Entrepreneur Middle East

Our first issue of May is headlined by VentureOne, the venture building arm of the Abu Dhabi government’s @atrcuae! Reda Nidhakou, CEO of VentureOne, explains why #deeptech solutions that will stand the test of time are not necessarily those built on novelty and perfection – but something much simpler. Also in this issue: A round-up of announcements that highlight how regional governments and institutions have responded to regional shifts with resilience and tenacity; and five #Lebanese entrepreneurs share how running a business amid constant uncertainty brings both frustration and a deep sense of pride — hear from Darmmess Social Enterprise, Wootton Creation, Al Mashrek Insurance and Reinsurance, SADER, and Joseph El Khoury Design Studio and Ex Nihilo s.a.r.l. @ANAXCapital founder and Director @TabindaSanpal_ on what it takes to launch a Category A–licensed brokerage firm in the #UAE; and meet the 15 scale-ups shaping UAE’s circular economy future with the support of @dubaiholding. Also read: @StanChart's Jonathan Liang explains why the 1990 Gulf crisis offers a vital roadmap for today’s markets; and @sheraasharjah launches AED5 million Entrepreneurs Resilience Fund. All this and more can be found on @issuu: issuu.com/entmagazineme/…

The #UAE property market continues to demonstrate a defining characteristic: #resilience, not just in activity, but in mindset. Over the past few weeks, despite the challenging circumstances in the region, buyer behavior has not retreated, it has evolved and become more opportunity driven. What we are seeing is a more considered, more strategic approach to decision-making. Leveraging its AI-powered call analysis capabilities, @bayut analyzed over 14,000 real buyer–agent interactions across its ecosystem to understand not just what is happening in the market, but how buyers are thinking, questioning and deciding in real time. What emerges is a far more nuanced picture than surface-level activity suggests. Post-disruption, nearly half of all buyer conversations centred around broader market context and timing considerations. Questions became more detailed and more deliberate. Buyers were no longer simply asking what is available, but what this moment means for pricing, timing and long-term value. Here's why this signals a shift towards deeper, more informed evaluation: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

The UAE’s ability to remain operational despite crises is strengthening global investor confidence and reinforcing its position as a stable hub for business, H.E. Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports (@Sportsuae_) and Chairman of Emirates Growth Fund, said. Speaking during a fireside chat on Day 1 of the fifth edition of #MakeItInTheEmirates (@MIITEUAE), Al Falasi said recent geopolitical tensions have not derailed the UAE’s non-oil growth ambitions, but instead served as a test of its stability. “The UAE has been proving its resilience, be it through the recent flooding that has happened, be it through the COVID-19 [pandemic], and I think going through tough times and coming out stronger sends a very strong message to global investors and to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well,” Al Falasi stated. “The airport never shut down. It was always operational,” he continued, adding that the #UAE also secured alternative cargo channels through its ports to maintain #supplychains. Meanwhile, in terms of supporting the #SMEs, Al Falasi said the government’s focus must shift beyond providing temporary financial relief to ensuring companies can continue operating and growing. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… #MakeItInTheEmirates2026

Sarwa (@SarwaCo), a #UAE-based investing and money management platform with operations across the #GCC, has surpassed US$1 billion in client assets under management (AUM), becoming the first homegrown #fintech to reach this milestone. The US$1 billion reflects the fair value of all client holdings, including equities, options, cryptocurrencies, and cash across Sarwa Invest, Sarwa Trade, Sarwa Crypto, and Sarwa Save. # Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

Kicking off today and running from May 4-7, 2026, ‘Make it in the Emirates’ 2026 (@MIITEUAE) returns as a cornerstone of the #UAE’s industrial strategy, convening key stakeholders under the theme “Advanced Industry. Emerging Stronger.” The 2026 edition has achieved record-breaking growth, with 1,245 exhibitors, marking a 73% increase compared to the previous edition. The exhibition space has also expanded significantly, covering 88,000 square meters, a 30% growth from last year. The fifth edition of #MakeitintheEmirates is expected to be the largest and most impactful in its history. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… h/t @MoIATUAE; @UAEMCY; @InvestAbuDhabi; @ADNOCGroup; @ADNECGroup; @adnecad; @DubaiDET

Today, in a global climate where conditions continue to evolve, industrial #investors are prioritising environments that offer clarity at entry, continuity in operations, and the flexibility to scale without disruption. Meanwhile, the #UAE’s broader industrial vision, reflected in initiatives such as #MakeItInTheEmirates, continues to reinforce the country’s commitment to building resilient, future-ready manufacturing capabilities. Find out how @myrakez's model aligns closely with both — providing a structured, reliable ecosystem where businesses can establish, operate, and expand with confidence over the long term: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

Careem (@CareemUAE) has launched “Seeds For Lebanon” in partnership with the United Nations World Food Program (@WFP_DE) to support communities affected by the crisis in #Lebanon, pledging to match every donation made through the initiative. #Donations can be made through Careem’s in-app Donate platform, with 100% of contributions directed to #WFP’s emergency food assistance operations on the ground. On #Careem Food, customers can support the campaign as AED2 from every order placed at participating restaurants, including The Good Bowl, Wrapped, Sofret Beirut, Oventine by Al Safadi, Al Safadi and Manoushe Street, will go toward relief efforts. On Careem Quik, 100% of profits from Lebanese olive oil purchases will be donated. Meanwhile, Careem Pay is also offering zero-fee transfers to Lebanon. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

#Dubai Founders HQ, an initiative supporting startups and SMEs, has completed its first wave of accelerator programs, generating 36 proof-of-concept opportunities in 100 days. Of these, 15 are in advanced due diligence or contracting stages, and three agreements have been signed. The program, led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (@DubaiDET) and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (@DxbChamberDigi) in partnership with Plug and Play, brought together 23 #startups and five corporate partners, with the aim of helping fast-track their commercial partnerships. “The accelerator track within Dubai Founders HQ is designed to increase the velocity between innovation and market adoption. By connecting startups directly with corporate decision-makers and regulators, we are enabling faster deployment of solutions and creating clear pathways for scale,” H.E. Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of DET, said. Organizers said partnerships that typically take 12 months or more to develop were accelerated into a three-month timeline, with some moving from introductions to signed agreements within a single cycle. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

Expo City Dubai Foundation (@ECDFoundation) has named seven projects for its latest Global Innovators Program, supporting solutions that tackle extreme heat challenges in the Global South. The selected projects come from Egypt, Morocco, Peru, India and Nigeria, with implementation expected across #SouthAmerica, #Asia, #Africa and the #MiddleEast. Each project will receive up to US$100,000 in funding, along with technical guidance, increased visibility and access to networking opportunities. “The strong response is a testament to the wealth of ideas available to tackle extreme heat – a crucial and time-sensitive challenge that can only be successfully addressed by working collaboratively,” Yousuf Caires, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Foundation, said. “These projects hold immense potential across a range of industries, and we are honored to play a small part in helping them scale.” The selected projects are Fuselage Innovations Private Limited (@Fuselage_Inno), Mercredi Solutions Private Limited, and Resilience AI (@ResilienceAI) from India; Ecodome Maroc (@eco_dome) from Morocco; Greendeal from Peru; Moon Innovations Limited (@MoonInnovation) from Nigeria; and Visenleer from Egypt. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

e& (@eAndGroup) reported consolidated revenue of AED19.4 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 15.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase, as the group continued to expand its global digital operations. Consolidated net profit reached AED2.9 billion, representing a 3.9% YoY increase excluding gains from the sale of Khazna in the comparable period. EBITDA rose by 16.5% YoY to AED8.6 billion. The group’s total subscriber base grew by 30.8% YoY to 248 million. In its home market, e& UAE (@eAndUAE) recorded 16.6 million subscribers, supported by demand for next-generation connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven applications. Masood M. Sharif Mahmood (@MasoodMSMahmood), Group Chief Executive Officer of e&, said, “Despite economic and regional changes, our agile business model has proven e&’s inherent strength and great ability to navigate challenges. Our proactive risk-preparedness approach and international diversification have enabled us to maintain our growth momentum in our home market and internationally; a testament to e&’s agility and resilience in operating under adverse circumstances." Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… #MiddleEast #UAE #revenuegrowth

#Udora, a #Dubai-headquartered global online gifting platform formerly known as Flowwow, has raised US$10 million in a private round to scale its operations across the region, including its planned launch in Saudi Arabia in the third quarter of 2026. Founded in 2014, Udora connects customers with local florists, confectioners and artisan sellers across more than 50 markets and 1,500 cities. According to the company, the new funding will be used to expand its product catalog, localization efforts, technology upgrades, and AI-powered personalization. “MENA is already a significant growth engine for us, generating around one-third of our gross merchandise value (GMV), and in the #UAE alone we hold a 6% share of the online gifting market with $3.32 million in GMV in 2025 alone,” Slava Bogdan, CEO and Founder of Udora, says. “We see strong potential to further accelerate this share through deeper localization, stronger supply expansion, and improved marketplace density.” Udora typically handles orders, marketing and access to repeat customers through a single tech-enabled system, removing the need for businesses to build their own infrastructure. After more than a decade, the company has announced a rebrand to reflect its expansion plans. “As we continue expanding globally, we need a brand identity that feels universal, emotionally resonant, and easy to understand across very different markets,” Bogdan emphasizes. “The name Udora better reflects who we are today — a global gifting marketplace built around emotions, meaningful connections, and helping people celebrate important moments.” Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/growth-strateg…

🌟 The Global AI Show (@GlobalAIShow) Riyadh is where innovation meets impact. 🗓️Taking place from June 29-30, 2026 at #Riyadh, the event brings together global leaders, researchers, and enterprises shaping the future of AI, machine learning, and automation. 🧩Hosted by VAP Group (@VAPGroupGlobal) and powered by Times of AI (@TimesOfAI_), GAIS 2026 will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in intelligent systems, data-driven technologies, and ethical frameworks that are transforming industries worldwide. 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒 📅 June 29-30 2026 📍 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🌐 globalaishow.com/riyadh/ 📝Over two transformative days, explore breakthrough ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and the future of intelligent ecosystems. 🎟️𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰! → globalaishow.com/riyadh 🗞️ Get more details HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/… ✅Entrepreneur Middle East is an official media partner of the Global AI Show Riyadh 2026 #GlobalAIShow #AIInnovation #RiyadhEvents #TechConference #AIRevolution #VAPGroup

@TECOMGroupDubai, a developer and operator of specialized business districts, reported a 12% year-on-year increase in recurring net profit to AED403 million in the first quarter of 2026. According to its report, revenue rose 11% year-on-year to AED755 million, driven by portfolio expansion, higher occupancy, and improved rental rates. “Our first quarter performance reflects the resilience of the Group’s business model, the diversification of our revenue base across our business segments, and our operational efficiency,” Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of #TECOM Group, said. Meanwhile, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased 13% to AED610 million, with an 81% margin. Funds from operations grew 14% to AED549 million. Occupancy across the commercial and industrial portfolios also increased by 3% year-on-year to 98%, while customer retention remained strong at 94% for commercial assets and 99% for industrial assets. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

#Women now hold 7% of board positions across the #GCC, up slightly from 6.9% in 2025, according to the GCC Board Gender Index Report 2026. The report found that as of January 2026, women occupy 403 board seats across the GCC, held by 341 individuals. This compares with 390 seats held by 334 women in 2025, reflecting a 2.1% rise in the number of women directors and a 3.3% increase in the number of board positions held. Released by Heriot-Watt University Dubai (@HWUDubai), a British university in the UAE, and @Aurora50, a diversity and inclusion agency, the report tracked 759 publicly listed companies across the GCC. It reported a 1.5% rise in total board seats to 5,755 from 5,668 the previous year. At the country level, the #UAE ranked highest for the third straight year, with women holding 15% (191 out of 1,274) of board seats across its three stock exchanges, up from 14.7% in 2025. “It’s particularly encouraging to see the UAE’s progress in this space, with women’s board representation in the nation growing from 3.5% to 15% since 2020. This is a true testament to the vision of the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equity in the workplace,” H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairperson of Aurora50, said. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/leadership/wom…

Creative Zone (@creativezonedxb), a UAE-based business setup firm, has partnered with RAKEZ (@myrakez) and Mashreq NEO BIZ (@mashreqneo) to launch the Young Entrepreneurs’ Business Setup Program, an initiative supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders and first-time #business owners in setting up companies in the #UAE. The program is designed to simplify the business setup process by combining company formation services with access to a partner network offering financial and operational support. The initiative brings together Creative Zone, RAKEZ, Mashreq NEO BIZ, DHL, Zoho, and other partners to provide bundled startup support valued at more than AED15,000 at no additional cost. Benefits include digital bank account opening with Mashreq NEO BIZ, discounted logistics services through DHL, free corporate tax and VAT registration, free medical insurance, one year of AWS web hosting, a virtual office package, and access to HR and legal services through Creative Zone. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…

In today’s interconnected financial landscape, Rajesh Kannan, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, UAE, International Banking EMEA, Jersey (UK), and Head of Global Indian Clients at Standard Chartered (@StanChart ), underscores a defining shift: wealth is no longer confined within national borders. “Families may live in the UAE, run businesses in India, hold assets across Asia, and educate their children in the UK or the US. For globally mobile #entrepreneurs and affluent families, wealth has become inherently cross-border,” Kannan states. According to Kannan, this is reshaping client expectations, with traditional single-market #banking becoming insufficient. Clients, he says, now require a partner that connects markets seamlessly and delivers clarity across jurisdictions. He points to the UAE’s growing role as a global wealth hub, supported by strong infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and deep #international connectivity, and despite volatility, client activity remains resilient. “This evolution is central to our strategy at Standard Chartered, where cross-border connectivity sits at the heart of our ambition to be a leading international wealth manager,” Kannan writes in his op-ed. “As the UAE grows both organically and through its ability to attract high-net-worth individuals and professional investors, demand for sophisticated and internationally aligned wealth solutions is rising.” Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/finance/naviga…

Deep Knowledge Group (@DeepTech_VC) and FemTech Industry Analytics (@FemTechAnalytic) have launched “FemTech in Dubai,” a new industrial ecosystem platform designed to map the emirate’s growing #women’s health innovation sector. The platform profiles 90 companies, 20 leaders, 17 clinics, 15 investors and 10 accelerators, offering a structured overview of #Dubai’s #femtech and digital health landscape. It also aims to improve visibility and coordination across a fragmented ecosystem by giving international stakeholders a clearer view of key companies, clinics and the broader support environment. “The purpose of this platform is to make that activity more visible, more legible, and more connected — so that companies, clinics, investors, institutions, and international partners can see the real shape of the femtech ecosystem emerging in Dubai," Kate Batz, Managing Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, said. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/lifestyle/new-…

ME by Meliá Dubai (@MEbyMelia), a five-star hotel in #Dubai’s Burj Khalifa district, is bringing the spotlight to homegrown brands and entrepreneurs through its “ME Dubai Supports Local” initiative, aimed at boosting support for regional businesses. Launched in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the event will run from May 7-10, featuring a range of locally made products, including abayas, jalabiyas and artisanal perfumes. The showcase will be held inside the ME by Meliá Dubai’s signature atrium, which will be transformed into a #marketplace. The hotel will offer 40 complimentary showcase spaces to participating #UAE-based #businesses. Read more HERE: mena.entrepreneur.com/business-news/…