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Read the February 2025 MEED Business Review

5 February 2025

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Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency on 20 January 2025 is anticipated to have profound impacts on the Middle East. In the February issue of MEED Business Review, we provide an in-depth look at the major geopolitical challenges that the region presents, particularly in terms of US relations with Iran, and the interrelationship between the US, Israel and other regional actors. 

What's more, we examine how the Trump 2.0 administration's focus on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, data sovereignty and cryptocurrency – not to mention the ever-escalating US-China tech war – offers an opportunity for Middle East players to assert themselves in the global tech economy. Trump’s America First policies could slow the region’s AI ambitions, however, and to stay competitive, GCC states must step up investments in education, infrastructure and innovation.

Indeed, for the UAE, investing in and developing AI infrastructure and applications is now a priority. Abu Dhabi recently launched a $6bn project that combines 5,200MW of solar and 19 gigawatt-hours of battery energy storage capacity to deliver 1,000MW of round-the-clock renewable power capacity, which will help to support the government's AI ambitions. 

Our latest issue also includes a comprehensive report on the GCC's water and wastewater sector, where Riyadh-headquartered utility developer and investor Acwa Power has improved its lead as the pace of independent water project contract awards slows.

This month’s exclusive 15-page market report focuses on Qatar. Doha has played an instrumental role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas in recent months, placing it front and centre of regional mediation, while efforts to ensure post-World Cup economic progress led to a strong project awards performance for the country in 2024.

In this issue, the team also examines how the long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has brought relief to the fraught situation in Palestine; finds that the appointment of jurist Nawaf Salam as prime minister holds the prospect of political and economic rehabilitation for Lebanon; and looks at how the development of Wynn's integrated resort in Ras Al-Khaimah is supporting an ongoing boom in the emirate's real estate sector.

The February issue is packed with exclusive insight, too. Omran’s CEO Hashil Al-Mahrouqi explains how the agency's tourism development and hospitality projects will support Oman's Vision 2040; we round up the record signings that made 2024 the best year yet for contract awards in the region; and the latest edition of MEED's Economic Activity Index reveals that the UAE is maintaining its edge as 2025 gets under way.

We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the February 2025 issue of MEED Business Review. 

 

Must-read sections in the February 2025 issue of MEED Business Review include:

> AGENDA: 
> Trump 2.0 targets technology
> Trump’s new trial in the Middle East
> Unlocking AI’s carbon conundrum

> CURRENT AFFAIRS:
> Gaza ceasefire goes into effect
> New Lebanese PM raises political hopes

INDUSTRY REPORT:
Water and wastewater
> Acwa Power improves lead as IWP contract awards slow
> Water projects require innovation

> INTERVIEW: Omran’s tourism strategies help deliver Oman 2040 

> PROJECTS RECORD: 2024 breaks all project records

> REAL ESTATE: Ras Al-Khaimah's robust real estate boom continues

> ACTIVITY INDEX: UAE maintains regional economic edge

> QATAR MARKET REPORT: 
> COMMENT: Doha works to reclaim spotlight
> GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY: Qatar economy rebounds alongside diplomatic activity
> BANKING: Qatar banks look to calmer waters in 2025
> UPSTREAM: QatarEnergy strives to raise gas and oil production capacity
> DOWNSTREAM: Qatar chemicals projects take a step forward
> POWER & WATER: Facility E award jumpstarts Qatar’s utility projects
> CONSTRUCTION: Qatar construction shows signs of recovery

> MEED COMMENTS: 
> Damac founder Sajwani puts America first with Trump’s second presidency
> Dubai’s largest-ever contract award is vital for its future
> AI underpins 5GW Abu Dhabi solar project
> Saudi-Turkiye relationship could bolster projects market

> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects market enters 2025 in state of growth

> DECEMBER 2024 CONTRACTS: Monthly haul cements record-breaking total for 2024

> ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects

> OPINION: Between the extremes as spring approaches

> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts

To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
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