2026 MENA key theme 1GCC consumers will be standout performersThe outlook is bright for GCC consumers as we expect them to outperform their international peers. 2026 MENA key theme 3Fiscal policies divergeMuted oil revenues are prompting divergence in fiscal strategies across the region. 2026 MENA key theme 4Could AI be the next tourism sector for the region? MENA 2026 economic outlook: Stronger growth, but rising divergenceTaken together, these themes point to stronger regional growth in 2026, alongside increasing divergence in policy paths and economic drivers across countries. Our report MENA Key themes 2026, explores these key trends in detail.

Christophe Cario takes over management of Fournier Polymers - (Image: Meraxis)With this appointment, Meraxis aims to strengthen the leadership structure at Fournier Polymers and continue the expansion of activities in the European and North African markets. The goal is to further develop the existing portfolio, particularly in the area of technical polymers, and to expand the group's position along the plastics value chain. Advert Christophe Cario has more than 20 years of experience in international polymer and chemical distribution. Cario succeeds Emmanuel Tarret as Managing Director, who is Chief Operating Officer of Fournier Polymers and had previously also held the management position. With this personnel decision, Meraxis emphasizes the strategic further development of the group following the acquisition of Fournier Polymers and the integration of the compounding plant in Velen.

On Wednesday night, clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement in the Hawthorne area of Minneapolis, near the scene of the shooting. The DHS statement said that after the pursuit the man got out of his car and an altercation broke out between him and the federal agent. The agency added: "While the subject and law enforcement were in a struggle on the ground, two subjects came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. The Trump administration says the ICE agent acted in self-defence, while local officials argue the woman posed no danger. Another online fundraiser for Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent at the centre of the deadly confrontation, has raised $740,000.

Canon Central North Africa appoints Tushar Vashnavi as the new Business-to-Business (B2B) Business Unit DirectorCanon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) announces the appointment of Tushar Vashnavi as Business Unit Director, Business-to-Business (B2B), effective immediately. His leadership aligns with Canon Central and North Africa’s strategic focus on Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) to support sustainable growth. Commenting on the appointment, Somesh Adukia, Managing Director, Canon Central and North Africa, said: “Tushar’s appointment reflects our focus on leadership continuity and execution excellence within our B2B business. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA). Media enquiries, please contact:Canon Central and North AfricaMai Youssefe. Mai.youssef@canon-me.comAPO Group – PR AgencyRania ElRafiee. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.comAbout Canon Central and North Africa:Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe.

We are a global leader in geopolitical forecasting. We deliver cutting edge analysis and intelligence so you can stay ahead of the news. Unbiased analysis of global eventsDaily geopolitical briefingLong-term forecasts to help you prepare for the futureNo paid advertising - 100% subscriber-supportedLooking for group or institutional subscriptions? Get in touch for custom pricing.

News ServicesAgriTech data analysts transform agricultural, climate and geospatial data into decision-making tools for productivity and resilience. The AgriTech data analyst converts agricultural data into decision-support tools. In this context, the AgriTech data analyst plays a strategic role. In Europe and North America, AgriTech data analysts rank among the best-paid profiles in digital agriculture. In Kenya, agricultural data scientist profiles gain stronger recognition, supported by wider adoption of digital technologies across agricultural value chains.

Northern Powerhouse Rail will apparently bring new and upgraded routes from east to west of the region, linking Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. Away from the actual tracks though, the scheme could come to represent a welcome change in the direction of travel for public transport more generally. Delivery of the project will also involve a large amount of collaboration between the London-based Department for Transport (DfT) and politicians in the north of England. A broad mix of tactics to achieve this might include high-speed rail, intercity coaches, private car travel and digital connectivity through virtual meetings. Northern Powerhouse Rail therefore becomes a test not just of investment ambition, but of institutional and operational design.

Reading Time: 2 minutesRenewable energy developer VSB has successfully commissioned the Extertal Wind Farm in the northeast of the Lippe District. The wind farm is scheduled for official inauguration in spring 2026. Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Deutschland, stated, “We are pleased to start the year with the grid connection and successful commissioning of the Extertal wind farm. AI solutions integrated into planning and turbine operation enhance efficiency and economic viability.”AI-Supported Bird Protection and Agricultural IntegrationThe wind farm is equipped with AI-powered monitoring systems to balance energy generation with wildlife protection. The official inauguration festival for the wind farm will take place in spring 2026.

Their rift had been growing behind the scenes for years before it exploded in public, raising concerns about a relationship with enormous geopolitical importance. The two Gulf powerhouses are running into increasing areas of disagreement. The most recent and most dramatic one centered on neighboring Yemen, where Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are currently backing different sides in the country’s ongoing three-sided conflict. By contrast, Riyadh backs the country’s internationally recognized government in its effort to regain control of a unified Yemen. The Saudis claimed that the UAE-backed STC, which controlled much of Yemen and had just captured more territory, was a threat to the kingdom.

“We have been stepping up. We have allocated almost $15 billion within just the last couple of years to capabilities in the High North. We have been pushing within the Arctic NATO states for bigger NATO engagement,” Rasmussen said on Wednesday.

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To understand Emirati food today, you have to look at the area's culinary heritage. A new world of flavour began to slowly open up, with cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, chilli and nuts readily available, quickly updating the flavours of local food. Even during this time of international expansion, authentic Emirati dishes were cooked using the same techniques, at home, for special occasions. "When I went to England to study genetics, I was cooking Emirati food for other Arab students who were missing home – but cooking was just for home. From chefs and diners alike, there's a huge optimism about the future of Emirati food in Abu Dhabi.

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We are a global leader in geopolitical forecasting. We deliver cutting edge analysis and intelligence so you can stay ahead of the news. Unbiased analysis of global eventsDaily geopolitical briefingLong-term forecasts to help you prepare for the futureNo paid advertising - 100% subscriber-supportedLooking for group or institutional subscriptions? Get in touch for custom pricing.

The World Bank forecasts economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa region will reach 3.6% in 2026 before accelerating to 3.9% in 2027. The downward revision primarily reflects larger-than-expected oil production increases from major petroleum countries in 2025 and consequently anticipates lower expansion in 2026-2027. The report indicates MENA regional activity has already strengthened, primarily through rising oil production in exporting countries and private sector dynamism in oil-importing countries. Conversely, the Bank indicates non-GCC oil-exporting countries’ growth rates should remain relatively weak, averaging around 2% annually in 2026-2027. In oil-importing countries, the World Bank forecasts growth should increase slightly, reaching an average 4% annually in 2026-2027, though with notable variations across economies.