We live in a region that lays claim to some of the world’s leading brands. Now, it is time to see how creativity will lead to accelerated business growth.
Our ancestors, just like people in other parts of the world, often dedicated their lives to mastering a profession, be it carpentry or jewellery making.
When I pursued a degree in communication, I assumed that when I joined the workforce, I would dedicate most of my time to developing skills – such as content development and marketing – in my field.
Although I continue to do this, as my business grew I realised that for it to thrive and stay ahead of the game, I needed to master skills outside, and often unrelated to, my field.
I delved into everything from translation to coding and building websites.
These diverse skills allowed me to take on multiple projects outside my comfort zone, to become more resourceful, and provided me with a fresh perspective to resolve challenges.
I also came to appreciate how consulting with colleagues from creative backgrounds helped me to come up with innovative strategies.
Creatives not only bring a fresh perspective to the table, but they often have a way of explaining complex ideas clearly, which is extremely helpful during stressful times when we can’t push ourselves to think outside the box.
It became essential for me as an entrepreneur to consult with creatives because their unique insights helped me to better understand challenges and anticipate the needs of existing and potential clients.
This meant I was able to provide my clients with key insights and solutions to help them make better decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
After seeing first-hand how creative individuals added value to my business, I know that their presence on GCC companies’ boards and management committees is bound to do the same.
Some of the world’s leading brands and chief executives appreciate the value creative individuals bring and incorporate their perspectives into product development and the work culture.
In 2011, tech company Intel hired Will.i.am, from pop music group Black Eyed Peas, as a director of creative innovation. He helped to develop new products that appealed to younger audiences. Sales and brand awareness increased significantly as a result.
Google’s Creative Lab, which consists of designers, filmmakers and artists who are encouraged to think of innovative solutions, is responsible for developing marketing campaigns and products.
Leading founders and chief executives such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Netflix's Reed Hastings invite creatives to speak to their employees and discuss various topics.
Creatives could also be invited to organise workshops for employees and speak to executive managers
GCC companies could gain creatives' insights by appointing them as board members and bringing them onboard as consultants for projects.
They could seek their help to build a creative and innovative work culture that will lead employees to excel and the business to thrive.
Creatives could also be invited to organise workshops for employees and speak to executive managers to discuss ways to overcome challenges and offer solutions.
This region is becoming home to world-beating talent.
Let's add more creatives to companies’ boards and management committees and witness how their innovative mindsets and fresh perspectives on business will boost our region’s economic growth.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and communications adviser based in Abu Dhabi.
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Results
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
SPECS
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
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