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The United States of America is the world's foremost economic and military power, as well as a leading cultural force. It is home to some of the world's most innovative businesses and has a highly skilled and educated workforce. For decades, the U.S. has attracted top talent from around the globe, making it a hub for creativity and innovation. In the global cultural psyche, the country is considered "the land of opportunity" and for many investors, it is seen as a safe and stable place to do business.

Saudi Arabia has the largest economy in the Arab League and the 19th largest in the world. However, reliance on oil revenues has made the Saudi economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices.

The role of the family business in Saudi Arabia is significant and has been a mainstay of the economy for the past century. These businesses provide the majority of private-sector employment and are now seen as a key driver of economic diversification.

The last quarter of 2021 was a record-breaking one for Saudi Arabia as the country saw a 400% increase in foreign investment licence issuance compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Most of this investment was in the technology sector, with start-ups and SMEs seeing substantial growth.

Saudi Arabia is fortunate to have an abundance of oil resources. This has been the foundation of their economy for decades, allowing the Kingdom to become one of the world’s leading energy producers. However, since the 1970s, Saudi leaders have expressed a desire to move the nation away from total economic dependence on oil revenue. In 2016, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announced his Vision 2030 plan for the future of the nation. This agenda seeks to diversify the Saudi economy and increase private sector participation.

‘War’ is the only fitting description for the intensity of contest for labour skills and it’s getting even fiercer. The underlying problem is the shortage of available skills. That’s clearly seen in the fact that a record 57% of all mid-market companies now see this as a constraint to their growth, nearly twice the long-term average, as highlighted by Grant Thornton International’s Global Business Pulse.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials are no longer merely a ‘nice to have’: they are a must have for much of the mid-market.

Higher growth expectations are being seen widely across the world, with slightly elevated levels recorded in the more developed parts where vaccine roll-outs are helping economies to rebound strongly.

We explore whether TMT businesses can seize the opportunities of growing demand, or if they will be held back by the challenges presented by regulation and access to talent.

From liquidity to debt and restructuring, we address the diverse and complex challenges faced by airlines, leasing companies and aircraft funds in particular. We also consider implications for employers and how financial planning for the medium and long term will be affected.

Whilst tech transformation has been a key driver of change across Saudi Arabia, particularly given its prominence within Vision2030, the accelerated adoption has been prompted by a sudden demand to facilitate remote working in response to the disruption caused by the pandemic. We explore the impact of the tech surge and how this will drive innovation across industries and the wider Kingdom.

Despite the set back caused by the pandemic, the G20 countries continue to act as a launchpad for businesses wishing to penetrate global markets in both a virtual and physical environment. This summarised guide highlights the strategic and commercial value which the G20 countries offer, supporting dynamic businesses to consider reigniting their growth path in new markets, which require diverse solutions, services and new innovative approaches.

For 17 years, Grant Thornton has been tracking the global progress of women in senior management. In this summary report we share the insights from the 2021 study, along with the progress being made across the Gulf, whilst highlighting the thoughts of key leaders.

More companies are now shifting their sales and supply chain focus back towards international markets. The trend is important in isolation but also highlights game-changing opportunities internationally for all mid-market companies.

In the immediate aftermath of COVID-19, businesses looked to improve their cash flow management and focus on day-to-day survival, leaning heavily on government support packages. But longer-term, businesses will need greater liquidity as they move towards a post-covid era. They will need to invest in adjusting to the changes, to sustain operations and stay competitive. Raising finance to do so will be essential. We share key insights relating to accessing finance

Regulatory changes can be challenging at the best of times but with many businesses focused on day-to-day survival, recent rule changes have proved particularly problematic. In the early stages of the pandemic, governments had to act quickly to protect lives and support the economy, meaning businesses had little time to prepare. As attention turns to the future and recovery, further regulatory changes are inevitable. With many governments talking about a ‘green recovery’ environmental, social, and governance regulations may tighten.