If there’s any industry in the Middle East which has generated more column inches than the oil industry over the past 15 years, it’s unquestionably construction. The past decade and a half has brought a wave of development, and with it, some of the world’s most high-profile new buildings to the region.

When Anheuser-Busch InBev merged with South African Breweries (SAB) back in 2016, it was already the biggest brewer by volume in the world. As a result of the merger with SABMillerwhich is an integral part of the social fabric of South Africa, it was able to gain a foothold in Africa - widely regarded as the most prospective market in the world for beer sales.

Athens International Airport (AIA) is a prime example of the difference that business excellence can make. In 2013, passenger numbers had fallen to a 10-year low as Greece suffered a post-financial crisis. Fast forward 5 years, AIA has witnessed a dynamic growth with all-time record in terms of Passenger number, Flights, Cargo traffic culminating with a strong Financial Performance;

The Port of Moin is strategically important for Costa Rica in a number of ways. First, around 80% of the country’s trade passes through the port each year; second, it servces as the entry point for thousands of seaborne visitors into the country; and finally, its surrounding area is home to some of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna, including a native species of turtle.

Gulf Related: A powerful joint venture with a bold vision

Gulf Related is the latest in a growing line of impressive companies rising in the Middle East combining financial acumen and real estate wizardry. Long associated with oil wealth, the region is now producing companies in areas as diverse as technology, education, renewable energy and development. Into that last category comes Gulf-Related, a real estate company based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Successful collaboration could be said to be the unifying link between all successful projects. In a recent interview with Kevin Ryan, COO for developer Gulf Central, he was keen to stress the role of Brookfield Multiplex in the Al Maryah Central project in Abu Dhabi. Notably, Mr. Ryan commented how long Gulf Related spent looking for a partner before deciding Brookfield Multiplex was ideal.

Jaguar Land Rover's flagship Solihull plant began a two week shutdown today (Monday 22nd).

Christian Stadler, professor of strategy at Warwick Business School, said:

"JLR is one of many UK car manufacturers heading into troubled waters.

"This shutdown is a short term measure, but the company has already laid off 1,000 jobs across the Midlands this year and more cuts will follow if things don't get better with Brexit and China.

"That will be the biggest worry hanging over the workers and unions during the next fortnight.

Canada’s abundant mineral resources have led to an economic surge over the past decade, with shale oil occupying most of the newspaper columns. However, its coal resources - coming to the fore again after recent legislation changes in the neighboring US - are also enormous. By some estimates, the Peace River and Kootenay coalfields alone are estimated to hold more than two billion tonnes of coal.

The Alentejo district of Portugal is sometimes referred to as the ‘bread basket’ of Portugal thanks to its rich food reserves. However, ever since Swedish firm Lundin Mining acquired the Neves-Corvo mine back in 2006 as part of its merger with EuroZinc mining, the region’s land has become famous internationally outside the traditional areas of agriculture and cork.

After almost 10 years of austerity, thankfully it appears that Greece is coming out of some of the most turbulent times in its modern history. In August 2018, its third and final bailout program came to a finish, signaling to everyone not just the resilience of the Greek people, but also testifying to the huge sacrifices made by the country over the course of the last decade.