Latest news with #ArthurD.Little
Fintech News ME
6 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
GCC Customers Push for Blended Digital and In-Person Banking
A new survey by Arthur D. Little (ADL), covering 24 banks in the UAE and 18 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), finds that customers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are increasingly seeking integrated omnichannel banking experiences that balance digital convenience with human interaction. The findings show both distinct and converging trends in the UAE and KSA. In the UAE, 72% of respondents primarily use mobile banking apps, reflecting a preference for intuitive, anytime-anywhere digital access. In KSA, 46% cite mobile apps as their main banking channel, indicating ongoing efforts to increase digital adoption as part of the Vision 2030 agenda. A generational trend is evident, with 62% of younger users in the UAE and 56% in Saudi Arabia regularly using mobile banking services. Despite growing digital engagement, physical branches continue to play an important role. Approximately 73% of blue-collar workers in Saudi Arabia and 60% in the UAE still rely on branches for cash-related services and remittances. More complex financial services, such as mortgages and investment advice, also see continued demand for in-person support, with 33% of respondents in KSA and 35% in the UAE preferring branch visits for such needs. 'Banks across the GCC have an urgent opportunity to blend technological innovation with trusted customer engagement,' said Martin Rauchenwald, Partner and Global Head of Financial Services practice at Arthur D. Little. 'Whether in Dubai or Riyadh, today's consumers expect seamless experiences that combine digital efficiency with human connection. Meeting these expectations will be critical for securing customer loyalty and driving future growth.' Income levels appear to influence digital preferences. Around 70% of high-income consumers in the UAE and 65% in KSA prefer digital channels for routine banking tasks but still seek personal advisory services for more complex decisions. Among younger users in the UAE, mobile wallet usage is rising, while in Saudi Arabia, initiatives under Vision 2030 aim to promote wider adoption of cashless payment solutions. 'Successful omnichannel transformation across the GCC must be anchored in customer-centric innovation,' noted Rezwan Shafique, Principal, Financial Services at Arthur D. Little Middle East. 'By enhancing mobile apps, expanding self-service kiosks, and maintaining strong advisory services in branches, banks can bridge the digital divide and deliver unified, inclusive banking ecosystems.' The survey highlights growing customer expectations in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia for consistent 24/7 omnichannel access, personalised digital journeys, user-friendly self-service options, mobile wallet enhancements, and reliable advisory support for major financial decisions. To meet these demands, GCC banks are encouraged to adopt 'phygital' approaches that merge digital and physical service models. This includes the use of AI for personalised experiences, investment in digital literacy initiatives, and the development of hybrid banking ecosystems that address the diverse needs of the region's increasingly digital yet trust-conscious consumers.
Mid East Info
7 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
ARTHUR D. LITTLE SURVEY WITH 42 GCC BANKS HIGHLIGHTS OMNICHANNEL BANKING TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES - Middle East Business News and Information
72% of UAE respondents prefer mobile apps as their primary banking channel, compared to 46% in KSA. 38% of KSA respondents emphasize the importance of 24/7 omnichannel service. 73% of blue-collar workers in Saudi Arabia and 60% in the UAE still rely on branches for cash and remittance services. 43% of UAE consumers use self-service kiosks for routine tasks, while 35% of KSA consumers express interest in adopting them. Around 70% of high-income UAE customers and 65% of high-income KSA customers favor digital banking but prefer in-person advisory for complex transactions. Mobile wallet adoption is steadily growing in the UAE, while Vision 2030 initiatives aim to accelerate adoption in KSA. GCC, 28 May 2025 – According to a new survey by Arthur D. Little (ADL) covering 24 banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 18 banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), customers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are demanding seamless omnichannel banking experiences that integrate the best of digital convenience and trusted human interaction. The survey findings reveal distinct yet converging patterns in UAE and KSA. In the UAE, 72% of respondents primarily use mobile banking apps, driven by expectations for intuitive, anytime-anywhere access. In contrast, only 46% of KSA respondents cite mobile apps as their primary channel, reflecting ongoing digital transition efforts under Vision 2030. Across both markets, generational shifts are evident: 62% of younger UAE users and 56% of younger Saudi users regularly rely on mobile banking. Despite rapid digital adoption, personal interaction remains vital. Around 73% of blue-collar workers in Saudi Arabia and approximately 60% in the UAE continue to depend on physical branches for cash services and remittances. Complex financial needs such as mortgages and investment advisory also underscore the importance of branches, with 33% of KSA and 35% of UAE consumers preferring in-person support. 'Banks across the GCC have an urgent opportunity to blend technological innovation with trusted customer engagement,' said Martin Rauchenwald, Partner and Global Head of Financial Services practice at Arthur D. Little. 'Whether in Dubai or Riyadh, today's consumers expect seamless experiences that combine digital efficiency with human connection. Meeting these expectations will be critical for securing customer loyalty and driving future growth.' Income levels further influence digital behavior. About 70% of high-income UAE consumers and 65% of high-income KSA consumers favor digital channels for routine transactions, while still preferring personalized advisory for complex services. Mobile wallet adoption is accelerating among younger consumers in the UAE, while Vision 2030 programs aim to drive broader cashless payment usage in Saudi Arabia. 'Successful omnichannel transformation across the GCC must be anchored in customer-centric innovation,' said Rezwan Shafique, Principal, Financial Services at Arthur D. Little Middle East. 'By enhancing mobile apps, expanding self-service kiosks, and maintaining strong advisory services in branches, banks can bridge the digital divide and deliver unified, inclusive banking ecosystems.' The survey highlights that customers across UAE and Saudi Arabia are requesting consistent, 24/7 omnichannel access, personalized digital banking journeys, easy-to-use self-service options, mobile wallet enhancements, and trusted advisory touchpoints for significant financial decisions. To achieve this vision, GCC banks must embrace 'phygital' strategies—seamlessly merging digital and physical banking models. By adopting hybrid service models, leveraging AI-driven personalization, and expanding digital literacy initiatives, financial institutions can build resilient, future-ready ecosystems that meet the evolving needs of the region's digitally empowered yet trust-driven consumers.
Syyaha
14-05-2025
- Science
- Syyaha
Arthur D. Little Spotlights Scalable Technologies to Combat Land Degradation in the World's Harshest Climates
As climate pressures intensify globally, countries in hyper-arid zones such as the Gulf are facing some of the most acute environmental challenges. Land degradation and desertification threaten food security, water availability, and ecosystem stability. The report emphasizes that while these issues are global, their impact is often more severe in regions like the GCC, and require coordinated, technology-led solutions to address effectively.'In hyper-arid regions, innovation and the scale-up of greening technologies are no longer optional, they are essential to effectively combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and secure long-term food and water resilience. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies unlock significant socio-economic gains by revitalizing rural livelihoods, creating green jobs, and strengthening climate adaptation capacity.' said Marielli Bou Harb, Partner at Arthur D. study identifies five transformative technologies: AI systems for precision land management, IoT-based sensors enabling real-time environmental feedback, biochar production for soil regeneration, localized composting for organic nutrient cycling, and genetic engineering where socially and culturally appropriate. These technologies are distinguished not only by their ecological promise but also by their alignment with region-specific conditions such as extreme heat, limited freshwater, and fragile soils. They have been evaluated through Arthur D. Little's proprietary foresight framework, connecting global research trends with on-the-ground applicability.'Real impact lies not just in identifying technologies, but in prioritizing those that are both promising and practical rooted in strong scientific research, adapted to the harsh realities of hyper-arid environments, and backed by growing investment and market momentum. We focus on solutions with the greatest potential to scale where they are needed most and when urgency can no longer be postponed' added Marielli Bou the GCC, national greening campaigns and restoration targets are gaining traction. Saudi Arabia's 10 billion-tree pledge and its leadership role in the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) – aiming to restore 200 million hectares – are major drivers of experimentation and innovation. Yet progress is not isolated. The UAE, Qatar, and others are advancing pilot programs that provide models for cross-border replication and scale.'Innovation thrives when minds unite entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, government, and communities, fuelling green technologies that root deep in Middle Eastern soil, growing a sustainable future for generations to come,' said Juan Moreno, Principal at Arthur D. results are emerging, including AI-driven irrigation improving water efficiency by 40 to 50 percent, biochar reducing reliance on traditional water inputs, composting increasing yields in nutrient-poor soils, and sensor networks streamlining restoration efforts through predictive maximize impact, the study calls for urgent action around four key levers: align policy and investment across GCC and neighboring countries under initiatives like MGI, expand R&D ecosystems to localize emerging global tech, create regional centers for innovation exchange and upskilling, and enable blended finance models to drive scale through public-private partnerships.'With climate pressures accelerating, the region must move from pilot projects to scalable transformation,' Juan Moreno emphasized. 'This report is a practical guide for policymakers, investors, and innovators committed to reversing land degradation and building long-term resilience.' Arthur D. Little concludes that sustainable land management in hyper-arid regions is no longer a future ambition, it's a present-day economic, environmental, and geopolitical imperative. The time to act is now.
Web Release
14-05-2025
- Science
- Web Release
Arthur D. Little Spotlights Scalable Technologies to Combat Land Degradation in the World's Harshest Climates
As climate pressures intensify globally, countries in hyper-arid zones such as the Gulf are facing some of the most acute environmental challenges. Land degradation and desertification threaten food security, water availability, and ecosystem stability. The report emphasizes that while these issues are global, their impact is often more severe in regions like the GCC, and require coordinated, technology-led solutions to address effectively. 'In hyper-arid regions, innovation and the scale-up of greening technologies are no longer optional, they are essential to effectively combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and secure long-term food and water resilience. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies unlock significant socio-economic gains by revitalizing rural livelihoods, creating green jobs, and strengthening climate adaptation capacity.' said Marielli Bou Harb, Partner at Arthur D. Little. The study identifies five transformative technologies: AI systems for precision land management, IoT-based sensors enabling real-time environmental feedback, biochar production for soil regeneration, localized composting for organic nutrient cycling, and genetic engineering where socially and culturally appropriate. These technologies are distinguished not only by their ecological promise but also by their alignment with region-specific conditions such as extreme heat, limited freshwater, and fragile soils. They have been evaluated through Arthur D. Little's proprietary foresight framework, connecting global research trends with on-the-ground applicability. 'Real impact lies not just in identifying technologies, but in prioritizing those that are both promising and practical rooted in strong scientific research, adapted to the harsh realities of hyper-arid environments, and backed by growing investment and market momentum. We focus on solutions with the greatest potential to scale where they are needed most and when urgency can no longer be postponed' added Marielli Bou Harb. Across the GCC, national greening campaigns and restoration targets are gaining traction. Saudi Arabia's 10 billion-tree pledge and its leadership role in the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) – aiming to restore 200 million hectares – are major drivers of experimentation and innovation. Yet progress is not isolated. The UAE, Qatar, and others are advancing pilot programs that provide models for cross-border replication and scale. 'Innovation thrives when minds unite entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, government, and communities, fuelling green technologies that root deep in Middle Eastern soil, growing a sustainable future for generations to come,' said Juan Moreno, Principal at Arthur D. Little. Concrete results are emerging, including AI-driven irrigation improving water efficiency by 40 to 50 percent, biochar reducing reliance on traditional water inputs, composting increasing yields in nutrient-poor soils, and sensor networks streamlining restoration efforts through predictive data. To maximize impact, the study calls for urgent action around four key levers: align policy and investment across GCC and neighboring countries under initiatives like MGI, expand R&D ecosystems to localize emerging global tech, create regional centers for innovation exchange and upskilling, and enable blended finance models to drive scale through public-private partnerships. 'With climate pressures accelerating, the region must move from pilot projects to scalable transformation,' Juan Moreno emphasized. 'This report is a practical guide for policymakers, investors, and innovators committed to reversing land degradation and building long-term resilience.' Arthur D. Little concludes that sustainable land management in hyper-arid regions is no longer a future ambition, it's a present-day economic, environmental, and geopolitical imperative. The time to act is now.
Mid East Info
14-05-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
Arthur D. Little Spotlights Scalable Technologies to Combat Land Degradation in the World's Harshest Climates
Five cutting-edge technologies – AI, IoT sensors, composting, biochar, and genetic engineering – highlighted as key to reversing desertification in hyper-arid regions. Study draws from over 700,000 scientific publications and patents, offering a practical roadmap to align global innovation with local realities. Urges regional frameworks like the Middle East Green Initiative to serve as platforms for policy alignment, innovation scaling, and public-private partnerships. As climate pressures intensify globally, countries in hyper-arid zones such as the Gulf are facing some of the most acute environmental challenges. Land degradation and desertification threaten food security, water availability, and ecosystem stability. The report emphasizes that while these issues are global, their impact is often more severe in regions like the GCC, and require coordinated, technology-led solutions to address effectively. 'In hyper-arid regions, innovation and the scale-up of greening technologies are no longer optional, they are essential to effectively combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and secure long-term food and water resilience. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies unlock significant socio-economic gains by revitalizing rural livelihoods, creating green jobs, and strengthening climate adaptation capacity.' said Marielli Bou Harb, Partner at Arthur D. Little. The study identifies five transformative technologies: AI systems for precision land management, IoT-based sensors enabling real-time environmental feedback, biochar production for soil regeneration, localized composting for organic nutrient cycling, and genetic engineering where socially and culturally appropriate. These technologies are distinguished not only by their ecological promise but also by their alignment with region-specific conditions such as extreme heat, limited freshwater, and fragile soils. They have been evaluated through Arthur D. Little's proprietary foresight framework, connecting global research trends with on-the-ground applicability. 'Real impact lies not just in identifying technologies, but in prioritizing those that are both promising and practical rooted in strong scientific research, adapted to the harsh realities of hyper-arid environments, and backed by growing investment and market momentum. We focus on solutions with the greatest potential to scale where they are needed most and when urgency can no longer be postponed' added Marielli Bou Harb. Across the GCC, national greening campaigns and restoration targets are gaining traction. Saudi Arabia's 10 billion-tree pledge and its leadership role in the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) – aiming to restore 200 million hectares – are major drivers of experimentation and innovation. Yet progress is not isolated. The UAE, Qatar, and others are advancing pilot programs that provide models for cross-border replication and scale. 'Innovation thrives when minds unite entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, government, and communities, fuelling green technologies that root deep in Middle Eastern soil, growing a sustainable future for generations to come,' said Juan Moreno, Principal at Arthur D. Little. Concrete results are emerging, including AI-driven irrigation improving water efficiency by 40 to 50 percent, biochar reducing reliance on traditional water inputs, composting increasing yields in nutrient-poor soils, and sensor networks streamlining restoration efforts through predictive data. To maximize impact, the study calls for urgent action around four key levers: align policy and investment across GCC and neighboring countries under initiatives like MGI, expand R&D ecosystems to localize emerging global tech, create regional centers for innovation exchange and upskilling, and enable blended finance models to drive scale through public-private partnerships. 'With climate pressures accelerating, the region must move from pilot projects to scalable transformation,' Juan Moreno emphasized. 'This report is a practical guide for policymakers, investors, and innovators committed to reversing land degradation and building long-term resilience.' Arthur D. Little concludes that sustainable land management in hyper-arid regions is no longer a future ambition, it's a present-day economic, environmental, and geopolitical imperative. The time to act is now.
