Middle East takes lead in global energy markets, clean tech adoption, says report
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)The Middle East is dominating global energy markets while spearheading the adoption of clean energy technologies, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia taking the lead, according to the Energy Industries Council's (EIC) latest Survive & Thrive report.It noted that 90% of energy companies operating in the region reported growth in 2024, with average revenues jumping at 68%, the highest across all regions surveyed.At a time when much of the world is grappling with policy uncertainty, inflation, and talent shortages, the Middle East appears to be charting its own, far more confident course, according to the energy supply chain association and provider of global project data and market insights. The region's standout performance is not a one-off. Companies are forecasting another strong year in 2025, the report said.Firms in the Americas reported 20% growth on average, followed by the UK and Ireland at 16%, Continental Europe at 13%, and Asia Pacific lagging behind at 8%."The Middle East isn't picking winners, it's investing in all energy technologies," said Stuart Broadley, CEO of the EIC, the world's leading trade association for companies providing products and services to the energy industry. "That pragmatism is why it's now the global magnet for talent and capital. This is indeed the right approach to follow for energy security, industry growth, and supporting the energy transition."Instead of viewing the energy transition as a zero-sum game, governments in the region have taken a balanced and inclusive approach. Hydrocarbons remain vital, with more than 90% of EIC member companies in the region still focusing on oil and gas. But the growth of investment into renewables, hydrogen, and digital infrastructure reveals a willingness to embrace what's next, without abandoning what works now, the report said.In a world where the average growth rate hovered between 8% and 20% in most regions, Middle Eastern firms more than tripled that figure. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, in particular, have made aggressive moves not just in oil and gas, but in AI-driven logistics, smart infrastructure, and clean technology, the report said."Encouraging tech adoption in logistics - like GPS tracking, automation, and AI - would increase efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness," said one executive interviewed for the Survive & Thrive report, echoing a broader sentiment that the region is now outpacing even the US and Europe in practical tech adoption.
Broadley agrees: "The UAE and Saudi Arabia aren't just winning on oil and gas. They're out-innovating Europe and the US in tech adoption."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
10 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Middle East Funds Chart Stronger Course into Chinese Markets
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A significant majority of sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East are poised to increase their investments in Chinese assets over the coming five years, according to the latest findings from Invesco's Global Sovereign Asset Management Study. This shift places China at the forefront of strategic allocation decisions, reflecting growing confidence in its innovation-led sectors. The study, conducted between January and March and covering funds and central banks managing a combined US$27 trillion, reveals that around 60% of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are planning to boost exposure to China. This places the region only behind Asia‑Pacific and Africa, where 88% and 80% of funds respectively intend to raise allocations. North American counterparts also show strong interest, with approximately 73% signalling intent to increase investment in China. ADVERTISEMENT Funds across regions cited strong returns—identified by 71% of respondents—as a key motivator, alongside diversification goals cited by 63% and improved market access for foreigners mentioned by 45%. Chinese innovation sectors, including digital technology, software, advanced manufacturing, automation, and clean energy, are particularly attractive, with 89% indicating interest in digital tech and software, and 70% each for manufacturing and green energy. Participants in the study included 141 senior investment professionals—chief investment officers, asset-class heads and portfolio strategists—drawn from 83 sovereign wealth funds and 58 central banks globally. The high participation rate lends weight to the findings: China is now ranked as a high or moderate priority for 59% of funds, a notable jump from the previous year. Despite geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing, sovereign funds appear more focused on structural opportunities. North American allocations towards China are framed as strategic, long-term bets in innovation rather than reactive moves to policy friction. As one Invesco executive described, investors appear driven by fear of missing out on China's strides in semiconductors, AI, EVs and renewable energy—'a strategic urgency they once directed toward Silicon Valley'. A regional lens reveals the Middle Eastern shift as part of a larger recalibration. Sovereign funds in the Gulf and from oil-rich neighbours are increasingly turning to China not just for commodity trades but for diversified returns and access to high-growth sectors. One Middle Eastern fund commented that the credit spectrum in fixed income markets currently offers more attractive risk-adjusted returns than public equities, underlining a broader repositioning. Globally, sovereign investors are embracing active management, allocating more to fixed income and private credit as markets normalise post ultra-low interest rate era. Thirty‑nine per cent of funds plan to increase fixed income exposure, underscoring a pivot towards liquidity management and resilience. Private credit usage has expanded sharply, from 30% to 44% in direct or co-investments, reflecting growing appetite for yield and portfolio diversification. Central banks are also reshaping strategy, with 64% planning to grow reserve holdings and 53% aiming to diversify further within two years. Gold remains a popular hedge: almost half intend to expand allocations over the next three years. The dominance of the US dollar persists, with 78% expecting no credible alternative supply within the next two decades. A modest entrant in the digital asset space, sovereign wealth funds are gradually increasing exposure to digital currencies. Direct allocations rose to 11% from 7% in 2022, most pronounced in the Middle East, Asia‑Pacific and North America. Stablecoins, viewed as more accessible than traditional crypto, are gaining attention among emerging market funds. China remains a focal point for global sovereign investors seeking exposure to growth-critical sectors and structural diversification. The convergence of strong returns, market access improvements, and sectoral opportunities is driving Middle Eastern and other funds to recalibrate their portfolios. China has transitioned from an optional allocation into a central pillar of future-focused asset strategies, marking a calculated investment pivot amid an evolving global landscape.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Etihad Airways welcomes 20 million passengers, over 100 aircraft
18 July 2025 18:47 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Etihad continues to soar with a record-breaking year, reaching new milestones for the first time in the airline's Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, commented, 'The last 12 months have seen Etihad flying high, breaking records and achieving new milestones at an astonishing a record Q1, with Dh685 million profit and our highest ever customer satisfaction scores, Etihad has now welcomed more than 20 million guests in the last year, for the first time in the airline's history.'We continue our upward trajectory as part of a broader growth story that has seen our annual passenger numbers more than double from 10 million to 20 million in just two and a half years. This sustained growth is driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus.' He added, 'We are the only airline in the region growing at this pace and we have no intention of slowing down. 2025 is proving to be our biggest year yet.'Achieving another milestone, Etihad has introduced three more aircraft into its expanding fleet, bringing the operational fleet size to more than 100 aircraft. The airline welcomed back its seventh Airbus A380 to service and received a brand-new Boeing B787-9 delivered from Charleston, US, with an all-Emirati flight crew. Etihad also received the first of three brand-new Airbus 350-1000s delivered one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the industry, Etihad continues to make strategic investments to meet the overwhelming demand from guests. The airline is expecting to receive 18 additional new aircraft in 2025, including the delivery of its new A321LR fleet which will enter into service from 1 luxury, the new A321LR fleet will offer First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens and high-speed super Wi-Fi in all cabins, allowing guests to stay connected via messages, calls and stream while in the air. Earlier this year, Etihad announced the order of 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing to support its plans for growth and connectivity, operational efficiency and guest the airline's recent announcement of seven additional destinations, Etihad will have added 27 new routes this year, a remarkable milestone that reflects its ambition and commitment to increase the number of visitors to Abu to almost 90 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Europe and Asia, this expansion is part of Etihad's ongoing strategy to support the economic growth of Abu achievements are a huge step toward the goals the Etihad set out in its ambitious growth strategy which would see the network grow to more than 125 destinations, fleet to more than 170 aircraft, and passenger numbers to 38 million per year, by 2030. With rapid growth in every direction, the airline is set to exceed the expectations of its seven-year growth plan, a reflection of demand and extraordinary customer satisfaction. Etihad's success is a reflection of Abu Dhabi's strong aviation sector which continues to demonstrate robust growth and strategic momentum, underscoring its position as a leading global gateway for passengers and cargo.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge launches 3rd ADEK Summer Program, expanding to more countries
18 July 2025 10:37 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has launched the third edition of its Summer Program with 200 high-performing Emirati students from grades 10 and 11 across public, private, and Charter Schools in Abu ADEK Summer Program provides students with the opportunity to select pathways and programmes in top global universities from seven countries across four continents, empowering them to explore their passions and academic interests, develop a global mindset, expand their knowledge, and support their academic and personal Hamad Al Mheiri, ADEK Undersecretary, said: 'Following a successful programme last year, this expansion – in terms of the number of students, countries, universities involved, and the number of programs available – underlines our commitment to nurturing even more talented and aspiring students and empowering them to expand their knowledge beyond classroom boundaries.'ADEK Summer Program students are encouraged to pursue post-secondary studies internationally at top-tier universities and discover their passion, equipping them with future-ready skills for critical growth sectors in the emirate and globally."The 2025 edition features a total of 14 programmes including nine academic and five credit-bearing, aligned with key growth industries such as Medicine, AI, Neurobiology, Biotechnology, Cognitive Science, Visual Arts and Design, and Cinematography. Of these, seven are at top 20 universities, with 65 students joining programmes at pioneering institutions including Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cornell University, Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, National University of Singapore (NUS), and Berklee College of Music. Participation also enhances students' competitiveness for future academic opportunities, including the prestigious Abu Dhabi Scholarships Program. In 2024, ADEK's Summer Program alumni earned admission to top 50 global universities and secured placements in new Creative and Elite Majors, underscoring the program's role in developing globally competitive, industry-aligned talent.
