MANIAR
P e r s p e c t i v e
A Tribute to Inspiration
Inaworldshapedbyconstantchange,trueleadershipisnotmeasured
onlybytitlesorachievements,butbytheabilitytoinspire,transform, andsetnewbenchmarksforotherstofollow Aswestepinto2025,the needforvisionarieswhocanbridgeideaswithaction,challengeswith opportunities,andambitionwithpurposehasneverbeengreater.Itisinthis spiritthatweproudlypresent The 10 Most Inspiring Icons to Look Out For in 2025.
Thisspecialeditionisnotsimplyacelebrationofsuccessstories—itisa tributetoindividualswhoembodyresilience,innovation,andimpact.Each iconfeaturedhererepresentsmorethanpersonaltriumph;theystandas beaconsofpossibility,remindingusthatexcellenceisnotdefinedby circumstancebutbydeterminationandclarityofvision.Theirjourneysspan diverseindustries,yetwhatunitesthemisaprofoundabilitytoinfluence changeandigniteprogressintheirrespectivefields.
Frompioneeringentrepreneurswhoarerewritingtherulesofbusiness,to thoughtleadersreshapingconversationsaroundtechnology,sustainability, andsocialprogress,theseiconsareshapingthenarrativeofthefuture.
Theirstoriesaretestamentstoperseveranceinthefaceofadversity, courageinmomentsofuncertainty,andanunwaveringcommitmentto creatingvaluethattranscendsborders.
Asreaders,weareinvitednotonlytoadmiretheiraccomplishments buttolearnfromtheirphilosophies,practices,andforward-looking perspectives.Theseindividualsremindusthattrueinspirationdoesnot merelymotivate—itempowersustoact,innovate,andleadwith integrity.
Incuratingthisedition,oureditorialteamsoughttohighlightfigures whoarenotonlyredefiningsuccessintheirownrightbutalso influencinggenerationstothinkbigger,dreambolder,andpursue excellencewithresponsibility Theyembodythespiritof 2025—fearless,adaptive,anddrivenbyavisionlargerthan themselves.
Wededicatethisissuetothosewhocontinuetobelieveinthepowerof inspirationasacatalystfortransformation.Maythestorieswithinthese pagesencourageyoutoreflectonyourownjourney,discoverrenewed motivation,andembracethelimitlessopportunitiesthatlieahead.
Contents
Dr. Khalid maniar
A
Founder's Blueprint for Success in Dubai
Merry D' Souza
Managing Editor Alaya Brown
Assisting Editor Joe Lee
Visualizer Stewart Jonas
Art & Design Director Robin Clarck
Associate Designer Authur Watson
Vice President Jil Kendal
Asst. Vice President Kevin Johnson
Asst. Manager Robert Hanson
Business Development Executive Thomas E.
Technical Head Andrea Jackson
Technical Specialist Mike Anderson
Technical Consultant Oliver Sutton
Research Analyst Wendy J.
SEO Lead Tasha L.
www.x.com/enterprisereview.com/
Copyright
Description Company
AnthonyLynsdale ChiefTechnologyOfficer
Dr.KhalidManiar Founderand ExecutiveChairman
Dr.RamiAyoob CMO
FouadSakha CMO
Featuring
AtlantisHotel atlantisdubai.com
CroweUAE crowe.com/ae
SparkInformation Technology sparktechhub.com
IHSTowers ihstowers.com
HishamZarka ChiefTechnologyOfficer Noon noon.com
JosephWahba ChiefTechnologyOfficer
SupportLegal supportlegal.com
MarcJeffrey ChiefTechnologyOfficer
TheGivingMovement thegivingmovement.com
MariosKampouridis CSO ADX adx.ae
OmarKoleilat CMO
ShakerAlOwainati CMO
Palmhr palmhr.net
INDEXHolding index.ae
Anthonyiscommittedtoleveragingcutting-edgeadvancements toelevateAtlantisHotel’sdigitalecosystem,ensuringworldclasshospitalitythroughsmart,customer-centricsolutions.
Withacareerspanningdecadesinaudit,tax,advisory,and consulting,Dr.Maniarhasbeeninstrumentalinbuilding CroweUAEintooneofthemostrespectedprofessional servicesfirmsintheregion.
UnderDr.Rami'sleadership,SparkInformationTechnology continuestodeliverforward-thinkingtechsolutionsthat empowerorganizationsinanevolvingdigitallandscape.
FouadcontinuestoadvanceIHSTowers'digitalcapabilities, ensuringreliableandhigh-performancetelecommunications infrastructureacrossglobalmarkets.
Withextensiveexpertiseine-commerce,software development,andscalabletechsolutions,heplaysacrucial roleinenhancingNoon’splatformandcustomerexperience.
Josephiscommittedtoleveragingcutting-edgetechnologies tostreamlinelegalprocesses,improveefficiency,andsupport thefirm'smissionofprovidingmodern,accessiblelegal solutions.
Marciscommittedtoleveragingcutting-edgetechnologyto streamlineprocesses,improveuserexperiences,andsupport thecompany’smissionofsustainablefashion.
UnderMariosleadership,ADXcontinuestoinnovateand expanditstechnologicalcapabilitiestomeettheevolving needsofinvestorsandmarketparticipants.
Omariscommittedtoleveragingcutting-edgetechnologyto streamlineHRprocesses,improveautomation,andempower businesseswithseamlessworkforcemanagementsolutions.
Shakeriscommittedtoimplementingcutting-edge solutionsthatdrivegrowth,streamlineprocesses,and supportINDEXHolding’sdiversebusinessventures.
I was cap vated by the entrepreneurial spirit of the region, and I saw the chance to build something from the ground up.
Dr. Khalid Maniar Founder and Execu ve Chairman
Crowe UAE
Today,Dubai,whichhasemergedasthecrownjewel of the Middle East, is a strategic hub of the region, due to its socio-economic and business importance. Behinditsmeteoricriseliesaplethoraoffactors.
Amidstthemostcrucialonesistheimmensecontributionof the iconic leadership of inspirational business personalities likeDr.KhalidManiar,theFounderandGroupExecutive ChairmanofCroweUAE.
Sheddinglightonthosefactors,Dr Maniarrecallshismotive behind leaving London and establishing his accounting practiceinDubaiintheearly1980s.
HesaysthatDubai,intheearly1980s,wasacityontherise. While London was an established financial hub, Dubai offeredtherareopportunitytocontributetotheformationofa new business ecosystem. “I was captivated by the entrepreneurial spirit of the region, and I saw the chance to build something from the ground up.” The freedom to create, innovate, and serve a rapidly growing market was a strong motivator
Thisleapoffaithallowedhimtobringinternationalstandards and practices into a developing market, providing value to clients while setting high benchmarks for quality and professionalism.
Takingusfurtherbackintohisprofessionalcareer,Dr Maniar reflects that he began his professional journey by qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant in London in 1978. During this time, he established a practice in the City of London,servingagrowingportfolioofclients.
“In 1981, one of our London-based clients expanded their operations to Dubai, and I followed to assist with their
transition.”ItwasduringthisvisitthatherecognizedDubai's immensepotential.Thedynamic,business-friendlyenvironment and the pace of development presented an exciting opportunity
Bytheendof1981,Dr.Maniarmadethepivotaldecisionto establish his accounting practice in Dubai laying the foundationforwhatwouldlaterbecomeCroweUAE.
IntegrityandPrecision:TheCornerstonesofTrust
IntheearlystagesofbuildinghispracticeinDubai,Dr Khalid Maniarwasguidedbyacorephilosophycenteredondelivering work of the highest quality He was committed to rigorously following international auditing and accounting standards, ensuring that "integrity, accountability, and precision"werethecornerstonesofhiswork.
This dedication to producing accurate and reliable financial statements quickly built a strong reputation and earned the trustofhisinitialclientsandotherstakeholders.
ForDr Maniar,thiscommitmenttoqualitywasnotmerelya business strategy; it became "the DNAof the firm" and was instrumental in developing the long-lasting client relationshipsthatwoulddefineCroweUAE.
ACultureofSharedValuesandProfessionalRigor
Dr Maniar's philosophy of quality and collaboration deeply influencedthecultureandgrowthstrategyofCroweUAE.
Asthefirmexpanded,hemadeitaprioritytobuildateamof like-minded professionals who shared his commitment to excellence and ethics. He believed in fostering a culture where technical expertise was complemented by a strong adherencetothefirm’scorevalues.
This commitment to quality became the DNA of the firm and was instrumental in developing long-las ng client rela onships.
Thisapproachensuredthateachnewpartnerbroughtaunique perspective and enriched the firm’s service offerings. This foundation of shared values and professional rigor was critical in shaping Crowe UAE's strategic growth and solidifyingitspositionasatrustedadvisoryfirmintheregion.
StrategiesofTransformationandGrowth
CroweUAE’stransformationintoaleadingregionalfirmwas driven by several pivotal strategies championed by Dr. Maniar The firm actively sought out professionals with diverseexpertise,adoptingamultidisciplinaryapproachthat enabled them to offer comprehensive solutions "under one roof."
They maintained an "unwavering focus on quality" through continuous learning and investments in talent. Finally, the firm embraced change with agility and foresight, constantly adaptingtomarketneedsandregulatoryshifts.
This powerful combination of quality, innovation, and collaborationwastheenginethatfueledthefirm'sremarkable expansionandsuccess,positioningitasatrustedpartnerina dynamicbusinessenvironment.
BuildingaFrameworkforExcellence
Toensureconsistencyandexcellenceacrossmultipleoffices and service lines, Dr Maniar established a robust internal systemandastronggovernanceframework.Akeycomponent ofthiswasthecreationofadedicatedQualityDepartment,led byahighlycompetentQualityDirector.
This team's mandate is to monitor compliance with international standards,conductpeerreviews,andfoster a culture of continuous improvement.
Every step we take is deliberate and rooted in our long-term vision rather than short-term gain.
Dr. Maniar emphasizes that regular training, internal audits, and technology-enabled workflows are essential for maintainingthefirm’shighstandards.
By clearly defining and communicating their values and operational frameworks, Crowe UAE ensures every team memberisalignedwiththeirmission,deliveringconsistently high-qualityexperiencetoeveryclient.
AForward-LookingVisionforaChangingWorld
Dr Khalid Maniar’s current vision for Crowe UAE is a testament to his foresight in a world defined by rapid economicshifts.Hisplanforthenext5-10yearsistosolidify thefirm’spositionasapremieradvisoryandconsultingfirm while strategically expanding into new verticals. This includes crucial areas like ESG advisory, AI-driven audit solutions,andregulatorycomplianceforemergingsectors.
Recognizing the profound transformation in sustainability andtechnologyacrosstheregion,Dr Maniarintendstoplace Crowe at the very forefront of this evolution, advising "governments,corporates,andstartupsalike."
Thisvisionensuresthefirmremainsafuture-readypartnerfor its clients, providing digital solutions and sector-specific expertisetohelpthemnavigatethechanginglandscape.
GrowthwithPurposeandAlignment
When evaluating new opportunities, Dr. Maniar’s approach is disciplined and deeply aligned with the firm’s identity. He assesses every potential growthareathroughasinglelens:
whether it aligns with Crowe's core values, expertise, and clientneeds.
Thefirmisselectiveaboutitsnewventuresandpartnerships, ensuringthateachnewservicelineenhancesitsexistingvalue propositionandcomplementsitsstrengths.
Dr.ManiarstatesthatCroweUAEpreservesitscoreidentity by maintaining its focus on "integrity, quality, and clientcentricity."
This deliberate and principled approach ensures that every step the firm takes is "rooted in our long-term vision rather thanshort-termgain,"safeguardingthelegacyandtrustbuilt overdecades.
ACultureofMentorshipandEmpowerment
AtCroweUAE,theleadershipoftomorrowisnurturedfrom withinthroughadeliberateprocessof"mentorship,exposure, andempowerment."Dr Maniarbelievesingivinghispeople thespacetotakeinitiativeandgrow
The firm invests heavily in both technical and behavioral leadership development programs and encourages crossfunctional collaboration to broaden its team's expertise.The company’scultureisbuiltonafoundationofmutualrespect, ownership,andexcellence.
By setting clear goals and rewarding both performance and ethicalbehavior,CroweUAEcreatesanenvironmentwhere emerging leaders can thrive while staying true to the firm's corevalues.
This commitment is further bolstered by a series of young leaders dedicated programs run by their international
network, designed to turn promising talent into seasoned leaders.
TheMagnetforTopTalent
CroweUAE'sabilitytoattractandretaintoptalentisadirect resultofitsreputation,workculture,andtheextensivegrowth opportunitiesitoffers.Thefirmprovidesacollaborativeand inclusive environment where professionals are challenged withhigh-impactprojects.
Key to their retention strategy are structured career progressionplans,competitivecompensation,andlearningpathways thatsupportbothtechnicalandleadershipdevelopment.
Dr. Maniar points to the firm's policies on flexibility, wellbeing, and diversity as crucial elements that make Crowe UAEadesirableplacetowork.
Inthisway,thefirmnotonlybuildsatalentedworkforcebut alsoacommittedone,recognizingandrewardingexcellence ateverylevel.
HarnessingDigitalTransformation
Digital transformation has been a central pillar of Crowe UAE's success, fundamentally changing how the firm delivers value. Dr Maniar has championed the adoption of cloud-basedsolutions,AI-poweredanalytics,andautomated toolstoenhanceaccuracyandefficiency
Thisallowsthefirmtoprovide"real-timeinsights,streamline processes,andfocusmoreonstrategicguidancethanmanual work."
As we move into a new era shaped by technology and sustainability, we are excited about the opportuni es to make a meaningful impact—not just in our industry, but in the broader business and social ecosystem.
Lookingahead,thefirmisexploringcutting-edgeinnovations such as blockchain applications for assurance and machine learningforfrauddetection.
Dr. Maniar's commitment to building digital literacy across histeamsensuresthatCroweUAEremainsattheforefrontof the technological evolution in the advisory and accounting industries.
NavigatingaNewEraofRegulation
The conclusion of Dr Maniar’s saga highlights his firm’s exceptional adaptability in the face of the UAE's evolving regulatory and tax landscape. With the introduction of VAT and corporate tax, Crowe UAE proactively expanded its tax and compliance teams to guide clients through these increaseddemands.
Their approach is rooted in proactive education, real-time advisory,andcustomizedcompliancestrategies,alldesigned tohelpclientsmeettheirobligationswhileminimizingrisk.In a final reflection, Dr Maniar reiterates his firm’s enduring beliefin"thepowerofintegrity,innovation,andpartnership."
AsCroweUAEmovesintoanewerashapedbytechnology and sustainability, he is excited about the opportunities to makeameaningfulimpact,notjustintheirindustrybutinthe broaderbusinessandsocialecosystem.
HOW RISING STARS ARE LEVERAGING TECH TO DOMINATE 2025
In 2025, technology still serves as a great leveler and booster to those who can see, have endurance, and the boldness to leap over established tracks of thought and practice. The latest generation of bright talents is not only conforming to the digital trends but is changing it. These peopleareusingtechnologynotonlyasatool,butalsoasthe language of change, as new entrepreneurs, young professionalsinleadershippositions,andsoforth.
TheEvolutionoftheRisingStar
Theambassadorsofamodernworldareemergingtalentsnot based on their age or experiences, but on their versatility, purpose, and efficiency in solving valid problems. These people do not sit around waiting to be allowed and given an opportunity.Instead,theyarecreatingtheirownplatformsby takingadvantageofdigitaltoolstoincreasetheirvoice,reach, andimpact.
Atechnologyisnolongeraspecificskilloradiscipline,butit is now the structure of modern problem resolving. The new generation or the individuals who are fluent in this digital dialect and are changing how work is done, services are providedandhowcommunitiesareunited.
UsingTechtoBuildInfluence,NotJustProducts
One of the distinguishing features in 2025 is the movement toward the construction of influence as opposed to things. Newinfluencersleveragebothcontentplatformsandpersonal brandingandalgorithm-friendlyoutreachtogatheraudiences and organize movements. They are strong because they realizethatattentionisacurrency,anddigitalspacesarethe market.
Theyarelearningtoweaveanarrativethroughsocialmedia, blogs,andinteractivepresentationstoexpresstheirvisionand principles. They build trust and gain partners, mentors, and supportersintheformoforganicfeedbackbymaintainingan authenticdigitalpresence.
AutomationasaLeverageTool
Ratherthanbeingoverwhelmedbytherateofchange,rising stars are embracing automation to multiply their bandwidth. They prefer to work smart and not hard, whether it is streamlining operations, enhancing communication, or optimizing workflows. They also want to tap the creative potential of artificial intelligence, not just effectiveness, but the idea and design insight.They are agile because they use whatevertoolsareavailabletoremovefrictionandprioritise innovationandimpact.
TheRiseofTech-EnabledEmpathy
The power of humanizing technology is what really differentiates the rising stars of this age.They do not have a scale-building fixation at the cost of purpose. Rather, they employ technology to enrich human connection, expand access,andamplifyuserroutines.Theyputspecialemphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, making their innovations furtherreachtheiraudience.Thisattitudechangeiscreatinga moreconsideredtechnologyspacewheresustainabledesigns, culturalinsights,andcommunitybuildingareasimportantas efficiencyandmonetization.
TheLearningLoop:RapidExperimentation
One of the prime characteristicsof today’s rising stars is the ability to iterate They approach the problems with a
questioning attitude and a willingness to experiment, learn, and grow. Prototypes, real-time feedback, and agile development use technology to accomplish this.They never get discouraged by failure; instead, they take it as a piece of information.Thedigital-firstfocussupportsthisattitudeand is also useful in assisting them in a zone of ambiguity and adaptingwithouttrepidation.
TechasaPlatformforPurpose
Thepresentemergingtalentsaremissiondriven.Technology is just a tool, not a solution. It is a means to increase their mission. In all issues they take on, includingenvironmental, socialjustice,educationreform,andmentalhealthawareness, they view digital tools as leveraging agents of systematic change. Instead of being self-centered and thinking about personalsuccess,theyareconsideringlargerquestions:What shouldbecorrected?WhatshallIbring?Whatcantechenable us to live better (and not faster) with? They are successful becauseofservice,notscale.
TheFutureIsBeingWrittenNow
In 2025, being an icon does not need decades of experience andalongcorporateladder.Itinvolveshavingaclearvision, beingfluentwithtechnology,andbeingreadytoact.Looking ahead, the future will grow more and more dominated by these emerging stars, not because they are operating within existing models, but because they are inventing new ones. Theydonotseekpermissiontolead.Theyarecreatingfutures where leadership will be different, that it will be a different experience,andwillinvolvemorevoicesthanever.
GLOBAL INFLUENCERS AND CHANGE MAKERS
REDEFINING
FINANCIAL FUTURES
Financial technology is undergoing a radical shift drivenbyanewgenerationofleadersandinnovators. Theseemerging,modernthinkers,globalinfluencers, and bold changers are breaking the old paradigms and reinventingwaystousemoney Theyhavechangedthefaceof digital payments and improved access to financial services, but their impact is broader and more significant than just technologicaladvancements.
Shifting the Focus: From Institutions to Individuals
Traditionalfinancehasbeencharacterizedbyslowinnovation loops,inflexiblesystems,andcentralizedinstitutions.Anew waveoffintechleadersisshatteringthistraditionbyplacing people, rather than processes, at the center of their business. Thesegamechangersbelievethatfinancialsystemsoughtto betransparent,inclusive,andflexible.
Instead of isolating individuals behind walls, they are expanding beyond them: into unbanked individuals and financial services, underserved areas, and streamlined financial activities. They are not just progressive solutions, they are person-centered, focusing on empowerment rather thandomination.
GlobalInfluencersPushingtheBoundaries
Thekeycharacteristicofthisnewwaveisthatitisdiversein geographical, cultural, and ideological terms. Fintech hubs are no longer limited to big economies or financial centers. Theyhailfromeverycorneroftheglobe,eachofferingunique insights shaped by homegrown innovations and local challenges.
Whatunitesthemisasimilardevotiontoaddressingpractical issues. Whether addressing cross-border remittances, efficient access to credit, or ethical financial practices, these movers are re-positioning the field of finance as progress in placeofprivilege.
Othersareinterestedinstreamliningthefinancesofordinary people.Anothergroupexaminesadvancedtechnologiesthat are on the frontier, such as digital identities or decentralized systems.Whetherfocusedornot,thesefiguresareredefining what it means to be a financial leader- one that is visionary, sociallyforward,andfuturistic.
ChangeMakersandtheCultureofInnovation
Thecurrentinnovationinfintechisnotonlytechnological;it is also ethical. Those driving this evolution are not constructing only applications or platforms. They are also reexamining old financial premises, upsetting monopolies, andpressingtoopenupeconomicstructures.
Such leaders are typically non-traditional in their backgrounds, combining their capabilities in areas like behavioral science, education, and social justice. This can bring in a multi-dimensional involvement where they can build the solution that is not only technically competent but also socially empathetic, and they can be relevant as well.
They are redefining success based on impact. Innovation, to them, is about reducing entry costs, pushing towards more democratic laws, and ensuring technology is empowering ratherthanisolating.
TheRiseofPurpose-DrivenFinance
Fintech faces increasing ethical responsibility as financial servicesbecomeentwinedwithourdailyroutine.Imperative globalleadersandpersonalitiesarenolongerjudgedbasedon themagnitudeoftheirinnovations,butalsobytheideologies they operate with. The main focal points of the fintech discourse are financial literacy, algorithmic bias, and digital privacy.
Thereisincreaseddemandsontransparencyinthedecisionmaking structures, accountability of the automated lending practiceandprotectionofthevulnerablegroups.Thisishow they are creating a new financial future that espouses the valuesoftrust,equityandresilience.
This mission-driven attitude has provoked a ripple effect in the cultural trend. Increasingly, founders and leaders are focusing on sustainability, social impact, and building longterm value. Financial futures are no longer purely about wealthcreation--theyareaboutpower,belonging,andsocial progress.
CollaborationOverCompetition
The collaborative spirit is another characteristic of next gen fintech. A great number of change leaders do not consider financeasazero-sumgame,butadomainofco-creationand win-win They are not creating empires but building ecosystems with their mission to unite developers, users, policymakers, and educators to create better financial experiences.
LookingAhead:RedefiningWhat’sPossible
Thefutureoffintechisuncertain,asfinancialsystemschange faster,butonethingiscertain:thevaluesandvisionofthose drivingitwillplayasgreataroleastechnology
The innovators who are recasting financial futures are not merely writing computer code or dropping products but rewriting the rules of finance. The real insight about their work is that the concept of money is rooted in relationships, opportunity,andtrust.
These global innovators and power brokers display a paradigm of a more equitable and revolutionary financial future in a world of financial uncertainty and digital speed. Theyremindusofthefactthatthetruestrengthoffintechdoes not lie in its complexity, but in its simplicity, and not in the disruption,butinthetransformation.
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