Entrepreneur Middle East

The Entrepreneur Middle East team remains on the ground in the #UAE, navigating this uncertainty alongside you—something our second March 2026 issue, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐, clearly reflects. This issue’s cover features @eliehabib, co-founder of @anghami, and founder of #WorldMonitor, who anticipated the world’s growing need for real-time insight amid rising uncertainty. Also in this issue, we honor the crisis leadership of the UAE’s President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (@MohamedBinZayed), Minister of State for International Cooperation H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, and Dubai Crown Prince, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan (@HamdanMohammed). We also bring you a collection of founder stories on how #GCC businesses are responding to regional tensions — hear from: @Virtuzone_UAE, @Buzzybeedubai, #Minoa, @VentureSouq, #CruiseMaster, the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, INAS EXIM, The Lab Holding, @CarabiaCars, and @Pangaea_X_. Read all this and more on @issuu: issuu.com/entmagazineme/…

Elon Musk is expanding support in the #UAE with the reported rollout of Starlink, alongside making #Tesla Superchargers temporarily free during recent regional tensions. #Starlink is now reportedly available in the UAE, following the country’s addition to the company’s official coverage map. Monthly subscriptions start at approximately AED 300, with a “Residential Lite” plan priced at AED 230, while business packages begin from AED 248. The service is already operational in more than 150 countries and was introduced onboard Emirates and flydubai flights last year. Musk also stated on X that Tesla Superchargers will be free during the period of heightened regional tension that began on February 28, 2026. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

“It feels like #COVID-19 was only a few weeks ago, yet here we are again as founders and #CEOs navigating another period of uncertainty,” notes Shamim Kassibawi (@ShamimKassibawi), Founder/Managing Director and Head of Communications at Spread Communications (@SpreadComms). “But if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that businesses are far more resilient than we think,” she adds. “When times get tough, creativity comes in, we start thinking outside of the box more than ever.” Drawing from over two decades in communications, working with founders, launching #brands, and guiding companies through growth, Kassibawi shares a practical approach: staying visible matters more than ever when markets become unpredictable. In her op-ed piece, Kassibawi lists a number of simple, zero-cost strategies founders can apply immediately. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/leadership/in-…

Recent platform data from @bayut and @dubizzle offers a real-time view across the #UAE’s digital marketplace ecosystem. Across #property, #motors, #rentals and consumer goods, the data revealed a consistent pattern: a short-term dip followed by a steady rebound in buyer engagement, listings activity and transaction intent. The trends currently visible across the platforms suggest that the UAE market is adjusting rather than retreating. Buyer engagement is returning steadily, listing activity remains strong and several categories are already approaching or surpassing their historical benchmarks. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

In an interview with Entrepreneur Middle East's Features Editor Aalia Mehreen Ahmed, Benjamin Etrue, founder and CEO of Querist Ai (QAi), shares how his innovative #AI-powered trivia app transforms learning into a fun, personalized, and interactive experience. Etrue believes that making learning engaging and sparking curiosity is key to personal and academic growth, leading him to develop #QAi, which transforms PDFs and documents into interactive quizzes. With adaptive difficulty, real-time analytics, and even CPE credits, it helps students and professionals retain knowledge while they play. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/entrepreneurs/…

📊As the Group CEO of Virtuzone (@Virtuzone_UAE), an Ascentium company and one of the region’s fastest-growing business setup operators, George Hojeige says his team quickly adapted to the current situation in the region by providing remote support to clients worldwide. 🔑“Lead with resolve and your team will follow,” he says. “The strongest #entrepreneurs are those who step up, protect their foundations, and act decisively when others hesitate. 🗃️“We aim to enable them to continue launching businesses, renewing licenses and visas, and staying compliant wherever they are,” Hojeige adds. “Our #team remains ready to support them as circumstances evolve.” 🔗Head to the following link to read more: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… ➡️Don’t forget to check out our Resilience Playbook—a collection of practical advice from GCC-based entrepreneurs managing the challenge on the ground. ✍️|🗞|🎨: @tashapupic | Aalia Mehreen Ahmed | Simona El Khoury #EntMEResilienceIssue #EntMEResiliencePlaybook #GCC #UAE #SaudiArabia #Qatar #Bahrain #Oman #Kuwait #GulfStates #Entrepreneurs

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce (@DxbChamberComm) recently held 35 meetings with business groups and business councils to discuss the current economic landscape and sector outlook. H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of #Dubai Chambers, stated, “The strong partnership between the public and private sectors is a decisive factor in ensuring sustainable economic growth, enhancing global competitiveness, and reinforcing the international business community’s confidence in Dubai as a leading hub for growth and high-value #investment opportunities.” Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… #DubaiChambers #UAE #business #economy

📰Tehzeeb Ahmed (@Tehzeeb1977), Managing Partner at Buzzy Bee Communications (@Buzzybeedubai), says the recent developments forced the sudden postponement of two major events her team had been organizing. 📍Both #events were called off despite venues, permits, and marketing already secured and more than 100 facilitators and vendors onboarded. Ahmed says the decision was difficult but necessary, requiring the team to notify #stakeholders and begin issuing refunds while managing expectations across partners, vendors, and ticket holders. 💼“From an operational perspective, the biggest lesson has been how quickly circumstances can change, and how important it is to remain calm and transparent with everyone involved,” she says. 📋“In moments like these, #communication becomes the most important tool you have. People understand uncertainty, what they need is honesty and clarity.” 🔗Head to the following link to read more: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… ➡️Don’t forget to check out our Resilience Playbook—a collection of practical advice from GCC-based entrepreneurs managing the challenge on the ground. ✍️|🗞|🎨: @tashapupic | Aalia | Simona El Khoury #EntMEResilienceIssue #EntMEResiliencePlaybook #GCC #UAE #SaudiArabia #Qatar #Bahrain #Oman #Kuwait #GulfStates #Entrepreneurs

♻️#Dubai-based sustainable home textile brand Minoa’s latest shipment of sustainable bedding collections was recently caught in the #StraitofHormuz disruption. “But we didn’t wait around,” says co-founder Anelle Bakitzhanova. “We got on the phone with affected clients personally and offered alternative designs from our available collections. Where that wasn’t enough, we made the call to airfreight new shipments and we absorbed the full cost ourselves. We didn’t raise a single price.” 🚢Bakitzhanova and the Minoa team found respite through the #UAE government’s response during the crisis. “When the airspace closed on February 28, it could have completely paralyzed us. But when the authorities began partially reopening operations on March 2, cargo and essential freight were among the first priorities, even before full commercial flights resumed,” Bakitzhanova says. 🇦🇪 “That decision made a real difference for Minoa. It meant we could actually get our airfreighted shipments through once operations partially resumed, rather than being stuck indefinitely. Without that prioritization of cargo at Dubai’s airports, our plan to absorb the cost of airfreight and keep serving our clients would not have been possible.” 🔗Head to the following link to read more: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… ➡️Don’t forget to check out our Resilience Playbook—a collection of practical advice from GCC-based entrepreneurs managing the challenge on the ground. ✍️|🗞|🎨: @tashapupic | Aalia Mehreen Ahmed | Simona El Khoury #EntMEResilienceIssue #EntMEResiliencePlaybook #GCC #UAE #SaudiArabia #Qatar #Bahrain #Oman #Kuwait #GulfStates #Entrepreneurs

Cities do not become global hubs simply through infrastructure or economic opportunity. They become global hubs when people trust the leadership guiding their future—and #Dubai has consistently demonstrated that trust. In his op-ed, Alex Zagrebelny, founder of R. Evolution Group, highlights how the future of #realestate in Dubai is becoming increasingly human-centric, with developments designed not just for luxury or #investment, but for well-being, health, and #community living. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/entrepreneurs/… #Dubai #RealEstate #UAE #Economy #DubaiVision2030 #developers

EAK Digital (@eak_digital), founded by British-Turkish #entrepreneur Erhan Korhaliller in 2016, has not only survived multiple #crypto cycles but emerged as one of the world’s most influential #Web3 marketing and #PR agencies. From pioneering #Istanbul Blockchain Week (@IstanbulBlockWk) to hosting exclusive KOL gatherings at @token2049 in #Dubai and #Singapore, EAK Digital blends human relationships with cutting-edge strategy. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… #crypto #blockchain #EAKDigital #MiddleEast #UAE

#UAE-based enterprise #AI company Magure has earned three #ISO certifications, placing it among a few organizations globally — and among the earliest companies in the UAE— to meet international standards for #quality management, information security, and AI management systems. The company has announced that it has been certified under ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 42001, reinforcing its commitment to building #EnterpriseAI systems that are reliable, secure, and responsibly managed. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… #Magure #AI #UAE #ISO #technology #Dubai

In an interview with Entrepreneur Middle East, Zahra Salah and Noor Salih shared the vision behind Rūhi—an Islamic #meditation app created to bridge the gap between modern #mentalhealth tools and faith-centered #wellbeing. The #startup quickly gained momentum after being selected as a finalist in @DxbChamberDigi's Create Apps Championship, where the founders refined their strategy, built valuable mentor relationships, and strengthened their product offering. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… ✍: Aalia Mehreen Ahmed #Entrepreneurs #Ruhi #MeditationApp #UAE #MentalHealth #IslamicWellness #CreateApps

With over seventy-five years of combined global experience, founders Capt Pradeep Singh and Navneet Mandhani have led Karma Developers (@KarmaDevelopers) with a philosophy that every project should create value not just for investors, but for society as a whole. During recent #travel disruptions across the region, Karma Developers stepped in to support stranded residents and visitors in Dubai, arranging temporary accommodation and assistance across multiple properties. From affordable luxury homes to mixed-use developments, Grade A commercial spaces, and upcoming hospitality projects, Karma Developers is expanding horizons while keeping social responsibility at the core of its growth. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… #KarmaDevelopers #Dubai #UAE #luxuryresidences

While #uncertainty is part of daily life, the most courageous #founders today are not those who react fastest. Akshay Sardana, Vice President of Strategy and International Development at Continental Group, highlights that true #resilience for founders is quiet, deliberate, and forward-looking: building businesses that can operate without them, separating personal #liquidity from business capital, planning for succession and continuity, and viewing safety nets as strategic freedom. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… #Entrepreneurs #business #MiddleEast

#Leadership is tested most during the most challenging and uncertain times, and a nation’s true strength comes from trusting its women. For AlDhabi AlMheiri, Founder of Rainbow Chimney (@RainbowChimney), being “the youngest” or “just a girl” is never a limitation—it is an opportunity to speak louder and act boldly. When girls and #women are empowered from an early age, they don’t just follow rules or fill roles, but create, innovate, and transform the world around them. “When women lead during these times, a nation can make progress and build strong foundations. We bring a perspective of #sustainability, which means building something today that our grandchildren will be proud of tomorrow,” she emphasizes. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/leadership/whe… #Leadership #WomenEmpowerment #FutureLeaders

📊Sonia Gokhale, co-founder and General Partner at VentureSouq (@VentureSouq), says that although the #fund invests in early-stage technology companies, “ultimately, the most important assets we invest in are people: the #founders building these businesses.” 🔗Head to the following link to read why Gokhale believes what has stood out most since the start of the crisis is the resilience of founders across the region: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… “The #UAE and the broader #GCC have long demonstrated an ability to maintain stability and continuity in the face of regional uncertainty. That same spirit of #resilience is clearly reflected in the founders and companies we work with.” ➡️And check out our Resilience Playbook—a collection of practical advice from GCC-based entrepreneurs managing the challenge on the ground. ✍️|🗞|🎨: @tashapupic | Aalia Mehreen Ahmed | Simona El Khoury #EntMEResilienceIssue #EntMEResiliencePlaybook #GCC #UAE #SaudiArabia #Qatar #Bahrain #Oman #Kuwait #GulfStates #Entrepreneurs

While #airspaces were the most obvious routes of transport to be affected by the regional tensions, the water channels quietly felt the impact early on too. Cruise Master, a #Dubai-based B2B cruise agency with over four dozen cruise lines in its portfolio, was one such company. “#Geopolitical developments can influence business sentiment very quickly, even when the operational impact may be limited,” explains founder and Managing Director Ashok Kumar. Head to the following link to read more about Kumar’s insights: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… “Long-haul cruise bookings for the upcoming summer season continue to progress normally, and so far, the regional tensions have not significantly affected forward booking trends," he declares. Also check out our Resilience Playbook—a collection of practical advice from GCC-based entrepreneurs navigating the situation on the ground. ✍️|🗞|🎨: @tashapupic | Aalia Mehreen Ahmed | Simona El Khoury #EntMEResilienceIssue #EntMEResiliencePlaybook #GCC | #UAE, #SaudiArabia, #Qatar, #Bahrain, #Oman, #Kuwait, #GulfStates, #Entrepreneurs

For Katy Keenan, CEO of British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD), a not-for-profit business group for #UK-based or interested companies and individuals in #Dubai and the region, the government-mandated instructions to stay indoors during heightened attack alerts meant rescheduling planned events. “We very swiftly worked to postpone all events and our flagship Annual Golf Day which was scheduled for Thursday as a fully registered and sponsored event has been rescheduled for May,” she says. “It was an immediate decision, and we worked with stakeholders to ensure this was done smoothly with the options to transfer to the new date.” Read why Keenan references the #crisis communications lessons that were learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic as particularly helpful in this situation: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… Don't forget to check out our Resilience Playbook—a collection of practical advice from GCC-based entrepreneurs navigating the situation on the ground. ✍️|🗞|🎨: @tashapupic | Aalia Mehreen Ahmed | Simona El Khoury #EntMEResilienceIssue #EntMEResiliencePlaybook #GCC | #UAE, #SaudiArabia, #Qatar, #Bahrain, #Oman, #Kuwait, #GulfStates, #Entrepreneurs