The successful mediation by China in restoring diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023, which was counted as a win for China and highlighted its influence in the region, exemplifies a growing trend: stronger relations between the Middle East and Asia. This development, along with several other regional deals, emphasized a significant opportunity for further cooperation between Asia and the Middle East.
The Middle East, specifically the GCC-whose member countries include Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait-and Asia's four major powers-Japan, China, India, and South Korea-have increased their engagement over the past two decades, according to a report released by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs and Waseda University in July 2023.
This growing cooperation has been evidenced in a number of ways, such as the increasing number of construction projects from South Korea in the Middle East and the progress of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which intends to link Asia to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, spurring investment and increasing global economic integration on terms largely set in Beijing.
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Forbes Middle East - English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Forbes Middle East - English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Reasons To Seek Adventure
Whether it’s the exhilaration of free-falling out of the sky or the thrill of being immersed among the shark-filled reefs of the Indian Ocean, adventure enthusiasts are drawn by the allure of life-changing experiences. Here are some reasons why.
THE MIDDLE EAST'S 30 MOST VALUABLE BANKS 2024
MENA’s banking sector has shown resilience over the last year, supported by higher interest rates and oil prices.
INVESTING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr, Cofounders of Egypt-based digital investment platform Thndr, are facing competition from brokerages and investment banks to democratize investing. Having seen exponential growth in four years, they’re now looking at expanding to the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia.
THE MIDDLE EAST'S FINTECH 50
Despite a sharp decline in funding in 2023, the Middle East’s fintechs have embraced new technologies and expansion and remained resilient in the face of challenges such as high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties.
A Destination Beyond Expectations
Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, pulsates with energy and visitors are invited to unwind a rich tapestry woven with history, art, gastronomy, and natural beauty.
LEANING IN
Hisham Al-Falih, Ashu Gupta, Aditya Sarkar, and Mehdi Tazi, Cofounders of Saudi-based Lean Technologies, have created one of the region's leading third-party regulated open banking platforms with $37 million in funding. Now, they're planning another funding round and expansion across key markets.
A Blueprint For Sustained Growth In The World Of EPC
NMDC Group demonstrates how strategic foresight, robust financial growth, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation are fueling its ongoing expansion and diversification in the EPC industry.
A Red Sea Escape That Has It All
From family fun to fine dining and comfortable workspaces, there is something for everyone at the stunning Zouni Beach in El Gouna, Egypt.
TRADITION TO INNOVATION
Ahmed Wadi, Founder and CEO of Money Fellows, Egypt’s biggest ROSCA platform, has been addressing the cash-centric country’s financial challenges by digitizing traditional money circles. Now, he has even bigger plans.
Seventy-Five Years Of Fashion Influence
Gedeon Group has long been at the forefront of fashion retail in the Middle East and Africa, and with the third generation now at the helm, the business is continuing its legacy into the future.