Mixed signals in a crypto week that saw $620m in liquidations
The cryptocurrency market continues to be a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing dramatic volatility and starkly contrasting signals which are leaving retail traders puzzled. After a significant...
Bitcoin claims the all-time high once again
This week, the cryptocurrency market saw significant movements that could reshape its future. Bitcoin (BTC) soared beyond expectations, breaking the $69,000 mark and setting a new all-time high at...
Bitcoin leads the charge in crypto bull market
In recent financial news, the leading crypto asset Bitcoin has showcased remarkable performance, marking its best month in over three years this February with a surge of 48% to hit $63,000. This...
The crossroad between fintech and crypto
Like many other professionals in my industry, I transitioned through fintech before landing in crypto. At some point in the past decade, I was an enthusiastic promoter of the importance of digitising...
AI and flexible payment solutions could be the new frontiers for retail and e-commerce
In the midst of an evolving retail landscape, where consumer expectations are increasingly diverging from the offerings of both in-store and online shopping experiences, the need for innovation and...
From zero to 1 million (Part II)
Another oversimplification states that we "just" need to gather 5,000 people to pay $17 a month for a 12-month subscription, or 250 people to pay $333 a month for a year. This is a stunt that 1% of...
From zero to 1 million (Part 1)
In January, YouTube bombarded me with videos produced by various influencers promoting the challenge: "From zero to $1 million in 12 months." Some were bold enough to declare "in 30 days" in their...
Debunking crypto myths
So, this is my 7th year working in crypto, and I am amazed at the confusion that still prevails among those who are not involved in this industry. Starting with my own mother, who certainly has no...
Navigating the future of money : Insights from CRYPTO2030 in Davos
The first edition of CRYPTO2030, held in the picturesque town of Davos, Switzerland, proved to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations shaping the future of finance. One of the most anticipated...
When usability affects business
Today's column is going to be unusual. There will be no business data quoted, only anecdotes aimed at illustrating how, in some cases, technology has grown to be a hurdle rather than a simplification....
Will e-commerce keep growing?
A recent study projecting the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of e-commerce sales from 2023 to 2027 reveals intriguing trends. Countries like India and Brazil lead the charge with a growth rate...
‘24 outlook: Summaries from top consulting firms
As we look towards 2024, the insights from PwC, EY, and Deloitte collectively paint a picture of a global economic environment that is cautiously optimistic but fraught with challenges. The ability to...
Steering through 2024's economic uncertainties
As we step into 2024, the global economic landscape is poised for a period marked by recalibration and strategic shifts. The forecasts and analyses from leading financial institutions provide valuable...
How Oman is preparing for economic growth in 2024
As Oman continues to navigate its economic transformation, several key factors are shaping its industrial and technological landscape. These factors not only impact the current economic scenario but...
Oman's Green Vision for 2050
COP28, the pivotal conference in the climate change discourse that just took place in the United Arab Emirates, has illustrated an intricate blend of collaboration, ambitious commitments, and complex...
A lesson from an Omani tech entrepreneur
If you're contemplating starting a tech business but are concerned about insufficient tech knowledge, take comfort in knowing that the opposite extreme also exists. There are entrepreneurs who dive...
2023 a rollercoaster year for Web3 gaming
As 2023 draws to a close, I will write on the pages of the Oman Observer some columns to summarize what happened in 2023 in specific industries, as well as anticipating what lies ahead in 20204. Today...
Oman's Economic Resilience and Vision Amidst Global and Regional Challenges
In the face of a complex global economic landscape, the Sultanate of Oman’s recent performance, as detailed in the Allianz Trade report, stands out as a testament to its robust economic policies and...
Oman’s innovation in virtual assets
Recently, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Oman has initiated a public dialogue to frame the future of Virtual Assets (VA) and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP). This move is a lot bigger...
The convergence of natural language and coding
The landscape of both storytelling and programming has witnessed transformative changes over the past few decades, roughly starting in the mid 90s and accelerating in the first decade of the 2000. As...