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CURATING
A BORDERLESS
WORLD
Armand Arton
Founder, Chairman and ‘Chief Global Citizen’, Arton Capital P.20
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December 15, 2025
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Curating A Borderless World ARMAND ARTON founded Arton Capital nearly two decades ago with a simple view: to make global citizenship an accessible reality. Today, amid rising global wealth, evolving foreign investment policies, and an unpredictable sociopolitical climate, this Canada-based firm with a global presence is reshaping the discourse surrounding borders, security, and opportunity.
P.15
Unpacking the Journey of Bilal Mekkaoui From investment banking to celebrity-driven consumer ventures
P.30
The Recap: Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025 – In Partnership with in5 The event –which marked the launch of Legends of Entrepreneurship– also cohosted the inaugural n5 Innovation Awards – Powered by Entrepreneur Middle East.
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→ In his role, Vladimir is responsible
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Editor’s Note / WHY 2026 WILL BE THE YEAR OF AI STARTUPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
After years of hype, AI is finally becoming the operating system of the region’s economy. For founders, 2026 won’t be “another opportunity” — it will be the turning point.
I
’ve been talking to company founders across the Middle East for a decade, and I’ve never seen a moment quite as charged with possibility as the one approaching in 2026. For years, artificial intelligence lived in pitch decks and on conference stages. In 2026, it becomes something far more real: the growth engine for the next generation of startups. The numbers tell the story. The MENA AI market was valued at around $12 billion in 2023 and is forecast to surge to more than $160 billion by 2030. That translates into one of the fastest AI adoption curves anywhere in the world. Economists estimate that AI could contribute up to $320 billion to Middle Eastern GDP by the end of the decade, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia responsible for more than half of that output.
12 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025 1, 2025
These aren’t abstract figures. They point directly to where demand, regulation and public funding are aligning: AI solutions that make industries such as finance, logistics, energy, healthcare and government services more efficient and more automated. The political will behind this transformation is unprecedented. Saudi Arabia is investing tens of billions to build world-class AI capabilities and attract global players to its emerging tech hubs. The UAE is aggressively positioning itself as a leader in AI governance and infrastructure, aiming for an AI-native public sector before the decade closes. Across the Gulf, national strategies are no longer white papers — they’re procurement pipelines for startups ready to solve real-world problems. Capital is shifting as well. Even during the global funding slowdown, AI deals in the region continued to rise. Investors have made it clear: technical innovation is no longer optional. The founders who build with AI win the meetings, win the pilots, and increasingly, win the markets. And then there is the infrastructure finally catching up with ambition. Data centers, regional AI models built for Arabic language and local context, and wider cloud access will dramatically lower the barrier to building scalable AI products. Entrepreneurship thrives when friction falls — and in 2026, much of that friction disappears. So if you are a founder wondering whether AI is right for your venture, you may be asking the wrong question. In 2026, AI won’t just be a feature. It will be the foundation. The Middle East is placing its bets — and startups that build with AI will be the ones that define the next decade of growth.
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Unpacking the Journey of Bilal Mekkaoui:
From Investment Banking to Celebrity-Driven Consumer Ventures by WISSAM YOUNANE
December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 15
B/
Big Idea
I
n a world where entrepreneurship is often defined by reinvention, few embody the art of evolving with the market quite like Bilal Mekkaoui, founder of OuiCollab and one of the sharpest operators bridging tech, consumer goods, and celebrity-led brands. We meet in Dubai just as Mekkaoui announces the successful closing of an $8 million round for Homecourt, the home-care beauty brand he co-founded with Courteney Cox. His tone is calm, but his story is anything but—spanning global banks, billion-dollar IPOs, celebrity boardrooms in Malibu, and a growing venture studio now eyeing expansion from the US to India and the Middle East.
From Investment Banking to the Frontlines of Global Tech Lebanese by heritage and raised in London, Mekkaoui’s early career was forged in the high-pressure corridors of global finance. In the late ’90s and early 2000s, he cut his teeth at Deutsche Bank working on TMT M&A, later joining UBS to co-run its ECM CEMA desk in London. “That period shaped everything,” he recalls. “You’re constantly evaluating: how do you position companies to go public? How do you turn heritage businesses into marketready players? It was a front-row seat to the evolution of tech.” That vantage point led him to Rocket Internet, where he became deeply embedded in the rise of global e-commerce. He worked on Lazada (later sold to Alibaba), Namshi, and eventually rose to become head of strategy and fundraising for half the Rocket portfolio. Between 2012 and 2014, his team raised $3 billion in private capital, culminating in Rocket’s €6.7 billion IPO in 2014. After a stint preparing Delivery Hero for its IPO—completed in 2017—Mekkaoui was ready to build something of his own. From JOBI Capital to Identifying a New Goldmine: Celebrity-Led Brands In 2016, he launched JOBI Capital with Joe Daher of the Azadea Group, raising two double digit million dollar funds focused on consumer retail tech.
16 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025
In a world We built it like a tech company. Raise once to build the foundation— not burn cash on marketing. But it was a wave of inbound opportunities from New York that shifted his trajectory: celebrity-led businesses. Jessica Alba’s Honest Company. Kylie Cosmetics. Brands that scaled fast, generated strong margins, and built loyal consumer bases not through tech wizardry—but through cultural gravity. “I realized there was a massive opportunity if you got in early,” he says. “The model was clear: right category, right team, right timing…it reminded me of Rocket.” That spark became the foundation for what would eventually grow into OuiCollab.
→ Bilal Mekkaoui has
founded OuiCollab, co-founded Homecourt with Courteney Cox, and built a venture studio creating and scaling celebrity-led and consumer brands.
→ Currently expanding
from the US into India and the Middle East, Mekkaoui is positioning himself as a global operator with multicultural roots.
December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 17
The Courteney Cox Chapter: Building Homecourt The first real opening came from an unexpected place: Courteney Cox. “Courteney was the one celebrity I had direct access to,” Mekkaoui says. A few social meetings and calls later, he pitched her a venture. But before the idea came the data: }80% of her following was aged 18–35 }Over 72% were female }55% followed architecture, interior design, and home aesthetics }She studied architecture, lives in a $120M Malibu home, and appeared regularly in Architectural Digest }Her personal traits—smart, cleanliness, order, perfection—made home-care deeply authentic The brand that emerged was Homecourt, a scented home-care and design-forward essentials company—hand soaps, dish soaps, room sprays, surface cleaners, home fragrances, body care, laundry care—positioned as elevated everyday luxury.
the management teams of very renowned and known celebrities — where demands for massive upfront fees killed the economics— Mekkaoui found the perfect match in Kaley Cuoco, star of The Big Bang Theory.
partners, Mekkaoui rebranded the venture studio as OuiCollab—a global incubator building celebrityled consumer brands with repeatable methodology, data-driven brand strategy, and high-caliber operators at the helm.
“One call and I knew she was the one,” he says. Cuoco lives on her own animal farm in Malibu, has adopted over 100 animals, and carried a genuine passion for improving pet wellbeing.
His next frontier: scaling globally.
With a celebrity who truly believes in the mission, doors open faster. What would’ve taken another startup five years, we did in two.
They raised a $3 million seed round, recruited L’Oréal veteran Sarah Jahnke as CEO and co-founder, and launched on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in January 2022. Homecourt sold out within three hours. It sold out again two months later. The company has doubled revenue year-on-year and is profitable today. “We built it like a tech company,” Mekkaoui explains. “Raise once to build the foundation—not burn cash on marketing.” Venturing Into Pets With Kaley Cuoco Next came the booming pet care category. After months of conversations with 18 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025
Authenticity won again. They raised another $3 million, hired former Warby Parker executive Katie Hunt as CEO and co-founder, and built a pet-wellness brand Oh Norman! named after Kaley’s first rescue Norman, now available on Chewy, PetMeds, Amazon, and inside 200,000+ subscription boxes across the US. “With a celebrity who truly believes in the mission, doors open faster,” Mekkaoui says. “What would’ve taken another startup five years, we did in two.” The Birth of OuiCollab After parting ways with his original
“We just signed our first partner in India,” he reveals. “We know the product, we’re hiring the CEO, and we’re now looking at the Middle East as a parallel market.” For a region steeped in talent, influencers, and consumer appetite, OuiCollab’s model fits like a glove. The Future of Celebrity x Consumer: Built in Dubai, Designed for the World What sets Mekkaoui apart is discipline: the rigor of banking, the scale of Rocket Internet, and the cultural intuition needed to build with celebrities—not just around them. He doesn’t chase hype. He chases economics, authenticity, and global relevance. As OuiCollab expands into new geographies, one truth becomes clear: celebrity-led brands are no longer extensions of fame—they’re disciplined businesses that can outperform traditional startups when the right operator is at the center. And if Mekkaoui’s track record is any indication, the next wave of globally resonant consumer brands may well be built not in LA or New York—but in Dubai and beyond, where data, design, and star power converge. Because for Bilal Mekkaoui, the journey isn’t just about building brands with celebrities—it’s about building brands that matter and last.
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CURATING
A BORDERLESS
WORLD Armand Arton founded Arton Capital nearly two decades ago with a simple view: to make global citizenship an accessible reality. Today, amid rising global wealth, evolving foreign investment policies, and an unpredictable sociopolitical climate, this Canada-based firm with a global presence is reshaping the discourse surrounding borders, security, and opportunity.b y A A L I A M E H R E E N A H M E D
20 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2024
→ Armand Arton is the
founder, Chairman, and “Chief Global Citizen” of Arton Capital, who has been shaping the global investment migration industry for nearly two decades.
December 15, 2024 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 21
22 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025
← Arton is also the creator of the Passport
Index and founder of the Global Citizen Forum, advancing mobility as both an economic and social force.
T
he International Migrant Stock 2024 by the United Nations (UN) notes that in 2024 the number of international migrants worldwide was 304 million– a figure that had nearly doubled since 1990. Now, although mammoth in its nature as a standalone statistic, migrants still only account for a little over 3.7% of the global population. Beneath the surface, however, lies an important differentiator in why humans migrate from their motherlands: choice versus necessity. While most global migration is driven by the latter —particularly due to geopolitical conflict, and economic opportunities— a concurrent movement is unfolding among the world’s wealthy: one shaped by investment, mobility strategy,
W
e unlock greater freedom and opportunity for individuals and families,” explains Armand Arton, founder, Chairman, and ‘Chief Global Citizen’ of Arton Capital. “This is achieved by helping clients access citizenship
and the pursuit of long-term security. Operating in this space is Arton Capital, a global financial advisory firm specializing in investment migration, wealth strategy, and residency/citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs.The Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025 also featured keynote addresses by H.E. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Economy, and Saeed Alnofeli, Vice President at in5 Dubai. The evening also included the in5 Innovation Awards – Powered by Entrepreneur Middle East, spotlighting four innovative categories and recognizing founders whose vision, determination, and creativity have set new benchmarks for what is possible.
and residency by investment programs, which enable applicants to secure citizenship and/or residency rights in exchange for a contribution to the host country. These investment vehicles, known colloquially as Golden Visas and Golden Passports, allow holders to travel, live, and work more freely than ever before, opening doors to new cultures, new markets, and new horizons. In essence, we help people expand the map of their lives - turning borders into gateways, transforming mobility into a powerful asset, and empowering families to shape a future that is not defined by their birthplace. Importantly, investment migration benefits the host country too. Those with programs can attract sustainable foreign investment that strengthens their economies and supports long-term national priorities. It’s a win-win.” }}
“IN ESSENCE, WE HELP PEOPLE EXPAND THE MAP OF THEIR LIVES - TURNING BORDERS INTO GATEWAYS, TRANSFORMING MOBILITY INTO A POWERFUL ASSET, AND EMPOWERING FAMILIES TO SHAPE A FUTURE THAT IS NOT DEFINED BY THEIR BIRTHPLACE.”
December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 23
“ WHEN WE SPEAK ABOUT GIVING PEOPLE CHOICE, WHAT WE REALLY MEAN IS FREEDOM: THE FREEDOM TO LEARN, INNOVATE, EXPLORE, AND DREAM WITHOUT BEING CONSTRAINED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF ONE’S BIRTH. MY HOPE IS THAT OUR WORK INSPIRES A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS WHO SEE THEMSELVES AS GLOBAL CITIZENS – NOT DEFINED BY THEIR PASSPORT BUT BY THE IMPACT THEY MAKE.” Founded in 2006, and operating today across 19 countries, Arton Capital works with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-HNWIs seeking long-term mobility solutions, as well as with governments looking to attract foreign investment through structured migration frameworks. “We have a broad client base, ranging from clients with a net worth of US$1million to $50+ billion,” explains Arton. “The average is just above $30 million. This includes successful entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices with global footprints. Many are self-made, often first-generation wealth creators, ranging from business leaders in emerging markets to innovators in more established economies. Every consultation with Arton Capital is bespoke. We start with a deep understanding of a client’s ambitions; not just where they want to travel, but where they want their family to study, invest, build, and belong. We then design a mobility strategy that aligns with their long-term vision for their future, whether for education, legacy, business expansion, or generational security.” Arton Capital’s work fits closely with several defining realities of today’s global landscape. For one, there has been a clear rise in the number of multiple passport holders and dual or multi citizenships– a trend driven in large part by the steady expansion of global private wealth. Indeed, in January 2025, a 24 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025
report by PitchBook noted that the global private wealth market now accounts for US$450 trillion in net assets and is projected to deploy more than US$7 trillion into private markets by 2033. As wealth increasingly moves across borders, high-net-worth migration too has accelerated worldwide– a shift that closely aligns with Arton Capital’s long-term vision. But nearly 20 years ago, Arton’s vision for the firm was born out of his own experiences as a “global citizen.” “My life has been shaped by migration,” he says. “Across four generations, my family has experi-
→ Arton Capital is a
Canada-based global advisory firm specialising in residency- and citizenship-by-investment for high- and ultra-highnet-worth individuals. It operates across 19 countries, with its largest office located in Dubai, advising both private clients and governments on structured investment migration programs.
enced almost every kind of catalyst for migration: from the forced exodus of Armenians at the start of the 20th century, to my parents’ skilled migration from Bulgaria to Morocco and then Canada, and finally to my own choice to make the UAE my home. I grew up with a multicul-
tural identity, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how global mobility -or the lack of it- can shape lives and either fulfill or limit potential. This generational journey, rather than a single moment, is what inspired the creation of Arton Capital - both I and the company are products
of migration. Back when I founded the firm two decades ago, ‘global citizenship’ was a concept only understood by a small circle of internationally mobile families and entrepreneurs. Today, it has evolved into a mainstream aspiration. Mobility is no longer
viewed as a privilege, but as an essential pillar of modern resilience strategies. Global citizenship is not just about crossing borders; it has become synonymous with security, empowerment, and purpose.” In realizing this vision, the UAE’s economic }}
December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 25
“ IN AN AGE OF FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE, OUR FOUNDING MISSION IS NOW MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER BEFORE. FOR THE ENTREPRENEURIAL, THE BOLD, AND THE DISRUPTORS, THERE IS SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY AT STAKE. ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS TO EMBRACE THE GLOBAL CITIZEN MINDSET AND UNLEASH THEIR POTENTIAL.” growth and government policies have turned out to be valuable partners– earlier this year, the nation was projected to attract more millionaire migrants than any other country in the world. “The rise of HNWIs in the UAE is no coincidence,” Arton says. “The country’s combination of visionary leadership, economic openness, policy stability, and world-class infrastructure has made the UAE one of the world’s most attractive destinations for wealth creators. The Emirates have also made a concerted effort to use mobility as a tool for strengthening the nation’s image as a global hub for travel, diplomacy, and business. In 2017, the UAE declared a bold ambition: to elevate its passport to the top of the world rankings. As founder of the Passport Index —the world’s first and most trusted interactive measure of passport power— I was approached by the 26 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help make that vision a reality. By forming new partnerships and enhancing the country’s global relationships, the UAE passport climbed to the number one spot in under two years. It has remained the world’s most powerful ever since. It’s easy to understand why our clients are frequently drawn to the UAE, and we think of it as a strategic hub for our business rather than just another market. The growth of HNWIs in the UAE has reinforced our vision to empower global citizens and help nations become magnets for talent and investment.” Here, Arton’s allusion to the Passport Index, his firm’s flagship global passport ranking tool which was launched in 2014, brings forth something important about the scope of its reach. “High-net-worth individuals are not our only target demographic,” Arton reveals.
“Through the Passport Index we’ve helped tens of millions of everyday travelers to navigate visa requirements. The platform has attracted over 291 million page views since launch, with 80 million this year alone, underscoring its role as a trusted resource for travelers worldwide. Entirely free to use, it has become the global benchmark for understanding passport power. By evaluating, aggregating, and comparing every passport on the planet based on the visa-free and visa-onarrival privileges granted, it gives travelers a clear, real-time picture of where they can go and how easily. With more than four million click-throughs on our digital application portal this year -over 400,000 each month- the Passport Index has emerged as the definitive one-stop-shop travel companion. Our ultimate goal is to evolve the platform into a trusted gateway to global mobility: a true SuperApp that delivers streamlined travel intelligence
and effortless access for millions. By the end of 2026, with our partners, we’re aiming to support one million digital visa applications per year.” But while the Passport Index adheres to the masses, Arton Capital’s vision is largely realized by HNWIdriven investment migration: the legal process of gaining residency or citizenship in another country by making an approved financial investment in that country. “Investment migration strengthens economies in sustainable, measurable ways,” Arton explains. “It brings immediate capital flows which help to expand national budgets in the short term, but it also brings long-term liquidity as new residents invest, start businesses, or contribute tax revenue to their new homes. This allows countries to diversify their economies and become more resilient participants in the global economy. Socially, these programs create more open, multicultural societies grounded in collaboration and innovation. Investment migration encourages nations to adopt global standards and improve their governance as they look to become part of the global economy. In many ways, investment migration fosters the values the world needs most at the moment – openness, resilience, and a shared responsibility for global issues. On the individual level, the most profound cases involve helping individuals and families mitigate risk – ensuring they’re protected against geopolitical, economic, or societal uncertainty. On the macro level, investment migration programs have funded hospitals, schools, }}
→ Arton Capital has
developed selective frameworks such as Citizenship by Merit and Citizenship by Invitation to align mobility with long-term national impact.
December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 27
climate resilience initiatives, and essential national infrastructure such as airports and renewable energy projects.” Arton explains all of this by means of an example. “Small island nations in the Caribbean, for instance, have been able to rebuild after natural disasters and diversify their economies through the capital that these programs generate,” he says. “In July 2024, Grenada was able to use a portion of the incoming capital from its program to tackle the effects of Hurricane Beryl and support rebuilding efforts - these initiatives can be powerful catalysts for long-term change.” The Grenadian Citizenship by Investment Program, however, represents only one among the 19 CBI programs Arton Capital has worked on globally. But in its hopes to create a borderless world, the firm takes on the responsibility of catering to diverse governments and cultures. “Each country we operate in has its own regulatory environment, migration philosophy, and cultural fabric,” Arton says. “When it comes to the design of 28 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025
their migration policies and programs, some emphasize attracting human capital and economic contributions, while others prioritize heritage, identity, and preserving community cohesion. The Botswana Impact Investment Program, for example, which we’re helping the Government establish, is set to channel capital toward housing initiatives while broadly supporting the country in diversifying its economy. Our approach is simple: listen deeply, respect local context, and build trust over time. We work closely with governments, communities, and partners to tailor programs that honor each nation’s identity while making them globally competitive. Our work in helping Grenada establish the Grenada Citizenship by Invitation Program is a perfect example of this, and it’s no surprise that the rest of the industry has sought to follow in Arton’s footsteps. We believe the old approach of seeing the benefits to host countries as valued in dollar terms is outdated. We’ve developed a new standard, where we measure the
actual social impact we deliver. We believe that for every foreign investor that accesses a program, the lives of at least three local families must be positively impacted. We call this The ‘3X’ Principle. Ultimately, we help nations open their doors to the world with confidence - inviting progress, partnership, and prosperity to take root in ways that are authentic, sustainable, and uniquely their own. While the preceding examples reflect the national, macroeconomic ripple effects of investment migration, Arton argues that its clearest evolution is now visible at the level of the individual. “Some clients today are not just seeking convenience or a strategic hedge - they are building what I call a ‘personal freedom portfolio’ composed of multiple citizenships and residencies,” he explains. “A few are even trying to surpass my own benchmark of holding eight passports! This ambition has inspired us to formalise what we call the ‘Optimum Freedom Global Citizen Portfolio’ - a strategic combination of residencies and citizenships that provides visa-free
WE ARE NOW APPROACHING THE TENTH MEMBER OF THE VERY EXCLUSIVE GROUP THAT HAS ACHIEVED THIS DEGREE OF GLOBAL ACCESS THROUGH THEIR MOBILITY PORTFOLIO. THIS RISING AMBITION AMONGST THE WEALTHY IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF HOW INVESTMENT MIGRATION HAS EVOLVED: FROM A TOOL FOR CONVENIENCE INTO A SOPHISTICATED, FORWARD-LOOKING STRATEGY FOR GLOBAL MOBILITY, SECURITY, AND OPPORTUNITY.”
access to 95% of the world, and confers the right to live, work, and study in almost half of all countries for an entire family. We are now approaching the tenth member of the very exclusive group that has achieved this degree of global access through their mobility portfolio. This rising ambition amongst the wealthy is a clear example of how investment migration has evolved: from a tool for convenience into a sophisticated, forwardlooking strategy for global mobility, security, and opportunity.” Arton’s sentiments are perhaps best encapsulated in his firm’s formal vision statement, which states that Arton Capital wants “to see the world a better place, where global citizens have a premium level of choice.” One initiative by the company in enabling this goal has been the Global Citizen Forum - an international leadership and thought-exchange platform to advance the idea of global citizenship as a force for economic, social, and humanitarian progress. “The Global Citizen Forum was born out of a desire to address a deeper question behind our mission of promoting global mobility: what does it truly mean to be a citizen
of the world?” Arton explains. “While Arton Capital empowers individuals with enhanced mobility, the Forum reminds them of their responsibility to act as stewards of a global community. It’s a platform to give back, engage in dialogue, and co-create solutions for global challenges. Together, they form two sides of the same mission: expanding opportunity and shaping a more inclusive, interconnected future.” At the heart of the Global Citizen Forum is the word “choice” mentioned in the aforementioned vision statement. “When we speak about giving people choice, what we really mean is freedom: the freedom to learn, innovate, explore, and dream without being constrained by the circumstances of one’s birth,” Arton says. “My hope is that our work inspires a new generation of leaders who see themselves as global citizens – not defined by their passport but by the impact they make. Through the Global Citizen Forum, and the numerous charitable initiatives we support, we want to help build a future where mobility is a right, not a privilege, and empower young people with the tools
to shape the world. Ultimately, I hope our legacy is one of connection, compassion, and opportunity.” Moving into 2026, however, Arton’s focus is on keeping a keen eye out for the trends that are inducing a shift within the investment migration landscape. “The industry is going through a period of evolution- we are seeing a clear shift toward meritbased, selective, and impact-driven frameworks,” he notes. “Arton Capital has been at the forefront of this evolution. We pioneered and copyrighted the concepts of Citizenship by Merit [citizenship based on impact] and Citizenship by Invitation [by government invitation only], which are now seeing broad industry adoption. Our work helping establish Grenada’s selective program, one of the first of these innovative new programs, showed the potential this can have for investor migration. This is the direction the industry is now moving in, and we intend to continue leading from the front. Our focus now is on deepening our government advisory work, enhancing our digital platforms for clients, and strengthening our presence across the Middle East and Africa - regions where we
anticipate significant growth as new programs come to market, including initiatives like the Botswana Impact Investment Program we’re set to launch. Arton Capital is also set to become the first consolidator of the industry, with a range of imminent transactions in the pipeline. Beyond market transformation and policy reforms, the mission remains, for Arton, a personal one. “I remain committed to advancing the global citizenship movement: championing mobility, nurturing impact-driven partnerships, and supporting the UAE’s ambitious vision for the future- in which global mobility and talent attraction play a central role,” he declares. “In an age of fundamental change, our founding mission is now more relevant than ever before. For the entrepreneurial, the bold, and the disruptors, there is so much opportunity at stake. All they have to do is to embrace the Global Citizen mindset and unleash their potential. That’s where our industry comes in, that’s where Arton Capital comes in. We’ve commoditized unrestricted opportunity, and the world is hungry for it.”
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A W A R D S IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
2025
KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS
The Recap
Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025
T
he Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025, staged by Entrepreneur Middle East in partnership with in5, was held at the W Hotel The Palm on December 11, 2025. The event was supported by The Impression, Cle and Partners, Lucidity Insights, and Numai Real Estate. The event marked the launch of Legends of Entrepreneurship, a new fireside conversation series by Wissam Younane, founder and CEO of BNC Media Group, spotlighting some of the most influential entrepreneurs across the MENA region. The inaugural session featured Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President for the Middle
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East, Africa, and Türkiye at Amazon, in an insightful and wide-ranging conversation that offered a true masterclass in entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025 also featured keynote addresses by H.E. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Economy, and Saeed Alnofeli, Vice President at in5 Dubai. The evening also included the in5 Innovation Awards – Powered by Entrepreneur Middle East, spotlighting four innovative categories and recognizing founders whose vision, determination, and creativity have set new benchmarks for what is possible.
THE ENTREPRENEUR LEADERSHIP AWARDS FOR 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD / Vice President, Middle East, Africa, and Türki-ye, Amazon Ronaldo Mouchawar CEO OF THE YEAR / Wissam Breidy, CEO of HRE Development FINTECH LEADER OF THE YEAR / Alexander Lozben, founder and CEO of Inter-hash REAL ESTATE LEADER OF THE YEAR / Faruh Kurbanov, founder of DIA Prop-erties FASTEST GROWTH / ALGHOMLAS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR / Vivek Oberoi, co-founder and Managing Direc-tor of BNW Developments REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR / BNW Developments TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD / AJMS Global CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR / VIRTUZONE TECH MENTOR OF THE YEAR / Andrey Kuznetsov DEAL MAKER OF THE YEAR / Armand Arton, President, Arton Capital VISIONARY OF THE YEAR / Navneet Mandhani, founder of KARMA Developers REAL ESTATE BROKER OF THE YEAR / Allsopp & Allsopp AUTOMOTIVE LEADER OF THE YEAR / Hussam Baghdadi, Chief Operating Offi-cer, AW Rostamani Automotive LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY / AHYA LUXURY MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR / PUBLSH PUBLIC INFLUENCE AWARD / DUBAI CULTURE FASTEST GROWING COMPANY IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS / ANAX CAPITAL DESIGN LEADER OF THE YEAR / Eng. Maher Mouhajer, CEO of Mouhajer Inter-national Design and Contracting WEB3 MARKETING AND PR AGENCY OF THE YEAR / EAK DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM ENABLER OF THE YEAR / IN5 Dubai LEADERSHIP IN PHILANTHROPY / Dr. Sonya Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR / EURO-TECH GENZ OF THE YEAR / YAMUNA AND AYESHA HASSAN ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY LEADER OF THE YEAR / INNOVATION CITY CRYPTO INDUSTRY ICON / GATE VENTURE CAPITAL OF THE YEAR / ORASEYA HOMEGROWN BRAND OF THE YEAR / MARINA FURNITURE STARTUP ENABLER OF THE YEAR / EMIRATES ANGELS FINTECH SOLUTION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR / Geidea WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRM OF THE YEAR / Klay Group CUSTOMER VALUE CREATION LEADER / George Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone
BNC PUBLISHING CEO Wissam Younane
WINNERS of the Enterpreneur Leadership Awards 2025
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H.E. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs - UAE Ministry of Economy
Saeed Alnofeli, Vice President of in5 Dubai
CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR — VIRTUZONE
DEAL MAKER OF THE
YEAR — Armand Arton, President, Arton Capital
REAL ESTATE BROKER OF THE YEAR
— Allsopp & Allsopp
AUTOMOTIVE LEADER OF
TECH MENTOR OF THE YEAR — Andrey
Kuznetsov
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THE YEAR — Hussam Baghdadi, Chief Operating Officer, AW Rostamani Automotive
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
— AJMS Global
CEO OF THE YEAR
— Wissam Breidy, CEO of HRE Development
FASTEST GROWTH
— ALGHOMLAS
REAL ESTATE LEADER OF THE YEAR
FINTECH LEADER OF THE YEAR — Alexander
Lozben, founder and CEO of Interhash
— Faruh Kurbanov, founder of DIA Properties The award was received by Saidmagomed Magomadov, Sales Director at DIA Holding.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
- Vice President, Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, Amazon Ronaldo Mouchawar
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR — BNW
Developments
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR — Vivek
Oberoi, co-founder and Managing Director of BNW Developments
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VISIONARY OF THE YEAR — Navneet Mandhani, founder of KARMA Developers
LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY
— AHYA
PUBLIC INFLUENCE AWARD — DUBAI
CULTURE
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LUXURY MEDIA AGENCY OF THE YEAR — PUBLSH
FASTEST GROWING COMPANY IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS
— ANAX CAPITAL
ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY LEADER OF THE YEAR
— INNOVATION CITY
DESIGN LEADER OF THE YEAR — Eng.
Maher Mouhajer, CEO of Mouhajer International Design and Contracting
LEADERSHIP IN PHILANTHROPY
— Dr. Sonya Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
WEB3 MARKETING AND PR AGENCY OF THE YEAR
— EAK DIGITAL
ECOSYSTEM ENABLER OF THE YEAR — IN5 Dubai
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VENTURE CAPITAL OF THE YEAR
— ORASEYA
FINTECH SOLUTION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR — Geidea
HOMEGROWN BRAND OF THE YEAR — MARINA
FURNITURE
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CUSTOMER VALUE CREATION LEADER - George
Hojeige, Group CEO, Virtuzone
STARTUP ENABLER OF THE YEAR
— EMIRATES ANGELS
TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
— EUROTECH
CRYPTO INDUSTRY ICON — GATE
GENZ OF THE YEAR
— YAMUNA AND AYESHA HASAN
WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRM OF THE YEAR
- Klay Group
December 15, 2024 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 39
E n lig h ten You r Et ern a l Beau t y, I n side a n d Ou t !
@muarjewels
www.muarjewels.com
info@muarjewels.com
Going The Extra Mile As the UAE continues to record a steep surge in the number of company registrations per year, RAKEZ —with its many manufacturing hubs and services that cater to over 50 sectors— is steadily building upon its reputation as a free zone that goes beyond just issuing business licenses. b y A A L I A M E H R E E N A H M E D
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‘T/
Skillset
↑ RAKEZ facilitates B2B networking within its business community
I
n November 2025, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy revealed a statistic that reflected just how sought after the nation has become as a business destination: in the last five years alone, the number of registered companies had increased by a staggering 235%. The report also noted that the number of businesses operating in the country reached more than 1.3 million by the end of the first half of 2025— up from roughly 400,000 in 2020. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has proven to be a key contributor to this growth, having facilitated the setup of more than 38,000 companies. In July 2025, it was reported that RAKEZ had recorded a 43% increase in new company registrations for the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2024. Currently housing multinational companies that span 50+ industries and hail from over 100 countries, it has easily become one of the largest economic zones not just in the UAE but the Middle East region.
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A
t anc But from the very start, the entity was never intended to function solely as a conventional free zone. For starters, there is the fact that RAKEZ has been designed to serve both business operators as well as capital investors. Built with a vision to “become a leading global investment destination,” its services for business owners — ranging from startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to larger companies— include simplified business set-up processes, fast-track visa options, license issuance and ongoing business support services.
“INVESTORS TODAY WANT ECOSYSTEMS WHERE INNOVATION IS EMBEDDED, AND AT RAKEZ WE’RE HARNESSING AI TO MAKE EVERY STEP OF THE INVESTOR JOURNEY SMARTER, FASTER, AND MORE PERSONALIZED. BY REMOVING FRICTION AND STRENGTHENING EARLY ENGAGEMENT, WE ENSURE BUSINESSES ENTER THE MARKET WITH CONFIDENCE AND SCALE WITH CLARITY.”
↑ RAKEZ prioritises a customercentric approach within its operations.
Meanwhile, investors from across the globe receive wide-ranging customisable solutions that enable them to own, fund, develop, and scale businesses and industrial projects in Ras Al Khaimah. These offerings are underpinned by five key strategic pillars: cost-effectiveness, customised solutions,
efficiency, diversification, and expert service. When 8,506 companies joined the RAKEZ business community between January and June 2025, Group CEO Ramy Jallad, had noted in a public statement that the growth, “reflects the confidence investors place in RAKEZ and the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as a whole.”
“Our continued commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic environment for businesses is clearly resonating with entrepreneurs and companies from around the globe,” Jallad added. “By expanding our digital services, growing our value-added services portfolio, launching sector-focused hubs, and introducing value-
driven packages, we are ensuring that new and existing businesses have everything they need to grow and succeed.” Yet, this continuous engagement and support only marks the beginning of RAKEZ’s collaborative growth journey. While it allows companies to set up as either free zone or non-free zone entities and provides access to fast-growing markets across the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and South and Central Asia—supported by Ras Al Khaimah’s transport network of five seaports and an international airport—its role goes far beyond paperwork and logistics. Take, for example, its active participation in building a more coherent and well-connected business community through setting up regular business-to-business (B2B) networking events that bring together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and partners to encourage collaboration and long-term relationships. “These sessions are designed to empower entrepreneurs with practical insights and meaningful connections, unlocking the transformative power of shared knowledge within our community,” explains Jallad. RAKEZ also runs practical, expert-led workshops on financial planning, budgeting, market trends, and new }}
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↓ An awareness session on value-added services offered by RAKEZ
“ CUSTOMER FOCUS REMAINS ONE OF OUR KEY PILLARS, DRIVING OUR EFFORTS TO CONTINUALLY ENHANCE EXPERIENCES AND DELIVER MEANINGFUL IMPACT ACROSS ALL TOUCHPOINTS.” technologies to help businesses stay resilient and adaptable. At the heart of its quest to become a trustworthy ally in the post-business-setup journey, RAKEZ also offers a wide range of valueadded services that are meant to simplify
operations— these include banking support, corporate tax and value added tax (VAT) compliance, residency assessments, and outsourced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) services. It further enhances efficiency through services such as no objection certificate
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(NOC) facilitation, product registration, and secure self-storage. Additionally, to help businesses and individuals protect and grow their financial assets, RAKEZ offers insurance and wealth advisory services,
while premium lifestyle and concierge support assists with international relocation and everyday living. Elaborating on how these solutions create ease for the overall ecosystem, particularly SME and startup owners, Jallad adds: “In a landscape where businesses are defined by the experiences they deliver, our role is to make that journey smoother. By taking on the complexities that come with entering a new market, we give SMEs and start-ups the freedom to focus on growth, innovation, and serving their customers.” But underscoring all of these technical aspects of RAKEZ’s offerings is the brand’s official guiding
principle: The customer comes first by empowering the front line. Such a people-centric approach appears to have permeated into the entity’s core human capital support services such as recruitment, payroll solutions for unbanked workers, end-of-service benefits programs, and even catering for labour-intensive industries. Overseeing all of this are RAKEZ’s dedicated Key Account Managers who act as strategic relationship leads—stepping in when issues need escalation, directing clients to the right specialist teams, and focusing on resolving complex or sensitive matters—ensuring that businesses receive consistent, personalised support at every stage of their growth. “Customer focus remains one of our key pillars, driving our efforts to continually enhance experiences and deliver meaningful impact across all touchpoints,” says Jallad, reiterating the
↓ One of RAKEZ’s many informative workshops for clients
IN A LANDSCAPE WHERE BUSINESSES ARE DEFINED BY THE EXPERIENCES THEY DELIVER, OUR ROLE IS TO MAKE THAT JOURNEY SMOOTHER. BY TAKING ON THE COMPLEXITIES THAT COME WITH ENTERING A NEW MARKET, WE GIVE SMES AND STARTUPS THE FREEDOM TO FOCUS ON GROWTH, INNOVATION, AND SERVING THEIR CUSTOMERS.”
company’s approach. Perhaps the single most defining trend of our times is that of the artificial intelligence (AI) move-
↓ A client networking event by RAKEZ
ment. For that too, RAKEZ has risen to the challenge by taking a proactive stance and helping companies navigate their digital transformation journeys through carefully crafted tools related to AI adoption, productivity, and future-ready innovation. On this specific aspect of RAKEZ’s work, Jallad says that AI is no longer a future advantage but, rather, a present necessity. “Investors today want ecosystems where innovation is embedded, and at RAKEZ we’re harnessing AI to make every step of the investor journey smarter, faster, and more personalized,” he adds. “By removing friction and strengthening early engagement, we
ensure businesses enter the market with confidence and scale with clarity.” Moving into the new year, RAKEZ will aim to maintain its position as an ecosystem that fosters innovation and powers business growth from day one. “As we look ahead to 2026, our focus is on strengthening RAKEZ’s role as a true partner in progress, helping businesses seize new opportunities with confidence,” Jallad declares. “Building on the momentum of 2025, we will continue driving innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating the conditions for another year of remarkable achievements.”
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Dubai
Inside BE:
The Dubai-Born Platform Redefining Digital Skills, Learning and Affiliate Growth Moyn Islam and Ehsaan Islam, co-founders of BE (BE Club), explain how this platform brings together technology, education, and community support to help individuals learn, earn, and lead in the digital era. beclub.com
W
ith a vision to democratize digital opportunity, Moyn Islam and Ehsaan Islam co-founded BE (BE Club)—a global, techenabled platform designed to close the digital skills gap and
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make the digital economy accessible to all. BE - a comprehensive ecosystem for digital entrepreneurs - aims to become the world’s leading hub for customer acquisition, affiliate success, and digital innovation, with an ambition to reach 10 million users by 2032.
With ambitions of this scale, it is clear why the UAE has emerged as the ideal environment for BE to grow and thrive. “The UAE’s national strategies, including the Digital Economy Strategy and the UAE AI Vision, prioritize AI adoption, digital literacy and entrepreneurial capability. These priorities align directly with BE’s platform functions,” Moyn Islam explains. “BE delivers AI-assisted learning, data interpretation and digital skill-building, all designed to prepare individuals for an AI-integrated economy. The UAE provides strong regulatory clarity for SaaS and EdTech, advanced cloud infrastructure and innovation-friendly environments that allow BE to scale safely and responsibly.” Ehsaan Islam adds, “The country’s demographics, which include a young, globally connected and tech-driven population, create ideal conditions for a platform focused on digital empowerment, entrepreneurship and accessible skills development.” Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Dubai, BE has grown into a global organization of more than 200 employees, operating globally across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and LATAM. As a proud member of DSA UAE, the company has built a scalable affiliate-based model that connects individuals to innovative learning and intelligence solutions—enabling them to develop skills, share knowledge, and earn by promoting digital products. More than a company, BE positions itself as a global ecosystem for the next generation of digital entrepreneurs— where partners gain knowledge, develop future-ready capabilities, and thrive as leaders in the digital economy. A clear proof of BE’s differentiated approach is how it treats learning itself: while many digital platforms claim to simplify education, BE places
“THE UAE’S NATIONAL STRATEGIES, INCLUDING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY STRATEGY AND THE UAE AI VISION, PRIORITIZE AI ADOPTION, DIGITAL LITERACY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL CAPABILITY. THESE PRIORITIES ALIGN DIRECTLY WITH BE’S PLATFORM FUNCTIONS.” a strong emphasis on real-time, hands-on learning. This raises a central question at the heart of its model: what practical benefits do everyday users gain from using BE’s Interactive Education Platform or its AI Co-Pilot in their daily work or personal development? Moyn Islam explains that BE provides digital education, AI-assisted learning, and intelligence tools. “It does not offer financial advice, brokerage services, or fund management,” he adds. “Through an affiliate marketing model, BE connects its network to SaaS-based educational and informational platforms that teach users how to apply strategies across digital markets.” Moyn highlights that these platforms do not execute trades, handle funds, or offer personalized investment advice.
“All analytics, simulations and content are for educational purposes only,” he says. “Where users see the strongest benefit is in applied, real-time learning.” Ehsaan Islam explains that BE’s learning model is built on several core pillars that prioritize practical, outcome-driven education. The platform offers live, instructor-led sessions supported by interactive dashboards, real-time screen sharing, and scenario-based exercises that require learners to apply new skills immediately—each session concluding with a completed action, such as analyzing data or generating content. Complementing this is the AI Co-Pilot, which uses natural language processing and pattern-recognition tools to break down complex concepts, summarize insights, and guide users step-by-step to improve clarity and efficiency. BE also integrates adaptive learning, adjusting content and difficulty based on user behavior to create personalized pathways that strengthen retention and real-world application. Ultimately, the emphasis remains on doing rather than memorizing, ensuring that users walk away with tangible skills, completed tasks, and insights they can apply directly to their work or personal development. Through this approach, BE delivers an educational experience that is interactive, supported, and firmly rooted in practical application—while keeping every user fully in control of their own decisions. In addition, BE’s Forex and Crypto Intelligence SaaS platforms offer real-time insights. Ehsaan Islam goes on to explain how these tools help users—especially beginners. “Our Forex and Crypto intelligence tools operate through a secure, non-custodial SaaS platform that supports user learning through AI-powered insights and educational data,” he says. }} December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 47
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Dubai
For beginners, BE’s tools are designed to make financial learning accessible without removing personal responsibility or control. The platform simplifies complex market data by using AI to identify patterns and present key metrics in clear, visual formats, helping new users understand how different conditions influence the market. It also offers a marketplace of strategy ideas meant for education and comparison—not advice—encouraging users to think critically rather than rely on recommendations. Through real-time data and simulated outcomes, beginners can observe trends, movements and risk factors, gradually building confidence and strengthening their financial literacy. Importantly, the platform never executes trades, holds funds or manages assets on behalf of users; all decisions remain entirely with the individual. The company 48 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / December 15, 2025
BE operates through a global affiliate-based model that connects individuals to innovative learning and intelligence platforms, enabling them to build skills, share knowledge and earn by promoting digital products. Affiliates introduce users to a curated suite of high-demand tools—including the Interactive Education Platform, the Forex and Crypto Intelligence SaaS platforms, and the AI Co-Pilot—all designed to deliver practical, technology-driven experiences that help users develop real-world digital skills. To support long-term, skills-based growth, BE’s affiliate framework is built around education, responsible promotion and continuous development rather than short-term gains. “Education sits at the core of the model: affiliates grow by helping others learn, with no shortcuts or income promises, ensuring that value creation remains authentic,” Moyn Islam points out. Each BE affiliate undergoes structured onboarding with training on ethical promotion, complianceapproved resources and professional communication standards. Clear expectations are emphasized from the outset—results vary and require real effort—encouraging affiliates to focus on personal and professional growth. The compensation plan is designed to reward genuine value, prioritizing product usage, customer retention and ongoing education engagement, which supports stable, recurring income built through meaningful relationships. Continuous learning opportunities, weekly sessions and a supportive global community further help affiliates strengthen their capabilities and evolve into confident digital
I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y S PA C E L A B
“THE UAE PROVIDES STRONG REGULATORY CLARITY FOR SAAS AND EDTECH, ADVANCED CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE AND INNOVATIONFRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS THAT ALLOW BE TO SCALE SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY.”
emphasizes that it does not provide personalized investment advice or promise guaranteed results.
entrepreneurs. “Through this holistic approach, BE empowers affiliates with the knowledge, ethics and tools needed to build sustainable, longterm success,” says Ehsaan Islam. Alongside its core mission, BE established BE Cares as a humanitarian initiative grounded in compassion, unity and human dignity, with a focus on supporting communities affected by famine, poverty and urgent crises. Working through trusted local partners, the program ensures that aid is delivered directly to those most in need, reflecting Dubai’s broader ethos of global outreach and responsible leadership. “BE Cares reflects the values at the core of BE. Dubai is recognized worldwide for its culture of generosity, humanitarian outreach and servicedriven leadership,” says Moyn Islam. “BE Cares embodies those same principles by promoting community upliftment through humanitarian projects, volunteer work and socialimpact programs.” Ehsaan Islam explains that social responsibility is a natural extension of BE’s mission to help people learn, earn and lead, noting that “leadership is not only about personal progress — it is also about contributing to society in meaningful ways.” He adds that community-focused initiatives help affiliates build empathy, teamwork and a stronger sense of responsibility, qualities that support both personal and professional growth. Through BE Cares, the company further reinforces its valuesdriven identity, positioning itself as an organization that measures success not only through business results but also through positive social impact. “By aligning with Dubai’s humanitarian legacy, BE ensures its growth is rooted in purpose, global responsibility and meaningful impact,” concludes Moyn Islam. December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 49
B/
Gear
#TamTalksTech
IMAGES COURTESY APPLE
Gadgets and doodads that you might’ve missed out on, sourced by a tech aficionado. b y TA M A R A C L A R K E
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Apple Watch focuses on advanced health monitoring with new hypertension notifications feature ↓
/Apple integrates cutting-edge sensors, AI and seamless connectivity, making Apple Watch the leading wearable for health-conscious consumers
Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, impacts approximately 1.3 billion adults globally. Nearly 30% of adults in the UAE are affected, with rates rising as many cases are undiagnosed. Consequently, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) set a national goal to lower prevalence to 21.8% by 2025 through awareness, screening and lifestyle changes. Aside from lifestyle changes, such as implementing a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight management, early detection is the most effective way to protect against untreated hypertension, which carries the risks of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, dementia and vision loss. In line with efforts to call attention to potential health risks sooner, Apple Watch introduced its groundbreaking hypertension notifications feature in the United Arab Emeritus and Saudi Arabia, which can alert users if signs of chronic high blood pressure - or hypertension - are detected. “Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of heart attack and stroke, yet millions remain undiagnosed,” said Harlan Krumholz, MD, SM, cardiologist and scientist at Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital. “Making accurate detection easy and part of daily life can help people get care earlier and prevent avoidable harm.” Hypertension notifications on Apple Watch use data from the optical heart sensor to analyze how a user’s blood vessels respond to the beats of the heart. The algorithm works passively in the background reviewing data over 30-day periods, and will notify users if it detects consistent signs of hypertension. These notifications provide wearers with valuable insights into their health as it relates to this widespread condition simply by wearing their Apple Watch, so they can begin making potentially lifesaving behavioral changes, or start treatment to reduce their risk of serious, long-term health events. Like all of Apple’s health features, hypertension notifications are grounded in rigorous scientific validation. The feature was developed with advanced machine learning and training data from multiple studies totaling over 100,000 participants. Its performance was then validated in a clinical study of over 2,000 participants. While hypertension notifications will not detect all instances of hypertension, with the reach of Apple Watch, the feature is expected to notify over 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension within the first year. If users receive a hypertension notification, it is recommended that they log their blood pressure for seven days using a third-party blood pressure cuff and share the results with their provider at their next visit, which is consistent with the latest American Heart Association guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypertension.
TAMARA CLARKE, a former software development professional, is the tech and lifestyle enthusiast behind The Global Gazette, one of the most active blogs in the Middle East. The Global Gazette has been welcomed and lauded by some of the most influential tech brands in the region. Clarke’s goal is to inform about technology and how it supports our lifestyles. Talk to her on Twitter @TAMARACLARKE. theglobalgazette.com
December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 51
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→ Vladimir Razuvaev is
the Head of Legal and Chief Executive of Yango Tech, a global company that provides advanced technology solutions to businesses around the world.
AI-Augmented. Human-Driven
While the global business ecosystem has largely come to terms with an AI-driven future, what remains to be seen is how transparent and trustworthy the technology’s agents will be in the long run. Steadily making impactful inroads in this space is UAE-based Yango Tech—here’s how. b y A A L I A M E H R E E N A H M E D December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 53
S/
Innovation
A
→ In his role, Vladimir is
responsible for identifying strategic expansion opportunities, overseeing the company's international market growth, and developing innovative solutions that position Yango Tech at the forefront of technological transformation.
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s artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms from a nice-tohave to a musthave across global businesses, there is simultaneous discourse on the laws and regulations that govern this advanced technology. For Vladimir Razuvaev, taking on the roles of Head of Legal and Chief Executive of UAE-based global technology company Yango Tech, has afforded him the unique position to concurrently observe both industries’ shifts from an eagle eye’s view. “Wearing both hats allows me to see technology not only as innovation, but as governance in motion,” he says. “The legal mindset teaches you to anticipate risk, build systems that scale responsibly, and ensure that progress is rooted in trust. But AI, much like law, only works when people believe in its fairness, transparency, and accountability. At Yango Tech, we see AI governance as a core part of innovation itself. Every solution we build — from AI agents to computer vision systems — is designed with ethical logic and compliance by design. This makes our technologies both scalable and sustainable across markets like the UAE, KSA, and others.”
At its core, Yango Tech simplifies access to advanced technologies, and thus enables businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences. Launched in 2018, the global AI and technology integrator designs and deploys intelligent automation, voice AI, computer vision, and data-driven systems for enterprises and governments.
with the client’s operational pain point—whether it’s the accuracy of catalogue data, visibility across the supply chain, or real-time execution—and we build a tailored AI layer that connects all of it.”
Operating across the UAE, MENA, and international markets, the company focuses on solving real operational challenges with ethical, compliant, and locally adapted AI— turning data into connected, decision-ready business ecosystems. Part of ensuring its AI systems are successfully deployed across the plethora of geographical jurisdictions, with their different legal
OUR AI AGENTS ARE DESIGNED TO REMOVE FRICTION—TO AUTOMATE WHAT’S REPETITIVE, PREDICT WHAT’S COMING, AND LET HUMANS FOCUS ON WHAT ONLY THEY CAN DO: BUILD TRUST, CREATIVITY, AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH CUSTOMERS.” and regulatory frameworks, lies in clinching effective cross-border partnerships, notes Razuvaev. “Operating across regions with diverse regulations and expectations, we use our dual perspective [across law and AI] to align innovation with integrity,” he continues. “My ultimate vision is therefore for Yango Tech to establish
itself as the UAE’s most trusted AI integrator — a company that turns data into intelligent ecosystems, and transforms ethical innovation into a global export.” That philosophy becomes most evident in Yango Tech’s work across high-intensity operational environments, particularly in retail and logistics,
where its AI solutions are reshaping how data moves through both physical and digital systems. Today, the company positions itself not as a product vendor, but as an AI integrator— building tailored intelligence layers around each client’s core business challenges. “We don’t sell tools; we solve problems,” Razuvaev says. “Our approach always starts
One such example is ROOTS’ “Image-to-Card” feature, which converts raw product visuals into structured catalogue data, significantly reducing manual input and error rates. Another is the warehouse management system implemented for Grand Hypermarkets, which streamlines fulfillment operations by centralizing order processing, inventory tracking, shipping, and returns within a single intelligent platform. “But the key is not the technology itself; it’s the integration between these systems,” Razuvaev adds. “When you combine computer vision, data structuring, and intelligent automation into one ecosystem, you move from digitalization to decision intelligence. That’s the core of our integrator model— bridging AI platforms with each client’s business reality. Our mission is to make AI practical, measurable, and native to every market we enter— from retail and logistics to banking, mobility, and beyond.” Now, while Yango Tech’s presence is largely felt across the retail and logistics industries, the firm also operates within a myriad of other sectors, }}
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Innovation
including banking and financial services, aviation, hospitality, insurance, government and public-sector services, mobility, energy management, and smart infrastructure. It is in the retail space, however, that one gets to notice the scale of opportunities that Yango Tech is targeting. For starters, the global retail market alone is currently valued at approximately US$31.3 trillion, with the MENA retail sector projected to reach US$1.4 trillion by 2032—underscoring why intelligent, scalable, and ethical automation is fast becoming a business imperative across the wider economy. Add to that the growing affinity towards AI displayed by retailers worldwide—according to a 2024 report by US-based global tech firm NVIDIA, 42% of surveyed retailers are already using AI, and an additional 34% are assessing or piloting AI initiatives. This adoption rate is more pronounced among the larger retailers’ ecosystem—those with annual revenues exceeding US$500 million—wherein 64% are already using AI, a number that is 55% higher than the total retail industry adoption rate. For Razuvaev, all these statistics—particularly those pertaining to the MENA region—are more than just numbers and “signal transformation” that requires renewed conversations. → The upcoming launch
of Yango Tech’s GenAI Platform will reveal a first-of-its-kind system in the MENA region designed to help retailers and brands gain top visibility and engage with customers across AI chatbots such as Claude, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.
“Growth at that scale requires not just digitalization, but rethinking how technology and human connection coexist,” he says. “At Yango Tech, we believe the future of innovation is not about replacing people with algorithms, but about augmenting them. Our AI agents are designed to remove friction—to automate what’s repetitive, predict what’s coming, and let humans focus on what only they can do: build trust, creativity, and emotional connection with customers. We apply this philosophy across every layer of our work—from AI-powered cataloging and shelf analytics to intelligent service assistants. The goal is to keep innovation human-centered, measurable, and ethical. As an AI integrator, our role is to make technology invisible—so that what remains visible is experience, not complexity. That’s how we’ll keep driving innovation across MENA: by scaling intelligence, while preserving empathy. Because the most advanced technology still means nothing if it forgets the human at the center.” It is at this point that Razuvaev raises the operational mindset that Yango Tech has grown to value the most when designing and modifying its AI agents and related tools. “AI-driven personalization is powerful — but it’s also personal,” Razuvaev iterates. “The moment a brand hands over part of its customer interaction to an AI agent, it’s not just outsourcing efficiency — it’s outsourcing trust. That’s why reliability and brand alignment are at the core of how we build AI at Yango Tech. Our philosophy is simple: an AI agent should speak in the brand’s voice, not in the language of the algorithm. We achieve this through what we call “brand DNA modeling” — training AI agents not only on data, but on tone, values, and the emotional logic behind customer communication. Impartiality and reliability come from rigorous governance layers — continuous feedback loops, bias detection models, and multi-market compliance testing. We don’t allow personalization to become manipulation; our AI systems are designed to understand customers, not to influence them unfairly. Ultimately, every AI agent we deploy must earn the same level of trust as a human employee would. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to — and the reason our partners choose Yango Tech as the engine behind their customer intelligence.” The connecting thread between ensuring purpose-led outcomes and AI-led engagements is inevitably the very “voice” with which the technology communicates. “Voice is becoming the most natural bridge between humans and technology—it’s intuitive, emotional, and immediate, which makes it the next frontier for brand communication,” Razuvaev explains. “At Yango Tech, we see voice not just as a feature, but as a new form of brand presence. What distinguishes our AI Voice Agents is their ability to listen, understand, and adapt
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— not just respond. Unlike traditional chatbots or scripted call-center automation, our agents are context-aware and continuously learning. They can switch tones, languages, and intent in real time while staying fully aligned with a brand’s voice and service logic. We don’t offer off-the-shelf bots; we co-create voice ecosystems with our clients. Each implementation is trained on the company’s communication DNA, integrated with internal data systems, and governed by ethical and compliance standards. The result is an AI that sounds not like a robot — but like the brand itself.” The impact of this approach is heightened in a multicultural nation such as the UAE. According to Razuvaev, Yango Tech is relishing the opportunity to cater to such a diverse population. “The UAE is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse markets in the world — and that makes it the perfect testing ground for next-generation voice AI,” he says. “Our agents are being built with localization by design, but more importantly — they understand context, tone, and culture. That means recognizing how politeness is expressed in Arabic, how customer expectations differ between Emirates, or how emotional tone shifts across languages. Our agents are designed to reflect that nuance, ensuring conversations feel natural, not mechanical. We expect early adoption from sectors such as
banking, aviation, hospitality, government services, and insurance. These are industries that define service excellence in the UAE, and they demand AI systems capable of delivering not just speed, but empathy and cultural fluency.” As the team at Yango Tech gears up for a promising 2026, Razuvaev is now most excited at the thought of a future where AI agents could easily evolve from “being assistants to becoming co-workers” — a possibility that he sees being attainable in a matter of a few years. “These AI
“ MY ULTIMATE VISION IS
THEREFORE FOR YANGO TECH TO ESTABLISH ITSELF AS THE UAE’S MOST TRUSTED AI INTEGRATOR — A COMPANY THAT TURNS DATA INTO INTELLIGENT ECOSYSTEMS, AND TRANSFORMS ETHICAL INNOVATION INTO A GLOBAL EXPORT.”
TREP TALK Vladimir Razuvaev, Head of Legal and Chief Executive of Yango Tech, how Yango Tech’s strategic partnerships have allowed the company to further its mission } “At Yango Tech, we’ve always seen partnerships as the real catalyst of growth — not just commercial, but intellectual. Our expansion across the UAE has been driven by collaboration: with retailers, logistics operators, telcos, and increasingly — with public-sector innovation programs. Each partnership helps us apply AI in the real economy, where efficiency, ethics, and scale must coexist. The UAE is unique in how it approaches artificial intelligence. The government here doesn’t just regulate
innovation — it accelerates it. This is one of the few markets where the state is not only setting governance frameworks but is actively championing the adoption of AI agents to boost productivity across both public and private sectors. That alignment between vision and execution creates an ideal environment for integrators like us. Beyond this, we see immense potential in mobility, fintech, energy management, and smart infrastructure — domains where AI can connect systems, automate routine decisions, and free human capacity for higher-value work. Our mission is to be the trusted AI integrator bridging these ecosystems — transforming data into intelligence, and intelligence into progress.”
agents will manage entire workflows —from customer service to logistics coordination and financial operations— while seamlessly collaborating with human teams,” he remarks. “In the MENA region, where businesses are scaling fast and digital transformation is happening at record pace, AI agents will become the invisible infrastructure behind efficiency. They will automate the repetitive, accelerate decision-making, and free humans to focus on creativity, strategy, and emotional connection. We don’t see AI agents replacing people — we see them amplifying human capability. The organizations that embrace this synergy early will redefine customer experience, not just optimize it. At Yango Tech, our goal is to make that future accessible, ethical, and locally relevant — turning AI agents into trusted members of every enterprise ecosystem.”
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In The Loop/
BRIDGE SUMMIT 2025 P A N E L |
Future-Proofing Media’s Talent Pipeline
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his session explored how educators, media hubs, and AI innovators can build a talent pipeline that is both technologically fluent and culturally grounded, ensuring a new generation of creators can thrive in an AI-first landscape and shape tools that reflect the diversity of global audiences.
S P E A K E R S DR. JOLEEN LIANG | co-founder, Squirrel Ai Learning, CEO, Squirrel Ai North America, ABDULLA ALSHARHAN | Manager, Creative Services, Sharjah Media City WISSAM YOUNANE | CEO, BNC Media Group - Entrepreneur Middle East Moderator: MAROUN BEDRAN | Head of Digital, Al Mashhad
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GLOBAL BLOCKCHAIN SHOW 2025
P A N E L |
Decentralization is How We Align Super Intelligence
S P E A K E R S Speaker: JANET ADAMS | COO, SingularityNET Moderator: WISSAM YOUNANE | CEO, BNC Media Group - Entrepreneur Middle East
S P E A K E R S
P A N E L |
2026 Web3 Gaming’s Big Bet
YAT SIOU | co-founder and Chairman, Animoca Brands SEBASTIEN BORGET| co-founder, The Sandbox CATHY HACKL| Tech and Gaming Executive and CEO, Future Dynamics Moderator: WISSAM YOUNANE | CEO, BNC Media Group - Entrepreneur Middle East
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In The Loop/
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Urges Innovators to Tackle Regional Challenges at ADFW 2025
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RH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, participated in the fourth edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, organized by ADGM in collaboration with ADQ.
HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, contributed to a panel titled “Innovation: The Ultimate Asset,” joined by Hemant Taneja, CEO of General Catalyst, and Jennifer Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, in a session moderated by Bloomberg News reporter Alex Dooler. Underscoring the need for the region to move away from replicating Silicon Valley models, Prince Khaled advocated channelling capital and talent into GCC priorities sectors including: food security, energy transition, and AI.
→ HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, founder and CEO of KBW Ventures.
Emphasizing that real innovation emerges when market work to solve locally-relevant challenges, Prince Khaled encouraged converting solutions into regionally scalable, investable opportunities. Abu Dhabi Finance Week is witnessing significant expansion in both scale and programming, upholding its role as a key driver in the development of the emirate’s capital ecosystem and its global financial presence. This year’s event places a strong emphasis on advanced technologies, including AI and quantum technologies, and the resulting impact on global infrastructure. Prince Khaled attended a closed-door round table attended by HE Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Government of the United Arab Emirates, hosted by Ray Dalio, that including the senior leadership of ADQ, ADIA, Damac Group, and Temasek. Under the theme ‘Engineering the Capital Network’, ADFW takes place annually on Al Maryah Island, and addresses major transformations in capital markets and exploring emerging trends in investment and financial innovation.
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Entrepreneur Middle East at ADFW 2025 P A N E L |
Tamara Pupic, Managing Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East, moderated an ALTS Forum panel on the ADCB Stage “From Capital Calls to Market Access: Financing Innovation Without Friction.” The panel featured Sunidhi Pasan, founder and Group CEO at Finstreet Wilson Zhang, Managing Director, Global Executive Head of Equities at China International Capital Corporation, and Ron Daniel, co-founder and CEO at Liquidity.
IMAGES COURTESY OF ADFW 2025.
From Capital Calls to Market Access: Financing Innovation Without Friction
P A N E L |
Quantum Has Landed: What Would You Build First? Aalia Mehreen Ahmed, Features Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East, moderated a panel on the ADCB Stage titled “Quantum Has Landed: What Would You Build First?”. The panel featured Steve Suarez, CoFounder, The Quantum Index; Leandro Aolita, Chief Researcher at the Quantum Research Centre, Technology Innovation Institute; and Mérouane Debbah, Professor, Khalifa University of Science and Technology
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In The Loop/
Doers Summit Wraps Up its First Middle East Edition, Uniting Global Innovation Ecosystems in Dubai
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nder the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the first Middle East edition of Doers Summit took place on November 26-27, 2025. Held at Dubai Silicon Oasis, the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of DIEZ, co-organized with The Doers Company, the two-day event became one of the region’s largest platforms connecting innovative startups, investors, and technology leaders from Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. With more than 4,000 founders, investors, and operators from 115 countries joining the gathering, the Summit positioned Dubai as a central meeting point for innovators building across continents.
→ Sarah Saddouk, Director of Innovation at Entrepreneur Middle East, moderated a panel titled “Transforming Cities, Nations & Beyond” featuring: Ameya Prabhu, Founder & CEO, Nafa Capital Group; Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation & Digital Policy, Government of Cyprus; Stavros Stavrou, President, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to Hon. Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra
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The event opened under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The inauguration brought together senior government and regional leaders including H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, H.E. Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. George Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus, H.E. Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council, H.E. Meropi Christofi, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the UAE, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, CEO of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, and Badr Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, alongside other distinguished officials and diplomats. Their participation signaled the strategic relevance of the Summit to the region’s economic and innovation agenda. Badr Buhannad comment-
ed on the significance of the gathering, saying: “The success of the Doers Summit at Dubai Silicon Oasis highlights the confidence that the global innovation community places in Dubai’s comprehensive support ecosystem and the distinctive incentives it provides to companies of all sizes. This success aligns with Dubai’s ambition to establish 30 unicorn status companies within the next decade, supporting the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to position Dubai among the world’s top three economic cities.” This year’s debut edition brought strong delegations from Central and Eastern Europe, India, Africa, and the wider GCC. Around 1,500 startups and aspiring entrepreneurs joined the gathering, adding significant momentum to the cross-regional exchange. With more than 250 investors participating from around the world, the Summit created a truly global environment where regional leaders, emerging markets, and international capital met to explore opportunities for cooperation at scale. Across both days, participants heard from influential speakers shaping the future of technology and business. The lineup included globally recognized founders, operators, and investors such as Uri Levine, Co-founder of Waze, Alisa Adel, Senior Director of Research and Technology at Airbus, Jen Carter, Head of Technology and Product for Google.org, Niklas Jansen,
Co-founder of Blinkist, and Sacha Dragic, Founder of Superbet, together with leaders from major technology companies, investment firms, and
high-growth organizations. Their combined experience brought a wide spectrum of insight to the stage, helping participants understand the emerging opportunities across global markets and setting the tone for the conversations that defined the Summit. The program also featured the Doers Pitch format, delivered across nine pitching slots with a jury panel of four global investors in each session. Forty startups presented their ideas to active VCs and ecosystem leaders. The format resulted in more than one hundred secured follow-up meetings, giving founders a direct and efficient way to advance investor conversations. Reflecting on the impact of the Dubai edition, Dusan Duffek, Co-founder and Board Member at The Doers Company, stated: “Dubai created exactly the
environment we envisioned. Bringing together founders, investors, and operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia resulted in a meeting point
demand is for a platform that connects doers across regions. We saw people who are building, funding, and scaling right now, and the connections they made here
↑ SuperQi is available in Arabic, English, and Kurdish.
↑ Tamara Pupic, Managing Editor of Entrepreneur Middle East, moderated a panel titled “The Digital State: How Governments Compete in the Age of AI” featuring: Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation & Digital Policy, Government of Cyprus; Tarek Rahal, Public Sector Lead, Intel; Abdulla Algaoud, Director – Digital Operations, Dubai Police; Tamara Pupic, Managing Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East
where ideas were challenged, collaborations were formed, and real business began. This showed the appetite for deeper cross-regional cooperation.” Stylianos Lambrou, Co-founder and CEO of The Doers Company, added: “The Dubai edition exceeded our expectations. The level of engagement and the quality of participants showed how strong the
will shape future collaborations.” The Dubai edition marks an important step in the global expansion of Doers Summit. With established editions in Dubai, Athens, and Limassol, The Doers Company is shaping a connected ecosystem where founders, investors, and operators can collaborate, learn, and build across regions.
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In The Loop/
Second Edition of /function1 in Dubai Spotlights Technology That Makes Innovation Accessible to All
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rom November 18-19, 2025, following its inaugural edition in May this year, /function1 held the second edition of its AI Conference and Exhibition in Dubai. The two-day event convened AI industry experts, thought leaders and business leaders for panel discussions and keynote speeches on the technologies reshaping industries from finance and cybersecurity to healthcare, smart cities, energy, and sustainability.
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On the sidelines of the event, Entrepreneur Middle East –an ecosystem partner of /function1– caught up with some of the panelists and speakers at the event to find out more about their insights on the evolving role of AI and where the next wave of innovation is headed. The interviewees all expressed a shared belief that AI is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most powerful equalizers—dramatically lowering the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and enabling anyone to build products, companies, and prototypes without traditional resources or technical expertise. Many also highlighted a shift from enormous general-purpose models to smaller, specialized models designed to power industry-specific tasks with greater precision. Other key areas that were highlighted during these conversations were the rising importance of AI combined with hardware and robotics, unlocking new opportunities in manufacturing, automation, and addressing global workforce shortages. A repeatedly mentioned point was the need for AI that understands real human context—how we think, feel, and make decisions—rather than just processing text.
↑ Aalia Mehreen Ahmed, Features Editor of Entrepreneur Middle East, moderated a panel titled “Moving Industries Forward with Conversational AI” featuring: Rana Gujral, CEO of Behavioral Signals and Peter Zemsky, Professor of Strategy and Innovation at INSEAD.
↓ Sarah Saddouk, Director of Innovation at Entrepreneur Middle East, moderated a panel titled “From Mad Men to Machine Minds: The New Creative Director Is an Algorithm” featuring: Uptin Saiidi, Creator & Founder at Up10Media; Naomi D'Souza, CEO & Founder at xNDigitize; Slava Jeff, Founder at Websync.ai; Alex Brunori, Vice President Brand & Brand Experience at G42; Hind AbuAlia, Head of Marketing, EMEA & APAC Expansion at Amazon Ads
Healthcare stood out as one of the biggest areas of opportunity, especially for discovering new medicines, preventing disease, and improving long-term health, with strong potential also in education, workplace productivity, and enterprise operations. Overall, the view was that the future of AI won’t be about bigger or faster models, but about making AI more human, easier to use, and more connected to
real-world applications—changing the way we work, create, and collaborate around the world. Watch the full video to hear more from the following: Pavel Sokolov, Founder, AI/ML API; Rana Gujral, CEO, Behavioral Signals; Ron Levin, Managing Partner, Alumni Ventures; David Ajanjan, CEO, Riddec; Sundas Khalid, Principal Analytics Lead, Google; Hershey Khan, Founder & CEO, Ignite AI; and Yuval Dvir, Chief Commercial Officer, brain.space.
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In The Loop/ → H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications
UAE AI Minister H.E. Al Olama, “Our Vision for the Digital Economy Has Not— and Will Not— Change” H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stressed at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai that the UAE’s digital direction remains clear, consistent, and focused on shaping the world’s next economy.b y TA M A R A P U P I C
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THE CHILD FROM THE DESERT WAKES UP EVERY DAY IMAGINING WHAT IS POSSIBLE AND WHAT CAN BE BUILT,” HE SAID. “THE CHILD FROM THE FOREST WAKES UP TO BEAUTY AND SPENDS THE DAY ADMIRING IT, BELIEVING THEY CANNOT ADD TO IT. THIS REFLECTS THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE. FOR 54 YEARS, OUR UAE NATION HAS WOKEN UP THINKING ABOUT WHAT WE CAN CREATE.”
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, outlined the UAE’s long-term digital ambitions during a session titled “The Digital Foundation of Tomorrow’s Economy” at the Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai. In his keynote address, Al Olama emphasized that the governments must look beyond short-term goals, costs, or trends, and instead focus on the vision and transformative potential
behind emerging technologies. To illustrate the UAE’s mindset, Al Olama shared an analogy of two children—one growing up in the desert and one in the forest. “The child from the desert wakes up every day imagining what is possible and what can be built,” he said. “The child from the forest wakes up to beauty and spends the day admiring it, believing they cannot add to it. This reflects the global financial landscape. For 54 years, our nation has woken up thinking about what we can create.”
He underscored that change is the only constant in the world, and that the UAE’s approach has always been to embrace bold ambitions rather than follow individual trends. Al Olama highlighted the UAE’s early move into the blockchain sector, recalling that the country formed one of the world’s first crypto councils in 2015 to better understand the technology’s potential. “We wanted to be the best place in the world for blockchain technology,” he said, noting that the UAE maintained its
direction even during periods of global skepticism surrounding digital assets and other emerging innovations. Al Olama reaffirmed that the country’s vision for the digital economy remains unchanged, “Our stance has not and will not change. We believe this is a revolutionary technology, and we want to support it.” The Minister’s remarks reinforced the UAE’s reputation for long-term digital strategy, regulatory clarity, and proactive investment in future-oriented industries.
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In The Loop/
Fadi Ghandour, “Crypto Is Here to Stay”
Praising UAE for Strengthening Its Position as a Global Digital Assets Hub The remarks came during the session “Charting the Future | UAE Innovation,” moderated by CNN Abu Dhabi’s Becky Anderson, at Binance Blockchain Week 2025. b y TA M A R A P U P I C
→ Fadi Ghandour, the celebrated founder and former CEO of Aramex and currently the Executive Chairman of Wamda Capital.
Fadi Ghandour, the celebrated founder and former CEO of Aramex and currently the Executive Chairman of Wamda Capital, reaffirmed his confidence in the longterm future of digital assets during Binance Blockchain Week. “This [digital assets] is an asset class that is here to stay. Mainstream investors, banks, and many others are in it, and the regulators are focusing on it—so don’t pay attention to lower prices or short-term cycles.
Crypto is here to stay,” he said. The remarks came during the session “Charting the Future | UAE Innovation,” moderated by Becky Anderson, Managing Editor and Anchor of Connect the World, Abu Dhabi, CNN. The conversation highlighted how the UAE’s pragmatic, risk-balanced, and innovation-friendly approach to virtual assets has positioned the country as a global hub for the industry.
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Ghandour drew parallels between his decades-long entrepreneurial journey and the current evolution of the digital asset sector. Reflecting on his transition from founding Aramex to leading Wamda Capital, he noted that challenging boundaries has always been part of his work. “I was in the business of delivering packages before the internet. They were accusing me of taking ‘sovereignty’ for wanting to deliver packages within a country… So I was pushing boundaries—and when you do that, somebody eventually pays attention to you. That’s how Aramex succeeded,” he said. He added that his early investments in the region’s internet economy gave him a front-row view of how transformative technologies initially face skepticism before eventually reshaping markets. “I was one of the earliest internet investors here, and that is also why I’m at a crypto event—be-
cause I’ve already seen new things emerging, and this is one of them now.” When asked by CNN’s Becky Anderson about the future of crypto in the UAE, Ghandour said the country’s long-term strategy offers a clear foundation for the sector’s growth. “In this country, crypto is just one piece of the puzzle,” he said. “The UAE is building a future beyond oil, and since crypto or AI fit into that vision, they will support it. The leadership of this country shows you the way, and that creates a sense of predictability.” Ghandour added that this clarity mirrors what entrepreneurs seek when building companies or pitching investors. “That is the story of any entrepreneur. When founders pitch to us [investors], they tell you the story and how they will execute—how they will get there. The UAE is doing the same with its future vision.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF THE MILKEN INSTITUTE.
↑ Kimbal Musk, founder and CEO of drone-entertainment company Nova Sky Stories, spoke at the Milken Middle East and Africa Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Kimbal Musk Showcases Abu Dhabi’s 10,000 Drone Sky Storytelling Vision at Milken Summit
Musk outlined Nova Sky Stories’ multi-year partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, and the emergence of dronebased “sky storytelling” as a new global entertainment category. b y TA M A R A P U P I C
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imbal Musk, founder and CEO of drone-entertainment company Nova Sky Stories, spoke at the Milken Middle East and Africa Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi, outlining the company’s expanding footprint in the region and its broader vision for a new category of outdoor entertainment. In March 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced a strategic,
multi-year partnership with Nova Sky Stories and UAE-based mixed-reality firm Analog to launch a drone light-show initiative. The plan includes deploying up to 10,000 drones simultaneously across multiple locations in Abu Dhabi to create synchronized, city-wide aerial performances. Musk explained that his entry into the sector was unplanned. He recalled learning that Intel’s light-drone
division was about to be shut down. After advising the company to reconsider, he was told Intel planned to focus on other priorities. Musk subsequently acquired the division in 2022, forming the foundation of Nova Sky Stories. Musk aims to develop a new category of family-oriented entertainment, blending technology, art, and narrative elements in immersive outdoor environments. “This is a brand new art medium that cracks your heart open,” Musk said. “You’ll appreciate the power of this new art medium once you see a few shows. We are the ones raising the bar — we’ve produced a show at the Vatican and now we plan one at the Zayed Museum.” Describing the company’s vision, he added, “This is pixels in the sky, and it’s a new category. Whatever you can imagine, we can do it — we just need a little bit of time. Anything is possible. For us, the sky is a limit and a canvas.” In September 2025, Nova Sky Stories staged drone-light show above St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican during the “Grace for the World” concert at the World Meeting on Human Fraternity 2025. Using more than 3,000 drones, it became the largest drone show in Vatican history. Speaking on the evolution of outdoor entertainment, Musk noted shifting consumer behavior: “For those looking at trends, live entertainment is booming. Movies are still there, but it’s no longer the default thing to do with your family on a Friday night. We look at the US$30–US$60 ticket bracket to offer experiences in live, outdoor entertainment for them.” On the role of artificial intelligence, Musk emphasized the continued importance of human creativity and intention. “I have not found that AI can replace the human element. In our work, you cannot replace a person who genuinely cares about what we do and the outcome we’re trying to achieve. I do push my team to use AI tools, but I am increasingly reminded of how much AI cannot do.” December 15, 2025 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 69
In The Loop/
Mubadala Group CEO H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak on UAE’s AI Strategy
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he closing session of the 7th Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi featured a high-level exchange between H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, and Michael Milken, Chairman of the Milken Institute, centered on the role of artificial intelligence in enabling national transformation at scale. “The key is about AI enablement. Building the infrastructure and partnerships, investing in this space is important, but the next point is the enablement of the entire population — a smooth, population-wide transition to using the latest technologies and digital services,” H.E. Al Mubarak said. “One example is how our UAE government moved from a traditional human-to-human interaction to online government platforms and apps for its services — from your title ID, to your health records, to your children’s grades, you can check them all on your phone. So, our work in this area is not
aspirational anymore, but operational.” Speaking about the UAE’s support for AI development and growth, H.E. Al Mubarak said, “We in the UAE have been consistent in our efforts to identify trends early and make educated investment decisions early on. In the AI field, we were relatively early — in 2017, we were the first to appoint the first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and in 2019, the first launch an AI university - Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). “That investment strategy in AI, including its education and human-capital aspects, has since resulted in a national AI champion, G42 [Group 42(G42) is Abu Dhabi’s national artificial intelligence and cloud computing company], and a national investment vehicle, MGX Fund Management Limited (MGX) [an Abu Dhabi– based platform dedicated to AI investments].” In May 2025, the UAE and the US announced
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IMAGE COURTESY OF THE MILKEN INSTITUTE.
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↑ H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak (right), Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, and Michael Milken, Chairman of the Milken Institute.
the US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership to deepen joint work on AI infrastructure, datacenters and responsible deployment. It will result in building the largest AI infrastructure project outside the US in Abu Dhabi. “In the UAE, we try to do the legwork early and to hit the ground running. Over the last six months, since we signed that agreement, the foundations to build an entire city block have already been put in place,” H.E. Al Mubarak said. H.E. Al Mubarak added that another recent
milestone was marked by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s approval of the export of advanced AI chips to the UAE. The approval covers up to 35,000 AI chips and reflects the deepening cooperation between the US and the UAE in advanced technology and artificial intelligence. “This reflects the speed at which we are moving and executing on this project. It will have significant ramifications for our economy, and it is a symbol of how the UAE approaches its strategic decisions,” H.E. Al Mubarak said.
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