Joint venture of Brookfield and Qai will create an investment platform of up to 20 billion dollars to build artificial intelligence infrastructure in Qatar and selected global markets. The...
Ooredoo expands Copilot licensing to boost AI productivity for its Qatar workforce. The telecom firm widens Microsoft 365 Copilot access to more staff, targeting routine task automation. This rollout...
E-participation in the Gulf is changing the way people connect with their governments. Digital platforms give residents a chance to share their ideas and opinions easily online. This helps...
The impact of real-time data and verified valuations on market efficiency in today’s fast-changing market environment is transformational. Investors, businesses, and policymakers benefit greatly from timely and accurate information,...
In the dynamic landscape of Islamic finance, Nasser Abdulla Al Awadhi emerges as a visionary leader poised to steer Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) toward unprecedented growth. With over 33 years of banking experience, Nasser Al Awadhi brings a unique blend of strategic acumen,...
E-participation in the Gulf is changing the way people connect with their governments. Digital platforms give residents a chance to share their ideas and opinions easily online. This helps governments listen better and...
The impact of real-time data and verified valuations on market efficiency in today’s fast-changing market environment is transformational. Investors, businesses, and policymakers benefit greatly from timely and accurate information, enabling smarter decisions that...
In 2025, the financial services sector is experiencing a transformative wave, driven by visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining banking and investment through innovation, digital transformation, and a commitment to ethical practices, particularly in Islamic finance....
The Palantir AI deal in Dubai is at the center of a major new move in the emirate’s technology and real estate sectors. The deal brings together Dubai Holding and US-based Palantir Technologies...
Mastercard teams up with Kee Platforms in an embedded financing partnership. This deal targets small and medium enterprises (SMEs), micro retailers, and solo entrepreneurs across the Middle East. The partnership uses Mastercard Merchant...
The Palantir AI deal in Dubai is at the center of a major new move in the emirate’s technology and real estate sectors. The deal brings together Dubai Holding and US-based Palantir Technologies in...
The impact of fintech regulation on startup funding in the Middle East is significant and multifaceted. Clear and supportive regulatory frameworks have been instrumental in attracting investment to fintech startups, enabling innovation and growth in the region’s digital financial services sector. These regulations help balance the rapid evolution of fintech with necessary consumer protections, fostering investor confidence and expanding funding opportunities.
Fintech Regulation and Its Role in the Middle East
Fintech...
The Palantir AI deal in Dubai is at the center of a major new move in the emirate’s technology and real estate sectors. The deal brings together Dubai Holding and US-based Palantir Technologies in a joint venture called Aither that aims to speed up the use of artificial intelligence across Dubai’s economy.
New AI venture Aither
Dubai Holding and Palantir have set up Aither as a dedicated AI company based in the UAE. The venture will...
Launched with the approval of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, this ambitious plan leverages the Kingdom’s strengths, such as its pivotal role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, substantial investment capabilities, and strategic geographic...
In 2025, the financial services sector is experiencing a transformative wave, driven by visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining banking and investment through innovation, digital transformation, and a commitment to ethical practices, particularly in Islamic finance. These leaders, primarily based in the Middle East, are steering their organizations toward global prominence by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, forging strategic partnerships, and aligning with regional economic goals.
Hisham Hammoud—Aafaq Islamic Finance
Hisham Hammoud, CEO of Aafaq Islamic Finance, brings over 25 years of banking experience to drive digital transformation in Sharia-compliant finance. Since his appointment in 2022, Hammoud has spearheaded partnerships, such as with DMCC...
The insurance industry in the Middle East and beyond is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by innovative leadership and a focus on customer-centric solutions. Below is a listicle of the top 10 insurance companies to watch in 2025, each led by visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining reliability, trust, and innovation in the sector.
Top 10 Most Reliable Insurance Companies to Watch in 2025
1. MENA InsureLab—Aicha Ghaffari
Aicha Ghaffari, Managing Director of MENA InsureLab, is steering the company toward becoming a powerhouse in insurance innovation. Under her leadership, MENA InsureLab fosters collaboration between startups and established insurers, driving digital transformation across the...
The food and beverage industry in the Middle East is experiencing rapid transformation, driven by visionary leaders who are redefining standards, innovating products, and expanding global footprints. Here are ten entrepreneurs and executives making waves in 2025—leaders whose strategies and achievements are shaping the future of food and beverage.
Top 10 Food & Beverage Business Leaders
1. Hussein Samhan—Chairman and CEO, Il Forno
With over two decades at the helm of Il Forno, Hussein Samhan has built the brand into a household name in the UAE’s Italian dining scene. His leadership since 2000 has been marked by consistent growth, a focus on...
Murtaza Sheikhani's journey didn't start in the boardrooms. It began with the incomplete structures in Pakistan. The memory that he recalls of his father speaking passionately about how these projects are not just...
Abdulfatah Ramadan Mohalhel: Kuwait Drilling Company ( KDC )
Entrepreneurs and leaders thrive in uncertainty, adapting to challenges with perseverance and integrity....