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Jane Stevens

Richard Mofe-Damijo, Some Stories Outlive Us

Richard Mofe-Damijo, Some Stories Outlive Us

Richard Mofe-Damijo, Some Stories Outlive Us By Jane Stevens For Richard Mofe-Damijo, cinema has never been solely about the characters an actor inhabits or the recognition that follows a memorable performance. It is an exploration of human nature, a means of examining the contradictions that define people, and an opportunity to tell stories that leave something meaningful behind. Across a career shaped by acting, writing and an expanding interest in film production, his perspective has increasingly turned towards a question that reaches beyond individual achievement: what can storytelling contribute to the world, and what remains when the performance ends? Richard’s relationship with acting began before his work in journalism, a distinction that offers an important insight into the way he approaches his craft. Journalism and writing did not replace his original creative ambitions; they complemented them, sharpening his awareness of the people and circumstances that inform a compelling narrative. Observing human behaviour, following events and making informed judgements are as relevant to understanding a character as they are to interpreting the world outside the screen. For an actor, the ability to notice what people say, what they conceal and how their circumstances influence their decisions can become an essential part of building a believable performance. This attention to human behaviour informs the characters Richard finds most compelling. Rather than approaching a role through the simplicity of good and evil, he is drawn to the psychological complexities that exist between them. No individual is entirely virtuous or wholly corrupt, and it is often within this uncertainty that the most revealing stories emerge. His understanding of character rests on the interplay between flaws and redemptive qualities, the opposing forces that can exist within a single person. Such a perspective resists the temptation to make characters predictable. A person capable of generosity may also be driven by selfishness; someone who has caused harm may still possess the capacity for remorse. These contradictions do not necessarily weaken a character. They make that character recognisable. The grey areas between light and darkness are where motivations become complicated, choices carry greater weight and audiences are invited to look beyond their first impressions. For Richard, this complexity is central to the work of interpreting a role. An actor must do more than reproduce dialogue or communicate an emotion convincingly. The task involves understanding the psychological landscape from which a character’s actions emerge, including the weaknesses, convictions and experiences that shape their decisions. The result, at its best, is a performance that encourages audiences to consider not only who a character is, but what has made them that way. His reflections on life have also reinforced the importance of approaching both work and personal growth with a sense of perspective. Not every turning point arrives as a dramatic event or an unmistakable change in direction. Sometimes, the experiences that alter one’s understanding of life are deeply personal: a birth, a death or a moment of recognising just how fragile human existence can be. Richard describes such experiences as occasions for reflection, prompting him to strive towards becoming a better person and to portray characters capable of inspiring others. There is a quiet significance in this distinction. Rather than treating personal transformation as a single defining moment, he recognises it as something that can emerge through repeated encounters with the realities of being human. These experiences influence how a person sees the world, what they value and the responsibilities they choose to embrace. For an actor, they can also deepen the emotional understanding brought to a role, allowing a performance to draw on something more substantial than technique alone. That sense of responsibility has become particularly relevant as Richard turns his attention towards producing. While acting allows him to explore stories through individual characters, producing offers a different kind of creative agency: the ability to help determine which stories reach an audience in the first place. He is increasingly interested in projects that might otherwise remain unrealised, particularly those with something important to communicate. The question is no longer only how to bring a character to life, but how to create the conditions in which a story can exist at all. It is a meaningful shift for an established performer. Experience within the industry can reveal not only the possibilities of cinema, but also the limitations that determine which projects receive attention, resources and support. Some stories may struggle to find a place within familiar commercial expectations, even when their cultural or social significance deserves consideration. Producing creates an opportunity to engage with that challenge directly, bringing creative vision and practical decision-making into the same process. For Richard, the motivation is closely connected to legacy. At this stage of his life and career, he is interested in working with younger people and nurturing a generation of committed creatives who recognise that art can contribute to social transformation. The emphasis is not simply on creating more films, but on encouraging a deeper understanding of why those films matter. Creative work, in this view, carries responsibilities beyond the completion of a project or the immediate response it receives. Mentorship becomes part of that vision. Every generation enters an industry shaped by the achievements, limitations and lessons of those who came before it. Experience can be valuable when it is shared, allowing emerging filmmakers to develop their own judgement while learning from the paths already travelled. Yet nurturing new talent also requires room for fresh perspectives, different methods and ideas that challenge established conventions. A meaningful legacy is not built by asking the next generation to reproduce the past, but by helping it develop the confidence and capability to create something of its own. This commitment to the future of filmmaking also informs Richard’s perspective on artificial intelligence. He recognises that AI is already expanding creative possibilities and may continue to do so in the hands of people who genuinely care about the craft. At the same time, he remains conscious of the potential for misuse and damage. His position acknowledges

Jyot Naikare, Weaving Stories of Culture and Everyday Life into a Growing World of Love, Connection and Digital Influence

Jyot Naikare, Weaving Stories of Culture and Everyday Life into a Growing World of Love, Connection and Digital Influence

Jyot Naikare, Weaving Stories of Culture and Everyday Life into a Growing World of Love, Connection and Digital Influence By Jane Stevens For Jyoti Naikare, the true value of digital influence lies not simply in the number of people who follow her, but in the connections she builds, the experiences she shares and the sense of familiarity she brings to a diverse audience. Based in Dubai, where she has lived for the past decade, the Marathi digital creator has transformed a personal passion for content creation into a flourishing professional journey, connecting with more than 1.5 million followers across her social media platforms. Through her perspective on everyday life in the UAE, she celebrates culture, family, personal well-being and the small choices that shape a more balanced lifestyle. Although nutrition and wellness provide an important theme in her outlook, Jyoti’s professional journey has primarily been rooted in digital content creation. Her approach reflects an understanding that well-being extends beyond dietary rules or carefully structured routines. It is also about how people live, the decisions they make each day and the attention they give to themselves while caring for those around them. Having spent ten years in Dubai, she has experienced the richness of a multicultural environment where different traditions, lifestyles and attitudes towards food and family coexist. This experience has shaped her appreciation of the many ways people approach well-being, reinforcing her belief that a healthy life should be built around thoughtful choices rather than unrealistic expectations. When Jyoti began creating content, she never imagined that a hobby would eventually develop into a community of more than 1.5 million followers. What started as an enjoyable personal pursuit gradually became a defining part of her professional life. Her growth reflects the possibilities of digital platforms to bring people together across geographical boundaries, particularly when creators offer audiences a perspective that feels authentic and culturally familiar. As a Marathi creator living in Dubai, she has developed a distinctive connection with people who appreciate seeing the UAE through the lens of their language, traditions and everyday experiences. For Jyoti, this relationship with her audience is about considerably more than accumulating followers. She regards the people who engage with her content as a community whose continued support inspires her to explore new ideas and refine her work. The trust that develops between a creator and an audience cannot be established through visibility alone. It requires consistency, a willingness to remain genuine and an appreciation of what makes people return. Jyoti believes that audiences respond most strongly to content that feels natural and relatable, offering glimpses of life that resonate with their own experiences while introducing them to something new. Her position between Marathi cultural life and the international environment of Dubai gives her content a particular relevance. Through her experiences, she can maintain a connection with her cultural roots while presenting aspects of the UAE to viewers who may be discovering the country through her perspective. Food, family, daily routines and cultural traditions become more than subjects for social media posts. They become ways of preserving familiarity while embracing the possibilities of life in another country. In this sense, her work contributes to a broader digital conversation about identity, belonging and the evolving relationship between culture and modern living. Wellness, meanwhile, has become an increasingly important subject in a digital landscape crowded with competing opinions about health. Social media offers unprecedented access to information, but the abundance of advice can make it difficult for audiences to distinguish credible guidance from exaggerated promises. Weight-loss trends, restrictive diets and claims of rapid transformation frequently attract attention, yet their popularity does not necessarily make them appropriate for everyone. Jyoti encourages people to approach such content with care, recognising that nutritional needs and personal circumstances differ. Her perspective places responsibility at the centre of conversations about health. As a content creator, she believes that the messages shared online should be considered carefully, particularly when they may influence people’s decisions about their bodies and daily habits. Rather than encouraging unrealistic expectations or presenting quick fixes as universal solutions, she favours informed choices and guidance from qualified nutrition or healthcare professionals when necessary. She also recognises the distinction between sharing personal lifestyle experiences and offering professional medical advice, an important consideration in an environment where the boundaries between entertainment, information and expertise can easily become blurred. This measured outlook complements her broader understanding of wellness as something that should be accessible and sustainable. Healthy living does not need to begin with dramatic changes or an entirely new way of life. Often, it develops through small decisions repeated over time. Planning meals, choosing balanced foods, remaining physically active, drinking sufficient water and prioritising sleep can all contribute to healthier routines. The challenge, as Jyoti sees it, is not to pursue perfection but to establish habits that work within the realities of everyday life. Such an approach also challenges the misconception that healthy eating requires constant restriction. The pressure to follow extreme diets or eliminate favourite foods can turn wellness into a source of anxiety rather than a positive part of daily living. Jyoti believes that balance is more valuable than unnecessary deprivation. Individuals should avoid comparing their progress with that of others, as personal circumstances and nutritional requirements are never identical. Where specific dietary or health concerns arise, professional guidance remains essential. The objective is to build a relationship with food that supports well-being without sacrificing enjoyment or cultural familiarity. For Indian communities living in the UAE, food carries a significance that extends well beyond nourishment. Traditional meals are closely connected with family gatherings, childhood memories, regional identity and the continuity of cultural practices across generations. Jyoti believes that maintaining these connections can coexist with a commitment to healthier living. Familiar foods such as dal, vegetables and whole grains can form part of a balanced diet, while mindful choices allow people to enjoy traditional meals without feeling compelled to abandon their culinary heritage. This perspective is particularly meaningful in Dubai,

Zeinab Saeed, From Laboratory Curiosity to Global Impact, One Scientist Is Transforming Plastic Waste into Scalable, Sustainable Innovation

Zeinab Saeed, From Laboratory Curiosity to Global Impact, One Scientist Is Transforming Plastic Waste into Scalable Innovation

Zeinab SaeedFrom Laboratory Curiosity to Global Impact, One Scientist Is Transforming Plastic Waste into Scalable, Sustainable Innovation By Jane Stevens Zeinab Saeed never set out to become a spokesperson for sustainability or a symbol of scientific entrepreneurship. Her journey began, quite simply, with curiosity, an insistence on asking better questions and refusing to accept familiar problems as unsolvable. Today, as a PhD chemist and co-founder working in sustainable materials and plastic upcycling, she occupies a space where science, business, and environmental responsibility meet. But what makes her story compelling is not just what she does; it is how deliberately and thoughtfully she has chosen to do it.For Saeed, science was never meant to live in isolation. From the earliest stages of her academic research, she was drawn to questions that extended beyond theory. Plastic waste, one of the most visible and persistent environmental challenges of our time, became a focal point not because it was fashionable, but because it was unavoidable. The world was producing vast amounts of plastic, discarding most of it, and then struggling to manage the consequences. To her, this raised a fundamental question: what if plastic waste was not treated as the end of a lifecycle, but as the beginning of another? That single shift in perspective would quietly shape the rest of her career. Rather than viewing sustainability as a constraint on innovation, Saeed saw it as a challenge worthy of rigorous scientific attention. Her work in chemistry allowed her to examine materials at a fundamental level, how they behave, how they degrade, and how they might be transformed. Yet even as her research advanced, she became increasingly aware of a gap that exists in much of academia. Discovery, she realized, does not automatically lead to change. A breakthrough confined to a journal article may advance knowledge, but it rarely alters systems on its own. This realization planted the seeds for a transition that many researchers contemplate but few pursue. Moving from academic research to building a company is not a small leap. It demands a different way of thinking, a tolerance for uncertainty, and a willingness to step outside familiar measures of success. For Saeed, however, the shift felt less like abandoning science and more like extending its reach. She credits her time at Khalifa University for nurturing this mindset. The institution’s emphasis on applied research and real-world problem solving helped normalize the idea that scientists can, and perhaps should, think beyond the laboratory. Support structures such as Khalifa University Enterprises Company provided a framework for turning research into viable technology, offering guidance in commercialization and business development. More importantly, she was surrounded by mentors who believed that her work deserved a life beyond publication. Among them was her PhD supervisor, Prof. Sharmarke Mohamed, whose encouragement and shared vision played a defining role. As both a scientist and a co-founder, his support reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship was not a detour from serious research, but a continuation of it. With that backing, the idea of building a company stopped feeling risky for its own sake and started feeling purposeful. As a co-founder, Saeed quickly learned that leadership in this space looks very different from leadership in academia. In research, expertise often speaks for itself. In a startup, expertise must be translated. Working with people from diverse backgrounds, engineers, investors, and business partners, forced her to rethink how she communicated. Complex scientific concepts had to be explained clearly and convincingly, without losing their integrity. This process reshaped her leadership style. She came to understand that being a founder is not about having every answer, but about creating alignment. Seeking investment sharpened this lesson even further. Investors wanted to know not only whether the science worked, but whether it could scale, whether it made economic sense, and whether it could survive outside controlled conditions. These questions were not obstacles; they were necessary tests of whether innovation could truly make an impact. Through these experiences, Saeed developed a leadership approach grounded in integration rather than authority. Effective leadership, she discovered, is about bringing expertise together and guiding it toward a shared outcome, one that balances scientific rigor with practical reality. Working in sustainable materials also demands patience, a quality that Saeed has learned to value deeply. Progress in this field is rarely fast. Materials must be tested, refined, and validated over long periods. Failures are part of the process, and breakthroughs often arrive incrementally rather than dramatically. What sustains her through these long timelines is a clear sense of purpose. Each small advance carries meaning because of what it could eventually enable. A result that confirms a hypothesis or improves performance is not just a data point; it is a step toward reducing environmental harm. For Saeed, this perspective transforms waiting into working, and time into investment. The pace may be slow, but it is deliberate, and that deliberateness is what gives the work its weight. As her work has gained visibility on a global level, Saeed has been careful not to let recognition redefine her motivations. Awards and acknowledgment are encouraging, she admits, but she does not see them as destinations. Instead, she treats them as reminders, signals that people are paying attention, and that attention comes with responsibility. That responsibility, in her view, lies in how science is communicated and represented. Visibility creates an obligation to speak clearly and honestly, to avoid overselling solutions, and to keep the focus on the broader challenges rather than individual success. Recognition, then, becomes something to carry forward rather than something to hold onto. This sense of responsibility extends into her view of business and sustainability. She has watched the conversation around sustainable materials change noticeably in recent years. What was once framed as a branding exercise has become a matter of survival. Companies are facing stricter regulations, more fragile supply chains, and consumers who are far more informed and vocal than before. Sustainability is no longer optional, and it is no longer abstract. From Saeed’s perspective, science

MO Vlogs

MO Vlogs, Behind the Lens of Dubai’s Most Iconic Storyteller

Mo Vlogs, Behind the Lens of Dubai’s Most Iconic Storyteller By Jane Stevens Long before Dubai became shorthand for global spectacle, Mohamed Beiraghdary, widely known as Mo Vlogs, was quietly documenting its rhythm. What began as a personal habit of filming daily life grew into something far more influential, a living record of a city and a generation finding their voice online. More than a content creator, Mo became a witness to change, capturing Dubai not as a destination, but as a place lived in, argued with, celebrated, and understood. His videos were never about display alone. Luxury cars and iconic skylines appeared naturally, but they were never the point. What mattered was the feeling beneath the visuals, the conversations, the energy of the streets, the ordinary moments that revealed character. Viewers did not just watch Dubai through Mo’s lens, they felt it. That sense of intimacy is what set his work apart from the beginning. Recognition came gradually. The first time strangers stopped him in public, it was not the attention that stayed with him, but the realization that his presence carried meaning for others. People were not responding to a persona, they were responding to perspective. That awareness shaped everything that followed. Instead of chasing trends or engineering virality, Mo leaned into honesty. He kept filming his life as it was, trusting that sincerity would travel further than performance. As the city expanded and transformed, so did his audience. Dubai was often misunderstood from the outside, reduced to headlines or clichés. Mo’s work offered a different narrative. His camera moved through cafés, streets, events, and everyday encounters with the ease of someone who belonged there. He was not presenting a polished fantasy, but a lived reality shaped by diversity, ambition, humor, and contradiction. The city felt human because the storyteller was. What makes Mo Vlogs enduring is his instinct for simplicity. His content does not rely on heavy scripting or spectacle. It works because it mirrors how people actually experience life. A conversation, a reaction, a shared laugh. He understands intuitively that if a moment feels engaging to a stranger, it holds value. That clarity has allowed his work to remain relevant even as platforms, formats, and attention spans continue to change. The early years were not without resistance. Social media once carried a stigma, especially for those openly sharing their lives online. What is now considered normal was once dismissed as unserious or embarrassing. Mo persisted anyway. He sensed that documenting life was not a distraction from reality, but a new form of storytelling. Time proved him right. What was once questioned became cultural habit, and Mo stood among those who helped normalize that shift. Consistency has always been the quiet engine behind his success. Showing up daily, filming without shortcuts, and staying curious about people has shaped both his work ethic and his relationships. Whether meeting fans or strangers, he approaches each interaction with respect. He understands that how you treat people off camera matters just as much as what you show on it. At the center of his philosophy is a simple belief. Humanity comes before popularity. Kindness builds connection. Curiosity creates meaning. His videos reflect an ongoing fascination with people, not just their highlights, but their nuances. By documenting small moments alongside bigger ones, he invites viewers to slow down and notice the texture of everyday life. As technology continues to evolve, Mo remains grounded in principles that do not expire. Platforms change. Algorithms shift. Human nature does not. People still want to feel seen, entertained, and understood. That understanding allows him to adapt without losing himself, maintaining trust with an audience that has grown alongside him. Success, for Mo, has never been about numbers alone. Views and followers matter less than impact. The real measure lies in the joy he brings, the curiosity he sparks, and the sense of connection he creates across cultures. His work reflects a belief that storytelling should leave people lighter, more engaged, and more open than before. His journey has no single defining moment. It is a collection of days, conversations, risks, and reflections that together form a narrative still unfolding. Dubai has been both setting and collaborator, evolving as he does. Through his lens, the city feels less like a symbol and more like a shared experience. Today, Mo Vlogs stands as more than a digital figure. He is a storyteller who built trust by staying human. His archive is not just content, but memory. A record of a city growing, a medium maturing, and a life lived openly. By choosing honesty over performance and connection over spectacle, he has created a legacy that extends beyond platforms and trends, one grounded in presence, curiosity, and the simple power of showing up.

Courtney Brandt, Navigating the Soul and Substance of Dubai’s Dining Renaissance

Courtney Brandt, Navigating the Soul and Substance of Dubai’s Dining Renaissance

Courtney Brandt, Navigating the Soul and Substance of Dubai’s Dining Renaissance By Jane Stevens Dubai’s dining story is not written only on menus or measured by opening nights. It lives in kitchens, in late services, in quiet conversations between chefs and those who truly listen. Courtney Brandt has spent more than a decade doing exactly that. Often seated away from the spotlight with a notebook instead of a phone, she has become one of the city’s most trusted food writers by choosing observation over performance. Her journey from novelist to culinary chronicler mirrors the evolution of Dubai itself, a city that learned to value depth as much as scale. Her turning point came far from the Gulf. A visit to Noma in Copenhagen in 2013 reshaped the way she understood food. She arrived as a curious traveler inspired by the storytelling of Anthony Bourdain, not yet a critic with an agenda. That single meal revealed food as narrative, emotion, and identity rather than indulgence. Returning to the UAE, she knew the direction she wanted to take. By 2016, Eat This Eat That was born, not as a brand chasing attention, but as a platform grounded in substance, patience, and respect for craft. Entering Dubai’s crowded food media scene felt daunting at first. Influencers and critics already dominated the conversation, each racing to be first at the newest opening. Courtney chose a different pace. She focused on consistency and relationships, understanding early that Dubai is built on trust. Kitchens remembered her not for sharp headlines, but for thoughtful dialogue and genuine curiosity. Over time, as local concepts matured and global chefs began calling the city home, her voice remained steady. She never tried to be everywhere. She tried to be honest. The pandemic marked a quiet but profound shift in her philosophy. Watching the hospitality industry struggle brought clarity to her role. Public criticism suddenly felt hollow in the face of human effort and vulnerability. She came to believe that meaningful critique belongs behind closed doors. Honest feedback, when invited, could help a restaurant grow. Public takedowns rarely did. This approach was not about lowering standards, but about raising professionalism. Chefs came to trust her because they knew her intention was never damage, only dialogue. What draws Courtney to a restaurant has little to do with décor or spectacle. She looks for the person behind the plate. A chef driven by conviction, curiosity, and personal history is what excites her most. Dining, to her, is a conversation. She encourages guests to be part of that exchange, to support restaurants not just with spending, but with presence, advocacy, and respect. Her writing consistently brings the human story forward, reminding readers that restaurants are built by people, not algorithms. The digital landscape has grown louder with each passing year. By 2026, every dish risks becoming content before it becomes a memory. Courtney recognizes both the opportunity and the distortion this creates. Viral moments may fill seats, but they rarely build loyalty. Trends come and go, but substance lasts. She cautions restaurants against reshaping themselves for fleeting attention, urging them instead to focus on the experience that unfolds once the phone is put down. Longevity, she believes, is born at the table, not on a screen. Selectivity has become essential to her work. She no longer chases volume. Dining out once or twice a week allows her to engage fully with each experience. Her interests have naturally gravitated toward fine dining, locally developed concepts, and women-led kitchens. She is intentional about where she lends her voice, knowing that attention has weight. By choosing carefully, she ensures that her support is meaningful rather than diluted. Years of immersion have also given her insight into the realities behind the scenes. She understands the financial risk, the long planning cycles, and the emotional toll that come with opening a restaurant. This perspective fuels her call for greater transparency, especially around ownership structures in Dubai. When diners understand what it truly takes to bring a concept to life, judgment softens and appreciation deepens. A restaurant becomes not just a place to eat, but the result of someone’s ambition and belief. Looking ahead, Courtney is most excited by the potential of Emirati fine dining. Global names will always have a place in Dubai, but she sees the future in locally rooted stories told with confidence and creativity. Chefs who translate heritage into contemporary expression represent the next chapter of the city’s culinary identity. She is ready to support that movement, to witness how local voices shape what Dubai tastes like to the world. At the heart of her journey lies a simple principle. Authenticity endures. Voices last when they are not borrowed or exaggerated. Courtney’s relevance has never come from chasing what is new, but from staying true to her values in a city that constantly reinvents itself. As kitchens across Dubai come alive each evening, she continues her quiet work, searching not just for a good meal, but for meaning, connection, and the soul of a city told one plate at a time.

Jigar Sagar

Jigar Sagar, Building The Digital Backbone Of Entrepreneurship In The UAE & Bey

Jigar Sagar Building The Digital Backbone Of Entrepreneurship In The UAE & Bey By Jane Stevens For more than fifteen years, Jigar Sagar has been quietly shaping the UAE’s digital ecosystem, working at the intersection of government services, free zones, and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, he believes the next major wave of digital transformation will move far beyond websites and portals. Free zones and government services, he says, will evolve into intelligent systems that anticipate business needs before founders even ask. Drawing from deep experience inside UAE free zones, he envisions unified platforms that handle licensing, renewals, banking, compliance, and immigration automatically in the background. The true transformation lies in removing administrative friction so entrepreneurs can focus on decisions that actually build value. Having founded and scaled more than thirty ventures with a combined value exceeding three hundred and fifty million dollars, Sagar’s decision making has become sharply focused. Today, he evaluates every new tech or AI venture through one defining lens, will it become mission critical in someone’s daily workflow, or is it merely a nice addition. If a product does not save time, reduce cost, or unlock new revenue at scale, he is willing to walk away. In his view, real innovation is not about buzzwords or polished presentations, but about removing pain points and changing behavior in meaningful ways. One of Sagar’s most notable contributions has been enabling the launch of over two hundred and fifty thousand entrepreneurs. To double that number in the next decade, he believes the ecosystem must undergo a fundamental shift. The answer lies in frictionless startup infrastructure. He imagines a one-click experience that covers company registration, banking, payments, and essential digital tools across borders. By standardizing onboarding across free zones, banks, and service providers into a single interoperable layer, millions of aspiring founders could move from idea to operation with unprecedented speed. The COVID 19 pandemic served as a real world stress test for business systems, and Sagar notes that five percent of all UAE company setups during that period came through his platforms. The lesson was clear, resilience cannot be optional. Systems that survived and thrived were digital by default, equipped with remote identity verification, electronic signatures, automated approvals, and online payments. Going forward, every business process must be designed with the assumption that physical access could disappear overnight, with redundancy, self service, and real time support built in from the start. By 2030, Sagar believes autonomous workflows, digital identity, and real time data will redefine how businesses are set up and regulated. The process will shift from static form filling to a living, data driven relationship between founders and regulators. Verified digital identities will allow entrepreneurs to launch companies, secure permits, and open bank accounts in minutes rather than weeks. Compliance will become adaptive rather than punitive, increasing speed for startups while maintaining trust and safety for authorities. After a successful exit from the UAE’s largest corporate services provider, Sagar sees a new blueprint emerging for scaling and exiting service based tech ecosystems. The future belongs to platform plus ecosystem models rather than traditional company plus client structures. Businesses that own standardized infrastructure such as data layers, workflows, and integrations create network effects that are difficult to replicate. This approach builds defensibility and long term value, making such companies far more attractive at scale. Through Triliv Holdings, which blends AI, finance, and emerging technologies, Sagar’s investment thesis is sharply defined. His next ten ventures will focus on AI powered infrastructure that helps entrepreneurs move faster in areas like compliance, finance, recruitment, and cross border expansion. He looks for businesses where AI is deeply embedded into the operating model rather than added as a surface feature, and where the model can scale across markets with an asset light structure and strong recurring revenue. Managing over three thousand employees across his companies, Sagar is also rethinking how teams operate in an AI driven future. His approach is to make AI the first layer of execution while keeping humans as the final layer of judgment. Every role is being redesigned around three questions, what can AI automate, what decisions must remain human, and how people can be trained to use AI as leverage rather than fear it. This balance ensures speed and efficiency without sacrificing accountability or ethics. As an investor judge on The Final Pitch Dubai, Sagar has observed founders at their most vulnerable, pitching under pressure. This experience has sharpened his ability to assess entrepreneurs beyond the slide deck. Clarity of thought, emotional resilience, and coachability now matter more to him than perfectly polished numbers. When evaluating founders off screen, he often asks whether they would still lead effectively under public pressure a year from now, or whether their narrative would collapse once the spotlight fades. At the core of Sagar’s long term vision is an ambitious goal, to empower one hundred million entrepreneurs worldwide. He believes this can only be achieved through a universal entrepreneur operating system built around four foundational pillars, Purpose, People, Product, and Process. Purpose provides direction and resilience, People ensure the right teams are built, Product creates differentiation, and Process allows technology, automation, and AI to carry the operational load. By pairing this four pillar framework with a trusted digital passport for founders, entrepreneurship becomes accessible infrastructure rather than a privilege. For Jigar Sagar, this is how ambition turns into impact, and how the digital backbone of global entrepreneurship can finally be built at scale.

Veronica Ortiz, Why Global Capital Is Choosing Dubai For Stability, Not Speculation

Veronica Ortiz, Why Global Capital Is Choosing Dubai For Stability, Not Speculation

Veronica Ortiz, Why Global Capital Is Choosing Dubai For Stability, Not Speculation By Jane Stevens Dubai’s real estate market has long captured global attention for its speed, scale, and ambition. Towers have risen where desert once stretched, and master-planned communities have taken shape with remarkable efficiency. Yet beneath the spectacle, a quieter and more consequential transformation is underway. Dubai is moving beyond its reputation as a speculative playground and asserting itself as a mature, globally competitive real estate market defined by clarity, resilience, and long-term vision. Few observers articulate this evolution as clearly as Veronica Ortiz, a seasoned real estate expert whose perspective is grounded not in short-term cycles but in enduring fundamentals. From investor confidence and shifting buyer profiles to the redefinition of luxury and the forces shaping the next phase of growth, Ortiz describes a market that no longer seeks validation from the world, but confidently sets its own benchmarks. This is not a story of hype, but of why global capital continues to flow into Dubai even as other markets feel increasingly unsteady. In a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, fluctuating interest rates, and economic uncertainty, investor confidence is fragile. Yet Dubai continues to attract capital with notable consistency. Ortiz attributes this not to momentum, but to fundamentals. Political stability, a pro-business regulatory framework, and a clearly articulated economic roadmap offer something increasingly rare: predictability. Long-term residency options such as Golden Visas, alongside widespread foreign ownership rights, have lowered barriers for international investors, while transparent property laws have replaced the ambiguity that often deters capital elsewhere. Strong rental yields, healthy liquidity, and the absence of capital gains or annual property taxes further reinforce Dubai’s appeal. Coupled with its position as a global connector between Europe, Asia, and Africa, and sustained demand from tourism, business, and migration, the city’s real estate market is increasingly viewed as a long-term global city investment rather than a quick trade. Dubai’s off-plan and luxury segments are often compared to those in Europe or the United States, but Ortiz argues that such comparisons overlook what makes Dubai distinct. Off-plan entry pricing remains compelling, even in prime areas, particularly when measured against cities like London or New York. Flexible payment plans allow investors to manage exposure without excessive leverage, a key advantage in a higher-interest-rate environment. Regulatory safeguards such as escrow accounts, milestone-linked payments, and oversight by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency add layers of protection more commonly associated with mature markets. Speed of execution further differentiates Dubai, enabling investors to realize income or exit strategies sooner. Luxury demand, meanwhile, is driven less by speculation and more by high-net-worth migration, tax efficiency, and lifestyle appeal, creating a rare combination of capital appreciation and income potential. Looking ahead, Ortiz sees growth quietly compounding in segments rooted in genuine demand rather than hype. Branded and ultra-luxury residences continue to outperform due to scarcity and global recognition, while well-executed off-plan units in master-planned communities gain strength as these areas mature. Family-oriented housing, such as townhouses and low-rise apartments, benefits from owner-occupier demand and offers resilience that often goes unnoticed. Waterfront and lifestyle-led developments remain structurally undersupplied, supporting long-term appreciation, while transit-oriented projects near metro expansions and employment hubs reflect evolving lifestyle preferences. Properties aligned with long-term residency pathways add another layer of appeal, blending investment logic with lifestyle security. Perhaps the clearest sign of Dubai’s maturation is the changing profile of its buyers. Investors are no longer just deploying capital; many are relocating their lives. Entrepreneurs, families, and globally mobile professionals are increasingly prominent, drawn by business-friendly policies, long-term visas, and quality of life. High-net-worth individuals are purchasing primary and secondary residences rather than purely speculative assets, while younger professionals shape demand toward walkable, amenity-rich communities. This demographic shift supports more stable, long-term growth and reduces reliance on any single source market. Growth is increasingly concentrating in integrated, livable neighborhoods rather than isolated towers, signaling Dubai’s evolution into a city where real estate underpins life, not just returns. Beyond the headline-grabbing prime districts, Ortiz highlights several emerging areas offering value driven by infrastructure and real demand rather than speculation. Zones around Dubai Creek Harbour, Expo City, Dubai South, Al Jaddaf, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Arjan, and Dubai Islands stand out for their connectivity, employment drivers, phased planning, and long-term livability. These characteristics point to sustainable growth rather than short-lived surges. Luxury itself is being redefined. According to Ortiz, it is no longer about excess, but about performance and experience. Wellness, natural light, air quality, smart living, sustainability, privacy, and flexible layouts now define premium living. Trust has become a luxury in its own right, with buyers placing greater emphasis on developer reputation, delivery timelines, and long-term asset protection. Luxury in Dubai has shifted from appearance to experience, and developers who understand this are setting the market’s new standards. For those navigating the off-plan market, Ortiz emphasizes discipline over hype. Developer track record, location fundamentals, and clarity of investment strategy matter more than marketing or launch pricing. When rental demand, realistic yields, and payment structures align with cash flow and exit planning, off-plan investing becomes a strategic tool rather than a speculative gamble. Global realities are reinforcing this discipline. Higher interest rates have reduced appetite for heavy leverage, encouraging cash purchases and flexible payment plans. Currency dynamics have positioned Dubai as compelling value for buyers from strong-currency regions, particularly in prime and luxury segments. Rising construction costs have sharpened focus on delivery certainty and developer credibility. The result is a market that is becoming more selective, more thoughtful, and more resilient. Sustainability, once peripheral, is now central. Green certifications, energy efficiency, and smart infrastructure are increasingly seen as tools for cost control, future-proofing, and resale strength. For globally mobile investors, sustainability is no longer a slogan but a value driver. As Dubai enters its next growth cycle, Ortiz sees a market shaped by quality, livability, and long-term thinking. Experience-led development, smart technology, ESG alignment, and community-focused planning will define future success. In shedding its old labels

Ahmad Skaik

Ahmad Skaik, Carrying The Flag Forward For Emirati Golf

Ahmad Skaik, Carrying The Flag Forward For Emirati Golf By Jane Stevens Ahmad Skaik steps onto the golf course with more than ambition guiding his swing. At the heart of his game is a deeply personal mission rooted in love for the sport and the satisfaction of striving for excellence. Every round is fueled by self-motivation and a desire to achieve something meaningful, but representing the UAE elevates that drive even further. For Skaik, wearing his country’s colors is a responsibility that extends beyond performance, it is about being the best version of himself both on and off the course. The decision to turn professional was not rushed, nor was it taken lightly. Skaik had his eyes set on one final goal as an amateur, competing in the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, an event he deeply admired and hoped to win. His plan was clear and deliberate, a victory would keep him amateur and open the door to the Masters, anything less would signal it was time to take the next step. That moment captured both the excitement and clarity that defined his transition into the professional ranks. When Skaik made the cut in a 72 hole professional event, a milestone achievement for Emirati golf, it marked a turning point in his belief. After coming close several times, breaking through and then repeating the feat strengthened his confidence and reshaped his ambitions. The objective was no longer simply to compete or make the cut, but to contend and ultimately to win. With that shift came a new level of expectation and hunger. While technique and training matter, Skaik credits his mentality to influences beyond golf. Since childhood, he has looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo, not for style but for discipline and relentless work ethic. Ronaldo’s approach to excellence left a lasting impression, teaching Skaik that sustained greatness is built on consistency, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. Under pressure, especially during critical moments in a round, Skaik relies on a simple yet powerful mental habit. He breathes, centers himself, and reminds himself that these are the moments he trains for every single day. Rather than resisting pressure, he embraces it, using it as fuel. Learning to thrive in those situations, he believes, is what separates good players from great ones. A serious back injury tested that mindset like nothing before. Being sidelined for nearly a year and a half forced Skaik to rethink how he trains, warms up, and recovers. While the experience was painful and mentally challenging, it ultimately strengthened him. The setback elevated his game, deepened his discipline, and built resilience. Pushing through that difficult chapter without giving up shaped his character and made him tougher, both as an athlete and as a person. As a left handed golfer, Skaik is candid about the challenges that come with it. Limited equipment options, difficulty finding gloves, and course designs favoring right handed players often make the game harder. Still, this reality has become part of his uniqueness, another obstacle to adapt to rather than an excuse to slow down. The UAE’s emergence as a global golf destination has also played a role in his development. While the sport continues to grow rapidly across the country, Skaik acknowledges that the number of local players is still limited. He is optimistic, however, pointing to the efforts of the Emirates Golf Federation and the momentum building behind grassroots development. He believes the next wave of Emirati talent is closer than ever. Looking ahead, Skaik’s vision is clear. He wants to keep breaking records for his country and for Arab golfers, winning as many tournaments as possible along the way. More importantly, he hopes to inspire those who come after him. Hearing younger players say they want to follow in his footsteps is something he describes as both humbling and motivating. Beyond trophies, his goal is to leave a legacy as someone who competed with integrity and carried himself with respect. For young Emiratis picking up a golf club because of him, Skaik offers straightforward advice. Work hard without compromise, accept failure as part of the journey, and understand that success is impossible without setbacks. Failure, he says, is what sharpens ambition and pushes you to improve in every aspect of life. In his own journey, that lesson has proven to be just as important as any scorecard.

Maisoon Al Saleh: Reimagining Heritage Through a Contemporary Lens

Maisoon Al Saleh, Reimagining Heritage Through a Contemporary Lens

Maisoon Al Saleh Reimagining Heritage Through a Contemporary Lens By Jane Stevens To encounter the art of Maisoon Al Saleh is to step into a dialogue between past and future, memory and imagination. Her work feels at once grounded and transcendent, weaving threads of Emirati heritage with modern narratives that challenge and expand the visual language of identity. Born in 1988, Maisoon belongs to a generation of Emirati artists who have witnessed their country’s cultural awakening and, through creativity, have helped shape its evolving artistic landscape. A graduate of Zayed University with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Design, she has exhibited across more than 25 countries, from Paris and Vienna to Miami and Basel. Her pieces have appeared in major international venues such as the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, the Contemporary & Fine Art Basel Biennale, and the Art Cannes Biennale, while locally, her presence at Art Dubai, Abu Dhabi Art, and Emirati Expressions has positioned her as a powerful voice within the UAE’s cultural movement. Beyond her exhibitions, she is also the founder of The Paintly Store, a creative platform that merges art, design, and entrepreneurship, extending her influence from gallery walls to community spaces. Maisoon’s art is unmistakably her own, a synthesis of surreal forms, cultural symbolism, and bold reinterpretations of tradition. For her, heritage is not a relic of the past, but a living language that evolves with time. “Tradition is the foundation,” she explains, “but innovation is what lets it grow in new directions.” Her process often begins with sketches and stories rooted in Emirati culture, which she reimagines through modern techniques, futuristic colors, and layered symbolism. The result is work that speaks to continuity as much as change — a visual conversation between origin and possibility. Storytelling lies at the heart of Maisoon’s creative practice. Each piece is a narrative, often revealing hidden histories or reinterpreting cultural memory through striking imagery. Her recurring use of skeletal motifs has become one of her signatures, not as a reference to mortality but as a metaphor for shared humanity. “Bones and skulls are not about death,” she notes, “they are a reminder that beneath our differences, we are all equal.” This philosophy reached its most powerful expression in a ten-meter panoramic painting that captures the essence of Dubai’s evolution, traditional dhows drifting alongside futuristic skyscrapers, construction cranes reaching upward, and communities of every nationality coexisting in harmony. All the figures in the scene are rendered as skeletons, uniting the diverse faces of the city through a message of equality and connection. Having exhibited for more than a decade, Maisoon has witnessed the UAE’s art community transform from a small, close-knit circle into a global cultural hub. She speaks of this growth with admiration and optimism. “When I began exhibiting, the scene was intimate,” she recalls. “Now it’s vibrant and fearless, with artists blending disciplines and creating bold new dialogues.” What excites her most is the confidence of emerging Emirati artists who are redefining the country’s visual narrative not just preserving heritage but reinventing it for a global audience. Maisoon’s entrepreneurial journey through The Paintly Store is an extension of her belief that art should exist beyond galleries. By bringing creative tools and educational experiences into people’s daily lives, she bridges the gap between artist and audience. “Launching The Paintly Store allowed me to merge entrepreneurship with artistry,” she explains. “It deepened my connection to the community and helped me see how people experience art in everyday life.” This initiative also reflects her commitment to mentorship; through workshops and creative sessions, she helps nurture the next generation of Emirati artists, encouraging them to experiment, take risks, and find their authentic voices. In the digital age, where algorithms often shape visibility, Maisoon approaches social media with intention and restraint. She uses online platforms not as performance spaces but as storytelling tools. “Authenticity resonates more than algorithms,” she says. “I prefer to share the process, not just the polished image. It’s about creating genuine connections with people who respond to the spirit of the work.” Collaboration, for Maisoon, is another form of storytelling, an exchange that broadens the vocabulary of art. She envisions future projects that merge visual and spatial design, particularly collaborations with architects and musicians. “Architecture and music share something with art: rhythm, emotion, and narrative,” she reflects. “By merging these worlds, we can create experiences that transcend boundaries and bring Emirati heritage to life in new dimensions.” In her view, Emirati artists carry a responsibility that extends beyond their canvases. “We are cultural ambassadors,” she says. “Through art, we can offer the world a deeper understanding of who we are, not through stereotypes, but through authenticity, innovation, and dialogue.” Each Emirati artist, she believes, contributes a unique note to a broader symphony that defines the UAE’s modern identity: proud of its roots, yet open to global conversation. To emerging artists, Maisoon offers wisdom that feels both practical and poetic. “Trust your voice, even when it feels unconventional,” she advises. “Don’t imitate trends — explore your heritage, learn your craft, and stay curious. Art is not a race but a reflection of who you are. Growth comes from community, not competition.” Her words echo the same balance she seeks in her art — courage rooted in tradition, creativity guided by self-awareness. Looking ahead, Maisoon’s focus is expanding toward immersive and multisensory art experiences works that invite viewers to step inside her world rather than observe it from a distance. She envisions installations that blend physical and digital realities, exploring themes of memory, transformation, and belonging. “Art is not just to be seen,” she says. “It should be felt, experienced, lived. I want to create environments where people don’t just look at my work, they become part of it.” As her career continues to evolve, one constant remains: a deep reverence for the Emirati spirit that shaped her. Every brushstroke, sculpture, or digital composition carries traces of her heritage reinterpreted, reimagined, but never forgotten. In Maisoon Al

Najat Makki

Dr. Najat Makki, The Colour of Heritage, the Light of a Nation

Dr. Najat Makki, The Colour of Heritage, the Light of a Nation By Jane Stevens There is something luminous about Dr. Najat Makki not merely in her art, but in the way she speaks of it. Her words move like her brushstrokes, deliberate yet fluid, filled with emotion, memory, and light. One of the UAE’s most celebrated artists and a pioneering Emirati woman to pursue formal art education, Najat has spent her life transforming the essence of her homeland into colour, rhythm, and form. Through decades of work, she has not only defined her own artistic language but also helped shape the identity of Emirati contemporary art itself. Her journey began in the heart of old Dubai, where every street corner seemed to whisper stories and every texture of daily life found its way into her imagination. She recalls her childhood in Bur Dubai with tender nostalgia  the creek shimmering under sunlight, the murmurs of the souk, and the quiet beauty of faces crossing from one shore to another. “I was born into a world rich with visual stimuli,” she often says, “and from those early days, colour became my language.” When the UAE opened the door to international scholarships in the early years of the Union, Najat saw her path clearly. Against family expectations and social convention, she chose to study art  a decision that demanded courage and conviction. “I knew it was my destiny,” she reflects. With determination, she left for Cairo and entered the Faculty of Fine Arts, immersing herself in sculpture, where she discovered the tactile poetry of form and mass. Those years in Egypt were transformative, filled with experimentation and self-discovery. She recalls the thrill of standing before a blank canvas or raw stone, feeling her pulse quicken as each work took shape. When she graduated in 1982, she returned to the UAE with a heart full of dreams and a mind sharpened by exploration. Her first exhibition in Dubai, held at Al Wasl Club in 1987, marked the beginning of a lifelong dialogue with colour and light. The local environment  the rhythm of the desert, the pulse of the sea, and the serenity of everyday life  became an unending source of inspiration. In her work, the dunes glow with golden warmth, the waves shimmer with turquoise calm, and the air seems alive with unseen movement. Dubai taught her how to see beauty not as an abstraction but as something woven into the very soul of life. The path to becoming one of the first Emirati women to formally study art was not without resistance. At a time when creative careers were not widely accepted, Najat faced skepticism, both cultural and personal. Yet her perseverance became her greatest strength. “When a person possesses true willpower, they can reach their goal,” she says. Her journey to Cairo was an act of faith in herself, in her identity, and in the belief that art could be a voice of both individual freedom and national expression. These challenges gave her work emotional gravity and depth, strengthening her resolve to portray the Emirati woman as a symbol of determination and grace. In her art, Najat has always sought harmony between tradition and modernity. She draws from her surroundings, the desert, the sea, the city, translating their textures and rhythms into abstract forms and bold colour palettes. Her paintings capture the motion of sand, the pulse of light, and the serenity of vast horizons. The influences of Al Sadu weaving and Bedouin crafts find their way into her brushwork, while natural pigments like henna and saffron ground her art in the earth itself. For Najat, the act of painting is a dialogue between heritage and the present, a way of transforming old patterns into new visual languages. Her reflections on the evolution of Emirati art reveal both gratitude and vision. She recalls the early cultural foundations that shaped the UAE’s artistic identity, the establishment of the Emirates Fine Arts Society in Sharjah, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, and the International Art Center in Dubai. These institutions nurtured a generation of artists who brought Emirati creativity into the global conversation. Over the years, events such as Art Dubai, the Sharjah Biennial, and Art Basel have carried the country’s talent to international stages, affirming the UAE’s place in the world of contemporary art. For Najat, these achievements symbolize not only progress but also a deepening of national identity. Emirati art, she believes, thrives in its ability to balance modernity with emotion, technology with spirit. Even as digital media, artificial intelligence, and virtual exhibitions reshape the creative landscape, she insists that true art must remain human at its core. “Art should never become just a display,” she says. “It must carry the pulse of life, the voice of a people, and the memory of a place.” When asked what defines the “Emirati aesthetic,” Najat describes it as something far greater than visual motifs or stylistic signatures. It is, in her words, “a complex fabric woven between memory and modernity, between the material and the spiritual, between stillness and openness to the world.” She sees this aesthetic as an interplay of collective memory, landscape, spirituality, and nostalgia, all bound by a search for identity in a rapidly changing world. It is the quiet of the desert, the rhythm of the sea, and the glow of the city lights, all speaking in the same visual tongue. To young artists, especially women, Najat offers advice born of experience and grace. “Stay true to your heritage and emotions,” she urges. “Experiment, explore, and take risks, but let authenticity guide you.” She encourages them to see art as a means of storytelling through one’s own lens, not as a mirror of online trends. For her, the greatest danger of the digital age is imitation; the greatest power is sincerity. “Use social media to share, not to define,” she advises, believing that the truest art comes from curiosity, reflection, and faith in one’s inner world. If she