Entrepreneur Middle East January 1, 2026 | Inside Clé & Partners

THE 100 / Celebrating a Region Defined by Possibility P.31

PREMIUM ASCENDANCE / The INFINITI QX80 P.36

STANDOUT MOBILE APPS/ Create Apps Championship P.63

www.entrepreneur.com January 1, 2026 Middle East Edition

INSIDE

CLÉ & PARTNERS’ LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE HOSPITALITY DEAL EXPERTISE

Yigit Sezgin Founder / Managing Partner Clé & Partners P.22

THE ALL NEW NISSAN PATROL

BOOK NOW

Contents/

January 1, 2026

FEATURES

→ Yigit Sezgin

is the founder and Managing Partner at Clé & Partners.

P.22

From Launch to Landmark Deals YIGIT SEZGIN on Clé &

Partners’ surge of high-profile hospitality transactions.

January 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 3

EXTRAORDINARY PR IVATE PO O LS | 30+ AM EN ITI ES | PRI M E LO CATI O N S

Escape to a home where urban sophistication meets resort tranquility.

BU I LT FO R M O M E NTS THAT MAT TE R 800-SAMANA | WWW.SAMANADEVELOPERS.COM

D I S C OVER REFINED

living

*Ranking as per the H2025 1 sales volume data of property monitor for Dubai

SUITE TREAT Step into a world of opulence when you book a Suite at Raffles Doha.

Experience the added luxury of QAR 750 credit to spend on dining in the hotel, and QAR 500 towards any Spa treatment.

Children aged 12 and below are welcome to indulge in the enchantment of complimentary dining.

Rates starting from QAR 3,500 per night

For reservations, please call +974 4030 7100 or email reservations.doha@raffles.com

Raffles Doha, Iconic Towers, Marina District, PO BOX 4747, Lusail, Qatar

Welcome to the

EXCEPTIONAL An iconic hotel featuring luxury rooms and apartments with trendy dining options in the heart of Riyadh BOOK NOW

Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel 4248 Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Road, Riyadh 6721-13315, Saudi Arabia 00966118290900 info.mansard@radissoncollection.com radissonhotels.com/collection

Contents /

January 1, 2026

→ Jobin Joejoe is the Managing Director of Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA).

CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net MANAGING DIRECTOR Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net ART DIRECTOR Simona El Khoury EDITOR IN CHIEF Anil Bhoyrul anil@bncpublishing.net MANAGING EDITOR Tamara Pupic tamara@bncpublishing.net FEATURES EDITOR Aalia Mehreen Ahmed aalia@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 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Andy Soulahian andy.soulahian@bncpublishing.net COMMERCIAL LEAD

Anna Chipala anna@bncpublishing.net COLUMNIST Tamara Clarke CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BUSINESS UNUSUAL 17 Localized Innovation

JOBIN JOEJOE , Managing Director, Sony MEA, on how Sony aims to pioneer a new generation of products.

INNOVATOR 31 The 100: Celebrating a Region Defined by Possibility

The 100 success stories that inspire across borders.

39 Celebrating Entrepreneurial Creativity THE IN5 INNOVATION AWARDS –

powered by Entrepreneur Middle East.

‘TREPONOMICS 55 Rethinking Business Education

INSEAD Board of Directors Chair KRISTIN SKOGEN LUND MBA’92J.

36 Premium Ascendance

The INFINITI QX80 and the rise of premium ownership.

Fida Chaaban

SUBSCRIBE

Contact subscriptions@bncpublishing.net to receive Entrepreneur Middle East every issue

COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES sales@bncpublishing.net

ENTREPRENEUR.COM

Access fresh content daily on our website

STARTUP SPOTLIGHT 63 Create Apps Success Stories

Entrepreneur Middle East spotlights standout mobile apps emerging from the Create Apps Championship, a flagship initiative of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.

12 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

EntMagazineME

Entrepreneur-me

PO BOX 502511 DUBAI, UAE P +971 4 4200 506

All Rights Reserved 2026. Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

Entrepreneur Middle East and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Entrepreneur Media Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

Images used in Entrepreneur Middle East are credited when necessary. Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission. All images not credited otherwise Shutterstock. Printed by United Printing and Publishing.

PROPERTIES solproperties.ae 800-765-1

Learn More

Editor’s Note / WHY 2026 IS THE YEAR OF THE ENTREPRENEUR

F

or more than two decades, the UAE has been quietly laying the foundations for something extraordinary. In 2026, the results of that longterm vision will be impossible to ignore. The coming year is poised to mark a turning point — not just for regional business, but for global entrepreneurship — with Dubai firmly positioned as the startup capital of the world.

This moment has not arrived by chance. The UAE’s success is the outcome of consistent, future-focused government policies designed to attract talent, capital, and ambition from every corner of the globe. From 100% foreign ownership and long-term residency visas to world-class infrastructure and zero income tax, the country has removed many of the traditional barriers that slow entrepreneurs elsewhere. The message has been clear for years: if you want to build, innovate, and scale, the UAE is open for business.

What makes 2026 particularly significant is the maturity of the ecosystem. Dubai is no longer just a launchpad for regional startups; it is increasingly where global companies are born. Founders today have access to sophisticated funding networks, advanced logistics, progressive regulation, and a multicultural talent pool

14 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

that understands international markets from day one.

This combination allows startups to think globally from inception, rather than retrofitting international expansion later.

The UAE government’s proactive approach to emerging industries is another key factor. Whether it is artificial intelligence, fintech, clean energy, health technology, or the creator economy, regulation has evolved alongside innovation instead of lagging behind it. Entrepreneurs are not fighting systems — they are supported by them. This creates a rare environment where speed, experimentation, and scale can coexist.

By 2026, we will likely look back on this period as the birthplace of several global empires. Companies founded in Dubai today are already expanding across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, using the city as a strategic headquarters rather than a regional outpost.

The UAE’s geographic position — bridging East and West — gives founders a natural advantage in a world where global connectivity matters more than ever.

Perhaps most importantly, entrepreneurship in the UAE is now cultural. It is encouraged, celebrated, and normalized. Failure is increasingly viewed as experience, ambition as a virtue, and innovation as a national priority. That mindset, combined with structural support, is powerful.

2026 will not simply be another year of startups. It will be the year the world fully recognizes what the UAE has been building all along — a launchpad for the next generation of global business leaders, born in Dubai and built for the world.

Anil Bhoyrul Editor-in-Chief

AWARDS February 6, 2026 Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London, United Kingdom

Nominate Now For Editorial Opportunities Vibha Mehta +971 58 631 4145 vibha@bncpublishing.net

For Commercial Opportunities Joaquim D’Costa +971 50 440 2706 jo@bncpublishing.net

Roma Arora roma@bncpublishing.net

www.GlobalRELeaders.com

→ Jobin Joejoe is the Managing Director of Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA).

IMAGES COURTESY SONY

Engineering Locally Attuned Innovation In the nearly two decades since Jobin Joejoe joined Sony Middle East and Africa, he has been able to witness how the surge of new technologies has changed the consumer electronics market. With the industry now on the precipice of unprecedented hyperpersonalization courtesy AI, the Managing Director shares his views on how Sony aims to pioneer a new generation of products.

by AALIA MEHREEN AHMED

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 17

B/

Growth

A

mid the obvious dwindling of the thickness of our televisions, the assimilation of home theatre systems into living rooms, and the launch of more compact digital cameras and bluetooth speakers, global consumer electronics giant Sony has been quietly using artificial intelligence (AI) to power its innovation model. Jobin Joejoe, who started his tenure at Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA) in 2007 and is currently its Managing Director, explains that this development has been part of a much larger tectonic shift within the electronics landscape. “The move from standalone devices to

connected ecosystems has reshaped what consumers expect from technology,” Joejoe explains. “Software, services and hardware now work together to create complete experiences rather than isolated functions. AI has also moved from being an enhancement to becoming the core of product performance, especially in imaging, audio and personalised user experiences.

At Sony, AI has therefore been central to our innovation for years. For example, we introduced the world’s first XR Cognitive Processor for BRAVIA TVs in 2021, designed to recreate content the way humans see and hear. Similarly, our Alpha cameras use advanced AI to recognise and track subjects from people to animals and fast-moving objects, another capability Sony pioneered.”

↑Sony MEA is focused on building long-term relevance through

creator-led engagement, localized innovation, and ecosystem development across imaging, audio, and entertainment.

B

ut beyond keeping up with industry trends, Joejoe notes that an AI-driven culture presented itself as the next obvious step in the evolution of Sony’s core operational values – the foundations of which were laid in 1946 in Japan when the brand was introduced to the world. “Over the last two decades, I myself have had the privilege of witnessing the brand evolve across diverse regions and markets– and one of the most defining aspects of this journey has been seeing how Sony continues to innovate while staying true to its core philosophy of enriching lives through technology and creativity,” Joejoe explains. “A particularly defining example I can share is from as far back

18 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

as 1960, when our visionary founder, Masaru Ibuka, envisioned AI as the future of electronics. That forward-thinking mindset has been part of our DNA and today this vision has become our reality; to unleash human imagination and creativity with AI. And so, as I mentioned, AI-driven technologies have been seamlessly integrated into our product offerings to enhance user experiences. In home entertainment, our BRAVIA televisions feature voice search, allowing users to control their TVs through voice commands, simplifying content discovery and smart home integration. In digital imaging, Sony’s advanced AI capabilities enable our cameras to recognize and track various subjects, including people,

→ Joejoe joined Sony

MEA in 2007, rapidly advancing from Country Sales Manager to Head of Sales, leading brand strategy and exceeding sales targets across the region.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE MEA REGION IS DIVERSE, VIBRANT, AND FULL OF UNIQUE PREFERENCES. THAT’S WHY WE’VE DOUBLED DOWN ON TAILORING OUR PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND EXPERIENCES TO REFLECT LOCAL TASTES AND CULTURAL NUANCES. BEYOND PRODUCT OFFERINGS, WE HAVE TAKEN A MULTIFOLD APPROACH ROLLING OUT SEVERAL AUTOMATION PROJECTS ACROSS THE ORGANISATION.”

animals, and vehicles by analyzing their shape and movement. This intelligent automation optimizes autofocus and exposure settings, ensuring the best possible shot in every situation. Additionally, we have also taken a proactive approach by developing an enterprise large language model (LLM), a secure web application platform designed to help our employees safely explore

generative AI while also enhancing their AI literacy.

This initiative ensures that our teams can harness AI’s potential responsibly and effectively.”

Today, as Managing Director of the brand’s MEA markets, the geographies that fall within Joejoe’s purview include the GCC; Levant comprising Lebanon, Jordan and other various sub-regions; as well as Iraq and Egypt.

“We continue to go in the same direction to achieve exceptional results and bring us closer to our customers aligned towards the 3R’s which are Reality, Realtime and Remote,” explains Joejoe. “A key milestone has been the expansion of our direct-toconsumer (D2C) footprint through Sony World [the official online store for Sony products, where customers can purchase a

wide range of electronics such as televisions, soundbars, home theater systems, headphones, and cameras]. We’ve significantly strengthened our customer connection by extending into the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and several more markets underway. This channel has become a critical touchpoint for understanding }}

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 19

B/

Growth

Alpha content labs [Sony-led creative hubs that provide hands-on access to Alpha imaging tools and other services that support photographers and filmmakers], filmmaking workshops, and dedicated community initiatives across the Middle East and Africa, while also expanding into Central Asian markets. So far, these efforts have engaged more than 900 creators in the region, with initiatives such as Alpha Femme, Sony Cine events, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards, and the Sony World Photography Awards playing a key role in supporting local talent

↑ Sony’s broader strategy of pairing technological

excellence with ecosystem-driven collaboration, using close engagement with creators to ensure its innovations remain both relevant and marketresponsive.

AT SONY, AI HAS THEREFORE BEEN CENTRAL TO OUR INNOVATION FOR YEARS. FOR EXAMPLE, WE INTRODUCED THE WORLD’S FIRST XR COGNITIVE PROCESSOR FOR BRAVIA TVS IN 2021, DESIGNED TO RECREATE CONTENT THE WAY HUMANS SEE AND HEAR. SIMILARLY, OUR ALPHA CAMERAS USE ADVANCED AI TO RECOGNISE AND TRACK SUBJECTS FROM PEOPLE TO ANIMALS AND FAST-MOVING OBJECTS, ANOTHER CAPABILITY SONY PIONEERED.”

and serving customer needs more directly.”

In 2025, the company released a series of new products that Joejoe believes has been yet another astounding testament to the culture of innovation within Sony.

“The launch of our flagship model, the award winning noise-canceling headphone model WH-1000XM6, has been the top performer across the Middle East and Africa,” he shares. “We have witnessed exceptional demand driven by its enhanced noise-canceling capabilities, improved comfort and the growing appetite for premium

audio devices across both creators and everyday consumers. Its success reaffirms Sony’s leadership in the noise-cancelling category and highlights how strongly the region responds to products that combine innovation with everyday practicality. On the wearable tech side, the REON Pocket Pro gained remarkable traction in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Given the region’s extreme climate and tech-savvy customer base, our entry strategy was centred around targeting early adopters, professionals and frequent travelers – those

20 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

who face significant day-to-day climate shifts redefining personal comfort through innovation.”

But the brand’s influence has not been curtailed to the D2C market alone. In a bid to widen its community-led engagement, Sony MEA has also been working closely with creators across filmmaking, content creation and music to develop products that “reflect real workflows, ensuring that features respond to actual creative needs.” For starters, it has continued to scale its creator ecosystem through

and broadening access to professional tools.

The combination of Sony’s technological excellence and its ecosystem-driven programs have proven to be key competitive advantages, notes Joejoe.

“Sony continues to lead by investing in core technologies such as imaging sensors, intelligent processing and high-performance audio – these areas define our engineering strength,” he explains.

“Our ecosystem is another major differentiator. The combined strength of our pictures, music, games and

“ The combined strength of our pictures, music, games and electronics businesses creates integration that no other brand can accomplish and positions Sony as a creative entertainment company built on strong technology.” electronics businesses creates integration that no other brand can accomplish and positions Sony as a creative entertainment company built on strong technology. We also focus on forward looking innovation across AI-driven imaging, immersive audio and creator tools.

This is supported by collaboration with creators and partners across MEA to ensure relevance in each market.”

In the midst of all of the above, Sony has also prioritized what Joejoe defines as “a standard expectation” among customers: sustainability. “Consumers now look for responsible, durable products that align with long-term environmental goals,” he says. “This continues to guide our approach at Sony, from reducing waste with eco-conscious packaging to using innovative materials like SORPLAS™, our high-quality recycled plastic that significantly cuts down on virgin plastic. These trends,

ecosystems, AI, and sustainability are shaping how technology is designed, experienced, and valued, and they remain core to how Sony drives innovation in the region.”

Now while Sony has successfully amalgamated trends that have defined the consumer electronics space as a whole, there is also the fact that, within the MEA, it caters to culturally different markets. It is here that a significant factor accompanying “innovation” emerges.

“At Sony, our brand identity for the Middle East and Africa is built on two key pillars: innovation and localization,” Joejoe explains. “Innovation remains at the heartbeat of everything we do. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries of imaging, redefining home entertainment, or pioneering in gaming, we’re constantly evolving our offerings to meet the needs of today’s connected, creative consumer. Localization is equally critical. We understand that the MEA region is diverse, vibrant, and full of unique preferences. That’s why we’ve doubled down on tailoring our products, services, and experiences to reflect local tastes and cultural nuances.

Beyond product offerings, we have taken a multifold approach rolling out several automation projects across the organisation. This has allowed our team to take on broader responsibilities, explore new businesses, shifting from manual data entry to analysis and streamlined information sharing. This initiative not only enhanced compliance accuracy but, with these integrations, our ultimate goal is to boost operational efficiency, standardize processes, reduce manual tasks, and focus on business models that drive growth and help us take on challenges to expand in new verticals.

So bottom line: our operations are strategically positioned to cater to diverse markets, each with its own unique consumer preferences and technological demands which include presence across the Middle East, Africa, Levant and most recently the Central Asia region.”

As Joejoe and his team now move into what promises to be another momentous year, the Managing Director offers some parting words of advice to up and coming tech entrepreneurs. “Focus on a clear problem and build solutions that address real needs rather than chasing every emerging trend,” he says. “Also create strong feedback loops with users and customers, as real-world testing is more valuable than theoretical planning.

Make sure to build operational resilience early, since reliable supply chains, logistics and support networks become strengths when scaling. And perhaps most importantly, balance speed with discipline; meaningful innovation comes from careful execution, a clear product focus, and strong customer understanding.”

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 21

→ Yigit Sezgin

is the founder and Managing Partner at Clé & Partners.

22 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

FROM LAUNCH TO LANDMARK DEALS

CLÉ & PARTNERS’ FIRST TWO YEARS A DUBAI-HEADQUARTERED STRATEGIC ADVISORY AND INVESTMENT PLATFORM, FOUNDED BY YIGIT SEZGIN, SHAPING LANDMARK TRANSACTIONS AND PIONEERING DEAL STRUCTURES ACROSS GLOBAL LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE REAL ESTATE AND HOSPITALITY MARKETS. b y TA M A R A P U P I C

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 23

24 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

F

ollowing a three-decade-long career—including 15 years in C-suite roles across hospitality and real estate—Yigit Sezgin brings deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and a global network built at the highest levels.

From serving as Global Chief of Brand and Commercial at Fairmont to holding a senior role within Accor’s Luxury and Lifestyle leadership team, he has helped shape some of the world’s most influential hospitality brands.

It is this combination of experience, credibility, and instinct that allows him to place his pin on the world map with confidence, knowing results will follow.

And so, for his next chapter, Sezgin chose Dubai.

“Dubai is the land of opportunity,” he says. “It is one of the easiest cities in the world to build and scale a business, with unmatched access to capital, talent, and decision-makers. More importantly, it represents what I would call the capital of a new renaissance—defined by curiosity, courage, creativity, and ambition.

“I have previously convinced global organizations to relocate their headquarters to Dubai, so choosing to base Clé & Partners here was a natural decision.

“It is not only our strategic hub—it is also home. I am a very proud citizen of this extraordinary city.”

Sezgin’s next chapter began in 2024 with the launch of Clé & Partners, a 360-degree hospitality advisory platform that supports investors across the full investment lifecycle or at targeted points in between, while allowing clients to engage selectively based on specific verticals or challenges.

It operates across luxury and lifestyle real estate, hospitality, food and beverage, and entertainment.

He points to Clé & Partners’ practitioner-driven foundation as its core differentiator, grounded in real-world execution rather than theoretical consulting. “Every senior partner on }}

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 25

CLÉ & PARTNERS GUIDING PRINCIPLE

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication Leonardo da Vinci

EVERY SENIOR PARTNER ON THE PLATFORM BRINGS 25 TO 30 YEARS OF HANDS-ON, FIELD-BASED EXPERIENCE, HAVING BUILT, OPERATED, INVESTED IN, AND SCALED REAL BUSINESSES. WE ADVISE ON WHAT WE HAVE ACTUALLY DONE.”

the platform brings 25 to 30 years of hands-on, fieldbased experience, having built, operated, invested in, and scaled real businesses.

We advise on what we have actually done,” he says. “This experience aggregates into over 300 years of combined senior expertise, particularly across the Global South, where cultural fluency, local intelligence, and long-term relationships are critical.

Our access and relationships are reinforced by a highly curated, all-star advisory board, giving us reach that is genuinely difficult to replicate.”

Clé & Partners is not only an advisory platform — Sezgin points out — but an active investor across its four key verticals - M&A and capital structuring, hospitality investments, brand architecture, and strategic advisory.

In Clé & Partners’ M&A and capital structuring vertical, has already delivered a landmark transaction - successfully executing and closing a US$160 million agreement between Koç Holding, a Fortune Global 500 Turkish multinational industrial conglomerate, and Yıldız Holding, a leading Turkish food-focused group. The agreement enables the transfer of operating rights for flagship marina facilities and their luxury hotel assets in Göcek, within Muğla’s Fethiye district—one of Turkey’s most prominent coastal tourism hubs.

“The transaction required not only technical precision, but deep trust, discretion, and long-term strategic alignment,” Sezgin explains.

Beyond completed deals, Clé & Partners is advising on

26 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

↑ Omoria Private Residences

Dubai Island

↑ Miori Gocek, Turkey

select high-profile mandates, including an M&A transaction for a leading luxury design-and-build company in Dubai and the structuring of a flagship hotel deal in Istanbul, with capital structure, branding, and operations being shaped concurrently. Clé & Partners also acts as the exclusive strategic hospitality advisor to Omniyat, a prominent Dubaibased luxury real estate developer, with a mandate spanning the UAE, Egypt, and Iraq.

“What differentiates Clé from traditional advisory firms is our structure-first approach,” Sezgin says. “We focus on designing the right deal framework before valuation—aligning ownership,

governance, brand economics, and operational realities—so value is not only realized at closing, but sustained well beyond it.”

The Clé & Partners team has also helped transform the coastal town of Göcek, on Turkey’s southwest coast, into a gastro destination through its hospitality investments, including the Aegean restaurant MIORI by the Sea, waterfront lounge dining at Riva Lounge, Italian fine dining at Isabel’s, omakase dining at Oko, all-day dining at The Kitchen, and an artisan bakery café, The Bakery.

Sezgin explains that the firm’s investment philosophy is built around business modeling and revenue architecture, rather than short-term cost management. “In

“ In asset-heavy sectors, true value creation comes from designing strong, diversified revenue flows and ensuring healthy flow-through to the bottom line—not from aggressive cost compression that often weakens the asset over time.” asset-heavy sectors, true value creation comes from designing strong, diversified revenue flows and ensuring healthy flow-through to the bottom line—not from aggressive cost compression that often weakens the asset over time,” he says. We focus on protecting the underlying asset while enhancing upside through hybrid models. This includes the curation of brand IP, layered brand asset structures, and the integration of complementary revenue streams such as membership platforms, OpCo-driven incomes, strategic partnerships, and curated collaborations.”

In doing so, Clé & Partners diversifies risk, limits exposure, and creates resilience across cycles. }} January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 27

“ Our belief is that brand strategy, when properly architected and protected, is not a marketing exercise—it is a core value driver and a critical component of hospitality platform investments.”

“Risk, in our view, is managed through intelligent structuring— aligning ownership, brand economics, and operating models so downside is protected while upside remains scalable and long-term optionality is preserved,” Sezgin says.

Within its brand architecture vertical, Clé provides end-to-end brand consultancy—spanning strategy and architecture

through to digital engagement and experiential activation—focused on building leading luxury and lifestyle brands. To date, the Clé & Partners senior team has developed and repositioned brand platforms for boutique luxury hospitality brand Omoria, global luxury hotel brands Fairmont and Raffles, and experiential hospitality group Fundamental Hospitality.

Notably, Fundamental

28 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

Hospitality is set to launch a US$200 million global expansion program in 2026, with Sezgin taking on a lead role in supporting the group’s entry into luxury hotels and branded residences—aimed at shaping fully integrated lifestyle ecosystems that seamlessly unite dining, design, culture, and living.

“Our belief is that brand strategy, when properly architected and protected, is not a marketing

exercise—it is a core value driver and a critical component of hospitality platform investments.”

Sezgin says.

Sezgin has also led the design and implementation of complex operational frameworks across the hospitality sector, with selected mandates including ultra-luxury resort developments in the Maldives, Oshigali and Infinite Islands, and the development of a multibrand hospitality platform for a collection house with projects in the Maldives, Egypt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Greece - to name but a few. Through this work, Sezgin has gained a clear view into the structural blind spots that most commonly hold hospitality businesses back.

“One of the most common blind spots we encounter is short-term decision-making driven by cost-focused

investor mindsets, often rooted in cultural habits of cutting corners rather than building sustainable systems,” he says. “Cost-cutting at the expense of talent and capability is particularly dangerous in luxury and lifestyle businesses. The damage is rarely immediate or easily measurable—but over time, it leads to an erosion of service quality, brand credibility, and long-term asset value. Reputational damage builds slowly and silently, but once it surfaces, recovery is both expensive and difficult.” Clé & Partners addresses this by designing operational frameworks that protect talent, governance, and accountability, while still maintaining financial discipline. “Our role is to help investors understand where efficiency creates value—and where it quietly destroys it,” Sezgin says.

Speaking about the firm’s four focus sectors—luxury and lifestyle real estate, hospitality, F&B, and entertainment—Sezgin highlights their ability to create compounding value through the alignment of physical assets and intellectual property. “When real estate, hospitality, F&B, and entertainment are strategically aligned, each layer reinforces the other—driving higher asset values, strengthening brand equity, and increasing durability,” he

→ Oshighali - Maldives

explains. “This ecosystem approach creates long-term customers.

Guests, members, and residents evolve into repeat clients and long-term stakeholders who continue to invest across developments and brands within the same platform. This continuity of trust and experience is one of the most powerful, yet under-leveraged, drivers of value.”

With headquarters in Dubai, regional offices in Istanbul and London, and eight representation offices across four continents, Clé & Partners operates as a truly global firm. This global footprint gives Sezgin unique insight into the cultural nuances that leaders and investors most often underestimate.

“One of the most underestimated realities is that success is not automatically transferable across markets—even within the same country,” he says. “A model that performs exceptionally well in Dubai may not work in Abu Dhabi.

Each city and destination has its own cultural, economic, and social DNA that must be understood in detail,” he says. “At Clé & Partners, we believe in an agile, fluid, and glocalized approach—where global standards are adapted intelligently to local realities. Cultural fluency, adaptation, and intellectual honesty

are key. Working with a partner like Clé significantly reduces the risk of costly mistakes.”

Reflecting on Clé & Partners’ trajectory to date, Sezgin highlights the firm’s establishment as a trusted platform backed by senior partners and an experienced advisory board, its ability to scale through repeat client engagements and referrals, and its track record of delivering landmark transactions and brand signings across global resort markets.

Building on this foundation, he expresses confidence in the firm’s forward strategy- to further develop its investment arm, actively investing and curating products together with its partners and investors across every vertical Clé & Partners operates in. “We aim to design and own intellectual property, challenge the status quo, expand across geographies, and build meaningful platforms—while genuinely having fun throughout the journey,” Sezgin concludes.

“ Dubai is not only our strategic hub— it is also home.

I am a very proud citizen of this extraordinary city.”

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 29

WHERE THE CITY MEETS THE SEA, WHERE STYLE MEETS LUXURY Rixos Premium Dubai offers a seamless blend of cosmopolitan vibrance and seaside serenity. With spacious rooms, direct beach access, and proximity to premier shopping destinations, it’s the perfect hub for a stylish Dubai experience. Enjoy exquisite dining, unwind in the luxurious spa, and immerse yourself in stunning views. With impeccable service and an array of amenities, Rixos Premium Dubai sets the stage for a truly memorable stay in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Book a truly special holiday allinclusive-collection.com

100

THE

Special Edition

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 31

Special Edition /

HE OMAR SULTAN AL OLAMA

UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence

MOHAMED ALABBAR

Founder, Emaar Properties

YASIR AL-RUMAYYAN

Chairman, Saudi Aramco and Governor, Public Investment Fund (PIF)

SULTAN AHMED BIN SULAYEM

Group Chairman and CEO, DP World

KHALDOON AL MUBARAK

Managing Director and Group CEO, Mubadala Investment Company

HE MOHAMMED ALI AL SHORAFA AL HAMMADI

Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport Member, Abu Dhabi Executive Council

AMIN NASSER

President and CEO, Saudi Aramco

HUSSAIN SAJWANI

Founder and Chairman, DAMAC Properties

HATEM DOWIDAR

Group CEO, e& (formerly Etisalat Group)

MUNAF ALI

Co-founder and Group CEO, Phoenix Group

FADI GHANDOUR

Ex-founder, Aramex / Executive Chairman, Wamda Capital

RONALDO MOUCHAWAR

Ex co-founder, Souq - Vice President, Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, Amazon

AHMED ALKHOSHAIBI

Group Chief Executive Officer, Arada

ADEEB AHAMED

Managing Director, LuLu Financial Holdings

MAHDI AMJAD

Founder and Executive Chairman, OMINYAT Group

FAHAD AL HISSAWI

Group CEO of du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company - EITC)

DR. SHAMSHEER VAYALIL

Founder AND Chairman, Burjeel Holdings

ELIE KHOURI

Founder, Vivium - Chairman, Omnicom Media Group MENA

TOUFIC KREIDIEH

Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, BFL Group (Brands For Less)

HAIDER ALI KHAN

Chief Executive Officer, Bayut and dubizzle - CEO, Dubizzle Group MENA

ABDULLA LAHEJ

Chairman and Founding Partner, Ayana Holding - Founder, Amaal

SHERIF BESHARA

Group Chief Executive Officer, American Hospital Dubai

ALI SAJWANI

Managing Director, Operations and Technology, DAMAC Properties

AMIRA SAJWANI

Managing Director, Sales and Development, DAMAC Properties Founder and CEO, PRYPCO - Co-Founder, Amali Properties

MUHAMMAD BINGHATTI

32 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

Chairman, Binghatti Holding

/ THE 100

IMRAN FAROOQ

Founder and CEO, Samana Developers

ABBAS SAJWANI

Founder and CEO, AHS Properties

TALAL AL GADDAH

Group CEO, MAG Group

AJAY BHATIA

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SOL Properties

SATISH SANPAL

Chairman, ANAX Holding

ALI AL GEBELY

Chairman, ONE Development

CAPTAIN PRADEEP SINGH

Founder and Group CEO, Karma Developers and Aethon Group

FAISAL ADNAN SHAKER

Chief Executive Officer, Thakher Development Company

RIZWAN SAJAN

Founder and Chairman, Danube Group

DR. VIVEK ANAND OBEROI

Managing Director and Co-Founder, BNW Developments

ANKUR AGGARWAL

Chairman and Founder, BNW Developments

LEWIS ALLSOPP

Chairman, Allsopp & Allsopp

NOOR SWEID

Founder and Managing Partner, Global Ventures

FARAH ZAFAR

Co-founder and CEO, Lyvely

MILA SEMESHKINA

Founder and CEO, Lectera - Founder, WE Convention and WE Council

FAWAZ SOUS

Founder and CEO, OCTA Properties

VEER DOSHI

CEO and Managing Director,Vincitore Realty

WISSAM BREIDY

CEO, HRE Development

YOGESH BULCHANDANI

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sunrise Capital

ARMAND ARTON

Founder and Chief Global Citizen, Arton Capital

AJAY RAJENDRAN

Founder and Chairman, Meraki Group

SHAHEER TABANI

Executive Director, Prescott Real Estate

RIZ AHMED

Chief Executive Officer, SmartCrowd

MOHAMMED ALI TAYEM

Entrepreneur, Investor, Innovator

MOHAMMAD RAFIEE

Chief Executive Officer, Richmind Development

KRIS FADE

Radio Host, Entrepreneur, Media Personality

SAEEDA JAFFAR

Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager (GCC), Visa

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 33

Special Edition /

JOELLE MARDINIAN

Founder, Joelle Group - Beauty Entrepreneur - Media Personality

DR.HAN

Founder and CEO, Gate.io

MAAZ SHEIKH

Co-founder and CEO, StarzPlay

SERGEY AVAYAN

Chief Executive Officer, HOLM Developments

ABDULAZIZ AL-GHOMLAS

Chief Executive Officer, Al-Ghomlas Company

ESSA KAZIM

Governor, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

SULTAN ALNEYADI

Astronaut, Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

MOHAMMAD A. BAKER

Deputy Chairman and CEO, GMG

DR. NATALIA BOBOK

Founder, INSTYTUTUM

SUNNY VARKEY

Founder, GEMS Education

THUMBAY MOIDEEN

Founder and President, Thumbay Group

KHURSHID VAKIL

Co-Founder, Marina Home Interiors

RAJI DAOU

CEO, DMDC Contracting LLC

DANI AFIOUNI

Founder and CEO, Longevity Wellness Hub

WAJDAN GUL & ANAM KHALID

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SQUATWOLF Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, SQUATWOLF

SAGAR CHOTRANI & KUSHAL DESAI

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Publish Co-Founder and Managing Director, Publsh

QASIM MANSOOR

Founder and CEO, Regency Developments

FADI JAWAD

Founder and CEO, Eurotech Group

BILAL MEKKAOUI

Founder and CEO, OuiCollab

IRFAN TANSEL

CEO, Al Masaood Automobiles

DR. SONIA BEN JAAFAR

Chief Executive Officer, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF)

SALAH ADIB

General Manager, Al Masaood Tyres, Batteries & Accessories

MICHAEL LAHYANI

Founder and CEO, Property Finder

ELIE SAAB

Founder and Creative Director, ELIE SAAB

PRATEEK SURI

Chairman, Maser Group | Founder, MDR Investments

34 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

/ THE 100

ALEX REINHARDT

Venture Capitalist, Blockchain Innovator, Founder of UChain

TARIQ CHAUHAN

Co-Founder and Group CEO, EFS Facilities Services Group

DR. LEILA HOTEIT

Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group

ASHISH VIJAY

Founder and Chairman, AV Group

HISHAM MANSOUR

Co-Founder and Chairman, CFI Financial Group

PAUL DAWALIBI

Chief Executive Officer, Innovation City

KABIR MULCHANDANI

Chairman and CEO, FIVE Holdings

ALISHA MOOPEN

Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare (GCC)

YIGIT SEZGIN

Founder and Managing Partner, Cle & Partners

ABDULMAJEED ALSUKHAN

Co-Founder and CEO, Tamara

JIGAR SAGAR

Founder, Triliv Holdings

DR. ABHISHEK JAJOO

Founder and Group CEO, AJMS Group

OWEIS ZAHRAN

Managing Director, OWS Capital

MONA KATTAN

Founder, Kayali Fragrances

SAMIA BOUAZZA

Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Multiply Group

BADR JAFAR

CEO, Crescent Enterprises - President, Crescent Petroleum

AHMAD AL ZAINI

Co-Founder and CEO, Foodics

HOSAM ARAB

Co-Founder and CEO, Tabby

SAMIR TABAR

Chief Executive Officer, Bit Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: BTBT)

SHAISTA ASIF

Co-founder and Group CEO, PureHealth

NAIM MAADAD

Founder and Chief Executive, Gates Hospitality

ENG. MAHER MOUHAJER

Founder, Main Interior Design Engineer, CEO - Mouhajer International Design and Contracting

HANA AL ROSTAMANI

Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

SALEM HUMAID AL MARRI

Director General, Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 35

‘T/

Pro

Inside the UAE’s Luxury SUV Boom:

The INFINITI QX80 and the Rise of Premium Ownership

I

n the UAE’s fast-rising luxury automotive market projected to nearly double by 2030, customer expectations are evolving just as quickly as the vehicles themselves. Today’s buyers want more than craftsmanship and horsepower; they want an ownership experience that feels personalised, seamless, and built around long-term trust.

36 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

At the intersection of these expectations sits the INFINITI QX80, a flagship SUV that has captured the attention of Abu Dhabi’s discerning drivers, and Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for INFINITI in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra Region, which has engineered a customer journey as refined as the vehicle it represents.

A Flagship SUV Designed for Modern Ambition The QX80 has become a defining symbol of modern luxury: powerful, spacious, technologically sophisticated, and unmistakably confident in its presence.

Its design – the first interpretation of INFINITI’s “New Dawn” era – balances sculpted lines with aerodynamic form, creating a silhouette that signals elegance without compromising strength.

Under the bonnet, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 generates 450 hp and 700 Nm of torque, paired with a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission.

Whether navigating the capital’s urban roads or long stretches between emirates, the QX80 delivers composed performance and the sense of effortlessness that owners in this segment expect.

Inside, its craftsmanship becomes experiential.

Semi-aniline leather, open-pore wood trim, customisable ambient lighting, and dual 14.3-inch displays create an environment centred on comfort and clarity.

Segment-leading technologies such as Invisible Hood View, 3D Around View® Monitor, ProPILOT Assist, and Biometric Cooling elevate every journey, especially during the UAE’s warmest months.

A Line-Up That Reflects Abu Dhabi’s Luxury Tastes INFINITI further expanded the portfolio this year with the introduction of the QX80 SPORT, a

darker, more athletic interpretation of the flagship model. Featuring exclusive 22-inch wheels, smoked chrome accents, and a bespoke Dusk Blue interior palette, the SPORT grade appeals to buyers who want sophistication with an edge.

This diversification isn’t purely cosmetic; it mirrors a broader shift in buyer behaviour. Abu Dhabi’s drivers are increasingly

always prioritised shaping a customer experience that feels tailored, transparent, and reassuring – qualities that today’s luxury buyers increasingly value.

Rather than focusing solely on transactions, Al Masaood Automobiles builds long-term relationships with its INFINITI customers through personalised touchpoints; from guided vehicle selection to tailored

maturing. Customers today want vehicles that feel like long-term investments, supported by dealerships that match the quality of the brands they represent.

In this context, the QX80 does more than succeed as a product; it thrives as part of an ecosystem. With its commanding design, advanced safety technologies, segment-leading comfort, and portfolio

seeking luxury vehicles that reflect both identity and practicality.

delivery experiences and dedicated aftersales followup.

Recognising that buyers value control and clarity, the company also offers a variety of custom, flexible ownership solutions.

expansion combined with Al Masaood Automobiles’ customer-first approach, the QX80 has become one of the most compelling luxury SUV propositions in the region.

And with Al Masaood Automobiles elevating the ownership journey at every touchpoint, the QX80 continues to redefine what premium mobility means in Abu Dhabi.

Where Ownership Becomes a Personal Experience While the QX80 commands attention on its own, much of its success in the capital is rooted in the environment in which it is sold and serviced. Al Masaood Automobiles has

Why UAE Luxury Buyers Care About More Than the Car The UAE’s luxury market is both expanding and

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 37

The voice of entrepreneurship around the world Access fresh content daily on our website

38 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

POWERED BY

in5 Innovation Awards POWERED BY

Entrepreneur Middle East

A

cross four innovative categories, the in5 Innovation Awards, powered by Entrepreneur Middle East, celebrate founders whose vision, determination, and creativity are shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Saeed Alnofeli, Vice President of in5 Dubai

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 39

I N 5

S C I E N C E

ALBERT HEALTH www.albert.health

T

he in5 Science Award celebrates a science-driven startup that is using innovation to improve quality of life and enhance healthcare accessibility.

It was awarded to Albert Health, an evidence-based multi-chronic disease management platform that leverages AI to improve medication adherence and health outcomes.

The startups clinically validated solution operates in Arabic, English, and Turkish, serving patients across five countries, including Türkiye, the UK, and the GCC. To date, this company has reached more than 500,000 patients, empowering them through AI coaching and behavioral science.

40 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 41

I N 5

M E D I A

WILD CAMEL www.wildcamel.tv

T

he in5 Media award recognizes creative excellence in the media sector.

It was awarded to Wild Camel HyperMedia, a forwardthinking and innovative production company pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling through AI-powered photorealism and videorealism.

The result: high-end visuals that feel shot, not generated.

Their AI approach solves one of the biggest challenges in today’s content landscape: the high cost, long timelines, and heavy logistics of traditional production. And their overall work demonstrates originality, cultural relevance, and a commitment to high production value.

42 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 43

I N 5

D ES I G N

MAKAN HOME www.makanhome.ae

T

he in5 Design Award celebrated bold design thinking that is embedded in its winner MAKAN Home. By using AI to customize curtains, furniture, and living spaces, MAKAN Home is reshaping how we imagine our homes in Dubai and beyond.

Recognizing the realities of home furnishing in Dubai— where only around 15% of properties are furnished and the process can take up to two months—the MAKAN Home team set out to reinvent the furnishing experience, with a focus on convenience, flexibility, and sustainability, tailored to a new generation that is mobile, dynamic, and constantly on the move.

44 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 45

I N 5 T EC H

CAMB AI www.camb.ai

T

he in5 Tech Award celebrated a company working to make language barriers a thing of the

past.

The in5 Tech awardee, CAMB. AI, is an advanced AI speech synthesis and translation company that enables the translation and localization of content—across video, audio, and text—into more than 150 languages.

Founded in 2023, CAMB.AI has quickly emerged as a significant player in the localization and live multilingual translation space.

The company has raised US$18.5 million to build localization

46 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

infrastructure designed for the modern internet, with a focus on delivering seamless, AI-powered translation across multiple media formats.

Its technology is deployed across a wide range of use cases, from live sports broadcasts and contact centers to theatrically released films, positioning CAMB. AI as a global leader in AI-driven multimedia translation.

Headquartered in Dubai, the company works with an international portfolio of partners, including Broadcom, IMAX, NASCAR, the Australian Open, the Premier League, and MBC, among others.

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 47

S/

Innovation

Powering a Multilingual Internet

The in5 Tech Award winner Camb.AI is scaling AI-driven localization across media, sport, and entertainment

F

ounded by father-and-son duo Avneesh Prakash (CEO) and Akshat Prakash (CTO), CAMB.AI is a foundational AI company that has rapidly emerged as a global leader in AI-powered multimedia translation. Recognized as both the in5 Tech Award winner and overall in5 Award winner for its groundbreaking innovation, the company is contributing to the future of AI— from its base in Dubai!

“CAMB.AI has always been built as a global company, working with partners across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but the UAE has been a powerful launchpad for that ambition,” says Avneesh Prakash. “The country treats

48 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

AI as strategic infrastructure, with a level of conviction and speed that is hard to find in more mature ecosystems. That shows up in how quickly you can test with enterprises, work with regulators, and plug into initiatives around AI, media, and the digital economy.

Akshat Prakash adds that, for AI founders, the advantage of building out of the UAE is the combination of global access and local support - and in5 has been an important part of that story. “It lowers the friction on the unglamorous but critical pieces of company-building: infrastructure, licensing, talent access, and early exposure,” he says.

“Programs like in5, and the broader TECOM ecosystem

make it easier for founders to focus on building real technology and winning global customers, instead of getting stuck in administrative loops.”

The father-and-son duo explain that they are not just using AI, but building the core infrastructure behind it. “CAMB.AI is a foundational AI company focused on

Akshat Prakash explains. Global telecom companies use CAMB.AI to power multilingual contact centers, while leading publishers and news organizations rely on us to localize their digital properties. NASCAR, Major League Soccer, and Eurovision Sport use us to deliver emotionrich, multi-speaker AI dubbing for live commentary. Some

PROGRAMS LIKE IN5, AND THE BROADER TECOM ECOSYSTEM MAKE IT EASIER FOR FOUNDERS TO FOCUS ON BUILDING REAL TECHNOLOGY AND WINNING GLOBAL CUSTOMERS, INSTEAD OF GETTING STUCK IN ADMINISTRATIVE LOOPS.”

speech and localization, built to remove language as a constraint for how content, products, and ideas move around the world,” says Avneesh Prakash.

At the core of the platform are CAMB.AI’s proprietary models, MARS and BOLI, which enable real-time text-tospeech, speech-to-speech, and translation across more than 150 languages while preserving nuance, accent, and emotional expression. Designed to ensure creators, broadcasters, and brands retain their authentic voice in any language, the technology supports scalable global storytelling and audience engagement. Its impact is reflected in CAMB.AI’s client base, which includes organizations such as NASCAR, Major League Soccer, the Australian Open, and Eurovision Sport, alongside leading creators and publishers, as well as on-device localization through a strategic partnership with Broadcom.

“Whether it is a live match, a feature film, an interview, a podcast, or a contact center, the same infrastructure can localize it instantly, with broadcast-level quality,” Akshat Prakash says.

Avneesh Prakash explains that the challenge CAMB. AI is addressing has become more pressing than ever: while the world’s attention has shifted fully to digital platforms, language accessibility has yet to keep pace.

“Every piece of content that exists in only one language is leaving growth, revenue, and cultural relevance on the table,” he explains. “CAMB.AI exists to flip that equation: if something is worth saying once, it should be available to anyone, anywhere, in their own language, without compromise.”

The founders explain the CAMB.AI’s differentiation lies in being truly infrastructure-grade. “We focus on sectors where there is zero tolerance for errors: entertainment, live sports, critical communications, and publishing,”

of the largest audiobook publishers use our models to create and translate audiobooks into new markets.

CAMB.AI was the first company to fully AI-dub a theatrically released feature film, Three, achieving a level of quality that preserved tone, timing, and nuance— particularly within the horror genre—beyond what traditional AI dubbing systems have been able to deliver.

“Instead of building a single app on top of someone else’s models, we are building the rails everyone else can build on. That is the core of how we differentiate, locally and globally,” says Avneesh Prakash.

The founders anticipate that within the next two years, the notion of a “foreign-language” film, meeting, or website will largely disappear, as language barriers across content and communication are progressively removed. Early indicators of this shift are already visible, with platforms such as Netflix defaulting content into multiple languages and services like YouTube and Instagram rolling out AI-powered dubbing for creators at scale. Rather than a simple feature enhancement, this evolution is reshaping audience expectations, with multilingual accessibility increasingly becoming the default and a prerequisite for relevance in global markets.

“CAMB.AI is the engine driving this shift,” Akshat Prakash says. “By 2026, we won’t just be dubbing movies; we will be powering real-time, cross-language human interaction at the device level. We are targeting to solve the problem for not just a few studios, enterprises or sports leagues but for 8Bn people around the world.”

Avneesh Prakash adds, “We have a research team that has solved problems the giants are still struggling with, we are ready to unleash our proprietary models on a global scale. 2026 is the year we move from ‘adoption’ to ‘ubiquity’.”

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 49

THE ART OF ELEVATION

O M N I YAT. C O M 50 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

S/

Abu Dhabi

Policy–Tech Nexus: Pulsar Group’s Alyazi Al Khattal Alyazi Al Khattal, co-founder and CEO of Pulsar Group—a female leader shaping the region’s engagement with cutting-edge technologies. b y TA M A R A P U P I C

→ Alyazi Al Khattal is the co-founder and CEO of Pulsar Group.

P

ulsar Group has quietly positioned itself at the center of the UAE’s fast-evolving Web3 and blockchain landscape. Based in Abu Dhabi, the advisory firm works behind the scenes to help international companies navigate market entry—from regulatory strategy and local partnerships to go-to-market execution and post-entry scaling.

In recent months, its role in high-profile initiatives, including advising on a US$300 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) transaction into the Abu Dhabi-based Solana infrastructure company Solmate and supporting the launch of the UAE’s Machine Economy Free Zone, has brought the firm into sharper focus.

At the helm is Alyazi Al Khattal, co-founder and CEO of Pulsar Group, who —while the sector is still widely perceived as male-dominated - offers a different perspective as she describes Web3 as notably more balanced than many industries she has worked in before. “In terms of gender representation,” she says, “inequality has not been my experience in this sector—at least not within the circles and organizations we have engaged with.”

Abu Dhabi-based Emirati Al Khattal says Pulsar Group emerged from a clear opportunity—both within its founding team and in the wider market.

“One of our founders has a strong ability to identify high-quality companies and founders seeking to scale into the region, another brings a deep technical interest in Web3 and a genuine belief in its transfor-

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 51

S/

Abu Dhabi

mative potential, and the third is a serial investor with extensive experience in startups and early-stage ventures,” she says. “I come from a background in policy planning and the adoption of large-scale, complex initiatives.”

Pulsar Group’s journey began with a single client, but the founding team quickly identified a clear market gap: many international technology firms are eager to enter the region, yet often lack the clarity, networks, and local understanding required to navigate the market and scale effectively. “We are intentionally selective in the partnerships we pursue,” Al Khattal says.

“We turn down the majority of opportunities because our objective is not volume, but impact. We partner only with credible companies and individuals who are capable of delivering tangible value and contributing to meaningful, long-term change in the region.”

Here, Al Khattal emphasizes that Pulsar Group is not exclusively focused on blockchain.

“While Web3 is an important area of interest, we work more broadly with technology companies that align with our vision and values,” she says.

Alongside the Solana Foundation, RockawayX, and ARK Invest, Pulsar Group supported

“ We’re seeing blockchain move beyond experimentation in the UAE—from creator-led ecosystems and gaming to institutional DeFi and the tokenization of machines. What’s happening now is about real deployment, not theory.”

Solmate, a newly launched Solana-based digital asset treasury (DAT), that Al Khattal describes as “a DAT infrastructure company with a UAE focused strategy.”

“The idea of Solmate was mainly driven by our love for Solana and our love for the region,” she says. “Myself and a group of other investors decided to launch a digital asset treasury that would be focused on Solana because we believe that Solana has the best digital infrastructure (it’s cheap, it’s fast and it’s the most used blockchain for internet capital markets). We also wanted to run the first Solana validator in the region and continue

52 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

building that bridge connecting the UAE to the world.”

Following the Machine Economy Days in the UAE in April 2025, which showcased decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) applications built on peaq, peaq and Pulsar Group have announced the launch of the Machine Economy Free Zone (MEFZ), set to operate across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “What’s interesting about the project is that it flips the script on the “rise of the machines” to making it more human centric,” says Al Khattal. “In other words, robots and machines are already doing a lot of work, with real economic outcomes.

This allows the

'TREP TALK Alyazi Al Khattal’s Advice for Entering the UAE } Plan for scale – It’s very impor-

tant to show stakeholders that you don’t view the region only as a source of capital, but that you are also here to participate in its transformation.

Be ready for enterprise-wide adoption – The market here is very aggressive. While regulators are keen to sandbox, you need to be ready to deploy at large scale.

The GCC is not one market or one culture.

Develop your local network – You need to spend time in the region meeting key stakeholders and regulators. You must be willing to invest your time and remain persistent.

“THE UAE IS ALWAYS HUNGRY FOR THE NEXT WAVE THAT MAKES THE COUNTRY AND ITS ECONOMY EXCEPTIONAL.”

co-ownership of that machine rather than keeping people out of any kind of opportunity.”

MEFZ is structured around four pillars—regulation, deployment, investment, and innovation—with plans to introduce regulatory sandboxes, physical and virtual testing environments, investment matchmaking, and a regional innovation hub for DePIN development. “This form of economy (Machine Economy) is a humancentric model where where AI- powered machines can deliver goods and services, earn income, and interact directly with people, businesses, and each other,” says Al Khattal.

Early initiatives include pilots for machine tokenization, enabling fractional investment in robots and machines, and a Universal Basic Ownership (UBO) model linked to machinegenerated revenues.”I personally love this project because it democratizes investments enabling almost everyone to benefit from this change that is coming,” Al Khattal adds.

Al Khattal believes these projects find fertile ground in the UAE, which offers an environment few global markets can match—driven by regulatory clarity, credibility, and flexibility; early, purpose-built frameworks for digital assets; a strong execution mindset across government institutions; and a geographic position at the centre of global markets,

'TREP TALK Alyazi Al Khattal’s Advice for Women in Tech }Competence is confidence - Stay up to date with

market trends and regulations, or whatever your area of focus is. Confidence born out of competence is not arrogance.

}Develop your network - I understand that women are less likely to network than men, as we tend to carry a broader set of responsibilities, face societal biases, and, in some cases, internal barriers. }Focus on your team - You won’t get anywhere alone; you need to be a team player. }Take extreme ownership - No job is too menial. You are responsible for every failure, and your team deserves credit for every success. → Abu Dhabi-based

strategic advisory firm Pulsar Group helps international companies navigate market entry—from regulatory strategy and local partnerships to go-to-market execution and post-entry scaling.

making it a strategic base for Web3 companies building global protocols.

However, she notes that this ambition poses both an opportunity and a risk.

“The UAE is always hungry for the next wave that makes the country and its economy exceptional,” she says.

“Stagnation will not help you, and competition is high,” she says. “Our population also isn’t as large, so whatever you

introduce needs to have a strong differentiating element. Another opportunity and risk is that the UAE’s geographic location, safety, and lifestyle attract talent from abroad.

Additionally, our educational system is breeding a new generation that is extremely talented and curious. That being said, for some companies, talent retention can be challenging, as competition is intense.”

Looking ahead, Al Khattal points to several areas where blockchain adoption in the UAE is moving from concept to execution. These include the growing intersection of the creator economy and blockchain, and the increasing institutional adoption of decentralized finance by sovereign and large investment entities. “We’re seeing blockchain move beyond experimentation in the UAE—from creator-led ecosystems and gaming to institutional DeFi and the tokenization of machines.

What’s happening now is about real deployment, not theory.”

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 53

FUN COMES GUARANTEED YOU DECIDE WHEN THE PARTY STOPS WITH 24HR FOOD & DRINK. NOW OPEN AT DUBAI DIGITAL PARK. RADISSONHOTELS.COM/RED

→ INSEAD Board of Directors Chair Kristin Skogen Lund MBA’92J.

Rethinking Business Education INSEAD Board of Directors Chair Kristin Skogen Lund MBA’92J explains why business education must evolve to equip leaders with the skills to navigate AI-driven change and embed AI into strategic decision-making. b y TA M A R A P U P I C

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 55

‘T/

Education

TO PREPARE FUTURE LEADERS EFFECTIVELY, BUSINESS EDUCATION MUST ALSO EMBED A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF HOW AI IS RESHAPING INDUSTRIES, STRATEGY, AND LEADERSHIP ITSELF.”

I

n line with its reputation as “The Business School for the World,” INSEAD continuously reassesses its curriculum design and teaching methods to reflect the realities of today’s business environment. INSEAD Board of Directors Chair Kristin Skogen Lund, MBA ’92J, explains that while grounding

56 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

students in core disciplines such as accounting, finance, and fundamental business frameworks remains critical, it is no longer sufficient. “To prepare future leaders effectively, business education must also embed a deep understanding of how AI is reshaping industries, strategy, and leadership itself,” she says.

INSEAD offers a wide range of MBA electives focusing on digital transformation, AI, data analytics and other emerging technologies. New electives for 2025/2026 include Generative AI Product&Business, Building your Personal and Business AI Strategy, Marketing to Humans, Bots and Beyond, Hands-on Deep Learning, GenAI at Work, Forecasting Beyond Guessing, Creative Thinking with AI and more.

These courses help prepare AI-ready leaders who can master new digital skills and adapt quickly as technology reshapes organizations.

“We are also piloting an innovative segment within our core Marketing course that uses AI to help students apply marketing principles to their own career strategy,” Lund says. “The new module enables participants to visualize potential career paths, understand the

skills and experiences required for target roles, and position themselves more effectively in a competitive global job market.”

All these courses are designed to build AI fluency in leaders by combining technical awareness with strong strategic and ethical judgment. “Some of our Executive Education programs such as Transforming Your Business with AI and Strategy in the Age of AI and Digital Disruption are high in demand as they prepare leaders to relook business models and solve real problems with AI,” Lund says.

INSEAD is integrating advanced technologies such as extended reality through its INSEAD XR Portal to enhance experiential learning in business education. The platform hosts the world’s largest collection of immersive business education cases and is accessible to academic institutions and corporate partners globally. These virtual reality cases are currently used by more than 40 INSEAD faculty members and have reached over 25,000 learners worldwide. As digital learning tools continue to evolve, Lund believes that skill development and upskilling are expected to become increasingly immersive, scalable, and adaptable to local contexts.

She adds, “Beyond that, we aim to

“AS AI TAKES ON MORE ANALYTICAL AND OPERATIONAL TASKS, THE MOST CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES WILL BE THOSE THAT REMAIN UNIQUELY HUMAN.”

cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, teaching leaders how to leverage AI to reinvent industries. We are bringing AI into research by mobilizing its multidisciplinary strength to explore how AI reshapes business, organizations, markets and society. The upcoming Human and Machine Intelligence Institute (HUMII) will be focused on promoting faculty-led research and thought leadership that explores how AI is transforming business and society.”

Focusing on the UAE, INSEAD supports Emirati entrepreneurs by connecting them to global innovation ecosystems while ensuring strong regional relevance. “A key example is the work of Professor Chiara Spina, whose regional engagement spans three pillars: Research, Support and Outreach,” Lund says. “Her upcoming evidence-based report on UAE innovation (2026), along with new case studies and pedagogical materials on “doing business in the Middle East,” aims to document and strengthen the region’s competitive advantages.”

Lund adds that Professor Spina is also co-designing programs with UAE universities and innovation hubs to integrate Emirati founders into INSEAD’s entrepreneurship ecosystem [to be launched in 2026] and contributing to UAE–Japan innovation bridge initiatives linking entrepreneurs and investors. “Through Outreach, Professor Spina translates academic insights for practitioners, recently speaking at Microsoft for Startups Middle East’s AI for Impact and Abu Dhabi Finance Week on scaling, AI adoption and impact investing,” Lund says. “These efforts, together with platforms like the AI Venture Lab by Professor Hyunjin Kim, ensure Emirati founders gain access to world-class networks, practical guidance and global perspectives.”

In conclusion, Lund highlights the human skills that will become most critical for future leaders and explains how business schools should prioritize developing them. “As AI takes on more analytical and operational tasks, the most critical leadership capabilities will

How AI Reshapes Leadership

By INSEAD Board of Directors Chair Kristin Skogen Lund MBA’92J

} “Leaders today must be fluent in human-machine collaboration and skilled at interpreting, validating, challenging and operationalizing AI-driven insights rather than accept them at face value. The leaders of the next decade will be those who balance these tradeoffs thoughtfully and able to integrate AI in ways that enhance, rather than replace, the capabilities of their teams. Above all, they will see AI not merely as a productivity tool but as a catalyst for new ideas, new markets and entirely new ways of organizing work.”

be those that remain uniquely human,” she says. “Ethical judgment, responsible decision-making and navigating complex ambiguity are areas where leaders must still lead with judgment and accountability.

“Equally important are empathy, trust-building and the ability to motivate diverse teams – these are qualities that strengthen cohesion in increasingly hybrid and AI-enabled organizations.

Entrepreneurial thinking, experimentation, resilience and a growth mindset will also define leaders who can innovate and adapt in environments of constant change.”

For business schools, this calls for learning environments that encourage innovation and experimentation while preparing leaders to work alongside AI-driven digital workforces. As curricula become more interactive, immersive, and closely connected to real-world challenges, the focus must remain on developing purpose-driven, compassionate, and human-centered leadership. “Ultimately, human leadership will become the true differentiator in an AI-intensive future,” Lund concludes.

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 57

E n lig h ten You r Et ern a l Beau t y, I n side a n d Ou t !

@muarjewels

www.muarjewels.com

info@muarjewels.com

B/

Gear

#TamTalksTech

Tune in ↓

/Belkin Wireless Earbuds SoundForm Anywhere True Wireless Earbuds, Belkin’s premium semi-inear design, is crafted for all day comfort with a flush-to-ear profile fit that reduces pressure for secure comfort whether commuting, working out or sleeping. Compact and pocketfriendly, its small case includes an integrated key ring for easy attachment to a belt loop, purse or backpack. Audio performance is power by a 12mm driver and one microphone Environmental Noise Cancellation per earbud, supported

by Clear Call technology. You can tailor the sound with three EQ presets - bass, boost, balanced and Belking signature sound - while IPX4 sweat and water resistance ensures everyday durability. Multipoint pairing via Bluetooth 6.0 enables connection to two devices at once and an included silicone size-up sleeve offers an option for a larger fit. Each earbud delivers up to six hours of playtime with the slim case providing an additional 20 hours, for ups to 2 hours of total listening time. Fast USB charging offers around 90 minutes of listening time from just 10 minutes of charge.

Gadgets and doodads that you might’ve missed out on, sourced by a tech aficionado. b y TA M A R A C L A R K E

Play on →

/Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI Acer’s latest AI-accelerated gaming laptop, the Predator Helios Neo 16 AI, unleashes the future of portable gaming. Powered by up to an Intel Core i9-14900HX with 24 cores and up to 5.8GHz Max Turbo Frequency, the Helios Neo 16 AI delivers exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy creative workloads. It combines advanced hardware with AI capabilities to deliver desktop-class performance anywhere. Its 16-inch WQXGA display with 240Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures vivid visuals and ultra-smooth gameplay. Built for sustained performance, the laptop integrates 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans, liquid metal thermal compound, and vector heat pipes to keep temperatures in check during intensive sessions. Designed for the AI era, the Helios

Neo 16 AI can run hundreds of AI applications locally, from Stable Diffusion to creative suite tools, offering faster compute times and smarter workflows. Features like Copilot in Windows 11, Acer PurifiedView, and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 add even more intelligent capabilities for productivity and communication.

Store it up

The Sandisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive, the world’s smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive, is designed to stay put once it’s plugged in. This tiny-but-mighty drive is perfect for professionals, students, and everyday users who need more capacity on their laptop or tablet without compromising mobility. The drive offers discreet leave-in storage for rapid file transfers and up to 1TB of capacity, allowing you to seamlessly add extra storage while staying productive on-the-go. With slim USB-C laptops and tablets now central to mobile work and study, users need compact solutions that keep up with their fastmoving paces and storage needs. And, Sandisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive, meets the need by providing high-capacity storage that fits perfectly snug to stay connected, whether moving between meetings, commuting, or heading to class.

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

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 59

IMAGES COURTESY ACER | SANDISK | BELKIN

← /Sandisk USB-C Flash Drive

B/

Offerings

The Executive Selection

MANOLO AT THE LANA ↑

Manolo Blahnik Afternoon Tea In December 2025, The Lana partnered with Manolo Blahnik to present Manolo Blahnik Afternoon Tea. The experience was set alongside a 20-foot Christmas tree featuring

60 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

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 The Lana and Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital UAE.

suspended candles and custom baubles inspired by Manolo Blahnik shoe designs, reflecting the visual identity of both brands. The afternoon tea menu included a selection of sandwiches, desserts, and scones. The evening offered a relaxed yet polished celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and festive joy. www.dorchestercollection.com/dubai/the-lana

EDITOR’S PICK

Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital UAE ↑

Emaar Towers - Marina Walk, Dubai Marina The Platinum Anti-Ageing Peptide HydraFacial at Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital UAE offers a comprehensive and well-executed skin-renewal experience. The treatment combines deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and intensive hydration in a way that feels effective yet non-aggressive. The personalized boosters, LED light therapy, and cooling ice ball massage were especially soothing, and the peptide Salmon Sperm mask left my skin looking noticeably plumper, clearer, and refreshed. I walked out with an immediate glow, but more importantly, my skin felt healthy, balanced, and well cared for.

Equally noteworthy is the caliber of the clinic’s team.

The professionalism and attention to detail across the staff stand out, particularly with the presence of Dr Dragana Spica, a specialist reconstructive and plastic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience in leading facilities for aesthetic surgery in Belgrade, Serbia, and Dubai, UAE. Her results in aesthetic surgeries of the face and breast, body contouring, and other nonsurgical procedures, underscore the clinic’s commitment to medical excellence, precision, and high standards of patient care, adding a strong layer of trust and credibility to the overall experience.

I M A G E S C O U R T E S Y O F T H E L A N A A N D A E S T H E T I C S B Y K I N G ’ S C O L L E G E H O S P I TA L U A E

aesthetics.kingscollegehospitaldubai.com

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 61

Invests In Entrepreneurs What Are You Building?

Learn more at entrepreneur.vc

Create Apps Success Stories

With the third edition of the Create Apps Championship —– Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s flagship program, and part of the Create Apps in Dubai initiative— announced, this series spotlights some of the most prominent mobile apps that have been born out of previous editions of the Championship. b y A A L I A M E H R E E N A H M E D January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 63

S/

Innovation

→ Bassem Nassif is the founder and CEO of The Intern

THE INTERN

Winner of ‘The Most Impactful App’ - First Edition jobs.theintern.app

T

he obvious gap between the textbook-heavy theoretical lessons taught at universities and the hands-on practical knowledge required in most jobs has long contributed to a lack of job-ready graduates. But in a digitally-driven ecosystem, where students are expected to be well versed in the latest advanced technologies, this discrepancy perhaps becomes more pronounced. Tackling this issue head-on is UAE-based startup The

64 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

Intern. “I wanted to build a platform that gives every student a fair chance to experience their dream job before they even apply—through AI job simulations that match real corporate expectations,” recalls founder and CEO Bassem Nassif. “The Intern thus solves one of the biggest challenges in the region: the skills and experience gap between university students and the workplace. While employers struggle to find job-ready talent, students struggle to understand what a career actually requires. Our app

uses AI-powered job simulations to give undergraduates hands-on exposure to real roles—within marketing, human resources (HR), engineering, finance, and more— allowing them to learn, practice, and validate their career choices even before graduating. Our primary users are undergraduates seeking clarity, practical experience, and a competitive edge in the job market. At the same time, companies benefit from betteraligned candidates who arrive more prepared, confident, and informed about workplace expectations.”

The Intern, however, doesn’t aim to address the challenges that only apply to the generic hiring process.

According to Nassif, the traditional internship model too is outdated and fosters a highly cutthroat environment that doesn’t allow

“OUR GOAL IS CLEAR: BECOME THE LEADING AI JOB-SIMULATION PLATFORM IN THE MIDDLE EAST.”

assessments, and adaptive learning to create personalized job journeys that feel real and practical. Unlike existing platforms that focus only on matching candidates to jobs, we focus on preparing them before they even apply. This makes The Intern a new category of employability technology: accessible, scalable, and deeply aligned with the region’s vision for the future of work.”

It was during the first edition of the Create Apps Championship by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy that The Intern found a perfect launchpad. In fact, so welcomed was the idea that the startup emerged as one of the winners of the inaugural Championship edition, taking home the “Most Impactful App” award.

“The Create Apps Championship was a turning point for our startup,” Nassif says. “It provided access to an

whose insights shaped our strategy and strengthened our go-to-market approach. Professionally, the program helped us transform from a prototype into a structured platform with a clear roadmap, strong narrative, and investor-ready foundation. It was both an accelerator and a confidence catalyst.”

Participating in the Create Apps Championship in particular offered The Intern’s team three factors that, as per Nassif, “early-stage founders rarely get all at once. “And that is credibility, community, and clarity,” he says. “The most valuable aspect was the access to strategic mentorship and a supportive ecosystem that truly wants startups to succeed. The direct guidance on product development, storytelling, and market positioning allowed us to shape The Intern into a high-impact solution aligned with the UAE’s digital and

'TREP TALK Bassem Nassif, founder and CEO of The Intern, shares advice to founders considering joining future editions of the Create Apps Championship

enough opportunities for a diverse pool of young talent. “The Intern replaces that bottleneck with AI-driven simulations that replicate real job tasks, decisions, and scenarios at scale—giving every student access to experiential learning regardless of background or network,” he explains. “Our platform blends generative AI, role-play

exceptional ecosystem, mentorship, and global exposure that helped refine our product vision and speed up execution. The program pushed us to think bigger, validate assumptions quickly, and build a solution ready for real-world scale.

Personally, it connected me with leaders in the UAE’s digital economy

}“My advice is simple: join with an open mindset and be ready to transform your idea into a real business.

The Create Apps Championship gives you access to world-class mentors, a powerful support network, and a platform that amplifies your credibility—but the real value comes when you engage fully and iterate quickly.

Treat every feedback session as a chance to refine your product. Surround yourself with founders in the cohort and learn from their journey.

Most importantly, leverage the UAE ecosystem—it is one of the most supportive environments for digital builders globally.”

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 65

S/

Innovation

market entry. Some details are still under NDA, but we can share that the platform is being positioned for commercial pilots in multiple countries, with strong institutional support behind our mission.”

At the helm of it all sits Nassif, and the underlying vision with which he first started The Intern.

“In this venture, my role is to transform the way young people prepare for the workforce by integrating intelligent job simulations, employer insights, and scalable digital tools,” he says.

“As such, I work closely with our product and AI teams to ensure the platform reflects real industry needs while remaining accessible and engaging for students. My focus now is on expanding the platform regionally, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring our solution genuinely impacts youth employability and organizational hiring efficiency.”

economic goals. The visibility we received—as well as the belief shown in our mission—gave us the momentum to accelerate development and aim for regional expansion more confidently.”

Sure enough, since its win at the competition, The Intern has quietly gone on to create steady inroads in the market. “Over the past months, we have expanded The Intern into a full AI job-simulation platform — launched as jobs.theintern.app— and onboarded early users from universities across Egypt and the UAE,” Nassif shares. “We secured the highly sought after recognition from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, which significantly strengthened our credibility and visibility. Our team built multiple career tracks, established 66 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

partnerships with youth-focused organizations, and initiated pilot discussions with regional universities.

We also enhanced our product with new AI modules, redesigned user experience (UX), and a scalable onboarding system. Perhaps most importantly, we validated the strong market need: students are actively seeking practical learning, and employers welcome candidates with simulated experience.”

The Intern has also clinched important collaborations along the way, Nassif adds. “We are currently in active discussions with universities, ecosystem partners, and corporate employers interested in integrating AI job simulations into their talentdevelopment programs,” he continues.

“We have also attracted investor interest for our next funding round, focusing on product scaling, AI module expansion, and regional

Strengthened by such resolve, The Intern is now gearing up for a promising new year. “Over the next 6–12 months, we aim to scale The Intern across the region, onboarding universities, expanding corporate partnerships, and launching dozens of new AI-powered job simulations across more industries,” Nassif reiterates.

“Our roadmap includes introducing employer dashboards, deeper assessment tools, and localized career tracks tailored to market needs. We will also begin commercial pilots with educational institutions and launch community programs to empower students with practical career readiness tools. On the business side, we are preparing for fundraising to support our expansion and regional go-tomarket plan. Our goal is clear: become the leading AI jobsimulation platform in the Middle East.”

PHARMEDIC Finalist - Second Edition www.pharmedic.ae

H

ave you ever heard of, or experienced, a situation where a legally prescribed medication led to health repercussions simply because important information regarding its usage and side effects weren’t conveyed properly? For Mahra Haitham Al Hosani, a medical student in training, this was a reality she got to see happening from a healthcare provider’s perspective.

“During my clinical training, I have witnessed firsthand how medication errors, unclear instructions, and fragmented information can directly impact patient safety,” Al Hosani laments. “I therefore founded Pharmedic to address a critical gap in medication safety, patient

→ Mahra Haitham Al Hosani is the founder and CEO of Pharmedic

understanding, and personalized treatment guidance. Despite advanced healthcare systems, medication-related risks remain widespread. The vision I had found a strategic platform in The Create Apps Championship — the initiative enabled me to translate a clinically driven vision into a scalable digital health solution aligned with Dubai’s innovation ecosystem and national health priorities.”

Indeed, it was through the course of the second edition of The Create Apps Championship that Pharmedic was launched as a digital health startup focused on reducing medication errors and improving patient safety. “Pharmedic addresses

medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and the lack of accessible, patient-friendly medication guidance,” Al Hosani, who is also the CEO, iterates. “Our primary users are patients managing prescriptions, with secondary users including caregivers and healthcare professionals seeking clearer, safer medication support. Pharmedic thus integrates clinically validated medication data with personalized digital guidance, designed to be understandable and actionable for patients. The platform is being built to support advanced health data integration, including pharmacogenomic insights, enabling safer and more informed medication use at scale.”

Having emerged as one of the finalists during the Championship’s second edition, Al Hosani is quick to credit its wide-ranging support for opening multiple doors for Pharmedic. “Create Apps provided critical exposure, validation, and access to decision-makers across Dubai’s innovation ecosystem. It accelerated Pharmedic’s ability to secure cross-border partnerships, advance regulatory engagement, and transition from concept to execution,” she says. “The program’s strongest value was its ability to connect startups directly with national institutions, global partners, and real deployment opportunities, enabling tangible progress rather than theoretical growth.”

Indeed, one of the most prominent results in this regard happened earlier this year when Pharmedic was January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 67

S/

Innovation

able to soft-launch its MediGene Kits at Try Everything 2025, a global startup festival in South Korea, under the banner of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. “During that strategic visit we were able to secure partnerships with leading digital health and biomarker development entities, including HAII Corporation,” Al Hosani adds. “In parallel, we also completed a Health Technology Assessment with the Department of Health (DoH) and established active networks with key healthcare stakeholders, including the Dubai Health Authority, Sharjah Health Authority, and the Emerald Struggle Establishment. Next, we successfully developed and validated our minimum viable product (MVP) and, through the momentum and credibility gained via Dubai Chambers, were shortlisted for the 11th cohort of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF). Most recently, Pharmedic was endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) for an official product launch at Make It in the Emirates 2026.”

While each of these milestones are impressive on their own, Al Hosani explains that a significant outcome has been the collaborative efforts the startup has been able to clinch through them.

“Pharmedic has secured strategic partnerships with

Our vision is that no matter which emirate you receive care in, you can trust that your treatment is supported by locally built, nationally aligned, patient-first health technology.”

digital health, AI, and genomic entities locally and internationally,” she says. “We are currently working with leading genomic laboratories to deliver pharmacogenomic services at scale across all seven emirates, and have conducted soft launches both in South Korea and within the Emirate of Dubai. Fundraising and additional strategic partnerships are currently ongoing.”

Emboldened by the positive responses it has received so far, the Pharmedic team is now

'TREP TALK Mahra Haitham Al Hosani, founder and CEO of Pharmedic, shares advice to founders considering joining future editions of the Create Apps Championship }“Approach the program with a clear problem statement and readiness to execute. The real value lies in how effectively founders leverage the platform to build partnerships and move toward real-world impact.”

68 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

gearing up for a productive 2026 with a singular goal: to bring safer, more personalized medication guidance to patients across all seven emirates of the UAE. “As part of our official launch under the Make it in the Emirates 2026 initiative, we are scaling our platform nationally by onboarding clinics, hospitals, and healthcare providers to ensure patients can access the same high standard of care wherever they are in the UAE,” Al Hosani reveals. “For patients, this means consistent, easy-to-understand medication guidance, clearer information on side effects and interactions, and—where appropriate— genetically informed insights to support your doctor’s decisions. Our vision is that no matter which emirate you receive care in, you can trust that your treatment is supported by locally built, nationally aligned, patient-first health technology.”

→ Dr. Hateem Khuja is the co-founder and CEO of Uoma

UOMA

Semifinalist - Second edition www.uoma.ai

F

or time immemorial, fictional tales wherein the protagonists resiliently overcome immense grief and personal impediments have quietly allowed millions to feel seen, heard and understood – and also gain lessons on how to unpack their own emotions. But what if we could process the complexities of our life journeys through objectively viewing

ourselves as a character in a story?

That is precisely what Uoma, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mental health app does.

Built to help individuals manage stress and anxiety, Uoma leverages the concept of narrative therapy —a form of psychotherapy, first developed in the 1980s, that helps people become experts in their own lives by understanding and changing their personal

stories— to create personalized storytelling for users. “Until now, narrative therapy has been nearly impossible to convert into an algorithmic process, because it requires genuine expertise in psychology, emotional context, and identity development,” explains Dr. Hateem Khuja, the Syrian-Finnish co-founder of Uoma. “By combining advanced AI with deep psychological knowledge, we transformed this method into a structured digital experience that people can access any time. Uoma is thus the first app built on narrative therapy, an evidence-based approach in psychotherapy that is fluid, deeply personal, and centered on storytelling. Users speak naturally to Uoma, just like they would to

Uoma was born from that belief — to give people a safe, judgment-free space where they can express what’s going on inside and start reshaping their emotional story.” someone who understands, and the app turns those conversations into personalized story chapters that reflect their inner struggle, growth, and resilience. Instead of generic coping tips, Uoma delivers a structured therapeutic journey guided

by AI; voice-based conversations that feel human; personalized stories that evolve from challenge to empowerment; and complete privacy — no

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 69

S/

Innovation

Uoma offers a new alternative: an AI that you can talk to any time, in any mood. It listens, helps you make sense of your thoughts, and turns your progress into a narrative journey that builds confidence and clarity in the most personalized, effective and engaging way possible. sharing, no judgment. We redefine mental health from “fixing what’s broken” into discovering who you can become — transforming everyday struggles into a narrative of strength.”

70 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

Dr. Khuja’s inspiration to create Uoma first came when he was still in the midst of his PhD in developmental psychology. “I remember coming across a statistic that genuinely disturbed me: over one billion people struggle with mental health problems, and around 300 million of those cases are anxiety and depression,” he recalls. “Yet, twothirds never seek help — mostly because of stigma, cost, or not knowing where to turn. That insight stayed with me. It was clear that something needed to change. Mental wellbeing shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who can afford therapy or feel comfortable asking for help. Uoma was born from that belief — to give people a safe, judgmentfree space where they can express what’s going on inside and start reshaping their emotional story.”

The observations made by Dr. Khuja stand largely true even today — multiple studies, including those by the World Health Organization (WHO), show that approximately 70% of people with mental health conditions worldwide receive no formal treatment, with that gap rising to up to 85% in low- and middleincome countries. Reports from WHO and the World Bank Mental Health Flagship Report, on the other hand, show that less than 1 in 4 people globally who need

'TREP TALK Dr. Hateem Khuja, cofounder and CEO of Uoma, shares advice to founders considering joining future editions of the Create Apps Championship }“Come with an open mind and a bold ambition. The Create Apps Championship looks for and rewards founders who target (operate from) the local market first and foremost, dare to think globally and build with purpose. Be ready to learn, adapt quickly, and network relentlessly — the relationships you build here can transform your company.”

psychotherapy can access it. “Millions struggle with anxiety, overthinking, and emotional patterns that feel impossible to break,” Dr. Khuja adds.

“Traditional support is often expensive, inaccessible, or intimidating. Uoma offers a new alternative: an AI that you can talk to any time, in any mood. It listens, helps you make sense of your thoughts, and turns your progress into a narrative journey that builds confidence and clarity in the most personalized, effective and engaging way possible. Our primary users are

€ 210,000 in pre-seed funding; reached 1,300+ app installs within four weeks of public launch; and also been chosen as a finalist for the Nordic Startup Awards in two categories: Health Tech and The Best Comer of the Year,” Dr. Khuja explains.

“Uoma has also been selected for collaborations with academic and research partners in Europe to advance the

young professionals and creatives who want emotional support and personal growth tools that fit into their daily life.”

While Uoma’s inception began in the Finnish city of Helsinki, partaking in the second edition of the Create Apps Championship allowed the app to move into the UAE – a decision that ultimately resulted in Uoma being a semifinalist of the contest.

“The program opened doors in the region for us in terms of access to mentors and business leaders, and the Dubai tech ecosystem helped us strengthen our commercial strategy and shape a product fit for the region,” Dr. Khuja says. “Personally, it was an experience that reaffirmed why I built Uoma, to make a global impact. The most valuable aspect of the program was the exposure we gained and proximity to action.

Dubai moves fast, and that speed pushed us to iterate faster, think about a different market, and

refine how Uoma integrates into wellbeing systems in the Middle East. The community of founders has also been incredibly supportive and energizing.”

In tandem with its growth trajectory within the UAE –courtesy Dr. Khuja’s decision to enroll in the Create Apps Championship; a decision he says “truly changed the direction of my journey”– Uoma has been clinching milestones in Europe as well. “We’ve already raised

science of the new digital narrative therapy approach, and joined a consortium along with highly accredited universities across Europe including Aalto and Utrecht Universities for a five-year Horizon Europe Project. So far, positive early adoption with strong feedback has highlighted our app’s emotional impact, usability, and uniqueness of the approach. Emboldened by these results, we are currently raising a seed

round with € 220,000 already committed.”

For Dr. Khuja, who has previously founded two other startups across SaaS and e-commerce, helming Uoma has culminated in realizing a personal vision.

“At Uoma, I lead business development, product vision, and the design of our narrative intelligence system- the technology that turns a person’s inner struggles into a story of resilience based on the principles of narrative therapy,” he explains. “My responsibility is thus to ensure that every part of Uoma —the AI architecture, voice experience, and commercial strategy— is aligned toward one clear goal: helping people reshape the story they tell themselves, from one defined by anxiety…to one defined by hope and strength.”

As the Uoma team now moves into 2026, Dr. Khuja is eager to unlock a “major scaling phase” for the startup. “We will be launching our structured therapeutic programs inside the app; opening integrations with wellness organizations and employers; and raising our next round of funding for growth and team expansion,” he shares.

“Through it all, our mission will remain the same: to empower millions to rewrite the story of their mind. And Dubai will be a central chapter in that journey!”

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 71

S/

Growth

→ Bader Saeed Hareb is the Executive Chairman of Global Partners Property Fund II, a UAE-based real estate fund.

Bader Saeed Hareb on Why Credibility and Collaboration Matter Most in Real Estate Leadership

D

rawing on decades of experience across some of the region’s most influential real estate developers, Bader Saeed Hareb, Executive Chairman of Global Partners Property Fund II, shares how collaboration,

72 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

governance, and disciplined execution underpin his approach to leadership and development in Dubai’s evolving property landscape. Read his exclusive interview with Entrepreneur Middle East below:

“ACCOUNTABILITY IS EMBEDDED THROUGH OWNERSHIP—PEOPLE ARE TRUSTED WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND SUPPORTED IN DELIVERING OUTCOMES.” How would you describe your leadership style, and how does it reflect in Global Partners?

I see leadership as a collective responsibility, particularly in a sector as complex as real estate.

Instead, we aim to deliver projects that demonstrate how institutional standards, design excellence, and community-led planning can work together.

Dubai’s growth has always been

What guiding principles shape the way you make decisions as a managing partner?

I prioritise long-term value, integrity, and responsibility.

Decisions must make sense commercially, but they must also align with broader strategic and reputational considerations. In real estate, the impact of decisions extends well beyond completion. How a development performs, ages, and integrates with its surroundings is just as important as its initial success.

How do you foster innovation and accountability within your teams?

Innovation thrives in environments where expectations are clear and responsibility is shared. We encourage open discussion and rigorous evaluation of ideas, but once a

SCALE INTRODUCES COMPLEXITY, AND LEADERSHIP MUST BE CONSISTENT AND DELIBERATE TO MANAGE IT EFFECTIVELY. ONE ENDURING LESSON IS THAT CREDIBILITY IS BUILT THROUGH DELIVERY. VISION IS IMPORTANT, BUT IT MUST ALWAYS BE SUPPORTED BY EXECUTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

What matters most is creating the conditions for teams and partners to work effectively together and to make informed decisions. At Global Partners, this has translated into a collaborative way of working with an emphasis on planning, governance, and execution, and on building trust across all stakeholders involved in our projects.

What role do you see Global Partners playing in shaping Dubai’s property development sector?

Our role is to contribute developments that strengthen Dubai’s urban landscape in a meaningful way. We are not focused on scale for its own sake.

underpinned by quality and vision, and we see ourselves as part of that ongoing evolution.

You have held senior roles at organisations such as Emaar, Nakheel, and Majid Al Futtaim.

What leadership lessons have these experiences shaped?

Working across large, complex organisations reinforces the importance of structure, process, and alignment. Scale introduces complexity, and leadership must be consistent and deliberate to manage it effectively. One enduring lesson is that credibility is built through delivery. Vision is important, but it must always be supported by execution and accountability.

decision is made, execution must be disciplined. Accountability is embedded through ownership— people are trusted with responsibility and supported in delivering outcomes.

How do you approach mentoring and developing future leaders within the organisation?

Leadership development comes from exposure, responsibility, and context. I believe in involving emerging leaders in complex decisions so they understand not just outcomes, but the reasoning behind them. Mentorship is an ongoing process, and it is most effective when combined with real accountability and learning through experience.

January 1, 2026 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / 73

In The Loop/

SHEIKH HAMDAN HOSTS ELON MUSK IN STRATEGIC TECH TALKS

Sheikh Hamdan shared a series of photographs on X from the encounter, including the images of him personally driving Musk around Dubai.

D

ubai Crown Prince HRH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, in the UAE in December 2025.

The meeting, held at the Crown Prince’s majlis in Nad Al Sheba, brought together discussions on space exploration, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and sustainable

74 / E N T R E P R E N E U R . C O M / January 1, 2026

technological development.

Sheikh Hamdan shared a series of photographs on X from the encounter, including images of him personally driving Musk around Dubai. In his post, the Crown Prince said he had enjoyed “wide-ranging discussions” on technology and humanity and expressed enthusiasm for future cooperation.

The meeting also highlighted the UAE and Dubai’s growing reputation as

global hubs for innovation, buoyed by advanced digital infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks aimed at attracting talent and investment. Musk praised the UAE’s forward-thinking vision and progress in technology, AI and space sectors.

Musk also met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss strategic cooperation on AI and emerging technologies.