INTLBM Magazine Issue 33 WEB

Managing Director Shashank M Co-Founder & CEO Shankar V Shivaprasad Chief Editor Shankar V Shivaprasad Consultant Editor Imtiaz Ahmed Shariff Editor Sathyanarayana B Head of Production Shank Mendez Head of Research Sara Watson Head of Media Sales Charles Grey Media Sales Manager Chris Young Advertising contact chris@intlbm.com Content Managers: Daniel Edwards, Sumana Shankar, Ana Watson Content Writers: Medhaj Nair, Baldeb Ram Business Development Leo Morgan, Alisha Taylor, Jane Sanders, James Smith, Jason Brown, David Johnson, Stella Grace, John Davis, Nancy Miller, Alex Milo, William Smith, Jessica Eden, Jackson Lyod, Ntasha Mayne, Tony Rogers Graphic Designer Chandan R Video Editor Immanuvel S Account Manager Agnes Wong Registered Address: Sharjah Media City (Shams), Al Messaned City, Al Bataeh, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, P.O. Box: 515000 Office Address: Suite No 502, Al Tawhidi 1 Building, Floor 5, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE. Email: info@intlbm.com Phone: +971 503211164

From The Editor’s Desk Charting Ease in the Age of AI From logistics to law, from comfort at altitude to classrooms on

the ground, intelligence is no longer artificial - it is the blueprint of tomorrow.

Artificial Intelligence today is not simply a tool; it is the architecture upon which the future of business and daily life revolves. It is spreading across personal routines and professional landscapes with a speed that demands not just adoption but thoughtful direction. The imperative is clear: design a course of action that enhances ease of living, working, and doing business.

In logistics, AI predicts demand, optimises delivery routes, and reduces inefficiencies. In real estate, it reshapes how developers assess markets and manage portfolios, while multitasking algorithms execute smart projects. Einvoicing frameworks accelerate transactions and enhance transparency. Finance is evolving as AI analyses trader behaviour in prop trading firms, balancing risk and opportunity. In aviation, Etihad’s focus on lip care at altitude may appear niche, but it reflects a broader trend of using sensory design. Robotics marks another frontier: the M1.5 hybrid robot embodies resilience and adaptability for missioncritical applications.

Corporate leadership transitions, such as General Motors’ AMEO reshuffle, highlight the need for leaders attuned to AI’s power. Digital platforms, meanwhile, have become the backbone of industry, where visibility and influence are shaped by AIdriven analytics.

Those who deeply understand AI will define the future - balancing innovation with responsibility, speed with sustainability, and technology with humanity.

Come November 29, International Business Magazine’s Grand Awards Night at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai will honour the winners. Here is another edition of the emagazine in H2 of 2026.

Happy reading!

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Content 10

How to Verify a Developer or Agency Before Buying Property

18

Inside the Prop Firm Evaluation Process: How Trading Challenges are Structured, Scored, and Why Most Traders Fail Them

26

Etihad Airways Launches LANEIGE Destination Collection

34

Corporate Leadership Transition at General Motors AMEO Region

36

Designing the Perfect Website with Artificial Intelligences

44 46

How to Boost Your Account Reach and Gain More Followers on Instagram

What Happens When You File a Lawsuit Against a Corporation

48

Business Management Skills You Need for Running a Modern School Successfully

50

KPMG and Anthropic launch global AI alliance

54

Vodafone Egypt Commits EGP 20bn to Boost Digital Transformation

56

Zoom Unveils New Data Center with the Expansion in Saudi Arabia

8 Smart Reasons Businesses Rely on FBA Prep Services Representational Image

For brands that sell online, speed and accuracy matter

2. They reduce common receiving errors

just as much as product quality. As order volume rises,

Marketplace fulfillment centers require products

even small mistakes in labeling, packaging, or routing

to arrive in the correct condition and format, and

can slow down operations and strain customer trust.

issues like mislabeled cartons, missing prep steps, or inconsistent packaging can slow receiving and

That is where FBA prep services fit into the picture.

processing, which is why FBA prep services help by

They help sellers move products through fulfillment

standardizing preparation before inventory leaves the

requirements with less friction, cleaner workflows, and

facility, reducing intake delays, cutting corrections,

fewer avoidable delays.

and avoiding unexpected costs later in fulfillment.

1. They keep inventory moving

3. They support cleaner operations

Inventory only creates value when it reaches the right

Small businesses often start with a few products

channel on time, and a strong prep process ensures

and small teams handling many roles, but as the

products are sorted, packed, labeled, and shipped

catalog grows, operations can become disorganized

without unnecessary delays. For growing sellers, this is

across sourcing, listings, and order packing. A prep

often the point where outside support becomes useful,

partner helps streamline this process by creating

allowing them to shift focus from handling individual

a more structured and reliable system for product

units to sourcing, pricing, and sales strategy that

preparation, making it easier to manage both

drives revenue growth.

domestic and international demand.

06

Logistics

4. They help brands scale without adding clutter

to specialists, allowing internal teams to focus on

Growth creates pressure as more orders require more

higher-value decisions and helping small and midsize

suppliers and channels, and without a stable process, scaling can quickly become chaotic. Many sellers rely on FBA prep services to keep operations organized and avoid bottlenecks, especially for large volume FBA prep, allowing them to expand products, test new markets, and maintain consistent service levels.

5. They fit businesses with mixed sales channels Many sellers operate across multiple channels like Amazon, DTC sites, and wholesale, each with different packing and shipping requirements that can quickly become complex. A prep service helps unify this process by ensuring products are handled

“

businesses move from staying busy to actually growing.

A practical provider should offer clear processes, consistent communication, and a workflow that matches fulfillment requirements without making the seller chase details.

“

storage, checks, packing, and coordination across

consistently before distribution, reducing confusion

What businesses should look for

and giving businesses better day-to-day control.

A practical provider should offer clear processes, consistent communication, and a workflow that

6. They make seasonal peaks easier to handle

matches fulfillment requirements without making the

Holiday spikes, promotions, and product launches put

seller chase details.

heavy pressure on operations, often stretching in-house teams with tighter deadlines, faster inventory

Here are a few traits worth checking:

turnover, and rising order volume. Outside support

•

Accurate labeling and item handling.

helps manage this surge by keeping products moving

•

Clear turnaround times.

efficiently during peak demand, ensuring smoother

•

Reliable inventory tracking.

execution for seasonal growth and critical sales

•

Good communication when issues appear.

periods, especially when large volume FBA prep is part

•

Experience with products that need careful

of the plan.

preparation.

7. They help protect brand presentation

These basics matter because prep work sits close to

Product condition and presentation both matters, as

the point where mistakes become expensive. A seller

customers notice clean packaging, clear labeling,

that chooses carefully usually saves time later.

and consistent handling that reflect a professional brand. A strong prep workflow helps maintain this

Why this matters for global sellers

standard across shipments, ensuring inventory arrives

International business adds complexity with different

in good condition and supports trust in a competitive

standards, timelines, and processes than local selling,

marketplace.

making reliable prep support essential for smooth operations.

8. They free teams to focus on the work that sells Many sellers lose valuable time on tasks like packing

For brands on a global business platform, strong

cartons, checking labels, and fixing inbound errors

prep systems help keep operations organized, ensure

instead of focusing on sourcing, pricing, marketing,

steady product flow, and maintain a professional

and growth. FBA prep services help shift this workload

presence across multiple markets.

Logistics

07

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A practical closing note In the end, FBA prep services are less about convenience and more about control. They help businesses stay organized, reduce avoidable mistakes, and keep inventory ready for the next step in the sales process. For sellers trying to grow without losing focus, that kind of support is straightforward and useful. It keeps the operation cleaner, the workflow steadier, and the business better prepared for what comes next.

08

Logistics

How to Verify a Developer or Agency Before Buying Property

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Property advertising is not a reliable source of information.

Key Risks When Choosing a Developer or Agency

After all, marketing materials, together with property

When choosing a developer or real estate agency, every

presentations, demonstrate an ideal picture without

potential client should remember the list of relevant risks:

reflecting the real terms of cooperation or the quality of

•

insufficient company transparency;

services provided.

•

inconsistent service quality;

•

lack of verified reputation.

Therefore, potential buyers are interested in additional

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information, amongst which real customer reviews and

Additional difficulties are associated with information noise:

experience of interacting with agencies hold a special

for example, numerous advertising messages that may

place. The Ratetik platform is one of the main helpers in

hide real problems. Such problems may be related to client

making a quick and correct choice.

communication or the quality of construction work.

Real Estate

What Information Should Be Checked First To reduce risks before purchasing property, the following information needs to be checked:

“

Property advertising is not a reliable source of information. After all, marketing materials, together with property presentations, demonstrate an ideal picture without reflecting the real terms of cooperation or the quality of services provided.

“

How Ratetik Helps Analyse Real Customer Experience

Red Flags in Reviews and Company Profiles

When choosing a developer or real estate agency, it’s

It’s important to learn to recognise potential ‘warning

important to consider real interaction experience. For

signs’ that may indicate the presence of hidden

this purpose, customer review analysis is used, thanks

problems. Moreover, such problems often manifest

to which potential clients can evaluate the work in

themselves during the transaction process, meaning

practice, not in advertising materials.

at later stages.

Ratetik structures user experience by combining into a

One of the main signals is frequently repeated

single system:

negative reviews: when different clients mention the

•

reviews;

same list of problems.

•

ratings;

•

company profiles.

Additionally, there’s a lack of specifics in reviews or the presence of template comments with a positive

This approach helps to analyse the overall picture of

character.

an agency/company’s behaviour in the market. After all, reviews often contain useful information related

Simple Checklist Before Making a Property Decision

to the level of communication, transaction specifics,

Before making a final decision when choosing real

quality of support, and more.

estate companies in Dubai in the catalogue, it’s

Real Estate

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Representational Image

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Real Estate

Representational Image

necessary to go through the main verification points: •

Company reputation.

•

History of all previously completed projects.

•

Availability of licences and necessary documentation.

•

Transparent terms of cooperation.

•

Established client communication.

•

Real client experience.

A special platform where all key information is collected will help simplify the search and subsequent selection process.

Why Reputation Checks Should Become a Standard Step The modern market is becoming more complex, and the number of relevant offers is regularly increasing.

Therefore, only the external characteristics of a company don’t provide complete information about reliability and security. Furthermore, mistakes made in the property sector are too costly for clients, meaning reputation checks are considered an integral procedure.

Uncertainty can be reduced, eliminating a large number of risks and future mistakes. Therefore, potential clients will be able to make informed decisions.

Real Estate

13

Why the Smartest Commercial Projects in Dubai Use One Firm for Everything

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Here’s something that doesn’t get said enough: most

That handover between design and construction is

fit-out budgets in Dubai don’t get blown by bad

where projects start going wrong, and here’s why: the

contractors. They get blown by good contractors

contractor didn’t write the spec. They priced it based

working off bad information — drawings that weren’t

on their interpretation of it, which may or may not

coordinated with site conditions, specs that changed

match the designer’s intention. When ambiguities

three times before anyone picked up a tool, design

surface on site — and they always surface on site —

decisions made by people who weren’t around when

the contractor does what’s cheapest unless someone

the problems showed up.

is standing there with the authority and the incentive to insist otherwise. The designer is usually long

I’ve had enough post-project debriefs with developers

gone by then, or they’re a phone call away with no

and corporate real estate teams to know how it

contractual leverage.

usually goes. The original budget looked fine. Then the variations started. Then the opening date started

The result is what most clients eventually accept

moving.

as ‘close enough.’ Finishes that look like the renders from a distance. Joinery that fits but doesn’t sit quite

The Split That Causes Most of the Damage

right. Lighting that works but doesn’t do what it was

Standard commercial fit-out practice in Dubai

supposed to do for the space. A final product that

separates design from delivery. You hire a design

functions without ever quite delivering on what was

consultancy to produce the drawings and

pitched.

specifications. Those go out to tender. A contractor

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wins — often the one who came in lowest — and they

This isn’t a contractor problem. It’s a structural

take responsibility for building what the drawings show.

problem.

Business

Representational Image

What an Integrated Firm Actually Does Differently

The MGS Sales Office: What This Looks Like in Practice

When a single firm handles design and fit-out

Sales offices are a good case study for integrated

together, the dynamic shifts in a way that’s hard to

delivery because the brief is unusually specific. A sales

overstate. The designer who drew the joinery is in

office isn’t just somewhere staff sit. It’s the first physical

the same building as the team manufacturing it. The

experience a buyer has of a developer’s product —

project manager who built the delivery programme

often before a single unit is built. The space has to

is also the one who signed off on the design phasing.

carry the brand, guide visitors through a structured

When a decision needs to be made on site, it gets

journey, create an emotional response, and hold

made by someone who understands both the design

up under heavy use during a launch period. And it

intent and the construction reality.

typically needs to be ready yesterday.

•

Material calls get made with the build in mind,

The MGS Sales Office Villa Fit-Out, delivered by Spazio

not just the render. Design changes that come up

Interior Decoration LLC, is a useful example of what

mid-construction get resolved in hours, not across

that brief looks like when it’s handled by an integrated

a week of emails between separate companies.

team. The design concept centered on a restrained,

The programme is built around reality, not a

neutral palette — premium materials that frame

tender price

the developer’s product rather than compete with

Snagging is a quality check, not a dispute

it. Bespoke joinery was produced in-house, which

• •

matters more than it might seem: when the firm For the client it means one contract, one point of

manufacturing the millwork is the same firm that

contact, nowhere to hide. The same firm that drew the

designed it, you don’t get a piece that’s ‘close’ to what

space is the one that built it.

was specified. You get the piece.

Business

15

“

A sales office isn’t just somewhere staff sit. It’s the first physical experience a buyer has of a developer’s product — often before a single unit is built.

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Business

“

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Lighting was handled with a level of precision that’s

better than ‘contractor with a design department.’

harder to achieve when you’re coordinating across

Before you sign anything, push on a few specifics:

separate contractors. Different zones — reception,

•

In-house manufacturing. Specifically, joinery and

presentation, private consultation — needed different

millwork. If a firm designs bespoke elements but

light qualities, and getting that right required the

outsources their production, you still have the

lighting design and the fit-out execution to be

design-to-build handover gap, just hidden inside

developed together rather than sequentially.

the same contract. Ask explicitly whether they make their own joinery.

The project was delivered on a compressed timeline.

•

Years in the Dubai market specifically. The 2008

That’s only possible when you’re not waiting for

correction and the 2014 slowdown wiped out a lot

a designer to approve a contractor’s RFI, or for a

of firms. The ones still standing have been tested

contractor to confirm whether a substituted material

in ways newer entrants haven’t.

meets the original spec. The team making those calls was the same team that set the design intent.

Spazio Interior Decoration LLC has been designing and building commercial, residential, and hospitality

The project is documented in full on Spazio’s portfolio:

spaces in Dubai since 2008. As an interior fit-out

MGS Sales Office Villa Fit-Out by Spazio.

company that handles everything under one roof — design, execution, and in-house

What to Actually Look For

manufacturing — the model hasn’t changed much

The term gets used loosely. Plenty of firms in Dubai

over the past 16 years. Over 500 projects across the

describe themselves as design-build because it sounds

UAE and four international markets later, it still holds up.

Business

17

Inside the Prop Firm Evaluation Process:

How Trading Challenges are Structured, Scored, and Why Most Traders Fail Them Representational Image

18

The prop trading evaluation system is one of the

Why Prop Firms Use Challenges Rather Than

more elegant risk management mechanisms to

Interviews

emerge from the retail financial services industry in

The fundamental problem a prop firm is trying to

recent years. From the outside, it reads as a simple

solve is adverse selection. It wants to identify traders

commercial arrangement: pay a fee, demonstrate

with genuine, repeatable edge and deploy capital

trading ability, receive funding. From the inside, it is

against that edge. The population of traders claiming

a carefully calibrated talent filter designed to solve

to have edge is large; the population that actually

a specific capital allocation problem at scale, while

does is small; and the two groups are essentially

limiting the firm’s downside exposure to any individual

indistinguishable on the basis of self-reported track

trader to a known, fixed quantity.

records, credentials, or interviews.

Understanding the mechanics matters for any

A structured evaluation with real financial stakes

professional considering the space – whether as a

solves this by requiring the trader to demonstrate

participant, an investor in prop firm equity, or a risk

actual behaviour – disciplined position sizing,

manager assessing the model’s structural soundness.

consistent risk management, performance under

What follows is a functional analysis of how challenges

constraint – rather than describe it. The evaluation

are built, what the rules are actually measuring, and

fee ensures that only traders with genuine conviction

why the failure rate is not an accident.

will attempt it, and the rules create conditions under

Trading

which undisciplined behaviour will reveal itself rapidly.

In a structured evaluation like the OneFunded

This is a mechanism design problem rather than a

challenge, the rules are designed to simulate real fund

recruiting problem.

management constraints – specifically the experience of managing capital within a defined risk budget

The Economics: Who Bears the Risk?

over an extended period, where compounding losses

From the trader’s perspective, maximum exposure is

are more dangerous than compounding gains are

the evaluation fee – a fixed, bounded cost regardless

beneficial.

of what happens on the funded account. If a funded trader loses beyond the defined limits, the account is

The Most Common Failure Modes

closed. No debt is created.

Daily limit breaches in the first week indicate that a trader’s position sizing is calibrated to an

From the firm’s perspective, the maximum loss on

unconstrained account rather than to the challenge’s

any individual funded account is the drawdown limit

risk parameters. This is the most common failure

applied to the account size. On a $100,000 funded

mode: it reveals that the trader has not internalised

maximum exposure is $10,000. Across a portfolio of uncorrelated traders, this is highly manageable.

Firms that generate the majority of their revenue from challenge fees rather than from funded trader profit splits have mis-aligned incentives; the model works correctly when funded trader success is the primary revenue driver.

Challenge Structure Decoded Daily drawdown limit is typically set at 5% of account value – tight enough to catch traders whose risk management breaks down under adverse conditions, while allowing a trader with genuine edge to operate without significant constraint. The daily reset creates a recurring test of session-by-session discipline.

“

the constraint framework before attempting the evaluation.

A trading challenge is a filter, not a guarantee.

Passing one only proves a trader can hit a target and manage risk over a few weeks. Its value is purely statistical: it filters out the noise to yield a funded cohort with a significantly higher success rate.

“

account with a 10% maximum drawdown, the firm’s

Maximum overall drawdown is typically 10%. The 2:1

Overtrading following drawdown – increasing position

ratio between the profit target (usually 8–10%) and the

frequency or size after losses to recover – represents

overall drawdown limit means a trader cannot absorb

a fundamental failure of loss framing. Professional

large losses and trade their way back with outsized

traders treat each session independently; the urge

risk. Recovery from a 7% drawdown requires roughly

to recover a loss is the retail behavioural pattern the

7.5% profit to reach breakeven, leaving little margin to

challenge is specifically designed to detect.

also hit the profit target.

Time-out failures – reaching the evaluation deadline Profit target at 8–10% functions as proof of positive

without hitting the profit target – typically reflect

expectancy under controlled conditions. Combined

sound risk management but insufficient positive

with the drawdown constraints, it requires profitability

expectancy. These are paradoxically the most useful

through consistent, sized positions rather than

failures: they indicate a trader whose discipline is

concentrated bets.

sound but whose edge is insufficient.

Trading

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What Passing Actually Demonstrates A trader who passes a well-designed challenge has demonstrated a specific and narrow thing: they can achieve a defined profit target while managing risk within defined constraints over a multi-week period.

The challenge is a filter, not a guarantee. Its value is actuarial: it produces a funded trader cohort with significantly better average outcomes than an unfiltered cohort would.

The most sophisticated prop firms augment the binary pass/fail signal with behavioural metrics from the evaluation period – trade frequency, Sharpe ratio during the final evaluation days, drawdown utilisation rate – to produce a richer picture of which funded traders are most likely to generate sustained performance.

The Evaluation as Business Infrastructure The prop trading challenge, viewed dispassionately, is a piece of business infrastructure that solves a genuine capital allocation problem. The rules are not arbitrary; each parameter measures something specific about the behavioural profile of the trader, and the framework as a whole is designed to produce a funded trader population whose aggregate risk is manageable and whose aggregate profitability exceeds the cost of running the evaluation pipeline.

The 23% average pass rate across the industry is not evidence that the evaluation is too hard. It is evidence that the filter is working: the majority of traders who attempt challenges have not yet developed the discipline, consistency, or risk management framework that the rules require. Those who have are exactly the traders the model is designed to find.

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20

Trading

How UAE e-Invoicing Will Impact Accounts Payable and Receivable Teams The UAE is moving fast on e-Invoicing. Finance teams

The new lifecycle is built upon a digital exchange

across the country are witnessing one of the largest

between buyer and seller systems, with government

operational transformations since the introduction of

validation placed midway. The invoices, which should

e-Invoicing, driven by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)’s

be standardized, communicated over an approved

new mandatory electronic invoicing framework. For

network and cleared or reported to the FTA before or

accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable

at the time of delivery to the buyer. For AP teams, that

(AR) teams, this is not just to keep in line with the

does mean invoices arriving in structured machine-

law; it is a structural shift in how invoices are created,

readable formats rather than unstructured PDFs.

“

exchanged, validated, and settled.

The transformation is significant, but so is the upside.

The question is not whether to adapt, it is how quickly and how effectively your team can make the shift.

For AR teams, it means that outbound invoices need to contain the data fields and be submitted through a compliant channel before they will be recognized legally.

“

Error Reduction Across the Invoice Cycle Invoice errors are expensive. Mismatched amounts, missing tax information, incorrect supplier details, these cause rejections, delayed payments, and supplier disputes that consume significant resources.

The structured data requirements of UAE e-invoicing act as a built-in validation layer.

Before an invoice reaches the recipient, it must pass format and data checks. A VAT number that does not match FTA records, a tax amount that does not

If your business has not begun evaluating UAE

reconcile with the line items, or a missing mandatory

e-Invoicing software, now is the time. Here is what

field will cause the invoice to be rejected at the point

AP and AR teams should look forward to from this

of submission.

directive as it transforms day-to-day finance operations.

This upstream error-catching fundamentally changes the quality of data flowing through AP and AR systems. Teams

The Invoice Lifecycle Is Changing Fundamentally

spend less time investigating and correcting historical

In the UAE, for invoice lifecycle, paper or PDF sent by

invoice errors and more time operating with clean,

email, an invoice lifecycle was manually entered into

accurate financial data. Month-end close processes

an ERP and matched and approved through multiple

become faster and more reliable when the underlying

back-and-forth lines of communications.

transaction data has been validated at source.

22

Digital Finance

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Payment Cycle Improvements Through AP/AR Automation in the UAE AP/AR automation UAE can provide tangible improvements in payment timelines; the business case for e-invoicing investment is evident from a

Choosing the Right UAE e -Invoicing Software Choose the right UAE e-Invoicing software takes more than a tick-box-check.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Invoice Infrastructure Audit what AP and AR workflows you currently have in

point of view for such technology. For buyers receiving

place prior to taking any offer to the next level. Track

structured and pre-validated invoices, the transaction

the number of invoices that are processed each

approval-to-payment cycle is significantly shortened.

month, which ERP or accounting systems are used and which manual touchpoints cause the largest delays or

The effect is felt equally strong by suppliers and their

errors. This baseline guides every subsequent decision.

teams of AR. The disputes that cause payment beyond the agreed terms are much less likely when invoices are validated and acknowledged on the day they are

Step 2: Verify FTA Compliance Certification Different platforms are not created equal with the

submitted. Well-defined digital audit trails are now the

e-invoicing solutions. Make sure it is certified or

reason not to delay payment by saying we never got it

compliant with the relevant UAE Federal Tax Authority

or the invoice was wrong.

technical requirements that the data fields require, if it supports approved transmission networks, and

AR teams can get real-time visibility into invoice status

formatted structured invoices. No matter how feature

rather than chasing buyers with follow-up calls and

rich, a non-compliant platform poses regulatory risk

emails. Faster, more predictable payment cycles

as much as ever.

improve the precision of cash flow forecasts, lessen short-term borrowing to compensate deficits, and strengthen the supplier relations for businesses on the AP side.

Step 3: Evaluate ERP and System Integration The software must tie in with what you’d like to have in place in your accounting, ERP, or procurement

Digital Finance

23

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24

Digital Finance

systems. When integration is poor it will force them to resort to manual workarounds and destroy the whole point of automation.

Step 4: Check AP and AR Workflow Capabilities Search for configurable approval workflows, three-way matching functionality, automatic exception handling or real-time invoice status detection. The platform ought to be a support to both accounts payable and receivable teams, not only to the payment team.

Step 5: Assess Reporting and Audit Trail Features Robust reporting tools offer finance leaders visibility into outstanding payables, receivables aging and cash flow projections. For VAT compliance and FTA audit readiness, a complete digital audit trail must also be thorough.

Step 6: Review Scalability and Vendor Support Select a solution that scales with the transaction volumes and your business scale. Assess the local presence of the vendor in the UAE within its implementation support and customer care – particularly since FTA requirements might evolve.

Step 7: Run a Pilot Before Full Deployment Prior to a full launch, run a controlled pilot with a limited number of suppliers or invoices. This will surface integration differences, user experience weaknesses, and process incongruence before they become expensive problems at scale.

The Bottom Line UAE e-invoicing is not coming eventually; it is already here. The Account Payable (AP) and Account Receivable (AR) teams that treat it as a compliance project alone will miss the broader operational opportunity it presents. The businesses that invest in the right UAE invoice automation infrastructure early will emerge with faster payment cycles, fewer errors, lower processing costs, and finance functions built for the digital economy.

The transformation is significant, but so is the upside. The Representational Image

question is not whether to adapt, it is how quickly and how effectively your team can make the shift.

Digital Finance

25

Etihad Airways Launches LANEIGE Destination Collection

Representational Image

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Lifestyle

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab

The collection features two distinct bag styles: Pouch

Emirates, will progressively roll-out the Destination

and Slim. Each style is available in seven colourways,

Collection, a new collectable amenity kit line, in

with every colour representing a different city within

Business cabins across its network this summer. The

Etihad’s impressively expanding network. The bags

Destination Collection will feature 14 designs to collect,

showcase the destination name and geographic

each design inspired by a stunning city from within

coordinates embossed on the exterior, complemented

the Etihad global network and includes a new range

by a faceted zipper puller and a bespoke interior

of LANEIGE skincare products to elevate the guest

lining featuring faceted artwork inspired by the city it

experience onboard.

“

represents. Every bag includes a serial number (1–7), indicating its unique artwork within the collection.

Designed to celebrate the breadth and diversity of the Etihad network, the Destination Collection draws

inspiration from destinations across the airline’s global map, transforming a functional inflight essential into a

collectible keepsake. Etihad’s new Business amenity kit

builds on the success of the collectable Finjans offered to premium guests in First onboard Etihad flights; each Finjan is designed to represent an Etihad destination, the cups are randomly allocated to guests flying in First and the designs refreshed regularly creating a thoughtful keepsake for guests of Etihad that reflects the Emirati heritage the airline champions.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Etihad Airways, said, “This new amenity kit collection reflects everything Etihad stands for: thoughtful

We are creating an effortless, sensorial experience designed to support comfort and energy at altitude.

It is skincare you feel, lightweight and intuitive, powered by science.

design, a strong sense of place, and an elevated

“

The Destination Collection: Inspired by the World We Fly

guest experience. Celebrating destinations across

The initial rollout will feature seven incredible cities

our network and partnering with LANEIGE to enhance

from the airline’s network, including destinations

inflight wellbeing, we’re going beyond to create

Etihad launched in 2025 such as Krabi, Addis Ababa

an experience that feels personal, curated, and

and Atlanta, as well as Calgary which will launch in

beautifully considered for our Business guests. Each

October 2026. Each year as the collection expands,

kit a collectable keepsake inspired by the places we

additional cities and artworks will be introduced

connect and meaningful even after your journey

progressively.

ends.”

At the heart of the collection is the Abu Dhabi Edition He added, “This is an exciting move for Etihad,

(#1), a tribute to Etihad’s home and strong Emirati

bringing our Business amenity kit design in‑house

heritage. Featuring the Zayed National Museum,

allows us to empower the extraordinary talent across

the design reflects the city’s spirit of ambition and

our organisation and provide the opportunity to

progress that continues to inspire the airline’s journey.

create with purpose. The result is a collection that is authentically Etihad, designed by our people from

Abu Dhabi (#1), Krabi (#2), Mumbai (#3), Lisbon (#4)

start to finish.”

Addis Ababa (#5), Calgary (#6), Atlanta (#7)

Lifestyle

27

Representational Image

Each flight will be loaded with a mixed selection of

The collaboration is a part of the airline’s efforts to

colours and destinations, ensuring guests encounter

create a holistic, wellness-oriented environment when

a different design each time they fly, encouraging

travelling with Etihad, as part of the Etihad Wellbeing

collectability and making every journey feel unique.

initiative. The initiative has driven the introduction of the airline’s Quiet Cabin, and intentional changes to

Each kit continues to include Etihad’s signature

it’s onboard offering, encompassing culinary, product,

comfort essentials, such as an eyeshade, earplugs,

environment and more.

and dental kit, alongside an elevated skincare experience.

Built on a philosophy driven by curiosity and science, LANEIGE brings decades of Korean skincare expertise

LANEIGE Joins Etihad Onboard

onboard, with clinically proven formulations designed

Etihad has partnered with LANEIGE, one of the world’s

to restore moisture and comfort during travel.

most loved K‑beauty brands, to introduce a curated selection of hydration-focused skincare for guests in

PilKyung Choi, Brand President of LANEIGE, commented,

Business. Etihad is the first airline to collaborate with

“We are immensely proud to partner with Etihad

the brand, known for delivering innovative skincare

Airways as the first Korean beauty brand to be part

experiences, and exclusively the only airline to offer

of this global onboard amenity programme. This

LANEIGE products onboard to its premium guests.

partnership represents a deeply meaningful milestone

28

Lifestyle

for LANEIGE, bringing our skincare expertise into the flight environment and extending the LANEIGE universe beyond the ground.

“By uniting LANEIGE’s skin barrier science with recovery focused care for travel stressed, jet lagged skin, we are creating an effortless, sensorial experience designed to support comfort and energy at altitude. It is skincare you feel, lightweight and intuitive, powered by science. Through this collaboration, we invite guests to experience the LANEIGE Wonder in the air: an effortless, sensorial journey where skin barrier science supports recovery, comfort, and energy throughout the flight.”

Guests will enjoy a curated edit of LANEIGE’s iconic products: •

LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask, powered by hyaluronic acid and squalane to replenish moisture and revive tired-looking skin

•

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, delivering intense hydration with Berry Fruit Complex, Murumuru Seed, and Shea Butter

•

Hand Cream, a deeply hydrating formula that restores softness and relieves dryness

Together, the collection ensures guests arrive feeling refreshed, radiant, and comfortably hydrated.

Representational Image

Lifestyle

29

Micropolis Robotics Launches Next-Generation Robot

Representational Image

Micropolis Robotics, one of the UAE-based developers

The new hybrid robot marks a step forward in

of advanced autonomous mobile robots and AI-

performance and capability, designed to operate

enabled systems, unveiled its next-generation M1.5

across longer distances, extended durations,

robot at Make it in the Emirates 2026, taking place in

and more complex terrains. With improved off-

Abu Dhabi from May 4 to 6. The platform represents

road mobility, increased endurance, and greater

an enhanced-capacity evolution of the Company’s

operational resilience, the platform is tailored for high-

existing robotics systems, engineered for more

intensity applications where reliability and sustained

demanding operational environments.

performance are critical.

30

Robotics

The robot has been developed in direct response

and-control systems. Together, these technologies

to the operational requirements of high-security

reflect an integrated approach that combines

and mission-critical environments, particularly

robotics, artificial intelligence, and software into

for extended-range, off-road deployments. Its

scalable, real-world solutions.

capabilities are shaped by real-world demands from entities such as the UAE National Guard, Saudi Arabia’s

Micropolis’ participation highlights the strength of

Ministry of Interior, and critical infrastructure operators,

Emirati engineering, manufacturing, and innovation

where continuous autonomy, reliability, and sustained

capabilities, with its systems designed, developed,

performance are essential for remote surveillance,

and produced in the UAE. The Company is working

border control, and industrial operations, including oil

with leading national institutions, including Dubai

and gas facilities.

“

Police, the UAE National Guard, DP World, and Aramco, supporting mission-critical applications across

“We take pride in building advanced robotics and AI systems in the UAE that are designed to operate

security, logistics, and infrastructure environments.

continuous monitoring, autonomous navigation, and

Our role is to translate the ambition into systems that can be implemented at scale, supporting critical operations locally and extending that expertise to global markets

real-time data capture, supporting safer and more

Listed on the NYSE American (MCRP), Micropolis is one

efficient operations across controlled and semi-

of the UAE Robotics companies to achieve a public

structured environments.

listing in the United States, reinforcing its position

Fareed Aljawhari, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Micropolis. “The introduction of the M1.5 reflects our continued focus on extending performance and capability where it matters most: endurance, adaptability, and reliability. As the UAE accelerates the integration of artificial intelligence across government and national infrastructure, we see a clear alignment between policy direction and practical deployment.

Our role is to translate that ambition into systems that can be implemented at scale, supporting critical operations locally and extending that expertise to global markets.”

The introduction of the M1.5 hybrid robot builds on Micropolis’ existing portfolio of autonomous systems, including the Patrol M1 and Patrol M2, advanced autonomous mobile platforms currently deployed across security, surveillance, and smart infrastructure applications. These systems are designed for

“

in real-world, high-demand environments,” said

as a globally recognized technology developer.

Also featured is Microspot, the Company’s proprietary

From this foundation, the Company continues to

AI and software platform, which serves as the

scale internationally, exporting UAE-built robotics

intelligence layer across Micropolis’ ecosystem,

solutions to markets across Saudi Arabia and Africa,

enabling real-time monitoring, fleet coordination, data

demonstrating the global relevance of locally

analytics, and integration with broader command-

developed advanced technologies.

Robotics

31

Corporate Leadership Transition at General Motors AMEO Region

Representational Image

In a move designed to accelerate regional growth

Sharon Nishi, who concludes a distinguished

and reinforce its commercial momentum, General

career and will officially retire on August 31,

Motors Africa and Middle East (AMEO) has recently

2026. Leadership responsibilities commence

announced a strategic realignment of its senior

immediately to ensure corporate continuity.

leadership team, effective June 1, 2026. This high-

•

Assigned Roles: Leverage an extensive track

profile executive transition underscores GM’s

record in commercial operations to drive

commitment to operational excellence, homegrown

vehicle portfolio expansion and solidify GM’s

talent development, and sustainable market

manufacturing and sales presence across the

expansion.

African continent.

The New Executive Leadership

2.

Mohammed Al-Fayyad – Incoming Managing Director, AMEO Commercial Operations

Industry sources added that this newly appointed leadership structure introduces seasoned veterans to pivotal regional roles, ensuring a seamless transition

•

of power and strategy:

The Transition: Succeeds Rohan Fernandes, stepping directly onto the GM Africa and Middle East Leadership Team.

1.

Rohan Fernandes-Incoming Chair and Managing Director, GM Egypt and Africa:

•

Assigned Roles: Report directly to Jorge Plata, President and Managing Director of GM AMEO, with a strategic focus on dealer integration, disciplined

•

34

The Transition: Rohan Fernandes will succeed

Automotive

market execution, and next-phase profitability.

Executive Profile: Mohammed Al-Fayyad’s Global

next phase of growth while delivering the sales and

Expertise

ownership experience our customers expect.”

Returning to the Middle East after a five-year tenure Al-Fayyad brings an unparalleled blend of global strategy and deep regional talent.

•

Proven Track Record: Most recently served as Director of Customer Care and Aftersales for GM Europe, successfully steering the division toward strategic transformation and profitability.

•

North American Impact: Previously held the role of General Director of the Independent Aftermarket (IAM) in the United States, capturing double-digit top-line revenue growth and optimizing profit margins.

•

Core Competencies: High-level mastery across International Sales, Corporate Strategy, Public Relations, and Global Aftersales.

•

Academic Foundation: Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Jordan, complemented by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Coventry University.

Driving the Future of Automotive Commerce This strategic shuffle arrives as General Motors

Plata also thanked Fernandes for his leadership of the

“

Commercial Operations business and wished him continued success in his new role.

The change marks a deliberate effort to align regional operations with General Motors’ global strategic pillars of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.

continues its aggressive pivot toward an all-electric

“

in elite international leadership markets, Mohammed

future, backed by advanced, low-emission propulsion

“Rohan has played an instrumental role in building

systems. By placing proven commercial strategists at

GM’s sales momentum and delivering consistent

the helm, GM ensures that its network of 17 distributors

growth,” said Plata. “He has built strong relationships

across 29 countries remains agile, integrated, and

with our dealer partners across the region and helped

intensely customer-centric.

lead a strategy that expanded our vehicle portfolio to provide customers different price points and

With Fernandes anchoring Egypt and Africa, and Al-

propulsion systems.”

Fayyad optimizing commercial operations from Dubai, GM AMEO is distinctively positioned to translate global

“Returning to the AMEO organization at such a pivotal

innovation into localized market leadership.

time for the automotive industry is a meaningful opportunity,” said Al-Fayyad. “My experiences in the

Quotes from the Key Leaders:

U.S. and Europe have strengthened my commitment to

“Al-Fayyad brings strong regional knowledge, deep

driving profitability through innovation, customer care

commercial experience and a clear understanding

and operational excellence. I look forward to working

of our business and dealer partners,” said Jorge

with our teams, dealers and partners to build on our

Plata. “His commitment to stronger integration and

momentum and deliver sustainable value across the

disciplined execution will help position GM for the

region.”

Automotive

35

Designing the Perfect Website with Artificial Intelligence

Representational Image

About 63% of web traffic now comes from mobile, 60%

to perform alongside what it has to look like. A site

of designers use a mobile-first approach, and 73.1% of

that captures qualified leads needs different visual

visitors leave a site that does not adjust to their device.

emphasis than a site that displays a portfolio.

The pressure on design quality is higher than the pressure on creation speed, which is why the AI design

The brief should answer four questions in writing

step that gets attention is rarely the one that produces

before the prompt is sent. What action does the buyer

the strongest output. The first generation is fast. The

take on the homepage? What three words would the

second pass, where the design becomes specific to

operator use to describe the brand’s tone (precise,

the brand and useful to the buyer, is where AI tools

warm, technical, traditional, modern)? What are two

earn their place.

reference sites the operator considers well-designed?

What feeling should the buyer leave the site with?

This article covers what the design brief should

Specific answers produce specific output.

contain, the decisions AI handles well, and the design judgment calls that still belong to a person.

Operators who skip the brief end up rejecting the AI’s first attempt and asking for “something different”

Defining the Visual Goals Before Generation

without being able to say what. The AI has no read on

A useful design brief tells the AI what role the site has

subjective taste. It needs vocabulary it can act on.

36

AI

Color Palette and Contrast Decisions

regenerate sections, override colors, and edit copy

AI tools now choose color combinations that pass

directly. Others lock the design after the first pass and

technical accessibility checks by default. The work that

require a redo to change major elements.

remains is brand alignment and emotional accuracy.

The platforms that produce the best designs treat AI A useful pattern is the four-color brief. One primary

output as a starting point and leave full editing control

color tied to the brand, one secondary that supports

with the operator. Locked-in templates dressed up

accent for highlights. Beyond that, the palette starts to feel decorative.

Contrast is the area where AI most often falls short.

WCAG 2.1 sets the minimum at 4.5:1 for normal text against its background. Mozilla’s developer documentation explains the color contrast calculations and the 3:1 floor for large text. Generated sites occasionally place light gray text on white because it looks elegant in mockups. The fix is the contrast checker, applied after the visual judgment.

Typography for the Generated Output

“

Most AI builders default to two safe fonts, a sans-serif for body and a contrasting display face for headings.

The defaults are competent and rarely distinctive.

The sharper move is a single variable font set across the whole site. Smashing Magazine’s coverage of variable font technology shows how a single file can

with AI naming conventions produce visually similar sites.

There is no perfect website to design. A site that does its job well, on the device the buyer is holding, with copy the buyer recognizes and a layout that respects the buyer’s attention, is the realistic target the AI workflow can deliver.

“

calls to action, one neutral background, and one

support weight, width, and slant variations, cutting font

Layout and Visual Hierarchy

payload from around 150 KB per face to one shared

AI builders tend to apply familiar layout patterns that

file with all variations stored as deltas. Performance

work because users already know how to scan them.

improves and visual coherence improves with it.

The Nielsen Norman Group’s F-pattern eye-tracking research found that users read web content in

Typography size and rhythm matter more than font

horizontal sweeps along the top of the page and then

choice. A useful starting point is 18px body text with

a vertical scan down the left side. The pattern holds

1.5 line-height and a 1.25 type scale that climbs from

across content types and across more than a decade

body to H3 to H2 to H1. Most AI defaults use smaller

of follow-up studies.

body text at 14 to 16 px, which costs older readers comfort they should not have to give up.

A site designed against this scanning behavior loses visitors. AI builders generally respect the F-pattern

AI-Assisted Design Platforms

by default but sometimes push the most important

Operators choosing an AI powered website builder

content into the lower right of the viewport, where

have to weigh how much manual control the platform

attention drops. Move calls to action and primary

leaves on the table. Some platforms let the operator

headlines into the F’s natural reading paths.

AI

37

Representational Image

Visual hierarchy works through size, color, and

hero images that crop awkwardly on portrait screens,

typography weight. Research from the Sessions

forms with input fields too small for thumb taps, and

College design program quantifies the contribution.

text that overflows containers because the AI did not

Size accounts for around 45% of attention, color 30%,

anticipate the longer string the operator inserted

and typography weight 25%. AI tools tend to under-use

afterward.

size differentiation, producing sections where every element feels close to the same weight.

The fix is the same as for desktop. View the generated mobile site on actual phones rather than the desktop

Responsive Behavior Across Devices

preview, and on at least 3 screen sizes (small Android,

Mobile users represent 62% to 63% of web traffic, and

current iPhone, current iPad). The differences between

most AI generators produce mobile layouts as part of

preview and reality are often small but always present.

the first pass. The fact that the layout exists does not mean it works.

Design System Discipline for Consistency A site that looks designed end-to-end follows a small

Common failure modes on AI-generated mobile views

set of rules across every page. The same heading

include navigation menus that hide essential links

sizes. The same button styles. The same spacing scale.

behind a hamburger that takes up the whole header,

AI builders generate consistency on the first pass but

38

AI

Representational Image

lose it during edits, especially when the operator adds

premium to accessible to somewhere in the middle.

new sections by prompt rather than by component.

The story the operator wants the site to tell about why this business exists.

Mature in-house design systems like the Atlassian Design System handle this through documented

These are prompts the operator writes. The AI executes

components and tokens for color, type, and spacing.

them. A site that feels distinctive comes from an

A small business site does not need that level of

operator who fed the system distinctive instructions

formality, but it benefits from a one-page reference

and rejected the output that pulled toward the

the operator updates as decisions accrue. Without it,

average.

the third edited page will not match the first.

There is no perfect website to design. A site that does The Operator’s Remaining Decisions

its job well, on the device the buyer is holding, with

A few design judgment calls the AI cannot make on

copy the buyer recognizes and a layout that respects

its own. The brand’s actual personality, in plain words.

the buyer’s attention, is the realistic target the AI

The specific buyer the site is for, including the level of

workflow can deliver. The operator’s job is to act as

comfort that buyer has with the product category. The

the AI’s client, with the kind of explicit direction it can

pricing tier the site has to communicate visually, from

execute on.

AI

39

Blueprints of Tomorrow

The Technologies Redefining Modern Industries Over the past three decades, technological advancement has shifted from basic multimedia consumption, such as streaming music and videos on smartphones, to a core utility driving daily necessities.

Mining Industry

Immersive Tech (AR & VR) Use Cases Drilling Operations: AR solutions superimpose live data regarding drill bit stress directly onto the

Today, digital platforms seamlessly manage

operator’s field of view. This minimizes the likelihood of

everything from food delivery and travel bookings to

unexpected drill breakages during extraction.

document editing, gaming, and cloud storage. Beyond these everyday consumer conveniences, however, modern technology has radically transformed

Blast Training: Virtual environments are tailored to replicate exact mine layouts. Trainees can safely

the global industrial landscape. The next round of

practice setting off explosives, while the software

paragraphs details how cutting-edge technological

simulates subsequent rock weathering and

applications are redefining operations across major

shockwaves to mimic real-world conditions.

“

sectors. Let’s dive deep into the various industrial sectors where recent technologies were implemented

Digital innovation has matured from a tool for consumer entertainment into the vital backbone of global industry Technology

“

40

Team Communication: VR provides a shared, immersive view of mining sites. This allows geographically dispersed teams to collaborate remotely, making it easier to inspect and manage confined spaces or distant sectors.

Big Data & Analytics Use Cases Telematics Tracking: Solves the issue of underutilized machinery by providing clear visibility into equipment availability and performance. Continuous data gathering and analysis optimize fleet management and boost operational efficiency.

Predictive Modeling: By leveraging machine learning, data mining, and statistics, companies can pinpoint exactly the location to optimize resource distribution.

This interconnected data network cuts operational costs, refines production timelines, and minimizes downtime.

Market Demand Prediction: Companies use timeseries analysis to project future demand based on historical trends, alongside machine learning to

Representational Image

uncover intricate market correlations. This allows

personalized, convenient, and connected. Guests use

them to run simulations and understand how demand

voice-activated devices to adjust room temperature,

might shift due to policy changes, economic growth,

change lighting, or ask for local tourist information.

or new technologies.

Data from Statista highlights this shift, noting that 57% of travelers favor voice assistants for controlling

Tourism

room settings, and 48% utilize them to make service

Experiential Marketing: Extended reality (XR) and

requests.

creative tech are shifting tourism marketing from static, traditional advertisements to interactive,

Healthcare

engaging campaigns. This approach captivates target

Diagnosis and Treatment: AI streamlines data

audiences by offering memorable, hands-on digital

processing such as analyzing medical imagery to help

experiences before they even reach their destination.

physicians diagnose conditions with higher accuracy.

For instance, IBM Research demonstrated that AI can

Voice Search Optimization: The rise of AI assistants,

identify and interpret brain activity patterns in MRIs

smartphones, and smart speakers has made voice

to monitor how neurodegenerative conditions like

search highly relevant for travel bookings. Since more

Huntington’s disease advance.

travelers now use voice commands to secure flights, hotels, and tours, businesses must optimize their

Medical Imaging: AI models excel at translating visual

websites for voice compatibility.

scans into quantifiable data and identifying hidden trends. This assists radiologists in managing massive

In-Room Voice Controls: Voice technology is

volumes of images by automatically highlighting

reshaping hospitality, making every stay more

anomalies and high-priority findings.

Technology

41

Healthcare Operations: Building on the foundation

Consequently, fashion institutions are integrating

of electronic health records, hospitals are upgrading

this technology into their curricula.

their digital infrastructure. Utilizing cloud technology, mobile applications, and advanced analytics helps

Smart Textiles & Novel Fabrics: The USD 6 billion

optimize day-to-day institutional workflows.

smart textile market features innovations such as: •

Self-repairing materials.

Clinical Research: The life sciences sector is using

•

Climate-regulating fabrics.

tech to decentralize clinical trials. By incorporating

•

Lab-grown, bioengineered leather alternatives.

smart devices, remote telehealth consultations, and

•

Nanotech-infused fabrics that shift colors

digital sensors, researchers can collect data more efficiently while making participation more convenient for patients.

Fashion

dynamically.

•

Energy-harvesting textiles that convert physical movement into power.

Digital Sketching: The traditional practice of paper

3D Printing & Sustainability: 3D printing

sketching has evolved into a digital format. Designers

contributes to sustainable fashion by producing

now use vector-based software like Adobe Illustrator,

garments layer by layer, significantly reducing

Photoshop, and Sketchbook Pro to build precise,

material waste. Industry leaders like Adidas and

scalable patterns and technical drawings. This digital

Stella McCartney have adopted this method, and

shift allows designers to examine the finest details

Statista reports the 3D-printed fashion sector

without losing image quality and easily alter designs

is projected to expand by over 20% annually.

without starting over.

Representational Image

42

Technology

Representational Image

Computer-Aided Design (CAD): A staple in advanced

implementing these systems see a 25% drop in wait

fashion education, CAD software has optimized the

times, directly boosting customer satisfaction.

industry through automation. It allows designers to generate 2D and 3D digital models, modify existing

The evolution of technology over recent decades

styles, and scan or digitally “stitch” garments. This

highlights a profound shift. Digital innovation has matured

allows companies to evaluate the appearance and fit

from a tool for consumer entertainment into the vital

of a piece before proceeding with production.

backbone of global industry. Across high-stakes sectors

Supermarket & Business Operations Enterprise Content Management (ECM): Utilizing ECM

like mining and healthcare, as well as consumer-focused fields like tourism, fashion, and retail, the integration of artificial intelligence, immersive tech, big data, and automation is rewriting traditional operational blueprints.

for document management is vital for cutting through red tape and maintaining tax compliance. It enables

Conclusion

businesses to digitize invoices and contracts, secure

By adopting these advanced tools, industries are

clear audit trails, and review paperwork instantly from

unlocking unprecedented efficiency, elevating

any connected device.

workplace safety, minimizing environmental waste, and radically enhancing the end-user experience. As

Self-Checkout Systems: Self-service checkout lanes are

these technologies continue to mature and converge,

a growing global trend aimed at accelerating payments,

they will push the boundaries of industrial capability

shortening lines, and upgrading the retail experience.

paving the way for a smarter, more interconnected,

According to data from Toledo Brasil, grocery stores

and highly sustainable global market.

Technology

43

How to Boost Your Account Reach and Gain More Followers on Instagram

credible to new visitors. When someone visits an

Reaching people on Instagram has become much

Consistency is also extremely important. Accounts

harder than before. Some accounts post consistently,

that rely consistently on Reels usually grow much

yet visitors feel no real reason to follow them.

faster than accounts that only post photos.

account with high engagement and activity, they often feel, even before fully browsing the content, that this account is “worth” their attention. That is why major content creators prioritize building an audience strategically from the beginning. To do this safely, you should buy real Instagram followers from Media Mister, as they provide high-quality followers from active accounts, helping ensure natural (organic) engagement on your profile.

3. Create Reels Regularly Reels are currently the most powerful reach tool on Instagram, especially for smaller accounts. The reason is simple: Instagram shows them to people who do not already follow you, giving you continuous opportunities to reach new audiences. But success here is not only about “posting.” Your videos need to be fast, clear, and attention-grabbing from the beginning. Instagram users scroll incredibly quickly, and if it takes ten seconds to get to the point.

Meanwhile, other accounts are much simpler but grow quickly because they have clarity, presence, and

4. Use Instagram Trends Smartly

content that makes people stop and engage. Keep

Trends can give your reach a strong boost, but the

reading to learn more.

problem is that many accounts copy them exactly until they lose all personality. Suddenly, every account

8 Best Ways to Boost Your Account Reach and Gain

starts looking boringly identical. The smarter approach

More Followers on Instagram

is to use trends in your own way. Take the popular idea, but add your personal style or connect it to

1. Optimize Your Profile to Increase Followers

your niche differently. Audiences like accounts that

Your profile is the first real test for anyone visiting

stay current, but they remember accounts that add

your account. If the account looks unclear or random,

something unique. Timing is also very important here.

visitors will likely leave quickly, even if the content itself

Trends rise quickly… and disappear quickly, too.

is excellent. People judge extremely fast on Instagram.

Organized accounts with visual consistency give the

5. Use the Right Hashtags and Keywords

impression that there is a real identity behind the

Hashtags are still useful, but random usage no longer

content, not just random posts.

works the way it once did. Adding twenty unrelated hashtags will not create miracles. It is better to

2. Grow Your Follower Base Strategically

use keywords and hashtags that are genuinely

Let’s speak honestly for a moment: accounts with

connected to your niche or the idea behind the post.

a strong audience appear more trustworthy and

Try writing naturally without annoying keyword stuffing

44

Social Media

or excessive repetition. When Instagram clearly

Representational Image

understands what your content is about, it becomes more likely to show it to people who are actually interested in that type of content.

6. Strengthen Engagement With Your Audience Accounts that reply and interact with people build much stronger relationships than accounts that post and disappear. People want to feel that there is a real human behind the screen, not just a machine posting content every day. Replying to comments, asking questions, and even engaging in direct messages all help create a small community around your account.

Instagram itself also favors accounts with active conversations and engagement.

7. Collaborate With Relevant Content Creators Instead of trying to grow completely on your own

“

all the time, why not benefit from an audience that already exists? Collaborating with accounts related to your niche helps you appear in front of people who are

Accounts that reply and interact with people build much stronger relationships than accounts that post and disappear.

already interested in the same type of content. They do not have to be huge celebrities either. Sometimes, small but highly engaged accounts produce far better results because their audiences are closer and more active.

8. Cross-Promote Across Other Platforms If you rely only on Instagram, you are slowing your growth for no reason. Many people discover accounts through TikTok, YouTube, or even Twitter/X before deciding to follow them later on Instagram. That is why repurposing content across multiple platforms is a very smart strategy, especially in the beginning. Every platform gives you another opportunity to appear in front of new audiences, and over time, your name starts becoming more familiar.

Conclusion Increasing reach and followers on Instagram does not depend on one “magic secret,” but on a combination of small details working together consistently: good content, a clear identity, genuine engagement, and consistency without long disappearances.

Social Media

45

“

What Happens When You File a Lawsuit Against a Corporation Representational Image

“

While the road is long, the system ensures no company is too big to obey the rules

Legal

“

46

Most people feel like a tiny speck next to a massive

And bosses at the company will have to explain their

company. These businesses have significant financial

choices. This proof is the heart of your entire claim. It

resources. They also have huge teams of lawyers who

makes the truth impossible to hide.

get paid to make you go away. If a big business hurts you, the idea of a fight in court can feel scary. But the

Settlement Talks and the Final Trial

law is there to make things fair for everyone.

Most cases against big companies never see a jury.

Trials are expensive. They can make a company

The path to a win starts with a formal legal paper.

look terrible in the news. Because of these factors,

If you decide to sue a corporation, you are telling a

both sides often sit down to talk about a price. If the

judge that the company failed to keep you safe. This

company sees that your proof is solid, they might offer

move forces the giant to stop ignoring your calls. It is

a check to end the fight quickly.

the very first step toward getting the money you need to pay your bills. You are setting a clear boundary.

If you do not agree on a price, you go to a trial. A jury of regular people will listen to your story. They will

Once the papers reach the company, they have to

look at the facts. The goal is to make things right for

answer. They will likely try to find a way to get the

the person who was hurt. While the road is long, the

judge to toss your case in the trash. But if the judge

system ensures no company is too big to obey the

says your case is strong, the real search for the truth

rules.

begins. This is when the power starts to shift.

Key Takeaways The Discovery Phase: Hunting for Proof

•

Big companies use delay tactics to try to wear you out.

Discovery is the longest part of the whole fight. This

•

The law gives you the power to see the business’s

stage is when both sides have to trade their secrets.

private files.

You have the right to ask for their private emails. You

•

Most legal fights end with a check instead of a trial.

can demand their safety files. Often, big companies

•

Discovery is when you find the proof that wins the case.

fight hard to keep these papers hidden from your eyes.

•

Mediation is a talk where both sides try to find a

They do not want you to see their mistakes.

fair solution.

•

Lawyers will also do depositions. This is just a way of saying they ask people questions while they are under oath. You will answer questions about your harm.

Hard proof, like emails, is what makes a company pay up.

•

You have the right to hold any business responsible for their mistakes.

Legal

47

Business Management Skills You Need for Running a Modern School Successfully

Starting and running a school is one of the noblest businesses you can venture into as an entrepreneur.

However, managing a school successfully always requires some level of skills and training across the entire management department.

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Education

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Since leading a school is primarily about imparting

communication, and attention to detail, which are

the best quality of education to young minds, you

crucial for building strong analytical skills.

cannot fail at the management level, where every important decision starts. Below, we’ll explore a few

Mindfulness

crucial business management skills you should have

As a business leader tasked with the responsibility of

as a school leader to run your modern institution

shaping the strong mindsets of tomorrow’s leaders,

successfully.

being mindful is a crucial skill for your overall success.

Effective mindfulness in school leadership is all about

Strong Decision-Making Skills

becoming more observant so your eyes can catch

Effective business leadership is strongly tied to one’s

what others easily miss. You need to stay alert to

or leader, you’re required to know what needs to be done in your department or organization anytime there’s a crisis. Your decisions should be informed, firm, and practical enough to offer the right solution for different situations affecting the organization at different times.

For instance, if the school intends to purchase lockers at an affordable price to minimize costs, you can advise the procurement team to consider different purchasing options. They can buy second-hand lockers from reliable used school locker collections or buy new ones in small, affordable consignments rather than buying the entire costly consignment at once. Making the right decisions at the right time will

“

know when a staff member is behaving out of the ordinary or if overall organizational behavior is shifting and needs attention.

Most people feel like a tiny speck next to a massive company.

These businesses have significant financial resources. They also have huge teams of lawyers who get paid to make you go away

“

ability to make good decisions fast. As a school owner

help steer your school in the right direction faster and

If you’re not already a mindful person, the best place

keep you in business for a long time.

to start building this skill is by boosting your emotional intelligence. People who struggle to manage their

Analytical Skills

emotions and stay resilient in times of disruption

Any successful business manager today requires

often fail to manage people effectively under them.

impressive analytical skills to navigate the fast-

You will need to accept and address the cognitive

paced business world, with Big Data in play. Business

issues affecting your emotional intelligence so you

managers and leaders need to excel at creating

can become a better leader for your colleagues and

and interpreting smart charts, business insights, and

students.

market trends to devise creative solutions to various problems. This makes analytics a powerful tool for

Managing a successful school may not be the easiest

school management at any level of growth.

job that exists, but it’s worth the sacrifices you make to become a better leader. By doing your best to build

School leaders and managers should undergo

the above skills and traits, you’re helping improve

the requisite training or upskilling to acquire the

your school’s reputation and longevity in the industry.

analytical skills needed to manage a successful

Ensure you acquire and develop all these skills to

school business. Training equips leaders with effective

set yourself up for admirable success as a school

management capabilities, such as foresight, effective

manager and leader.

Education

49

KPMG and Anthropic launch global AI alliance

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AI

KPMG and Anthropic announced a global alliance,

Claude Cowork and Managed Agents are integrated

bringing Anthropic’s frontier AI directly into KPMG’s

into KPMG’s global technology platform, built on

client delivery platform. The alliance will initially focus

Microsoft Azure, combining KPMG insights, proprietary

on tax clients and private equity firms, enabling

tools, and client data in one environment. KPMG

clients to build agentic workflows in real time to help

professionals already use the platform to build AI tools

drive better outcomes. KPMG will also embed Claude

that support client delivery. With Claude integrated,

into its PE-focused product offerings, and the two

professionals and clients can work with AI directly

products for portfolio companies.

“At KPMG, we’re innovating and redefining how work gets done,” said Bill Thomas, Global Chairman and CEO, KPMG International. “This global alliance with Anthropic reflects our shared commitment to responsible AI, prioritizing security, trust, and governance as KPMG firms scale these capabilities to our clients and people around the world.”

“KPMG works in industries where accuracy, accountability, and trust aren’t optional, and they’re applying the same standard to AI. They’re rolling Claude out to 276,000 people across the business and using it for client work in tax and private equity. They’re also bringing it into cybersecurity, where it helps find and fix vulnerabilities. That’s what a firm-wide commitment to AI looks like, and we’re proud to be the

“

within the platform, enabling new capabilities and real time innovation.

Rapid development of AI leaves no choice for businesses but to adopt these in their way of work in a responsible manner.

partner they chose,” said Daniela Amodei, Co-founder and President of Anthropic.

“

organizations will co-develop new Claude-powered

Value creation for Private Equity (PE) clients. KPMG will be a preferred consultant for deploying Anthropic AI

As organizations across Qatar move from AI

capabilities to PE clients, helping portfolio companies

experimentation to implementation, they need trusted

responsibly use Anthropic AI and agents to drive

partners who can help them adopt these technologies

productivity gains and create new AI-driven products

with confidence. This alliance with Anthropic together

and services.

with our best-in-class global AI capabilities and teams strengthen our ability to support clients with

Modernizing work with Claude. KPMG’s 276,000 global

advanced AI systems and use cases combined with

workforce will have access to Anthropic’s Claude suite

the governance, sector insight, and practical expertise

of AI capabilities, building on the successful adoption

needed to drive real business value.” said Ahmed Abu-

of Claude across KPMG’s Advisory, AI and Data Labs

Sharkh, Country Senior Partner, KPMG in Qatar.

and enterprise support teams in the U.S. over the last two years. As part of the strategic alliance, KPMG and

The alliance brings together Anthropic’s frontier AI,

Anthropic will help shared clients reimagine their business

KPMG professionals’ domain experience, and a shared

functions and co-develop AI-enabled product offerings

commitment to security and trust in AI.

that will solve client challenges in ways that were

AI

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Representational Image

previously not possible. For example, the new portfolio

For tax and corporate functions, AI has the potential

of offerings for PE clients includes KPMG Blaze, which

to enhance the quality, speed, and insight behind

can embed Claude Code to help clients accelerate IT

decision-making, while also helping to simplify

modernization, cut development lifecycles and enable

complexity and support compliance. Through our

faster delivery of AI-enabled technology systems.

Digital Gateway, this alliance will allow us to bring advanced AI capabilities to clients in a structured and

Rapid development of AI leaves no choice for businesses

responsible way, working alongside them over time as

but to adopt these in their way of work in a responsible

these solutions evolve to unlock more strategic value

manner. KPMG as trusted partners help clients translate

across their operations.” said Barbara Henzen, Partner,

AI ambition into tangible business outcomes, with a clear

Tax and Corporate Services, KPMG in Qatar.

strategy and disciplined execution. This alliance enhances our ability to support organizations across the business

Across the alliance, KPMG and Anthropic will embed

and in their broader transformation agenda, combining

cybersecurity, risk, and AI assurance into how AI systems

advanced AI capabilities with deep sector and advisory

and tools are designed and operated, with teams finding

expertise to help unlock sustainable value,” said Venkat

and fixing vulnerabilities and protecting critical systems.

Krishnaswamy, Partner, Head of Advisory, KPMG in Qatar.

All work is guided by the KPMG Trusted AI framework.

52

AI

Vodafone Egypt Commits EGP 20bn to Boost Digital Transformation

Vodafone Egypt has reaffirmed its position as a

participating in high-level ministerial dialogues, the

primary catalyst for national modernization by

company continues to champion the integration of

announcing an investment exceeding EGP 20 billion for

foreign expertise to accelerate domestic economic

the 2026–2027 fiscal year. This capital injection follows

competitiveness.

a legacy of over EGP 125 billion allocated over the past 28 years.

A Comprehensive Technological Blueprint To maximize the impact of this fiscal commitment,

Industry sources added that this announcement

Vodafone Egypt has structured an integrated

underscores the operator’s long-term confidence

infrastructure roadmap:

in Egypt’s evolving economic landscape and its

•

commitment to scaling advanced infrastructure to meet future technological demands.

Next-Gen Connectivity: Accelerated 5G network deployment and strategic spectrum expansion.

•

Enterprise Architecture: Advanced data centers, localized cloud computing solutions, and robust

Strategic Synergies and Global Scenario The investment strategy took center stage during the

cybersecurity frameworks.

•

Emerging Tech Integration: Developing scalable

Egyptian British Business Association (BEBA) mission

Artificial Intelligence capabilities to support public

in the United Kingdom. Operating under the theme

and private enterprise transformation.

“Egypt Moves Forward: Investment Opportunities and Sustainable Economic Reform,” the platform

Driving Regional Hub Aspirations

highlighted Vodafone’s role as a vital link between

During a ministerial panel titled “Digital Egypt:

international capital and local market potential. By

Infrastructure, Innovation, and Investment

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Technology

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“

Advanced digital framework development remains the core engine required to attract high-value foreign direct investment

“

Opportunities,” leadership from Vodafone Egypt,

Ian Gray (Moderator)*, Deputy Chairman of the

alongside H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid, Minister of

Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC).

Investment and Foreign Trade, mapped out the nation’s trajectory. The discussions focused heavily on

This participation comes at a time of accelerating global

positioning Egypt as an unyielding regional gateway

focus on digital infrastructure, AI capabilities, cloud

serving Africa, the Gulf, and Europe. Advanced

computing, and advanced digital services, as these

digital framework development remains the core

factors increasingly shape economic futures and market

engine required to attract high-value foreign direct

competitiveness worldwide. This shift reinforces the vital

investment.

importance of international dialogue and cooperation to drive investment and innovation in the sector.

The session was attended by: Empowering a Knowledge-Based Economy H.E. Dr. Mohamed Farid, Minister of Investment and

With an established user base of over 55 million

Foreign Trade.

citizens, Vodafone’s capital expenditure directly serves national socioeconomic goals. Preparing the

Mohamed Abdallah, CEO and Managing Director of

market to seamlessly absorb next-generation tech

Vodafone Egypt, and Regional CEO for International

ensures that domestic industries remain competitive

Markets at Vodacom Group.

on a global scale. Through these continuous network upgrades, the organization is effectively laying the

Todd Wilcox, Deputy Chairman and CEO of HSBC

groundwork for a highly sustainable, knowledge-

Egypt.

based digital economy.

Technology

55

Zoom Unveils New Data Center with the Expansion in Saudi Arabia

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Data Center

Zoom has taken a decisive step in its Saudi growth

The event follows a series of significant product

journey with the launch of a new data center, adding

announcements, including the launch of ZoomMate,

valuable capacity to the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving

the company’s first AI teammate designed to

digital landscape. The launch was held under the

turn conversations into completed work, and the

patronage of the Ministry of Communications and

introduction of Zoom’s AI Productivity Suite, which

Excellency Ahmed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority (DGA), alongside representatives from Aramco.

Located in center3, a Saudi‑headquartered provider of carrier‑neutral data centers and subsea cable systems connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, the establishment of the data center builds on Zoom’s broader investment in the Kingdom. Last year, Zoom pledged USD 75 million to Saudi Arabia with a strategic focus on innovation enabled by AI and the advanced infrastructure required to scale it, particularly as the nation designates 2026 as the Year of AI. As the country marks the 10th anniversary of Vision 2030, this designation signals a renewed emphasis on applying advanced technologies in practical, high‑impact ways. The announcement builds on years of steady progress in data and AI initiatives, supported by major national institutions and large‑scale infrastructure programs, and underscores Zoom’s long‑term commitment to supporting progress across government and industry.

Zoom’s existing regional data center, established in 2023, already supports customers requiring local data residency, and the new facility enhances capabilities for government entities, enterprises, and critical national infrastructure organizations.

Commenting on the launch, Mohannad AlKalash, Vice President of Zoom for the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa,

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allows teams to generate presentations, reports, and other deliverables directly from meeting context.

The new data center bolsters our ability to support customers locally and demonstrates Zoom’s belief in the country’s vision for a more connected, AI powered future.

“

Information Technology (MCIT), attended by His

and Pakistan (METAP), said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most forward‑looking digital markets in the region, and

As the country continues to advance its digital

we’re seeing remarkable momentum here. The new

agenda, Zoom will work alongside partners to

data center bolsters our ability to support customers

strengthen the local technology ecosystem and

locally and demonstrates Zoom’s belief in the country’s

ensure organizations have the support they need as

vision for a more connected, AI‑powered future.”

priorities evolve.

Data Center

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