President of Mastercard for the Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa (APEMEA), Ling Hai, on shifting consumer behaviour, Mastercard’s progress in financial inclusion, and how technologies like AI and tokenisation are shaping a safer, smarter, and more connected payments future.
Stories by Suha Sabith
OMNIYAT celebrates 20 years of visionary design
From iconic landmarks like The Opus and One at Palm Jumeirah to upcoming masterpieces such as AVA, the developer continues to set global benchmarks, blending art, hospitality, and elevated lifestyle experiences.
Deluxe Holiday Homes wins top honour at World Travel Awards 2025 as Dubai’s smart governance fuels holiday-home growth
The accolade comes as Dubai’s evolving smart-governance framework for holiday homes continues to enhance transparency, investor confidence, and long-term growth across the city’s hospitality sector.
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: Hasan Fardan Al Fardan talks about innovation and carrying on the legacy of the brand
Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange, shares insights into the family business’s evolution from the UAE’s pearl trade roots to a global remittance leader
Congress ACI 2025: Abu Dhabi hosts landmark gathering for the Arab world’s creative future
Attendance more than doubled compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing influence and interest of the region’s youth in the future of cultural and creative industries.
ADIPEC 2025 to drive global energy progress via strategic conversations
With 205,000 attendees expected from 172 countries, ADIPEC 2025 reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s leadership in driving collaboration, innovation and resilience across the global energy value chain.
Dubai
Dubai retail rebounds while warehouses lead with 60% surge
Dubai’s warehouse sector remained a standout performer in H1 2025, supported by surging demand from both new entrants and existing tenants.
Zayed Charity Run unites thousands in Rio as Emiratis dominate podium and spread humanitarian impact
The Zayed Charity Run made its South American debut in Rio de Janeiro with over 3,000 participants, including 200 from the UAE.
King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language wraps up groundbreaking innovation accelerator for Arabic tech startups
Since its launch in January 2025, the program has helped transform over a dozen innovative ideas into scalable projects, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role in Arabic language tech and digital entrepreneurship.
Dubai
Ellington Properties signs AED1 billion construction deal with China Railway for Uptown Dubai project
The partnership marks a major milestone for the project, which aims to deliver world-class design, premium amenities, and vibrant retail offerings in one of the city’s most sought-after districts
ASB Capital surpasses $5.7 billion AUM, underscoring the rapid growth of the regional asset management sector
ASB Capital’s core investment strategy is built around a multi-asset framework that encompasses a comprehensive range of public market strategies
DHG adds to Dubai skyline with three developments under the Helvetia brand
In an interview with Arabian Business, Blagoje Antic, Founder and CEO of DHG, shares how the company is blending Swiss quality with Dubai’s bold vision through its Helvetia-branded developments.
Devmark and IQUNA Properties unveil Avida Residences on Dubai Islands
Avida Residences is located ten minutes from Dubai International Airport, fourteen minutes from Dubai Mall.
Taste of Giving unites F&B sector once again to serve school meals with purpose
Taste of Giving campaign is running from 16 October to 16 November 2025.
Oracle and AMD deepen collaboration to deliver next‑generation AI scale
The expanded partnership is said to deliver the first publicly available AI supercluster powered by 50,000 AMD Instinct MI450 GPUs on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, starting Q3 2026.
Sama X makes GITEX debut with expanded Starlink-powered connectivity solutions
Sama X made its debut at GITEX Global, unveiling its advanced Starlink-powered connectivity solutions tailored for enterprise, government, and maritime users.
AWS accelerates cloud and AI growth in the Middle East with strategic partnerships, skills development and cultural Investments
Arabian Business caught up with Tanuja Randery, Managing Director and VP, Amazon Web Services, EMEA at GITEX Global 2025.
Andrew Hanna from ZainTECH explains the need for resilience in tech and not chasing trends
At GITEX 2025, Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH, laid out the company’s approach to innovation, partnerships and resilience, emphasising value over buzzwords in an era of rapid digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa.
Artificial intelligence
‘Appetite here is unmatched’: NVIDIA bets on UAE and Saudi as Gulf’s AI data centre boom accelerates
Chipmaker hails the Gulf’s “unmatched” drive to lead the AI era, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia emerging as NVIDIA’s top growth markets amid a surge in sovereign AI and data-centre investment
Brand View
Prakriti Singh talks about the future of payments being driven by AI, personalisation and trust
As Mastercard gears up to host the fourth edition of EDGE – its flagship payments forum for Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EEMEA), Prakriti Singh, Executive Vice President of Core Payments, shares a glimpse into the evolving world of payments
Brand View
Building the future of payments in MEA
With a footprint across more than 50 countries, Network International is leading the digital payments evolution in the Middle East and Africa by building merchant ecosystems tailored for scale, simplicity, and sustainable growth
OMNIYAT launches LUMENA ALTA as the developer celebrates 20 years of iconic designs
As part of OMNIYAT’s growing portfolio of residential, commercial, and hospitality developments, LUMENA ALTA will deliver five-star service as standard.
Global Airports Forum 2025 opens registration amid industry recognition and expansion
The upcoming edition will bring together over 10,000 industry professionals and more than 300 global companies under one roof.
Ajman Bank
Mustafa Al Khalfawi outlines Ajman Bank’s bold new digital vision
Ajman Bank CEO Mustafa Al Khalfawi talks about a bold digital vision powered by AI, Sharia-compliant innovation, and customer-centric design
150 Arab List: Meet the Leader – Hasan Fardan Al Fardan: Building on Family Legacy to Define The Future of Finance
Ranked 18th on Arabian Business’ Top 150 Most Influential Arabs list, Hasan Fardan Al Fardan stands as one of MENA’s most formidable pioneers.
Ken Moore from Mastercard talks about how AI Agents Are rewriting the future of commerce
At the Futurists X Summit in Dubai, Mastercard’s Chief Innovation Officer explains how AI, digital identity, and global interoperability are reshaping the way we buy, sell, and interact – with trust and automation at the core.
Zaid S. Al Khayyat on 60 years of BinSina Pharmacy and the future of AKI
Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) and ranked 11th on the 150 Arab List.
Hussam Baghdadi talks about shaping the future of mobility
Hussam Baghdadi, Chief Operating Officer at Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC) on Flexibility, AI, and the Road Ahead.
BEYOND Developments launches Soulever, a AED 2.6 billion waterfront project in Dubai Maritime City
The project forms part of BEYOND’s ambitious 8 million sq. ft masterplan for Dubai Maritime City, which includes five other waterfront developments: Saria, Orise, Sensia, The Mural, and Talea.
Amazon, Emirates Islamic and Mastercard launch the UAE’s first Amazon Credit Card with exclusive benefits
The Amazon Emirates Islamic Mastercard Credit Card is free for life, with no annual fees.
ABK Capital DIFC Partners with LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. to expand regional investment offerings
Strategic alliance with Swiss private banking giant LGT Bank boosts ABK Capital DIFC’s global investment capabilities.
Qatar unveils unified national events calendar for 2025–2026
The calendar launch featured presentations from key organisations outlining major events across sport, culture, and entertainment.
Why global luxury brands trust local minds to unlock the GCC Market
As global luxury houses expand deeper into the GCC, The Qode’s co-founders, Ayman Fakoussa and Dipesh Depala, reveal why local expertise determines success.
150 Arab List: Meet Sultan Batterjee – The disruptor shaping MENA’s contruction sector
Ranked 13 on Arabian Business’ 150 Arab list, under the disruptor category, Sultan Batterjee stands as one of MENA’s most visionary developers, redefining impact-driven infrastructure.
Engineering Reliability into Data Centres: How GF is Redefining Infrastructure
GF’s polymer solutions are reshaping data centres with reliability,sustainability, and innovation at their core.
Jetour unveils its latest premium SUV – Jetour G700 in partnership with Elite Group Holding
The G700 redefines luxury in the off-road SUV segment with a spacious six-seat cabin, massage-equipped seats, and wellness air systems.
DAMAC unveils new Sales and Client Experience Centre at DAMAC Lagoons
A sustainable, design-led space that redefines client engagement through innovation, luxury, and a biophilic connection to nature.
Villa del DIVOS by Mr. Eight Development wins The Best Residential Property, Dubai at International Property Awards 2025
The project has seen strong early traction, with over 90% of residences sold.
wasl
Andre Naude talks about Wasl’s latest project – Ashwood Estates at Jumeirah Golf Estates
Andre Naude is the Chief Project Officer at Wasl.
Nominations closed for 150 Most Influential Arabs 2025
Arabian Business is set to unveil the latest edition of the 150 Most Influential Arabs 2025, on September 29.
Comera Pay secures Visa Principal Membership to launch multicurrency offering in the UAE
Comera Pay is part of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group.
Muriya launches Hospitality Center In Hawana Salalah
The flagship centre was launched in collaboration with OMRAN Group.
Dubai real estate outperforms global markets with up to 11% yields and strong long-term value
The city delivered strong ROI and global competitiveness in the first half of 2025.
The experience economy: Why sport is no longer just about the race
Shedding light on why events like Spartan Middle East are no longer just about the race
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: Protecting two lives with one shot
Backed by science, proven by decades of data, and monitored by trusted authorities, these vaccines are a vital part of modern prenatal care
Bahrain
Bahrain businessman Khalid Kanoo dies at 84
Born in 1941, Khalid Kanoo belonged to one of Bahrain’s most prominent merchant families
Bahrain
Bahrain launches international tender for major power and water project in Sitra
The project will be implemented through a strategic partnership with the private sector under a Build-Own-Operate system
The Global Data Centre explores the digital boom at GITEX GLOBAL 2025
The Global Data Centre is part of the GITEX GLOBAL 2025, taking place from 13th to 17th October 2025.
