@stefanwestdijk.bsky.social
For years, #Bahrain has been overshadowed by larger neighbours. Following announcements of $17B worth of inward investments, it is positioning itself as a bridge between #GCC liquidity, Asian growth markets, and Western asset management expertise.
Bahrain and the Middle East funds industry: the next frontier for UK and European investors?
Bahrain’s recent announcement of $17 billion of inward investment at its Gateway Gulf conference earlier this month has underscored the
funds-europe.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:46 AM
#Adobe, #Qualcomm, and #Saudi-based #Humain have partnered to build generative #AI that natively understands Arabic linguistically, culturally, and contextually.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
December 4, 2025 at 5:06 AM
#Adobe, #Qualcomm, and #Saudi-based #Humain have partnered to build generative #AI that natively understands Arabic linguistically, culturally, and contextually.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
Most #PE exits today are happening at 0–10% uplifts, not the historic 30%+ premiums the industry was famous for. That doesn’t mean deals suddenly got worse. It means something more fundamental is being exposed.
The smokescreen has cleared on private equity valuations
For decades, the private equity model ran on a simple, almost magical, narrative: assets were valued conservatively and then, upon exit, sold for spectacular premiums.
www.ftadviser.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Most #PE exits today are happening at 0–10% uplifts, not the historic 30%+ premiums the industry was famous for. That doesn’t mean deals suddenly got worse. It means something more fundamental is being exposed.
KKR & Co. is opening an office in #ADGM.
Firms of this scale don't typically set up locally unless the fundamentals are strong: sustained deal flow, reliable policy frameworks, and deep partnership opportunities.
#AbuDhabi has been building exactly that environment.
Via Bloomberg.
Firms of this scale don't typically set up locally unless the fundamentals are strong: sustained deal flow, reliable policy frameworks, and deep partnership opportunities.
#AbuDhabi has been building exactly that environment.
Via Bloomberg.
December 1, 2025 at 5:48 AM
In a new experiment, an #AI #board outperformed human directors across nearly every #governance metric: decision quality, use of evidence, inclusivity and implementation planning.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
November 24, 2025 at 5:45 AM
In a new experiment, an #AI #board outperformed human directors across nearly every #governance metric: decision quality, use of evidence, inclusivity and implementation planning.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
#SaudiArabia’s message to global investors is changing. The tone is less about futuristic megaprojects and more about building real industrial capability.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
November 20, 2025 at 6:18 AM
#SaudiArabia’s message to global investors is changing. The tone is less about futuristic megaprojects and more about building real industrial capability.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
‘Cognitive’ #SupplyChains are becoming the new operating model.
#AI now predicts disruptions before they happen, models carbon footprints in real time, and dynamically adjusts sourcing routes. Deloitte calls this the “Cognitive Command Centre”.
#AI now predicts disruptions before they happen, models carbon footprints in real time, and dynamically adjusts sourcing routes. Deloitte calls this the “Cognitive Command Centre”.
Are Cognitive Supply Chains the Future?
Ocado Group, Deloitte and Schneider Electric lead the shift to cognitive supply chains, using AI to boost agility, resilience and customer satisfaction
supplychaindigital.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:46 AM
‘Cognitive’ #SupplyChains are becoming the new operating model.
#AI now predicts disruptions before they happen, models carbon footprints in real time, and dynamically adjusts sourcing routes. Deloitte calls this the “Cognitive Command Centre”.
#AI now predicts disruptions before they happen, models carbon footprints in real time, and dynamically adjusts sourcing routes. Deloitte calls this the “Cognitive Command Centre”.
The U.S. has just allowed #Microsoft to ship advanced #Nvidia #AI chips to the UAE, making it the first export licence of its kind, and the #UAE a regional AI hub and a bridge for diffusion to the Global South.
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
November 17, 2025 at 5:48 AM
The U.S. has just allowed #Microsoft to ship advanced #Nvidia #AI chips to the UAE, making it the first export licence of its kind, and the #UAE a regional AI hub and a bridge for diffusion to the Global South.
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
Capital is no longer just flowing from the Gulf, but through it.
Saudi Arabia is evolving into a true investment hub, with local deal origination, faster capital movement, and growing institutional maturity.
The region is becoming a new financial centre of gravity.
Saudi Arabia is evolving into a true investment hub, with local deal origination, faster capital movement, and growing institutional maturity.
The region is becoming a new financial centre of gravity.
State Street CEO on Saudi Arabia Expansion
State Street CEO on Saudi Arabia Expansion
www.bloomberg.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Capital is no longer just flowing from the Gulf, but through it.
Saudi Arabia is evolving into a true investment hub, with local deal origination, faster capital movement, and growing institutional maturity.
The region is becoming a new financial centre of gravity.
Saudi Arabia is evolving into a true investment hub, with local deal origination, faster capital movement, and growing institutional maturity.
The region is becoming a new financial centre of gravity.
The four most in-demand #skills shaping #MiddleEast #logistics are…
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
November 11, 2025 at 5:47 AM
The four most in-demand #skills shaping #MiddleEast #logistics are…
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
#AI could potentially unlock $200B in #SustainableFinance for the #MiddleEast by 2030.
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
November 6, 2025 at 6:51 AM
#AI could potentially unlock $200B in #SustainableFinance for the #MiddleEast by 2030.
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
The conversation around #ERP transformation has shifted. It’s no longer about upgrading systems but about building #agility across every part of the business.
SAP Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises
SAP Cloud ERP has been recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises.
news.sap.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:45 AM
The conversation around #ERP transformation has shifted. It’s no longer about upgrading systems but about building #agility across every part of the business.
Supply chain #sustainability IS still a firm-level priority, according to a new #MIT report. But action isn't amounting to much.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
October 30, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Supply chain #sustainability IS still a firm-level priority, according to a new #MIT report. But action isn't amounting to much.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
#Leadership models were always built around centralised control, i.e. information flowed up, decisions flowed down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
October 28, 2025 at 7:10 AM
#Leadership models were always built around centralised control, i.e. information flowed up, decisions flowed down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
Now that #digitaltransformation, #cybersecurity and #AI dominate agendas, #NEDs are being pulled closer to operational issues. The intent may be good, but the risk is real.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
October 27, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Now that #digitaltransformation, #cybersecurity and #AI dominate agendas, #NEDs are being pulled closer to operational issues. The intent may be good, but the risk is real.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
A clear sign that #procurement is entering its “agent era”, where AI doesn’t just support decision-making but actively drives it.
As platforms like Coupa reimagine spend management through AI, the question becomes: who’s ready to rethink procurement as a growth lever, not just a cost centre?
As platforms like Coupa reimagine spend management through AI, the question becomes: who’s ready to rethink procurement as a growth lever, not just a cost centre?
Will Coupa’s 100+ AI Enhancements Transform Procurement?
Coupa's latest update includes more than 100 AI-driven enhancements aimed at refining procurement, supply chain and finance collaboration
supplychaindigital.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:56 AM
A clear sign that #procurement is entering its “agent era”, where AI doesn’t just support decision-making but actively drives it.
As platforms like Coupa reimagine spend management through AI, the question becomes: who’s ready to rethink procurement as a growth lever, not just a cost centre?
As platforms like Coupa reimagine spend management through AI, the question becomes: who’s ready to rethink procurement as a growth lever, not just a cost centre?
#Blackstone has partnered up with #AbuDhabi-based manager Lunate to invest as much as $5 billion in #logistics infrastructure across the Gulf.
This is one of the largest partnerships of its kind between a global #PE firm and a Middle Eastern asset manager.
This is one of the largest partnerships of its kind between a global #PE firm and a Middle Eastern asset manager.
Blackstone forms $5bn Gulf logistics venture
The firm is expanding its warehouse footprint in partnership with Lunate, the Abu Dhabi-based firm that teamed with Brookfield on a Middle East residential strategy in May.
www.perenews.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:45 AM
#Blackstone has partnered up with #AbuDhabi-based manager Lunate to invest as much as $5 billion in #logistics infrastructure across the Gulf.
This is one of the largest partnerships of its kind between a global #PE firm and a Middle Eastern asset manager.
This is one of the largest partnerships of its kind between a global #PE firm and a Middle Eastern asset manager.
Something many organisations are realising the hard way: #ERP transformations aren’t just about moving to the cloud; they’re about rethinking how the business operates. #Cloud
Why Cloud ERP is Critical for Business Success
Cloud ERP supports agile decision-making, scalable growth and streamlined processes in an increasingly digital business landscape
technologymagazine.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Something many organisations are realising the hard way: #ERP transformations aren’t just about moving to the cloud; they’re about rethinking how the business operates. #Cloud
#Boards often pride themselves on alignment. But when “alignment” starts to look like harmony, the likelihood is that you've crossed into complacency.
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
October 20, 2025 at 5:47 AM
#Boards often pride themselves on alignment. But when “alignment” starts to look like harmony, the likelihood is that you've crossed into complacency.
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
The average #board's blind spot? Overlooking stakeholder intelligence.
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
October 19, 2025 at 5:45 AM
The average #board's blind spot? Overlooking stakeholder intelligence.
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
The Middle East is betting big on AI and data security. But this focus isn't just about leading on innovation; it's about leading on ethics, too.
This ability to lead on both fronts is what will define digital transformation trends for decades.
This ability to lead on both fronts is what will define digital transformation trends for decades.
The Middle East’s Big Bet on Artificial Intelligence and Data Security
The states of the Persian Gulf are moving rapidly to establish themselves as global centers of investment and innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab…
www.crowell.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:17 AM
The Middle East is betting big on AI and data security. But this focus isn't just about leading on innovation; it's about leading on ethics, too.
This ability to lead on both fronts is what will define digital transformation trends for decades.
This ability to lead on both fronts is what will define digital transformation trends for decades.
NEDs that struggle to remain independent often fear being labelled as difficult for opposing an idea that everyone else seems to agree with.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
October 6, 2025 at 5:47 AM
NEDs that struggle to remain independent often fear being labelled as difficult for opposing an idea that everyone else seems to agree with.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
#SaudiArabia's #fashion market is an overlooked opportunity.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.
October 2, 2025 at 6:45 AM
#SaudiArabia's #fashion market is an overlooked opportunity.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.