Why Bahrain Trumps Dubai – Demographics
STEVE ROYSTON: This is not intended as a fluffy message of support. Bahrain has simply travelled further than any of its neighbours down the path of open-mindedness. And it’s a ‘real’ country.
Comment on Dubai the Winner in a ‘Game’ of Regional Turmoil by Sam 99
I am not sure just by ending on a positive note there’s any pettiness involved. Isn’t the point that for many, many people Dubai has allowed people to change their futures. I thought that was the point of it all.
Of course, transformational opportunities mean you need something to offer, and some are just excluded except from a very basic level of improvement – laborers for example. I would say the lives of their families and children back home are improved considerably though.
Taking a slightly positive view does not make the point less true, although i agree you could have been more downbeat. But thats personality. Glass half full, glass half empty…
Dubai the Winner in a ‘Game’ of Regional Turmoil
JAMES MULLAN: The city of Dubai remains an island of opportunity for many in the Arab world, and troubles elsewhere only strengthen perceived virtues.
An Inflection Point for Arab Entrepreneurialism
ALEXANDER MCNABB: Seeing this level of digital entrepreneurialism in the region is a delight and, rightly or wrongly, I see ArabNet as an inflection point.
Google and Ghonim: The Horns of a Dilemma
ALEXANDER MCNABB: The best outcome for the corporate people at Google would probably be a quiet resignation and a few public words thanking Google and exonerating it of involvement.
Coming Together: Why I’m Proud to be Egyptian
RACHEL MCARTHUR: Now I must admit that phrase had somewhat lost its meaning over the years. The government made its people lose the will to care.
A Message for Davos – Waste Not, Want Not
STEVE ROYSTON: Taxpayers’ money that could have been spent on new hospitals, refurbished schools, or improved public transport – down the drain.
European Clubs See Opportunity in Middle East’s Failure in Asia Cup
JAMES M. DORSEY: Mounting criticism of Middle Eastern nations’ failure to nurture soccer talent has created a business opportunity for European clubs.
Social Media: The Glue That Binds Us
HANI NAIM: The conclusion is no one is immune to social media. Activists, Governments, journalists are all now trying to harness its power in the Arab world.
Demographics, Expats, Rights – & Hope in Football
JAMES M. DORSEY: Just 13% of the UAE’s population has citizenship. In Qatar it’s 26% and Kuwait 34%. And those percentages are dropping.
MidEast Nations Fight For FIFA Tournaments
JAMES M. DORSEY: Middle Eastern nations are competing to stack up successful bids to host major soccer events in an effort to position themselves as regional hubs for sport.
A New Saudi Arabia: Thoughts For a Better Future
STEVE ROYSTON: King Abdullah, upon his return to Saudi Arabia after successful surgery in the United States, broadcasts to the nation. This is what he could say…
The BMW Slogan – Consume its Corpse, Please…
ALEXANDER MCNABB: There’s a tremendous power to slogans, a way of condensing and simplifying thoughts that can become catchy, even thought-provoking.
Could the U.S. be Considered an ‘Islamic’ Country?
SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: What does it mean to be an Islamic country? Today’s world is not so black and white, and glib categorisations make less sense than ever.
2010: Reports of Dubai’s Death Greatly Exaggerated
HISHAM WYNE: The global press said Dubai was finished. Here, seven local commentators explain why they were wrong.
Ibn ‘Big Ben’ Casts its Shadow over Mecca
DANIEL MARTIN VARISCO: One understands the need to provide hotel rooms for the faithful, but Gucci bags?
Incubation City: Missing Piece of the UAE puzzle
DAVID WESTLEY: Over the years Dubai has started a host of cities acting as hubs. What it has failed to do is start something as simple as “Incubation City”.
Looking Back on ‘the Year that Was’ in the Middle East
HRH PRINCE EL HASSAN BIN TALAL: It was a year which began with much promise and, whisper it, hope around the Middle East. It ends, however, with feelings that are all too familiar…
Arabian Gulf vs. Persian Gulf – Google’s Match Report
DAVID ROBERTS: I looked first, sorry my angry Iranian friends, for Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf. Though you easily irascible fellows ought to be pleased…
Dubai Madness Threatens to Make a Comeback
STEPHEN CORLEY: Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone has encouraged the incorporation of over 4,000 during the worst two years in history. Why – and how?
