Read our insights

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.

M&A continued to prosper in the first five months of 2022 after a record-breaking year in 2021, although the 16 June 2022 US Federal Reserve Bank interest rate increase coupled with increased macroeconomic uncertainty marked a significant turning point for the global deal market.

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.

Heading towards the new year, food security remains on top of the agenda for the region, while enhancements in food tech, and the continued rise of meat and dairy alternatives providing have proved to be a nifty tool to combat lingering supply chain and labor shortages and addressing food security.

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.

Despite the recent global market downturn and recession fears, economic sentiment remains strong within the GCC region on the back of growth in the tourism and oil.

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.

The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, commonly referred to as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals, is one of the most ambitious plans of our time. Divided into 17 goals that reflect the world’s greatest environmental, social, economic, and political challenges, the SDGs provide a framework for people from all backgrounds, sectors, and regions to work together towards a better future.

How can hoteliers in the UAE generate new business and grow their existing market in this age of tech-disruption, shifting socio dynamics and evolving guest preferences?

Grant Thornton CEO, Hisham Farouk joined ICAEW and DFSA to discuss the impact of technology on audit and how we can adapt to transform our profession.

The global healthcare industry is currently experiencing a technological revolution, which may seem grandiose, however, we are witnessing a shift from traditional to modern- tech simulated healthcare, which will enable both medical professionals and patients to access new virtual resources, further aiding effectiveness and efficiency.

Across MENA, business leaders continue to place technological advancement at the top of their agenda, as they aim to promote efficiency to reduce costs and attract digital generations as the workforce of the future.

The GCC region is well positioned to exploit the lucrative opportunities that e-commerce offers, given the generational demographic shift that we are witnessing and which will inevitably have a seismic impact on businesses for the future

Hisham Farouk, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton, a leading global advisor to family-owned businesses talks about the importance of innovation and how it brings about change.