Fast Company Middle East

In 2025, the global watch market is projected to generate $127.21 billion in revenue, with luxury timepieces accounting for a commanding 60% of total sales. While smartwatches continue to gain traction, traditional watches still lead the way, securing 54.1% of market revenue in 2023. Often made in limited quantities and driven by intricate mechanical movements, classic watches have come to represent more than just craftsmanship. They carry a legacy, personal history, and a sense of permanence. That ethos was on display at the 2025 edition of Watches and Wonders in Geneva. Long considered the leading event in the watchmaking calendar, this year’s show offered a window into the state of contemporary horology, rooted in tradition yet increasingly shaped by technical ambition and modern design. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFSM226J Bvlgari | Ulysse Nardin | Vacheron Constantin | Panerai | Hermès | Manufacture Roger Dubuis | ROLEX | Hublot | H. Moser & Cie. | TAG Heuer | Montblanc | Jaeger-LeCoultre | IWC Schaffhausen | A. Lange & Söhne

Saudi Arabia’s strategic push into artificial intelligence is gaining global recognition, with the Kingdom reaching a new milestone in women’s empowerment, according to Stanford University’s AI Index Report 2025. The report ranks Saudi Arabia first globally for empowering women in AI, based on the female-to-male participation ratio. It also highlights the Kingdom’s strong performance in AI job growth, talent attraction, and the development of advanced AI models—highlighting its growing influence on the global stage. https://lnkd.in/gyBj9j8m

Now in its third edition, Layali Diriyah runs until April and features three overarching themes, each represented in a distinct zone: Heritage and Craftsmanship, Education and Knowledge, and Nature. Behind the annual immersive experience is architecture and creative studio Designlab Experience, which specializes in crafting immersive environments for urban spaces, large-scale installations, high-profile weddings, and interactive exhibits. DLE’s Chief Operating Officer, Yvonne Hoffzimmer, says true sustainability remains a challenge in the event industry, where temporary structures are less sustainable than permanent ones. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g82WjGnu

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has arrived in New Delhi for a two-day state visit, his first official trip to India, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sheikh Hamdan was greeted with a ceremonial guard of honor and the vibrant beats of traditional Kerala drummers. He was received by Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism. https://lnkd.in/gUZWeEV7

The AIM Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from April 7 to 9, served as a major platform for global economic dialogue, drawing over 25,000 participants from 180 countries. Centered on investment-led growth, sustainable development, and technological progress, the event examined the future of global investment across key areas, including foreign direct investment, the digital economy, and future cities. The opening ceremony, led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, set the tone for the congress. He pointed to the country’s $22.3 billion in international investments in 2023—spanning infrastructure, renewable energy, education, and healthcare—as a reflection of its drive to support sustainable global economic growth. https://lnkd.in/g-G4RSru

What defines legacy in an era of relentless change? How do we propel innovation beyond the buzzwords? And, most critically, can design be the missing link between vision and tangible impact? These aren’t just questions—they are the driving force behind the future of design innovation. At the Innovation by Design Summit, we bring together the visionaries who are confronting them head-on. Join the design experts in Doha this May! Samar Maakaroun, Partner, Pentagram Waleed Arafa, Founder & Principal, Dar Arafa Architecture Paqui Lizana⚡ MBA, MTH,  Co-Founder, Brilliant Failures Strategic partner: Msheireb Properties Register now: https://lnkd.in/gc8m7w4y #IBDS2025 #DohaDesignSummit

For centuries, cities have been defined by physical infrastructure—roads, bridges, and buildings. Now, their foundation is on something more powerful—data, connectivity, and AI-driven systems. The modern city wants to solve problems before they happen and make everyday life more efficient for its citizens. It’s less about looking smart and more about acting smart. Few cities embody this vision as ambitiously as Dubai. “Dubai has successfully digitalized government services and is now focused on integrating both government and private sector service journeys into a seamless digital experience,” says H.E. Dr. Moza Suwaidan, CEO of the Digital Applications & Platforms Sector at Digital Dubai Government Establishment in an exclusive interview with Fast Company Middle East. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dfFV9XQb

What does the future of computing look like? Is it voice chat? Floating holographic displays? A generative AI fever dream with no escape? At Salone de Mobile—the annual design fair in Milan—Google is suggesting something less literal: It’s light that’s as pliable as fabric. https://lnkd.in/dVr9WBnc

The job market in the UAE has shifted significantly in recent years. Najat Abdelhadi, Communications Director for EMEA and LATAM at LinkedIn, highlights a sharp rise in job applications across sectors, with 81% of HR professionals reporting increased volumes over the past year. Darren Streete, Founder of deconstructing HR, points to the UAE’s substantial investments in future-focused sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Moe Alhaj, Founder and CEO of Migrate World, explains that these visa categories represent a strategic, multi-layered approach to immigration, targeting different segments of global talent. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dDWUnXzx

Watch Vishal Sacheendran, Head of Regional Markets at Binance, cut through the hype to explore the future of decentralized financial regulation in this episode of Decrypting Crypto. He unpacks the growing need for transparency in today’s crypto environment and shares how Binance is building a global presence to make DeFi accessible across diverse markets. Click here to watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/eEUCtp5g