It is impressive how GCC has become a pillar of economic stability and has managed to maintain steady growth amid continued geopolitical and macro-economic unrest. The region is undergoing a revolution around economic diversification. Significant efforts are being invested in changing the ‘brand GCC’s’ image as a conservative, Oil-based economic region to a culturally inclusive, sustainable business destination.

From Qatar hosting the Football FIFA World Cup 2022 to Saudi Arabia and Dubai competing to host even iconic NBA games, the signs are pretty visible. If that’s not enough, American actress and singer Jennifer Lopez recently made a dazzling return to the stage at Elie Saab's 45th-anniversary runway show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—a feat no one would have believed a decade ago.

However, one of the challenges holding back Middle Eastern countries from achieving the full potential of their economic growth is the unrest in the region due to the Israel-Palastine conflict, more so after the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7th last year. Arab powers, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Qatar, have not been as aggressive as before in their responses to the Gaza conflict.

It can be viewed as an effort to walk into the future with Abraham Accord. The Abraham Accords are a series of joint normalization statements initially between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, effective since September 15th, 2020. This special issue of CEO Insights Asia is dedicated to the business leaders in the Middle East who have been resilient throughout the challenging climate in the region. Do let us know your thoughts.