Exclusive Travel & Hospitality ‘Constantly evolving’ Mena key to Hyatt growth plan, says new VP Hyatt Hotels, the US-based hospitality giant, is placing emphasis on the Middle East and Africa for its global growth strategy. Stuart Deeson, newly appointed vice president of operations for the region at Hyatt, told AGBI that Saudi Arabia in particular was witnessing a “significant point in history”. He also believes Qatar, Kuwait and Morocco offer […] February 1, 2023
Exclusive Manufacturing Cars, property and superjets: Pagani plots future with PIF Horacio Pagani, founder of the supercar that bears his name, is open to further partnerships with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as his company expands into luxury real estate and private jet design. PIF acquired a 30 percent stake in the Italian business in 2021. Pagani, who acts as its CEO and chief design officer, […] January 29, 2023
Exclusive Logistics Cashless economy is at the door, says food delivery boss A cashless economy in the UAE is no longer just an ambition, according to Tatiana Rahal, managing director of food delivery giant Talabat UAE. “The future in the UAE is digital and we see cashless payments as the primary currency,” said Rahal, the company’s first MD who has previously worked on data analytics for brands […] January 23, 2023
Opinion Development Next New Zealand PM must prioritise trade with Middle East New Zealand businesses in the region hope Jacinda Ardern's successor will focus on Middle East trade relations January 20, 2023
Startups Di Caprio-backed fintech to set up offices in Abu Dhabi California-based fintech company Aspiration Inc. will be setting up offices at Abu Dhabi Global Market. Aspiration is supported by Access Abu Dhabi, the business expansion program by Maven Global Access and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), which serves as a conduit to fast-track entry to the UAE capital, the company said in a statement. The […] January 20, 2023
Opinion Banking & Finance 6 reasons why so many UAE residents trade stocks and shares It's official: the UAE is among the countries most obsessed with trading stocks and shares January 19, 2023
Opinion The C-words that will help you stick to new year’s resolutions Most of us break new year's resolutions but help is at hand for those determined to make lasting changes at home or at work January 12, 2023
Environment Adnoc chief Sultan Al Jaber named president of Cop28 Sultan Al Jaber, head of state oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), has been named president of the Cop28 climate conference, which is being hosted by the UAE later this year. Al Jaber, who is also the UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology, has served as special envoy for climate change over […] January 12, 2023
Environment Emirati student offers solution to combat global warming An Emirati student is blazing a trail for female participation in science with her pioneering research that aims to offer a cost-effective way to help combat global warming. Ayesha Abdulla Alkhoori, a PhD student of materials science and engineering at Khalifa University, was one of five women from across the GCC to be recognised by […] January 11, 2023
Business of Sport Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr Cristiano Ronaldo has signed for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in a deal that is expected to earn him over $200 million a year. The Portuguese striker, 37, agreed a contract yesterday that runs until 2025. He was a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual agreement in November following an interview he gave […] December 31, 2022
Opinion Economy Jon Hancock: Economic recovery in Libya lies with its entrepreneurs While Libya's political and social challenges will continue in 2023, economic progress is possible if we acknowledge commercial opportunities driven by Libyan entrepreneurs December 29, 2022
Opinion Banking & Finance Antti Arponen: Fintech payment solutions will be catalyst for growth With emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa continuing to leapfrog old technology, fintech payment solutions are in the right place at the right time December 28, 2022
How I got to the top People & Lifestyle Kemal Yazici, founder, Bedia Gallery Kemal Yazici is founder of Bedia Gallery, an art gallery and studio located in Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. What does your company do? Currently Bedia Gallery is exhibiting my artworks. However, in the very near future we will work together with Turkish and German artists and curators. Also, in the long term we […] December 23, 2022
Opinion Retail 5 shopping trends for 2023, from embracing Gen Z to going green Consumers are more digitally savvy and increasingly concerned about sustainability – retailers must be ready for them December 23, 2022
How I got to the top People & Lifestyle Katie Wachsberger, co-founder, Dana Global Dana Global is an Abu Dhabi-based venture builder for women-led startups in desert technology: agtech, foodtech, water solutions, circular economy, and renewable energy specifically geared for the unique desert climate of the Middle East. What does your company do? We work closely with our portfolio companies – early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs – to guide them […] December 16, 2022
Opinion Banking & Finance Life insurance: the gift of financial stability for the family left behind The point of life insurance is not just about the money but about what it means to your dependents December 15, 2022
Development Bill Gates hails UAE president’s action on Covid and polio Bill Gates has praised his foundation’s partnership with Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s president, for its progress in tackling Covid-19 and polio. The philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder told an event in Abu Dhabi on Sunday: “We’ve worked with the [UAE] president on a number of things – he has been very generous […] December 13, 2022
Exclusive Agriculture Irish aviation tycoon to help grow Gulf agtech startup Irish entrepreneur Dómhnal Slattery, best known for scaling companies in the aviation sector, has been appointed a special adviser to one of the Gulf’s biggest startups, and is open to more potential investments in the region. Pure Harvest Smart Farms, the agtech startup based in Abu Dhabi, in July raised $180 million in funding from […] December 12, 2022
How I got to the top People & Lifestyle Caroline Ralston, founder, Proposal Boutique Proposal Boutique is a Dubai-based luxury marriage proposal planning company, helping couples enjoy an unforgettable “will you marry me?” experience. What does your company do? We work closely with men from all over the world to help them deliver the most romantic and unforgettable proposal. We source the venue, flowers, decorations, musicians, fireworks, and much […] December 9, 2022
Opinion Employment Why parent-friendly policies can boost business performance The UAE has launched the Parent-Friendly Label (PFL) for businesses, encouraging them to offer policies and practices that support working parents of young children December 8, 2022
EXCLUSIVE Retail British model David Gandy to expand fashion brand to the Gulf British model David Gandy is planning to expand his sustainable fashion brand to the UAE. “The Gulf region is a very interesting market for us,” Gandy told AGBI. “We are global with direct-to-consumer sales with David Gandy Wellwear, but what we’ve done in London and Paris, and what we are looking to do in New […] December 7, 2022
Opinion Banking & Finance The view from the family office It's been a year of geopolitical unrest and economic uncertainty. What does that mean for ultra-high net worth families and their advisers? November 30, 2022