Introduction
Welcome to this special feature of MEA Business, bringing together the voices of 50 business leaders from across the UAE and the wider region. In this issue, we highlight their journeys, their reasons for choosing the UAE, and their outlook for the future.
Introduction
At MEA Business, we are committed to delivering comprehensive business insights from across the Middle East and Africa. Our mission is to provide a platform where leaders can share ideas, foster collaboration, and contribute to a broader narrative of growth, resilience, and opportunity.
This feature reflects that vision. It captures the confidence and long-term commitment of companies that have chosen to build and expand in the UAE, drawn by its strong leadership, business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, and high levels of safety and stability. These foundations continue to empower businesses and support sustainable growth across sectors.
Through a series of interviews, this edition showcases how the UAE has shaped both the professional and personal journeys of business leaders, while also highlighting their future ambitions. A clear message emerges: the business community remains focused, optimistic, and committed to the region’s continued success.
MEA Business continues to provide clear, concise, and relevant content across print, digital, and social platforms, covering key developments, market trends, and exclusive leadership perspectives. By focusing on positive stories and real-world insights, we aim to inform and inspire our readers.
We hope you find this feature both engaging and insightful, and a reflection of a business community united in confidence and focused on the future.
Kenneth Mitchen Publisher, MEA Business
Kenneth Mitchen Publisher, MEA Business
Here to Stay: Business Leaders Show Confidence in the UAE and the Region’s Future
Leaders from across industries share their journeys, commitment, and vision for growth in a resilient and forward-looking nation
At a time when the wider region is navigating a period of complexity and change, the spirit of resilience and unity within the UAE’s business community has never been more evident. This special feature brings together insights from 50 companies operating across diverse sectors, each led by individuals who have made a conscious decision to build, invest, and grow within the United Arab Emirates. Through a series of conversations, these leaders reflect on what drew them to the UAE, how the nation has shaped both their professional ambitions and personal journeys, and what lies ahead as they continue to expand their footprint in the region. While each story is unique, a common thread runs throughout: a deep-rooted confidence in the UAE as a stable, progressive, and opportunity-rich environment.
Over the years, the UAE has established itself as a global hub for business, innovation, and talent. This has been made possible by the vision and strategic direction of its leadership, who have consistently prioritised economic diversification, regulatory transparency, and world-class infrastructure. From fostering entrepreneurship to enabling multinational growth, the country has cultivated an ecosystem that empowers businesses to thrive.
Equally important is the sense of security, stability, and quality of life that the UAE offers. Leaders across industries point to the country’s safe environment, forward-thinking policies, and inclusive
culture as key factors that have enabled them to focus on long-term growth and meaningful impact. These foundations continue to support businesses as they navigate evolving market dynamics with confidence.
This feature is also a testament to the collective strength of the business community. Companies are not only investing in their own futures but are also contributing to the broader economic and social fabric of the region. By sharing their journeys and perspectives, these leaders reaffirm their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
The UAE’s track record speaks for itself.
Having successfully navigated global financial shifts, public health challenges, and periods of economic uncertainty, the nation has consistently emerged stronger and more resilient. Today is no different. The same determination, adaptability, and forward-looking mindset continue to guide both public and private sectors alike.
As we look ahead, the message from the business community is clear: confidence remains high, ambitions remain bold, and the commitment to the UAE and the wider region is unwavering. Together, we stand in solidarity—focused on progress, driven by purpose, and united in shaping a prosperous future.
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
In the UAE, I found something every business leader rarely finds in one place: vision, stability, and momentum. For a company like SunTec, established 35 years ago yet operating at the cutting edge of technology and value creation, this is a market that thinks ahead while knowing how to get things
LEVA Hotels
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE has always stood out as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and hospitality. Its strategic location, worldclass infrastructure, and business-friendly ecosystem make it an ideal base for LEVA Hotels to grow and serve a diverse international clientele. Beyond logistics, the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation in tourism and hospitality aligns perfectly with our vision of creating experiential hotel offerings.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Dubai masterfully transforms uncertainty into opportunity which is a key part of its strength as a global business hub. As a beacon of resilience, openness, and global connectivity, it provides an environment where businesses can be built and scaled with confidence.
The UAE has been instrumental in both my professional and personal journey, providing the platform to establish and grow the brand
SunTec Business Solutions
done, a combination that mattered to us. The UAE offered a growing, future-focused environment for business, finance, and technology, a strong base for engaging GCC audiences, and access to global markets. Initiatives like the AED 1 billion support package in the context of the Middle East conflict, focused on liquidity, fee deferrals, and business continuity, reflect the government’s forward-looking approach, making the UAE a winning place to do business.
How has the country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the UAE has been energising. It has reaffirmed my belief that progress comes fastest when ambition is paired with clarity, discipline, and openness to new ideas. Here, conversations about transformation are grounded in action, with real impact at the center.
Personally, my connection with the UAE has been equally meaningful. The country combines confidence with remarkable
diversity and generosity of spirit. Its high quality of life, safety, and sense of order create an environment where one can work effectively and live fully. Living here has broadened my perspective, showing that growth is defined by learning, adapting, and staying open to the world.
What are your plans for growth and innovation in the region?
Our regional plans focus on the UAE and GCC banking sector as it modernises with purpose, investing in technology and rethinking customer service, revenue, and operations. We aim to help banks enhance pricing, billing, engagement, and agility through innovation and AI, shaping decisionmaking and value delivery. Establishing our local entity strengthens xour commitment and enables direct engagement with opportunities like e-invoicing and digital transformation. Growth for us means contributing to the next chapter of banking in markets, driving change
from the ground up. This remains a significant and valued part of that journey. Dubai’s robust infrastructure and visionary leadership provide the stability needed to confidently scale operations in a dynamic, fast-evolving hospitality market while benefiting from a highly skilled and diverse talent pool. The city’s vibrant multiculturalism and exceptional safety offer an unmatched quality of life.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Looking ahead, LEVA Hotels aims to expand across key GCC and international markets, introducing innovative hospitality concepts that blend technology, sustainability, and unique guest experiences. We are focused on enhancing operational efficiency and creating tailored experiences that cater to evolving traveler expectations. Our goal is to set a new benchmark for midscale and lifestyle hospitality in the region, combining growth with meaningful, responsible innovation.
Our focus remains the same: expand LEVA
Hotels across key GCC and international markets while introducing hospitality concepts that are efficient, sustainable, and tailored to evolving guest expectations. We aim to introduce a more flexible, dynamic hotel management solutions, optimize operations, and deliver consistent, meaningful experiences—setting a new standard for midscale and lifestyle hospitality in the region
Nanda Kumar, Founder & CEO, SunTec
JS Anand, Founder and CEO, LEVA Hotels
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE represents more than just a market; it reflects a vision that consistently translates into reality. Its leadership has created an environment where ambition is supported by structure, and growth is driven by trust and long-term thinking.
Dugasta Properties
The UAE empowers businesses to grow with purpose and long-term value.
For us, Dubai stood out as a city that not only connects the world but understands how to build for it. Its forward-looking approach to urban development and infrastructure aligns closely with our philosophy of creating value-driven, future-ready developments.
Choosing the UAE was a natural decision because it is a place where businesses are empowered to grow with purpose.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has shaped both my professional journey and personal outlook. It is a country that sets high standards and inspires you to
continuously raise your own. Over the past three decades, it has enabled us to build and grow with confidence, strengthening our commitment to quality, trust, and longterm value.
Personally, being part of such a diverse community has deepened my belief in inclusivity, resilience, and shared progress.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is to grow with intention by expanding across emerging communities and creating sustainable spaces that enhance quality of life. We are also exploring strategic expansion into construction, interior solutions, and complementary verticals to strengthen our ecosystem. For us, innovation is about delivering meaningful experiences and ensuring long-term value for both residents and investors
Al Masaood Group Industrial
planning and execution in a systematic and beneficial manner. We are proud of and committed to providing the best quality in Products and Service to a variety of sectors, from energy and Infrastructure, to mobility and industrial services.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Operating in the UAE inevitably shapes both professional outlooks and personal perspectives, given the country’s pace of development and the standards expected across industries.
wider economy. For organisations like Al Masaood, this translates into a sustained commitment to supporting key sectors, ensuring continuity in essential services, and contributing meaningfully to the country’s ongoing development.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our growth has been driven by our people, and this continues to shape how we approach the future.
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
Al Masaood Group was established in the UAE in 1970, with a commitment to serving the Nation in a variety of sectors and remains committed to those values, following the lead and vision set by the inspired Leadership. As the Nation grows and develops, so too does Al Masaood. What facilitates this are clear structures and regulations that allow
In this environment, expectations around how work is delivered are consistently high, particularly in sectors that support essential infrastructure. Over time, this influences how we operate, placing greater importance on reliability, value addition, and maintaining consistent performance.
The UAE’s forward-looking approach also creates an environment where organisations are encouraged to evolve, while reinforcing a clear sense of responsibility towards the
We believe long-term progress is built on the strength and capability of our teams, across both frontline and supporting roles. This is reflected in our continued focus on developing talent and building local expertise.
With this emphasis on people, the organisation remains focused on further developing and diversifying its products and services. We remain confident in the environment that the UAE leadership continues to provide for growth, stability, and long-term prosperity
Tauseef Khan, Founder and Chairman, Dugasta Properties
Mr. Hani El Tannir, CEO of Al Masaood Group Industrial
Source of Fate (SOF)
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
We established our presence in the UAE in 2021, recognising the country’s position as one of the most dynamic and future-focused markets in the region. The forward-looking vision of the UAE’s wise leadership has made it a fertile ground for continuous growth. The country serves as a dynamic platform for us to launch innovative projects that reflect ambition and quality while meeting evolving market demands.
Operating under the Wheel of Fate Group, we operate in a market that is forward-thinking. The UAE is unique for its ability to attract a diverse, global audience while maintaining a highly transparent and well-regulated real estate ecosystem. Additionally, the government’s proactive approach has played a major role.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has been a constant source of
Jotun UAE
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is a market that aligns with both my professional ambitions and personal priorities. Visionary leadership, world-class infrastructure, and a genuinely forwardlooking approach to growth, it’s a place that takes itself seriously, and that matters when you’re thinking about where to build something. With Jotun holding a strong position here, I saw it as an environment where I could contribute meaningfully and keep growing. Honestly, it’s always been a market I wanted to come back to. On a personal level, having close friends and family here, and the proximity to home, made the decision easy.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
I lived in the UAE for seven years before an international assignment took me to Southeast Asia and now I’m back in Abu Dhabi. That arc says a lot about how much this place has shaped me. Professionally, the most defining thing was the exposure to genuine multiculturalism working alongside people
inspiration throughout my professional journey. Its rapidly evolving market has continuously pushed me to strive for excellence, embrace innovation and think beyond conventional approaches. On a personal level, the country’s diversity, openness, and range of opportunities make it a vibrant and encouraging place for me to live and work. It has enabled me to connect and interact with people from across the world, enriching both my thinking and experiences. This has strengthened my focus on innovation, resilience, and delivering transformative projects that ensure long-term value.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on developing projects that respond to changing lifestyle expectations, while delivering lasting value to buyers and investors alike. We are currently deepening our focus on the premium, lifestyledriven segment, which is facing a strong and sustained demand for high-quality design, exceptional living experiences, and
prime locations that offer long-term value. Our growth strategy involves expanding with precision, targeting locations where infrastructure, market demand and long-term vision align.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting pipeline of projects. As we continue our journey, we remain committed to thoughtful growth in the UAE, with a clear emphasis on innovation, market confidence and building destinations that add lasting value to the region’s real estate landscape
from completely different backgrounds, internally and externally, sharpened how I lead and how I listen. You can’t operate in the UAE without developing real cultural fluency, and that’s been invaluable. Being based in Dubai also meant exceptional global connectivity, which made engaging with markets and stakeholders elsewhere far more seamless than it would have been anywhere else.
On a personal level, the safety and stability the UAE offers has always been central for my family. The education system is world-class, we went through the school selection process for my daughter years ago, and now we’re doing it again for my son in Abu Dhabi. The lifestyle doesn’t hurt either: great infrastructure for sport, a genuinely diverse food and cultural scene, and a quality of life that’s hard to match.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our growth is reflected in the significant investment in expanding our manufacturing footprint in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing our longterm commitment to the region. This new facility will enhance production capacity while
being built on automation, efficiency, and smart manufacturing principles. Beyond this, our focus is on delivering steady, sustainable growth, supported by a strong market outlook and project pipeline. Innovation remains central to our strategy, alongside closer collaboration with customers to meet evolving needs. We are equally committed to building a strong, diverse, and high-performing organisation, recognising that talent and culture are key to delivering our ambitions. As the region continues to offer strong opportunities, we are positioning ourselves to grow alongside it
Dr. Majid Jack Hsiung, General Manager at Source of Fate
Rohan Shetty - General Manager, Jotun Abu Dhabi
SUSE
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE has a rare ability to turn vision into action. It is a market that embraces innovation, but also understands the importance of building on strong, futureready foundations. We are also seeing this clearly in the UAE’s focus on AI, digital government and sovereign technology capabilities. Recent conversations at the World Governments Summit around opensource AI and sovereignty only reinforce how important openness, control and interoperability have become. For me, the UAE feels like the right place to help organisations innovate with confidence and purpose.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Having called UAE home for 20 years, the country shaped my personal journey and professional growth. I built my career
Samir Akel, Vice President of Emerging Markets at Nintex
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is one of the most dynamic environments for technology innovation globally. It offers a strong foundation for digital transformation, supported by clear national strategies and a leadership vision focused on efficiency, agility and future readiness. For organisations looking to scale, the UAE provides access to a forward-thinking business community and a regulatory environment that encourages
here, and its pace, ambition and openness to innovation have pushed me to evolve. Professionally, it reinforced my belief that resilience comes from adaptability, with organisations thriving through secure, flexible environments. Personally, it is enriching and diverse, bringing together people driven to build and improve, shaping my mindset to stay curious, open and ready to move forward. Especially today, that spirit of resilience and forward thinking remains more important than ever.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on helping organisations across the region to build digital resilience through open, secure and interoperable infrastructure.
That feels especially relevant now, as the UAE advances sovereign AI ambitions and Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily
Nintex
in AI and digital infrastructure as part of Vision 2030.
We want to help customers modernise without increasing lock-in, giving them more control over their data, operations and future innovation. That is where open source has its greatest strength: it gives organisations the freedom to adapt, scale and innovate on their own terms.
The UAE fosters innovation with a focus on efficiency and readiness.
innovation. It also serves as a strategic hub for reaching wider emerging markets, making it an ideal base to support customers across the region.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Working in the UAE has been both professionally rewarding and personally enriching. Professionally, it has allowed me to work closely with organisations that are rethinking how work gets done, particularly as they adopt automation, process orchestration and increasingly agentic technologies to improve efficiency and decision-making. At Nintex, we see businesses moving beyond isolated tools towards more connected, intelligent
workflows.
Personally, the UAE offers a strong sense of community and cultural diversity, bringing together global talent in a way that is both inspiring and energising.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on helping organisations orchestrate work more intelligently across systems, teams and technologies. As AI adoption accelerates, there is a growing need to combine automation with agentic capabilities that can act, adapt and support better outcomes across complex processes.
We are expanding our presence and strengthening partnerships to meet this demand, while continuing to evolve our platform to support end-to-end process orchestration. Our goal is to enable organisations to operate more efficiently, respond faster to change and build resilient, future-ready operations.
Ismail Ibrahim, General Manager of CEMA at SUSE
The world's biggest showcase of AI solutions ready to transform every industry bringing together global leaders, startups and the world economy for the most ambitious showcase of applied AI innovation, alongside bold debates shaping the future of intelligent societies.
Rashid Bashir, Technology and Transformation Leader at Deloitte Middle East
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is one of the few places in the world where national ambition and private sector momentum are genuinely aligned.
The speed at which digital infrastructure
Samer El Kodsi, RVP, Gulf & North Africa
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
Palo Alto Networks established an office in Dubai to serve the UAE and the wider Middle East in 2012. The UAE has proved to be a strong base thanks to the country’s dynamic vision, stability, strong growth and increasingly diverse economy, and a base of strong talent. Excellent transport links
Deloitte Middle East
is being built here and the seriousness with which organizations are approaching transformation, creates a world-class business environment. Deloitte has been in this region for over a century, and that enduring presence reflects exactly the kind of long-term commitment the UAE and the broader GCC region rewards. For a technology and transformation practice, this is where the most consequential work is happening.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the UAE has raised the bar for what I consider possible. The clients here are pursuing genuine leaps in capability, and that demands the same from us as advisors. It has sharpened my thinking on what it takes to deliver transformation at scale, not just in strategy but in execution. On a personal level, the UAE’s culture of building and investing in the future with conviction, is
something that stays with you. It sets a standard.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region?
Our focus is on helping organizations move from digital ambition to tangible, measurable outcomes. The technology agenda across the region: spanning AI adoption, cloud modernization, and the digitization of core operations, is maturing rapidly, and our role is to accelerate that journey with the right expertise and the right partnerships. We are investing in different industry-specific capabilities while continuing to expand our footprint across the Middle East. The ambition is clear: to be the technology and transformation partner that organizations in this region trust to take them from where they are to where they need to be
Palo Alto Networks
The UAE’s dynamic vision and strong growth make it an ideal base for cybersecurity solutions and global expansion.
also mean that the UAE is one of the bestconnected countries globally, which makes it an attractive location for local, regional and global companies alike. This dynamism creates strong demand for cybersecurity solutions, and it’s our mission to help organisations achieve the best possible cybersecurity posture.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
I have lived and worked in the UAE since 2001 after completing my graduate studies.
The UAE has had a major impact on my professional and personal development by providing a wealth of opportunities in IT and cybersecurity. The rapid growth and the ‘can-do’ attitude in the UAE mean there are no limits. I joined Palo Alto Networks in 2018 and became the regional vice president of Sales, Gulf & North Africa in 2025. I have always found the UAE to be an excellent place to live and work.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
We are committed to helping organisations embrace a holistic ‘platformization’ approach, bolstered by the global threat intelligence of Unit 42. Platformization involves integrating AI-driven security across the network, cloud, and endpoints into a unified platform. By increasing visibility and reducing complexity, we ensure that security solutions work seamlessly together to eliminate gaps in an organisation’s defenses
Tokinvest
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
For a business like Tokinvest, the UAE stands out as a market where regulation and innovation are evolving hand in hand. The country offers a combination that’s difficult to find elsewhere clear regulation, openness to new ideas, and a strong concentration of global capital and talent.
For a company operating at the intersection of finance and digital assets, having a regulator like VARA that is actively building a framework for the future makes a real difference. Beyond that, Dubai has positioned itself as a global meeting point, where investors, founders, and institutions come together, creating the right conditions to build something that is both regional and global from day one.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the UAE has allowed us to move faster and with more clarity than in many other markets. The ability to engage directly with regulators, partners, and industry stakeholders in a collaborative way has been a key advantage.
AlfaNow
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
As a homegrown company, AlfaNow’s journey began in the UAE in Q4 2025 and will continue to scale from here. We firmly believe that the country is one of the world’s most important cross-border payments corridors, and because it’s a market shaped by a highly international population, the movement of money across borders is a daily necessity.
With a predominantly expat population, the UAE has one of the most active remittance ecosystems globally. This creates consistent demand for fast, secure, and reliable crossborder solutions, making it an ideal market for platforms like AlfaNow. At the same time, what makes the UAE particularly compelling is the dynamism of its financial services sector, shaped by progressive regulation, rapid digital adoption, and a strong national focus on fintech innovation.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
On a personal level, it’s a very dynamic place to live. There’s a strong sense of ambition here people come to the UAE to build, grow, and take ideas forward. That environment naturally shapes how you think and operate, both in business and in life.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on continuing to build regulated infrastructure that can support a wider range of real-world assets from real estate and commodities to more specialised asset classes such as art and sport.
We’ve already started to see this take shape through partnerships like our work with the Dubai Racing Club on Dubai Digital Syndication, our collaboration with DMCC on the tokenisation of the record-breaking silver bar, to bring opportunities to a broader investor base. These are early examples of how tokenisation can be applied across different sectors in a regulated and practical way.
More importantly, we’re focused on educating the retail investor market about the opportunities
The country’s resilience, even during the most challenging times, is remarkable, and this has been demonstrated consistently over decades. The clarity of its leadership and the strength of its values continue to shape not just national progress, but also how individuals and businesses think about growth and responsibility.
Professionally, from the outset, AlfaNow’s focus has been on creating a platform that serves communities, enables trust, and supports the everyday movement of money across borders.
Personally, inspired by the UAE, I firmly believe that leading with purpose is what drives meaningful solutions, and the UAE’s values have played a significant role in shaping that perspective.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Everything we build is anchored in making cross-border transactions simpler, faster, and more reliable.
now available to them. For the first time, everyday investors can access and trade regulated realworld assets that were previously out of reach. Education, transparency, and trust-building, which is central to what we do.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on deepening these types of partnerships across the region working with institutions and asset owners to scale access responsibly. For us, innovation is about refining the model and ensuring what we build is compliant, scalable, and genuinely useful over the long term
Scott Thiel, Founder & CEO of Tokinvest Hasan Jaber, CEO of AlfaNow
We already have a growing presence across the GCC and beyond, supported by strong partnerships in markets such as Oman and Qatar, and we will continue to build on this momentum.
Alongside expansion, our focus on innovation will continue to centre around improving speed, transparency, and overall user experience, while upholding the highest standards of compliance and security
OMICS Precision Health
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is one of the few places where the future is actually being built, not just talked about.
For a company like OMICS Precision Health, that matters a lot. We sit at the intersection of diagnostics, genomics, and longevity, and what we found here is an ecosystem that genuinely wants to lead in those areas. There is real investment in healthcare, but more importantly there is intent. The country is not trying to catch up, it is trying to set the direction.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The biggest shift is speed.
Professionally, ideas go from concept to reality much faster because there is alignment. People are open to new approaches, especially when it comes to
science and technology in healthcare. Personally, you think bigger because you are surrounded by people and institutions that are doing the same. There is a strong sense of ambition, but also resilience and forward thinking. Your personal goals and the direction of the country start to feel connected. You’re not just building something for yourself, but are part of something broader and evolving.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Omics is shifting healthcare from reactive to predictive and continuous. We bring together over 400 biomarkers, imaging, genomics, and multi-omics analysis to build a detailed, personalized view of an individual’s health. But the real goal is to go beyond testing and create an ongoing system that tracks and improves health over time.
Astrid Montalta, Founder and Managing Director, OMICS Precision Health
This connects very naturally with the UAE’s goals. There is a clear focus on disease prevention; using data and AI more effectively; and building strong capabilities in healthcare and life sciences.
Our next step is to scale this across the region, while contributing to one of the most advanced health datasets anywhere, which has value for individuals, research, policy, and the overall healthcare system
Omnix International
world-class infrastructure and a businessfriendly ecosystem supporting rapid scaling and execution. The country’s openness to new ideas and technologies, foster growth and meaningful contribution. Choosing the UAE was a natural decision, driven by its openness to new ideas, technologies, and clear ambition to lead, innovate, and shape the future.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Personally, the UAE provides a high quality of life, safety, and a multicultural setting that fosters growth and global perspective. It enables a strong balance between professional ambition, family well-being, and community stability.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE combines visionary leadership, economic stability, and a forward-looking regulatory environment, making it an ideal business hub. Its strong focus on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability sets it apart. Its strategic location serves as a gateway offering
Professionally, the UAE provides a dynamic and ambitious environment that continuously challenges you to evolve. The opportunity to work on impactful projects contributing directly to national priorities, combined with pace of development, high standards of execution, has strengthened our approach to innovation, customer delivery, emerging technologies, and operational excellence. It has pushed me to think bigger and act faster, elevating the nature of the work beyond commercial success.
Looking ahead, our focus is on delivering measurable impact in areas critical to the region’s future. We are investing in AI to enhance efficiency, productivity, decision-making, and customer value. We are also expanding in digital twin and smart infrastructure to enable datadriven platforms for smarter lifecycle management. Cybersecurity and resilience remain central, ensuring secure and sustainable growth.
Equally, we prioritize talent development, partnerships, and ecosystem growth, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based, future-ready economy
Walid Gomaa, CEO of Omnix International
Ziina
created a rare operating environment. We launched with simple, intuitive peer-topeer payments. As the product grew, we saw strong pull from business owners. Small businesses especially were looking for better ways to accept payments and access their funds. That became a natural extension of the Ziina platform.
The UAE offered both sides of the equation: a regulatory environment that enabled innovation and a market that was ready to adopt it.
tested, and scaled - fast. In this market, impatience isn’t a liability. It’s a virtue.
On a personal level, the UAE creates a sense of responsibility. Building in a place that is actively shaping its future raises the bar for how you think and what you aim to contribute.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region?
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
We founded Ziina in the UAE in 2020 because the country had laid the foundation for what we believed payments should become.
The Central Bank already had progressive frameworks and sandbox environments that allowed fintech companies to build. The balance between oversight and openness
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
After building FORM in Abidjan, I wanted to challenge myself in a more competitive, fastpaced environment. Dubai felt like a place where standards are high, expectations are high, and you’re constantly pushed to evolve.
I also saw a gap — a space to introduce a more refined, experience-driven approach to fitness. Not just classes, but a full
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE is a market where ambition is matched by execution and grounded in a clear vision from the leadership. You see it in how regulators engage with companies, how investors view scale, and how founders build.
I’ve worked in other markets, including Silicon Valley, and what stands out here is the shared belief that things can be built,
Boost CW
ecosystem built around method, community, and lifestyle.
It was a risk, but I’ve always trusted my instinct. And I knew that if something could work here, it could work anywhere.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
It forced me to structure my business, refine my brand, and operate at a much higher level. You can’t rely only on instinct here — you need systems, clarity, and consistency. That pressure made me grow quickly.
It also pushed me to define what makes Boost different. In a competitive market, clarity is everything, and that’s where Boost became its own method.
On a personal level, it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Starting over in a new country builds resilience and teaches you to trust yourself more.
At the same time, it reinforced how important community is, which remains at the core of everything I build.
Our focus is to continue building financial infrastructure that reflects how people in the Arab world live. We have a number of new product releases planned this year that introduce deeper capabilities for businesses to manage payments and cash flow, as well as new financial tools for consumers. Geographic expansion is also on our roadmap.
Our principle stays the same across everything: infrastructure built for how people here actually operate is what earns adoption. That’s what we’re building toward
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
For me, growth is not just about opening more locations, it’s about building a complete ecosystem.
The vision is to expand Boost into a fully integrated concept: Megaformer, Microformer, Reformer, recovery, and community spaces, all connected under one clear identity.
I want to continue refining the method, combining everything I’ve learned into something both structured and evolving.
There’s also a strong focus on experience and community, creating spaces where people don’t just work out, but connect and feel part of something.
Long term, the goal is to scale beyond the UAE while maintaining the same level of quality, identity, and energy.
Faisal Toukan, Co-Founder and CEO, Ziina
Rania Zorkot, Founder of Boost CW
Vista
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is more than our regional base, it is a gateway that connects the world. For over 15 years, Vista has built its Middle East presence from Dubai because it embodies everything we stand for: ambition, connectivity, and a long-term vision for growth. The UAE’s business-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, and progressive mindset create an environment where global companies thrive. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it offers unmatched access to international markets and partners. It’s the ideal home for Vista, a company dedicated to making the world more connected through seamless, consistent service.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has profoundly shaped how I think about leadership and progress. It’s a place that turns bold ideas into action, rewards forward thinking and collaboration, and
The UAE is a gateway for global connectivity and growth.
welcomes those who share that spirit. Professionally, it pushes me to keep raising the bar, to innovate with confidence and agility, and lead with purpose. Personally, it reminds that unity and progress are not abstract ideas, but values that inspire resilience, optimism, and community in everything we do.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on deepening investment in the region while elevating the experience we deliver. Vista will continue to invest in advanced technology, enhance the capabilities of our global fleet - including 40 firm orders for the industry leading Challenger 3500 aircraft
KROHNE Middle East
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE was never simply a convenient location. It was a deliberate choice rooted in strategic alignment. When KROHNE established its Middle East presence here over two decades ago, the UAE was already signalling its ambition to become a global hub for energy, infrastructure, and industrial excellence. That vision matched ours precisely.
The UAE sits at the intersection of the world’s most significant flow measurement markets: oil and gas, water and wastewater, food and beverage, and increasingly, hydrogen and clean energy. Our customers in this region are among the most technically sophisticated in the world, and being truly embedded here has made us a stronger, more responsive partner. Today, operating from Expo City Dubai, we are exactly where we want to be. How has this country impacted your
professional and personal life?
Profoundly, on both counts. Professionally, the UAE has pushed KROHNE to lead, not follow. The scale of ambition here, whether in desalination, smart infrastructure, or energy transition, demands measurement solutions that perform at the highest level. That expectation has sharpened us. Personally, this country has a generosity of spirit that is genuinely rare. The connections built here, across cultures, industries, and generations, are relationships that endure. More than 20 years in, the UAE still surprises and inspires.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on helping regional industries operate with greater precision and efficiency. Accurate measurement is not a back-office function, it is a critical driver of operational performance, loss reduction,
and 120 additional purchase options, with deliveries starting this year and phased over the next decade. With 15 years of regional experience and truly borderless connectivity, we enable clients to move seamlessly between continents, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a bridge between cultures, economies, and ideas.
Jay Gadhavi, General Manager of KROHNE Middle East
and smarter asset management. We are expanding our pipeline integrity and leak detection capabilities, growing our digital services offer, and strengthening partnerships with leading energy and industrial operators across the GCC. The next chapter is about delivering measurable value where it matters most
Mazen Obaid, President of Middle East at Vista
Al Ramz Corporation PJSC
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
We chose the UAE very deliberately. It is not just a location, it is a strategic platform. It sits at the intersection of global capital flows, genuinely connecting East and West in real time across commercial, financial, and cultural dimensions. From here, we can engage Asia in the morning, Europe mid day, and the Americas in the evening, which translates directly into stronger deal flow, investor access, and market relevance. Equally important, the regulatory environment strikes a rare balance. It is business friendly yet rigorous, with clear and evolving frameworks aligned to global standards. For a financial services business, that combination provides both operational efficiency and the credibility required to attract institutional capital and long term partners.
Beyond that, the UAE offers the fundamentals needed to scale sustainably. It has a deep, diverse, and highly skilled talent pool, particularly in finance and technology, which is critical for innovation led businesses. The rule of law and institutional stability provide confidence in contract enforceability and long term policy direction, both essential for building enduring platforms. At the same time, the ecosystem is supported by ample and increasingly sophisticated capital, from sovereign institutions to private investors. In essence, the UAE is not just a headquarters, it is a gateway market and execution hub that offers a unique combination of access, stability, and growth opportunity.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has had a profound impact on my professional journey. It is a fast paced environment where markets evolve quickly and where you are constantly exposed to a wide range of international models and approaches. That diversity creates a unique learning dynamic, as you are not operating within a single system but engaging with different schools of thought simultaneously. The market is also highly tech savvy, with regulators, institutions, and clients embracing innovation early.
Mohammad Al Mortada, Al Dandashi Group Managing Director of Al Ramz Corporation PJSC
That has allowed us to move faster, test ideas in real conditions, and build solutions that are both practical and forward looking.
On a personal level, the experience has been equally enriching. Living in such a diverse and ambitious environment broadens your perspective and pushes you to adapt continuously. There is a strong culture of openness and collaboration, where people from different backgrounds come together with a shared focus on progress. It creates an energy that is both motivating and demanding, encouraging you to grow not just as a professional but as an individual.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our growth strategy is anchored in a simple principle: making sophisticated investing more accessible, intelligent, and seamless. We are focused on expanding global market access and broadening the
The UAE is not just a headquarters, it is a gateway market and execution hub offering access, stability, and growth opportunity.
range of products available to our clients, but doing so in a way that is supported by strong decision making frameworks. It is no longer enough to provide access alone. The real value lies in equipping investors with the right information and the ability to interpret it effectively.
This is where our investment in technology becomes central. We are leveraging generative artificial intelligence, combined with over 27 years of experience, to deliver more relevant insights, better analytics, and tools that help clients translate data into clear actions. At the same time, we are redesigning the entire customer journey to be seamless and low friction, from onboarding through to execution and ongoing engagement. The objective is to simplify complexity without reducing capability, creating an experience that is intuitive, efficient, and scalable. Together, these priorities position us to drive sustainable growth while continuously innovating in line with how investors think and operate today
MEA Business Awards 2026
11th June 2026, Dubai, UAE
Ibrahim Imam, Co-founder and CEO of PlanRadar
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
We chose the UAE because it combines strategic access to the wider GCC with a business environment built for long-term growth. It offers a strong investment framework, including broad foreign ownership options and a mature ecosystem of free zones, while continuing
Marc Verbruggen, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Biotech
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
It became clear for Emirates Biotech that our business plan to bring sustainable plastics to the GCC region was a perfect
PlanRadar
to invest in digital infrastructure and economic diversification. For PlanRadar, that makes the UAE more than a regional office location; it makes it the right strategic base for serving construction, real estate, and facility management markets that are moving steadily toward more digital, accountable ways of working.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the UAE has strengthened my belief that innovation only matters when it delivers measurable value. It is a market that welcomes ambition, but also expects execution, speed, and consistency. That pushes you to stay close to customers and focused on practical outcomes. Personally, living and working here is energising because you are surrounded by a culture of progress, investment, and high standards.
Emirates Biotech
fit with the broader government initiatives in the UAE (“make it in the UAE”, “the UAE Green Agenda”, “Zero Waste to Landfill”, “National Food Security”). We further appreciate UAE’s operational agility, it’s “solution-based” approach and the proximity of worldclass logistic options. Lastly, Dubai/UAE has one of the highest plastic use/capita in the world, making it very attractive to bring innovative solutions for the plastic issues to the region.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Since my wife and I settled in the UAE late 2024, we have become ambassadors for living and working in this country. It is a great place to raise a family and have a career in any of the numerous opportunities offered in the country. The diversity encountered on a daily basis in Dubai rivals cities such as New York or London, but without some of their typical big city problems.
It naturally changes how you think: you become more resilient, more focused, and more committed to building for the long term. The wider economic outlook reflects that same confidence, with strong UAE growth projected for 2026.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region?
Our focus is to deepen PlanRadar’s longterm role in the UAE and wider GCC by helping more developers, contractors, consultants, and operators improve quality, visibility, and control across the asset lifecycle. On innovation, we will continue investing in practical digital workflows and embedded intelligence that help teams capture better data, reduce delays and rework, and make faster decisions. We see the region as a long-term growth market, and we intend to keep building accordingly
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
First step is to engineer, build and operate a worldclass PLA plant in the UAE. Beyond building the plant, we have to prepare local/ regional plastic converters so that they can make exciting plastic products from the pellets Emirates Biotech will produce. Next, we have to coordinate with the UAE government and its stakeholders the implementation of the existing (e.g. SUP) and future legislation as it relates to plastic and organic waste, recycling and carbon management. And all of that is just step 1, bringing PLA to existing plastic markets in the UAE and the broader region. Step 2 means product innovation – think the ever-evolving world of 3D-printing or the development of new, improved PLA grades for evermore challenging applications. In the end, we want to play our role in making Dubai and the broader UAE the “green capital of the world”.
Etihad Credit Insurance
Why was the UAE chosen as a business base?
The UAE is a strategic choice for businesses as it offers a rare combination of access, agility, and advantage. Geographically, we sit at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, giving businesses direct reach to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
What truly sets the UAE apart is its progressive, business-friendly ecosystem - defined by policy clarity, world-class infrastructure, and a robust regulatory framework that can withstand global uncertainties and crises. This foundation has proven resilient in the face of global disruptions, from the COVID19 pandemic to ongoing regional challenges, reinforcing stability and instilling long-term confidence among businesses and investors.
Another important factor is the wise leadership’s commitment to innovation and future-focused growth with significant investments in digital transformation, advanced industries, and sustainability. This forward-looking approach not only attracts global talent and capital but
also creates an environment where businesses can scale, adapt, and lead.
How has this country impacted your leadership journey?
I am fortunate to come from a country that invests in its people, particularly women. The UAE has shaped my leadership journey by creating an environment where ambition is encouraged, barriers are reduced, and opportunities are made accessible in line with the directives of our leadership. This has taught me to think boldly, act with purpose, and lead with inclusivity.
The nation’s forward-thinking vision and collaborative spirit continue to influence my approach to leadership, encouraging resilience, adaptability, and a long-term perspective.
What are your future plans for growth and innovation in the region?
We are focused on accelerating sustainable growth by strengthening the UAE’s role as a global trade hub. To this end, we are focusing on scaling our portfolio by enhancing our
London Business School
Why did London Business School choose Dubai (UAE) as its first and only campus outside London?
Opening a campus in Dubai was a natural step for a globally minded institution like London Business School, reflecting its international outlook and ambition. The School has been defined by the strength of its international community and its close connections to global business capitals. Establishing a presence at the Dubai International Financial Centre in 2007 allowed us to anchor that global perspective in a second major hub, linking Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Dubai has proven to be the locus for strong regional demand for world-class business education, and a focus of the UAE’s clear ambition to build a knowledge-based economy. The opportunity to deliver a dual-campus Executive MBA, combining the global business hubs of London and Dubai, has proved to be particularly compelling. It reflects our belief that leadership is best developed through exposure to multiple cultures, perspectives and business environments.
How has having a campus in the UAE impacted the School?
Our Dubai campus has been central to strengthening London Business School’s identity as a truly global institution. It has expanded our reach, diversified our student body, and deepened our engagement with fast-growing economies across the region and the world.
Equally importantly, it has enabled us to deliver on our long-standing commitment to international education, bringing together participants from different geographies to learn from one another while building global professional networks. This dual-campus model continues to be a distinctive strength, offering access to two global business capitals and fostering a broader perspective on leadership and decision-making.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on deepening our impact in the region rather than simply expanding our footprint. The Middle East continues to show strong demand for high-quality leadership development, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable growth.
We will continue to invest in programmes and partnerships that reflect these priorities. Executive education will remain a key pillar,
partnerships, launching innovative financial products, and expanding into high-potential markets like Africa and Southeast Asia.
At the same time, we will continue to support major infrastructure projects while empowering SMEs to boost exports and help achieve the UAE’s AED 800 billion non-oil export target by 2031, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. In parallel, we continue to invest in AI-driven solutions to deliver fast, reliable insights that support supply chains, export finance, and credit insurance
alongside degree programmes designed to equip leaders with global capabilities and networks.
A key part of this commitment is our recent establishment of a presence in Riyadh, further strengthening our engagement with one of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving economies. This expansion reflects both the growing demand for leadership development in Saudi Arabia and our intention to support the Kingdom’s broader transformation agenda.
More broadly, our ambition remains consistent with the vision that first brought us to Dubai: to contribute to the development of globally minded leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation, and support the continued evolution of knowledge-based economies across the region and beyond
HE Raja Al Mazrouei, ECI CEO Participation
Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School
Sunil Kumar, CEO, DataFlow Group
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is a nation built on vision and ambition. It reflects what the future of global mobility should look like: open, efficient, and rooted in trust. For a company like DataFlow, which builds safe global ecosystems, this is an ideal environment. We have found a setting where innovation is actively encouraged and regulators serve as
Nauman Hassan, Regional Director for MENA at Paymentology
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE has been a strategic base for our operations for over a decade, with Dubai hosting our regional team. Our continued investment reflects the strong momentum across its financial services ecosystem.
The country has rapidly become one of the world’s most advanced fintech environments, with cloud-first banking, instant payments, and embedded finance now mainstream.
DataFlow Group
forward-thinking partners. Combined with the UAE’s strategic location and world-class infrastructure, it becomes more than just a regional hub. It is the ideal global platform for us to serve the world.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the UAE has redefined my understanding of what’s possible. It is a masterclass in bold, future-focused leadership. Being here has reinforced my belief that speed and integrity can go hand in hand. That culture of agility and long-term thinking is integrated in how we design our solutions at DataFlow. We aim for seamless mobility without compromising safety or trust.
On a personal level, the experience has been enriching. Living in a vibrant melting pot of cultures and ideas is a constant lesson in humility and inspiration. There is an encouraging sense of optimism that challenges you to think bigger, move faster,
Paymentology
Nearly 90% of consumers use digital-first banking, highlighting both adoption and market maturity.
This progress is underpinned by a robust regulatory framework and a clear national vision to lead in digital finance. The UAE’s commitment to a cashless economy, combined with high digital adoption, creates an ideal environment for fintech innovation.
Beyond its domestic strength, the UAE also serves as a gateway to the wider Middle East and Africa, making it a natural hub for scaling operations and delivering impactful solutions.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the UAE’s pace of change demands adaptability and forward thinking. The rapid evolution of financial technologies requires constant innovation in problemsolving and product development.
As the ecosystem matures, clients increasingly expect solutions that go beyond technology, requiring deep understanding of regulation, user behaviour, and infrastructure. This has
and contribute to a vision of progress larger than yourself.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our vision is simple: to build the world’s most trusted framework for global mobility. We are doubling down on advanced technologies to make professional verification faster, more secure, and fully aligned with the region’s digital-first regulatory systems.
As the UAE and the wider region continue to lead globally, we are deepening partnerships with governments to ensure growth never comes at the cost of security. DataFlow is the essential bridge between ambition and integrity. Innovation is not just about faster checks; it is about providing the confidence needed to move talent across borders. This is what we mean by mobility without compromise
reinforced the need for scalable yet locally relevant solutions.
Personally, living in the UAE offers exposure to a diverse, multicultural society, fostering a broader global perspective. Combined with strong infrastructure and quality of life, it supports both career growth and personal well-being.
The country’s resilience and stability, even during regional uncertainty, also provide a strong sense of professional confidence and personal security.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
The focus is now on supporting the next phase of fintech maturity—shifting from rapid adoption to scale, optimisation, and sustainability.
As complexity increases across markets, success will depend on delivering flexible, compliant, and market-specific solutions. The opportunity lies in enabling innovation to scale effectively while meeting diverse regional needs
Shaker Zainal, Head of MBRIF
Why was the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund established, and what types of businesses does it cater to?
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF)was established to accelerate the UAE’s transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy by enabling highpotential startups and scale-ups to grow and commercialize innovation. Backed by the UAE Ministry of Finance, MBRIF focuses
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
I have lived and worked across the US, Europe, and beyond, but the UAE accounts for the biggest single chapter of my career — 20 years — and without question, the best. There’s something difficult to articulate unless you have experienced it: an inherent sense of security that holds regardless of what’s happening in the world. Even today, in a global environment that feels anything but stable, you feel it here.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund
on businesses that demonstrate strong scalability, clear market relevance, and the ability to deliver tangible economic and societal impact. Through a combination of non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and strategic ecosystem connections, we support companies across priority sectors such as fintech, sustainability, advanced technology, and logistics.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE offers a uniquely enabling environment where ambition is matched by opportunity. Professionally, it has allowed us to work closely with forward-looking policymakers, global investors, and founders who are shaping the future of multiple industries. What stands out is the strong sense of purpose behind what we do. At MBRIF, the impact is tangible, whether it is supporting a startup to scale or helping create opportunities within the broader ecosystem. On a personal level, being Emirati, there is a deep sense of responsibility to contribute
Aramex
What drew me in — and what has kept me here — is the UAE’s ability to turn ambition into action. This is a country built for people who want to create. The environment here doesn’t just allow entrepreneurship; it actively enables it. Anyone with an idea can start something real, and that possibility is powerful.
I’ve built and contributed in building businesses here, and today, beyond my role at Aramex, I invest in founders as an angel investor for the same reason: this ecosystem gives people the conditions they need to thrive. The collaboration between government and the private sector creates a level of momentum and support that I haven’t seen anywhere else. It’s a place that removes barriers instead of creating them, so people can focus on building, scaling, and actualizing their potential.
The talent pool reflects that same drive. The UAE’s education system produces future great professionals who are globally competitive, confident, and capable of contributing at the highest levels and operate in multi-cultural environment. That ability to grow, attract, and retain high caliber talent is one of the country’s greatest strengths, and it’s a major reason why innovation here moves quickly and ideas turn into impact.
to the country’s continued progress. The UAE’s leadership has created an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and long-term thinking, and that naturally influences how I approach both work and life. It is not just about professional success, but about contributing to something larger, building an ecosystem that creates lasting value for future generations.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on deepening our impact by supporting more innovators as they scale from the UAE to regional and global markets. This includes expanding the reach of our Innovation Accelerator Program, strengthening our Guarantee Scheme to unlock access to finance, and building stronger connections between founders, government entities, and investors. Ultimately, our goal is to continue enabling businesses that not only grow sustainably but also contribute to the UAE’s long-term economic resilience and global competitiveness
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Aramex is, at its core, a UAE success story. While founded in Amman, Jordan, in 1982, we moved to the UAE in 1985, and this country didn’t just give us a home; it gave us a launchpad. Everything we have built, a presence in over 600 cities, across 70 countries, with more than 16,000 people, grew from that decision. This set Aramex on a growth trajectory that we are still accelerating today.
As Acting CEO, I carry that history with me and push Aramex forward with the same ambition that has defined it for more than four decades.
The opportunity ahead is extraordinary, as this region is at the perfect crossroads of global trade. And businesses everywhere are looking for a logistics partner they can trust to move with them through the complexity – and that partner is Aramex. We are intensifying our investments in automation, warehouse capabilities, and infrastructure because we are not here to keep pace. We are here to lead
Nicolas Sibuet, Acting CEO, Aramex
eToro
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE combines global connectivity with a forward-looking regulatory environment that supports innovation, aligning with eToro’s global expansion strategy. Establishing our presence in Abu Dhabi, a growing fintech hub, and receiving our licence from ADGM has enabled us to operate within a trusted, well-regulated ecosystem while serving clients across the region.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Living and working in the UAE has been a very enriching experience, both professionally and personally. The UAE’s innovative environment has pushed us to strategically adaptour offerings for local investors. For example, we launched the UAE Economy portfolio, integrated UAE PASS into onboarding, and enabled instant
RAKEZ Group
Why was the free zone established, and what types of businesses does it cater to?
RAKEZ was established to provide an integrated, investor-focused ecosystem that simplifies business set-up and supports companies throughout their journey, from market entry and establishment to expansion and continuous operational support.
Today, it is a trusted base for over 40,000 companies across 50 industries from more than 100 countries. The ecosystem caters to startups, SMEs, and large industrial players, offering licensing, visa services, flexible facilities including offices, warehouses, and land, as well as a range of value-added business support services
How has the UAE’s business environment influenced your free zone’s growth and success?
The UAE’s stable, business-friendly environment and strategic location,
The UAE combines global connectivity with a forward-looking regulatory environment that supports innovation, aligning with eToro’s global expansion strategy.
AED transfers through open banking. Personally, the UAE’s pace of economic development and its diverse, multicultural environment have been incredibly inspiring.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
We aim to deepen our presence in the
region, tailoring our offering to local needs and forging local partnerships. Globally, we are accelerating product innovation and AI adoption to become a financial super-app spanning trading, investing, wealth management and neo-banking. We will continue to adapt these products to make investing more accessible, intuitive, and seamless for the growing investor community in the UAE.
offering seamless global connectivity, have played a key role in RAKEZ’s growth. Strong leadership, clear regulations, and ease of doing business enable companies to establish and scale with confidence.
This has translated into consistent growth in company registrations, increasing international investor interest, and strong sector diversification. The country’s focus on innovation, digital transformation, and industrial development aligns closely with RAKEZ’s model, attracting businesses seeking practical and scalable solutions.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation within the region moving forward?
Key initiatives include advancing developments such as RAK Central and the Tech Flex cluster, focused on hightech and advanced manufacturing industries; driving digital transformation through AI adoption and partnerships to enhance client experience; and increasing international engagement
through roadshows, exhibitions, and strategic collaborations while supporting SMEs and high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, construction, tech, logistics, and sustainable industries.
Our direction remains centred on enabling businesses to grow efficiently and achieve long-term success within a well-connected, future-ready ecosystem
George Naddaf, Managing Director MENA at eToro
Ramy Jallad, CEO of RAKEZ Group
Cariva
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
Our trust in the leadership and the stable economy of the UAE is the primary reason we chose this country as our business base. This strong foundation has allowed the pre-owned car market to thrive as more people look for practical and reliable vehicle options. Because the UAE progresses at such a fast pace, with new residential and commercial areas developing daily, the demand for quality used cars remains very consistent. We feel confident operating in an environment that prioritizes growth and provides us with the right platform to meet the needs of a diverse and expanding population.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Living and working in the UAE has truly shaped both my professional and personal journey. On a professional front, being in
Rahul Singh, Managing Director, A.A Al Moosa Enterprises- Mobility Division
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE stands as a strong example of business resilience and sustained growth, making it an ideal base for the automotive and car rental sectors. We chose to establish ourselves here because of the country’s stable, high-growth environment, and as we celebrate 50 years of our presence in the region, this decision continues to prove
such a dynamic and forward-thinking market like Dubai has pushed me to constantly innovate and adapt, whether it’s embracing new business models or understanding diverse consumer mindsets. Personally, the country’s multicultural environment has broadened my worldview and helped me build meaningful relationships with people from all corners of the world. It’s this unique blend of ambition, diversity, and opportunity that continues to inspire me every day.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
At Cariva, our growth and innovation strategy is anchored in a digital-first philosophy, where technology drives both customer experience and business efficiency. We simplify the used car buying journey through AI-powered tools that personalize recommendations, provide predictive pricing, and speed up lead
Harshvardhan Singh, Business Head, Cariva
responses. While technology enhances convenience, we maintain the human touch, offering guidance, reassurance, and transparency for this high-value decision. This year, we plan to expand our presence in the UAE with three new showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. These centres will blend digital tools with in-person interactions to deliver a seamless and intuitive customer experience.
A.A Al Moosa EnterprisesMobility Division
its value. The UAE’s resilient business ecosystem, combined with ongoing urban expansion and a rapidly evolving landscape of events and infrastructure projects, creates consistent demand and enables us to scale our operations effectively. Above all, our trust in the UAE’s leadership underpins our longterm commitment, giving us confidence in the market’s continued stability and growth. How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has truly become home for me, where I’ve built lasting friendships, experienced incredible cultural diversity, and found a deep sense of belonging. The country’s welcoming spirit and vibrant lifestyle have enriched my personal life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Professionally, the UAE’s forward-thinking vision and dynamic business ecosystem have been equally inspiring. It’s given me the platform to innovate, lead diverse teams, and
contribute to the nation’s ongoing story of growth and opportunity.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus in the region is on driving both fleet and brand growth, with plan to continue our year on year growth averaging at 30% and strengthen our brand presence in the region over the coming years. We are investing in digital transformation, including mobile-first booking systems and AI-driven fleet management solutions, to make the customer journey seamless. We also plan to open new branches in key GCC locations like Ras Al Khaimah and other northern emirates. By leveraging data-driven insights and deepening our partnerships, we aim to achieve a customer satisfaction rate of xx percent while setting new standards in convenience, quality, and service.
Klay Group
diversification. It fosters a culture where partnerships are valued over short-term gains, aligning with our philosophy of working alongside clients as long-term partners rather than advisors operating at arm’s length.
From a regional perspective, the UAE serves as a natural gateway, bridging Asia, Europe, and Africa, enabling cross-border relationships and opportunities.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region?
Looking ahead, our strategy is centered on deepening our role as a partner in capital and growth journeys. Our priorities include:
• Expanding partnership-led engagements
- moving beyond advisory into aligned structures where we can participate in longterm value creation.
• Facilitating cross-border capital flowsleveraging UAE’s position as a global financial hub to connect regional opportunities with international investors.
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
Our decision to anchor ourselves in the UAE was rooted in a clear strategic belief: the future of global business lies in interconnected, forwardlooking hubs that enable capital, talent, and ideas to move seamlessly.
The UAE stands out for its ability to institutionalize trust through transparent regulation, consistent policy direction, and a commitment to economic
Mahesh Shahdadpuri, Group Chairman, TASC Outsourcing
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
TASC Outsourcing chose the UAE as its business base because the country has long stood as a hub for growth, opportunity, and transformation. When we first set up 18 years ago, the UAE was already emerging as a global crossroads for commerce, talent, and enterprise, making it the ideal platform for a company focused on workforce solutions,
Professionally, operating here has sharpened our focus on agility and relevance. The market rewards those who can anticipate change and respond with clarity, reinforcing the importance of conviction-led strategies, while remaining deeply aligned with client objectives.
Personally, the UAE’s diversity has been equally impactful. Being part of a community that brings together multiple cultures fosters a mindset that is both open and collaborative, encouraging global thinking grounded in shared values of respect, discipline, and ambition.
TASC Outsourcing
talent mobility, and strategic growth.
Over time, that vision has proven true. The UAE’s focus on economic diversification, business-friendly regulations, and forwardthinking leadership has allowed us to build a strong regional presence. Its strategic location, vibrant business climate, and thriving ecosystem continue to make the UAE an ideal environment for business ambitions to flourish.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has profoundly shaped both my professional journey and personal life. Professionally, it has provided fertile ground for innovation, growth, and meaningful impact. Operating in a market that values adaptability, global perspectives, and talent excellence has influenced how we build solutions for clients and lead our business.
Personally, living and working in the UAE has been enriching. Its multicultural environment, safety, and high quality of life make it a rewarding place to raise a family and build
• Identifying emerging sectors and themes
– Focusing on structural shifts, where disciplined capital and strategic guidance unlock sustainable growth.
• Building a resilient, future-ready platform –Adapting to market cycles while maintaining a focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term volatility.
The UAE’s continued investment in innovation, infrastructure, and global connectivity supports these ambitions, reflecting collective progress across cultures and industries
connections across cultures. The resilience and ambition embedded in the UAE’s DNA have reinforced the importance of agility, respect for diversity, and long-term thinking in both business and life
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Looking ahead, TASC Outsourcing aims to strengthen its leadership across the GCC by innovating in talent mobility, data-driven workforce strategies, and digital platforms for seamless workforce management.
We are investing in technology that enhances the experience for both organisations and talent, helping businesses adapt to evolving market demands while empowering professionals with aligned opportunities.
Our future focus remains on scalable, flexible solutions for the changing world of work and reinforcing workforce excellence across the region
Shivkumar Rohira, EMEA CEO, Klay Group
Euro Systems
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
We chose the UAE as our business base because it offers an enabling ecosystem for growth and innovation. Government support for Dubai’s SME industry provides valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and business development.
The UAE’s environment allows us to innovate, deliver world-class solutions, and contribute to the region’s industrial and economic growth. For architectural systems and manufacturing companies like Euro Systems, forward-looking industrial policies under Operation 300bn are particularly compelling, combining strategic initiatives, specialized infrastructure, and financial incentives to grow the sector’s GDP contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031, with a strong focus on advanced technology, sustainability, and localized manufacturing.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Our growth and innovation strategy in the region is anchored in our Ras Al Khaimah manufacturing facility, providing a strong foundation for scaling operations. Support from RAKEZ, which hosts over 30,000 companies, has been instrumental in enabling established manufacturers like Euro Systems to expand efficiently while benefiting from world-class infrastructure and business-friendly policies.
We continue to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies and precisiondriven processes to enhance our architectural systems, while strengthening collaborations with leading architects and developers across the GCC. Innovation remains central to delivering high-performance, bespoke solutions for ultra-premium projects, aligned with the region’s focus on sustainability and localized manufacturing.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
The UAE has profoundly shaped both
Elevate Financial Services LLC
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is a global masterclass in unity and Progress. It has built a collaborative ecosystem where forward-thinking regulation, world-class infrastructure, and visionary leadership converge.
For Elevate, the UAE represents more than just a market; it is a community of collective ambition. By choosing this base, we align ourselves with a nation that celebrates diverse perspectives and fosters a spirit of partnership, providing the stability and inspiration necessary to innovate at the highest level of financial services.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
My journey from Wolverhampton to the UAE twenty years ago is a testament to this nation’s inclusive spirit. I arrived with ambition, and the UAE offered a landscape where resilience is rewarded and growth is shared. Professionally, I have grown in
alongside the nation’s financial evolution, from traditional wealth management to pioneering FinTech.
This country taught me that Unity is our greatest strength; by working together across cultures and industries, we achieve milestones that seemed impossible. Personally, the UAE has redefined my sense of home and purpose, celebrating individual dreams within a larger narrative of national success.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Progress is most impactful when it is inclusive. My vision for Elevate is to bridge the gap between institutional sophistication and individual aspiration. By replacing instinct with structured, technology-driven intelligence, we aim to empower the “massaffluent” segment, ensuring collective financial strength across the region.
Our growth strategy centers on an ecosystem of empowerment: WallSt.101 for
my professional and personal journey. Professionally, it offers an environment that fosters innovation, excellence, and strategic growth. Access to world-class infrastructure, supportive government initiatives, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem has enabled Euro Systems to advance architectural systems and manufacturing across the region
education, Quantl.ai for digital precision, and Elevate Financial for bespoke guidance. By fostering financial literacy and providing agile, transparent investment frameworks, we are committed to contributing to the UAE’s long-term prosperity. We don’t just want to manage wealth; we want to elevate the entire community’s standard of financial execution for a secure, progressive future
Mohamed Fiaz Khazi, Managing Director and Entrepreneur, Euro Systems
Madhur Kakkar, Founder & CEO of Elevate Financial Services LLC
Blagoje Antic, CEO and Founder of DHG Group
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
When we established DHG Properties in Dubai in 2022, we weren’t just entering a high-growth real estate market, but also a structured system that supports longterm development. A clear process around planning, approvals, delivery, and sales creates a level of predictability that is essential for an international developer
Mohammed
Abukhater, regional VP of sales, Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa at F5
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
F5 chose the UAE as its regional base due to its position as a leading technology and innovation hub, supported by a clear national vision focused on growth and digital transformation. Over time, we have
DHG Properties
like us. It allows us to focus on execution, backed by a stable and well-managed framework. Combined with Dubai’s proven ability to adapt and evolve through different market cycles, it was the natural choice for DHG to expand beyond Europe and bring our Swiss standards to the UAE as our longterm base.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Doing business here has reinforced the importance of being forward-looking and adaptable. The market evolves quickly, expectations are high, and you are constantly thinking ahead, which naturally raises your standards. On a personal level, I enjoy the diversity, as it adds value both in business and everyday life.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
We have clear plans for the future, as we
F5
significantly expanded our presence across the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.
The UAE continues to be a key market for us, offering strong long-term growth potential. Our commitment is reflected in the investments we have made, including expanding our global network with a new point of presence (PoP) in the UAE in 2024. The PoP significantly benefits both existing and future customers in the region by optimising application-to-application connectivity and security.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has played a defining role in both my professional and personal journey. I grew up here, earned my degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Sharjah, and built my career in this environment.
are about to break ground on two new DHG projects, one in Meydan Horizon and the other on Dubai Islands. We are advancing with new developments, guided by our long-term perspective. By prioritising quality over volume, we ensure that each project delivers value to both residents and investors.
In the UAE, we are building a pipeline of carefully selected residential and mixeduse properties under our Helvetia brand. The focus is on bringing Swiss precision into a market that is already very forwardlooking. A big part of that is continuous innovation and refinement, as we are constantly looking at how we can improve design, material selection, and the overall living experience, particularly within community environments. We are focused on integrating sustainable construction practices and smart home technologies in a way that ensures our developments retain their value over time
The country’s forward-looking vision has created opportunities across key sectors such as financial services, energy, logistics, retail, and hospitality — all of which are core industries that F5 supports today.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
F5’s role in the UAE continues to grow as organisations navigate increasingly complex IT environments, with applications distributed across data centres, multiple clouds, and edge locations.
We are focused on helping customers simplify and secure this through the F5 Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP), enabling them to scale digital services and unlock the full potential of AI-driven applications.
We see the UAE not just as a market, but as a strategic hub for innovation across the region
WD - Western Digital
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
Technological progress around the world is generating data at an unprecedented pace, and the UAE sits right at the intersection of that shift. AI, cloud adoption, and other technology trends are fundamentally changing how organizations in the region think about storing and managing their data.
WD has built a strong footprint in the region over many years, and our presence in Dubai reflects a long-standing commitment to helping key decision makers navigate these strategic choices that shape their IT infrastructures. That legacy matters to us. It means our conversations go beyond product, assisting organizations to understand where they are headed, and helping ensure their storage foundation can take them there.
Our business base in Dubai also gives us the reach to support customers and partners across the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey from a wellconnected hub and that continuity of support is something we take seriously.
Rostro Group
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
What I always find myself repeating about what makes the UAE stand out as a near perfect business base is that it seamlessly combines ambition with execution. It’s one of the few places globally where you see genuine alignment between government vision, regulatory progress, and private sector innovation—a powerful synergy for companies with a big vision and a solid business plan.
For a business like Rostro, which sits at the intersection of fintech, trading, digital assets, and soon to be payments, that matters. We’re not just looking for a place to operate; we’re looking for an environment that enables growth, facilitates innovation, and supports long term thinking. The UAE offers all of that. It’s a global crossroads for capital, talent, and ideas—allowing us to build with both regional relevance and international reach.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the pace of change and the size of projects in the UAE is different. Our conversations are increasingly strategic and focus on scale, performance, and the wider IT infrastructure. It has allowed me to engage with players across different audiences that are actively shaping the future of data and technology. This includes governments, cloud service providers, oil and gas companies, and big enterprises from established and emerging industries. On a personal level, it’s the diverse environment that fascinates me the most about the UAE. I’m exposed to different markets, industries, and perspectives on a daily basis, which naturally broadens how you think and operate.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region?
The priority is to support the increase in data volumes across the region. As organizations expand their use of AI and cloud, the requirement is not just storage capacity, but how that data is managed, retained, and accessed over time.
Owais Mohammed, Regional Lead & Sales Director, WD –Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Indian Subcontinent
We are working more closely with partners to address challenges around scale, data sovereignty, and cost. Storage decisions are becoming more important as data environments grow, particularly when it comes to balancing performance with long-term efficiency. The region continues to see growth in data-intensive workloads, and our role is to support that with infrastructure that can handle that scale.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The impact has been immense in both private and professional life. On a personal level, Dubai has been a wonderful place for my wife and me to raise our two young boys. The safety, strong community, beautiful culture, and exposure to diversity and innovation provide a valuable balance for a young family.
Professionally, it’s been incredibly rewarding. The pace here is fast but purposeful, creating an environment where ideas can turn into reality quickly. I value the energy, appetite, and potential—it’s a place that challenges you in a constructive way.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region?
Our focus is on building infrastructure that supports how financial markets are evolving. This includes expanding our institutional offering across liquidity, execution, and multi asset capabilities, while strengthening our
presence in digital assets and exchange traded products.
We are also investing heavily in technology and internal capability, because innovation is about building systems that are scalable, resilient, and adaptable. The UAE will remain central to that strategy, providing a platform to serve regional and global clients while developing solutions aligned with the industry’s direction
Michael Ayres, CEO & Partner, Rostro Group.
Khattab, Country Manager for UAE at NTT DATA
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
I chose the UAE as my business base because of its forward-looking vision, strategic location, and commitment to fostering innovation. The country has created an environment where global talent, advanced infrastructure, and progressive policies come together seamlessly. This unique
Ranjith Kaippada, Managing Director, Cloud Box Technologies
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE provides us with a space that is business-friendly, along with solid regulatory support. It is easy to launch and scale processes here. Additionally, this is a unique geographic location that facilitates access to international markets for businesses seeking both local capabilities and global presence.
NTT DATA
ecosystem not only supports business growth but also encourages collaboration across industries, making it an ideal place to build and scale impactful initiatives.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Living and working in the UAE has had a profound impact on both my professional and personal life. Professionally, it has strengthened my ability to think globally while acting locally, surrounded by a diverse and highly skilled community. The pace of development and the leadership’s clear vision for the future continuously inspire me to push boundaries and embrace change.
On a personal level, the UAE has become much more than a place to live, it has become home. It has provided my family and me with a deep sense of stability, safety, and belonging. Knowing that my loved ones are growing up in an environment that values respect, diversity, and open for opportunities. The country’s family-oriented culture,
combined with its openness to different traditions, has allowed us to build meaningful relationships and create lasting memories. It’s a place where personal aspirations and family well-being go hand in hand, making the journey not just professionally rewarding, but personally fulfilling at its core.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region?
Looking ahead, my plans for growth and innovation in the region are centered on contributing to sustainable development and digital transformation. I aim to leverage emerging technologies, build strategic partnerships, and invest in talent development to create long-term value. The UAE’s commitment to innovation and its openness to new ideas provide the perfect platform to explore scalable solutions that not only drive business success but also support the nation’s broader vision for progress and unity.
Cloud Box Technologies
Also, the UAE is rapidly embracing new technology and has demonstrated a great potential for digital transformation. This provides the region with the perfect growth and long-term wealth creation opportunities. We have a government that supports businesses with ongoing programs for innovation. This in turn helps us a lot in planning and implementing our business goals more effectively.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
In my professional life, the UAE has provided access to a market that is innovative and evolving quickly. We develop top global partnerships to make digital transformation possible at scale and it helps us expand the company to a great extent.
Also, being in a region with different cultures and an ever-changing atmosphere has, in my opinion, broadened how I think and improved my adaptation skills. The country’s safety, ambitious energy and infrastructure push me to keep striving for more impactful results
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
One of the world’s most vibrant digital economies is found in the Middle East, particularly in the GCC. At Cloud Box Technologies, we aim to actively shape its growth rather than just participate in it. We are creating a business that is prepared for the future with our headquarters located in Dubai. To aid this process, we are actively sharpening our cloud, AI, and cybersecurity capabilities. We are also expanding our geographical footprint, investing in innovation, and developing local talent in order to have long-term positive effects.
Our objective is to position Cloud Box Technologies as a dependable pioneer in enabling secure, intelligent, and innovative digital ecosystems across the Middle East while fostering substantial digital transformation founded on sound local expertise
Muhannad
SAP Middle East & Africa - South
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
I came to Dubai in 2002, at a time when the UAE was already showing a very clear sense of direction. There was energy, openness, and a real willingness to build for the future. For someone helping establish and grow SAP’s presence across the Middle East, it was the right place to be. The UAE was well-connected, ambitious, and serious about creating a strong business environment. Over time, that early instinct proved right. The UAE has continued to evolve in a way that consistently rewards longterm commitment, innovation, and partnership.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, the UAE has given me the opportunity to help build teams, partnerships, and customer relationships across a very diverse region from a stable and forwardlooking base. What stands out is the country’s ability to create the right conditions for businesses and people to thrive, through clear leadership, strong infrastructure, and a
Sovereign PPG
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is truly unlike anywhere else. It’s a place where ambition meets structure and long-term vision turns into opportunity, not only for us but for the thousands of clients we support across the region. For almost three decades, we’ve anchored our Middle East headquarters in Dubai, because its regulatory clarity, world-class infrastructure, and open economic policies create the stability our clients rely on. It has also been inspiring to see how the country adapts to change and pushes for growth. The UAE has long set the regional standard for ease of doing business and international collaboration, enabling us to help investors, entrepreneurs, and families build and expand with confidence.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has a unique rhythm that’s both fast moving and deeply principled. Professionally, it’s reinforced my belief that progress comes from consistency and partnership. Working here for over a decade, you become focused
The UAE combines ambition with quality of life, creating the right conditions for businesses and people to thrive.
mindset that welcomes talent and new ideas. Personally, having lived here for more than two decades, I have seen how the UAE combines ambition with quality of life. It is a place where families like mine can put down roots while remaining connected to a truly international community.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
My focus is to continue supporting organizations across the region as they look for growth, resilience, and greater agility in a
fast-changing environment. The UAE and wider GCC are increasingly setting the pace in AI adoption, and SAP wants to play a meaningful role in that journey by helping organizations turn innovation into practical outcomes. That means continuing to invest in trusted data, business AI, skills development, and strong collaboration with customers and partners across the public and private sectors
on solutions, collaboration, and purpose. On a personal level, living in such a forward-looking society is motivating. There’s a genuine sense that success is shared, and that ambition and unity can coexist. That mindset shapes both how I lead and how our teams engage with clients every day. The UAE has been home for me for the past 13 years. I met my wife here, my children were born here, and it has given me lots of opportunities over the past 13 years. For those reasons, I will be forever grateful to the UAE.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
We’re focused on expanding our role as the region’s leading experts in cross-border structuring and corporate and private client services, empowering our clients to grow with confidence. The UAE will continue to be our base with further collaboration focused on other regional offices, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and expanding Middle East businesses globally through our Group network. We are already seeing a natural flow of business between Middle East, Asia and Africa. We have seen a steady flow of enquiries
coming from our Hong Kong and Singapore offices and with so many South African clients based in the Middle East, our South African and Mauritius offices continue to support these clients with us.
As the UAE continues to evolve as a global hub for enterprise, Sovereign PPG’s role is to help clients build resilience, ensuring their businesses and legacies thrive across generations. The momentum here is extraordinary, and we’re proud to be part of it.
Sergio Maccotta, Senior Vice President, Sap Middle East & Africa - South
Simon Gordon - Managing Director - Middle East at Sovereign PPG Corporate Services,
Pattern MENA
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is one of the most advanced ecommerce markets globally, not just in digital adoption but in how everything connects, with dense urban environments, strong logistics and a consumer base that expects near-instant delivery. The expectation isn’t just that you can buy anything online, but that it arrives within hours.
For us, that creates a unique operating environment. Success isn’t just about being on platforms like Amazon and Noon, but about aligning inventory, fulfilment and pricing with that immediacy.
Geographically, it also sits at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, making it a natural hub for regional and cross-border ecommerce. Combine all this with the Government’s commitment to innovation and you get an environment where businesses can scale quickly and are open to new and innovative ways of doing things.
Sebastian Bates, Founder of the Warrior Academy
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE is one of the few places in the world where ambition is matched by execution. I chose it as a base because it rewards those who build with intent. Beyond the business
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Professionally, it has sharpened my focus on the operational realities of ecommerce. Consumer expectations are high, but delivering on them requires constant optimisation across supply chain, pricing and media. It reinforces the need for datadriven decision-making at a very granular level. It has also deepened my understanding of localisation. Brands often underestimate how different this region is, success requires building specifically for MENA, rather than just extending a global model.
Personally, it’s energising to be part of a region that is still evolving. There’s a sense of momentum and opportunity, where you can have a tangible impact.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our focus is on helping brands move from fragmented marketplace activity to a more
Warrior Academy
environment, there is a deep alignment with values such as leadership, family, and longterm vision, which sit at the core of what we do at The Warrior Academy.
Professionally, the UAE raised my standards. What began as a team of two has grown into over 70 full-time staff, and today we have built the largest martial arts academy in the Middle East with close to 2,500 members in the UAE. We have 4 stunning Character Development Centres, the only in the Region. A key driver of that growth has been our focus on expat families. We have designed programmes specifically around the unique challenges their children face, from identity and confidence to constant transition and change.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Personally, the UAE has been equally transformative. As a father, the safety and family-first culture is unmatched. It has allowed me to build a life where business
David Quaife, Managing Director, of Pattern MENA
integrated, data-led model. That means better inventory positioning, real-time pricing and ensuring media investment drives profitable growth.
As the market matures, the shift is towards sustainable performance, particularly in fast-delivery environments. We’re investing in infrastructure, analytics and cross-border capabilities to support both global brands entering MENA and regional brands scaling internationally
growth and family life are fully aligned.
With that growth comes responsibility. Using the UAE as our platform, we launched the Bates Foundation. Today, we sponsor, feed, train, and mentor over 11,000 to 12,000 vulnerable children in some of the harshest environments in the world every single week. Through this work, we have also become the largest martial arts academy in East Africa. All of this was made possible within just 6 years in the UAE.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Looking ahead, our focus is scale with purpose. We will continue expanding across the region, investing in systems, media, and innovation, and reaching more families beyond the dojo.
The mission is clear. Build a generation of confident young people who lead, contribute, and create impact, starting in the UAE and extending globally
ExecuJet MRO Services
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE was a natural choice due to its strategic geographic position, connecting key global markets, and its reputation as a leading aviation hub. The country’s progressive leadership, strong regulatory framework, and commitment to infrastructure development have created an environment where businesses can operate efficiently and scale sustainably. For ExecuJet MRO Services, it offers proximity to a growing fleet base and the ability to deliver highquality maintenance solutions to regional and international clients alike.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Nick Weber, Regional VP Middle East, ExecuJet MRO Services
The UAE offers a unique combination of strategic connectivity, progressive leadership, and a robust business environment— making it an ideal base for sustainable growth and global operations.
From a professional standpoint, the UAE has been instrumental in enabling growth, collaboration, and innovation. The multicultural business environment fosters diverse perspectives and drives continuous improvement. Personally, the UAE offers an exceptional quality of life, combining safety, cultural diversity, and a strong sense of community. It is a place where both individuals and families can thrive, which in turn supports long-term professional success.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our strategy is centred on expanding our technical capabilities, enhancing our OEM partnerships, and investing in people and technology. We are focused on adopting digital solutions to optimise maintenance processes and improve customer experience, while also supporting sustainability initiatives within the aviation sector. As the regional market continues to evolve, we remain committed to strengthening our position as a trusted MRO provider and contributing to the UAE’s vision for continued aviation leadership through service excellence
PEMO
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
The UAE stands out as a place where ambition is matched by action. Having spent years building businesses across Europe and the Middle East, it became clear that the UAE offers a unique combination of forwardthinking leadership, pro-business regulation and a genuine appetite for innovation.
When we first explored building Pemo, the region lacked the infrastructure to support modern spend management. By 2021, that had shifted, with licensed card providers emerging, government-led cashless initiatives accelerating and a clear move towards greater financial transparency. The recent AED 1 billion support package to strengthen business resilience further reflects the UAE’s commitment to helping companies grow with confidence. That made it the ideal launchpad.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
Sanjay Raghunath, Chairman & Managing Director, Centena Group
Why did you choose the UAE as your business base?
Choosing the UAE as our business base was a natural decision at the time when it was emerging as a global hub. Since its establishment on September 14, 1980, Centena Group has grown into a diversified regional business, building a 45-year legacy led by a longstanding commitment to innovation and market development.
The UAE brings together global talents, ideas, and markets, which have been invaluable for
The UAE has shaped how I think about scale and possibility; it has taught me what real speed looks like. I’d built businesses in Europe, where regulatory approval could take months. Here, we went from concept to a working business in a fraction of that time. It changes how you operate. You stop treating timelines as fixed constraints and start treating them as choices.
On a personal level, the diversity of the ecosystem has been genuinely formative. Our earliest customers came from industries I’d never worked in — construction, logistics, real estate — each with entirely different spending patterns. That forces a level of product humility you don’t expect. You can’t assume you understand the problem. You have to keep listening, adapting, and earning that understanding over time.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Pemo was born from a simple frustration: too much time was being wasted on manual
Centena Group
Centena. Moreover, the regulatory environment, infrastructure, and market access have allowed us to scale across sectors and geographies with agility.
In many ways, the UAE has been a true partner in our journey, enabling us to grow, diversify and create meaningful impact.
How has this country impacted your professional and personal life?
The UAE has had a profound impact on both my professional and personal life.
Professionally, it provided a platform to build and scale a diversified business across multiple sectors. It has also shaped my perspective as a leader, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, long-term thinking, and building organisations that are both resilient and purpose driven.
On a personal level, the UAE has been equally transformative - enriching my worldview and relationships. It has also been a safe, stable environment to raise a family and build a life with a strong sense of community.
In many ways, the UAE has not just influenced what I have built, but also how I think, lead and
Ayham Gorani, Co-Founder and CEO, Pemo
expense management.
Today, our focus is on deepening our regional footprint. As corporate tax frameworks continue to mature across the UAE, we’re investing heavily in compliance infrastructure. Businesses don’t just need to track spend, they need to be audit-ready by default. That’s a gap we’re well positioned to close
contribute – both in business and beyond.
What are your specific plans for growth and innovation in the region for the future?
Our growth and innovation plans for the region are anchored around three key pillars.
The first involves deepening our core businesses. We will continue to strengthen our presence across maritime technology, industrial automation and life sciences.
The second pillar includes investing in innovation and future-ready sectors. We are actively exploring opportunities in digital transformation, smart technologies and sustainability-driven solutions.
The third pillar is developing people and leadership. We will continue to invest in building leaders, nurturing entrepreneurial thinking within the organisation, and creating platforms for learning and collaboration.
Overall, our approach is to grow responsibly and sustainably by leveraging the UAE’s position as a strategic hub to expand across the GCC region and beyond
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