The Middle East Sunday Pages – Page 4

Why Gulf Airports Are the New Global Living Rooms

In the past, airports were transient places—functional, impersonal, and often stressful. You passed through, you waited, and you left. Today, the Gulf has rewritten that script. Airports here are designed as destinations in their own right: blending luxury, culture, technology, and hospitality at a scale unmatched anywhere else.

How to think About Oman?

For years, Oman was the Gulf’s quiet neighbour. That’s no longer the case. With stronger balance sheets, clear policy direction, and sovereign wealth funds aligned with Vision 2040, Oman has become one of the region’s smartest investment plays. Read all about it here.

Why Dubai and Riyadh Feel Like Two Different Worlds (And Both Matter for Business)

There is the assumption that Dubai and Riyadh are interchangeable. Both are wealthy cities. Both are part of the GCC. Both are magnets for global business. You couldn't be more wrong.

Ghosting in the Gulf: Why Silence is Not Always a No

In the Gulf silence doesn’t always mean rejection. Sometimes, it means patience. Sometimes, it means hierarchy. And sometimes, it means the deal is more alive than ever — just not on your timeline.

When Doha Was Struck: Shock, Outrage, and the Human Cost of a Cowardly Attack

On 9 September 2025, the unthinkable happened in Doha. A house was struck by Israeli missiles in the heart of Qatar’s capital — close to embassies, nurseries, schools, and even a petrol station, an attack on a place where we have friends and people we love.

From Falconry to Formula 1: Modern Symbols of Prestige in the Gulf

Understanding the symbols of prestige is not just about culture—it is about decoding how power, influence, and status are communicated in one of the most relationship-driven business environments in the world.

Why Time Feels Different in the Gulf: Business Clocks vs. Relationship Clocks

Why does time feel different in the Gulf? Because in every meeting, two clocks are ticking — and only one of them is on your wrist.

Safety in the Gulf States: The Truth Behind the Headlines

The Gulf countries rank among the safest countries on the planet. So let’s look beyond headlines and dive into what safety in the Gulf really looks like—and why it matters not only for residents and tourists, but also for business, investment, and reputation.