The second edition of the Arab Business Intelligence Report (ABIR II) will be released at the Arab Strategy Forum from December 4-6 in Dubai, it was announced today. More than 550 top business leaders from across the Arab world have participated in the ABIR II, an increase from the 140 of its first edition, as a result of the renewed partnership between Moutamarat and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The report is the most comprehensive analysis of business opinion in the region and is rapidly becoming the most authoritative indicator of trend lines and future business direction. The ABIR II will include the second Arab Confidence Index, industry-specific reports and a brand new Arab Innovation Index. The reach of the ABIR II, which is nearing completion, has been extended to 18 countries in the Arab world, making it the most comprehensive barometer of corporate opinion in the Arab world. At the same time the number of industry sectors covered has been trebled to nine, from three.
In addition to financial services, healthcare, travel and tourism covered in the first ABIR, the ABIR II will also feature the views and analysis of industry leaders in a number of other sectors. These include:
• Energy, Mining and Utilities
• Engineering, construction and real estate
• Entertainment and media
• Information and communication technologies
• Retail and consumer goods
• Transport, logistics and storage.
Mr. Khalid Al Malik, the CEO of Moutamarat, said: “Together with PwC we spent six months of the year selecting, approaching and understanding the opinions of the key decision-makers in the Arab world. The ABIR II is based on an intensive research program, for which prominent business leaders across the Arab world gave their opinions, predictions, doubts and hopes for the future of their respective industries.
“We have received a tremendous response from participants. The survey is ongoing but we expect this second version to conclusively establish the ABIR as the definitive authority on Arab industry opinion. It offers a depth of research into the region that has not been available before and gives a snapshot that is crucial for anyone involved with the Arab world. We are delighted to unveil the results of our research at the most important summit in the region, the Arab Strategy Forum.
“The new report will again offer an abundance of facts and figures gained from the research and these will be accompanied by analysis and conclusions from the Arab world’s most prominent business leaders, and a range of industry experts.”
The industry leaders who took part in the study charted trends, predicted future growth, and highlighted economic challenges and progress. The report adds value and awareness to industry knowledge through the insights of some of the most prestigious corporate, political and academic Arab decision-makers.
Mr. Al Malik added: “The second Arab Business Intelligence Report will build on the success of the first and provide even greater insights into the circumstances and industry trends that determine the prospects of the nine covered industries, and of the region as a whole.”
Michael Stevenson, Middle East Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: “Last year’s survey indicated that the Economic Confidence in the region was very high, with 83% of Arab senior executives believing that conditions will further improve over the next 12 months.
We look forward to seeing the results of this year’s survey, which will clarify whether the extraordinary optimism evident last year has been sustained and what new issues have emerged from the high levels of economic growth in the region over the past year.
“Taking into consideration the geopolitical context of the region, and recognizing that the research was conducted before, during and after the war in Lebanon, this year’s research will provide clear data and monitoring of the current levels of business confidence in the Arab world.”
