Gulf Cooperation Council Region Research Articles

Examining the advantages and disadvantages of international franchising and licensing from both legal and business perspectives within GCC region

PurposeThis study aims to provides the insights on the advantages and disadvantages of international franchising and licensing from the perspectives of legal and business considerations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative research approach, the authors conducted a survey with 150 business owners and franchisees in the GCC and analyzed the data using descriptive statistics, structural equation modeling and frequency analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal that while international franchising and licensing offer significant benefits for business expansion and revenue growth, they also pose risks related to legal compliance, cultural differences and intellectual property protection. Indeed, the results of this study provide valuable insights into the advantages and disadvantages of international franchising and licensing in the GCC from both legal and business perspectives.Originality/valueThere is limited research on the legal and business perspectives of international franchising and licensing in the GCC. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the legal and business perspectives of international franchising and licensing in the GCC.

Factors Affecting the Growth of E-Shopping Consumers Over Traditional Shopping After Covid-19: GCC Countries' Perspective

Purpose: The study aims to explore the factors that have led to a significant shift in consumer behavior from traditional shopping methods to e-shopping in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to identify and analyze the various elements that contribute to consumers' growing preference for online shopping and to understand how this trend is reshaping the retail landscape in the GCC region. Theoretical Framework: The research is anchored in the theory of consumer behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), like perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values which helps in understanding the factors influencing consumers' acceptance and use of technology, in this case, e-shopping platforms. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from structured online consumer surveys and qualitative insights from expert interviews. The authors used the PLS-SEM approach to investigate the survey of 380 responses to examine the impact of various factors on e-shopping behavioral intention among consumers in the GCC countries. Findings: The findings reveal that perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values significantly and positively impact the e-shopping behavioral intention of consumers. However, product variety does not significantly influence the e-shopping behavioral intention in the GCC region. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study opens new avenues for research in consumer behavior and e-commerce, especially in the context of unforeseen global events like pandemics. The insights are valuable for retailers, e-commerce platforms, and marketers in the GCC region for strategizing and aligning with changing consumer preferences. It aids in developing targeted marketing strategies and enhancing the online shopping experience. Originality/Value: This research offers original insights into the shift towards e-shopping in the GCC region post-COVID-19. It contributes to the broader discourse on consumer behavior in the context of pandemics and technological acceptance, providing a region-specific perspective that enhances understanding in this field.

Factors Affecting the Growth of E-Shopping Consumers Over Traditional Shopping After Covid-19: GCC Countries' Perspective

Purpose: The study aims to explore the factors that have led to a significant shift in consumer behavior from traditional shopping methods to e-shopping in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to identify and analyze the various elements that contribute to consumers' growing preference for online shopping and to understand how this trend is reshaping the retail landscape in the GCC region. Theoretical Framework: The research is anchored in the theory of consumer behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), like perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values which helps in understanding the factors influencing consumers' acceptance and use of technology, in this case, e-shopping platforms. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from structured online consumer surveys and qualitative insights from expert interviews. The authors used the PLS-SEM approach to investigate the survey of 380 responses to examine the impact of various factors on e-shopping behavioral intention among consumers in the GCC countries. Findings: The findings reveal that perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values significantly and positively impact the e-shopping behavioral intention of consumers. However, product variety does not significantly influence the e-shopping behavioral intention in the GCC region. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study opens new avenues for research in consumer behavior and e-commerce, especially in the context of unforeseen global events like pandemics. The insights are valuable for retailers, e-commerce platforms, and marketers in the GCC region for strategizing and aligning with changing consumer preferences. It aids in developing targeted marketing strategies and enhancing the online shopping experience. Originality/Value: This research offers original insights into the shift towards e-shopping in the GCC region post-COVID-19. It contributes to the broader discourse on consumer behavior in the context of pandemics and technological acceptance, providing a region-specific perspective that enhances understanding in this field.

Financial development and green technological innovation: a case of GCC countries

Purpose The purpose of this study is to check the impact of financial development on green technological innovation (GTI). Design/methodology/approach The sample size includes the 20-year (2001–2020) financial statistics of six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region countries. To check the proposed relationship, this research uses a series of econometric models including fixed effect, fully modified ordinary least square and robust least square models. Findings The statistical results imply that financial sector development has a direct significant impact on GTI. A developed financial sector can uplift green technological development by offering more loans to industrial sectors and the import of modern technology. The statistical analysis further reveals the positive impact of gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment inflow and trade volume while the negative impact of resources contribution on GTI. Practical implications The findings suggest key policy suggestions regarding the role of the financial sector in promoting GTI in the GCC region. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in its examination of the relationship between FD and GTI in the GCC countries, a region with its unique economic and environmental dynamics.

Digital transformation of human capital management in the Gulf Cooperation Council

Digital human capital management (HCM) has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region’s pursuit of modernizing and optimizing workforce management practices. This article examines the growing dynamics of digital transformation within the GCC’s human resources landscape. This transformation transcends conventional human resource (HR) practices, ushering in the rapid evolution of digital HCM. The thematic analysis results reveal two main strategies for HR/HC managers to employ digital transformation, categorized into primary themes and sub-themes. Critical areas impacted include human capital (HC), recruitment and selection (R&S), learning and development (L&D), compensation and benefits (C&B), organizational development (OD), performance management (PM), and employee relations (ER). Specific results include the use of technology for workforce prediction, acceleration of planning procedures through human capital management systems (HCMS), and advanced tools such as psychographic assessments and online simulations for candidate screening. This study underlines the transformative impact of digital HCM in the GCC, while highlighting challenges such as resistance to change, digital skills gaps, and data security concerns, providing a comprehensive assessment of digital transformation efforts in the GCC, and offering insights into strategies and outcomes of digital HCM implementation in the region.

Palivizumab for the Prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease: Expert Opinion and Recommendations for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region

Palivizumab for the Prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease: Expert Opinion and Recommendations for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region

A Comprehensive Study and Development of Unified Mobile-Based Admission System for GCC Universities

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has experienced tremendous growth in the higher education sector with many public but internationally recognized universities, colleges, and programs. Annually, within and outside of the GCC zone, high school students and guardians undergo repeatable and time-consuming experiences for inhomogeneous university, college, and program admission and tracking processes. This research project aims to provide a unified management tool to manage the admission and tracking process to multiple accredited GCC universities, colleges, and programs through one unified central mobile-based application. The research project aimed to achieve two objectives: exploring the GCC university admission process phenomena and developing and evaluating a unified mobile-based university admission application (denoted by HEIM) for higher education institutes' mobile applications. An Agile-SDLC methodology was employed, entailing two phases; the Exploratory phase to the phenomena of the university admission process and the development and evaluation phase of the potential mobile application. The 1st phase was based on an interview with the Ministry of Education (MOE), employing SLR and CA techniques for articles and mobile applications collection and analysis, and 1st questionnaire to collect user requirements. The 2nd phase employed several design techniques, including DFD, ERD, etc., a 2nd questionnaire to collect system requirements and coding by .NET MAUI, C#, and XAML, and a 3rd questionnaire to evaluate the usability of HEIM based on Nielsen heuristics at which the empirical findings revealed 97.7% of usability.

Impact of FinTech Growth on Bank Performance in GCC Region

This article investigates the effect of financial technology (FinTech) growth on bank performance in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The application is conducted on a panel dataset containing annual observations of banks from 2012 to 2021 using the generalized method of moments (GMM) method. FinTech growth is set as an explanatory variable on three proxies of bank performance, namely, return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and net interest margin (NIM). Moreover, several control variables are added to the model, including bank-specific and macroeconomic variables. The results are significant as all the proxies of bank performance are negatively affected by the growth of FinTech startups. Consequently, banks are urged to proactively invest in FinTech startups and engage in partnerships to avoid the risk of disruption. JEL Codes: G21, G23, O31

Exploring Indicators Impacting Gross Domestic Product: A Case of the Gulf Cooperation Council Members

This study investigates the factors that influenced the economic growth of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members from 1990 to 2021. The study employed statistical methods such as ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed-effects model (FEM), and generalized method of moments (GMM) regressions to arrive at its findings. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) databases provided the data for this paper. The six Gulf Cooperation Council members are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Kuwait, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. In fact, the economies of Gulf Cooperation Council members (countries) are highly dependent on the oil sector. Therefore, one of the main positive indicators of gross domestic product in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is oil prices. In addition, inflation plays a significant and positive role in supporting the gross domestic product in the Gulf Cooperation Council area. In contrast, unemployment rates and the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the gross domestic product in the Gulf Cooperation Council region significantly and negatively. The implications of this study help policymakers make the right decisions and implement policies to increase economic growth in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Furthermore, this study supports economists and academics in conducting their research in the same field.

Challenges and Solutions for Integration of Energy Storage Systems in Hot Desert Regions

The increasing utilization of solar renewable energy sources in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, highlights the pressing need for energy storage systems (ESS) to ensure grid stability. ESS can store excess energy during peak generation and supply it during periods of low generation or high demand. However, the harsh environmental conditions and extreme temperatures that are typical of hot desert regions can impact the performance and lifespan of ESS, creating unique integration challenges.Our work explores these challenges and offers solutions for integrating energy storage systems in hot desert regions. Our research shows that while the integration of ESS in hot desert regions is technically feasible and economically viable, it requires careful planning, design, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The solutions we present in this work can provide valuable guidance for engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders who are working towards a sustainable and resilient energy future in hot desert regions.During the presentation, I will delve into the specific challenges that the harsh environmental conditions and extreme temperatures in hot desert regions pose for the integration of energy storage systems. I will provide examples of how these challenges can impact the performance and lifespan of ESS. Furthermore, I will highlight the solutions that we have identified and presented in our research, which can help overcome the challenges and improve the effectiveness of energy storage systems in hot desert regions.

Banking research in the GCC region and agenda for future research – A bibliometric examination

PurposeThis paper provides a comprehensive review of the influential and intellectual aspects of the literature on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region's banking activities.Design/methodology/approachThis study undertakes a bibliometric meta-analysis review of the GCC region banking literature, covering 199 articles published between 2004 and 2022, extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database, followed by a content analysis of highly cited papers.FindingsThis paper identifies the influential aspects of the GCC region banking literature in terms of journals, articles, authors, universities and countries. The paper also identifies and discusses five major research clusters: (1) bank efficiency; (2) corporate governance (CG) and disclosure; (3) performance and risk-taking; (4) systemic risk, bank stability and risk spillovers and (5) intellectual capital (IC). Finally, it identifies gaps in the literature and highlights some important research issues that provide directions for future research.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to the articles indexed in the WoS database and written in English. Though the WoS database encompasses a wide range of multidisciplinary journals, there is a chance that some relevant articles are not included in the WoS database or written in another language.Practical implicationsThis study provides regulators, practitioners and academics with valuable insight and an in-depth understanding of the banking system of the GCC region.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first review paper on GCC region banking literature. This study provides regulators, practitioners and academics with valuable insight and an in-depth understanding of the banking system of the GCC region.

Strengthening governance mechanisms and corporate social responsibility disclosure: Drivers of performance in Islamic banks

This research examines the factors influencing the performance of Islamic banks in Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions. It focuses on three key areas: corporate governance (CG), Shari’ah supervisory board (SSB) mechanisms, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure. This research employed rigorous panel data regression analysis, covering data from 79 Islamic banks spanning the years 2012 to 2021. This analytical approach revealed intricate connections between CG practices, SSB mechanisms, CSR disclosure, and bank performance. Strong CG and SSB mechanisms, in conjunction with robust CSR disclosure, positively impacted Islamic bank performance. These factors facilitated value creation, accountability, and stability, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. This underscores the significance of enhancing CG, SSB mechanisms, and CSR disclosure to bolster transparency and trust within the Islamic banking sector. Collaborative efforts among regulators, investors, and creditors are imperative for enforcing regulations, formulating CSR guidelines, and strengthening governance. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of CG practices, their impact, and the role of CSR disclosure in Islamic banks. It offers valuable insights for stakeholders and enhances comprehension of these mechanisms within the context of the SEA and GCC regions.

The role of accreditation on financial innovation and business sustainability: a study of AACSB-accredited business schools in the GCC region

Purpose Accreditation represents a quality of academic standards and validation, and its impact on business schools is multifaceted. Accredited institutions are widely acknowledged for their higher quality, financial stability, stakeholder acceptance and overall growth compared to non-accredited educational institutions. Given these positive outcomes, this study aims to explore the role of accreditation in fostering financial innovation and business sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative design to understand this relationship, engaging 36 leaders from Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited business schools in the Gulf Cooperation Council region as participants to collect data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic. Data were analysed using the content analysis method. Findings That accreditation significantly influences the business sustainability of these schools. In addition, although the direct impact of accreditation on financial innovation may not be immediately apparent, it was observed that financial inflows experienced remarkable growth after obtaining accreditation. Originality/value While the effects of accreditation have been thoroughly researched, its influence on financial innovation and business sustainability remains unexplored. This study aims to discern if accredited educational institutions excel in financial innovation and maintaining sustainable business practices. These findings have important implications as they guide university administrators to maximise the benefits of accrediting their business schools.

The resilience of Shariah-compliant investments: Probing the static and dynamic connectedness between gold-backed cryptocurrencies and GCC equity markets

This study investigates the return spillover between the Islamic gold-backed cryptocurrencies and equity markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The study utilizes the QVAR method to determine the quantile connectedness among the asset classes and identify optimal portfolio weights across different economic conditions. The results show that the GCC economies have stronger connections with each other than with the cryptocurrencies. However, there is an increase in connections between the GCC economies and cryptocurrencies during extreme events. This suggests that extreme news can amplify the relationship between the Islamic cryptocurrencies and GCC markets. The findings suggest that asymmetric tails exist in the connectedness between the asset classes, meaning that the relationship between them is stronger during extreme market conditions. Accordingly, the dynamic connectedness analysis reveals varying patterns of connectedness across different periods, outlining pivotal portfolio implications. The study also suggests optimal weights for portfolio managers and investors and outlines the least expensive hedging strategy. The research proposes that investors in the GCC region could potentially mitigate the risk of their Islamic equity portfolios by incorporating the Islamic Shariah-compliant gold-backed cryptocurrencies in their portfolio. Further studies could explore the role of other factors such as liquidity, market volatility, and investor sentiment in the relationship between asset classes. Future research could examine the effects of other types of news, such as macroeconomic news, on the relationship between asset classes. Additional research could focus on the implications of incorporating Islamic gold-backed cryptocurrencies in a portfolio for investors beyond the GCC region.

Income, Trade Openness, and Carbon Emission: Comparative Analysis of Continents and Trade Regions

Trade is one of the significant contributors to carbon emissions because it promotes transportation and merchandise production. With the threat of global warming, it is essential to study how trade influences carbon emissions and what are the potential solutions. This paper tests the correlation between trade openness and carbon emissions in different continents and regions. Using panel data analysis, the regression result suggests that the relationship is positive in Africa, South America, Asia, and North America, while it is negative in Europe and Oceania. Moreover, positive relationships are also observed in afCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) and non-afCFTA, while EU (European Union), non-EU regions, GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), and non-GCC regions display negative trends. The result verified that developed regions are generally more efficient at carbon emissions compared to under-developed ones. Therefore, high-income continents need to aid low-income continents with carbon reduction. Countries located on a low-income continent should insert more effort to reduce emissions when they intend to boost trading with other countries. The regression coefficients also suggest that non-EU and non-afCFTA countries should join the free trade agreements from an environmental aspect. All regions should not neglect emissions when trading and adopt strategies based on local characteristics to combat the increasing global emissions together.

An Overview of Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

The human population generates a substantial amount of waste, and if it is discarded without any treatment it can lead to environmental degradation. This is commonly executed by discharging substantial amount of untreated wastewater in the waterways. Wastewater can be generated from numerous locations but for this review the principal areas concerned are municipalities and industries. The focus of the current study relies on performing a thorough review on expressing the benefits of treating wastewater, assessing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reuse regulations associated with wastewater reuse, identifying different wastewater treatment technologies, and evaluating previous research implemented on this field across the GCC region. Various case studies about treatment technologies and reuse regulations are analyzed in this review for each country within the GCC. The findings show that treating wastewater holds many benefits such as reducing environmental pollution and can aid in helping nations with limited access to fresh water to meet their demand. The technologies for treating wastewater are discussed, such as: conventional filtration, chemical, biological treatment, and different membrane technologies. The review conveys that although treating water has many benefits, there are still many challenges associated with the cost, public perception, and management policies that need to be resolved. To improve wastewater treatment policies effective management can show greater potential for mitigating the freshwater shortage in the GCC countries. Also, since each GCC country has different policies regarding wastewater management, more research should be conducted in the future to adapt as the GCC territory is competing to produce new wastewater treatment plants to accommodate their growing demand for fresh water.

Breast Cancer in the Arabian Gulf Countries.

Breast cancer stands as the prevailing malignancy across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In this literature review, we highlighted the incidence and trend of breast cancer in the GCC. Most of the studies reported a consistent increase in breast cancer incidence over the past decades, which was particularly attributed to the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle in the region and the implications of emerging risk factors and other environmental and societal factors, the increase in screening uptake, as well as the improvement in data collection and reporting in the GCC. The data on breast cancer risk factors in the GCC were limited. In this geographic region, breast cancer frequently manifests with distinctive characteristics, including an early onset, typically occurring before the age of 50; an advanced stage at presentation; and a higher pathological grade. Additionally, it often exhibits more aggressive features such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity or the presence of triple-negative (TN) attributes, particularly among younger patients. Despite the growing body of literature on breast cancer in the GCC, data pertaining to survival rates are, regrettably, meager. Reports on breast cancer survival rates emanating from the GCC region are largely confined to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, predictive modeling reveals 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 97% and 89%, respectively, for the same period under scrutiny. These rates, when compared to Western counterparts such as Australia (89.5%) and Canada (88.2%), fall within the expected range. Conversely, Saudi Arabia reports a notably lower 5-year survival rate, standing at 72%. This disparity in survival rates underscores the need for further research directed toward elucidating risk factors and barriers that hinder early detection and screening. Additionally, there is a pressing need for expanded data reporting on survival outcomes within the GCC. In sum, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of breast cancer dynamics in this region is imperative to inform effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and improved patient outcomes.

Adaptation in Educational Management for International Students in Hosting Countries: An Overview of Gulf Countries

This in-depth analysis examined the dynamics of international education and its management in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The research review highlighted the growing significance of attracting international students to GCC countries as part of their educational expansion and economic diversification strategies. This review has underlined the complex interaction between higher education institutions, international students, and the broader societal and economic contexts within the GCC region by analysing 17 selected papers published between 2016 and 2023. The review used a rigorous search strategy and criteria for inclusion and exclusion to identify relevant studies. The research review results show that despite the GCC countries’ large expenditures in higher education infrastructure, there are still issues with linguistic obstacles, cultural adaption, and a desire for academic help for international students. Furthermore, the review stressed the significance of tailored assistance systems and strategies for international students, growth for faculty, and enhanced interactions with others to promote their successful adaptation and retention.

Public-Private Partnerships in the Gulf Cooperation Council Region: Policy Discussions, Projects, Regulatory Frameworks, and Future Directions

This policy insights paper explores the development of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region over the past three decades and argues that although GCC states did not embark on a full-fledged experience with PPPs, unstable oil and gas prices are changing this approach. PPPs are increasingly gaining strong political support, and GCC states have made numerous reforms to the existing regulatory and institutional systems to enable a more extensive uptake of PPPs that encompasses a broader spectrum of social and economic infrastructure services. This article offers an overview of the historical development of PPPs in the GCC region since the 1990s, illustrating policy discussions and motivations for adopting PPPs, the meaning and types of PPP projects that have been implemented or planned in the region, and the most recent developments in the regulatory and institutional frameworks underpinning PPPs.

Family business in the Arabian Gulf region

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide some insights into the importance of family business in the transition of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region into a diversified, modern economic region.Design/methodology/approachThis is a viewpoint paper, bringing together recent relevant academic and industry literature combined with the authors' observations of emerging regional trends.FindingsThe authors find that family businesses have been an anchor of private sector economic development in the GCC. Family businesses across the region reflect both the challenges and opportunity of the context. Recent social and economic changes present challenges to the historical ways of operation, and yet they also present opportunities.Originality/valueThis paper is intended to be thought provoking and insightful for those in the region and those with an interest in the region. The unique social, historical and economic characteristics of the region are discussed along with their impact on family businesses.