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In 2023, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) issued its first two international IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS SDS), IFRS S1 ‘General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information’ and IFRS S2 ‘Climate-related Disclosures’.

In a new Grant Thornton series on trending international insights, we examine the wider impact of tariffs on the mid-market, where a dip in market confidence at the start of 2025 was just the start of more to come. The global economy may suffer further as trade tensions and uncertainty persist, but if there’s a silver lining, its likely to be found in the mid-market – the most resilient and opportunistic segment of the business landscape.

In the next edition of Grant Thornton’s series on trending international insights, we examine how a shifting economic landscape can offer the mid-market an opportunity to grow while their larger counterparts opt to ‘wait and see.’ Our report highlights key trends such as digital trade, supply chain resilience, shifting trade agreements, and the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on international commerce.

Are energy costs affecting your business? Here’s what you need to know. Rising energy costs are a concern for global mid-market businesses, impacting operational expenses and long-term planning. The UAE has made significant strides in diversifying its energy sources. Grant Thornton has consulted with global energy industry leaders to understand how businesses are navigating these changes. For more detailed insights on the report, you can find the full article in the link below.

Organisations are rapidly embracing this shift, integrating ESG practices into their strategies to mitigate risks, build resilience, and unlock sustainable growth. Meanwhile, regulators and policymakers recognise the need for a supportive ecosystem that empowers businesses on this journey while fostering sustainable economic development.

The Food and Beverage (F&B) sector has continued to grow and show resilience to macro-economic headwinds in 2023, evidenced by strong deal flow and capital raisings in the UAE and broader GCC. Following on from our Q1 2023 update, we are delighted to share our latest F&B edition, summarising key themes, issues and activity in the sector.

The regional logistics sector has had a positive start to 2023, primarily driven by a stable macro-economic environment, proactive government policies, increasing demand for logistics services and growing investor confidence in the sector's long-term potential. As a result of these factors, the sector continues to see increasing levels of deal activity, with many high-profile acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations taking place.

The logistics sector has had a positive start to 2023, primarily driven by a stable macro-economic environment, proactive government policies, increasing demand for logistics services due to the growth of e-commerce, technological advancements, and growing investor confidence in the sector's long-term potential.

The regional economy performed strongly in the fourth quarter of 2022 owing to a successful FIFA World Cup, a booming tourism season, and favorable trade agreements being signed by energy exporters. Furthermore, the quarter saw an influx of new capital as international and domestic investors opened new offices in the region.

M&A activity in the regional logistics sector continues to be buoyant, fueled by the proliferation of trade agreements, a growing expat population and the continuing e-commerce boom.

Amidst global economic uncertainties, the MENA region is on a growth trajectory fuelled by elevated oil prices and accelerating business-friendly reforms. The global logistics market is estimated to be $9.1Tn in 2022 and is expected to reach $12.3Tn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. A combination of initiatives by regional governments and developments in e-commerce are driving the growth in logistics and warehousing activity in the region.

Q1 has seen a continued rise in deal activity in a number of sectors within our M&A and Transactions Advisory team. Following on from our Q4 2021 update, we are delighted to share this quarter's Food & Beverage (F&B) edition, summarising key themes, issues and activity in the sector. It has been a busy start to the year in F&B across the GCC and broader MENA region and we will continue to watch closely throughout the year.

Let’s call a meeting to discuss COVID-19 epidemic risk management. No, let's not. Calling a meeting creates a state of panic and promotes congregating in groups at a time when a virus can be transmitted to two people from one infected person- it is not a good idea. What is, however, is having team leaders, risk champions, business continuity professionals, Human Resources, and communications teams collaborate online and agree on a comprehensive strategy to manage the risk and here is how to do it.

Hisham Farouk, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton, a leading global advisor to family-owned businesses talks about the recent changes in the UAE economy.

With momentum building towards the UN Climate Change Conference in Peru, new figures from IBR reveal that businesses leaders in emerging markets are more focused on the sustainability of their operations compared with peers in developed markets.

Investor calls for transparency and the rise of social media have thrust the impact businesses have on the economy, the environment and society more firmly into the spotlight. Drawing on more than 2,500 interviews with business leaders in 34 economies, Corporate Social Responsibility: beyond financials, looks at how companies are responding to this challenge; how they are making their operations more sustainable and what role they feel integrated reporting can play.