The effectiveness of e-entrepreneurship training programs in the emerging markets (GCC)

The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of e-entrepreneurship training programs (EETP) content (curriculum), EETP period, EETP trainers (instructors – individual mentor’s role) and EETP candidates’ input (involvement and contribution)) in the higher educational institutions (HEI) in the emerging markets (EM) particularly in the Gulf Countries Council (GCC). The survey instrument was pre-tested to establish its validity and reliability and the quantitative statistical data that emerged from the administration of the survey were analyzed using t-tests, factor analysis, and analysis of variance and correlations (ANOVA). the study concluded that the curriculum defines the experiences presented to the learner, hence the great influence on curriculum effectiveness. Instructors also are the actual implementers of the curriculum. Additionally, they guide students in the actual process. Their role reflects their influence on the effectiveness of EETP.

A Novel Review on the Adaptation of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources Management by Organizations in Gulf Countries

The purpose of the study is to understand the phenomenon of using artificial intelligence (AI) in human resources, especially in the gulf countries. This research effort provides a future perspective of using AI to better understand HR practitioners' attitudes and perspectives within multiple frameworks and the implications that technological advancements, in particular AI, have for the recruitment process. The study reveals that gulf countries will implement a vision (2030 vision) that will have a great opportunity to keep up with the digital transformation. It aims to investigate where AI can be implemented in the traditional recruitment process and possibly make the process more effective, as well as about what the implications would be of having AI within recruitment which leads to change in the composition of the workforce within organizations. It is urged that modern AI applications are an essential approach for organizations that work in an inconsistent environments.

Pan Arabism 2.0? The Struggle for a New Paradigm in the Middle East

The Abraham Accords, signed in September 2020 have helped shed a light on a new discourse emerging from the Gulf that seeks to challenge some of the old dogmas that have dominated the region in the last few decades. A decade of turmoil that followed what was once dubbed as the “Arab Spring” finds a divided region, full of ethnic and religious conflict, ungoverned territories, and the growing reality of failed states. An “axis of resistance”, led by radical elements from both the Shi’a and the Sunni world, is perceived as a growing challenge to a group of actors led by a number of Gulf countries who identify radicalization as an existential threat. Facing the “axis of resistance”, a new “axis of renaissance” is coming of age with an alternative vision that seeks to change the face of the Middle East. In parallel to the rapid decline of the traditional Arab capitals, the Gulf is emerging as a more significant voice in the region due to its economic, political, and media influence. This article seeks to capture and explain the rise of this new Gulf-led axis and the early formulation of a new agenda of a more tolerant Middle East through a radical reshuffling of the order of priorities in the region.

Transnational Seasonal Land Grabbing in Pakistan: Power Positions and Resistance

Each year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Pakistan issues a special 10-day hunting permit to royal family members of Gulf countries for seasonal hunting of Asian Houbara bustard ( Chlamydotis macqueen). This paper attempts to systematically present the understandings on seasonal land grabbing and its political economy in Pakistan. The role of local elites and government institutions and the response of local people, as well as their resistance, is discussed in detail.

A Comparative Study of CO2 Emission Forecasting in the Gulf Countries Using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, Artificial Neural Network, and Holt-Winters Exponential Smoothing Models

Forecasting is the process of making predictions based on past and present data, with the most common method being trend analysis. Forecasting models are becoming increasingly crucial in uncovering the intricate linkages between large amounts of imprecise data and uncontrollable variables. The main purpose of this article is to compare CO2 emission forecasts in Gulf countries. In this study, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), artificial neural network (ANN), and holt-Winters exponential smoothing (HWES) forecasting models are used to anticipate CO2 emissions in the Gulf countries on an annual basis. This study attempts to predict time series data on CO2 emissions in the Gulf countries using statistical tools. The current analysis relied on secondary data gathered from the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA). The study’s findings show that the ARIMA (1,1,1), Holt-Winters exponential smoothing, ARIMA (1,1,2), and ARIMA (2,1,2) models outperform the artificial neural network model in estimating CO2 emissions in the Gulf countries. This study gives information on the current state of CO2 emission forecasts. This study will aid the researcher’s understanding of CO2 emissions forecasts. In addition, government agencies can use the findings of this study to develop strategic plans.

Bilateral will dominate Gulf UK and EU trade advances

Significance The post-Brexit United Kingdom is eager to conclude economic agreements across the world under its promise to deliver a ‘Global Britain’. The EU wants to increase its visible commercial clout in the Gulf and strengthen its image as a significant geopolitical actor. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are ready to seize the opportunity to boost technology transfers. Impacts The Gulf countries’ increasingly serious shift towards green energy could be a major driver for increased European engagement. The GCC countries will seek further investment in their respective education sectors. Differences in perspective on human rights issues will lead to tension within the EU itself, as well as with the GCC.

Return Migration from the Gulf Region to India Amidst COVID-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has directly affected the millions of migrant workers in Gulf countries, mostly employed as temporary labour in construction and allied sectors. The Gulf region historically has been the most favoured destination for such jobs. However, the pandemic crisis has halted construction projects in these countries as the drastic fall in oil prices has affected Gulf oil and non-oil economies severely. This has had an adverse effect on Indian migrant workers as they face the threat of unemployment, leading to their voluntary or forced return to India. For example, at the end of 2020, half a million Kerala emigrants, most of them in the Gulf, had lost their jobs abroad due to the pandemic, making their return inevitable given their temporary status in these countries. This chapter examines how India is prepared to handle the changing trends in Indo-Gulf migration corridor and the subsequent return emigration from the Gulf. The chapter highlights major sending-state perspectives, such as that of Kerala and others, and their responses towards Gulf returnees. Moreover, it provides insights by revisiting the existing economic and social security measures for returning migrants and their families within the framework of state welfare schemes, thereby examining rehabilitation and re-integration mechanisms for return migrants at the central and state levels in India.

Acceptability of “High sn-2” Infant Formula in Non-Breast Fed Healthy Term Infants Regarding Gastrointestinal Tolerability by Both Parents and Pediatrician: An Open-Label Pilot Study in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Recent studies have highlighted the positive impact of high sn-2 formulas on gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance. We assessed the GI tolerance, acceptability, and safety of high sn-2 infant formula among non-breastfed healthy term infants in the Gulf countries. A multicenter observational study was conducted on 227 healthy-term infants who were prescribed high sn-2 palmitate infant formula and received a minimum of two formula feedings per day for the past two weeks prior to the study’s initiation. The number of stools per day decreased significantly from a median of four (interquartile range [IQR] = 4) at baseline to 3.0 (2) stools per day at the end of follow-up (p = 0.015). The percentage of stool amount changed significantly, where 61.2% and 33.7% of the infants had an amount of 25–50% of the diaper and >50% of the diaper, respectively (p < 0.001) at the end of the follow-up. Similarly, the percentage of hard stool decreased significantly from 17.4% at baseline to 0.4% of the population at week 12 (p < 0.00). The prevalence of colic and abdominal distention declined from 21.4% and 39.9% at baseline to 2.9% and 9.4% at week 12, respectively (p < 0.05). The same decline was observed in abdominal distension and regurgitation score (p < 0.05).

Risk of kidney health among returnee Nepali migrant workers: A survey of nephrologists

Background: Anecdotal reports suggest an increasing prevalence of kidney problems in returnee Nepali migrant workers from the Gulf countries and Malaysia. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to (a) explore the magnitude of the kidney health-related problems in returnee Nepali migrant workers; and, (b) assess the need for further scientific investigations. Materials and Methods: This was a self-administered survey of practicing nephrologists in Nepal. All 51 nephrologists working in Nepal (at the time of this study) were approached by email for anonymous participation using an online survey platform. Data were collected between December 2019 and February 2020. Descriptive statistics were generated for data analysis. Results: A total of 38 nephrologists completed the survey. Almost all their migrant patients were: younger than 40 years, males, from rural areas of Nepal, and had worked in Gulf countries or Malaysia. Most (92.1%) of the respondents reported that the causes behind kidney-related problems of returnee migrant workers were of unknown etiology and less likely to be linked to traditional risk factors. Chronic kidney disease and glomerulonephritis were the most common kidney health-related problems. The vast majority of respondents (76.3%) thought that the returnee migrant workers are at a higher risk of kidney-related problems than the general Nepali population. Conclusion: Nepali labor migrants in the countries of the Gulf and Malaysia could be at a higher risk of kidney health-related problems than the general Nepali population. Further rigorous scientific investigation is warranted to examine the kidney-health-related risk of Nepali migrant workers.