MAGNAV Emirates

Hafsa Qadeer

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Supporting Dubai’s Cultural Sovereignty in a Global Age

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Supporting Dubai’s Cultural Sovereignty in a Global Age

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi Supporting Dubai’s Cultural Sovereignty in a Global Age By Hafsa Qadeer Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi stands at the centre of Dubai’s cultural transformation as both custodian and architect of its creative direction. In her capacity as the official authority overseeing arts, design and literature, she has guided the city beyond the optics of rapid urban expansion toward a deeper, more enduring cultural consciousness. Her work has helped reposition Dubai as a place where creativity is not incidental but structural, not decorative but civic. Born and raised in Dubai at a moment when the city was still defining its cultural self image, Shaima grew up witnessing change as a lived experience. Neighbourhoods evolved, communities arrived from across the world, and traditions were preserved alongside ambition. Family gatherings, public festivals, exhibitions and citywide celebrations were not peripheral moments but formative ones. They offered early lessons in belonging, memory and the unspoken language through which culture binds a society together. From an early age, she understood culture not as a static inheritance but as something lived and continuously shaped. Storytelling, calligraphy, architecture and craft were not simply aesthetic forms but carriers of history and intention. As Dubai modernised, she observed how cultural expression adapted without severing its roots. Every exhibition and festival carried with it both remembrance and aspiration. This duality became central to her philosophy and later her leadership. Her professional foundation in communications and marketing proved instrumental rather than incidental. These disciplines trained her in narrative clarity, audience engagement and strategic vision. She recognised early that culture requires translation as much as creation. Artists and writers need not only space to work but frameworks that allow their work to be seen, understood and valued. Through storytelling, she helped bridge the distance between creators and audiences, between local practice and global visibility. At the core of Shaima’s leadership is an ethic of listening. She does not approach the creative community as an abstract sector but as a network of individuals with specific needs and ambitions. Some require affordable studios, others guidance through regulation and licensing, and many seek reassurance that their work holds meaning within the broader cultural landscape. Her response has never been uniform. Instead, she has prioritised dialogue, shaping initiatives that respond to lived realities rather than theoretical models. This approach is reflected in the Al Quoz Creative Zone, conceived as a working ecosystem rather than a symbolic district. It is a space where studios, workshops and commercial activity coexist, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and generations. Emerging creatives work alongside established practitioners, fostering exchange rather than hierarchy. The zone embodies her belief that cultural vitality cannot be imposed. It must be cultivated through proximity, access, and trust. Complementing this infrastructure is the Dubai Cultural Grant, which supports creatives at the most vulnerable stage of development. The grant extends beyond financial assistance, pairing funding with mentorship and visibility. Programmes such as Talent Atelier create sustained pathways for professional growth, transforming ideas into practice and potential into sustainable careers. These initiatives reflect Shaima’s conviction that creativity flourishes when opportunity is structured and support is consistent. Her vision consistently rejects the false opposition between heritage and innovation. Emirati culture, in her view, is both anchor and catalyst. The Sikka Art and Design Festival exemplifies this principle. Set within the historic fabric of Al Shindagha, the festival transforms courtyards and alleyways into spaces of contemporary expression. Artists reinterpret local references through modern forms, creating work that is rooted yet exploratory. The result is a living cultural dialogue rather than a curated nostalgia. Literature occupies a similarly vital place within her remit. Shaima recognises storytelling as a vehicle of identity and a bridge to global conversation. Through initiatives that support writers, translation and public dialogue, she has expanded the reach of Emirati voices beyond linguistic and geographic boundaries. Programmes such as Library Talks provide spaces for learning and exchange, ensuring that literary culture remains accessible and participatory. Technology also plays a strategic role in her cultural framework. She views digital tools and artificial intelligence not merely as utilities but as emerging artistic languages. By hosting international platforms dedicated to electronic and emerging art, she has positioned Dubai as a meeting point for discussions on creativity, data and the future of expression. These engagements ensure that Emirati creatives are not passive observers of global change but active contributors to it. Under her stewardship, Dubai’s cultural calendar has become layered and interconnected. Major international events coexist with grassroots platforms, creating continuity rather than spectacle. Art fairs, literature festivals and emerging art initiatives collectively shape a narrative that reflects the city’s complexity and ambition. Dubai is no longer simply hosting culture. It is producing it with intent and coherence. Shaima is acutely aware of the generational responsibility embedded in cultural leadership. She invests in young creatives not as future participants but as present voices. Mentorship is treated as essential infrastructure, ensuring that knowledge circulates and innovation remains grounded. By encouraging experimentation alongside discipline, she fosters resilience within the creative community. Despite the scale of her influence, she remains notably focused on systems rather than personal recognition. Her concern lies in durability. Whether the frameworks she has helped establish will continue to support artists long after individual leadership cycles pass. Her broader ambition is to recalibrate global perceptions of Emirati culture as living, adaptive and intellectually rigorous. Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi’s trajectory is inseparable from the city she serves. Dubai’s evolution toward cultural maturity mirrors her own approach to leadership. Both are rooted in heritage yet unapologetically forward looking. Through her work, culture has become a defining civic force rather than a peripheral ambition. In her hands, Dubai’s creative sector functions as a living organism, responsive, evolving and interconnected. Funding structures, creative zones, festivals and international exchanges are not isolated initiatives but components of a coherent cultural architecture. They ensure that the UAE is not merely consuming global culture but shaping it. Looking ahead, Shaima envisions a cultural landscape where artists move freely across

The Classic Traditional Sweet Present at Festivals Throughout the Emirates, Inside the Heart and Soul of the Luqaimat

The Classic Traditional Sweet Present at Festivals Throughout the Emirates, Inside the Heart and Soul of the Luqaimat

The Classic Traditional Sweet Present at Festivals Throughout the Emirates, Inside the Heart and Soul of the Luqaimat By Hafsa Qadeer The Classic Traditional Sweet Present at Festivals Throughout the Emirates, Inside the Heart and Soul of the LuqaimatIf you find yourself wandering through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi, or navigating the vibrant, neon-lit stalls of Global Village in Dubai, your senses will inevitably be hijacked by a singular, intoxicating aroma. It is a fragrance that defies the arid desert air, a heavy, sweet perfume of toasted saffron, the sharp, medicinal warmth of green cardamom, and the deep, caramelized musk of date syrup. Follow that scent to its source, and you will find the true heartbeat of Emirati hospitality. There, usually presided over by a group of formidable women whose hands move with the rhythmic precision of a master percussionist, sits a wide, bubbling vat of oil. With a flick of the wrist, small spheres of dough are launched into the heat. They bob, they spin, and they transform from pale ivory to a majestic, burnished gold. This is the Luqaimat. To the uninitiated, it is merely a fried dough ball. To the Emirati, it is a vessel of history, a symbol of survival, and the undisputed king of the festival table. The Ancient Pedigree of a Desert Delight To truly understand Luqaimat is to understand the history of the Silk Road and the profound culinary cross-pollination of the Middle East. While we claim it today as a quintessential Emirati treasure, its DNA stretches back to the 13th-century Abbasid Caliphate. Known in classical Arabic as Luqmat al-Qadi, translated literally as “The Judge’s Morsel, it was said to be so delicious that a judge, upon tasting one, would find his mood instantly lightened, perhaps even influencing a favorable verdict in the courts of old Baghdad. As the recipe traveled along the trade routes, it found a permanent home in the coastal and desert settlements of the Trucial States. In the pre-union days, before the skyscrapers of Dubai pierced the clouds and the oil wealth transformed the landscape, sweetness was a luxury of the highest order. In the harsh environment of the desert or the demanding, salt-crusted life of a pearl diver, calories were more than just sustenance; they were precious energy. The Luqaimat represented a celebration of rare and imported ingredients. Flour, yeast, and oil were staples, but the addition of saffron, plucked from the crocus flowers of the Iranian plateau, and cardamom from the Malabar Coast of India spoke of a nation that sat at the crossroads of global maritime trade. Today, as the United Arab Emirates celebrates its status as a global hub of modernization, the Luqaimat remains an anchor. It is the culinary glue that binds the generation of the Bedouins, who remembers the silence of the dunes, to the generation of the digital age, who navigates the heights of the Burj Khalifa. A Masterclass in Manual Dexterity There is a specific, mesmerizing theater to the preparation of Luqaimat that no modern machinery or industrial assembly line can replicate. At any cultural festival, the Luqaimat station is the primary attraction, often drawing longer queues than the modern food trucks parked nearby. The women who man these stations are the keepers of the national flame. Watching them is a lesson in fluid dynamics and human dexterity. The batter is notoriously difficult to handle; it must be elastic enough to stretch but firm enough to hold a sphere. The cook dips her left hand into a bowl of water to prevent sticking, then grabs a fistful of the sticky, fermented dough. With a calibrated squeeze of her thumb and forefinger, she pops a perfect sphere into the shimmering oil. It happens in milliseconds, a rapid-fire performance of rhythmic movement that fills the fryer with dozens of identical spheres in under a minute. As they fry, they are constantly agitated with a long-handled slotted spoon. This constant movement is the secret to their architecture; it ensures the ball is cooked evenly on all sides, resulting in a shell that is thin and glass-crisp, while the interior remains a soft, yeasty honeycomb of air. This texture is the hallmark of a master. A Luqaimat that is too dense is a failure; one that is too oily is a tragedy. It must be a morsel in every sense, a light, ephemeral bite that disappears almost as soon as it hits the tongue, leaving behind only the lingering warmth of the spices. The Holy Trinity of Aromatics What separates the Emirati Luqaimat from its global cousins, the Greek Loukoumades, the Turkish Lokma, or even the Indian Gulab Jamun, is the unapologetic boldness of its finishing. While other cultures might use a clear honey syrup or a simple dusting of powdered sugar, the Emirati version is rooted in the “Tree of Life.” Once the golden balls are drained of excess oil, they are not merely drizzled; they are baptized in Dibs. This is a thick, viscous, and intensely dark syrup made from boiled-down dates. It is the black gold of the Emirati kitchen, tasting of dark chocolate, molasses, and sun-drenched fruit. Unlike honey, which sits on the surface, the warm Dibs seeps slightly into the fragile crust, creating a tacky, rich coating that demands the diner abandon all pretense of using forks. The date palm has provided for the people of this region for millennia, offering shade, building materials, and life-sustaining fruit. By using Dibs, the Luqaimat becomes an extension of the land itself. The final act is a generous shower of toasted white sesame seeds. They provide a nutty counterpoint to the deep sweetness of the dates and a tiny, architectural crunch that complements the snap of the dough. When served alongside Gahwa, the bitter, cardamom-infused Arabic coffee, the balance is perfect. The bitterness of the coffee cleanses the palate, making the next sweet bite feel as fresh as the first. The Pulse of the Festival The

The Digital Dirham and the Total Transformation of Your Monthly Spending

The Digital Dirham and the Total Transformation of Your Monthly Spending

The Digital Dirham and the Total Transformation of Your Monthly Spending By Hafsa Qadeer There is a specific, quiet tension that defines the final forty-eight hours of the month for most residents of the United Arab Emirates. It is the period when the spreadsheet of life, including school fees, the DEWA bill, the mortgage, and the inevitable costs of the weekend’s social obligations, undergoes a frantic reconciliation. Historically, this has been a manual labor of the mind, a series of logins, OTP codes, and the anxious tracking of “pending” transactions that seem to hover in the digital ether of commercial banking for days. But as we move through the dawn of 2026, a silent revolution is rendering this anxiety obsolete. The Digital Dirham, the UAE’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), has transitioned from the conceptual laboratory to the pockets of the public, and in doing so, it is fundamentally reconfiguring the DNA of our daily existence. To walk down Sheikh Zayed Road today is to witness a nation in the midst of a sovereign metamorphosis. The transition to a cashless society is an old headline, but what we are witnessing now is something far more profound than the death of paper notes. We are witnessing the birth of “Smart Money.” This is not the speculative, volatile world of private cryptocurrencies, nor is it the mere “digital representation” of money offered by traditional banks.  The Digital Dirham is a direct liability of the Central Bank of the UAE, a digital extension of the state itself, and its integration into the retail economy is arguably the most significant economic pivot since the unification of the Emirates. The catalyst for this transformation was the Central Bank’s “Financial Infrastructure Transformation” (FIT) program, a multi-year roadmap that sought to bridge the gap between traditional fiat and the future of decentralized finance. For the average expatriate or Emirati citizen, the technical jargon of “Distributed Ledger Technology” (DLT) or “Multi-CBDC Bridges” matters less than the practical reality of the “Monthly Spend.” In the traditional banking model, your money is essentially a promise from a private institution. In the Digital Dirham era, your money is a programmable asset that possesses its own intelligence. The Rise of the Programmable Household The most radical departure from the old world lies in the concept of programmability. Until now, money was “dumb.” A five-hundred-dirham note did not know if it was being spent on a child’s textbook or a luxury dinner; it was a passive medium of exchange. The Digital Dirham, however, can be embedded with “Smart Contracts”, automated protocols that execute payments only when specific, verified conditions are met. Imagine, for instance, the complex ecosystem of a household’s monthly expenses. Under the new regime, a resident can “tag” portions of their salary at the moment of deposit. You are no longer just putting money into a savings account; you are programming your currency to prioritize your survival. A smart contract can be set so that the moment your salary is issued in Digital Dirhams, the exact portion required for your rent is “earmarked.” This money cannot be accidentally spent on a spontaneous sale at the mall or a high-end delivery app. It sits in a state of digital readiness, programmed to release itself to the landlord’s wallet the millisecond the 1st of the month arrives, provided the Ejari system confirms the lease is still valid. This shifts the burden of financial discipline from the individual to the infrastructure. For the thousands of families who live paycheck to paycheck, this “automated guardrail” provides a level of financial security that was previously the province of those who could afford private wealth managers. The Digital Dirham effectively democratizes sophisticated financial planning, baking it into the very currency we use to buy bread. The Liquidation of Time Beyond the domestic budget, the Digital Dirham is tackling the “time tax” that has plagued global commerce for centuries. In the legacy banking system, a transaction is rarely instantaneous, despite what the screen on your phone might say. When you tap a card at a merchant in Dubai Mall, a complex web of intermediaries, acquirers, processors, card schemes, and issuing banks begins a multi-day ritual of verification and settlement. During this time, the money is in a state of limbo. The Digital Dirham operates on a peer-to-peer basis. When you pay for a service, the settlement is the transaction. There is no clearinghouse. There is no three-day wait for a merchant to see the funds in their account. This “instantaneity” has profound micro-economic consequences. For the small business owner in a Sharjah industrial area, the ability to receive payment in real-time means they can pay their suppliers in real-time, which in turn allows them to negotiate better rates, ultimately lowering the cost of goods for the consumer. We are seeing the total liquidation of “float” time, a change that injects a massive burst of velocity into the national economy. The mBridge Revolution Perhaps no segment of the UAE population feels the impact of this transformation more acutely than the expatriate workforce. For decades, the “Remittance Ritual” has been a pillar of life here. Every month, billions of dirhams are sent across borders to families in India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, and beyond. Historically, this process has been a gauntlet of exchange house fees and the sluggish “correspondent banking” network, where money hops through multiple international banks, losing a small percentage of its value at every stop. The UAE’s leadership in Project mBridge, a platform that connects the CBDCs of multiple nations, is the wrecking ball that is finally dismantling this antiquated system. By using the Digital Dirham, a worker can now send funds home with the same ease as sending a text message. Because the central banks of these participating nations are connected directly through a shared ledger, the “correspondent” middleman is eliminated. In early 2026, the data is already showing the results. The cost of sending remittances has plummeted, and the time of arrival has moved from

Ms. Loubna Menchal Purpose-Driven Leadership, Trust & Human-Centered Technology

Ms. Loubna Menchal, Purpose-Driven Leadership, Trust & Human-Centered Technology

Ms. Loubna Menchal Purpose-Driven Leadership, Trust & Human-Centered Technology By Hafsa Qadeer Across a 22-year career spanning technology, commercial strategy, and leadership across continents, Ms. Loubna Imenchal has been guided by one unwavering principle, lead with purpose and empower with trust. From building new business lines to leading large multicultural teams, she believes that performance is a natural outcome when people understand why they do what they do and feel trusted to own their impact. Leadership, in her view, is not about control but about clarity, removing fear, and creating the conditions for growth. That is how organizations endure, and cultures are built with pride. As she steps into her new role at Axis Communications, her focus is both strategic and deeply human. Axis already holds a strong regional legacy built on smart, secure, and sustainable solutions, and its priority is to accelerate growth without losing sight of those values. This begins with listening closely to customers and partners across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, understanding local challenges rather than assuming them. Strengthening ecosystem collaboration is equally critical, as success in this industry is built through partnerships. Internally, she is focused on empowering teams, aligning them around a clear vision so the organization moves faster, smarter, and together. In one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, she believes timing and precision are everything. Having led across Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, Ms. Imenchal describes contrast not as a barrier but as a catalyst for growth. Navigating between fast moving and slow-maturing markets, and between traditional and digital mindsets, forced her to become both agile and reflective. The Middle East and Africa region, however, shaped her most profoundly. Markets may shift overnight, but relationships endure. She learned that sustainable growth in emerging markets comes from trust and cultural intelligence rather than strategy alone. This insight shaped her into a leader who listens first, acts second, and prioritizes long-term credibility over short-term wins. Looking toward the future of security and AI driven infrastructure, she sees a fundamental shift underway. Artificial intelligence at the edge will enable real-time, intelligent decision making closer to where data is generated. Predictive analytics and digital twins will move security from reactive to proactive. Cyber-physical convergence will redefine security beyond devices to entire connected ecosystems. At Axis, she sees security evolving into insight, helping organizations make smarter, safer, and more sustainable decisions. The future, she emphasizes, will be defined not by how powerful intelligence becomes, but by how responsibly it is used. After decades across B2B, B2C, and B2G environments, Ms. Imenchal believes many companies still misunderstand how trust is built. Long term trust is not created through products, pricing, or short term performance, but through consistency, transparency, and follow through. Too often, organizations focus on selling rather than standing by customers once a deal is signed. Integrity during challenges matters far more than a polished pitch. Transparency is equally critical, especially in government and enterprise contexts, where honesty about risks and timelines builds credibility. Above all, trust is cumulative. It is shaped by every interaction, every promise kept or broken, and most failures of trust stem not from one major incident but from repeated small inconsistencies. When designing route to market strategies across diverse regions, her focus is on adaptability built on a non negotiable core. What truly scales is not rigid strategy, but a strong framework with a clear value proposition, defined partner roles, strong governance, customer experience standards, and transparent commercial principles. Within that structure, local teams can flex for regulatory nuance, partner maturity, market velocity, and cultural dynamics. This balance of global consistency and local agility enables growth without losing control, and builds trust across very different markets. As a long standing diversity and inclusion advocate, Ms. Imenchal is clear that inclusion does not happen by accident, it happens by design. Early in her career, she was told she did not fit the culture because the industry had always been a men’s space. That moment shaped her leadership philosophy and reinforced her belief that culture defined by sameness protects comfort rather than progress. Real inclusion begins at the entry point, removing bias from job descriptions, widening recruitment pathways, and hiring for potential as well as experience. Leaders must be held structurally accountable, with inclusive leadership measured as a performance metric. She strongly advocates moving from the idea of culture fit to culture add, recognizing that innovation comes from difference, not conformity. Visibility is also essential, women must be given high impact opportunities, customer facing roles, and sponsorship, not just a seat at the table. Ensuring cross functional alignment, especially in fast moving regions, is another cornerstone of her leadership. Alignment begins with a single shared narrative, a clear understanding of why a product is launching or a market is being entered. Teams must co build plans rather than receive them top down, transforming departments into a unified ecosystem. Clear roles, responsibilities, success metrics, and risk mitigation plans are defined upfront, reducing friction and fostering accountability. When teams share ownership from the start, execution becomes seamless. As AI and cybersecurity solutions scale, Ms. Imenchal believes the most critical ethical question leaders must address is trust. As technology becomes more intelligent and intrusive, the line between protection and surveillance grows thinner. Transparency must come before capability, if technology cannot be explained clearly, it should not be deployed. Human judgment must remain central, with accountability never fully delegated to algorithms. Security, she insists, must never come at the expense of dignity. Ethical guardrails must be embedded from day one, not added later. To young women aspiring to senior leadership in tech and security, her advice is direct and deeply personal. Do not wait to feel ready. Opportunities rarely arrive at perfect moments. Difference is not a weakness, it is a competitive advantage. Mastery builds confidence, competence anchors credibility. Seek allies and sponsors who advocate for you, not just mentors. Say yes to roles that feel uncomfortable, because growth lives beyond familiarity. Protect your values

Dr. Harmeek Singh

Thinking Beyond The Obvious Dr. Harmeek Singh, On Culture, Creativity & Legacy In The UAE

Revolutionizing Wanderlust The Cutting Edge of Tourism & Hospitality Innovation By Peter Davis When Dr. Harmeek Singh reflects on his journey from arriving in Dubai with little more than a suitcase and a dream to leading one of the UAE’s most influential homegrown creative groups, he doesn’t point to a single breakthrough moment. Instead, he speaks of a series of formative experiences that quietly shaped his philosophy of “thinking beyond the obvious.” Resilience, empathy, and service became his compass early on, influenced deeply by his Sikh upbringing and the principle of seva, service without expectation. For Dr. Singh, creativity and leadership are inseparable from responsibility. Every idea begins with a simple but powerful question: Who might be left behind if this isn’t done thoughtfully. That philosophy has guided Plan b Group as it delivered some of the region’s most iconic large-scale events. According to Dr. Singh, the difference between a good idea and a truly groundbreaking one only becomes clear when imagination meets reality. Concepts must survive permits, budgets, weather, and logistics, but more importantly, they must resonate emotionally. A child asking to stay longer, strangers sharing a moment of joy, or a city embracing an idea—these are the signals that a project has moved beyond spectacle into meaning. Groundbreaking work, he believes, respects both the people building it and the people experiencing it. Being named among the World’s 100 Most Powerful Sikhs is an honor Dr. Singh views less as personal recognition and more as affirmation of the values that shape his leadership. Humility, patience, and generosity guide how he builds teams and makes decisions. At Plan B, culture comes before company. Talent matters, but character matters just as much. He takes greater pride in quiet victories than in public accolades: a young producer stepping confidently into responsibility, a team solving problems without blame, or a workplace where everyone feels seen and valued. These moments, he says, are what keep creativity grounded and authentic. As the UAE enters a new era of experiential storytelling, where technology, emotion, and national vision intersect—Dr. Singh sees the role of creative agencies evolving rapidly. Agencies are no longer just event producers; they are interpreters of culture and emotion. Technology should enhance human connection, not replace it. Success must be measured not only by scale or innovation, but by participation, safety, sentiment, and whether audiences feel compelled to return. As the country strengthens its position as a global cultural hub, balancing innovation with authenticity becomes essential. Inside Plan b, culture-driven leadership is not a slogan but a daily practice. Dr. Singh describes it as prioritizing people over processes and kindness over appearances. While events may look glamorous from the outside, the real work happens behind the scenes, supporting vendors, managing timelines, guiding volunteers, and ensuring public safety. Sustaining this culture across diverse creative disciplines requires modeling disciplined kindness and empowering teams to take ownership, especially of the unglamorous work that ultimately enables spectacular outcomes. In a market known for speed and constant change, Dr. Singh is cautious about chasing trends. His decision-making is guided by resilience, inclusivity, and clarity. Innovation is encouraged, but every idea must pass a test of meaningful impact. Will it resonate with people? Is it safe and sustainable? Will it leave a legacy rather than a fleeting impression? By balancing experimentation with thoughtful strategy, he believes relevance can be built for the long term, not just the moment. For young entrepreneurs who look to his journey as a blueprint, Dr. Singh is quick to challenge the myth of overnight success. The creative industry, he says, is built on invisible work—systems, contingency planning, and preparation for the unexpected. Weather shifts, last-minute challenges, and unforeseen constraints are constant companions. True success lies not just in flawless execution, but in preparing for both Plan A and Plan B, and treating setbacks as opportunities for growth. Asked what differentiates the UAE’s creative output from global markets, Dr. Singh points to three non-negotiables: clarity, composure, and service. Clarity ensures everyone understands the purpose, composure ensures audiences never see panic, and service ensures leadership is measured by who emerges stronger at the end, crews, partners, and communities alike. This blend of precision and empathy, he believes, is what sets the region apart. Among the many ambitious projects Plan B. has executed, those centered on women’s sports and participation platforms tested him the most. Seeing a mother complete her first 3K alongside her daughter, laughing, crying, and celebrating, remains a defining memory. It reinforced a lesson that continues to shape his leadership: real impact comes from creating environments that amplify joy, safety, and inclusion. As he mentors the next generation within his team, Dr. Singh looks for three non-negotiable qualities: courage, empathy, and accountability. He believes in giving young leaders real responsibility, along with guidance and the dignity of being heard. Watching interns grow into producers and then leaders is, for him, proof that empowering talent with trust is the most powerful way to build creative, strategic, and culturally aware leadership. Ultimately, Dr. Harmeek Singh’s story is not just about building events or organizations, it’s about building people, culture, and moments that endure. In an industry often driven by scale and spectacle, his leadership reminds us that the most lasting impact comes from thinking beyond the obvious and leading with humanity at the center of every vision.

PETER TAVENER

Peter Tavener, & His Fintech Vision Are Reimagining SME Finance in the GCC

Beehive’s Billion-Dollar Buzz Peter Tavener & His Fintech Vision Are Reimagining SME Finance in the GCC After crossing the USD 1 billion SME funding milestone, Beehive’s CEO Peter leads a regional fintech revolution built on trust, technology, and purpose shaping the future of finance across the Gulf. By Hafsa Qadeer The glow of Dubai’s fintech skyline has a few names that have come to define innovation, but few shine as steadily as Beehive. For over a decade, the company has redefined how small and medium enterprises across the GCC access capital, bridging a gap that traditional finance long left open. Under the leadership of CEO Peter, Beehive recently celebrated a landmark achievement: crossing the one-billion-dollar milestone in SME funding. But for Peter, this isn’t simply a number on a balance sheet. It’s a story of thousands of businesses across the region that have found new life, growth, and confidence through a digital-first funding platform built on trust, technology, and purpose. Peter speaks of this achievement with a quiet pride that reflects both the company’s resilience and its clear vision. Beehive, now backed by e&, the Etisalat Group, is moving beyond milestones to momentum. Over the next twelve to eighteen months, the company is focused on expanding across the GCC with a mission to deepen financial inclusion, offering fast, digital, and accessible funding for enterprises that form the economic backbone of the region. Strategic partnerships, such as the structured funding deal with Goldman Sachs and the collaboration with Magellan Capital, have further strengthened Beehive’s institutional base, empowering it to grow responsibly while maintaining the disciplined underwriting and risk evaluation that have long defined its model. The company’s success story isn’t confined to the UAE. In Oman, Beehive’s partnership with Future Fund Oman has already channelled over 7.1 million OMR, or around eighteen million US dollars, in SME financing. In Saudi Arabia, the company is preparing for a transformative merger with Themar, a leading local peer-to-peer lending platform, designed to bring together global expertise, cutting-edge technology, and local market knowledge. For Beehive, these are not just regional expansions but affirmations of a vision that sees every small business as a potential driver of national growth. What sets Beehive apart isn’t just its scale, but its agility in adapting technology to solve real-world financing challenges. One of the company’s most significant shifts has been the integration of the Direct Debit System, an API-driven platform that digitized repayment collections. This change may sound technical, but its impact has been revolutionary. Gone are the days of manual cheque processing, delays, and administrative burden. Today, Beehive’s entire loan disbursement and repayment cycle runs electronically, enabling faster processing, same-day reconciliation, and enhanced predictability of cash flow. The system has brought greater transparency and control, reducing operational friction while improving repayment reliability. For the company’s finance teams, it’s a transformation that replaced paperwork with precision, freeing them to focus on what truly matters, helping SMEs grow. Behind these operational advances lies a deeper story of discipline. Even with a USD 140 million structured funding deal in place, Beehive continues to balance rapid growth with rigorous risk management. Over the years, it has invested heavily in strengthening its credit assessment models, integrating AI tools that allow faster, smarter evaluations without compromising quality. The results are telling. With a non-performing loan ratio below two percent and a default rate at zero this year, Beehive’s performance stands well above the regional banking average. For Peter, this precision isn’t just about protecting investors, it’s about ensuring the ecosystem of small businesses that rely on Beehive remains stable, confident, and supported. Yet Beehive’s financial ecosystem extends beyond pure technology and data. At its heart lies a strong alignment with regional values, particularly through its Sharia-compliant financing model. A significant portion of the company’s SME funding is Sharia-approved, reflecting both market demand and cultural integrity. Supported by a dedicated Sharia Supervisory Board, Beehive ensures that its products adhere to Islamic finance principles while meeting the fast-paced needs of modern enterprises. The alignment of Sharia compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values has also positioned Beehive as a leader in ethical and responsible investing. For Peter, the connection is natural, both frameworks emphasize fairness, transparency, and long-term positive impact. Expanding across the GCC comes with its own complexities, from regulatory frameworks to cultural nuances. Oman’s SME landscape, while rapidly developing, still faces limited access to financing compared to the UAE, prompting Beehive to focus on increasing both awareness and accessibility. Saudi Arabia, by contrast, presents a fast-moving and highly competitive market, powered by national goals that prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship. Beehive’s approach in both markets is rooted in adaptability, local partnerships, and respect for local business culture. By maintaining a centralized product framework and tailoring it to each market’s regulatory and economic realities, the company ensures consistency, scalability, and relevance across borders. Technology remains the heartbeat of Beehive’s innovation strategy. Artificial intelligence and alternative data are not distant concepts but practical tools already shaping its operations. AI-driven credit screening now enables quicker and more accurate assessments, while automation has replaced repetitive data tasks, allowing human teams to focus on strategic analysis and customer engagement. For Beehive, technology isn’t just a differentiator, it’s a catalyst for democratizing access to finance. As Peter often emphasizes, the goal is to make funding faster, smarter, and simpler for every entrepreneur who dares to dream bigger. Sustainability, too, has found a permanent place within Beehive’s DNA. As global investor sentiment shifts toward responsible finance, the company has proactively embedded ESG metrics into its loan origination and monitoring processes. By evaluating businesses not only for their financial performance but also for their environmental and social footprint, Beehive identifies enterprises that are resilient and future-ready. Transparency remains at the core of this approach, with detailed quarterly reports offering investors insights into portfolio performance, repayment trends, and risk distribution. The company’s licensing under the DFSA in the UAE and the FSA in Oman further strengthens its governance framework, ensuring investor protection

HELEN KAREVA

Helen Kareva, The Art of Redefining Corporate Humanity

Helen Kareva, The Art of Redefining Corporate Humanity By Hafsa Qadeer When Helen Kareva moved to Dubai a few years ago, she expected new horizons, but she did not expect silence. Not the literal kind, but a professional quiet that muffled the voices of people like her, skilled, experienced, and yet somehow unseen. She and her co-founder had both spent years in corporate and creative worlds, speaking at panels and events back home, but when they tried to enter the global speaking circuit, they found the doors half closed. They attended conferences and panels hoping to find a way in, and what they saw unsettled them. The same speakers appeared again and again. The same ideas recycled on different stages. Meanwhile, thousands of professionals with real stories to tell were left behind. It was not a question of talent, Helen realized. It was a question of access. From that silence came SpeakUp, a platform built not just to help people talk, but to help ideas travel. “We wanted to build something that made finding and booking the right voice as easy as calling an Uber,” Helen says. The mission was audacious, but its roots were deeply human. SpeakUp was not born in a boardroom; it was born out of a longing for connection, a frustration with barriers, and a belief that intelligence, both human and artificial, could bring people together. The Bridge That Didn’t Exist Before SpeakUp, the speaking industry was fragmented. Traditional agencies promoted only high-priced speakers because commissions mattered more than discovery. The same familiar faces dominated conference stages. Organizers spent weeks messaging contacts and sifting through databases. Speakers filled out endless forms that led nowhere. The industry was running on legacy systems in a world that had already gone digital. Helen and her team decided to fix what no one else dared to. They created an AI-powered ecosystem where speakers, organizers, podcasters, and journalists could connect directly without intermediaries. Their matching system analyzes event goals, audience demographics, speaker expertise, and engagement metrics to make intelligent pairings within seconds. Conversations happen inside the app. Bookings can be confirmed instantly. Teams can collaborate in one shared space without ever touching a spreadsheet. “It’s not just a tool,” Helen explains. “It’s an infrastructure for global communication.” That sentence captures the quiet revolution behind SpeakUp. It does not just simplify logistics; it rewrites the rules of who gets to be heard. For decades, access to a microphone depended on money, networks, and location. Helen wanted to break that hierarchy. In her words, SpeakUp is “for every brilliant mind who was told their voice was too new, too different, or simply not on the list.” Learning to Walk Again The path to building SpeakUp was neither linear nor smooth. Right after filming The Final Pitch Dubai, Helen’s life shifted dramatically when she was diagnosed with a giant cell tumor in her leg. While the company was expanding across markets, she was recovering from surgery and learning to walk again. The contrast between physical stillness and professional momentum was profound. “After you’ve learned to walk again, everything else feels easy,” she says softly. “It changed everything about how I see leadership, resilience, and balance.” In that difficult season, Helen discovered that the most important kind of strength is not loud; it is quiet, patient, and deeply human. She began to see entrepreneurship not as a race, but as an endurance journey, a process of continuous adjustment. “When you’ve faced something like that, you stop fearing business challenges,” she reflects. “Investor negotiations or product pivots stop feeling like real problems. They’re just part of the process.” That experience also taught her to trust her team more deeply. She learned to let go, to slow down, and to focus on purpose rather than pressure. “The hardest part of entrepreneurship,” she smiles, “was learning to walk again. Everything else is just a series of small adjustments on the way to a bigger goal.” The Rise of Intelligent Connection Today, SpeakUp operates in more than twenty-eight countries and is quietly reshaping the global speaking ecosystem. Its AI not only matches speakers with events but also generates analytics that reveal what topics audiences engage with, where diversity gaps exist, and which conversations are shaping industries. Helen believes the next decade will redefine how ideas travel. “AI is not a trend,” she says. “It is a revolution in how people, ideas, and opportunities connect.” Her prediction is bold but grounded in real data. On average, SpeakUp users save fifty hours per month on coordination tasks. Booking cycles are ten times faster, and speaker matches are sixty percent more relevant than before. A process that once took months now happens in minutes. For Helen, efficiency is only part of the story. The real transformation is emotional, restoring human energy to an industry that had become mechanical. “When booking a speaker becomes as easy as booking a flight, you give people back their time, but also their excitement. You remind them why they wanted to tell stories in the first place.” Building a Culture of Courage and Humor Inside SpeakUp, Helen’s leadership philosophy feels refreshingly different. She often jokes that leadership is thirty percent strategy, thirty percent chaos management, and forty percent coffee, but her humor hides a deeper truth. “You cannot build innovation on fear,” she says. “Only on energy and purpose.” She believes in clarity over control, trust over micromanagement. Every team member is encouraged to experiment boldly and fail gracefully. “We have a simple rule,” she smiles. “Don’t bring me problems, bring me experiments.” Some of SpeakUp’s most celebrated features were born from what she calls “beautiful accidents,” when a small mistake sparked a bigger idea. Her team celebrates small wins, mixes memes with investor updates, and speaks to each other like equals. It is a culture that values intelligence and empathy in equal measure. “Leadership for me is not about being the loudest voice in the room,” Helen says. “It’s about creating a space where every

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed Leading KEZAD’s Mission to Shape the UAE’s Industrial Future

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed Leading KEZAD’s Mission to Shape the UAE’s Industrial Future By Hafsa Qadeer In the quiet expanse between Abu Dhabi’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf, a new industrial frontier is taking shape. Steel meets sunlight, innovation meets intent, and ambition finds its anchor in 550 square kilometres of land designed for one purpose, to reimagine what a modern economic zone can be. This is KEZAD, the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, and at its helm stands Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, a leader shaping not only the destiny of industries but the economic identity of a nation. For Al Ahmed, the story of KEZAD is inseparable from the UAE’s grand vision, Centennial 2071, a national strategy that extends far beyond decades, toward a century of resilience, innovation, and global relevance. “KEZAD’s development aligns with the UAE’s Centennial 2071 strategy by fostering economic diversification and moving the nation toward a knowledge-based economy,” he explains. “We are championing the UAE’s long-term economic overhaul, driving growth in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and focus sectors such as pharma and life sciences, and food and beverages. What began as a bold infrastructure project has evolved into a strategic ecosystem that now supports more than 2,150 businesses across 17 sectors, stretching from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain and the Al Dhafra region. With over 100 square kilometres of free zones and a total land bank exceeding 550 sq km, KEZAD is not just an industrial park, it is the largest integrated economic zone in the country, a living embodiment of the UAE’s ambition to build beyond oil and beyond borders. A Hub for Global Trade in an Age of Uncertainty In an era where global trade faces turbulence, from supply chain disruptions to geopolitical shifts, KEZAD stands as a stabilising force. Free zones, Al Ahmed believes, are more vital than ever. “Free zones have regained importance as key enablers for the UAE’s national transformation programmes,” he says. “They offer investors access to infrastructure, facilities, and ancillary services, along with 100% ownership, full profit repatriation, and exemption from corporate and income taxes.” But KEZAD’s true advantage lies in geography and integration. Its proximity to Khalifa Port, one of the region’s most advanced deep-water ports, and direct connection to Etihad Rail create a multimodal transport network linking sea, land, and air. “It’s not just about logistics,” Al Ahmed adds. “It’s about resilience, about ensuring the efficient and reliable movement of goods even in volatile markets.” That connectivity positions the UAE as a bridge between continents, serving two-thirds of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight. From KEZAD’s warehouses and factories, raw materials flow in, products flow out, and ideas move seamlessly between Asia, Africa, and Europe, reaffirming the UAE’s place as a global connector. Balancing Global Investment and Local Empowerment While global corporations see KEZAD as a gateway to the Middle East, Al Ahmed is equally focused on nurturing homegrown enterprises. “SMEs are the backbone of economies that foster innovation, employment, and resilience,” he says. To that end, KEZAD’s Entrepreneurship and Incubation Centre provides cost-effective workspaces and flexible licensing, empowering startups to scale from concept to commercial success. The centre, alongside partnerships with institutions like the Emirates Growth Fund, helps bridge access to capital and mentorship, critical ingredients in the UAE’s evolving SME ecosystem. This dual strategy, welcoming global giants while cultivating local innovators, is core to KEZAD’s philosophy. “Our integrated ecosystem encourages collaboration between SMEs and multinational corporations,” Al Ahmed explains. “We want synergy, not separation.” The numbers tell the story: SMEs currently account for 86% of private-sector jobs and 63.5% of the UAE’s non-oil GDP. KEZAD’s ecosystem ensures that as international capital flows in, local talent and enterprise grow with it, forming an economy that is both open and self-sustaining. Green Industry and the ESG Imperative Industrial growth without environmental responsibility, Al Ahmed insists, is no longer growth at all. Under his leadership, KEZAD has woven sustainability and ESG principles into its very infrastructure. “Our approach is proactive and multifaceted,” he notes. “We support businesses in adopting cleaner energy sources and integrating solar power within their zones.” Indeed, companies like Abundance Solar Panel Industries, which recently signed a 50-year lease to build a solar panel plant worth AED 55 million, reflect KEZAD’s tangible commitment to renewables. Yet, Al Ahmed’s vision is pragmatic as much as it is progressive. “The transition to a low-carbon economy requires interim solutions,” he explains. “That’s why we’ve also invested in a 30-kilometre natural gas network in Al Ma’mourah, ensuring reliability while advancing toward green goals.” This blend of innovation and realism defines KEZAD’s sustainability strategy. It is not a marketing exercise but a measurable, operational commitment, aligned with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy and designed to support tenants in reducing emissions without sacrificing competitiveness. Innovation in the Age of Industry 4.0 The factories of the future are not powered by steam or steel, they run on data, intelligence, and connectivity. Recognising this, KEZAD is investing heavily in AI, automation, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to position itself at the frontier of the digital industrial revolution. “Our partnership with Siemens Advanta is a cornerstone of that strategy,” says Al Ahmed. Through digital transformation assessments and technology roadmaps, Siemens is helping KEZAD’s industrial clients optimise operations, adopt automation, and implement smart manufacturing systems. Another partnership with Silal focuses on agricultural technology (AgTech), launching projects in Al Ain Industrial City that combine AI, sustainability, and food security. “We are fostering an environment where startups, SMEs, and multinational enterprises can collaborate to drive vertical innovation,” Al Ahmed adds. “This is the new DNA of KEZAD, innovation-led and future-focused.” Circular Economy as a New Industrial Ethic The circular economy is not just an environmental imperative, it is an economic opportunity, and KEZAD is determined to lead that transformation. Across its clusters in polymers, metals, and food processing, KEZAD is designing systems where waste becomes value, and by-products find second lives. “Our industrial ecosystems are designed to enable symbiotic relationships,” Al Ahmed explains. “The by-products of one company can become the inputs for another.” This philosophy is turning KEZAD into a regional hub for circular practices, integrating sustainability at every point in the value chain, from production to packaging. The vision extends to logistics and manufacturing, with resource efficiency

Matt Bailey

Exclusive Interview With Matt Bailey, Building a Sustainable Legacy With the Desert Vipers

Matt Bailey, Building a Sustainable Legacy with the Desert Vipers By Hafsa Qadeer In the sunlit arenas of Dubai, where the echo of cricket blends with the rhythm of innovation, a quiet revolution is taking shape. It’s not merely about bats and balls, nor the thrill of boundaries, it’s about purpose. At the heart of this transformation stands Matt Bailey, the Head of Strategy at Desert Vipers, a franchise redefining what it means to be a modern cricket team in an era where sport meets sustainability. “Cricket teams should stand for more than heroics on the pitch,” Bailey reflects. “We play such a meaningful role in people’s lives, it’s only natural we extend that to the planet as well.” Under his stewardship, the Desert Vipers have grown beyond the boundaries of cricket to embody a philosophy Bailey calls “playing with purpose for people and the planet.” It’s a movement that fuses performance with principle, proving that winning and doing good are not opposing forces, but two sides of the same ambition. Beyond the Boundary The Spirit of a Sustainable Team For Bailey, sustainability isn’t a slogan; it’s a blueprint. The Vipers are one of the few professional sports teams in the world to weave environmental consciousness directly into their operations, from the dressing room to the stands. “We’re an elite cricket franchise, and winning matches remains our top priority,” he explains. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t care about how we win.” Small changes have made a big impact. Players now use refillable bottles instead of single-use plastics, thanks to a collaboration with the Bluewater Group. The team’s kit, designed with PalmFit, is made entirely of recycled polyester, ensuring that sustainability threads through every layer of their identity. “The players love it,” Bailey says with a smile. “We worked hard to make sure it matched or exceeded the quality of what they’d wear elsewhere. It’s about showing that performance and purpose can coexist.” But sustainability for the Vipers also means fostering a healthier team culture. Their “Coffee Club”, an initiative led in partnership with RAW Coffee Company, brings players, families, and staff together every morning during the ILT20 season for coffee and conversation. No cricket talk, no pressure, just connection. “It’s a small ritual, but it builds something essential,” Bailey notes. “Community. When people feel respected and relaxed, they perform better. That’s the kind of environment we’re trying to create.” Dubai, A Home Beyond Borders The UAE’s cosmopolitan pulse has given the Desert Vipers a unique canvas to paint their story on. “It’s a privilege to call Dubai home,” Bailey says. “The diversity here mirrors the diversity of our team.” This year, the franchise welcomes players from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, extending its reach deeper into the GCC. “It’s exciting,” Bailey adds. “We’re helping shape a regional cricket culture that feels inclusive and forward-looking.” But managing a team of different nationalities and languages isn’t without challenges. “We employ staff fluent in Urdu, for instance,” Bailey explains. “Clarity and connection are vital. Everyone must feel seen, understood, and aligned with our goals.” That alignment begins long before the first ball is bowled. “We send players detailed materials before they even arrive,” he says. “By the time they step on the field, they know exactly what it means to be a Viper, what we stand for, and why it matters.” Cricket Meets the Digital Age If sustainability defines the team’s soul, technology is shaping its future. Bailey believes that cricket fandom is already more digital than physical, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “Our biggest engagement comes from social media,” he explains. “But AI, fan NFTs, and virtual stadiums are transforming how supporters experience the game. The next generation won’t just watch cricket, they’ll live it digitally.” For Bailey, this evolution is a thrilling challenge. “Sports often become testing grounds for innovation,” he says. “At the Desert Vipers, we’re always open to new technologies that deepen connection and expand our reach.” That forward-thinking approach echoes through the team’s four guiding principles: High Performance, Innovation, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility. Together, they form the moral compass that keeps the franchise grounded as it navigates the changing tides of sport and technology. The Rise of Purpose-Driven Franchises In today’s sponsorship landscape, brands are no longer satisfied with mere exposure, they seek alignment. And the Desert Vipers, through their sustainability-first approach, have become a beacon for purposeful partnerships. “Winning is non-negotiable,” Bailey asserts. “But sustainability has opened new doors for us. It allows us to have different kinds of conversations with brands.” The team’s approach to corporate partnerships is refreshingly authentic. “We’re not here to preach sustainability,” he adds. “We’re here to practice it, and give brands a genuine platform to tell their own stories.” This intersection of purpose and profit, he believes, is reshaping modern sport. “Purpose marketing is growing because fans are smarter. They expect teams and brands to stand for something. Sports franchises have a powerful voice, and it’s our responsibility to use it well.” From IPL Lessons to ILT20 Leadership Having witnessed the birth of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a revolution that redefined cricket forever, Bailey recognizes familiar sparks in the DP World ILT20. “India had the perfect conditions for the IPL to explode,” he recalls. “Cricket, there isn’t just a sport, it’s an identity. The UAE, by contrast, requires us to work harder to capture attention. But that’s what makes it exciting.” The ILT20, now in its fourth season, has evolved rapidly. “Every year, it’s bigger and better,” Bailey says. “This season’s addition of players from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait marks a huge step forward. I expect to see Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar join in the future, making it a truly GCC-wide league.” That regional expansion, he believes, will set the ILT20 apart. “Each GCC nation brings its own energy and culture. Together, they can create something uniquely Middle Eastern, a cricket ecosystem unlike any other.” The UAE, A Bridge of Opportunity Few nations embody the word bridge quite like the UAE, connecting East and West, tradition and innovation, sport and sustainability. The Desert Vipers have woven

Ramy Jallad steers RAKEZ toward resilience and global growth, championing innovation, investment, and sustainable business ecosystems.

Ramy Jallad Leading RAKEZ into a Future of Resilience and Global Growth

Ramy Jallad Leading RAKEZ into a Future of Resilience and Global Growth By Hafsa Qadeer Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, better known as RAKEZ, has become one of the most dynamic business hubs in the United Arab Emirates. It is home to nearly 35,000 companies representing more than 100 nationalities, a true reflection of the UAE’s multicultural spirit and global outlook. With operations spanning over 50 different industries, RAKEZ is no longer simply a place for business registration and licensing. It has transformed into a fully integrated ecosystem that combines physical infrastructure, digital readiness, and people-centric support systems. At the helm of this transformation is Group CEO Ramy Jallad, whose vision has positioned RAKEZ as both a secure anchor for regional supply chains and a launchpad for international growth. Jallad is no stranger to driving change. His career spans aviation, oil and gas, real estate, education, and economic development, with each industry offering lessons in adaptability, resilience, and stakeholder management. When he took over RAKEZ, his goal was not just to manage a free zone, but to reimagine it. “Transforming RAKEZ from a conventional free zone into a fully integrated business and industrial ecosystem was a pivotal moment,” he recalls. “It was not just about infrastructure, it was about mindset. We began treating government services with a business lens: focusing on customer experience, digital accessibility, and post-setup support.” This philosophy has shaped how RAKEZ operates today. For Jallad, the question is not whether global investor reach and local resilience can coexist, but how they can complement each other. RAKEZ’s industrial zones and logistics hubs are strategically connected to major UAE ports and airports, with the future promise of Etihad Rail further strengthening the network.  This allows investors to root their operations in the region while keeping seamless access to international markets. “By building strong regional value chains while connecting to international markets, we help businesses remain agile in a shifting geopolitical landscape,” Jallad explains. It is this ability to balance global opportunities with local security that makes RAKEZ particularly relevant in today’s fragmented world. Another defining feature of RAKEZ’s evolution has been its embrace of digital alliances. One of the most visible examples is its partnership with Amazon UAE, designed to empower SMEs to thrive in the e-commerce space. Through this collaboration, businesses based in RAKEZ gain direct access to Amazon’s seller platform, onboarding support, and training resources such as workshops and webinars.  In an era when traditional globalization is giving way to more regionalized trade models, these digital tools provide SMEs with a bridge to regional and international markets. “With the UAE’s e-commerce industry expected to reach USD 9.2 billion in 2026, SMEs operating in the online space have a huge potential to unlock greater success,” Jallad notes. Partnerships like this show foreign investors that RAKEZ is not only a hub of physical infrastructure but also a facilitator of digital growth. Looking ahead, Jallad confirms that RAKEZ intends to build more such collaborations, equipping its community with the platforms needed to compete in a digital-first economy. What truly distinguishes RAKEZ, however, is its organizational culture. Jallad insists that the key to attracting and retaining global investors lies in building a culture of agility, inclusivity, and client-centricity. Establishing a business with RAKEZ is designed to be efficient, cost-effective, and tailored to different scales of operations. SMEs, for example, benefit not only from affordable workspaces but also from dedicated mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and access to expert resources that help entrepreneurs grow sustainably.  Larger corporations, on the other hand, are offered bespoke solutions, from customised industrial plots and warehouses to flexible offices and dedicated account managers. “By nurturing this culture of inclusivity and adaptability, we create an environment where businesses of all sizes feel valued, supported, and confident in their ability to thrive,” says Jallad. Over the years, RAKEZ’s sectoral focus has evolved in response to global shifts. While traditional industries such as manufacturing and trade remain strong pillars, new sectors are increasingly defining its value proposition. Advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology, e-commerce, and sustainability-driven industries are now central, with expansions into agri-tech, clean energy, gaming, and digital services. This reflects both global investor demand and regional opportunities. By anticipating where the global economy is headed, RAKEZ positions Ras Al Khaimah as a hub not only for resilience but also for innovation. “The future will be about reinforcing RAKEZ’s role as a partner in progress, helping businesses seize new opportunities and navigate emerging challenges with confidence.” For Jallad, partnerships have been a recurring theme in his career. Under his leadership, RAKEZ has forged collaborations with DHL, Tradeling, Etihad Credit Insurance, and international outreach initiatives in markets like China, India, Russia, Italy, Germany, and the UK. These partnerships extend the reach of RAKEZ companies, allowing them to tap into global opportunities while remaining anchored in the region. “Strategic partnerships have reinforced the importance of building bridges, not just infrastructure,” he remarks. These bridges are especially critical in times of global disruption, as they ensure companies can continue to access both suppliers and customers across continents. Leadership in such a multicultural environment comes with its own set of lessons. RAKEZ’s community represents more than 100 nationalities, making inclusivity both a strategic advantage and a moral imperative. Policies and services are designed with cultural sensitivity in mind, and stakeholder engagement is built on listening and respect. Jallad sees multiculturalism not only as part of RAKEZ’s identity but also as a powerful tool for attracting foreign investment. “For investors, it provides confidence that they will operate in an environment where talent, ideas, and networks transcend borders,” he explains. By fostering collaboration between businesses from diverse backgrounds, RAKEZ ensures that cultural diversity becomes a driver of innovation rather than a barrier. Looking to the future, Jallad identifies sustainability, technology, and regional integration as the three pillars that will shape RAKEZ’s next chapter. With the UAE’s ambitious green economy goals, RAKEZ is expanding eco-friendly initiatives in 2025, including green industrial solutions and renewable energy adoption. Technology and

Abdellatif Bekhouche – On UAE Media Progress: A Future Built on Innovation & Purpose

Abdellatif Bekhouche On UAE Media Progress: A Future Built on Innovation & Purpose

Abdellatif Bekhouche on UAE Media Progress A Future Built on Innovation and Purpose By Hafsa Qadeer What sets the UAE’s media landscape apart from the wider Middle East, says Abdellatif Bekhouche, is its diversity and uniqueness, as the country has opened its doors to both regional and international media institutions, creating a welcoming environment for new outlets and supporting their growth. This openness has attracted some of the world’s leading media organizations, reshaping the region’s media map and fostering an ecosystem where local and global players coexist to produce purposeful, high-quality content that influences not only the Arab world but audiences far beyond. The role of world-class media zones such as Dubai Media City, Studio City, and Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 has been instrumental in building this progress. By hosting international giants alongside innovative local outlets, offering advanced infrastructure, and nurturing creativity through incentives and collaboration, these hubs have positioned the UAE as a leader in media development, driving innovation and content production while cementing the nation’s place on the global stage. Media, often described as the fourth estate, has become a key instrument of the UAE’s soft power. From his years as a correspondent for France 24 in Dubai, Abdellatif Bekhouche witnessed firsthand how international media based in the Emirates shaped Arab public opinion through credibility, balance, and trust. Reports produced from Dubai resonated widely, proving the country’s role as a platform for meaningful storytelling. Similarly, his experience at CNBC Arabia highlighted how the UAE has used media to drive economic influence, with coverage of finance, markets, and business shaping perspectives across the region. Together these experiences reflect how the Emirates has amplified its influence, bridging global narratives, strengthening credibility, and positioning itself as both an economic and political voice of authority. The UAE’s approach to storytelling is equally remarkable, blending tradition with innovation. Sharjah, in particular, stands as a cultural model by linking festivals, book fairs, and artistic platforms into powerful storytelling experiences that preserve heritage while reaching international audiences. Bekhouche recalls how, during his time covering cultural movements for the Saudi Cultural Channel, he saw firsthand how the Emirates not only protects its traditions but transforms them into impactful narratives that resonate globally, merging authenticity with creativity in a way that connects diverse audiences. What excites Abdellatif Bekhouche most about the future is how the UAE integrates emerging technologies like AI, AR, VR, and advanced digital platforms into journalism without losing sight of substance. The innovation here is not about replacing tradition but enhancing it, making stories more interactive, engaging, and relevant. With media zones like Dubai Media City, twofour54, and Sharjah’s cultural institutions leading this transformation, the UAE is poised to set new global standards by combining technology with authenticity to produce content that is both credible and impactful. This evolution is also shaped by the UAE’s demographic diversity. Home to over 200 nationalities, the country’s media platforms serve as inclusive spaces that reflect this multiculturalism while keeping Emirati traditions and identity at the core. By producing multilingual content that resonates worldwide while grounding stories in local culture, the UAE has created a model that celebrates diversity without losing authenticity. Major events such as Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28 have further elevated the country’s media profile. Covering these milestones firsthand, Abdellatif Bekhouche witnessed how the UAE’s ambition and strategic communication not only showcased its achievements but also enhanced its global reputation. Through such platforms, the Emirates has demonstrated how effective media engagement can amplify soft power, unify narratives, and inspire global respect. Looking ahead, Bekhouche hopes to see a headline that reads “UAE Leads the World in Innovative and Purposeful Media.” Such a future would reflect a landscape where creativity, cultural depth, and cutting-edge technology combine seamlessly, where the country continues to serve as a hub for international media while nurturing local talent, and where the content produced informs, inspires, and connects audiences across the globe. It would signify not just technological progress but also the UAE’s unwavering commitment to credibility, authenticity, and meaningful storytelling.

Zayed National Museum

Zayed National Museum A Living Legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Zayed National Museum A Living Legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan By Hafsa Qadeer متحف زايد الوطني – Museum National Zayed The story of the United Arab Emirates cannot be told without honoring the vision and values of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His leadership, wisdom, and compassion laid the foundation of a nation that today stands as a global symbol of unity, ambition, and cultural pride. Rising proudly on Saadiyat Island, Zayed National Museum is more than an institution, it is a tribute to his legacy, a living reflection of his values and a beacon of knowledge for generations to come. The museum’s very essence embodies Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s role not only as a statesman but as a father figure and visionary whose values continue to guide the UAE. Its architecture, galleries and storytelling come together to showcase ideals of unity, giving, belonging, ambition and patriotism. Rather than treating history as a static record, the museum presents it as a living journey, linking the past to the present and inspiring progress toward the future. Inside, visitors are invited into an immersive experience that spans 300,000 years of human history. Through six permanent galleries and more than 1,000 objects, the museum offers a rich exploration of the land’s story. Highlights include the timeline of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life set within the Al Masar Garden, the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the oldest in existence, and a striking 18-metre reconstruction of the Bronze Age Magan Boat. Each element serves not only as a display but as a powerful connection to the UAE’s evolving narrative, ensuring Emiratis walk away with a renewed sense of pride and international visitors with a deepened understanding of the country’s history and culture. Jack Burlot © Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum Collection متحف زايد الوطني – Museum National Zayed Moaza Matar Acting Curatorial & Collections Management Department Director The philosophy guiding the museum’s curation lies in interconnection. Objects and narratives flow seamlessly, weaving together themes of landscapes, heritage, early human trade, Islam’s spread, coastal life and inland traditions. The journey begins in Al Masar Garden, tracing Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life through desert, oasis and urban settings, reinforcing his values as the thread uniting the UAE’s story. The permanent galleries, curated in collaboration with Emirati and international experts, ensure a balance of tradition and innovation. With community donations enriching the collection, the museum preserves not only national history but also the cherished memories of its people. Among the treasures within, one of the most moving is the collection of photographs in the gallery Our Beginning. These images reveal Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in both his public and personal dimensions, capturing his leadership, compassion and humanity. Particularly striking are the photographs by French photojournalist Jack Burlot, who documented over 1,390 moments during his 1974 visit. From development projects to everyday life, these images provide an intimate portrait of a leader devoted to unity and progress. The museum’s architecture itself is a story of symbolism and sustainability. Its five soaring towers, inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight, pay homage to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s passion for falconry, a cornerstone of Emirati tradition. The tallest rises to 123 meters, making the structure the most prominent landmark in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Beyond their beauty, the towers function as a geothermal cooling system, embodying the harmony between cultural symbolism and sustainable innovation. For visitors, they create a breathtaking first impression that merges heritage with environmental responsibility. قارب ماجان أثناء التجارب البحرية قبالة سواحل أبوظبي، تصوير إميلي هاريس © متحف زايد الوطني Magan Boat during the sea trials off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Photo by Emily Harris © Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi Pearl Culture of Department دائرة الثقافة والسياحة – أبوظبي and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Looking forward, Zayed National Museum is envisioned as a lasting cultural beacon, not just for today but for decades to come. Its role will continue to grow as a hub of heritage, research, education and innovation. By embracing new ideas, expanding cultural programs and supporting discoveries, it will reflect the UAE’s dynamic identity as a nation that respects its roots while striving toward new horizons. Zayed National Museum is more than a place to learn, it is a space to reflect, to feel pride and to connect with the values that have shaped a nation. It ensures that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s legacy remains alive, guiding the present and inspiring the future. As the museum prepares to open its doors to the world, it stands as a timeless tribute to the vision of a man whose dream continues to flourish through the spirit of the United Arab Emirates. Quote 1: “Zayed National Museum is more than a place to learn, it is a space to reflect, to feel pride and to connect with the values that have shaped a nation.” Quote 2: “Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s legacy remains alive in every gallery, every story and every artefact, guiding the present and inspiring the future.” متحف زايد الوطني – Museum National Zayed

UAE Free Zones’ Impact on Economic Landscape

UAE Free Zones’ Impact on Economic Landscape

UAE Free Zones’ Impact on Economic Landscape By Hafsa Qadeer The UAE has long been a global leader in economic innovation and diversification. Among its most successful strategies has been the establishment of free zones, specialized business hubs that have transformed the nation from an oil-dependent economy into a diversified powerhouse of trade, logistics, technology, and services. Today, these zones are not just important contributors; they are central to the UAE’s economic identity and global standing. Driving Employment and Talent Development Free zones are one of the largest generators of employment in the UAE. Together, they host more than 60,000 companies and employ over 750,000 people, according to recent estimates. These zones attract both foreign talent and create pathways for Emiratis, aligning with long-term national workforce goals such as Emiratization. Major multinationals like Microsoft, Nestlé, Oracle, and Unilever have chosen UAE free zones as their base, offering residents access to high-paying, knowledge-based jobs. Unlike many free zones worldwide that focus narrowly on low-cost manufacturing, UAE zones emphasize skill development and innovation. Professionals gain international exposure and advanced training, which helps build a resilient, future-ready talent pool. Attracting Global Investment Over 40% of the UAE’s foreign direct investment (FDI) flows through free zones, according to the Ministry of Economy. This level of contribution is significantly higher than in many competing markets. For example, while free zones in countries like Malaysia or the Philippines capture between 15–25% of FDI, UAE zones have become magnets for global investors by offering stability, transparency, and regulatory ease. The result is not only capital inflows but also a surge in local service demand, construction, logistics, finance, and education, creating a ripple effect across the wider economy. Fueling Economic Diversification The volatility of oil markets pushed the UAE to diversify decades ago, and free zones have been the cornerstone of this shift. Today, non-oil sectors contribute more than 70% of the UAE’s GDP, with free zones leading in industries like trade, media, healthcare, and technology. Examples include: DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): The world’s top free zone for nine consecutive years, driving global trade in gold, diamonds, and precious metals. Dubai Silicon Oasis: A hub for over 1,000 tech firms, fueling the UAE’s digital economy. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): A rising financial center ranked among the world’s leading international finance hubs. By comparison, many global free zones, such as those in Latin America, remain highly concentrated in manufacturing or re-export. The UAE’s diversified approach makes it far less vulnerable to global market shocks. Expanding Global Trade Reach The UAE’s location between Asia, Africa, and Europe has always been strategic, but free zones have elevated this advantage into a world-class logistics ecosystem. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) alone handles more than $100 billion in trade annually and contributes nearly 24% of Dubai’s FDI inflows. Globally, free zones like Panama’s Colón Free Zone or Singapore’s Jurong Island are highly specialized. Yet the UAE outperforms many by offering multi-industry connectivity, integrated with state-of-the-art seaports, airports, and roads. Post-COVID, this reliability positioned the UAE as a vital link in global supply chains, connecting businesses to over two billion consumers across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Supporting SMEs and Startups While free zones attract Fortune 500 companies, they are also vital for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Zones like RAKEZ and Sharjah Media City (Shams) provide affordable licensing packages, shared office spaces, and accelerators tailored for startups. The introduction of e-commerce and freelance permits has empowered young entrepreneurs, freelancers, and content creators to scale their ventures. Compared to free zones in Europe or the Americas, where setup costs are higher and regulations more complex, UAE zones offer faster registration, lower entry costs, and startup-focused support ecosystems, making them particularly appealing to SMEs. Challenges and the Road Ahead Competition among free zones within the UAE can create overlap, and renewal fees remain a concern for smaller businesses. Moreover, as the UAE has recently allowed 100% foreign ownership on the mainland, free zones must continue to innovate. Globally, free zones are increasingly being measured against digital transformation and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) benchmarks. The UAE is already ahead in this regard, with initiatives such as Dubai CommerCity for e-commerce and green-focused projects like Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, setting global standards. In less than four decades, the UAE’s free zones have rewritten the country’s economic story. They have attracted billions in investment, generated hundreds of thousands of jobs, and created a diversified economic structure admired worldwide. Unlike many international free zones that serve a narrow purpose, the UAE model integrates global trade, innovation, and workforce development. As the global economy evolves, UAE free zones are poised to remain not just relevant but exemplary offering a blueprint for how nations can transform location into strategy, and strategy into sustainable prosperity.

The UAE Steps into the Global AI Race with K2 Think Challenging Giants

The UAE Steps into the Global AI Race with K2 Think Challenging Giants

The UAE Steps into the Global AI Race with K2 Think Challenging Giants By Hafsa Qadeer When Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and partner G42 unveiled K2 Think in early September, the launch looked less like a dry academic release and more like a strategic debut. The system was presented not merely as another model but as an end-to-end, reproducible reasoning platform,  one designed to be inspected, tested, and reused by researchers worldwide. That positioning matters: it announces intent. Abu Dhabi is signaling that it wants to be a participant in shaping how advanced AI systems are built, measured, and governed. Engineering for reasoning, not for spectacle K2 Think’s technical framing is intentionally different from the headline-grabbing race for parameter counts. Public materials and partners emphasize that the model is compact (reported at roughly 32 billion parameters) yet optimized for reasoning tasks through long chain-of-thought supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning with verifiable rewards. By attacking the “hallucination” problem at the training and reward level, MBZUAI and its collaborators are pursuing a quality-over-quantity strategy: fewer parameters, but architectures and training regimes aimed at more reliable, verifiable outputs. Early descriptions stress that this is purpose-built engineering for cognitive robustness rather than rhetorical fluency. Speed as capability and infrastructure choice A striking technical claim attached to K2 Think is throughput: the system is reported to achieve around 2,000 tokens per second in inference,  a level of speed that changes how models are used in production, particularly for chained reasoning or agentic workflows that require many iterative steps. That throughput has been linked publicly to the choice of Cerebras inference hardware, a non-NVIDIA architecture the project used to demonstrate parameter-efficient performance at scale. The hardware–software pairing highlights a second lesson: performance is as much about the stack and deployment choices as it is about model design. Openness as a strategy in a fractured ecosystem MBZUAI’s decision to open-source substantial parts of K2 Think,  training recipes, weights, and evaluation methods,  places the project within a small but growing list of transparent reasoning efforts. DeepSeek’s R1 series earlier this year set a precedent for open, parameter-efficient reasoning models, arguing that transparency fosters reproducibility and rapid community innovation. By publishing K2 Think openly, the UAE project is wielding openness as geopolitical and scientific strategy: to attract global scrutiny, invite third-party benchmarking, and position Abu Dhabi as a reliable collaborator in a field where trust is scarce.  A redefinition of what it means to compete For much of the public conversation, the AI race was a duel between a handful of tech superpowers whose advantage was measured in teraflops and billions of parameters. K2 Think complicates that frame. It joins other entrants that argue efficiency, clever architectures, and improved training methods can rival brute force. That matters for countries and institutions with ambitions but not the deep compute budgets of hyperscalers: it suggests an alternative path to relevance. Instead of matching the giants pound for pound, nations can invest in targeted research, specialised datasets, and partnerships,  and still yield systems that matter to users and policymakers.  Sovereignty, soft power, and industrial policy K2 Think sits at the intersection of technological aspiration and national strategy. For the UAE, sovereign capabilities in AI feed economic diversification plans, talent development, and diplomatic posture. A domestically developed (or domestic-led) model that is also open to the world affords two levers: it supports local industry and expertise while projecting a narrative of responsibility and generosity to the global research community. In a world increasingly attentive to who controls algorithms, the choice to build and then share is itself a statement about how a state wants to be seen,  as both producer and curator of the tools that shape public life. Benchmarks, adoption, and the patience of proof The most immediate questions for K2 Think are empirical: do independent benchmarks corroborate performance claims; will developers and businesses adopt the system; and can the model’s efficiency translate into practical advantage across domains like math reasoning, code, or multi-step planning? Comparable releases in 2025 showed that early claims often require months of community validation. Transparency accelerates that process, because it invites replication; but it also exposes the model to rigorous critique. The path from promising lab demo to production ecosystem is long, and adoption will depend on documentation, tooling, safety evaluations, and real-world case studies more than on a single metric. A shifting map of influence in AI research Perhaps the most consequential effect of projects like K2 Think is cultural: they normalize the idea that global AI leadership need not be monopolised by a few corporations in two countries. When universities, regional tech firms, and sovereign funds collaborate to produce tools that the world can examine and reuse, the center of gravity of innovation becomes plural rather than polarized. That pluralization changes how rules get written,  from standards for model auditing to norms for safety and licensing,  because more diverse stakeholders will press for standards that reflect different priorities. For researchers and policymakers, the implication is clear: the future of AI governance will be contested not only by governments and big tech but also by a widening array of institutions claiming legitimate voice and authority.  The work ahead and the quiet of uncertainty K2 Think’s launch adds texture to an already complicated field. It demonstrates technical ambition, a deployment strategy that prizes speed and efficiency, and a diplomatic posture that leverages openness. Yet the real work,  broad validation, careful safety testing, and meaningful integration into products and public services,  remains to be done. What we are watching, therefore, is not simply a new model released to the internet, but a staged experiment in how a nation converts technical artifacts into influence, capacity, and norms. The outcomes of that experiment will be shaped as much by global peer review and adoption as by the rhetorical power of a launch day.

Tetiana Skoryna

Exclusive Interview with Tetiana Skoryna

Exclusive Interview with Tetiana Skoryna From Sharjah’s industrial beginnings to Dubai’s digital spotlight, Tetiana Skoryna shares her journey of resilience, creativity, and living the true ‘Dubai dream. By Hafsa Qadeer There are some stories that define resilience, courage, and the pursuit of passion and Tetiana Skoryna’s journey is one of them. From humble beginnings in Sharjah’s industrial area to becoming a widely recognized content creator in Dubai, Tetiana embodies what she calls the “Dubai dream.” Her life is a powerful example of how hard work, adaptability, and creativity can transform not just a career, but an entire identity. When Tetiana first arrived in Dubai, her reality was far from glamorous. She worked in a small car-parts shop in Sharjah, putting in long, challenging hours. From there, she moved into hospitality as a waiter and later found herself in the fitness industry as a trainer. Each step brought new lessons and a growing determination to push further. Together with her sister, she reached an important milestone by opening their own gym, a proud achievement for their family. Yet, deep within, Tetiana knew her journey wasn’t complete. Driven by her passion for creativity and storytelling, she took a leap of faith, shifting her focus to content creation full-time. Today, she shares her life, her experiences, and her love for Dubai with millions of people online. For Tetiana, this transformation is proof of the Dubai dream, where perseverance and belief can take you from “zero to hero.” Over more than a decade in the UAE, the city has shaped not only Tetiana’s career but also her character. Living in Dubai’s multicultural environment has taught her openness, adaptability, and respect for people from every corner of the world. She explains that this diversity has made her content more universal designed to connect with audiences across cultures, languages, and traditions. By creating content that reflects the shared human experience, Tetiana has not only become a better creator but also a more empathetic person. For Tetiana, everyday details of life in Dubai hold powerful meaning. Observing how people respect shared spaces, follow etiquette on the metro, and value harmony in public life has deeply influenced her. She incorporates these lessons into her videos, not as rules, but as reflections of respect and consideration. This mindful approach helps newcomers appreciate the city’s lifestyle, while also showcasing the unique spirit that makes Dubai stand apart. Her content highlights the richness of diversity not through polished brochures, but through real, everyday experiences. Whether it’s an Emirati family sharing food during Ramadan, a casual market interaction, or strangers from multiple countries bonding on the metro, Tetiana brings forward the beauty of these unscripted moments. Diversity in Dubai, she believes, is not something you just see, it’s something you live daily. This cultural blend has reshaped her storytelling approach. In creating content, she constantly considers whether people from Europe, Asia, or the Middle East can relate to it. That awareness makes her narratives universal, helping her connect authentically with audiences across the globe. Tetiana also sees her role as more than just an entertainer. She believes influencers can serve as cultural bridges, offering real glimpses of everyday life beyond stereotypes. The greatest reward for her is hearing from followers who say her videos gave them the confidence to move to Dubai, because through her content, they already feel at home. Looking ahead, Tetiana is inspired by the way the UAE is blending tradition with innovation. She admires how Emirati heritage is preserved while also evolving to resonate with younger generations in fields such as fashion, food, and architecture. For her, this balance between honoring roots and embracing the future is what makes Dubai so extraordinary, and it’s a narrative she is passionate about sharing with the world. Tetiana Skoryna’s story is not simply about personal success, it’s about growth, gratitude, and connection. From her first job in a small shop to inspiring millions through digital storytelling, her path reflects the possibilities that Dubai offers to dreamers who dare to work hard. In every video, every story, and every message she shares, Tetiana captures the essence of the city: a place where diversity thrives, respect shapes daily life, and ambition finds its wings. In her own words, “living the Dubai dream” means more than building a career, it means growing into the best version of yourself, while inviting the world to share in that journey.

Dr. Soja Saghar Soman

Dr. Soja Saghar Soman, on How Deep Tech Is Reimagining Human Health in the UAE

Dr. Soja Saghar Soman Bioprinting the Future, How Deep Tech is Reimagining Human Health in the UAE By Hafsa Qadeer Dr. Soja Saghar Soman stands at the helm of a quiet revolution reshaping the nature of healing. As Founder and CEO of Z24 Bio, a biotechnology company operating across Abu Dhabi and New York, she leads a mission merging 3D bioprinting, microfluidics, and artificial intelligence to create a future where organs can be engineered, diseases modeled, and treatments personalized. “While others looked to the stars,” she reflects, “I became fascinated by life itself, its intricate design and the mysteries of its evolution.” That fascination began during her childhood on the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) campus, where science was a living force. Surrounded by rocket launches and inspired scientists, young Soja absorbed a rare ethos: exploration, whether cosmic or cellular, is a human calling. With twelve years of education in veterinary medicine, physiology, cell biology, and biotechnology, Dr. Soman built her foundation before joining New York University, where she bridged discovery and application in the emerging field of 3D bioprinting, where biology meets engineering and imagination meets precision. When NYU Abu Dhabi established the region’s first 3D Bioprinting Research Laboratory in 2019, Dr. Soman led the team that bioprinted the UAE’s first human tissue structures, placing the nation on the global map of regenerative medicine. “Technology, when developed with purpose, transforms science into human impact,” she says. Her team’s success in bioprinting nerve tissues for transplantation proved that stem cells could be matured into living tissue capable of restoring damaged nerves. At Z24 Bio, she now leads the creation of AI-integrated bioprinters, robotic systems that can fabricate custom tissue models on demand. Through a cloud-based interface, hospitals and researchers will soon be able to upload patient data and order personalized tissues printed using their own cells. “This is where medicine becomes personal,” she says. “We can print not just models, but possibilities.” How close are we to printing a heart or kidney? Closer than ever, she insists. “We can already bioprint vascularized tissues like liver, skin, cartilage, bone, and nerve,” she explains. These tissues, though not yet transplantable, are revolutionizing how drugs are tested and diseases studied. Within the next decade, she predicts, small organ constructs such as the pancreas, thyroid, or cornea could enter clinical trials. “The next two to three decades,” she adds, “could see the realization of complete, functional organs. It’s not a dream, it’s a direction.” Beyond bioprinting, her research explores microfluidics, a field replicating human organ systems on miniature chips. “When integrated with bioprinted tissues, we can mimic how an organ works, responds to drugs, or develops disease,” she explains. These “organ-on-chip” systems may one day replace much animal testing, offering ethical, human-relevant models. “When we can model a human system on a chip,” she says, “we can test treatments on a digital twin of the patient.” The UAE, she believes, offers fertile ground for such frontier science. “The nation’s Vision 2031, its AI Strategy, and the HELM Cluster in life sciences are all steps toward a cohesive innovation ecosystem.” Its strength, she adds, lies in cross-disciplinary collaboration where innovation is deliberate and guided by visionary leadership. Ethical reflection, she insists, must evolve with innovation. “At the heart of every breakthrough should be compassion,” she says. “We’re not just printing tissues, we’re restoring possibilities.” She advocates for frameworks ensuring transparency and safety, reminding her team that science must ask not only what we can create, but what we should. As a mentor at NYU Abu Dhabi, Dr. Soman inspires students to see their work as part of the UAE’s wider narrative, a nation of builders, not just of cities, but of ideas. Through Z24 Bio, she mentors young scientists to link curiosity with compassion. “Innovation gains meaning when it serves humanity,” she says. For Dr. Soman, innovation is measured not by patents or profits but by the lives it touches. “I see innovation as progress that uplifts humanity, where science meets conscience,” she reflects. From the labs of Abu Dhabi to the corridors of New York, her story is one of vision and virtue, a reminder that the next revolution in medicine will be led not by machines, but by minds that remember why we innovate at all.

United Arab emirates A Global Financial Powerhouse

United Arab emirates A Global Financial Powerhouse

United Arab emirates A Global Financial Powerhouse By Hafsa Qadeer Over the past two decades, the United Arab Emirates has orchestrated a remarkable transformation from an oil-dependent economy into a diversified global financial hub. In the gleaming skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, gleaming towers and bustling business districts now mirror the country’s ambition. As His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, notes, the spectacular growth of Dubai’s financial sector “reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid… of transforming the Emirate into the region’s leading global financial centre”. This journey, from the 2004 launch of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to the rapid rise of Abu Dhabi’s Global Market, underscores how strategic reforms and forward-looking leadership have built the UAE into a top-tier financial player. Economic Transformation and Diversification The UAE’s pivot from oil revenues to a broad economy has been dramatic. Today, non-hydrocarbon activity accounts for over 70% of GDP, a share once unimaginable. Fueled by this diversification, growth has remained robust even amid global volatility: the IMF projects GDP expanding around 4–5% through the mid-2020s. Credit rating agencies take note. For example, Fitch Ratings explicitly cites the UAE’s “moderate consolidated debt, strong net external asset position and high GDP per capita” in affirming its AA– rating (outlook stable). This strength is underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s vast sovereign wealth (net foreign assets around 122% of GDP) and prudent fiscal policy. World Bank and IMF forecasts signal continued growth ahead, driven by higher oil output and ongoing investment. Such macro strength stems from a deliberate strategy. Early on, UAE leaders opened the economy. They established liberal free zones, welcomed foreign investment, and kept the currency pegged to the U.S. dollar, creating stability and predictability. No personal income tax and only selective corporate taxes (introduced only in 2023) make the UAE highly attractive to capital. In effect, investors find a “transparent, efficient” regulatory environment coupled with a zero-bureaucracy ethos. As a result, the UAE has vaulted up the global business rankings. Its Invest UAE agency reports that FDI inflows reached $30.7 billion in 2023, a record that made the UAE the world’s second-largest FDI recipient that year. Following reforms (100% foreign ownership across sectors, simplified registration, free transferability of capital), greenfield projects surged. UNCTAD data show UAE FDI then leapt 49% in 2024 to $45.6 billion, defying global pullbacks. Put simply, investors keep “deploying capital where it’s easiest,” as UN trade officials observe. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Dubai’s financial engine is the DIFC, launched in 2004 as a special free zone with its own common law courts and regulators. By any measure, it has been a phenomenal success. Sheikh Maktoum, now President of the DIFC, notes that over 20 years DIFC growth “solidifies Dubai’s position as a world leading capital for financial services”. Today DIFC hosts nearly 7,000 companies, a 25% jump in one year, and posted record revenues of AED 1.78 billion ($484 million) in 2024. It is home to over 260 banks, 410 asset managers, 125 insurers and re-/reinsurance firms, and two-thirds of the region’s brokerage houses. In total, DIFC regulators now oversee more than 900 financial entities. This scale has drawn global finance players: 27 of the 29 Global Systemically Important Banks operate in DIFC, alongside 8 of the world’s top 10 asset managers. Notably, DIFC houses the region’s largest cluster of hedge funds (75 funds, 48 of them managing over $1 billion), placing Dubai among the world’s top ten hedge-fund centers. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, celebrates this record: “Over the last 20 years, DIFC has played a leading role in transforming Dubai and the UAE’s economic landscape…”. Looking forward, DIFC’s Strategy 2030 aims to cement Dubai’s global standing. Arif Amiri, DIFC’s CEO, emphasizes that “DIFC continues to fortify its position as the region’s number one global financial centre… [by] collaborating with our clients and industry, developing infrastructure, evolving laws and regulations, and nurturing innovation”. Indeed, DIFC has enacted pioneering reforms: it passed the world’s first Digital Assets Law, expanded FinTech licensing, and set up co-investment platforms to fund startups. Dubai now ranks in the top five worldwide for FinTech hubs, reflecting a surge of tech-driven finance companies. Dubai’s leadership frequently underscores DIFC’s success as emblematic of broader goals. In public statements they hail DIFC as evidence that Dubai’s “vision… of transforming the Emirate into the region’s leading global financial centre” is being realized. The city has pursued international openness – forging listings of global IPOs, issuing sukuk and green bonds, and hosting events like the annual FinTech Summit, to build on this financial momentum. The Global Financial Centres Index now ranks Dubai among the top 15 cities globally (and number one in the Middle East) across multiple categories, a testament to its broad progress. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Abu Dhabi has accelerated its own rise in finance, centered on the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) IFC. Though younger than DIFC, ADGM has benefited from massive capital reserves and strong government support. Its growth has been explosive: over the past year ADGM firm registrations jumped 32%, new business licenses by 67% (in Q1 2025), and assets under management by an astonishing 245%. New hedge fund, asset management and family office entrants, often spurred by Abu Dhabi’s deep capital markets and sovereign funds, have flocked there. Even major U.S. alternatives manager Harrison Street announced an Abu Dhabi office in 2024, joining Goldman Sachs and others expanding in the cityr. ADGM’s leadership consciously brands it as a stable, globally oriented hub. The CEO of ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority argues that growth has been buoyed by the UAE’s “political neutrality and ease of doing business”, factors that attract firms (from crypto startups to family offices) seeking a safe yet open base. A Hong Kong regulator’s public comment sums it up: ADGM provides “transparency, efficiency and integrity” under an English-based legal framework, making it an ideal launchpad for the Middle East. ADGM Chairman Ahmed Al Zaabi puts

The UAE Fintech Ecosystem

The UAE Fintech Ecosystem A High-Growth Market Paving the Future of Finance

The UAE Fintech Ecosystem A High-Growth Market Paving the Future of Finance By Peter Davis The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly establishing itself as a dominant force in the global fintech landscape. Situated strategically at the crossroads of East and West, the UAE has successfully leveraged its geographic, regulatory, and technological advantages to cultivate a thriving fintech ecosystem. With continued investments, a forward-thinking regulatory regime, and an innovation-centric economy, the UAE’s fintech industry is not just evolving it is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. As a fintech expert observing this dynamic transformation, it is clear that the convergence of favorable policies, world-class infrastructure, and tech-savvy consumers has positioned the UAE as the fintech capital of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This article unpacks the growth trajectory, ecosystem drivers, key segments, regulatory frameworks, and the future outlook of the fintech sector in the UAE. A Market Ripe for Innovation The UAE’s financial technology market has seen exponential growth over the past five years. According to Magnitt and other industry reports, the country attracted over 47% of total fintech investments in the MENA region as of 2024. With more than 800 fintech startups operating in the country, up from just 46 in 2015, the growth curve is steep, driven by supportive policy frameworks and significant capital inflows. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the country’s two major financial centers, have become fertile grounds for fintech startups. These emirates are home to major accelerators like DIFC FinTech Hive and ADGM’s Digital Lab, both of which offer sandbox environments, funding opportunities, and exposure to a broad network of investors and financial institutions. Key Drivers of UAE’s Fintech Surge 1. Government-Backed Innovation From the onset, the UAE government has played a pivotal role in promoting digital transformation. Visionary strategies such as the UAE Vision 2031, the Smart Dubai Initiative, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 are key frameworks that embed fintech as a central enabler of economic diversification. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) are more than just financial free zones, they are innovation incubators backed by regulators that are agile and pro-digital. Initiatives like the DIFC Innovation Hub and FinTech Hive provide world-class infrastructure and investor access to emerging fintech firms. 2. Digital-First Consumer Behavior With over 99% internet penetration and high smartphone usage, UAE consumers are digitally native. According to Visa’s 2023 study, nearly 70% of UAE consumers had used at least one form of fintech application—ranging from e-wallets and robo-advisory platforms to BNPL (buy now, pay later) services and crypto trading apps. This digital readiness has created fertile ground for fintech companies to scale rapidly, especially in areas such as digital banking, P2P payments, and investment platforms. 3. Robust Investment Climate The UAE fintech ecosystem has also gained the attention of global venture capital and private equity investors. In 2023 alone, UAE fintech startups raised over $400 million in funding, with mega deals going into neobanks, regtech solutions, and blockchain ventures. Government-affiliated funds, including Mubadala and Dubai Future District Fund, are actively investing in early- and growth-stage fintechs. Fintech Segments Driving Growth 1. Digital Payments and Wallets Payments remain the bedrock of fintech growth in the UAE. With the rise of e-commerce and contactless transactions, digital payment platforms like Payit (by FAB), Emirates Digital Wallet, Apple Pay, and Google Pay have seen widespread adoption. Paytech innovation is also evident in real-time payment infrastructures like the UAE’s Instant Payment Platform (IPP), expected to revolutionize local and cross-border payments. 2. Neobanks and Challenger Banks Digital-only banks are rapidly entering the UAE market, targeting a young, mobile-savvy population. Players like Wio Bank, YAP, and Zand have successfully carved niches in SME banking, personal finance, and digital wealth management. These institutions offer a frictionless banking experience with features such as instant onboarding, integrated payments, and AI-driven financial planning. 3. Wealthtech and Robo-Advisory With a growing pool of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and millennials interested in self-directed investing, platforms like Sarwa, StashAway, and Baraka are democratizing investment in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. These platforms are backed by AI algorithms and regulatory compliance with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). 4. Blockchain and Crypto The UAE is a regional pioneer in blockchain and digital assets regulation. ADGM and VARA (Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) have issued comprehensive frameworks for crypto exchanges, wallet providers, and token issuers. Global firms like Binance, Crypto.com, and Kraken have chosen Dubai as their regional base due to regulatory clarity and pro-innovation policies. 5. Insurtech and Regtech Although still emerging, the insurtech segment is gaining traction. Platforms offering usage-based insurance, digital underwriting, and automated claims processing are beginning to reshape traditional insurance models. Simultaneously, regtech firms are helping banks and fintechs comply with KYC, AML, and risk management requirements using AI and data analytics. Regulatory Landscape Agile, Adaptive, and Future-Oriented The regulatory environment in the UAE deserves special mention. The UAE Central Bank, Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), DIFC, and ADGM have all introduced sandbox programs and fintech-specific licensing regimes. Key regulatory milestones include: Central Bank’s Stored Value Facilities (SVF) Regulation (2020): Lays down the groundwork for e-wallets and prepaid card solutions. ADGM’s Digital Lab: Enables fintechs to test new solutions in a controlled environment. Dubai’s VARA Framework (2022): Sets comprehensive guidelines for virtual asset service providers (VASPs), including licensing, cybersecurity, and governance. The UAE’s consultative approach regularly engaging fintech firms for feedback, demonstrates a regulatory maturity rare in the region. Challenges in a Rapidly Growing Sector Despite impressive strides, the UAE fintech industry faces challenges that must be addressed to sustain its momentum: Talent Gap: The demand for fintech-specialized talent, particularly in blockchain, data science, and cybersecurity, outpaces supply. Although the UAE has relaxed visa policies for tech professionals, more investment in local upskilling is essential. Data Sovereignty and Cybersecurity: As digital financial services expand, so do the risks of cyber-attacks and data breaches. Ensuring robust cybersecurity and data privacy frameworks will be key to maintaining consumer trust. Bank-Fintech Collaboration: While collaboration between legacy

Discover how the UAE and UK are pushing the boundaries of climate intervention, exploring bold technologies and policies to combat environmental challenges.

How the UAE and UK Are Testing the Limits of Climate Intervention

How the UAE and UK Are Testing the Limits of Climate Intervention By Hafsa Qadeer As climate extremes intensify and global emissions continue to outpace reduction targets, the question of climate engineering has moved from academic theory to real-world action. Two nations, in particular, are taking very different paths toward atmospheric intervention: the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. While the UK is preparing to experiment with solar radiation modification (SRM) to reduce global temperatures, the UAE has become a world leader in cloud seeding to combat water scarcity. Both efforts are designed to address the escalating impacts of climate change, yet they raise urgent ethical, scientific, and environmental questions about manipulating the sky in the absence of a global consensus. The UK’s Push for Planetary Cooling On 7 May 2025, the UK’s Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA) announced a £60 million research programme to explore solar geo-engineering techniques. The initiative, known as Exploring Climate Cooling, supports five new projects that may lead to real-world outdoor experiments. Among the planned approaches are Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) and Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB), two methods designed to reflect solar radiation and mimic the temporary cooling effects seen after volcanic eruptions. These methods could theoretically reduce global temperatures, buying time as countries work to meet their emissions goals. One SAI project involves sending mineral dust into the upper atmosphere via a weather balloon to study its behaviour. In another, researchers may spray a fine mist of seawater into the air from a coastal UK location, brightening low-altitude clouds to increase their reflectivity. Another experiment will focus on Arctic sea ice thickening, based on the theory that restoring albedo in polar regions could help slow melting and delay feedback loops. A modelling-based project is also looking into the potential for space-based mirrors or reflectors, although such interventions remain conceptual. ARIA has emphasized that no outdoor trials will proceed without environmental impact assessments, full public consultation, and strict oversight. The agency clarified that no toxic substances will be released in any proposed experiment. “There’s a critical missing gap in our knowledge on the feasibility and impacts of SRM,” said Mark Symes, programme director at ARIA. “To fill that gap requires real-world outdoor experiments.” Yet the announcement has triggered concern from leading scientists and climate experts. Professor Raymond Pierrehumbert, a planetary physicist at the University of Oxford, warned that solar geo-engineering offers a dangerous illusion of control. “It just kicks the can down the road,” he said. “It doesn’t take away the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.” The UAE’s Cloud Seeding Operations In stark contrast, the UAE has pursued a different form of atmospheric intervention for more than two decades, cloud seeding. Aimed at increasing rainfall in one of the driest regions on Earth, this practice involves aircraft releasing salt flares into cumulus clouds to enhance condensation and precipitation. According to the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM), over 300 cloud seeding missions are carried out annually. The country also funds international research into rain enhancement through its UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), offering millions in grants to develop cloud seeding technologies. In July 2022, the NCM confirmed that cloud seeding operations had helped increase rainfall during periods of extreme heat. More recently, radar-confirmed rainfall across the eastern UAE in March and April 2025 was also linked to targeted seeding efforts. While the UAE’s seeding programme focuses on regional water security rather than global climate control, the underlying technique, releasing particles into the atmosphere, mirrors some aspects of SRM. However, the UAE has maintained that its methods use natural materials such as salt, in contrast to sulphur-based aerosols proposed in some SRM experiments. According to Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), cloud seeding is considered a critical component of the UAE’s climate adaptation strategy, not an attempt to regulate the broader climate system. The Science and the Risks Both SRM and cloud seeding share a fundamental premise: human-engineered changes to the atmosphere. But while one aims to cool the planet, the other tries to localize rainfall, and the implications vary widely. Scientific models have shown that SRM, particularly SAI, could disrupt global weather systems. One study found that brightening clouds off the coast of Namibia could reduce rainfall in South America, threatening the Amazon Basin. Another published in Earth’s Future (2024) suggested that using existing aircraft to inject aerosols at lower altitudes would require triple the materials, increasing risks of acid rain and atmospheric instability. Cloud seeding, though narrower in scope, isn’t immune to scrutiny either. Critics have questioned whether artificially induced rainfall could interfere with neighbouring weather systems or strain regional water cycles. However, scientific consensus to date suggests that the effects are largely localised, and the materials used are not harmful in current quantities. Yet in both cases, the absence of international regulation has raised alarms. As of August 2025, no global legal framework exists to govern geo-engineering practices. This leaves room for private ventures, such as US-based startup Make Sunsets, which launched sulphur dioxide-filled balloons commercially and drew backlash from Mexico and environmentalists worldwide. In the US, multiple states, including Florida and Tennessee, have passed laws restricting or banning geo-engineering and weather modification. A Harvard-led SRM experiment known as SCoPEX was also cancelled in 2023 after opposition from environmental groups and Indigenous communities in Sweden. A Shared Atmosphere, Diverging Philosophies The difference between the UK and UAE lies not just in scale, but in intention. Britain’s exploration of SRM is global in ambition, attempting to offset the warming effects of industrial emissions that began in the 18th century. The UAE’s use of cloud seeding is local in scope, focused on addressing immediate needs in a water-stressed environment. But the philosophical divergence goes deeper. SRM is often viewed as a stopgap for mitigation failures, while the UAE positions cloud seeding as part of a broader adaptation strategy that includes renewable energy, desalination, and conservation. Yet both efforts

Salem Al-Hashmi From Phone Deals to Building the Future of Web3

Salem Al-Hashmi From Phone Deals to Building the Future of Web3

Salem Al-Hashmi From Phone Deals to Building the Future of Web3 By Hafsa Qadeer Long before blockchain entered the mainstream conversation, before Bitcoin headlines dominated the global news cycle, and before “Web3” became a buzzword, Salem Al-Hashmi was laying the groundwork for a future he couldn’t yet define, but one he was instinctively building toward. In the heart of Abu Dhabi, amid the hum of marketplaces and second-hand tech shops, a young Salem was making his first moves, not from a high-rise office or sleek co-working hub, but from the ground up in the fast-paced world of mobile phone trading. Buying, flipping, fixing, and negotiating, Salem developed not just a keen sense for commerce but an intuitive grasp of people. These early days were anything but glamorous, but they were real, and they taught him one of life’s hardest-earned truths: success doesn’t arrive, it’s built, piece by piece, trade by trade, call by call. At the time, he had no inkling that this scrappy hustle would later fuel a much bigger leap. Years passed, and when the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt, Salem found himself once again at a crossroads. The external chaos echoed internal uncertainty, missed calls, closed doors, lost momentum. But true to his nature, standing still wasn’t an option. While others froze or fled, Salem turned his focus toward what many still dismissed as digital gambling, cryptocurrency. But he wasn’t chasing hype or headlines, he was thinking long-term. “It wasn’t a gamble,” he reflects. “It was a calculated move toward the future.” Where some saw trends, he saw infrastructure, a new way to rebuild trust, transfer value, and reshape the very architecture of finance. He didn’t take shortcuts. Salem read obsessively, followed market patterns, made early investments, suffered losses, and recalibrated. Like many in the space, he initially got swept into the noise, fast gains, viral tokens, empty promises. But unlike many, he learned quickly. Those missteps became fuel for sharper strategy, and hype gave way to discipline. Soon, trading became more than a numbers game. It became a lesson in risk management, in emotional control, in delayed gratification. Salem’s efforts paid off. On Binance, the world’s leading crypto exchange, he ranked among the top three traders globally by Sharpe ratio, a measure that balances return with risk. It wasn’t just about earning, it was about earning smart. But profit was never the final goal. As he immersed deeper into the crypto ecosystem, Salem began to notice a troubling pattern: the space was crowded with noise, self-proclaimed gurus, questionable projects, predatory schemes. What disturbed him most was the vulnerability of those entering without proper knowledge, often lured by illusions of easy wealth. So, true to his builder’s spirit, Salem created a solution. What began informally became a movement, the Abu Dhabi Crypto Community. It wasn’t a company or a commercial brand. It was a safe space, both online and off, where curious minds could gather, ask questions without fear, and learn without pressure. “We don’t just spread awareness,” Salem says. “We build confidence and capability.” What started as informal chats turned into regular meetups. Conversations deepened, trust grew, and Salem became less of a public figure and more of a mentor. He taught people how to spot red flags, resist urgency, and walk away from anything promising instant riches. His golden rule? “If it feels like pressure, it’s probably a trap.” At the core of all his work is one unshakable foundation: values. Salem’s entrepreneurial compass is not driven by trends, but by faith and integrity. “What’s meant for you will reach you,” he often says, “but only if you work with honesty and intention.” In a space often defined by opacity and self-promotion, his approach stands out. He shares his trades publicly, walks others through his reasoning, and encourages a culture of radical transparency. For him, trust isn’t built by image, it’s built by action. Today, when asked what truly drives him, his answer is immediate: impact. Salem is no longer building for himself. He’s creating systems that empower others, platforms for education, mentorship, and ethical investing. His dream is clear: a UAE where every ambitious young person with a smartphone can access the same opportunities he had to fight for, regardless of their background. “Crypto is just the beginning,” he says. “The real mission is empowerment.” He envisions a Middle East that doesn’t trail global innovation, but leads it, a generation of coders, creators, and visionaries rising not from Silicon Valley, but from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. And for that to happen, he believes the technology must evolve alongside the people, rooted in community, led by ethics, and driven by a shared sense of purpose. Salem doesn’t seek the spotlight. He doesn’t position himself as a crypto mogul. He sees himself as a bridge, between old systems and new, between confusion and clarity, between ambition and meaningful action. As he continues to develop educational platforms, grow mentorship networks, and lead ethical investment initiatives, one thing is certain: his mission is bigger than his name. “Legacy isn’t what you leave behind,” he says. “It’s what continues because of you.” In a region charging toward its digital future, Salem Al-Hashmi isn’t just surfing the wave of Web3, he’s helping shape its very direction. And as a new generation of dreamers watches, learns, and rises with him, his story stands as a reminder that true innovation begins not with technology, but with intention.

Exclusive Interview with Maya Nassar Maalouf

Exclusive Interview with Maya Nassar Maalouf

Exclusive Interview with Maya Nassar Maalouf Ms Fitness Universe 2025 | International Fitness Model | Virgin Radio Host | Founder of Start Living Right By Hafsa Qadeer Maya Nassar Maalouf, crowned Ms Fitness Universe 2025 in Las Vegas, is more than a global champion, she is a pioneer in Arab fitness, a successful entrepreneur, and a powerful voice on the airwaves. As a mother of four, international athlete, and media personality, her journey continues to inspire a generation of women across the Middle East and beyond. Having lived in the United States, Nigeria, England, and Lebanon, Maya’s outlook on fitness and discipline has been deeply shaped by her global experiences. Each culture brought a unique philosophy toward health and lifestyle, broadening her understanding of fitness beyond physical appearance. The variety of environments taught her how to adapt, remain motivated, and stay disciplined no matter the circumstances. Her fitness journey began in 2010 during a time of personal challenge, which sparked a desire for transformation. What started as a personal goal soon turned into a passionate pursuit of bodybuilding. Through this process, she discovered not just physical strength, but deep mental resilience. Competing was a natural next step, allowing her to push her limits and redefine her sense of self. A defining moment came when she became the first Lebanese athlete officially endorsed by the government to compete in an international bodybuilding event. That endorsement represented more than personal recognition, it marked a breakthrough for Lebanese women in sport. It was a proud, symbolic moment, signalling to women across the region that they, too, could claim space on global athletic stages. Winning first place at the 2014 Pure Elite UK Championships was a pivotal achievement that validated years of dedication and sacrifice. It established Maya’s credibility in the international fitness community and opened the door to further success. Most recently, she added another crowning glory to her career, being named Ms Fitness Universe 2025 in Las Vegas. That moment was especially meaningful, a culmination of years of commitment achieved while raising four children. Her platform, Start Living Right, was born out of a desire to empower others. The goal was to make fitness accessible and enjoyable, offering structured resources and expert guidance. Today, it stands as one of the region’s top-ranked fitness apps, with official endorsement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The app’s success is a testament to its positive impact on the community and the growing appetite for credible wellness solutions in the Arab world. Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur was not without its challenges. Navigating the business world required Maya to learn about operations, marketing, and finance, territories she hadn’t explored as a competitor. Running a business meant shifting her mindset and embracing continuous growth, all while staying connected to her roots in fitness. Balancing that with motherhood and media responsibilities has been demanding, but rewarding. Maintaining personal motivation and consistency amidst so many commitments comes down to prioritisation. Maya treats her workouts like any essential meeting and sets realistic, achievable goals. Finding joy in the process has helped her stay grounded and committed to her own wellbeing, even when time is scarce. Media has played a vital role in expanding Maya’s platform. Her features in publications such as Women’s Health, Oxygen Magazine, and Muscle & Fitness have helped reshape perceptions of Middle Eastern women in fitness. Through her visibility, she continues to challenge outdated stereotypes, showcasing the strength, capability, and ambition of Arab women. Her work in broadcasting, most notably as a radio host on Virgin Radio, gives her the opportunity to reach an even wider audience. Through on-air discussions and community engagement, she spreads awareness about health and wellness in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring. Media, in this context, becomes a catalyst for cultural change, encouraging people across the Arab world to adopt healthier lifestyles. As Maya continues to grow and evolve, her ambitions remain rooted in impact. She is exploring new business ventures and community-based wellness initiatives designed to reach more people, particularly women seeking empowerment through health. Personal development remains a constant focus, as she seeks to refine her leadership skills and continue inspiring others to pursue their own journeys toward balance, fitness, and self-belief. Maya Nassar Maalouf’s journey is not just a story of success, but of transformation, leadership, and purpose. She continues to inspire, not only through her achievements, but through her unwavering commitment to helping others start living right.

Why ADNOC Sees Opportunity in Covestro Acquisition

Why ADNOC Sees Opportunity in Covestro Acquisition

Strategic Alignment Why ADNOC Sees Opportunity in Covestro Acquisition By Hafsa Qadeer When ADNOC first unveiled its plan to acquire Covestro last October, it surprised many observers. Here was a national oil company, long synonymous with crude exports, reaching into Europe’s advanced chemicals sector. Now, as Brussels opens an in‑depth probe under its new Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the deal is under the microscope, but the reasons behind ADNOC’s enthusiasm remain as clear as ever. At its core, the Covestro acquisition is about strategic alignment. ADNOC has spent the past decade moving “downstream,” shifting from raw oil and gas production toward higher‑value industries. Covestro, a German firm spun off from Bayer in 2015, specializes in high‑performance polymers and coatings used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, and more. By bringing Covestro into its fold, ADNOC isn’t just buying assets; it’s buying expertise, global customer relationships, and a direct ticket into fast‑growing clean‑tech markets. Why Polymers Matter Imagine you’re designing the next generation of electric cars. You need strong, lightweight plastics for body panels, durable insulators for high‑voltage wiring, and eco‑friendly coatings for interiors. Covestro already supplies those critical materials to automakers around the world. For ADNOC, owning that supply chain means more than diversifying revenue; it means shaping the products that will define tomorrow’s mobility and energy systems. Oil demand may slow as the world decarbonizes, but the appetite for advanced materials shows no sign of ebbing. Batteries, solar panels, hydrogen infrastructure, and electric vehicles all rely on specialized polymers. By investing in Covestro now, ADNOC is hedging its future, ensuring that its earnings aren’t tied solely to barrels of oil but also to the broader industrial transformation underway in clean technology. Scale, Capital, and Speed Another powerful draw is scale. ADNOC’s sovereign backing gives it access to capital at costs that few private companies can match. Covestro, by contrast, must tap Europe’s capital markets for funding. That difference matters when it comes to financing new production lines or cutting‑edge research centers. Under ADNOC’s ownership, Covestro could accelerate projects that might otherwise be delayed by tighter budgets. Whether expanding a plant in Germany to produce bio‑based plastics or funding recycling initiatives that turn old polymers into new ones, ADNOC’s financial muscle can translate into faster innovation and greater capacity, benefits that ultimately reach European customers and industries. Navigating the EU’s New Rules Yet regulatory scrutiny was always part of the picture. The EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation, in force since mid‑2023, empowers Brussels to examine whether state‑backed buyers gain an unfair competitive edge. The Commission’s preliminary concerns center on two points: an “unlimited financial guarantee” from the UAE government and a “committed capital increase” into Covestro. These measures, regulators argue, could have enabled ADNOC to outbid rival suitors. ADNOC has pushed back firmly but respectfully, noting its track record of transparent, market‑based deals in Asia and Europe. Covestro, for its part, has welcomed the review and pledged full cooperation. Both sides stress that the probe’s opening does not prejudge the outcome, and that all options, from unconditional approval to conditional commitments, remain on the table. A Potential Win‑Win If approved, the transaction could deliver benefits on both sides. Europe would gain fresh capital for research, new local jobs, and strengthened supply chains in critical materials. ADNOC would secure technology and market access that bolster its own sustainability goals, from recycling waste plastics into new products to developing bio‑based alternatives. That synergy is exactly the strategic alignment ADNOC had in mind. It’s not simply an oil company buying a chemical maker; it’s two businesses combining strengths for mutual gain. Europe gains a partner committed to long‑term investment; ADNOC gains the industrial know‑how and customer networks vital for the next decade. What to Watch Next The Commission has until December 2, 2025, to reach a decision. In the coming months, technical teams from ADNOC, Covestro, and Brussels will conduct market impact studies, clarify financial arrangements, and negotiate any necessary remedies. Observers will be watching closely: a green light could encourage further Gulf‑to‑Europe partnerships, while a blockage might signal a tougher stance on foreign state‑backed investment. Regardless of the outcome, ADNOC’s Covestro move has already sent a clear message: national oil companies can, and must, evolve. Energy and advanced materials are increasingly intertwined, and success will favor those who align capabilities with market needs. In the high‑stakes game of global industry, that kind of forward‑looking strategy may prove to be the strongest currency of all.

Arab Bank Group

Arab Bank Group Posts $535 Million H1 Profit, Driven by 6% Growth

Arab Bank Group Posts $535 Million H1 Profit, Driven by 6% Growth By Hafsa Qadeer Arab Bank Group’s financial results for the first half of 2025 reflect both resilience and strategic clarity. The Amman‑headquartered lender reported a net income after tax of USD 535.3 million, up 6% from USD 502.8 million in the same period last year. This impetus was driven by a concerted effort to grow core lending while preserving strong liquidity and capital buffers, a balance that management has deemed essential amid ongoing regional economic headwinds. Balance‑Sheet Expansion and Funding Strength Over the six‑month period, the Group’s total assets increased by 9% to USD 75.2 billion, underscoring robust demand across its credit portfolio. Net loans rose by 6% to USD 39.8 billion, fueled primarily by corporate and institutional clients seeking trade‑finance and project‑funding solutions. At the same time, customer deposits climbed by 9% to USD 55.3 billion, reinforcing Arab Bank’s reputation for stability and its ability to attract and retain client funds even in a competitive market for deposits. This deposit growth not only underpins the bank’s liquidity profile but also enables a conservative loan‑to‑deposit ratio of 72%. By ensuring that a majority of lending is funded through stable client deposits, Arab Bank has guarded against funding volatility and sustained its capacity to support client activity across a range of sectors. Capital Adequacy and Asset‑Quality Discipline Maintaining a fortress‑like capital position remains a cornerstone of Arab Bank’s strategy. As of June 30, 2025, total equity stood at USD 12.5 billion, delivering a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 17.1%, comfortably above regulatory requirements. Management’s prudent approach to credit risk was equally evident in its provisioning philosophy: provisions against non‑performing loans continue to exceed 100%, ensuring that potential future losses are fully cushioned. This dual emphasis on capital and credit quality has allowed the bank to pursue measured growth without compromising resilience. By proactively provisioning against stressed exposures, Arab Bank has fortified its balance sheet and ensured that episodic market shocks do not erode its core capital base. Strategic Expansion: The Swiss Private‑Banking Merger A highlight of the first half was the completion of a landmark merger in Switzerland. Arab Bank Switzerland finalized the integration of Gonet & Cie SA and ONE Swiss Bank SA, creating a unified private‑banking platform with assets under management totaling CHF 18 billion. This consolidation strengthens Arab Bank’s position in Europe’s competitive wealth‑management landscape and deepens its service offering to high‑net‑worth clients with ties between the Gulf and Switzerland. By bringing together the heritage and networks of both Gonet and ONE, Arab Bank Switzerland is positioned to leverage synergies in client service, cross‑border advisory, and digital onboarding. The enlarged platform will allow the Group to capture new flows of wealth and to offer a seamless suite of investment, trust, and fiduciary services under a single, integrated brand. Leadership Insights: Strategy and Resilience Commenting on the half‑year results, Chairman Sabih Masri emphasized that the bank’s achievements stem from the “effectiveness of our integrated strategy and the resilience of our operating model.” He noted that, despite regional geopolitical uncertainties and uneven economic recovery, Arab Bank continued to execute on its long‑term vision, delivering sustainable growth and healthy returns for shareholders. Chief Executive Officer Randa Sadik echoed this sentiment, pointing to a 5% increase in Group revenue for H1 2025 as evidence of robust underlying performance. She highlighted the bank’s unwavering focus on maintaining high liquidity and preserving asset quality, “Our balance‑sheet strength remains our greatest asset,” she said, “allowing us to serve clients effectively while safeguarding stakeholder interests.” Guarded Optimism: Outlook and Strategic Priorities Looking ahead, Arab Bank’s leadership has signaled a commitment to deepening its core franchise while exploring selective growth avenues. The bank plans to leverage its strengthened capital base to support financing in sectors poised for expansion, including infrastructure, energy transition, and trade corridors linking the Middle East to global markets. At the same time, it will continue to invest in digital capabilities designed to enhance client experience and operational efficiency. The successful Swiss merger also opens the door to further international collaboration, enabling Arab Bank to offer integrated banking solutions that span retail, corporate, and private‑banking segments. By aligning its Middle Eastern heritage with European wealth‑management expertise, the Group seeks to capture synergies and deliver differentiated value to a broadening client base. Recognition of Excellence In addition to its financial achievements, Arab Bank was honored as the “Best Bank in the Middle East 2025” by Global Finance magazine. This accolade reflects both the bank’s market leadership and its consistent delivery of risk‑adjusted returns. It also underscores the industry’s recognition of Arab Bank’s strategic execution, capital discipline, and customer‑focused culture. Final Words Arab Bank Group’s first‑half performance in 2025 exemplifies a rare blend of growth and stability. By growing net income, expanding assets, and reinforcing capital and liquidity metrics, the bank has demonstrated that disciplined strategy and prudent risk management can coexist, even in a challenging regional environment. As the Group advances through the remainder of 2025, its ability to sustain these fundamentals while pursuing strategic expansion will be central to its long‑term success and its continued role as a pillar of the regional banking sector.

Freelance and Digital-Nomad Visas

The Real Accessibility of UAE’s Freelance and Digital-Nomad Visas

Static Success or Hidden Cost? The Real Accessibility of UAE’s Freelance and Digital-Nomad Visas By Hafsa Qadeer The UAE has reinvented itself not just as a luxury destination, but as a hub for the global workforce on the move. With Dubai now ranked among the world’s top two destinations for digital nomads, it’s easy to be dazzled by the skyscrapers, tax incentives, and smart city buzz. Yet beneath the shimmering surface lies a quieter question: Who is this freedom really for? On paper, the freelance and digital-nomad visa schemes offer a progressive, future-forward model. These visas promise flexibility, location independence, and access to world-class infrastructure without the burden of local employment. However, in practice, the system reveals structural gaps that challenge the very foundations of accessibility, inclusion, and long-term sustainability. The main issue lies in the paradox between the policy’s intent and its lived reality. While the government positions these visas as part of its economic diversification efforts, the framework appears to favor well-resourced expatriates with stable foreign incomes. For the average freelancer or remote worker, especially those from emerging economies, the UAE presents a costly, high-maintenance environment that’s difficult to navigate without institutional support. One of the first friction points appears at the bureaucratic level. Obtaining a visa may be relatively straightforward, but accessing everyday essentials, like bank accounts, health insurance, mobile services, and long-term rentals, often involves a labyrinth of paperwork, expensive premiums, and inconsistent regulation. The freelance tag, while officially recognized, still lacks social legitimacy in many service sectors. This disconnect forces many into gray zones of temporary workarounds or co-living setups that strain both finances and mental health. Another challenge is financial sustainability. Despite the appeal of tax-free earnings, the high cost of living in cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi rapidly neutralizes any perceived benefits. Many freelancers struggle with unpredictable cash flow, client payment delays, and limited access to financial tools such as credit, loans, or subsidies. In essence, they operate as one-person businesses, bearing all risks without the protections afforded to traditional employees or even licensed SMEs. Moreover, healthcare, a vital concern for any mobile professional, remains a major blind spot. Although basic health insurance is a prerequisite for visa approval, the coverage is often minimal, expensive, and lacks continuity across Emirates. For digital nomads with chronic conditions or families, this becomes a major obstacle. The absence of affordable, comprehensive healthcare options puts into question how truly sustainable these freelance lives are, especially over the long term. Then comes the issue of permanence, or the lack thereof. These visas are largely temporary, renewable annually, but without a clear path to permanent residency or integration. While this may suit short-term digital tourists, it creates long-term instability for those who wish to build roots, contribute to the local economy, and participate in social life more meaningfully. The UAE’s vision of becoming a magnet for global talent must reconcile this tension between flexibility and belonging. There is also the risk of building a two-tier freelance economy, where high-earning consultants, tech entrepreneurs, and digital creators thrive in elite coworking lounges, while mid-level professionals, educators, and creatives struggle in isolation. Without social support networks, inclusive pricing, or access to policy dialogue, this imbalance could deepen existing inequalities in the labor market. The Emirates’ push for digital work is a commendable step toward modern economic frameworks. But ambition must be matched by infrastructure, and inclusivity must go beyond invitation. For these visa programs to succeed beyond numbers and headlines, they need to address the everyday realities of freelance life: affordability, access, legal protection, and human dignity. As the country positions itself at the center of the remote work revolution, it must decide whether to build a model of digital migration that is equitable and resilient, or one that is selective, precarious, and ultimately unsustainable. The visa is not just a document; it’s a promise. And it must deliver more than entry; it must deliver opportunity.

UAE Announces Unified School Calendar

UAE Announces Unified School Calendar Here’s What It Means for Students and Families

UAE Announces Unified School Calendar Here’s What It Means for Students and Families By Hafsa Qadeer The UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced that, starting from the 2025–26 academic year, all schools, public and private, will follow the same academic calendar. It’s a simple change on paper, but for many parents, teachers, and students, it’s a big deal. For years, families with children in different school systems have had to navigate a patchwork of term dates. One child might be starting exams while another is already on holiday. Some schools followed government schedules, others followed international boards. Planning a family trip, or even just a weekend, was a constant juggling act. With this move, all that changes. A Welcome Change for Parents “I have three kids in three different schools,” said Sana Rahim, a mother living in Dubai. “Trying to line up their holidays was like solving a puzzle. I’m relieved. Finally, I won’t have to explain to my boss why I need leave three times in two months.” Under the new calendar, all schools will start and end terms on the same dates. Public holidays, breaks, and exam periods will now follow a national schedule. While the content and curricula won’t change, the rhythm of the school year will finally be the same. Why Now? Officials say the change is part of a broader effort to create more consistency across the education system. It’s also about fairness. “We want to give every student, regardless of which school they go to, the same structure,” the Minister of Education said during the announcement. “This is one way we can support families and improve coordination across the board.” What It Means for Schools For teachers and administrators, the change may take some adjustment, but many are on board. “It makes staff training easier. It helps with organizing national events and exams. And honestly, it helps us feel more connected to the education system as a whole,” said Aliya Mansoor, a teacher at a private school in Sharjah. Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Some international schools worry about how this might affect alignment with external exam boards. But so far, most schools appear ready to adapt. A Step Toward Simplicity The UAE’s education landscape is one of the most diverse in the world. This move doesn’t erase that; it just tries to bring a bit more order to the chaos. No more mismatched calendars. No more scattered term dates. Just one school year, for everyone. It may not sound revolutionary, but for thousands of families, it’s a long-overdue relief.

Al Madam Ghost Village

Al Madam Ghost Village When the Desert Reclaims the Dream

Al Madam Ghost Village When the Desert Reclaims the Dream By Hafsa Qadeer On a flat horizon of wind-brushed dunes southeast of Sharjah, a dozen pastel-toned houses and a small mosque sit quietly, half-swallowed by the desert. Known as the Buried Village, or Al Madam Ghost Village, this forgotten outpost is more than a curiosity for offbeat travelers. It is a mirror held up to the UAE’s early experiments with modernity, one that reflects not failure, but an unfinished story. A Settlement Meant for a New Era Built in the late 1970s, Al Madam was part of a government initiative to settle Bedouin tribes, particularly the Al Kutbi, into permanent homes. The concrete houses were simple, functional, and arranged around a modest mosque. It was a microcosm of the national ambition of the time: to shift from nomadic life into structured community living, as the newly formed UAE rushed toward a modern statehood. But within a decade, life in Al Madam quietly unraveled. Families left behind furniture, toys, and open doors as they migrated toward cities with better infrastructure, jobs, and services. The desert, unbothered by time, returned to reclaim the settlement, filling living rooms with sand, burying courtyards, and wrapping the minaret in its soft, patient grip. Why Was It Left, and Why Has It Stayed That Way? Harsh environmental conditions played their part. Sandstorms often rendered daily life unbearable. Water supply was inconsistent. The houses, though practical, were not designed to withstand the full force of the desert’s slow invasion. As urban centers like Sharjah and Dubai boomed, Al Madam was gradually emptied, not by disaster, but by disinterest. The bigger question today, however, is why the site has remained untouched in a country where real estate is often measured in millions of dirhams. Why has no one repurposed, restored, or even claimed these ready-made homes? The answer lies in a blend of legal, environmental, and cultural hesitation. The land likely falls under protected heritage jurisdiction or sits in a bureaucratic grey zone with unclear ownership. There are no utility lines or paved roads. The cost of retrofitting this remote area far outweighs any commercial return. And unlike other abandoned villages, such as Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Jazirah Al Hamra, which has been partially restored for tourism, Al Madam has been left to exist on its own terms. Preserved or Forgotten? There are no visitor centers or ticket booths. No curated signs or glossy brochures. Just wind, sand, silence, and stories, if you know where to look. In this untouched state, Al Madam offers something rare in the UAE: authenticity. It has not been stage-managed into a heritage attraction. Instead, it stands as a quiet, decaying relic of the nation’s formative years. Some locals whisper about jinn, blaming the supernatural for the mass departure. But the more grounded truth lies in the slow bureaucracy, environmental impracticality, and perhaps an unspoken national choice: to preserve this place as a living memory rather than a revived destination. What the Desert Tells Us Al Madam is more than a ghost village. It’s a reminder that not every planned community, no matter how well-intentioned, becomes a success story. It’s a meditation on how ambition meets nature, and how not all of the UAE’s past can, or should, be glossed over with development. In a country defined by hyper-modern skylines and luxury lifestyles, this buried village is a quiet monument to resilience, abandonment, and the fragility of vision. For those who make the hour-long drive from Dubai or Sharjah, it offers something no mall or tower can: a raw encounter with a chapter of the nation that time didn’t quite erase, but chose not to rewrite.

Interactive Arts Arenas

Interactive Arts Arenas When Concerts, Installations, and Gaming Collide

Interactive Arts Arenas When Concerts, Installations, and Gaming Collide By Hafsa Qadeer The crowd doesn’t just watch, it participates. Gone are the velvet-rope barriers of old-world entertainment. In the UAE, the stage is melting into the screen, the screen into the audience, and the audience into the art. From Alserkal Avenue to Abu Dhabi’s immersive domes, the new arena is one where concerts meet gaming, installations breathe with AI, and the line between spectator and performer blurs into pixels and participation. This is entertainment 3.0, and it’s deeply interactive. Suppose, A DJ spins under a digital sky programmed to respond to the crowd’s collective heartbeat. A holographic dancer joins an Emirati rapper mid-performance. Nearby, gamers in VR suits co-create a live narrative projected on a 360° dome, while an AI-generated orchestra swells to match their pace. We are no longer just viewers. We are the co-authors of the spectacle. The UAE’s cultural institutions are not merely adapting, they are pioneering. Expo City Dubai now moonlights as a live gameworld arena. Saadiyat Island’s future-forward performance halls are being designed with modular walls that shift with the tempo. Even Sharjah’s biennials now host playable exhibitions, soundscapes you can walk through, digital poems that answer back. At the heart of this evolution is convergence. Art meets tech. Music meets code. Theatre meets game engines. It’s not about distraction, it’s about immersion. And in a region where storytelling has always been sacred, this new format revives the majlis spirit in unexpected ways. Only now, the storytellers speak in shaders and scripts, and the guests wear headsets or hold NFC-enabled wristbands. The goal? Presence. In a world fatigued by screens and passivity, these interactive arenas remind us what it means to feel something together. The collective gasp when a projection reacts to your movement. The adrenaline rush when your decision shifts a storyline mid-play. The quiet awe when a digital dervish spins only for you. This is not just next-gen entertainment, it is emotional architecture. As boundaries dissolve between genres, mediums, and realities, the UAE finds itself uniquely positioned. With its appetite for innovation and reverence for story, the country becomes not just a host, but a heartbeat of global interactive culture. Here, art is no longer something we watch. It’s something we enter.

Emirati Artists Are Programming

How Emirati Artists Are Programming the Nation’s Next Heritage

How Emirati Artists Are Programming the Nation’s Next Heritage By Hafsa Qadeer Art, in the UAE, no longer sits solely on canvas or stone. It pulses through LED walls, whispers in algorithms, and lives in the invisible syntax of code. In a land where museums rise beside mosques and data centers hum beneath heritage sites, a new generation of Emirati creatives is forging a future where tradition is not archived, but reprogrammed. This is not a rebellion against heritage. It is a redesign. Culture, in their hands, becomes a living codebase, continuously compiled across mediums, minds, and machines. The Digital Majlis Where elders once gathered beneath tents to share poems, today’s artists meet inside digital forums and NFT galleries. The majlis has migrated to the metaverse. Here, traditional Nabati poetry is visualized through VR. Calligraphy curves into 3D animations. Music composed with oud and AI-generated beats streams through headphones in global cities. Yet the soul remains Emirati. Artists like Maitha Al Khayat and Ammar Al Attar use augmented reality to revive ancestral crafts. AI artists remix archival photos with machine learning to create speculative histories. The past is not lost, it is remixed, rendered, and reintroduced. Museums Without Walls Culture in the UAE no longer needs walls to be displayed. It lives on screens, in apps, and on-chain. The House of Wisdom in Sharjah offers immersive installations where books talk back. Alserkal Avenue hosts exhibitions that blur art and interface. Louvre Abu Dhabi’s digital twin allows global access to Emirati heritage. In this shift, the definition of art expands. A line of code becomes calligraphy. A blockchain ledger becomes a registry of oral histories. A data visualization of desert winds becomes poetry in motion. This is not just digitization, it is a new dialect of tradition. Heritage Hackers and Cultural Coders These creators are not just artists. They are cultural coders, writing scripts that preserve identity in languages the world can now understand. Their studios look more like labs. Their canvases are sometimes touchscreens. Yet their work holds the same intent: to remember, to reflect, and to reshape. Projects like the UAE National Archives’ AI oral history translators, or the Ministry of Culture’s blockchain art certification initiative, point to a state-sponsored belief: that the future of heritage depends on innovation. Even the oldest stories must sometimes wear new skins. When AI Learns Our Stories Perhaps the most profound shift is not just in the tools but in the tutors. Emiratis are now teaching artificial intelligence to speak their culture. From training large language models in Arabic dialects to inputting Emirati metaphors into generative systems, this is more than technical, it’s philosophical. What should a machine know about a people?  How can a dataset carry the scent of oud, the weight of ghutra, the silence of a desert dawn? In the UAE, these questions are not theoretical. They are the foundation of a new creative movement: one where machines become memory-keepers, and where Emirati culture evolves, not in opposition to tech, but through it. A Nation Written in Light and Language Art here does not choose between fiber and fiber-optic. It chooses both. Because in the UAE, technology is not erased. It is illumination. And the artists who move between realms, tradition and innovation, camel hair and code, are not bridging a gap. They are building a bridge. A bridge to a culture that never stays still.  A bridge to memory that you can scroll, remix, and still feel in your bones.  A bridge to a future that remembers where it came from. And on this bridge, the UAE walks forward, poet, programmer, and preservationist, all at once.  

The UAE’s Rise as a Destination for Eco-Spiritual Retreats

The UAE’s Rise as a Destination for Eco-Spiritual Retreats

The UAE’s Rise as a Destination for Eco-Spiritual Retreats By Hafsa Qadeer Not all pilgrimages are religious. Some are made in silence. Others, in search of silence. In the UAE, where dunes ripple like golden prayers and the stars still speak in ancient patterns, a new form of journey is calling. One not toward temples or cathedrals, but inward. Welcome to the era of eco-spiritual tourism, where seekers come not just for sightseeing but for soul-searching. And in the heart of the desert, they are finding what cities rarely offer: space to remember who they are. Where Silence Becomes Sacred In a world addicted to noise, the Empty Quarter, the Rub’ al Khali, is becoming full again. Not with caravans, but with consciousness. Wellness travelers now hike into these vast landscapes not to escape, but to connect. To walk barefoot on sands older than civilization. To trade Wi-Fi for wisdom. Retreats near Liwa and Al Marmoom offer no televisions, no schedules, no distractions. Just yoga mats under acacia trees. Stargazing after dates and Arabic coffee. Quiet mornings where even thoughts arrive gently. Here, the desert does not demand. It invites. Faith in Nature, Not Away from It In the UAE, faith and nature were never separate. Bedouins once charted routes by stars and prayed by the movement of the sun. That rhythm remains. Only now, it is being reintroduced through curated experiences, Quranic reflections under the night sky, eco-conscious iftars during Ramadan, and guided hikes that incorporate Islamic philosophy and sustainability. The desert is not merely a backdrop. It’s a spiritual teacher, reminding us of scale, humility, and patience. And as the climate crisis deepens, these retreats also teach reverence, for land, for balance, for the future. From Luxury to Legacy This is not luxury wellness in the Western sense. It’s not about detox juices or infinity pools. Instead, it’s minimalism with meaning. Solar-powered tents, plant-based Emirati meals, heritage storytelling around campfires. Retreats are run in partnership with local tribes, blending ancestral wisdom with modern mindfulness. Tourists are no longer just guests. They become part of a preservation story, of dunes, of traditions, of values. Because healing, in this part of the world, comes not from excess, but from returning to what matters most. The New Global Seeker The UAE’s positioning as a spiritual retreat hub isn’t accidental. In a post-pandemic world, travelers seek more than Instagrammable moments. They want transformation. They want to unplug, but not from meaning. They want space, but not emptiness. And the Emirates, with its openness and infrastructure, offers both solitude and safety. From German therapists to Indian yoga instructors, the country is now a melting pot of healing traditions, attracting seekers from East and West alike. All drawn to the same thing: peace, in its most elemental form. Tourism with a Soulprint The desert does not sell you a version of peace. It quietly hands it back to you. And in the UAE, this has become tourism’s newest and most powerful currency. It is not mass-market. It is soul market. A journey measured not in steps or souvenirs, but in stillness and surrender. And so, as the world spins faster, the UAE remains one of the few places bold enough to say: Come. Slow down. Let the sand carry what you can no longer hold. Let the silence remind you, you are already whole.  

Beyond the Itinerary: The Rise of Gig Tourism in the UAE

The Rise of Gig Tourism in the UAE

Beyond the Itinerary The Rise of Gig Tourism in the UAE By Hafsa Qadeer In the glowing corridors of Dubai’s Media City and the vibrant alleys of Abu Dhabi’s creative districts, a new kind of traveler is checking in, not with suitcases, but with laptops, lighting kits, and USB mics. They are not tourists in the traditional sense. They are creators. Coders. Musicians. Digital freelancers. And they’ve turned the UAE into something unexpected: a temporary home for global gig workers on the move. This is the quiet ascent of gig tourism, where the traveler isn’t escaping work but carrying it with them, and where leisure and labor no longer sit in opposition but fold into one hybrid experience. It is a response to a world reshaped by remote work, borderless business, and the craving for lifestyle mobility. In 2025, the UAE’s tourism strategy reflects this shift. With streamlined remote work visas, pop-up co-living hotels in Ras Al Khaimah, and desert co-working retreats near Al Ain, the country is not just welcoming gig tourists, it is designing for them. These visitors come for a month, sometimes six, merging weekend dives in Fujairah with weekday UX workshops for global clients. They blur timelines, cultures, and currencies, and they are drawn not only by luxury but by possibility. Dubai’s DIFC cafes have turned into daytime studios. Ajman’s beachfront resorts host creative sprints. Sharjah’s heritage homes now house digital nomads working on podcasts, zines, and virtual galleries. In this gig tourism wave, the UAE becomes less a stopover and more a canvas, one where workspaces look like glass domes in the desert and inspiration flows from both the skyline and the souk. But this is not just economic opportunism. There is something soulful in the exchange. Artists collaborate with Emirati designers. Musicians sample the echoes of old mosques. Developers build blockchain solutions while sipping qahwa beneath mashrabiya windows. The country’s centuries-old rhythm of trade and hospitality simply adapts to a digital tempo. And in this dance of gig and glide, a new narrative is emerging, one that celebrates not escapism, but belonging on your own terms. A tourism not defined by ticketed attractions but by lived, working moments. It’s the sound of a Zoom call from a date farm. A design sprint at a Bedouin tent. A photo shoot in a recycled shipping container turned studio. Gig tourism, at its core, invites us to imagine a different kind of movement, one that isn’t seasonal but fluid. Not leisure-first but life-first. It transforms the UAE from a place you visit into a platform you build from. In the end, what draws people here isn’t just sun or spectacle. It’s the promise that in this country of speed and stillness, you don’t have to choose between career and calling. You can have both.

The Revival of Desert Nomad Routes: Mapping Memory in the UAE’s Empty Quarters

The Revival of Desert Nomad Routes

The Revival of Desert Nomad Routes Mapping Memory in the UAE’s Empty Quarters By Hafsa Qadeer Before highways, there were hoofprints. Before GPS, the stars. And before cities crowned the coast, the UAE was a rhythm of tents, wells, and movement, its people forever in dialogue with the dunes. In 2025, a quiet reclamation is unfolding: the ancient nomadic routes once lost to modernization are being revived, not as mere heritage displays, but as immersive journeys for modern pilgrims of culture and consciousness. This isn’t just tourism, it’s time travel. Across the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, guided camel caravans now retrace the ancestral trails of Bedouin tribes. These aren’t theatrical re-enactments. They are curated experiences shaped by historians, geographers, and tribal elders who still carry oral maps in memory. The routes stretch like spines across the desert, some leading to forgotten caravanserais, others to seasonal oases that still bloom beneath the heat. Along the way, travelers are taught the language of the land: how to read the wind in the sand, how to pitch a goat-hair tent, how to navigate using the shimmer of the horizon. And at night, there is silence, the kind that humbles ambition. You sit by a fire, cradling gahwa brewed over coals, and listen to stories that predate borders. You don’t just hear the past. You inherit it. This revival is more than cultural, it is ecological. New-age desert camps are designed for minimal impact: solar-lit, waste-free, and built with materials that decompose into the earth. Camels are not props, but companions raised ethically by breeders who see them as kin. Even food is sourced from desert farms practicing ancient permaculture methods. The UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with anthropologists and local tribes, has invested in digitizing and preserving these routes. Yet the spirit of the experience remains analog, slow, embodied, deeply present. For younger Emiratis, especially, this has become a pilgrimage of identity. Schools now organize desert immersion programs, where students learn the nomadic survival arts not as nostalgia, but as resilience training in a changing climate. Artists, too, have joined the caravans, turning sand prints into sculpture, poetry, and film. A new creative desert movement is emerging, one that paints the journey, not the destination. Tourists from across the globe now come not just to see dunes, but to understand why they matter. They leave their Wi-Fi behind. They leave their agendas at the edge of the last gas station. And what they gain is not just a photograph, but a recalibration of pace, of purpose. In an age of acceleration, the desert teaches us to move differently. Not forward. But deeper.

How the UAE Is Curating the Soul of the Internet

How the UAE Is Curating the Soul of the Internet

How the UAE Is Curating the Soul of the Internet By Hafsa Qadeer In the land where oral tradition once passed from lips by firelight, the stories have found new stages, glowing screens, social feeds, and streaming platforms. Yet the soul remains unchanged. Welcome to the UAE’s newest creative frontier: a cultural renaissance that’s not confined to books or galleries, but one that unfolds in pixels, podcasts, and poetic hashtags. This is not entertainment for entertainment’s sake. This is a nation telling its story its own way, digitally native, deeply rooted. The Rise of Neo-Majlis Media There’s a new kind of majlis emerging, not built from cushions and incense, but from comment threads and camera lenses. Young Emiratis gather not only in salons but in live streams and Twitter Spaces, where ideas swirl like cardamom in coffee. The UAE’s creators aren’t just making content, they’re reviving form. TikTok poets deliver verses in Khaleeji dialects. Filmmakers shoot on iPhones but edit like calligraphers. Even meme pages carry the cadence of folklore. In a world scrolling faster than thought, the UAE’s digital creatives offer something rare: reflection. Streaming the Story of Us What do you get when heritage meets high definition? A wave of Emirati-led productions that bring history, humor, and humanity to global screens. From period dramas set in pearl-diving villages to futuristic thrillers echoing climate anxieties, local storytelling is finding its stride. Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 and Dubai Studio City are no longer just infrastructure; they are incubators of identity. Actors trained in theater now voice characters in virtual reality. Scriptwriters consult historians before algorithms. Even gaming studios are embedding falconry, desert lore, and ghaf tree symbolism into open-world maps. This isn’t escapism. This is digital memory-making. Podcasts as the New Poetry Scroll through the UAE’s audio landscape and you’ll find voices that sound like home. Podcasts have become modern-day diwans, spaces where thinkers, artists, and comedians explore the stories beneath the skyline. One week, it’s a deep dive into Nabati verse, the next, a conversation on mental health in Arabic. These shows are archived emotion, a way for culture to breathe in earbuds and across borders. And in a region where silence often cloaks vulnerability, these conversations are a reclamation of voice. Influence with Intention In an era where virality is often mistaken for value, Emirati influencers are redefining what it means to “go viral.” Many use their platforms not for trend-chasing, but for trend-setting, promoting sustainability, preserving dialects, and spotlighting local artisans. A beauty vlogger ends every tutorial with a dua. A travel influencer maps spiritual landmarks instead of just brunch spots.  Even comedy sketches incorporate old proverbs, the laughter is always followed by a lesson. Digital Isn’t Disposable, It’s Archival Where some nations fear the digitization of culture, the UAE embraces it, with caution and care. AI is used not only to enhance content, but to preserve endangered dialects and catalog oral histories. The Ministry of Culture funds initiatives that turn family recipes into interactive apps and folk dances into motion-captured experiences. It’s not about nostalgia. It’s about ensuring that the future knows where it came from. A Soft Power, Strongly Felt The UAE understands that storytelling is powerful. Not the loud, flashy kind, but the soft power of nuance and identity. And by fusing tradition with technology, it’s creating a cultural model few nations can replicate. In the age of attention, this country has chosen intention. And perhaps that is the UAE’s greatest plot twist of all:  That in a world of filters and feeds, its truest influence lies not in the content it creates, but in the meaning it preserves.

Turning Wellness into a Way of Life

How the UAE Is Turning Wellness into a Way of Life

How the UAE Is Turning Wellness into a Way of Life By Hafsa Qadeer In the heart of the UAE, where skyscrapers mirror the stars and the pulse of commerce never rests, there is a quieter revolution underway. It doesn’t shout or shimmer. It hums, like the sound of breath in a yoga dome, the whisper of incense in a majlis, the slow pour of saffron tea. Welcome to the Mindful Majlis, a new way of living that fuses ancient hospitality with modern wellness. In a nation known for its pace, stillness is becoming a power of its own. Wellness Reimagined, Culturally Rooted Forget the imported notions of self-care found in glossy Western magazines. The UAE’s wellness movement draws from deeper wells, falaj systems that taught flow, majlis traditions that taught presence, and desert silence that taught listening. Wellness here is not escapism. It is homecoming. In Abu Dhabi’s mangrove retreats and Dubai’s desert sanctuaries, Emiratis and residents alike are redefining what it means to be well, not just physically, but spiritually and culturally. Mental health clinics are designed like majlises. Retreat centers serve dates alongside adaptogens. Camel milk is offered not as trend, but as tradition. Urban Serenity Even in the cities, mindfulness is no longer a niche. Offices now have prayer pods and aromatherapy lounges. Corporate wellness programs include Qur’an recitation breaks and guided visualizations through sand dunes. Digital detox cafes are on the rise, spaces where phones are surrendered at the door and conversations flow face-to-face, like they once did in moonlit tents. And from Jumeirah to Sharjah, parks and beaches now host community sound baths, full moon meditations, and morning qigong by the sea. The fast lane, it seems, is learning to pause. From Mosques to Mindfulness Spiritual wellness, long woven into the rhythm of daily life through prayer, is now converging with contemporary practices. In places like the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, reading nooks double as wellness corners. In Al Ain, Sufi poetry sessions are being revived as emotional healing circles. Here, mindfulness isn’t imported. It is remembered. Well-Tech and the Rise of Smart Wellness True to its tech-savvy DNA, the UAE is infusing its wellness renaissance with innovation. AI wellness coaches, smart abayas that monitor hydration, and virtual prayer mats are just the beginning. Startups are combining biometric data with traditional healing practices. Apps recommend personalized meditation routines based on heritage and lunar cycles. There’s even a metaverse mosque in development, offering guided inner journeys that transcend physical borders. But for all the tech, the heart of this movement remains profoundly human. Healing the Community, Not Just the Individual What makes the UAE’s wellness wave unique is its collective ethos. This is not just about yoga retreats for the few. It’s about mental health education in schools, trauma-informed therapy for refugees, and inclusive design that considers people of all abilities. Even traditional healers, herbalists, hijama practitioners, and dream interpreters are being integrated into modern healthcare systems, not as relics, but as respected allies in the care of the soul. A Cultural Blueprint for Global Wellness In a world seeking balance, the UAE offers a compelling model: one that honors its spiritual roots while embracing global well-being. Where wellness is not indulgence, but inheritance. It is in the way a guest is offered water before words. In the fragrance of oud that lingers like memory. In the pause between call to prayer and action. This is the Mindful Majlis, not a place, but a way of being. And as more people gather within its circle, it becomes clear: the UAE’s greatest luxury may not be what it builds, but how it helps us simply be.

Designing a Wardrobe for the Climate-Conscious Gulf

Designing a Wardrobe for the Climate-Conscious Gulf

Designing a Wardrobe for the Climate-Conscious Gulf By Hafsa Qadeer In the shimmering heat of the Gulf, style has always been a statement of wealth, of modesty, of power. However, today, as the UAE transitions from an oil-based economy to a knowledge-driven, eco-conscious society, its fashion narrative is evolving. A new aesthetic is emerging from the sand and steel: post-oil fashion, characterized by minimalism, mindfulness, and a deep-rooted connection to identity. This isn’t a rejection of glamour. It is a recalibration. The Fabric of Responsibility Step into a boutique in Alserkal Avenue or scroll through a digital showroom from a Dubai-based label, and you’ll see it: natural fibers replacing synthetics, camel wool blended with organic cotton, and garments dyed with desert herbs instead of chemicals. Young Emirati designers are ditching fast fashion in favor of conscious couture. Labels like Twisted Roots, Nafsika Skourti, and Bouguessa are leading the charge, blending architectural silhouettes with ethical sourcing, creating clothes that whisper sustainability without sacrificing elegance. Here, sustainability is not a trend. It is a promise. Climate as Couture’s Muse The Gulf sun, once tamed only by tinted glass and air-conditioned malls, is now a design influence. Flowy cuts, loose tailoring, breathable layers, these are more than cultural staples; they’re becoming climate-responsive design principles. In Abu Dhabi, a new generation of fashion students is experimenting with UV-protective fabrics. In Sharjah, modestwear brands are innovating with cooling textiles and desert-adaptive dyes. Traditional dress forms like the abaya and kandura are being reimagined with zero-waste patterns and biodegradable threads. This is not just about looking good. It’s about feeling in harmony with the land. Minimalism with Meaning Post-oil fashion in the UAE is also a quiet rebellion against excess. The days of logo-heavy luxury may not be gone, but there’s a rising appetite for subtler statements, heirloom jewelry passed down generations, tailored jalabiyas made by local artisans, and capsule wardrobes curated for purpose, not spectacle. The color palettes mirror the land, sands, silvers, date-palm greens, and dusky rose. It’s not monotony. It’s restraint. A new kind of opulence that speaks softly. Modesty Meets Innovation In this region, fashion has always walked a fine line between modesty and extravagance. But today, that dance is choreographed with tech. AI-powered fittings, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and fashion lines optimized for low-carbon shipping are redefining modest wear as futuristic. Digital runways in the metaverse showcase abayas that shimmer with virtual light, and NFTs are being paired with physical garments to prove authenticity and sustainability. This isn’t just fashion. It’s philosophy in fabric. Cultural Threads, Global Weave What sets the UAE apart is how deeply its post-oil fashion remains rooted in cultural memory. From the hand-stitched embroidery of Fujairah’s mountains to the gold-threaded weaves of old Dubai, heritage is not lost, it’s repurposed. In a world drowning in overproduction, the UAE’s emerging designers are looking inward, not outward, for inspiration. They are not mimicking Paris or Milan. They are building something new, a wardrobe for the desert future. The Aesthetics of What Comes Next As the UAE reimagines its economy beyond oil, it is also reimagining its aesthetic. Fashion here is not just adornment; it is adaptation, identity, and a gentle yet firm declaration that style can be sacred, sustainable, and still stunning. Post-oil aesthetics are not defined by what they discard, but by what they choose to carry forward. The threads of tradition. The spirit of innovation. The warmth of climate wisdom. In the end, perhaps that is what real elegance is: knowing how to dress for tomorrow, without forgetting where you began.

Can the UAE Lead the Future of Localized Language Models

Can the UAE Lead the Future of Localized Language Models?

Can the UAE Lead the Future of Localized Language Models? By Hafsa Qadeer In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, language is no longer just communication, it is computation. And in the swirling momentum of machine learning models trained in English, Chinese, or Spanish, a singular question echoes from the dunes of Arabia: What about Arabic? The UAE, ever the orchestrator of ambition, is responding with clarity. In the corridors of its AI labs and under the domes of its digital ministries, a new mission is being coded into reality, to lead the future of Arabic Large Language Models (LLMs), and, through them, to redefine the digital future of the Arab-speaking world. The Rise of Falcon At the heart of this ambition stands Falcon LLM, developed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi. It is not just another generative model, it is the first open-source Arabic-first LLM designed to rival the likes of GPT and LLaMA. Unlike its Western counterparts, Falcon is trained on multilingual datasets with a special emphasis on Arabic dialects, classical fusha, and cultural nuance. It doesn’t just understand Arabic, it thinks in it. This is more than technical progress. It is linguistic sovereignty. A Language Reborn in Code Arabic is one of the most spoken languages in the world, yet for years, it has been underrepresented in the AI revolution. The challenges were steep: complex morphology, diverse dialects, and script variations. But these hurdles are now becoming frontiers. UAE researchers, backed by state support and private innovation, are fine-tuning models that can write legal contracts in Emirati Arabic, generate poetry in Nabati verse, or answer questions in Gulf dialects with cultural fluency. This is not just about data. It’s about dignity. AI as a Cultural Custodian In many ways, the UAE’s investment in localized AI is also an investment in identity. It’s a means to preserve oral traditions, revive endangered dialects, and protect historical narratives from being lost in translation. AI is no longer just a tool for productivity. It is becoming a cultural custodian. Museums are digitizing archives using LLMs that understand pre-Islamic inscriptions. Universities are using Arabic-trained models to annotate classical manuscripts. Even chatbots at government portals now greet users not with a stilted phrase, but a warm “Marhaban, kaif al-hal?” The Power of a Multilingual Model But the UAE isn’t stopping at Arabic. Its vision is broader: to lead in multilingualism with cultural depth. Falcon 180B, the flagship open-weight model, offers performance that competes globally, yet with accessibility tailored to regional needs. With partners across MENA, Africa, and Southeast Asia, the UAE is positioning its AI not just as a product, but as infrastructure, the digital scaffolding upon which future economies and educational systems may be built. Startups and Sovereignty And the private sector is responding. AI startups in Dubai are launching voice assistants that speak Khaleeji Arabic. Healthtechs in Sharjah are training diagnostic models on patient notes written in colloquial Sudanese Arabic. Fintechs in Abu Dhabi are developing fraud detection systems that comprehend Islamic finance terminology. This localized intelligence is more than market innovation. It is digital sovereignty, ensuring that the UAE and its neighbors are not passive consumers of foreign models, but active architects of their AI future. The Future Speaks Arabic The promise of AI has always been its ability to learn. And now, it is finally learning to speak us. In the UAE, language is not just data to be parsed, it is a legacy to be uplifted. And if the nation succeeds in weaving its linguistic soul into the code of tomorrow, it won’t just lead the Arab world in AI. It will give the world something it has never truly had, an intelligence that dreams in Arabic.

Digital Nomad Visa of spain Welcomes UAE Remote Professionals

Digital Nomad Visa of Spain Welcomes UAE Remote Professionals

Digital Nomad Visa of spain Welcomes UAE Remote Professionals By Hafsa Qadeer In the age of remote work, national borders are beginning to lose their grip on the lives of professionals. With laptops replacing office cubicles and co-working hubs replacing high-rises, a new kind of migration is quietly taking root. Among the most alluring destinations is Spain, offering not just sunshine and siestas but a Digital Nomad Visa that is pulling in remote workers from across the globe, including the UAE. For a country like the UAE, which has long attracted expatriate talent and built a robust ecosystem around mobility and global connectivity, this outward trend is notable. It reflects a growing curiosity among knowledge workers in the Emirates to explore life in Europe, not as tourists, but as working residents. And Spain, with its cultural heritage, Mediterranean lifestyle, and policy reforms, is quickly becoming a remote worker’s dream. A Visa Built for the New Age of Work Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2023, was designed as a direct response to the changing nature of global employment. It allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Spain for up to five years if they can prove remote employment with a non-Spanish company or operate a location-independent business. According to Spain’s Ministry for Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa: Be a non-EU national working remotely for a company outside Spain, or be self-employed with clients abroad (only 20% of income may originate from Spain) Demonstrate at least three months of prior contractual relationship with the company or clients Hold a university degree or have at least three years of professional experience in their field Obtain private health insurance valid in Spain Present a clear criminal record certificate from both Spain and their country of residence for the past five years Apply either from within Spain (as a residency permit) or from their home country via the Spanish consulate But it’s not just about red tape. The Spanish government is offering more than paperwork; it’s selling a lifestyle. For many UAE residents, particularly tech professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are already familiar with the rhythms of remote work, the shift is seamless. Several remote workers we spoke to who made the leap from Dubai to Spain cited “a better work-life balance,” “affordable healthcare,” and “more immersive cultural life” as decisive factors. Why Spain? Why Now? The timing of this visa scheme could not be more strategic. Spain’s economy is leaning into remote work not only to recover from COVID-era contractions but also to counterbalance depopulation in smaller towns and stimulate local economies. In places like Valencia and Malaga, local councils have gone further, offering incentives to remote workers, investing in high-speed internet infrastructure, and even launching English-language integration programs. While major cities like Barcelona and Madrid remain digital nomad magnets, smaller coastal towns and inland gems are fast catching up. For UAE residents who have lived in fast-paced urban settings, the slower, more grounded rhythm of Spanish towns presents a different kind of luxury, one defined by time, space, and sensory depth rather than material opulence. Beyond the Instagram Filter There is a reason Spain consistently ranks high in global quality-of-life indexes. Universal healthcare, a well-developed public transport system, and a strong tradition of community living all contribute to the appeal. Internet infrastructure is modern and reliable, a must-have for remote professionals. According to digital strategist Imran Sheikh, who moved from Abu Dhabi to Madrid in early 2024, “The difference is not just economic, it’s psychological. I work fewer hours but get more done. There’s less burnout. And after work, I’m in a city built for walking, not commuting.” That sentiment is echoed by others who have swapped high-rise apartments in Business Bay or Marina for character-filled lofts in El Raval or beachside flats in Alicante. The cost of living in Spain, while rising, is still notably lower than in the UAE’s premium neighbourhoods. But it’s not without trade-offs. The bureaucracy in Spain can be notoriously slow. Navigating appointments at immigration offices or getting a local tax ID can frustrate newcomers accustomed to the UAE’s streamlined government portals. Still, most digital nomads say the benefits outweigh the administrative burdens. Cultural Integration vs. Community Isolation One key difference between living as an expatriate in the UAE and relocating as a digital nomad in Spain is the cultural dynamic. In the UAE, expat communities often exist in parallel to the local population. In Spain, however, integration is more organic and often expected. Language, in particular, plays a pivotal role. While English is widely spoken in co-working spaces and among younger Spaniards, fluency in Spanish is essential for deeper integration, especially in smaller towns. UAE residents who have made the shift note that becoming part of the community in Spain requires effort, but also opens doors to richer experiences. “In Dubai, I was part of a fast-moving expat ecosystem. Here, I’m part of a neighbourhood,” says Leila Khan, a remote UX designer based in Valencia. “You get to know your barista, your grocer, your neighbours. It’s human.” Implications for the UAE The UAE is not losing its appeal, far from it. The country has introduced its own remote work visa and Golden Visa options for freelancers and tech professionals. But what’s becoming evident is that the global workforce is more fluid than ever. Rather than competing, destinations like Spain and the UAE represent two poles of a new global work culture, one defined by agility, optionality, and hybrid lifestyles. It’s no longer about brain drain or gain, but about brain circulation. According to Emirates-based mobility consultant Amina Noor, “We are entering an age where professionals may spend five years in Dubai, three in Barcelona, two in Bali, and keep rotating. Countries that support this kind of mobility, with easy visa regimes and strong digital infrastructure, will come out ahead.” Digital Nomadism as a Global Movement Spain’s visa is part of a

The Aesthetic Rebellion Against Maximalist Luxury

The Aesthetic Rebellion Against Maximalist Luxury

The Aesthetic Rebellion Against Maximalist Luxury By Hafsa Qadeer In a country known for gold-laced skylines and couture-lined avenues, a quieter movement is unfolding. Gone are the layers, the excess, the embellished bravado. In their place: breathable neutrals, clean lines, and fabric that speaks of desert stillness rather than downtown flash. Across the UAE, a new aesthetic has emerged, Desert Minimalism, a style born not in defiance of luxury, but in refinement of it. This is not austerity. It is intentional restraint. A Climate of Clarity Fashion in the UAE has long reflected its global ambitions. But as the world turns toward sustainability, and the Emirates positions itself as a climate-conscious state, young designers are turning inward. They are inspired by the landscape, not just in color but in philosophy. The endless dunes. The silent geometry of falaj systems. The silhouettes of abayas flowing like desert winds. Their designs are calm. Their palette is sand, date-palm green, salt-white. Each piece whispers: enough. Local Fabric, Global Form Emirati labels like Qasimi, The Orphic, and Endemage are redefining elegance. They champion organic cotton, handwoven linen, and locally sourced silks. They produce in l batches. They cut with empathy. Their garments honor the past, traditional cuts, tribal motifs, but never imitate it. They are rooted in heritage but designed for a borderless future. These aren’t outfits for red carpets. They’re for airports, art galleries, classrooms, everyday iconography. The Abaya Reborn Nowhere is this minimalism more radical than in the reimagining of the abaya. Once black and boxy, it now drapes like a sculpture, monochrome, belted, unstitched. It floats without a statement. It leads without loudness. In this reimagining, modesty is not a limit; it’s a language. Less is the New Luxe Across concept stores in Alserkal Avenue and boutiques in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat district, consumers are no longer looking for brand logos. They’re seeking meaning, garments that are ethically made, seasonless, and enduring. And designers are responding with pieces that breathe, that belong, that last. Minimalism, here, is not just aesthetic; it is economic, environmental, and emotional clarity. A Philosophy in Motion Desert minimalism is not just fashion. It is part of a wider movement in Emirati life toward wellness, intentional living, and cultural reclamation. It asks: What do we need? And what beauty exists when we remove everything else? In a world addicted to more, the UAE’s designers are choosing less, but better. And perhaps, in that silence, they are echoing something ancient,  Something the dunes have always known.

Algorithmic Aesthetics: When AI Becomes Your Stylist

Algorithmic Aesthetics When AI Becomes Your Stylist

Algorithmic Aesthetics When AI Becomes Your Stylist By Hafsa Qadeer In an age of scrolling fatigue and overflowing wardrobes, fashion in the UAE is undergoing a silent transformation. Not with louder prints or faster runways, but with quieter, smarter code. Welcome to the world of AI-driven style, where algorithms know your mood before you do. Where fashion doesn’t just follow trends, it predicts your lifestyle. “Fashion has always been about storytelling,” says Mariam Al Bastaki, founder of the Dubai-based fashion-tech platform Zayna AI. “Now we have a tool that lets each person’s story be heard, not just seen.” In the UAE, where tradition threads through every hemline, AI is not just disrupting fashion, it’s realigning it with purpose. Smart wardrobes track weather patterns from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi, your daily calendar, and even your prayer times to make nuanced clothing suggestions. A soft abaya for the cooler majlis evenings. UV-blocking fabrics for the Dubai Marina strolls. AI is learning your context and reflecting it back with elegance. But this is more than convenience. It’s a redefinition of luxury. “In the past, luxury was about excess, now it’s about intention,” says Dr. Ayesha Kareem, sustainability strategist and textile technologist. “AI helps us reduce waste by designing only what we actually wear. That’s not just smart. That’s ethical.” Designers, once wary of artificial intelligence, are beginning to treat it not as a competitor but as a collaborator. Algorithms generate infinite variations of a silhouette, but human instinct filters them through cultural lenses. From Sharjah’s modest fashion collectives to Dubai’s high-tech ateliers, the pattern is clear: AI assists, humans decide. And amid this evolution, personalization is becoming powerful. In a region where style is a subtle expression of identity, AI allows Emiratis and residents alike to reclaim authorship. Your digital stylist remembers that you prefer pastels for Ramadan nights or that you never repeat an outfit at family events. It learns from you, not the other way around. This is fashion that adapts to faith, formality, and feeling. “Technology doesn’t erase our identity,” Mariam adds. “It enhances it. For women in the Gulf, that’s especially powerful. We no longer have to choose between cultural integrity and cutting-edge design.” The result? A new aesthetic is emerging: quiet luxury, powered by intelligent design. One where minimalist tailoring meets maximal personalization. One where tech doesn’t scream, it listens. And perhaps, that’s the most stylish thing of all. Because in this algorithmic age, fashion’s future isn’t louder, it’s smarter. And most importantly, it’s finally about you.

Emirati Designers

How Emirati Designers Are Sewing the Future

Threads of Memory How Emirati Designers Are Sewing the Future By Hafsa Qadeer In the quiet of an Abu Dhabi studio, a young designer runs her fingers across raw silk embroidered with a pattern her grandmother once stitched by hand. In this moment, the past is not distant. It is design. This is the new language of Emirati fashion, one that speaks not only of aesthetics, but of ancestry. Modernity in Modesty The global fashion world has turned its gaze eastward, not just for trends, but for truth. Modest fashion, once niche, now walks runways in Milan and New York. But in the UAE, it never needed reinvention. It simply evolved. Designers like Huda Al Nuaimi and YNM Dubai are merging contemporary cuts with cultural silhouettes. The abaya, long misunderstood as uniform, is now a canvas of creativity, hand-painted, crystal-draped, or minimal and modern. Fabric as Identity What you wear in the UAE often says who you are. Not in luxury logos, but in heritage markers. The Talli stitch from Sharjah. The Al-Sadu weave of the Bedouins. Patterns once whispered between generations are now declared on global stages. Here, fashion is not fleeting. It’s familial. Sustainable by Soul Unlike fast fashion’s churn, many Emirati labels are returning to slow craft, reviving artisanal dyeing, upcycling vintage fabrics, and collaborating with local seamstresses. It’s not just about green trends. It’s about gratitude, for the land, the craft, the legacy. The Global Emirati Today’s Emirati designer lives between worlds. One foot in tradition, the other in tech. They sketch with one hand and swipe Pinterest with the other. They know that true elegance lies in balance, and their clothes carry that wisdom. Because in the UAE, style is not what changes. It is what continues.

The Rise of the UAE Regenerative Economy

The Rise of the UAE Regenerative Economy

The Rise of the UAE Regenerative Economy By Hafsa Qadeer In the shimmer of Dubai’s skyline or the vast stillness of the Rub’ al Khali, a quieter revolution is taking root. The UAE, long defined by its oil wealth and architectural ambition, is nurturing something deeper ,  a regenerative economy where waste becomes wealth, where growth nourishes rather than depletes. Regeneration, once a word used in environmental circles, now finds itself at the heart of boardroom strategies and government roadmaps. It’s not just about sustainability ,  it’s about reversal, renewal, and restoration. From the way buildings are designed to how capital is invested, the UAE is quietly recalibrating its definition of prosperity. A Future Planted in the Soil Take the agri-tech startups blooming in Al Ain and Sharjah. These aren’t just hydroponic farms or vertical gardens. They’re ecosystems of circularity. In these microclimates, water is recycled, energy is solar, and crops are selected not just for taste, but for climate resilience. Entrepreneurs like Layla Al Qasimi are turning food waste into soil-enriching biochar, selling carbon credits while feeding the nation. This is regeneration,  not extraction, but expansion through replenishment. Capital that Comes Full Circle The financial ecosystem is evolving too. UAE-based venture capitalists are now investing in what they call “regenerative finance” or ReFi ,  startups focused on carbon sequestration, biodiversity mapping, and ethical supply chains. DIFC’s green fintech sandbox has incubated dozens of solutions where financial products double as climate tools. At the policy level, the Ministry of Economy is promoting incentives for companies that integrate regeneration into their business models, offering benefits to waste-to-energy firms, recycled-material manufacturers, and water-positive developers. This is more than compliance. It’s a cultural pivot. Buildings That Breathe Look around Masdar City or the new climate-conscious districts in Dubai South. The architecture tells a new story, one where buildings generate their own energy, manage their own waste, and offer habitats to urban wildlife. These are not just structures but living systems. Even luxury developers are leaning in. Residences now advertise “carbon-zero footprints” and use reclaimed desert stone and algae-based paints. Materials matter. Origins matter. Impact matters. The real estate boom has not paused. It has transformed. Youth as the Custodians What fuels this shift isn’t only policy,  it’s people. Gen Z entrepreneurs in the UAE are radically values-driven. They don’t just want to earn, they want to regenerate ,  to fix, rewild, revive. At hackathons and innovation labs, you’ll find teenagers prototyping solar-powered desalination pods or NFTs that fund coral restoration. University programs now offer courses in regenerative leadership. The youth don’t ask why regeneration. They ask what’s next. Beyond Sustainability In many ways, sustainability has always been a bridge, a neutral zone between destruction and healing. The UAE has crossed that bridge. Now, the goal is net-positive: to give more than is taken, to build systems that thrive long after the builder is gone. This is a bold vision. And a necessary one. Because in a world where climate volatility and economic inequality threaten to destabilize entire regions, regeneration isn’t idealism. It’s a strategy. A New Definition of Wealth Perhaps the most radical change is philosophical. Wealth is no longer just GDP or gold reserves. In the UAE’s new lexicon, wealth is fertile soil, clean air, resilient communities, and thriving species. It is a future that can sustain itself. And in the heart of the desert,  once considered barren,  a new kind of abundance is being born. Here, regeneration is not just a practice. It is a promise.

Generation Zayed: The Rise of Value-Driven Entrepreneurs in the UAE

Generation Zayed The Rise of Value-Driven Entrepreneurs in the UAE

Generation Zayed The Rise of Value-Driven Entrepreneurs in the UAE By Hafsa Qadeer There is a new kind of ambition rising in the Emirates. It does not glitter like gold towers nor roar like supercars. It breathes quietly, in coworking cafés, pitch rooms, and the glowing screens of midnight Zoom calls. This is the age of Generation Zayed, young Emiratis building not only businesses, but a different kind of legacy. These are founders who want to matter more than they want to scale. Whose metrics are not just profit, but purpose. A Spirit Reimagined The UAE has long been defined by bold enterprise, from desert oilfields to megacities. But a shift is underway. Today’s entrepreneurs, born under the promise of the Union and raised with Sheikh Zayed’s vision in textbooks and hearts, are asking deeper questions. What does it mean to build something worthy of this land?  How can growth reflect generosity, not just accumulation? They are the children of visionaries, and they are answering not with nostalgia, but with action. Startups with Soul Across the seven emirates, purpose-led startups are blooming. A Sharjah-based founder builds a zero-waste skincare line using date pits and saffron. A Ras Al Khaimah agritech startup grows hydroponic crops with 80% less water, selling to local grocers instead of exporting abroad. A Dubai fintech app helps Gen Z users track not only spending, but ethical spending. This is not CSR. This is the core strategy. These companies do not add value as an afterthought; they are founded on values. Legacy as Currency For Generation Zayed, heritage is not something to preserve in a frame. It is a design principle. They reference Bedouin barter systems in their e-commerce models. They honor majlis culture by designing community-first apps. Their grandmothers’ perfumes and stories find new life as niche brands, podcasts, and global campaigns. There is a growing sense that business is not only about profit margins, it is about remembering who you are. An Ecosystem Awakening The support is catching up. Initiatives like the National Programme for SMEs and Startups, Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Future Accelerators are no longer just looking for tech unicorns. They’re investing in mission-driven companies, those solving problems from climate to culture. And investors, too, are changing. Where once ROI dominated the pitch, now VCs ask: Who does this help? What story does this tell? What footprint does this leave? It is, perhaps, the most Emirati thing to innovate boldly, but never forget the soil beneath. The Future is Intentional Generation Zayed does not wait for permission. They build in between university classes, family dinners, and prayer breaks. They crowdfund instead of waiting for funding. They launch slow fashion lines from Al Ain, crypto-education portals from Fujairah, and mangrove-based eco-ventures from Abu Dhabi. And in doing so, they redefine what business in the UAE can mean, not just skyscrapers, but social impact; not just success, but significance. They are not just heirs. They are architects. And in every click, pitch, and prototype, they whisper: This is not just our time. This is our turn.

Phygital Sports

How Phygital Sports Are Redefining Fitness in the UAE

How Phygital Sports Are Redefining Fitness in the UAE By Hafsa Qadeer A quiet revolution is unfolding in the Emirates, where digital dreams merge with the desert’s heat. In this land of mile‑high ambition and boundless desert horizons, a new form of sport is taking root, one that exists both on dusty courts and in virtual arenas. This is the age of phygital sports, where physical exertion fuses with augmented reality, biometric data, and immersive digital overlays. And here, in the UAE, it is finding its spiritual home. Cities Programmed to Play Walk through any modern complex in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and you’ll find more than fitness studios and luxury gyms. You’ll encounter arena-like pods, glowing with LED, where participants race treadmills while chasing virtual targets on screens; arenas where sensors track every squat, every jump, every heartbeat. Yet the purpose is not spectacle, it’s synergy: blending breath with bandwidth. Projects like Dubai’s “Games of the Future” incubator have seeded arenas where physical activity becomes a shared digital game. When two runners compete, their avatars dash side by side in virtual cityscapes. When squats are repurposed into spell-casting movements, both muscles and minds flex. It’s sport that entertains and sustains. Beyond Competition Phygital sports are rewriting what it means to train, compete, and be entertained. Youth no longer have to choose between gaming marathons and parkour; they can do both in the same session. Fitness transforms into community theatre: participants follow live leaderboards projected on walls, forming micro-teams across nationalities united by data-driven goals. This inclusive approach matches the UAE’s broader ethos: excellence through unity. Whether in VR-enhanced parks or sensor-laced gyms, athletes, both professional and amateur, are discovering that connection fuels their performance. It’s never just about the fastest time or the heaviest lift. It’s about collective presence. Coaching Reimagined The rise of phygital sport has called for a new kind of coach: part physical trainer, part data analyst, part digital producer. Many local academies now train coaches to read heart-rate graphs and adjust music tempo in real-time. In Abu Dhabi, performance suites allow athletes to review VR replays of their posture or virtual ‘lines’. Clean technique isn’t just praised; it’s analyzed. Here, the body is an instrument. The digital twin is a teacher. Performance becomes poetry. Fitness, Remixed Phygital sports offer something more than novelty; they provide democratic access, immediacy, and adaptability. A mother can join a VR yoga session in her living room, a teenager can match pace with a pro athlete’s avatar, and a retiree can feel trophy-worthy without leaving home. This is not gamification. This is humanization. A Vision Carved in Data At its heart, the UAE’s embrace of phygital is rooted in a long-term strategy. It aligns with national goals for youth engagement, digital health, and innovation, supporting public wellness agendas and extending fitness beyond malls and mountains into new frontiers. And within those frontiers, sport becomes more than movement. It becomes a reflection of society’s future‑focused identity. The heartbeat of the city remixes with the processor’s pulse. In the Emirates, sport now has two faces. One pumps blood. The other cycle’s code. Yet both beat to the same rhythm: of belonging, of breakthrough, of becoming.

Stage of Stories: The New Renaissance in Emirati Entertainment

The New Renaissance in Emirati Entertainment

Stage of Stories The New Renaissance in Emirati Entertainment By Hafsa Qadeer Once seen as a market for international spectacles, the UAE is now shaping its own stage, rich with narrative, nuanced with heritage, and alive with modern rhythm. Entertainment in the Emirates has entered a new chapter, rooted in identity and resonant far beyond its borders. Cinema with an Accent of Truth Emirati cinema has evolved from quiet experimentation into a voice of cultural introspection. It’s no longer about imitation, but illumination. Films like City of Life by Ali F. Mostafa, which tackled the human mosaic of Dubai, and Scales by Shahad Ameen, the first Saudi-Emirati fantasy screened at Venice Film Festival, have shattered stereotypes and stirred international interest. Director Nawaf Al Janahi, often referred to as a pioneer of UAE film, creates cinematic experiences that echo with psychological depth and social commentary. Nujoom Al Ghanem, one of the UAE’s most celebrated female filmmakers, blends poetry, memory, and oral history to craft stories that are at once personal and political. What unites them is not just technique, but truth. Their work does not shy away from contradictions. It leans into them, mirroring a society where ancient traditions meet rapid urban transformation. The Festival Fever Cultural festivals in the UAE have expanded from seasonal gatherings into full-blown ecosystems that foster creative talent and community dialogue. The Sharjah Fringe Festival, the first of its kind in the region, brings international street performers, musicians, and comedians into the heart of the cultural capital, engaging families and youth alike. Meanwhile, the Mother of the Nation Festival in Abu Dhabi blurs the lines between entertainment, wellness, and social innovation. With zones dedicated to art installations, poetry, comedy, and local entrepreneurship, it reflects the UAE’s multidimensional identity. At Al Dhafra Festival, traditional competitions like camel beauty pageants are placed alongside live music and Bedouin storytelling, proving that authenticity still draws a crowd. These aren’t events built only for tourists; they are mirrors for a nation in motion. Digital Performers, Real Roots The digital stage is now as vital as any concert hall. Emirati content creators are not just entertaining, they’re archiving culture in real time. TikTok performers act out family skits in Gulf dialects. YouTube comedians like Khalid Al Ameri use satire to reflect generational shifts, often addressing themes of marriage, social etiquette, or cultural pride. Even influencers, decked in kanduras or abayas, lip-sync to Khaliji pop, perform comedic monologues about Ramadan, or vlog from falconry centers. Their followers span continents, but their content remains unmistakably local. Because in this renaissance, being rooted is the new relevance. And the UAE, once a consumer of global culture, is now one of its most creative contributors.

How AI Is Quietly Reshaping Emirati Life

How AI Is Quietly Reshaping Emirati Life

How AI Is Quietly Reshaping Emirati Life By Hafsa Qadeer The future does not arrive in a flash. In the UAE, it settles like sunrise, gradual, golden, and full of intention. And nowhere is this more evident than in how artificial intelligence is becoming not just a tool, but a quiet partner in daily life. From Vision to Infrastructure The UAE’s AI journey didn’t begin with apps or algorithms, but with vision. When the country appointed the world’s first Minister of AI in 2017, it didn’t signal a fascination with novelty; it marked a long-term commitment. Fast forward, and that commitment pulses through every sector: healthcare bots in Abu Dhabi hospitals, predictive analytics in traffic systems, AI-led courtroom support, and even robot baristas greeting office workers in Dubai. Smarter Cities, Softer Touch In the desert, smart cities bloom not with noise but nuance. AI in the Emirates is less about spectacle and more about harmony. In Masdar City, smart grids learn usage patterns to optimize energy. In Sharjah, waste management is now a data-driven ecosystem. The tech is invisible, but its impact is everywhere. A Cultural Intelligence Unlike many global AI projects that lean coldly into efficiency, the UAE’s approach is deeply human-centric. Language AI models now recognize Khaleeji dialects. Heritage is being preserved using AI restoration tools. Even chatbots at government entities like MOHRE can switch between formality and cultural warmth. Because in the Emirates, intelligence must also understand emotion. Youth Coding the Future AI isn’t just implemented, it’s being built locally. From 12-year-old coders in Ajman to MIT-trained Emirati engineers returning home, the talent pipeline is vibrant. Initiatives like One Million Arab Coders have ensured that the future is not outsourced, but homegrown. Not Just Smarter, Kinder As AI ethics becomes a global concern, the UAE has positioned itself uniquely: blending Islamic principles with data policy. The question isn’t just what AI can do, but what it should do. A quiet, powerful idea: that intelligence, to be valuable, must also be virtuous. In the UAE, the machines may be learning, but the society is leading.

Emirati Entrepreneurship

The New Face of Emirati Entrepreneurship

Built on Ambition The New Face of Emirati Entrepreneurship By Hafsa Qadeer In a land where gold once glinted in souks and pearls shimmered in diving nets, a new kind of wealth is rising, less tangible, more transformative. Today, the UAE’s boldest treasure isn’t in the ground or sea, but in the minds of its people. A generation of Emirati entrepreneurs is rewriting the business playbook, rooted in tradition but wired for tomorrow. A Nation Engineered for Enterprise From the first economic vision laid out by Sheikh Zayed to the high-octane ambition of Vision 2031, the UAE has always positioned itself as a place where possibilities become policies. But today’s economic story is less about oil and more about originality. The country has incubated thousands of startups in the past decade, supported by free zones, incubators, and regulatory frameworks as agile as the minds they support. Walk into Hub71 in Abu Dhabi or AREA 2071 in Dubai, and you feel the charge in the air. Not just electricity, but energy, of ideas turning into prototypes, of pitches becoming products. Here, Emiratis are launching AI-based law firms, eco-conscious beauty brands, and fintech solutions that cater to both regional nuances and global standards. The Business of Identity What makes Emirati entrepreneurs distinct isn’t just the speed of their scale or the sheen of their branding. It’s the way they root innovation in identity. You’ll find brands like Talli that weave Emirati embroidery into fashion tech, or The Camel Soap Factory, where desert ingredients become global skincare hits. This isn’t business as imitation. It’s business as expression. Take Mohammed Al Hammadi, a young founder in Sharjah who built a logistics platform optimized for desert terrain. “Innovation,” he says, “should solve problems that matter to us, not just impress investors.” Women as Economic Architects Women are leading some of the most powerful ventures in the Emirates. Not because they are allowed to, but because they are expected to. From Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy’s diplomatic legacy to rising stars like Amna Al Hashemi, whose gourmet food empire was built from home kitchens, Emirati women are building bridges between culture and capital. They do not choose between heritage and hustle. They embody both. Fueling the Future with Fintech Fintech, once an outsider, is now center stage. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have become magnets for digital banking and blockchain innovation. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of the UAE is piloting a digital dirham. Young Emiratis are creating apps that merge Islamic banking with seamless UX, and remittance platforms tailored for expat-heavy populations. It is finance with a face, and a purpose. Entrepreneurship as Nation-Building There is a civic depth to entrepreneurship here. Programs like the National Program for SMEs or the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund aren’t just financial tools, they’re signals. That to build a business in the UAE is to participate in the country’s narrative. In Ras Al Khaimah, a former date farmer now exports smart-irrigation tech. In Fujairah, a father-daughter duo crafts digital Arabic storybooks for diaspora children. These stories are not anomalies. They are blueprints. What Makes the UAE Different While many nations support startups, few intertwine business with belonging the way the UAE does. Entrepreneurship isn’t just economic, it’s cultural. Founders don’t just pitch to win funding. They pitch to shape the future of a nation still in the making. In global boardrooms, “Emirati” no longer means oil or opulence. It means originality. Legacy in the Making The new Emirati entrepreneur does not wear the crown of commerce lightly. They are building something far more resilient than unicorns or IPOs. They are building legacy. Where ambition is not the enemy of tradition, but its evolution. And in a world chasing the next disruption, the UAE quietly teaches a different lesson: that the strongest foundations are those that know where they came from, and where they are going.

Cultural Immersion Tourism

Cultural Immersion Tourism The UAE Beyond the Skyline

Cultural Immersion Tourism The UAE Beyond the Skyline By Hafsa Qadeer In the hush of an Emirati majlis, incense curling into stories, a traveler removes their shoes, not just to enter a room, but to step into a history. This is not a tour. It is a transmission. One that moves not through megaphones, but through shared meals, palm weaving, poetry, and human presence.  Welcome to the rise of cultural immersion tourism in the UAE, where the itinerary is no longer built around buildings but around people. Gone are the days when a trip to the Emirates was reduced to snapshots of skyscrapers or luxury malls. Today’s traveler, especially the post-pandemic pilgrim of meaning, seeks not spectacle but depth. In 2025, the UAE answers that longing with experiences that are not curated for the camera, but carved from heritage. You might find yourself learning Nabati poetry from a retired pearl diver in Ras Al Khaimah. Or kneading regag bread in an Ajman courtyard with three generations of women. Or attending a falconer’s morning ritual in Al Ain, where the silence between man and bird teaches more than any caption could hold. This isn’t about replication, but relationship. Government initiatives such as the Emirati Experience Program and grassroots movements in Fujairah and Sharjah have built bridges between locals and guests, not as hosts and customers, but as storytellers and listeners. Cultural villages now offer stays that are immersive, not performative. Guests are not just watching; they are contributing, learning, and becoming. In the oasis town of Liwa, a small date farm now doubles as a cultural school, where visitors learn the poetry of desert survival, how to read dunes, how to draw water, how to live lightly. It is tourism that feels more like an apprenticeship. And the impact is mutual. Locals, once peripheral in the hospitality landscape, now lead the narratives. Young Emiratis, trained in oral history and cultural facilitation, become the stewards of their own stories. They don’t just show tourists their culture, they invite them into its unfinished chapters. In this new paradigm, the UAE becomes a country you don’t just tour, you inherit momentarily. A place where you leave with more than souvenirs; you leave with context, humility, and perhaps even a little ache of belonging. Cultural immersion tourism is not about going back in time. It’s about finding the timeless within the now. In a land so often associated with the future, it is a gentle insistence that the past, too, has value, and voices still willing to speak. And as the sun sets over a distant desert village and a visitor learns to dance the Ayala for the first time, something shifts. The boundary between tourist and traveler dissolves. And the UAE?  It becomes not a destination,  But a dialogue.

Ricky Hatton Dubai Comeback

Ricky Hatton Dubai Comeback A Historic Fight on UAE Soil

Ricky Hatton Dubai Comeback A Historic Fight on UAE Soil By Hafsa Qadeer On December 2, 2025, boxing legend Ricky Hatton will return to the ring in Dubai for his first professional fight since 2012. He will face Eisa Al Dah, the first professional boxer from the UAE. This highly anticipated fight is not just about two athletes; it’s about two worlds meeting in one unforgettable moment. A Legendary Comeback Meets a National Hero Ricky Hatton, also known as The Hitman, is one of the most well-known British boxers of all time. With famous fights against stars like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Hatton’s return to boxing after 13 years has excited fans around the world. Across the ring will be Eisa Al Dah, a pioneer of boxing in the UAE. He has helped grow the sport in the region and inspired young Emiratis to follow their dreams. This is a proud moment not only for Al Dah but for the entire country. Why Dubai is the Perfect Place Dubai has become a major hub for international sports, from UFC fights to the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Now, boxing takes center stage. The city’s world-class venues and global audience make it the ideal location for such a powerful event. But this night will not be about glamour, it will be about strength, respect, and legacy.  More Than a Boxing Match For Hatton, this fight is a chance to step back into the spotlight. For Al Dah, it’s a chance to show the world that UAE boxing is ready for the big leagues. Whether you’re a longtime boxing fan or just love a good story, this event promises action, emotion, and history in the making. Don’t miss Ricky Hatton vs Eisa Al Dah in Dubai this December, where past and future meet in the ring.  

Khaleeji Trap and Podcast

Khaleeji Trap and Podcast Renaissance Identity in Sound

Khaleeji Trap & Podcast Renaissance Identity in Sound By Hafsa Qadeer It begins with a beat. A slow, low hum laced with oud samples and a hint of auto-tune. Then comes the voice, half Arabic, half English, fully rooted in the Gulf. This is not just music. It’s a movement. Across the UAE and its sister states, Khaleeji Trap has erupted from underground playlists into cultural currency. It’s a sound stitched from contradictions, ancestral rhythms layered with synths, verses that glide between dialect and diaspora. More than sonic fusion, it’s the language of a generation negotiating heritage and modernity, past and platform. And they’re not just rapping. They’re podcasting. From the souqs of Sharjah to studios in Alserkal, a renaissance is underway, bilingual podcasts that dissect identity, comedy series that blur satire and sociology, and deep-dive interviews where creators unravel what it means to be Khaleeji in a hyperconnected, hyper-curated world. It’s sound, yes. But it’s also self-definition. In this new audio frontier, platforms are stages. Spotify charts feature Emirati rappers who once uploaded demos on Telegram. Apple Podcasts recommends Gulf hosts once told their voices weren’t “marketable.” TikTok, ironically, has become the place where long-form thoughts first go viral, one clipped mic at a time. What distinguishes this renaissance is its rootedness. The artists don’t mimic Western flows, they morph them. A track might open with the maqam of a Nabati poem, then dive into trap drums. A podcast episode might feature a mother’s folk song alongside a debate about Gulf futurism. Sound is no longer background. It’s a battleground for belonging. And the youth are curating their identities one track, one episode at a time. In Dubai’s music studios and Riyadh’s coffee podcasters’ corners, Khaleeji creatives aren’t just shaping a trend. They’re archiving emotion. Displacement, pride, love, rebellion, all wrapped in verses and voice memos. Some drop EPs. Others drop truth bombs in 15-minute rants. There’s an urgency here. Not just to be heard, but to define who gets to narrate the region’s story. This is not mimicry. This is a reclamation of rhythm. The Gulf’s youth aren’t waiting to be invited to global stages. They’re building their own, with beats, bandwidth, and a mic. And the world is finally listening.

First AI-Powered Nation

How the UAE Is Building the Middle East’s First AI-Powered Nation

How the UAE Is Building the Middle East’s First AI-Powered Nation By Hafsa Qadeer There is a rhythm to progress in the UAE, steady, deliberate, and deeply human. In a country where minarets shadow cloud servers, and poetry is taught alongside programming, the future is not arriving, it is being built. Quietly. Intelligently. At the heart of this transformation lies a bold ambition: to become the first truly AI-powered nation in the Middle East. But here, intelligence is not just artificial. It is strategic, ethical, and distinctly Emirati. A Vision Beyond Code When the UAE appointed the world’s first Minister of Artificial Intelligence in 2017, many saw it as symbolic. Today, it reads more like prophecy. Under the updated National AI Strategy 2025, artificial intelligence is no longer confined to labs or pilot projects, it is infused across everyday systems, from city infrastructure to government workflows. Abu Dhabi’s Digital Authority is deploying AI for traffic prediction, healthcare diagnostics, and municipal planning. In Dubai, RTA uses AI to automate fleet management, reducing response times and fuel consumption. These are not test cases. They are daily realities. Smart Cities, Wiser Intentions Yet the goal is not just automation, it’s augmentation. With projects like NEOS Smart Districts in Sharjah and Dubai’s AI Urban Mobility Plan, city design is now informed by machine learning. Sidewalks sense foot traffic, streetlights adjust based on weather and pedestrian presence, and AI chatbots resolve visa queries in seconds, all in Arabic and English. Still, the UAE’s tech ambition resists cold futurism. Even the Louvre Abu Dhabi uses AI not to replace curators, but to create immersive storytelling experiences in Arabic art history. In this nation, intelligence enhances, not erases, meaning. Youth as Architects of Intelligence At the heart of this revolution are young minds. National programs like AI Summer Camp, Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 1000 Coders are ensuring the next wave of AI engineers speak Arabic, think globally, and act ethically. At MBZUAI, students aren’t just writing code, they’re writing questions. What should machines understand? Whose values should guide them? In a region grappling with rapid modernization, the UAE’s answer is firm: the soul of the code must reflect the soul of the nation. Ethics in the Equation The UAE’s AI ethics charter, published in 2024, insists that data sovereignty, inclusion, and cultural respect are non-negotiable. In a world racing for scale, the UAE is choosing precision. AI must be safe. Secure. And, above all, sovereign. Here, intelligence is not just about speed or size. It is about purpose. A Nation That Learns The UAE is not merely building systems that learn. It is becoming one. With every AI integration, into law, logistics, and life, it learns how to preserve dignity while accelerating change. In the Emirates, the future is not artificial. It is beautifully, deliberately real.

The Rise of Computational Calligraphy in the Gulf

The Rise of Computational Calligraphy in the Gulf

Sand Algorithms The Rise of Computational Calligraphy in the Gulf By Hafsa Qadeer What happens when a centuries-old script meets machine learning? In the UAE, the result is a breathtaking collision of tradition and technology, computational calligraphy. It is not a trend. It is a revelation. Emerging from innovation labs in Sharjah and artist collectives in Abu Dhabi, computational calligraphy fuses Arabic calligraphy with generative design, AI algorithms, and kinetic sculpture. These aren’t digital fonts, they are living, moving systems that write, reinterpret, and evolve classical forms in real time. Here, heritage is not archived; it is coded. At the heart of this movement is a desire to preserve the sacred geometry of Arabic script while pushing its aesthetic into unexplored dimensions. Calligraphers work not with ink and reed, but with styluses, neural networks, and parametric design tools. Their screens become scrolls. Their outputs, a dance between intention and algorithm. One artist, for instance, teaches a machine the stroke logic of Ibn Muqlah’s proportional script. The result? Endless iterations of form, never identical, always in dialogue with the original. The machine becomes a student. The calligrapher becomes a conductor. This revolution is deeply local. In Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, visitors now witness robotic arms writing verses from pre-Islamic odes, choreographed with the precision of a dancer. At Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, immersive exhibits let audiences step into generative script environments, where letters bloom around them like vines, responsive to voice, motion, even emotion. It’s not just visual. It’s experiential. But it is not without reverence. These innovators are not distorting legacy, they are protecting it from digital extinction. Many classical calligraphic styles, once confined to manuscripts, now find new life in 3D printing, projection mapping, and AR. With every pixel, the soul of the script is safeguarded. Beyond galleries, computational calligraphy has reached education and therapy. Children with disabilities use voice-activated systems to write their names in Diwani script. Elderly citizens use AI styluses to practice traditional penmanship, even as age blurs their grip. Code becomes a conduit. This isn’t the death of the handwritten. It is its resurrection. In a time when culture risks flattening into trend cycles, the UAE’s artists are creating deep continuity. They’re not just teaching machines to write. They are teaching them to remember. The art is still sacred. Only the tools have changed.

Harmony in Contrast: The UAE’s Timeless Dance Between Tradition and Tomorrow

The UAE Timeless Dance Between Tradition and Tomorrow

Harmony in Contrast The UAE Timeless Dance Between Tradition and Tomorrow By Hafsa Qadeer There is a quiet poetry to life in the UAE. It is a place where the call to prayer coexists with the hum of electric cars, where falcons soar above futuristic skylines, and where the ancient rhythm of the desert meets the pulse of global ambition. Few nations in the world master the art of contrast like the United Arab Emirates. It is not just a juxtaposition of old and new. It is a carefully choreographed harmony between them. Across its seven emirates, time does not divide traditions and trends. Instead, it layers them, creating a cultural rhythm that is entirely its own. Cities Built on Duality Stroll through downtown Dubai and you might pass a luxury fashion house followed by a souk selling spices in woven baskets. Look closer, and you will see that both are equally part of the story. Both curated. Both celebrated. In Abu Dhabi, the domes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque reflect the same sunlight that catches on the curved glass of the Louvre. One speaks of faith. The other of art. Together, they whisper of a people rooted in heritage and fearless in their vision of tomorrow. A Landscape That Teaches Stillness Yet the UAE is more than its cityscapes. Head into the desert and everything changes. The pace slows. The horizon widens. In places like Liwa and the Empty Quarter, silence is not emptiness. It is present. Bedouin life still echoes here, not as a museum piece, but as a living tradition. You see it in the way tea is poured, how the wind is read, and how stories are told by firelight. Even here, modernity arrives gently. Eco-resorts powered by solar energy, digital nomads working under canvas roofs, drone shows painting the stars. The past is not erased. It is expanded. A Culture of Balance What sets the UAE apart is not the scale of its achievements, but the soul behind them. The balance between ambition and preservation is no accident. National identity is taught early through poetry, storytelling, and family. Children grow up celebrating Flag Day and planting mangroves. Heritage villages are not tourist attractions but classrooms. Emirati designers are creating global labels that honor local fabrics and patterns. This is not nostalgia. It is pride. Women at the Crossroads Perhaps nowhere is this harmony more visible than in the evolving role of women. Emirati women today are pilots, ministers, and CEOs, but also keepers of oral history, cuisine, and customs. They walk in both worlds with confidence. A female calligrapher in Sharjah blends ancient scripture with modern design. A perfume maker in Al Ain bottles scents passed down by her grandmother. In the UAE, tradition is not a boundary. It is a foundation. Why Contrast is the Future As many countries grapple with identity in an age of globalization, the UAE offers a compelling answer. Contrast is not conflict. It is creativity. By embracing paradox, the nation has carved a unique voice on the global stage. It does not have to choose between the camel and the hypercar, the abaya and the Met Gala, the falaj and the fiber-optic. It can hold them all. A Living Metaphor The UAE is, in essence, a living metaphor for the modern human experience. We too live between screens and stillness, between belonging and becoming. And if we listen closely, we might find our own rhythm in the desert’s breath. In its ability to move forward without letting go. Here in the UAE, progress does not mean forgetting. It means remembering differently.