Hafsa Qadeer

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.

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, 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 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

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

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.