000

The region is uniquely positioned to lead the green transition thanks to abundant resources and cost advantages. But green foreign direct investment is flowing elsewhere mainly to Europe.
A bold, collaborative vision is needed: green corridors, affordable tech, and strategic investment could turn the GCC into a global green powerhouse. Listen to this article by Dr. Yahya Anouti to learn more.

Beyond desert sands: Three priorities for combatting land degradation

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:09:31 +0000

Much of the Gulf may be desert, but its diverse natural habitats from wetlands to mangrove forests are at risk due to rapid land degradation.
What can be done? In this article, Samer Al Chikhani, Ousama El Ghazzi, and Ramzi Hjeily lay out three priorities to restore land in the GCC: reducing overgrazing, embracing ecosystem rehabilitation, and balancing natural and assisted restoration. Listen in to understand why reversing land degradation is essential for climate resilience, biodiversity, and regional sustainability.

How retail can regenerate historic districts

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:05:31 +0000

Retailers can turn historic districts into spaces where people want to spend their time and money, without reducing their cultural or architectural significance. How? Through these 5 principles for a successful revitalization. Listen to this article authored by Fady Halim and Joe Rached to learn more

How Saudi banks can be resilient and grow

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:26:27 +0000

As the global banking sector comes under increasing stress, financial institutions in Saudi Arabia must take proactive measures as they evaluate their vulnerabilities and mitigate risk. Listen to this article authored by Jorge Camarate and Mathias Massow.

A CEO's playbook to win the $23.5 billion Generative AI opportunity

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:11:51 +0000

The increasingly heated Generative AI race has sparked excitement and investment in a technology that has the potential to change the world profoundly. We expect to see widespread adoption of this technology across the corporate world over the next 6 to 12 months, along with rapid progress in the field. Although these sudden advances come with serious regulatory concerns, the technology’s potential economic impact remains substantial.Listen to this article authored by Tony Karam and Jad Baroudi

Building for the future of office space in the GCC

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:47:44 +0000

The nature of office space is undergoing a transformation. The offices of the future will be fundamentally different in terms of the product, lease terms, design, amenities, and technology. The challenge for owners and developers in the GCC is to understand these changes and their impact on demand, and then to adapt. Listen to this article authored by Strategy& experts Karim Abdallah, Bilal Mikati, and Zahi Awad.