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BUSINESS UNUSUAL
P.15 Striking a Balance
French-Tunisian contemporary artist ELSEED on art and entrepreneurship.
P.30 The Recap: Tech Innovation Awards
The TECH INNOVATION AWARDS 2024 celebrated the MENA region’s tech ecosystem.
‘TREPONOMICS
P.39 Passion Pursuit
ALDHABI ALMHEIRI on how to build confidence as a first-time young startup founder.
P.42 Double-Edged Sword
MKV Digital founder ASIYA ALI shares why burnout is both a curse and a catalyst in the creative industry.
STARTUP SPOTLIGHT
P.48 In Focus
A roundup of the up-and-coming startups in the MBRIF accelerator program that you should be keeping an eye on.
IN THE LOOP
P.56 Building Beyond Borders OHANA Development’s vision for a global legacy.
P. 58 Thrilling Tidbits
Highlights from the latest episodes of PARADIGM, a podcast by Entrepreneur TV Middle East.
P. 62 Future Sustainability Forum 2024
All the details about the DIFC event which returns to Dubai from December 4-5, 2024.
CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net
ART DIRECTOR Simona El Khoury
MANAGING EDITOR Tamara Pupic tamara@bncpublishing.net
FEATURES EDITOR Aalia Mehreen Ahmed aalia@bncpublishing.net
REGIONAL DIRECTOR Mahdi Hashemi mahdi@bncpublishing.net
DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION
Sarah Saddouk sarah@bncpublishing.net
GROUP SALES DIRECTOR – B2B GROUP Joaquim D’Costa jo@bncpublishing.net
HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS
Samir Glor Samir@bncpublishing.net
COMMERCIAL LEAD
Anna Chipala anna@bncpublishing.net
COLUMNIST Tamara Clarke
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Fida Chaaban, AlDhabi AlMheiri, Asiya Ali, Tamara Clarke, and Mina Vucic
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← FARAH ZAFAR, CEO of Lyvely
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LIFE IS A JOURNEY.
CEO’s Message /
FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH
On the choices that you can see clearly only when they are compared to one another.
This issue of Entrepreneur Middle East brings you a rather interesting insight about the common self-help advice that one should not “compare themselves to others.” Using others as your benchmark for success can lead you to a false belief that their path is good for your too. The truth is that two people, as completely unique individuals, can reach exactly the same level of fulfillment in business (and life) by - to put it simply - doing the opposite of what the other one would do.
Our cover story is bursting with the entrepreneurial drive and ambition of the third generation of the Gedeon family - Michel, Malek, and Tara Gedeon - not only to follow the trail blazed by their grandfather Michel Gedeon Senior back in 1949, but to grow the Beirut-headquartered Gedeon Group into the number one fashion distribution and retail company across the Middle East and Africa (P. 24).
French-Tunisian contemporary artist elSeed is no less committed to his career in art, which he owes to a bold and firm decision to leave the job of a business consultant some 14 years ago and venture into the unknown. “People didn’t really understand it, like my family and friends, but for me, that was it,” elSeed recalls on pages 17 - 23. “I think life is made for us to take a chance. People see it as taking the risk, but I see it more like taking a chance. There’s an opportunity that comes to you, so okay, let’s grab it.”
If you continue flipping through the pages, you’ll see that we present the winners of the Tech Innovation Awards 2024, but I urge successful entrepreneurs among you to keep in mind that we are now accepting nominations for the Enterprise Agility Awards 2024 that will be held on December 9, 2024. Head to the event’s website (www.ent-awards.com) to learn more.
But that’s not all! We also have Asiya Ali analyzing why burnout is both a curse and a catalyst in the creative industry (p.44), AlDhabi AlMheiri advising young entrepreneurs about building confidence (P.41), Paradigm podcast featuring Lyvely co-founder and CEO Farah Zafar (P.60) and Dubai-based podcaster Hikmat Wehbi (P.62), and stories about some of the most innovative startups enrolled in the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund accelerator program (P.46).
Enjoy the read!
WIssam Younane CEO-BNC Publishing
THE ART OF ELEVATION
Striking A Balance
French-Tunisian contemporary artist elSeed on art and entrepreneurship.
by TAMARA PUPIC
← ELSEED is known for his “calligraffiti” style, a fusion of Arabic calligraphy and street graffiti, which he predominantly practices in the public sphere.
Although French-Tunisian contemporary artist
elSeed and I agreed that our conversation would mainly focus on the business side of art - pure logic demands it from an editor of a magazine called Entrepreneur Middle East - I feel a lump forming in my throat as I prepare to delve deeper into the finances of an artist. elSeed recognizes that I am not the only one. ”Money is such a taboo thing in the art world,” he says. “But only for the artist, and not for the collector, not for the gallery. A gallery can sell something for millions of dollars, but an artist cannot say, ‘I sold something for USD$1 million.’We create art and we are the engine of that whole ecosystem. Without artists, there is no collector, no museum, no art foundation, no galleries, there’s nothing.”
Warming up to this theme, he adds, “Sometimes, we put artists in this box where like, ‘You’re the small one. Oh, we’re giving you exposure. Oh, this is good for you.’ But hey, without us, there is nobody. They don’t exist. They exist because of us. That’s the switch that I made in my head years ago. And I’m like, no, you’re not helping me. I’m your opportunity. You’re not an opportunity to me. I am my own opportunity and I’m an opportunity for you.”
In being open to talk about any topic and to welcome everyone and anyone at his studio in Alserkal Avenue in Dubai (which is also where we met), elSeed is a living embodiment of the guiding principle behind his art - to encourage human connections.
Known for his “calligraffiti” style, a fusion of Arabic calligraphy and street graffiti, elSeed predominantly practices in the public sphere. His large scale murals and installations, which are always inspired by the work of influential writers and philosophers, aim
→ elSeed’s work in the United Arab Emirates.
to uplift local communities and to advocate for peaceful expression and social progress. “I created my own visual language inspired by Arabic script,” he explains. “The idea is that I always choose the place where I want to create my work based on the theme that I want to speak about. So, there’s first a theme that I pick, then I find the right place, and then I look to create an art piece that best conveys my message.”
One such project is “Perception”, an anamorphic piece that covers almost 50 buildings only visible from a certain point of the Moqattam Mountain in the neighborhood of Manshiyat Nasr in Cairo, Egypt. In using the words of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, a Coptic Bishop from the third century, who said, “Anyone who wants to see the sunlight clearly needs to wipe his eye first,” elSeed aimed to question the judgement against the the Coptic community of Zaraeeb that lives there.
“That community of garbage collectors has been collecting the garbage of Cairo for years and they have developed the most powerful recycling system in the world, but they’re segregated and marginalized because of the association with the trash. So, as an artist, I was like, ‘this is the perfect spot to speak about this subject [perceptions].” I love those kind of extraordinary areas where you find extraordinary people who don’t feel extraordinary. I think that all of us, in our lives, have been judged by somebody who doesn’t know us, and that was the point of my project. Sometimes, we should break the stereotype and judgment that we have about a community that we don’t know. We should maybe change our perspective of someone and try see them from their real image. Art is a way of }}
ART IS A TOOL TO CREATE BRIDGES BETWEEN PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES, OR GENERATIONS. I HAVE PAINTED ARABIC SCRIPT MORE IN COUNTRIES THAT ARE NON-ARABIC SPEAKING THAN IN ARABIC SPEAKING COUNTRIES.”
→ In 2012, eL Seed painted the minaret of Jara Mosque in his hometown of Gabes, in the south of Tunisia.
highlighting this, and that’s what I’m trying to do with my work.”
In Lebanon in 2019, he painted a few murals around the refugee camp of Ain Al Helweh to support a group of female artisans who are preserving the old art of Palestinian embroidery. His project “The Bridge” in South Korea celebrates a call for reunification, unity, and mutual respect. In 2018, Dubai Opera commissioned him for a sculpture, and elSeed chose to spread messages of love. ”Each project is different in terms of how challenging it is, and in
”MONEY IS SUCH A TABOO THING IN THE ART WORLD, BUT ONLY FOR THE ARTIST, AND NOT FOR THE COLLECTOR, NOT FOR THE GALLERY. A GALLERY CAN SELL SOMETHING FOR MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, BUT AN ARTIST CANNOT SAY, ‘I SOLD SOMETHING FOR $1 MILLION.’”
terms of my doubts and thoughts,” he says. “What is interesting is that, most of the time, people see only the final result, but they don’t see the struggle I went through from the time I got the idea in my mind to the day I finished that particular art piece. It’s a full process that goes step by step, and as an artist, what I actually enjoy the most is the process. The process itself
goes up and down and brings you to a place where you were not supposed to land and where you didn’t expect.”
In his native Tunisia, elSeed painted the minaret of Jara Mosque, which gained much attention from international press and attracted people to his hometown of Gabes. Plus, he went on a month-long road trip around the country in the
summer of 2013, painting on random walls to spread the universal messages at the least expected places.
“As an artist, I’m a collector of moments,” he says. “I love the human experience. So, I painted in places where nobody would ever see my work, like a wall in the middle of the desert, for example. But I love when art is a tool to create those }}
→
elSeed launched Tacapae, a premium organic extra virgin olive oil brand, which is extracted from hand-picked Chmlali and Zarazi olives in Temoula, Gabes, Tunisia
“I’M MOSTLY MAKING MONEY FROM SELLING MY ARTWORK AT GALLERIES, SHOWS, OR THROUGH COMMISSIONS. THEN, I USE PART OF THIS MONEY TO DO MY OWN PERSONAL PROJECTS IN PUBLIC SPACES. THAT’S THE WHOLE IDEA.”
bridges between people, communities, and generations. I have painted Arabic script more in countries that are non-Arabic speaking than in Arabic speaking countries. So, it’s always interesting to see how art can bring people together. It brings out an emotion, and because we’re human and we feel emotions, that is what brings us together.”
His career in art is owed to a bold and firm decision to leave the job of a consultant in supply chain management. “I didn’t find any meaning in what I was doing at work, but still, I never thought art could be my career,” he says. “Then, a day before the birth of my daughter 14 years ago, I quit my job as a business consultant- I wanted to be focused on my daughter and my art, and that’s a decision I
don’t regret. I think that was the biggest leap of faith that I took. People didn’t really understand it, like my family and friends, but for me, that was it. I think life is made for us to take a chance. People see it as taking the risk, but I see it more like taking a chance. There’s an opportunity that comes to you, so okay, let’s grab it.”
The rise of social media in 2007 / 2008 opened new doors as it was the first time that the public was shown his work. “I remember the first time somebody invited me to paint,” elSeed says. “I was living in Canada, and somebody from Chicago emailed me and said, “Look, we love what you do. We’re doing this festival in June. We’d love to have you.” And I’m like, “Okay, look, let me check the flight ticket
and I get back to you.” But the man said they would take care of the flight and accommodation. I was like, ‘wow. so, you’re inviting me to fly to Chicago, to do something that I love.’ That was not something that I could fully grasp at that moment. After that project, somebody else reached out to me and asked for my fee. I was like, “What do you mean? So, you’re going to pay me to paint?” So, my career in art was quite organic, not something that I planned.”
With time, another lesson elSeed had to learn it is to balance the commercial side of his work with his creative integrity. “It was difficult for me at the beginning to put value on my art, because when it’s coming from you, you always tend to downgrade it,” he says. “But with projects coming to me, one after another one, I was like, okay, where do I want to go? Is this the direction I want to take? Is this the right thing to do? And then, you start accepting stuff, refusing stuff, because you’re really building yourself as an artist
→The “Perception” artwork in the neighborhood of Manshiyat Nasr in Cairo, Egypt.
and you want to make sure that people perceive you in the right way and understand your main premise. I’m not doing decoration. I’m doing art. I have something to say.”
To date, elSeed has done only two product collaborations. For Louis Vuitton, he designed the brand’s emblematic giant silk square in 2013, and he also worked on three Louis Vuitton luggage trunks that were auctioned for charitable purposes. In 2019, he designed a 10-piece range for MAC Cosmetics. “In terms of a business model, I’m mostly making money from selling my artwork at galleries, shows, or through commissions,” elSeed says. “Then, I use part of this money to do my own personal projects in public spaces. That’s the whole idea, to find a way to
stay totally independent as an artist and to be able to do what I want to do.”
Since recently, elSeed is an entrepreneur in his own right, having founded the brand of premium organic extra virgin olive oil - Tacapae - that is extracted from hand-picked Chmlali and Zarazi olives in Temoula, Gabes. “We’ve been producing olive oil in my family for generations,” he explains. “Some years ago, I took my kid for the harvest, when one of my cousins told me about a land put on sale that had 31 beautiful trees. Those had been planted by my great grandfather. I bought the land immediately. It was my way of connecting and showing to my parents that, even though I grew up in France and traveled the whole world, I still have my roots firmly into that land.”
different design of the bottle as I want other artists to collaborate with the brand. For me, it’s about showing that olive oil can be a luxury product- it’s a piece of art with olive oil encapsulated in it. Overall, it’s a beautiful project because it brings people together- my father, brother, and cousins entered this adventure and it has brought so much excitement to all of us.”
Before we part ways, elSeed shares one final message for his fellow artists. “It’s important to
elSeed had his land certified as organic and learned to tend, trim and harvest the olive trees. He also became a certified olive oil sommelier. “Then, I decided to use my image as an artist to launch our olive oil,” he says. “I designed a bottle, so you buy a piece of art with extra premium, virgin, organic olive oil. You can consume the olive oil, but you will keep the piece of art. It is limited edition. Every year, we will have a
understand as an artist that you won’t stop tomorrow,” he says. “If you believe in your practice, you have to be like, ‘okay, so I’m into this, and I will last.’ And then, try to create a system that works for you and say, “Okay, it needs to match my values, but I also need to feed my family. So, re-invest in yourself. That’s what this whole thing has taught me.”
→ GEDEON GROUP Group CEO MICHEL GEDEON, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
MALEK GEDEON, and Managing Director TARA GEDEON.
NEW VISION SAME LEGACY
How the three Gedeon siblings are securing Gedeon Group’s position at the forefront of the ever-evolving retail and distribution industry.
by TAMARA PUPIC
We don’t just compete— we overdeliver,” says Malek Gedeon, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Gedeon Group, a Beirut-headquartered retail and distribution giant that celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
The first sentence of our story reveals that Gedeon Group occupies a rather interesting position in the business matrix. It is both an established incumbent in the retail and distribution sector that has stood a test of time ever since Michel Gedeon Senior (Malek’s grandfather) started importing foreign luxury products to Lebanon in 1949, and a disruptive innovator whose relentless ambition is likely to change the industry’s competitive patterns in the Middle East and Africa. The latter stems from the winning mentality adopted by its current leadership team- apart from Malek, there are also the CEO Michel Gedeon and the Managing Director Tara Gedeon. “At Gedeon Group, our vision is clear: to become the number one fashion distribution and retail company across the Middle East and Africa,” says Michel. “We are building an empire that bridges the gap between elite international fashion brands and emerging markets, enabling brands to scale rapidly with our longstanding expertise and providing millions of people globally with access to the latest international fashion trends.”
}The dynamic trio are leading a fashion retail and distribution company that represents over 50 global brands in more than 30 countries, including 70+ franchise stores and 200+ points of sale. “Year after year, we delivered double-digit growth, and 2024 marked a pinnacle with Puma Fastest Growing Partner and Aldo Best Development Partner awards, solidifying our position as the go-to distributor in complex markets,” says Malek.
This success is built on the legacy of their father and Group Chairman Toni
→ Gedeon Group represents over 50 global brands in more than 30 countries, including 70+ franchise stores and 200+ points of sale.
AT GEDEON GROUP, OUR VISION IS CLEAR: TO BECOME THE NUMBER ONE FASHION DISTRIBUTION AND RETAIL COMPANY ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA.”
Gedeon who, as the secondgeneration family business leader, expanded the business into the GCC market in the 1980s. “He made a significant mark in the Middle Eastern fashion industry by introducing luxury brands with LVMH, Armani Group, and many other leading fashion houses,” says Tara. “He set the stage for us, and we are
TALK
} “The UAE remains a hub for luxury retail, with its sophisticated consumer base and strong infrastructure. We see significant growth potential in the region, particularly in ecommerce and omnichannel retailing, as customers expect a seamless integration between online and offline experiences. The increasing use of AI and personalization tools will play a critical role in shaping the future of luxury retail.
}“Additionally, the UAE’s regulatory environment is conducive to growth, providing opportunities for brands to enter the market and thrive. We expect continued demand for luxury, particularly among younger consumers who prioritize sustainability and exclusivity. Our strategy will involve adapting to these trends by offering curated, high-end experiences tailored to the evolving preferences of our clientele.”
AS THE NEW GENERATION, WE QUICKLY RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO REVOLUTIONIZE OUR BUSINESS MODEL BY VENTURING INTO SPORTS AND LIFESTYLE BRANDS WHILE EXPLORING NEW MARKETS.” “
carrying forward this legacy with the same values of excellence and dedication.”
}It was in 2019 that the third generation of Gedeon siblings injected fresh energy into the business which quickly resulted in expanding its product portfolio and making particularly impressive inroads in the African market. “As the new generation, we quickly recognized the need to revolutionize our business model by venturing into sports and lifestyle brands while exploring new markets,” explains Malek.
“We anticipated the saturation of the luxury fashion industry in the GCC and identified a growing demand for innovative offerings in sports and lifestyle—an insight that has proven to be spot on.”
Today, the brand portfolio of Gedeon Group is diverse- from luxury and premium fashion to sports and lifestyle brands. “This broad range allows us to meet various needs of consumers across the Middle East and Africa, making us a versatile and trusted partner for global fashion houses,” Tara says.
“We have established longstanding partnership with industry leaders, such as Adidas, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Aldo and many more.”
}Malek explains that building the portfolio has been a result of two key strategies- fostering long-term trust with international brands and being highly selective in their partnerships. “Trust didn’t happen overnight,” he adds. “We built credibility by consistently overdelivering in challenging markets and demonstrating a deep understanding of regional dynamics. Our flexibility, allowing us to customize strategies while preserving brand identity, earned us a reputation as a reliable partner. Major brands now approach us, and our results have led existing partners to grant us more territories, reinforcing their confidence in our performance.”
The process of deciding which brands to represent, Michel says, is quite meticulous. “We conduct months of market analysis, feasibility studies, and forecast assessments to ensure that any new brand fits within our framework
for scalability and longterm success,” he adds. “While we’re laser-focused on large, established international brands at this stage, we have a clear plan for growth that allows us to support emerging designers in the future.”
}Tara points out that building a successful portfolio in their field also requires maintaining a foothold by adapting to changing customer preferences. “Customer tastes are evolving rapidly, and our tech-driven platform is at the core of how we adapt,” she explains. “Through real-time data analytics, we gather insights on consumer behavior in each region, ensuring our orders are aligned with the current trends and reducing wastage.”
One more point to add here, Michel says, is that Gedeon Group - as a cross-regional businesshas always excelled at responding to diverse market needs. “We customize our products, marketing, and retail experiences to match the culture, fashion appetite, and economic conditions of each region,” he explains.
The Gedeon siblings on doing business in the UAE 'TREP
→ Gedeon Group was founded by Michel Gedeon Senior who started importing foreign luxury products to Lebanon in 1949.
AFRICA IS A NASCENT MARKET IN FASHION, WITH UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS ITS FAST-GROWING ECONOMIES, BUT IT
REQUIRES A STRATEGIC, NUANCED APPROACH.”
→ Malek Gedeon, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Gedeon Group.
“This approach allows us to not only meet but exceed customer expectations across different markets, maintaining our competitive edge.”
}Our next topic is their work in Africa, and Tara explains that unlocking the
continent’s retail potential has been a game-changer for the group. “Africa is a nascent market in fashion, with untapped opportunities across its fast-growing economies, but it requires a strategic, nuanced approach,” she explains. “The key has been to understand the unique business environment, which involves infrastructure limitations, fragmented regulations, and cultural differences across regions. While these challenges may seem daunting, they also present enormous potential for growth—especially as consumer demand for global fashion increases exponentially.”
Key components of their strategy have also been thinking long-term and investing in relationships with local stakeholders. “Building trust with local partners, retailers, and suppliers is crucial, as they have the local market knowledge and can guide you through the intricacies of each country,” Malek says. “Gedeon Group’s approach has always been about forging these meaningful connections, which has helped us navigate both logistical and cultural challenges.”
}From Gedeon Group, African consumers have got the latest global fashion trends at competitive, international prices which, Tara explains, have been its key differentiator. “African consumers, much like those in the Middle East, are increasingly looking for quality, style, and uniqueness—factors we prioritize in our product selection and branding strategies,” she says.
The Gedeon siblings’ plans for the future are no less ambitious; at the moment, they are working on solidifying the company’s market position and building a robust foundation for future success. Beyond 2025, Malek adds, their long-term strategy involves exploring synergistic businesses and diversifying into new industries. “We are considering the launch of a Pan Africa/Middle East
‘TREP TALK
The Gedeon siblings on doing business in Africa
With its fast-growing economies and appetite for global fashion, Africa is a frontier of opportunities, but it requires a well-thought-out, localized, and resilient strategy to truly unlock its potential.
DO’S
}Invest in local partnerships “Work with people who understand the local business landscape and can help you navigate complexities like regulatory requirements, retail infrastructure, and consumer behavior.”
}Be adaptable and patient “Expect to face hurdles in logistics, distribution, and market development. It’s critical to stay agile and think long-term, as the payoff can be significant.
}Tailor your approach “Each country has its own economic conditions, cultural preferences, and retail environment. Customizing your product offerings and marketing strategies per region is key to success.”
DON’TS
}Don’t assume one-size-fits-all “Africa is not a monolithic market. Each region has its own challenges and opportunities, so assuming a uniform approach will fail.”
}Don’t underestimate the infrastructure challenge “Be prepared for logistical difficulties in terms of distribution, store selection, and even technology. It is crucial to have a robust supply chain strategy in place.”
}Don’t ignore cultural differences “What works in one African country might not resonate in another. Respect and adapt to the local customs, consumer preferences, and ways of doing business.”
ecommerce platform, testing new product categories, and we aspire to eventually introduce our own in-house fashion brand,” he says. “These initiatives will enable us to expand our reach and enhance our offerings in the dynamic retail landscape.”
}In addition to their extensive experience in the sector, the trio hold business and finance degrees from the American University of Paris (Michel), Imperial College London (Malek), and the American University of Beirut (Tara), and as such, they are confident that their time at the helm of the Gedeon Group will be remembered as a period of strategic growth and bold innovation.
}“Just as leaders before me have stated, it’s not enough to adapt, we must shape the future,” Michel says. “My goal is crystal clear- to drive Gedeon Group to the top of the fashion distribution and retail game in the Middle East and Africa. The challenge? Staying ahead in a hypercompetitive industry. The opportunity? Limitless. I focus on building powerful, long-term relationships with global partners, ensuring we deliver
unmatched value. I am committed to continuing to develop our brand DNA and reputation even further, as Gedeon Group continues to dominate and set new benchmarks in fashion retail.”
Apart from the business metrics, the Gedeon’s put an emphasis on peopleextending their family values of unity,
transparency, and ethical collaboration to their teams and all stakeholders.
“While competition and strategy are key, I’ve always believed that empathy and emotional intelligence play an equally important role in leadership,”
Tara says. “When it comes to making business decisions, understanding people - their needs, motivations, and challenges - can often be the difference between success and failure. This approach has helped us foster strong relationships within our team and with our partners, creating a collaborative environment where everyone thrives.”
}The trio also takes pride in the company’s diverse team, including seasoned industry experts as well as young, innovative talent. “Every
member of the Gedeon Group shares our vision and commitment to excellence, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of the brands we represent and the markets we serve,” Malek says. “We prioritize professional development, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive, which is why our people are the cornerstone of our continued growth and success.”
}Their growing up in Lebanon and working across the Middle East and Africa has inspired the siblings’ commitment to making meaningful change. “Philanthropy is at the heart of everything we do,” Michel says. “On a personal level, we are involved with several charitable organizations such as The Order of Malta, International Volunteer HQ, and Original Volunteers, where we’ve done volunteer work across five continents. Professionally, we always leverage our business network for humanitarian efforts. Today, we are focused on assisting the one million displaced people in Lebanon due to the ongoing regional conflict, ensuring they receive essential aid. Much like our efforts after the Beirut Port blast, when we partnered with brands like Calvin Klein and Van Laack to provide clothing for hundreds of displaced individuals, we continue to support those in need.” Tara adds that the Gedeon Group’s philanthropic reach also extends to Africa, where the company collaborates with local charities to aid communities in Kinshasa and Nairobi with the support of the German brand Puma. “Looking forward, we aim to establish schools in sub-Saharan Africa, offering free education to children who would otherwise have no access. By harnessing our resources, we hope to create not just a successful business but a lasting legacy of compassion, progress, and positive impact,” Tara concludes.
→ Michel Gedeon, CEO, Gedeon Group
→ Tara Gedeon, Managing Director, Gedeon Group.
INNO VA TION AWA RDS 2024
PRESENTED BY
THE RECAP
The Tech Innovation Awards 2024, staged by Entrepreneur Middle East with the support of in5 and Fluidmeet, was held on October 31, 2024, at the Habtoor Palace Hotel in Dubai. It aimed to showcase the individuals and enterprises that are shaping the future of this dynamic industry. The trophies were presented to the winners by Wissam Younane, CEO of BNC Publishing, and Rabih Najm, Managing Director of BNC Publishing. Check out the full list of winners at the Tech Innovation Awards 2024 below:
DIGITAL BANK OF THE YEAR / Wio Bank
E-COMMERCE INNOVATION OF THE YEAR / Qeen.AI
BEST USE OF GENERATIVE AI / IMI
HEALTHTECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR / Gulf Medical Technologies
PROPTECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR / Prop.Com
E-GOVERNMENT SOLUTION OF THE YEAR / Ajeer by Takamol
FINTECH SOLUTION OF THE YEAR / Abhi
EDTECH PLATFORM OF THE YEAR / Lamsa
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION LEADER OF THE YEAR / ZainTECH
TECH SOLUTION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR / ExploreTECH
CYBERSECURITY FIRM OF THE YEAR / Zinad
MOBILITY PLATFORM OF THE YEAR / Ejaro
EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH TECH INNOVATION / UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
INNOVATION IN REAL ESTATE / Property Finder
ECOSYSTEM ENABLER OF THE YEAR / Ahoy
MEDIA LEADER OF THE YEAR / Luna PR
TECH LEADER OF THE YEAR / Hassan Al Noon
CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR / Professor Crypto
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR / Roman Axelrod, Managing Partner, Xpanceo
MOST INNOVATIVE TECH PRODUCT / Dyson for its Dyson OnTrac
headphones
BNC PUBLISHING CEO Wissam Younane
The Tech Innovation Awards 2024 winners
E-COMMERCE INNOVATION OF THE YEAR / Qeen.AI
EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH TECH INNOVATION / UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION LEADER OF THE YEAR / ZainTECH
HEALTHTECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR / Gulf Medical Technologies
E-GOVERNMENT SOLUTION OF THE YEAR / Ajeer by Takamol
Khadeeja Hamid and Carmen Mateos IMPACT Innovation Board, Entrepreneur Middle East
EDTECH PLATFORM OF THE YEAR / Lamsa
DIGITAL BANK OF THE YEAR / Wio Bank
FINTECH SOLUTION OF THE YEAR / Abhi
CYBERSECURITY FIRM OF THE YEAR / Zinad
TECH SOLUTION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR / ExploreTECH
MOBILITY PLATFORM OF THE YEAR / Ejaro
MEDIA LEADER OF THE YEAR / Luna PR
INNOVATION IN REAL ESTATE / Property Finder
MOST INNOVATIVE TECH PRODUCT / Dyson for its Dyson OnTrac headphones
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR / Roman Axelrod, Managing Partner, Xpanceo
CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR / Professor Crypto
TECH LEADER OF THE YEAR / Hassan Al Noon
FUN COMES GUAR ANTEED
Passion Pursuit
a
How to build confidence as
first-time young startup founder. by ALDHABI ALMHEIRI
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE IS BY STARTING WITH SMALL STEPS TO REACH YOUR GOAL. YOU DON’T NEED TO LAUNCH A FULLY DEVELOPED BUSINESS FAST IF YOU ARE NOT READY.”
Starting a business at a young age can be challenging. It’s normal to feel that you are not sure of what will happen or you might even be scared to try moving a step forward. But building confidence comes just by trying things out and building a wall of achievement comes with your first few solid blocks. Whether you are just starting your business, planning to do so in the future, or
learning a few things to get your first implementation step, you should trust your vision and believe in yourself for your success.
}Trust in Your Idea
The first step into building confidence is believing in your business idea no matter its small or big, new idea or old but with some benefits. If your idea solves a real problem or meets a need, then you are on the right path. While being surrounded by a very busy community and lots of new ideas coming up
every day, think about what makes your idea unique and how it can add value to others. When you know the purpose of your business, it’s easier to gain confidence in its potential.
}Surround Yourself with Support
There is no entrepreneur who succeeds alone. Having a supportive environment can boost your output and work quality. Keep looking out for mentors like teachers, family members or even professionals in your field. Their advice and
encouragement can help you see your strengths and guide you through challenges. Don’t hesitate to collaborate with friends who share your interests. Working together can increase your confidence by allowing you to brainstorm ideas, share or divide tasks, and share experiences with others.
}Take Small Steps Toward Big Goals
One of the best ways to build your business with confidence is by starting with small steps to reach your goal. You don’t need to launch a fully developed business fast if you are not ready. Start with simple actions like creating a business plan, setting up an ecommerce website, or testing your product or service with friends and family that they will reach back to you to give you feedback as well. Each small achievement will give you a boost and motivate you to keep going to the next step.
You should be realistic when you set up goals and aim to achieve them. Break down your larger goals into smaller ones. You can also deal with this by setting time frames to align with these goals. When you reach a milestone, you will raise your productivity skill and grow, and so will your business.
}
Learn from Mistakes and Adapt
Every business faces obstacles and hard times
YOU SHOULD REWARD YOURSELF FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENT NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL IT IS, WHETHER YOU ARE SELLING YOUR FIRST PRODUCT OR LAUNCHING YOUR WEBSITE, EACH WIN IS A PROOF OF YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.“
at some point. The most important thing is to not be down while you face failure. Instead, analyze your mistakes and find opportunities to learn from your mistakes and grow. Be sure that you are not the only entrepreneur facing problems but also you should learn from your mistakes and adapt to change or improvement.
}Celebrate Achievements
You should reward yourself for your hard work and celebrate your achievement no matter how big or small it is, whether you are selling your first product or launching your website, each win is a proof of your hard work and dedication. Such celebrations will charge you to achieve more things toward your goals.
Building your confidence in your first business should take time and hard effort, but with dedication and by never giving up, you can turn your idea into a successful reality. Trust yourself, take it step by step, and remember that every challenge has a success following it!
AlDhabi AlMheiri is a young Emirati columnist,
entrepreneur, and publisher as well as a Guinness World Records titleholder. As the founder of Rainbow Chimney Bookstore and Publishing House, she is committed to empowering young writers and promoting cultural diversity through the transformative power of storytelling and publishing. AlDhabi firmly believes in the power of stories, providing children with a chance to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through books.
As the author of two books and the publisher of over 52 works by children from diverse backgrounds, AlMheiri’s mission is to promote education, sustainability, financial
literacy, and emotional resilience through narrative. Her initiatives, such as “Books from Children to Children,” foster creativity and self-expression among youth while addressing crucial social issues like diversity, inclusion, and emotional well-being.
In addition to her work in literature, AlMheiri is a passionate advocate for children with additional needs, ensuring that their voices are amplified and their unique talents are recognized and nurtured. Her enthusiasm for finance has also driven her entrepreneurial ventures, making her a role model for young aspiring business leaders.
AlMheiri’s commitment to education and personal development is exemplified by her academic achievements. She graduated as a Fellow from Georgetown University’s School of Business in 2024, in collaboration with the US Mission to the UAE, and successfully completed the Entrepreneurship Program offered by Google and the UAE Ministry of Economy. Through her work and vision, AlMheiri is leaving a lasting impact on young people, advocating for a future where education, storytelling, financial literacy, and sustainability are the cornerstones of societal progress. Her initiatives are deeply aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting her dedication to creating a better world for future generations. rainbowchimney.ae
DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD
Why burnout is both a curse and a catalyst in the creative industry. by
What’s your dopamine hit every day when you go to work? Is it that first cup of coffee, the vape break, or maybe the satisfaction of clearing your inbox? For many in the creative industry, it’s the thrill of that minute rush that keeps us moving, keeping us afloat through demanding schedules and intense deadlines. But what happens when that rush becomes less of a motivator and more of a necessity?
My name is Asiya Ali and I am the founder of marketing agency MKV Digital. After several years in the industry I can confidently tell you that just like any service industry, we often thrive under pressure, much like chefs in the heat of a kitchen. Think about the chefs on the show The Bear, where the kitchen is a battlefield, orders flying, tempers flaring, but amidst the frenzy, extraordinary Michelin-starred dishes are born. Those chefs live for the pressure, laser-focused on the craft, chasing the high of creating
something brilliant. However, outside the kitchen, they are often burnt out, emotionally drained, perhaps puffing on a cigarette between shifts just to decompress. The same is true for many creatives: we chase the rush of a deadline, the spark of last-minute innovation, but that adrenaline-fueled brilliance comes at a price.
}Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion, it’s about the delicate balance between productivity and collapse. For some, including myself, the best work often happens under pressure. When the stakes are high, the mind sharpens, creativity kicks into overdrive, and we somehow manage to push through and deliver. The line between thriving under pressure and burning out is razor-thin, and in the creative industry, it’s easy to cross that without realizing it.
}Interestingly, the industry itself doesn’t shy away from this truth. Creativity, after all, isn’t born in comfort. It’s during those last-minute pitch meetings or in the rush to meet a looming deadline that brilliance often strikes. The urgency drives innovation in a way that slow, steady work sometimes can’t. That pressure can unlock creative potential, but if we lean on it too often, we find ourselves in a perpetual state of burnout, chasing that
ASIYA ALI
next high without considering the toll it’s taking.
}In small doses, burnout can be a creative accelerant. Like a muscle pushed to its limit in the gym, brief bursts of high intensity can push us to break new barriers. But as with any muscle, too much strain without recovery leads to injury. The same is true in creative work. When we constantly push ourselves beyond our limits, burnout stops being a motivator and becomes a state of chronic exhaustion.
}Take artists like Vincent van Gogh, whose emotional intensity fueled his masterpieces. Starry Night, for example, is a testament to the brilliance that can emerge from deep mental strain. Yet his genius came at a great personal cost, his health deteriorated,
Is it the satisfaction of delivering another award-winning project, or would I find more joy in spending time
IN SMALL DOSES, BURNOUT CAN BE A CREATIVE ACCELERANT. LIKE A MUSCLE PUSHED TO ITS LIMIT IN THE GYM, BRIEF BURSTS OF HIGH INTENSITY CAN PUSH US TO BREAK NEW BARRIERS.”
and his life spiraled. This double-edged sword is ever-present in the creative industry: the very pressure that ignites brilliance can also destroy it if not carefully managed.
}Time management strategies only go so far. One of the greatest challenges for creatives is finding balance, not just between work and rest, but between professional ambition and personal fulfillment. We pour ourselves into our work, chasing accolades and achievements, often at the expense of our well-being, relationships, and personal lives. While professional success brings a dopamine hit of its own, it doesn’t fill the void left when personal fulfillment is neglected.
}As creatives, it’s crucial to step back and ask: What truly makes me happy?
with family, pursuing a hobby, or simply resting? The balance is key. Without it, burnout doesn’t just affect our work, it affects our entire lives.
}So, how do we harness burnout without letting it consume us? One of the strategies I swear by is focusing on one task at a time, a principle taken from Brian Tracy’s book, Eat That Frog. If you tackle the toughest, most challenging task first, the rest of the day becomes easier. The “frog” represents the task that weighs most heavily on your mind, the one that’s hardest to start but once completed, lightens your mental load for the rest of the day.
}For me, this means finishing my biggest project before lunch. In the early hours, when the team is fresh, we tackle the most creative, high-stakes
work, whether it’s developing a strategy, designing a concept, or crafting a pitch. By noon, the heaviest, most demanding work is behind us, and the rest of the day flows smoothly. This simple shift helps us avoid the dreaded late-night scramble that often comes with procrastination and burnout.
}Burnout in the creative industry is inevitable. However, it doesn’t have to be constant. In the right doses, it can push us to new creative heights, sharpen our focus, and help us break through creative blocks. The key is learning how to dance with it, and how to harness that pressure without letting it consume us.
}In the end, creative work isn’t about surviving the burnout, it’s about learning when to lean into it and when to pull away, so we can keep creating without losing ourselves in the process.
Asiya Ali is the founder and Managing Director of MKV Digital, a UAE-based award-winning full-service digital and marketing agency. With a passion for creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ali has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the marketing industry since founding MKV Digital in 2018.
Ali’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by her desire to create something meaningful. Her vision was clear: to identify gaps in the marketing landscape and fill them with her expertise. This vision led to the birth of MKV Digital, a name that signifies Meraki Ventures— doing something with soul, creativity, and love. Under Ali’s leadership, MKV Digital has also become a leading agency known for its innovative and heart-led campaigns. She has successfully forged long-term collaborations with key clients, including Julphar, Landmark Group, Papa Johns, Nandos and Sapil Perfumes. Her work has been recognized with prestigious awards such as 11 wins at Dubai Lynx 2024 and 4 awards at Cannes Lions 2024. mkvdigital.com
No Pain, No Gain
How SharkNinja emerged as the ultimate consumer problem-solving company
SharkNinja prioritizes consumer insight and pain points to churn out new products that positively impact lives by
TAMARA CLARKE
SharkNinja has a proud history as a pioneer in small household appliances but the company’s commitment to putting consumer needs first is securing its future. Leaning into customer-driven product design - an approach that emphasizes the importance of customer needs, preferences and behaviors in order to create products that provide real value - allows the company to continuously launch new products, expand into new categories, enter new markets and add new channels of distribution. While this strategy of reverse engineering isn’t new or novel, this approach coupled with SharkNinja’s aim to solve consumer problems that others do not see or are unable to solve, puts it over the top and affirms its place as a premier global product design and technology company.
“SharkNinja uses consumer pain points as a core element of its product development process, focusing on understanding the specific challenges and frustrations that consumers face in their daily lives. We do this by investing heavily in consumer research to identify pain points. We also deeply value the feedback of our customers,” said Damian Woodward, Managing Director, EMEA Distributor.
“We deploy multiple strategies to observe and collect data from our customers. An example of this is the consumer testing programs we run. These allow us to observe how real users interact with prototypes, which helps refine product design, usability, and functionality,” he continued.
SharkNinja’s global engineering team consists of over 900 engineers and design associates who leverage
consumer feedback to create products that are specific to pain pointspersistent or recurring problems that frequently frustrate or inconvenience customers. SharkNinja’s crossfunctional teams then collaborate quickly to bring new cutting-edge products to the market.
“Our pace of innovation enables us to be first-to-market in many product categories and launch new products often faster than our competitors. We are a boundlessly curious organization, deeply passionate about consumer innovation, and driven by our relentless pursuit of perfection. As soon as we launch a product, we begin working on how to improve it,” said Woodward. And these products do not disappoint. Customer experience significantly impacts product development at SharkNinja. For every product, there is a pain alleviated by innovation and impeccable design. Tapping into regional consumer demand for compact cooling, the company brought its new Shark FlexBreeze Fan to the market. At a showcase in Dubai, the brand also introduced the Double Stack air fryer and FrostVault Cooler among other products that have undergone extensive consumer trials before being launched in the Middle Eastern region.
Speaking at the event, Woodward, said: “The new products and categories that we are introducing today, will drive our growth as we invest in and build our business in the region and beyond. With a simple mission of positively impacting people’s lives, every day, in every home, we feel that in announcing to the UAE our new range of products, across Shark Clean, Ninja Kitchen, Shark Beauty, and Ninja Outdoor ranges, we are living up to that mission.”
Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer
/The Pain: Space and time
Wish you could fit a double air fryer in your kitchen, but running low on counter space? The Ninja Double Stack XL 2-Drawer Air Fryer is 30% slimmer without sacrificing cooking capacity. This air fryer, featuring two vertically stacked drawers, is perfect for large families and entertaining, fitting a whole 1.4kg roast chicken in each 4.75L drawer. It has the capacity to feed up to 8 people in one go. At 38.5 centimeters tall, it’s designed to fit under cabinets so you can enjoy clear countertops with less clutter. Life is super busy and time is of the essence. You can mix and match different cooking functions, times and temperatures in each drawer. And, its innovative SYNC functions ensure that both drawers finish cooking at the same time, so you can enjoy freshly cooked mains and sides together. Cooking up to 55% faster than ovens, the Ninja Double Stack Air Fryer helps you get family favorites on the table in minutes.
Shark FlexBreeze Fan →
/The Pain: Too hot to handle
The Shark FlexBreeze Fan is a compact cooling solution that can fend off blistering heat outside or bring amazing air circulation indoors. It transforms from pedestal mode to a compact tabletop fan that can be used on patios, at campsites and in home offices. Shark FlexBreeze is UV and water resistant, making it safe to use outdoors come rain or shine. It also features five fan speeds, including BreezeBoost mode, which allows you to feel the breeze from over 70 feet away. With 180 degrees of side-to-side oscillation, 55-degree up-and-down tilt and 24 hour run time, Shark FlexBreeze keeps you cool from every angle, but wait - there’s more. The InstaCool misting attachment that comes with the fan easily connects to your hose and rapidly reduces temperatures to feel up to 10 degrees cooler. Incredibly quiet, even at high speed.
Shark HydroVac ↓
/The Pain: Too many tools on deck
FrostVault Cooler ↓
/The Pain: A meltdown
As your chore list grows, so does the number of tools you need to get the jobs done but the Shark HydroVac vacuums, mops and cleans itself. This three-in-one floor cleaner is tough on stains, gentle on floors, refreshes rugs and even comes in corded and cordless versions for added flexibility. The combination of powerful suction and hydro mopping picks up everything life can possibly throw at your floors from wet, sticky messes to crumbs and debris. Shark HydroVac transitions seamlessly from rugs to hard floors to help you conquer every cleaning challenge, so say goodbye to the hassle of switching between your broom, dust pan and mop.
A cooler is just a cooler until you’re half way through a picnic and elbow deep in freezing cold water trying to grab a drink. Thankfully, the FrostVault Cooler keeps you and its contents dry thanks to 7 centimeters of insulation, which gives it better ice retention than the regular, run of the mill cooler box. It comes in two sizes. The larger, 50 quart model keeps ice for up to six days, while the 30 quart model keeps ice for up to five day, eliminating the need to constantly re-up. The larger model can fit up to 80 cans with no ice, 45 cans with ice or 50 bottles, so there’s plenty of space for your beverages. Moreover, say goodbye to squashed snacks. The new FrostVault Cooler transfers cold air into the dry zone, where high-tech insulation keeps food cool, dry and separate at food-safe temperatures for days. Plus, you can easily grab your favorite items without digging through ice.
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
The Executive Selection
From better goods to better wardrobe bests, every issue, we choose a few items that make the approved executive selection list. In this edition, our picks are from Boucheron, Bentley, and Zaphira Nature
GATE OF WONDERS →
By Boucheron
This year, Boucheron Ambassadors Alexa Chung and Mila Al Zahrani unlock a world of wonders in line with Boucheron style that is audacious and free, forever inventing the classics of tomorrow. Boucheron was founded in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron and has been built up by four generations of his direct descendants. A visionary designer and the first jeweler among his great contemporaries to open a boutique on Place Vendôme, Boucheron created a Maison that still epitomizes the finest in jewelry, high jewelry and watchmaking to this day. www.boucheron.com
BEYOND 100+ ↓/
By Bentley Motors
Bentley Motors announced its Beyond100+ (2030 - 2035) business strategy, adding that its first fully electric car will be revealed in 2026. It will be the world’s first luxury urban SUV. The British designer, manufacturer and marketer of luxury cars and SUVs will also be extending the lifecycle of PHEV models beyond 2030, to 2035. And the Continental GT coupe, Convertible and Flying Spur models are now exclusively offered with an ultra performance plug-in V8 hybrid powertrain following the discontinuation of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine after over 20 years of production in Crewe, England. www.bentleymotors.com
↓ ZAPHIRA NATURE
Redefining hair care standards
Founded by Algerian entrepreneur Hanane Bouchouicha-Sykora, Zaphira Nature is the first UAE-based brand focused exclusively on providing high-quality, vegan, and sustainable curly hair products, specifically crafted for the unique needs of textured hair in the region. Its debut collection, Souffle Méditerranéen, offers eight distinct products infused with Ylang Ylang essential oil, forming the heart of the essential curls ritual. www.zaphiranature.com
EDITOR’S PICK A TIMELESS TALE OF ELEGANCE↓
By Sartoro Geneve
Founded in 2001 by Arto and Saro Artinian in Geneva, Sartoro Geneve is a fine and high jewelry brand known for the Alba High Jewelry Set, symbolizing the
IN FOCUS
A roundup of the up-and-coming startups in the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) accelerator program that you should be keeping an eye on
by AALIA MEHREEN AHMED
Jalebi
/jalebi.io/
While multiple industries across the globe have been trying to keep up with the trends and innovations brought forth by advanced technologies, the food and beverage (F&B) industry has been unable to fully unearth the potential that digital transformation offers. And according to Zohare Haider, co-founder and CEO of UAE-based restaurant point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management system Jalebi.io (Jalebi), addressing this particular inability could inadvertently solve the many other inefficiencies ailing the sector. “The inspiration to create Jalebi came from recognizing that while industries like fastmoving consumer goods and automotive have embraced data-driven innovation, F&B remains underserved in terms of intelligent, scalable solutions,” Haider says. “We saw the opportunity to fill that gap by developing a platform that not only solves today’s problems but future-proofs businesses against tomorrow’s challenges. In short, we’re not just building a business; we’re pioneering an overdue transformation in F&B operations, inventory-out.”
Launched in 2021, Jalebi (yes, the same as that popular South Asian sweet!) is a software as a service (SaaS) platform that offers F&B operators a one-stop-shop to automate inventory management, manage suppliers, optimize and synchronize menus and recipes and also receive data-driven insights. “At Jalebi, we set out to address a critical challenge facing F&B operators: the rising complexity of managing food costs while minimizing food waste,” explains Haider. “These issues, compounded by inefficient operational processes, inspired us to create a technology-driven solution that simplifies the chaos. Our approach thus focuses on the heart of every F&B business: inventory. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), Jalebi empowers operators to automate restocking, accelerate order processing, and gain real-time
↑ Zohare Haider (left) and Rizwan Ahmed Khan are the co-founders of Jalebi, a UAE-based restaurant POS and inventory management system.
WE SAW THE OPPORTUNITY TO FILL THAT GAP BY DEVELOPING A PLATFORM THAT NOT ONLY SOLVES TODAY’S PROBLEMS BUT FUTURE-PROOFS BUSINESSES AGAINST TOMORROW’S CHALLENGES.”
insights that significantly improve cost efficiency, working capital, and profitability.”
To put Jalebi’s endeavors into perspective, it is important to first take a look at the state of the global and regional food industries. A 2023 report by US-based market research and analytics platform Allied Market Research shows that “rising cost of raw materials became a significant challenge for businesses in the food and beverages industry.” On the other hand, a May 2024 study released in the US-based market research and data platform Global Market Insights points out that “ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness of production” has become a
major point of contention for F&B entities as they strive to adhere to stringent quality standards as well as sustainability goals. But despite these challenges, the F&B industry is poised for growth- closer to home, in the Middle East, it is the UAE that continues to lead and foster growth in the regional market.
It is at the cross section of such hurdles and opportunities that Jalebi aims to operate- and it has done so not just in the UAE, but also in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan, and Canada. “Jalebi stands apart [from its competitors] by offering a leaner, faster-to-implement, and competitively priced alternative to enterprise solutions, while providing a more robust
and feature-rich platform than those aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” Haider adds.
“Our inventory-first approach, paired with cutting-edge AI and machine learning, ensures that F&B operators can tackle operational inefficiencies head-on, with real, measurable results.”
Offered as a subscriptionbased model, priced at US$100 per outlet per month that is billed annually, Jalebi’s services thus include inventory automation, operational optimization, and AI-driven insights.
“Additionally, for fully onboarded clients, we employ a results-driven model based on food cost savings,” Haider says. “This approach ensures
that our incentives align with our clients’ success, driving tangible profitability and sustainability. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce new revenue streams, including PSP and procurement deals, as well as on decarbonization. This will enable us to further unlock financial opportunities for F&B operators, all while enhancing their sustainability efforts.”
Such an approach has certainly yielded favorable results for Haider and his team. “Having perfected our platform over two years by co-building with over 50 brands, Jalebi has seen exceptional growth,” Haider reveals. “Since launching commercially in 2024, we’ve experienced a 131% monthon-month growth rate, with a deal flow exceeding $1 million in annual rate of return (ARR) and a waitlist of more than 400 outlets. Moreover, our leadership team is a powerhouse -led by myself and my co-founder Rizwan Ahmed Khanwho bring deep expertise in digital product innovation. Together, we have over 120 years of combined experience across F&B, SaaS, venture building, and technology.”
Financial results apart, the startup has also, already, earned quite a few milestones along the way. “Backed by major players like Techstars [a US-headquartered mentorship-driven accelerator program], Hub71 [a UAE-based business and startup incubator], STC [a leading Saudi-based telco firm that invests in startups], and the MBRIF, we’ve also earned accolades such as UAE’s Future100 award, a number six ranking in Deloitte’s Fast50 for impact, as well as Expand North Star’s TOP MENA competition. Our immediate goal is to complete our seed round, securing 24 months of runway to reach breakeven, and scaling our revenue to eight-digit ARR. This will pave the way for
→ Jalebis’s technology for the F&B industry is anchored by inventory, and optimizes cost and efficiency, tackles wastage, theft, erratic resupplies, and operational oversight while integrating the most important parts of the business in harmony
further rounds, allowing us to accelerate the global impact of our technology.”
Jalebi’s participation in the MBRIF Innovation Acceleration Program, in particular, has been a welcome move this year.
“We chose the MBRIF program because it aligns seamlessly with our vision for growth and innovation,” Haider says.
“Beyond funding, MBRIF provides unparalleled access to mentorship, market insights, and a network of thought leaders who are shaping the future of the UAE’s tech landscape. For us, MBRIF represents a strategic partner in turning our ambitions into reality, offering the right mix of support to scale our platform and make a meaningful impact on the food and beverage industry across the region.”
But while Jalebi is certainly soaring ahead at the moment, the journey so far hasn’t necessarily been without pitstops. “Navigating a competitive market and managing costs in a high-expense city like Dubai has been quite challenging,” the co-founder notes.
“Fundraising has also presented its obstacles, given the global economic climate. However, these challenges have only fueled our drive to innovate and strengthen our position in the industry. Dubai’s
multicultural environment has helped us shape a versatile product that can serve various types of food establishments, from Middle Eastern to Japanese cuisines.
Overall, Dubai has been an ideal launchpad for jalebi.io’s growth, pushing us to think bigger and act faster.”
It is with this mindset, and a commitment to balance technological innovations with human bonds, that Jalebi now gears up for a promising 2025. “We are committed to not just offering tools, but to fundamentally pivot and advance how F&B businesses operate,” Haider declares. “Our goal is to be a true partner to food operators, providing technology that addresses their daily challenges and helps them thrive in an increasingly competitive market. However, we never lose sight of the importance of human connection. The food industry is deeply rooted in culture and community, and we strive to keep that spirit alive by building our platform with our customers, not just for them. Every feature is developed based on feedback from real users, ensuring that Jalebi enhances the operational experience without replacing the human touch that defines the industry. And it is precisely this that separates us from your run-of-the-mill players!”
Madari Space
/madari.ae/
When British mathematician Clive Humby coined the phrase “data is the new oil” in 2006, it became more than just a prophecy on how pivotal data would become to the modern business world. Indeed, in 2024, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that data is central to the operations of nearly all businesses, no matter how big or small. But what if the earth as we know it ultimately gets too finite to store such data? Well, UAE-based Madari Space has just the solution for it: data centers in space; to be precise, in low earth orbit (LEO), which is the region closest to the Earth’s surface. “The inspiration for this journey came from witnessing the growing reliance on data in every industry and recognizing how space could be leveraged to enhance those capabilities,” says Shareef Al Romaithi, founder and CEO of Madari Space. “We saw an opportunity to not only improve space infrastructure, but also drive technological advancements that could impact life on Earth, from environmental monitoring to global connectivity. Our vision is to bridge the gap between Earth and space, unlocking new possibilities for future generations.”
Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s tech hub Masdar City, Madari Space thus aims to address two persisting issues that come with Earth-based data centers: that they’re energy intensive, and that they negatively impact the environment. In fact, as per statistics shared by the startup’s team, data centers account for 10% of global energy consumption and 4% of greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging the infinite expanse of space, Madari Space believes both issues can be negated at once. “The main problem we are addressing is the challenge of
AS SPACE EXPLORATION AND SATELLITE MISSIONS EXPAND, TRADITIONAL EARTH-BASED DATA CENTERS FACE LIMITATIONS IN TERMS OF LATENCY, SECURITY, REAL-TIME DATA PROCESSING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY.”
→ Shareef Al Romaithi is the founder and CEO of Madari Space, a UAE-based tech startup focused on R&D of space technologies and objects.With an aim to disrupt and revolutionize the concept of data management, Madari Space has come up with space data centers that operate in low earth orbit.
efficiently and sustainably storing and processing vast amounts of data in space,” Al Romaithi elaborates. “As space exploration and satellite missions expand, traditional Earth-based data centers face limitations in terms of latency, security, real-time data processing, and environmental sustainability. We aim to revolutionize this by creating energy-efficient edge computing and storage solutions directly in LEO, reducing reliance on terrestrial systems, minimizing carbon footprints, and improving
data accessibility, speed, and reliability.”
Elaborating on how these space-based centers could change the game for data management, Al Romaithi notes that there are quite a few benefits. “Well, for starters, by offloading data processing from Earthbased systems to space, we help reduce the environmental impact of energyintensive terrestrial data centers,” he reiterates.
“Next, by processing data in space, closer to the source, we significantly reduce latency, enabling faster
decision-making for time-sensitive applications. Plus, our blockchain-based infrastructure ensures highly secure, decentralized data transmission and storage, safeguarding critical information in a space environment.”
Currently in the research and development (R&D) phase, Madari Space is actively developing its own space-based data storage and edge computing solutions. And already, the startup has some very clear goals in mind. For starters, by 2028, it hopes to have launched or prepared for over 8,000 data centers in orbit, and is also eyeing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% by the same year. “At this stage, we have a small but highly skilled team of three engineers, each contributing to the technical innovation and groundwork for our platform,” Al Romaithi says. “As a growing startup, we are still in the fundraising stage, focusing on securing the necessary investment to scale our operations and bring our solutions to market. While we are pre-revenue at the moment, our technology has the potential to unlock significant value in industries that rely on real-time data processing and efficient storage. With
the increasing demand for space-based infrastructure, we see immense long-term potential as we move R&D to commercialization, positioning Madari Space as a key player in this evolving sector.”
Indeed, one way Madari Space hopes to position itself as a pioneer in data management is by providing its services to both corporations as well as governmental organizations. Al Romaithi then shares that his startup’s revenue model has already been set up too. “It primarily revolves around two key offerings, the first of which are subscriptionbased services,” he explains. “Using this, clients can subscribe to ongoing data storage and edge computing capabilities, tailored to their specific needs, ensuring continuous access to real-time data processing in space. The second stream of revenue will be through on-demand solutions, which is primarily for clients requiring flexible, shortterm or project-specific solutions. With this, we provide scalable, on-demand access to our space-based infrastructure, allowing them to optimize their data operations when they need it most. The dual offering allows us to cater to a broad range of industries, providing both stability and flexibility in managing their data needs.”
Here, Al Romaithi notes that while it will be necessary for Madari Space to keep
pushing the envelope of spacetech and data management, none of it will truly matter until the end-user is satisfied. To ensure that its customers are at the forefront of the startup’s offerings, the founder has come up with a three-pronged approach. “The first is tailored solutions, wherein we plan to offer customized services that align with specific needs of our clients, whether through subscriptionbased plans or on-demand solutions,” he reiterates. “By listening to our customers, we ensure they receive personalized value. The second point of consideration is customer collaboration. In this, we plan to engage with our customers in the development process, seeking feedback and fostering collaborative partnerships to ensure our solutions truly address their challenges and goals. The third and final aspect is that of transparent communication. Despite our focus on high-tech solutions, we prioritize clear, open communication with clients to build trust and long-lasting relationships. We are committed to ensuring they understand how our technology directly benefits their operations.”
In Madari Space’s endeavors to incorporate important feedback, the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator program has
played quite the role. “Our solutions are designed to address the growing need for faster, more secure, and sustainable data processing, and this requires us to constantly evolve and refine our approach to meet industry demands,” Al Romaithi says. “As such, we chose the MBRIF program for its strong focus on innovation and the access it provides to a network of industry experts, investors, and strategic resources, all of which are critical to scaling Madari Space.”
As Al Romaithi and his team remain upbeat about what is yet to come, the founder adds that being located in the highly innovative capital city of the UAE is just the added push they need for the road ahead. “The city’s strong emphasis on innovation and its status as a global tech hub have provided access to key resources including government support, network opportunities, and forward-thinking investors,” Al Romaithi says. “In fact, the UAE’s strategic location has also enabled us to connect with global partners and position Madari Space for international growth. Despite the challenges we’ve faced so far, the UAE’s dynamic environment has been instrumental in driving our progress and setting the stage for future success!”
When it comes to enabling access to clean water for the masses, desalination -the process of converting seawater into drinking waterhas become the go-to method worldwide. But in an ironical twist, it has been proven that desalination creates multiple negative impacts on the environment- these include, and are not limited to, hypersaline (or brine) water being pumped back into the water, the by-production of waste and toxic chemicals, energy-intensive processes, and desalination plants that are expensive to build and maintain. Offering an alternative solution that addresses all these issues in one go is UAE-based deeptech startup Manhat. “The technology developed at Manhat is meant to produce water sustainably from open water surfaces by trapping the evaporated water mimicking the natural water cycle with zero carbon footprint and zero brine rejection,” explains Dr. Saeed Alhassan, founder and CTO of Manhat. “We are thus focusing on patented “natural water distillation” technology for sustainable water solutions for irrigation on in-land and floating farms. Our commitment is rooted in the urgent need to combat water scarcity and ensure food security in the MENA region and globally, reduce carbon emissions, and protect marine ecosystems from the harmful effects of brine discharge caused by existing desalination technologies.”
Dr. Alhassan launched Manhat in Abu Dhabi in 2019 and was later joined by his co-founder Vishnu Vijayan Pillai. In 2023, the startup took its first step towards international expansion by opening an office in Australia. And while Manhat will certainly continue to eye global impact, the initial inspiration to create its technology was one that was “deeply personal” and rooted in the UAE’s story, notes Dr. Alhassan. “As an Emirati who grew up during the UAE’s early development, I always understood the importance of water in the region,” he shares. “This understanding became a lifelong mission in 2012 when I watched a documentary about the global water crisis. Motivated by this, I envisioned a solution that doesn’t require electricity or other intermediate steps. Manhat’s technology leverages natural processes for water production, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional desalination, which demands significant capital investment, generates
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and harms aquatic ecosystems through brine discharge. It was therefore born from a desire to address the water scarcity challenges through sustainable water solutions.”
So how exactly does Manhat’s solution work?
Well, for starters, it negates the dependence on finite energy resources and electricity by leveraging the power of the sun instead. Its easily deployable device uses solar energy to heat up the seawater, following which the water vapor is condensed to create clean and drinkable water. Notably, this device can be used not only for agricultural purposes but is customizable for industrial uses and human consumption as well. “Our floating devices are scalable and adaptable, designed for diverse environments such as coastlines and artificial pools too,” adds Manhat COO Pillai.
Here, a key point to note about Manhat is that it particularly targets floating
farms- which are simply artificial farms built atop water bodies instead of land. This contemporary method of farming has been known to be environmentally favorable owing to the fact that it encourages efficient use of land, addresses food security concerns and is entirely self-sufficient in
terms of energy intensiveness. In fact, as per a 2023 study released on Indiabased global market research and consultancy platform The Brainy Insights, the global floating farms market is all set to be valued at $14.9 billion by 2033, at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%.
Tapping into the opportunities presented by this sector is Manhat. “Our technology also offers a fully integrated solution for floating farms, providing a significant competitive advantage,” Pillai continues. “Manhat’s floating devices are particularly advantageous for smallholder farms using artificial pools for water storage, which often experience water loss due to
evaporation or store wastewater. By deploying our devices in these settings, we can produce fresh water, improve water management, and support sustainable farming practices. These factors, along with our low environmental impact, set us apart from competitors and position Manhat as a leading solution for addressing water challenges globally.”
Owing to the novel nature of Manhat’s technology, it has already been patented and granted in 18 countries, including the UAE, UK, USA, India, China, and Japan. “Currently, we are at a pre-revenue stage, but our technology has a strong commercialization potential,” adds Pillai. “Our primary revenue model involves selling water-producing floating units to farmers and farming companies to provide them with sustainable irrigation solutions. Additionally, we plan to establish partnerships with governments and desalination companies to license our technology, }}
↑ Manhat’s advanced technology is designed to produce water sustainably from open water surfaces by collecting evaporated water and emulating the natural water cycle with no carbon footprint and no brine rejection. It has thus developed the world's first water technology that can be integrated to provide floating farm solutions.
↑ Dr. Saeed Alhassan (left) is the founder and CTO, and Vishnu Vijayan Pillai is the co-founder and COO of Manhat, a UAE-based deeptech startup that offers a sustainable water and floating farms solution.
enabling sustainable coastline irrigation and brine recycling.”
Now, so far, Manhat has certainly been successful in gaining the trust of government-backed entities. In the last few years, it has raised US$200,000 in equity-free funding, as both grants and cash prizes, from institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre , Ma’an Abu Dhabi, and the Expo Live Innovation Program. “We’ve also received cash prizes from the TFF Challenge 2022 (an agri-foodtech innovation challenge led by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) and the C3 Impact Accelerator Program,” Dr. Alhassan shares. “These funds have been critical to advancing our water technology and moving forward with its development and deployment.”
Indeed, a key enabler in this regard for Manhat has also been the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator Program. As such, the team at Manhat now remain optimistic that the program could set things up for Manhat’s future ambitions. “The MBRIF program aligns perfectly with our goals of growth and innovation,” Pillai says. “By providing access to a robust network of industry experts, mentors, angel investors and government-backed resources, the MBRIF enhances the growth potential of innovative startups like ours. This support will now allow us to further accelerate our technology development and contribute to shaping the future of the UAE’s economy in line with the nation’s vision for sustainable growth!”
INadeera
/nadeera.org/
n February 2024, the United Nations Environment Program revealed a staggering statistic: by 2050, the amount of global municipal solid waste (i.e day-to-day waste that comes from households and businesses) could rise up to 3.8 billion tonnes; a number that was already at a worrying 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023. But there’s a slightly hopeful twist to this tale- the numbers are only expected to increase by so much if urgent action isn’t taken. For those of us living in the MENA region, UAE-based Nadeera has come up with a tech-driven way to incentivize those who engage in active recycling. “Nadeera is a social enterprise that was founded in 2021 and helps instill circular economy practices through technology-enabled interventions,” explains Michel Mokbel, the Operations Lead at Nadeera. “We have found that up to 95% of the MENA’s waste is disposed of. Driven by a linear economic mindset, MENA countries are currently challenged by increasing waste generation rates and rising socio-economic waste-related costs. Nadeera aims to alter this singular mindset through a technologically driven rewards, education, and traceability program that incentivizes positive behavioral outcomes related to waste recovery.”
← → REEM KHATTAR RABIH EL CHAAR are the co-founders of Nadeera, a UAE-based social enterprise that provides digitally-enabled solutions for solid waste management.
Nadeera has thus come up with a three-pronged approach to fulfill its mission: Yalla Return, a smart collection system placed in neighborhoods that enables residents to recycle and receive feedback and rewards for every bag that they drop off; reverse vending machines (RVMs), artificial intelligence (AI)-powered infrastructure that are placed in hightraffic areas for the collection of individual plastic bottles or cans; and level sensors, which are devices that are placed on regular trash bins across communities to monitor fill and collection trends 24/7.
“Nadeera’s Yalla Return is a digital platform that simplifies the recycling journey, offers rewards, and ensures cost-effective solutions through in-house developed technological solutions,” Mokbel explains. “Yalla Return has been piloted, rigorously tested, and scaled across three different geographies. The efficacy of the system was verified through an academic study by one of the most prestigious Universities in the United States, and has achieved 95% user retention rates in certain contexts. As such, Nadeera distinguishes itself from other waste management service providers by prioritizing a user-centric approach; acknowledging the common disengagement caused by complex technological solutions. Through our technological tools we have digitized and personalized the waste
NADEERA DISTINGUISHES ITSELF FROM OTHER WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS BY PRIORITIZING A USER-CENTRIC APPROACH; ACKNOWLEDGING THE COMMON DISENGAGEMENT CAUSED BY COMPLEX TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS.”
recovery scheme and allowed for the end-to-end traceability of recyclables from the point of their generation to the point they are recirculated back into the economy, giving positive impact creators ownership of their contributions.”
Founded by Rabih El Chaar and Reem Khattar a little over three years ago, Nadeera has today grown to a team of 20 individuals. “Among them are waste management experts, business development consultants, and also an in-house tech development team!” reveals Mokbel. “We have achieved significant commercial success with over 30,000 households engaged across multiple MENA geographies (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Lebanon), generating approximately US$600,000 in revenues within the past 12 months. We are also currently entering the North America market, with confirmed projects in the U.S. Plus, we are raising our next round of funding, having already acquired $488,000 in investments, and also became an ADQ-portfolio (ADQ is an Abu Dhabibased investment and holding firm) company.”
Much of Nadeera’s global milestones and plans have
come about as a result of, first and foremost, setting a strong foundation in its base country. “Today we are in over 50 communities across the UAE alone, with most being in Dubai,” Mokbel shares. “We have also been selected as a Future 100 company, won Pepsico’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program at the Museum of the Future, and formed strategic partnerships with many local and international entities on projects in Dubai. The Emirate of Dubai was a launchpad for Nadeera and our success here has allowed us to scale across the region and globe as we had received wider recognition among stakeholders on our program and success.”
Indeed, it has been the city of Dubai that has also offered the startup a chance to partake in the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator program. “We previously knew how reputable and well established the program is and sought to further validate our business by joining,” Mokbel says. “We also sought to leverage the expertise of the mentors available at the MBRIF program to further advance our marketing and business development efforts, gain access to
investors, and for key strategic partnerships.”
As the Nadeera team now gears up for 2025, Mokbel notes that while the startup is heavily tech-driven, true environmental change can only be achieved by keeping the people themselves at the core of their mission. “We exist in a very fast paced industry that is being heavily geared towards automation, innovation, and technology as means to streamline and effectively recover and valorize materials,” Mokbel adds. “Accordingly, we never stop advancing our technological portfolio of offerings and pivot, enhance, and augment our offerings based on user feedback and market factors; dedicating most of our profits to research and development. Nonetheless, the objective of Yalla Return is to only use technology to incentivize behavioral change among residents as, unlike other companies, we avoid highly mechanical and technologically intensive methods, that are financially unsustainable and often unreliable, to recover material. Through our incentive scheme, technological offerings, and marketing materials we ensure that it is the user who remains the central element of impact and change.”
In the Loop /
Building Beyond Borders
Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector exemplifies the emirate’s forward-thinking vision and rapid transformation. The city boasts a blend of modernity with cultural heritage, featuring several landmarks and prestigious neighborhoods that set new standards in luxury living, offering residents exclusive waterfront properties and world-class amenities. This dynamic market thrives on the innovation of developers who prioritize exclusivity, contemporary design, and exceptional lifestyle offerings.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for luxury residences, with discerning investors and homeowners seeking properties that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality in prime, scenic locations. This surge is reflected in the substantial growth of residential transactions, which saw an 83% year-on-year increase last year in 2023, totalling 11,200 units sold. Developers responded to this demand by launching over 1,900 units, bringing the total to approximately 301,700 units by Q2 2024, to meet the growing appetite for high-end living spaces. This trend underscores Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a leading destination for luxury real estate investment.
Amidst this competitive landscape, Ohana Development has emerged as a transformative force, redefining luxury living with its state-of-the-art projects. Specializing in the conceptualisation, design, and construction of premium developments, Ohana crafts remarkable properties that blend sophistication with exclusivity. Being the biggest attainable Private Luxury Developer, with a focus on prime locations, Ohana has amassed a portfolio that includes units, and multiple
Ohana Development's vision for a global legacy
→ Mustafa El Sammak is the COO of Ohana Development
SPECIALIZING IN THE CONCEPTU- ALISATION, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF PREMIUM DEVELOPMENTS, OHANA CRAFTS REMARKABLE PROPERTIES THAT BLEND SOPHISTICATION WITH EXCLUSIVITY.”
villa communities, each designed to offer a unique lifestyle experience. Standout developments like the Elie Saab Waterfront by Ohana, Ohana Villas featuring ELIE SAAB Maison collection, Ohana Hills, and Ohana by the Sea highlight the brand’s commitment to creating homes that are both refined and distinctive, providing a sense of place that resonates with clients in the UAE and beyond.
At the helm of this growth is Mustafa El Sammak, the visionary Chief Operating Officer of Ohana Development. El Sammak’s journey to distinction has been marked by strategic
decisions and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Born in 1988, he brought his civil engineering expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the real estate industry, co-founding three engineering investment firms across different countries before the age of 30. His strategic insight and determination led him to join Ohana Development’s board of directors in 2018, where he quickly became instrumental in guiding the company through turbulent times. As Chief Development Officer, he expanded Ohana’s reach to new markets, including the United States and the UAE, marking a pivotal turning point in the company’s trajectory.
In 2020, El Sammak spearheaded one of Ohana’s most significant ventures and acquisitions in the UAE, underscoring his bold, risk-taking approach that transformed Ohana into a formidable player on the global real estate stage. His leadership is driven by the belief that luxury real estate should go beyond creating properties— it should evoke a sense of comfort and belonging within the community, embody innovative, tailored design, and redefine luxury in a way that welcomes everyone. ‘Joining Ohana was like joining a family,’ he says, noting how this ethos has shaped the company
culture and fuelled its growth. For El Sammak, real estate is more than a transaction; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging among employees, clients, and communities.
By 2022, El Sammak took on the role of Chief Operating Officer, where his innovative approach to sales and marketing propelled Ohana’s global annual sales to over $800 million. Under his leadership, the company has tripled its value in just five years, transforming from a regional developer into a globally recognised brand.EL Sammak envisions Ohana as a world-leading developer, setting new standards for luxury that is both exclusive, offering attainable luxury products that create timeless, world-class destinations.
Ohana is redefining luxury real estate by staying true to core values that prioritize customer centricity, family values, and the concept of attainable luxury. Every project upholds the highest standards, with rigorous in-house control from design through construction, This ensures every development meets exacting standards, blending exclusivity with accessibility. Through its family-oriented approach and dedication to crafting world-class destinations, Ohana Development is building a legacy that enriches the lives of those who call its communities home, reshaping luxury real estate in the UAE and beyond.
EMPOWERING SUCCESS
Farah Zafar
CEO OF LYVELY, ON LEADERSHIP, SACRIFICE, AND REDEFINING
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
by
BY MINA VUCIC
In a dynamic episode of Paradigm by Entrepreneur TV Middle East, Farah Zafar, co-founder and CEO of Lyvely, took centre stage. Known for its unique blend of e-commerce, blockchain, and social media, Lyvely serves as an empowering platform for creators and entrepreneurs in the digital age. Zafar has built an impressive career by merging her entrepreneurial drive with a commitment to purposeful innovation. Her journey is rooted in a disciplined work ethic and an unwavering dedication to her family, particularly in honouring her father’s sacrifices.
Throughout her career, Zafar has held influential positions, including with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Dubai Holding. She has represented investment entities across the GCC, assisting on strategic initiatives for leaders like HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This high-level exposure has enabled Zafar to perfect the art of decision-making, balancing foresight and strategic execution. At Lyvely, she leverages these skills to empower users to focus on quality content and authentic engagement, setting it apart from algorithm-driven social platforms.
Paradigm
Zafar’s dual role as Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer at Phoenix Group, an Abu Dhabi-based cryptocurrency and blockchain entity, further highlights her ability to lead groundbreaking initiatives. Her efforts at Phoenix culminated in a landmark IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the first for a privately-owned crypto and blockchain company in the Middle East. For Zafar, a successful career boils down to hard work, lifelong learning, and the courage to embrace challenges outside one’s comfort zone.
Yet, success hasn’t come without sacrifices. Zafar shared in the episode her biggest regrets, highest successes, and what happiness means to her.
Listeners can find the full episode on Entrepreneur TV Middle East’s YouTube and Spotify channels. Below are the top five insights from Zafar’s conversation, offering a glimpse into her philosophy on success and personal growth.
TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS
} Success is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Zafar credits her rigorous daily schedule, often spanning from 6 AM to midnight, as foundational to her success. This disciplined approach enables her to tackle multiple roles with agility, ensuring she delivers on all fronts.
} Presence and Focus are Key to High Performance: Zafar has honed a flow state that allows her to operate at peak levels across multiple projects. By staying present, she effectively analyzes situations and makes quick, yet strategic decisions.
} Empowerment Through Innovation: At Lyvely, Zafar is pioneering a platform that celebrates user-driven content and rewards contributions, providing an alternative to traditional social media models that prioritize algorithms over authenticity.
} Loyalty and Trust Define Her Leadership Style: Zafar builds her teams with a high emphasis on trust and transparency, fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and accountable.
} Never Forget Your Roots: Despite her industry accolades, Zafar’s primary motivation remains personal—making her father proud and achieving financial independence. This drive, inherited from her family’s sacrifices, continually pushes her to reach higher.
SCAN THESE QR CODES TO CHECK OUT THE FULL PARADIGM EPISODE.
Mina Vucic is the Director of Production and Multimedia at BNC Publishing. She hosts Paradigm, an Entrepreneur TV Middle East podcast series that delves into the triumphs and challenges on industry pioneers in the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship. instagram.com/ entrepreneurtvme
UNVEILING THE STORY OF
Hikmat Wehbi
A PIONEERING VOICE IN ARAB PODCASTING
by BY MINA VUCIC
Paradigm, a podcast by Entrepreneur TV Middle East, brings listeners behind the scenes of industry leaders’ lives and careers, showcasing their inspiring journeys and offering unique insights into the creative and business worlds.
In Episode 8, Paradigm features Hikmat Wehbi, a well-known Dubaibased podcaster, photographer, and founder of W Studio. With over 25 years as a photographer, he transitioned to podcasting during the pandemic—a career pivot that saw him flourish in a new medium. His podcasting journey quickly gained traction, with Hikmat producing over 200 podcasts to date, amassing a following of over one million. Known for engaging with high-profile creatives and celebrities across the Arab world, Hikmat has become a respected figure in the podcasting sphere.
From Photography to Podcasting Hikmat’s company, W Studio, is recognized for its expertise in visual storytelling, working with major brands like Damas, Victoria’s Secret, and ARADA. This background in powerful visuals and narrative impact now informs his approach to podcasting. In Paradigm’s latest episode, Hikmat reflects on his childhood, his lifelong passion for photography, and the journey that led him to become a leading voice in Arab media.
Paradigm
Launching the Arab World’s First Podcasting Masterclass Hikmat created the first podcasting masterclass in the Arab region to offer aspiring podcasters comprehensive training based on his experience. The program covers essential aspects of podcasting, from technical production with any budget—smartphones or professional cameras—to audio recording, lighting, and editing. It also guides participants through mastering interviews, including a case study with Joelle Mardinian, and offers strategies for branding, marketing, and monetization to turn podcasts into profitable ventures.
Through Paradigm, Entrepreneur TV Middle East showcases Hikmat’s journey and the impact he’s made in both the visual and auditory storytelling fields. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the value in adapting and evolving, even after decades in one industry. For anyone looking to explore the world of podcasting or seeking inspiration from industry trailblazers, Episode 8 is a must-listen. Catch the full episode of Paradigm on YouTube or Spotify and experience the unique insights Hikmat brings to both the art and business of podcasting.
SCAN THESE QR CODES TO CHECK OUT THE FULL PARADIGM EPISODE.
TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS
} Authenticity Drives
Success: Hikmat stresses the importance of being genuine in creative work to connect with audiences and share personal experiences.
} Adapt to Digital Change: With decades in photography, Hikmat highlights embracing technology's evolution to stay relevant, which led him to thrive in podcasting.
} Storytelling is Central: Whether in visuals or audio, Hikmat values storytelling as the core of impactful, emotional content.
} Community Matters: Hikmat believes in building a supportive community and using his platform to foster meaningful conversations and celebrate others' successes.
} Lifelong Learning: His career reflects constant growth and adaptability. Hikmat encourages creators to stay curious, embrace challenges, and keep evolving.
Mina Vucic is the Director of Production and Multimedia at BNC Publishing. She hosts Paradigm, an Entrepreneur TV Middle East podcast series that delves into the triumphs and challenges on industry pioneers in the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship. instagram.com/ entrepreneurtvme
In the Loop /
The Future Sustainability Forum
by
DIFC Returns to Dubai from December 4-5, 2024
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the leading financial hubs for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has announced that the second edition of the Future Sustainability Forum will take place in Dubai from December
Coinciding with first anniversary of 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) being held in the UAE, the event will also seek to accelerate existing efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030. FSF 2024 also underscores DIFC’s commitment to
advancing UAE sustainability priorities alongside initiatives such as the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst which aims to grow sustainable finance flows from Dubai to US$100+ billion by 2030. Expected to attract over 3,000 participants, the Forum will address critical sustainability issues across eight core pillars spanning different industries including banking and finance, construction,
4-5, 2024. Set to be hosted at the Madinat Jumeirah, the Forum will focus on how to mobilize sustainable practices, engage in influential discussions on sustainable development, and also shed light on way to ensure environmental conservation, social equity and innovation.
renewable and future energy, transportation and mobility, manufacturing and production, recycling and waste management, sustainable technology, and agriculture and food production. In this way, FSF 2024 seeks to align with vision of UAE’s leadership to fast-track the transition to greener economies through sustainable technology, banking and finance, renewable energy, and waste management. T he event also aims to channel investment flows between the global north and south to accelerate climate action.
“The DIFC organised Future Sustainability Forum is a vital platform for collaborative action towards a more sustainable future,” said Alya Al Zarouni, Chief Operating Officer of DIFC Authority and Co-Chair of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group. “As the global economic landscape
evolves, so must our commitment to responsible and inclusive growth. At DIFC, we are proud to be convening this gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address the most pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. Together, we can forge new pathways to a more resilient and sustainable future for financial services and other important industries.”
In addition to the conference agenda that will feature over 100 sustainability and climate action expert speakers, the Forum will bring together innovative solutions and service providers from across the global sustainability landscape through the Climate Action and Renewable Energy Expo (CARE).
For more information and to register, visit the official Future Sustainability Forum website by heading to futuresustainabilityforum. com
