Reimagining our Region - May Issue

A round-up of our latest news, insights, and industry reports on hot topics from the region.

Welcome to our latest edition, where we explore transformative initiatives across the region. Dive into the dynamics of Corporate Venture Capital in the GCC as it drives innovation and economic growth. Discover the challenges and successes faced by women re-entering the workforce in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Explore the shift from awareness to actionable change in autism care across the GCC. Also, get insights into Digital Day UAE 2024, where marketing leaders and innovators gathered to ignite new ideas and discuss #GenAI.

Corporate Venture Capital in the GCC

The GCC region is on a transformative journey to diversify its economies beyond oil and promote sustainable growth. A key strategy in achieving these goals is corporate venturing, which involves corporations investing in startups to access external innovations. 

The ongoing rise of Corporate Venture Capital is not just a trend but a fundamental component of the GCC's economic strategy. It enables rapid regional growth and supports the shift towards a diversified, innovation-driven economy. For startups, both local and international, GCC corporate investors represent ideal partners for expansion and professionalisation in the region. By investing in innovation, GCC corporations can maintain market relevance and optimise both strategic and financial returns. Discover how CVC is shaping our future in our latest report here.

The case for diversity series: Navigating the path back: Women returners in KSA

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the transformational shift in societal attitudes, as well as the introduction of legal reforms and Saudisation policies, have resulted in a significant increase in the number of women in the workforce.

More than half (55%) of the women surveyed in Saudi Arabia have taken career breaks, higher than the 44% of their peers in the MENA region. However, women in the Kingdom are also less likely to return to work - only 40% of Saudi women who have taken career breaks have returned to work, slightly lower than the 43% of MENA women who have done so. 

In line with MENA findings we launched a few weeks ago, the key reason for taking a career break in Saudi Arabia is due to caregiving responsibilities. But unlike the rest of MENA, women in KSA also consider caring for their own mental or physical wellbeing as one of the top three reasons for taking a career break.

Discover more insights from the report.

From awareness to action: Elevating autism care in the GCC for meaningful change

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects one in every 160 children globally, presenting a spectrum of challenges and needs. Our latest report, "From awareness to action: Elevating autism Care in the GCC for meaningful change," delves into ASD, a condition characterised by a wide range of symptoms, abilities, and levels of impairment. 

The term 'spectrum' underscores the diverse experiences of those with autism. For the success of new initiatives, it is imperative to include the voices of individuals with autism in the decision-making process. Doing so enables governments to grasp the real-world experiences of those affected and to formulate relevant, inclusive policies and initiatives. These should begin in childhood and aim to support and enhance lives into adulthood.

Read the full report.

Digital Day UAE 2024: Igniting innovation and connections in marketing

Today, the digital world offers an ever-growing number of new possibilities to drive growth, build recognition and create exceptional customer experiences and value.

In partnership with Adobe , we were delighted to host the third edition of Digital Day UAE, an initiative by The Marketing Society , continuing the tradition of groundbreaking discussions and valuable networking that began in 2022.

This year’s event, held at our Experience Centre in Dubai, proved to be a monumental success, drawing industry leaders and visionaries to explore and embrace the myriad possibilities of today's digital landscape.

The day featured a diverse range of sessions led by renowned experts from Journee, Reemedia Consultancy, G42, Doors3 and Adobe, who shared their insights and inspired attendees to push the boundaries of digital marketing. Our very own Customer Transformation Practice Leader, Esan Tabrizi, also gave a keynote around Generative AI and Customer Experience.

Interested in more content from PwC Middle East? Explore our website and keep checking our page for our monthly newsletter.

Subscribe to 'Reimagining our Region' and receive a monthly round-up of our latest insights, blogs, and industry reports on hot topics from the region.