Interview

His Holiness Pope Francis, ,

Only divinely inspired fraternal strength of feeling can bind the world's nations together.

Interview

Imran Khan, Prime Minister, Pakistan,

Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, on governance, human rights, and education.

Focus

Creating Hubs

As emerging African economies develop new infrastructure and stabilize, Dubai is positioning itself to become the continent's main trade partner.

B2B

Atiq Anjarwalla and Cheick Modibo Diarra

The business community in the UAE has a much better understanding of the opportunities and challenges in Africa than it did five years ago.

Interview

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Former Minister of Economy,

The ministry's way forward is to spur more international collaboration, whether inside the country through FDI flows and encouraging foreign entrepeneurship or outside the country through China's highly-valued Belt and Road Initiative.

Interview

Fahad Al Gergawi , CEO, Dubai Investment Development Agency

Dubai's success in attracting new investors and retaining old ones is rooted in its economic diversity and openness to employ capital, innovation, technology, and talent across every sector.

Interview

Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Dubai Chamber)

Dubai Chamber is using its platform within the International Chamber of Commerce's World Chambers Federation (ICC-WCF) to promote collaborative efforts in unprecedented times.

Focus

Smart Thinking

With the creation of a new ambassadorial position to advance technological development, Dubai seeks to lead the fourth industrial revolution.

Interview

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC)

Encouraging knowledge, the Islamic digital economy, and devising better Islamic standards to govern economic activity are crucial to achieving the center's three economic pillars.

Interview

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO, Dubai SME

The ability to create one's own job and business is now a reality for thousands of young Emiratis.

Interview

Dawood Al Hajri, Director General, Dubai Municipality

Fostering smart collaboration between youth, SMEs, universities, and global innovators is but the first step toward ensuring Dubai remains a unique and innovative hub.

Interview

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)

In addition to pursuing an aggressively innovative trade and industrial policy, DAFZA is working behind the scenes to boost Dubai's role as the world's most dynamic hub for global halal services.

Forum

Business planning

In order to retain an attractive base, businesses are evolving with the times and adapting and re-engineering most of their core services.

Interview

Mishal Kanoo, Chairman, The Kanoo Group

Keeping companies from fracturing during generational transitions is crucial to maintaining long-term equity.

B2B

Business consulting

Implementing new technologies and navigating the world of investment and visa reform are crucial to providing the Emirates' best consulting services.

Interview

Ayman Al Awadhi, Group Managing Director, The Corporate Group

The Corporate Group is interfacing with many of the most advanced countries in the world to spur the creation of a new kind of economic ecosystem in the Emirate.

Interview

Yasmina Al Azhari, Founder & Managing Partner, Al Yam International Commercial Brokers

SMEs should be assisted by business-friendly regulations and a support system that encourages innovation.

Interview

Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau

Expo is working hard to ensure it does its part to make the world a more collaborative, inclusive, tolerant, clean, and stable planet.

Focus

Scopes, not silos

Though separated into three districts, Expo 2020's subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability are inextricably intertwined.

B2B

International participants

The Dubai Expo will give participating countries a fantastic opportunity to promote their economic, trade, and investment goals and further strengthen bilateral ties.

Forum

Delivering the vision

Huge international events can leave a lasting imprint on a city—think Barcelona since the '92 Olympics—and Dubai hopes Expo will be a springboard into the future.

Forum

Premier partnerships

Rome was not built in a day and Expo will not be pulled off alone; Expo 2020 Dubai's premier partners show us what is possible through collaboration.

Interview

Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General, Department of Finance (DOF), Dubai

“DOF oversees the preparation and development of financial resources, and verifies the collection and provision of general revenues, in addition to supervising government bank accounts."

Interview

Essa Kazim, Governor, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

The DIFC is taking a unique phased approach to deliver on Dubai's ambitious growth agenda while remaining focused on diversifying its ecosystem and advancing the financial sector.

Interview

Bryan Stirewalt, CEO, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)

Understanding and supporting emerging technologies is one of the DFSA's biggest priorities.

Interview

Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)

Dominating each side of the Indian Ocean is the key to accessing the world's largest potential market for Islamic banking.

Interview

Bernd van Linder, CEO, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)

Only with an outside-in view, a global perspective, and strategic partnerships is one able to stay ahead of the curve in times of rapid change.

Interview

Hatem Sleiman, Regional Vice-President, Head of Network, Middle East and South Asia, Western Union

Technology, globalization, and migration will ensure that no matter the nationalization policies carried out by regional governments, the remittance spout is unlikely to dry up any time soon.

B2B

Remittances

Even in a market as traditional as remittances, disruption is helping drive down costs and spur innovative ways of saving customers money.

Interview

Wissam Khoury, SVP & General Manager, APAC & MEA, Finastra

Consumer trends, mobile adoption, the rise of fintechs, and changing regulations are all driving innovation in the industry.

Interview

Mohamed Damak, Senior Director, Financial Services, & Global Head, Islamic Finance, S&P Global

S&P Global Ratings won three Islamic finance awards in 2019.

Interview

Hamed Ali, CEO, Nasdaq Dubai

Investors have more reason than ever to make Dubai their launch pad for smart investments in the region.

Interview

Les Male, CEO, Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX)

Developing a currency trade niche that is not only geopolitically relevant but also profitable has been a boon for the currency and Emirate.

Focus

Seeking the Ethical High Ground

Dubai is determined to overtake pioneering Islamic finance center Malaysia and become the global market's innovative capital.

Interview

Michael Grifferty, President, Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association (GBSA)

Member-driven growth and innovation are crucial to any nascent industry, especially those seeking to stir up broader sectors.

Interview

Naser Al Nabulsi, Vice Chairman & CEO, Al Mal Capital

Aiming to be considered the investment institution of choice in the MENA region, Al Mal Capital has rapidly become one of the leading financial institutions in the UAE.

Interview

Sandeep Singh, Senior Director, Regional Head Central Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Franklin Templeton Investments

We launched the industry's first Islamic buy-and-hold product.

Interview

Mustafa Vazayil, Managing Director, Gargash Insurance

As a professional insurance intermediary, Gargash Insurance provides great value addition to its clients in terms of value engineering and risk management.

Interview

Wadih Hardini, General Manager, Chedid Re UAE

Having been in the market for the last 20 years, Chedid Re Dubai's brand mantra is linked to long-term commitment and excellence.

Interview

A.R. Srinivasan, CEO, Dar Al Takaful

To set itself apart in a competitive market, Dar Al Takaful focuses on more personal services and putting the customer first always.

Interview

Ahmad Idris, CEO, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)

Good auditing is just as necessary to the health of the industry as preventative care.

Interview

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World

As a progressive end-to-end logistics solutions provider, DP World continues to invest in new technologies and disruptive innovation to make trade smarter and create a better future for all.

Interview

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director, DP World – UAE Region

By employing 16.2% of Dubai's total workforce, DP World – UAE Region has almost single handedly pushed the Emirate's economy to new highs.

Interview

Mahmood Al Bastaki, COO, DT World

DT World is tapping into convenience and transparency to fill the many gaps in the import-export business.

Interview

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General, Dubai Customs

Dubai Customs has introduced a variety of development programs and innovative systems that help maintain its position as the world's leading customs authority.

Interview

Nadya Abdulla Kamali, CEO, Customs World

Customs World and Dutech aim to achieve efficient movement of goods across borders in order to improve the performance, productivity, and proficiency of Dubai's business community.

Forum

Maritime linkages

Every company featured on this page has played a crucial role in improving the performance, safety, and competitiveness of Dubai's maritime sector, making the Emirate and the UAE an influential force in the global trade sphere.

Interview

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman & CEO, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

DMCC started as an underdog in 2002 but it has put in work for years on end to become one of the world's leading free zones and rough diamond centers.

Focus

Delivering retail therapy

Always multiple steps ahead, Dubai was preparing for an e-commerce boom before the COVID-19 outbreak, and was thus better equipped than most to handle the uptick.

B2B

E-commerce

DAFZA and Logistics District – Dubai South are leveraging Dubai's strategic location and world-class infrastructure to capture a bigger share of the global e-commerce market.

Interview

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & CEO, Emirates Airline & Group

Emirates Airlines aims to secure a stronger footing across new markets by utilizing cutting-edge technology to make the on-ground and onboard journeys more efficient and seamless.

Interview

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) & Dubai South

Above all, Dubai South is a futuristic community that will improve Dubai's status among the best and most sustainable places in the world to visit, work, and live.

Focus

The most lucrative vowel

The Emirate, already a commercial and financial hub, is also responding to the rise and rise of e-commerce within the multi-modal colossus that is Dubai South.

Interview

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General & Chairman of The Board of Executive Directors, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

RTA is embarking on a drive to enable a strategic decision support system, solve current transportation challenges, and prepare for the future of mobility.

Interview

Tahnoon Saif, CEO, Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBR Aerospace Hub)

In a short span of time, MBR Aerospace Hub has enabled the aviation and aerospace industries' development.

Interview

Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports

Dubai Airports is constantly working on transporting people in the fastest possible time and with the best possible service.

Interview

Aiham Bader, Founder & CEO, Click Aviation Network

Dubai-based companies, in any industry, have a certain level of credibility.

Interview

Emre Ismailoglu, General Manager Dubai & Northern Emirates, Turkish Airlines

While new trends continue to shape the travel industry, Turkish Airlines has decided to keep it simple by enhancing its brand of luxury and offering travelers a more rewarding experience.

Interview

Mohsen Ahmad, CEO, Logistics District – Dubai South

Technology and sustainability form the core of Logistics District's strategy for 2020 and beyond, in line with the government's vision to transform Dubai into a fully fledged smart city.

Interview

Geoff Walsh, Country Manager, DHL Express UAE

With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility, and an unrivaled presence in developing markets, DHL is positioned as the logistics company of the world.

Interview

Nabeel Alzaka, Executive Director, Surface Mobility Consultants

Surface Mobility Consultants has single handedly introduced AI, big data, and machine learning to Dubai's transport and mobility sectors.

Forum

Logistics

Regional and global logistics players continue to flock to Dubai to take advantage of the Emirate's reputation as a leading international logistics hub.

Interview

K. Rajaram, CEO, Al Nabooda Automobiles

The entire world is going electric.

Interview

Chenna Reddy, General Manager, Budget Rent a Car (BRAC)

BRAC is adopting new technologies to increase customer satisfaction and make a real difference in a highly competitive car rental industry.

Interview

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)

DEWA has achieved unprecedented successes to become one of the world's best utility providers.

Forum

Green solutions

Dubai has set aggressive targets to diversify its energy sources, clean up its industries, and convert much of its landfill waste into energy as part of efforts to join the ranks of the most sustainable cities.

Interview

Ayman Khattab, Vice President, Gulf & North Africa, Baker Hughes

In Dubai, Baker Hughes is focused on developing in-country value, creating more jobs and talent, and enhancing local content.

Interview

Renu Sharma, Country Chair UAE & General Manager Middle East Aviation & JVs, Chevron

Looking toward the future, Chevron is actively using digital technology to drive more value across the entire organization.

Interview

Ali Al Jarwan, CEO, Dragon Oil

Dragon Oil focuses on striking a balance between high-performance activities and profitability, which has helped it establish an excellent reputation in the sector.

B2B

Solar

Given that solar energy can meet the growing demand for electricity and mitigate issues related to climate change, it presents extremely attractive opportunities.

Interview

Nabil Alkindi, CEO, Dubai South Properties (representing South Energy)

Through the delivery of holistic energy solutions, South Energy is set to be the market leader at the forefront of change.

Focus

Leading the green charge

Dubai is deploying technologies that promise to transform it into a largely sustainable address for future living.

Interview

Sebastien Chauvin, CEO, Veolia – Middle East

Veolia is a French-listed company and world leader in the environmental business, with three main activities: water, waste, and energy.

Forum

Utilities and resource management

By employing the latest technologies and know-how from around the world, resource management companies are helping Dubai become more innovative in managing its precious resources.

Interview

Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence, and Remote Work Applications,

With the most diverse data set on the planet, the scope for AI breakthroughs in the UAE is second to none.

Interview

Henrik von Scheel, Industry 4.0 Originator,

Though Industry 4.0 will define manufacturing everywhere for the years to come, the UAE, and Dubai in particular, could provide the model countries should emulate to adapt to change.

Interview

Sameer Areff, COO, SAP Middle East South

In Dubai, SAP seeks to be a part of the new tapestry of innovation within the public service.

B2B

Emerging technologies

Dubai is, by far, one of the smartest cities in the world, and new technologies will help it stay ahead of the curve.

Interview

Abdulqader Obaid Ali, CEO, Smartworld

Smartworld is working with Cisco to deploy parts of the IP network infrastructure to support the digital experience offered at Expo 2020.

Interview

Hamdan AlShamsi, Senior Partner, Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants

With the expected increase of business in the region, Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants stands ready to assist new or current businesses with the implementation of ideas and the protection of IP.

Interview

Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC)

Given that the future of the UAE's space sector depends on the capabilities of its future generations, MBRSC has launched initiatives and programs to engage with students of all ages and levels.

Interview

Ammar Al Malik, Executive Director, Dubai Internet City (DIC)

By providing companies with the right infrastructure, regulations, and environment, DIC has nurtured some of the biggest names in the region and is preparing for its next batch of success stories.

Interview

Fadi Kanafani, Senior Regional Director, Middle East and Africa, NetApp

The NetApp data fabric provides companies an enterprise data security approach that spans their entire data infrastructure, on and off premise.

Forum

Cloud technologies

Given the unprecedented levels of data emerging and the push for going paperless in Dubai, the cloud will play an increasingly important role for businesses and government alike.

Interview

Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General, Smart Dubai Department

Smart Dubai Department seeks for Dubai's digital transformation roadmap to become a benchmark for smart city transformations across the globe.

Interview

Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

Through its digital arm, DEWA seeks to disrupt the entire business of public utilities by becoming the world's first digital utility to use autonomous systems for renewable energy and storage.

B2B

Smart cities

Moscow and Dubai share a great drive to provide its citizens with ever-more digital services, all in a bid to improve their way of life.

Interview

Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, Managing Director, Dubai Industrial City (DI)

DI focuses on elevating Dubai into a global platform for knowledge-based, innovation-focused businesses for a more sustainable future.

Interview

Tarek El Sakka, CEO, Dubai Refreshment Company (DRC)

The leading carbonated soft drinks producer in the UAE, DRC plans to leverage the Emirate's shipping infrastructure advantage to drive exports to neighboring countries.

Interview

Atheeqe Ansari, CEO, Electric Way

Electric Way is a pioneer in the use of technology and best management practices in a traditional sector, becoming an important actor in its customers' supply-chain ecosystems.

B2B

Building materials

Given the various opportunities within the construction product manufacturing space, companies producing building materials are looking beyond the Emirate to export regionally.

Focus

Strategizing manufacturing

The Middle East has been known generally as import-dependent in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Interview

Sven Baumgarten, Managing Director, KSB Middle East FZE

A global leading supplier of pumps, valves, system solutions, and services for fluid transport and control, KSB has stood for quality, excellence, and reliability for nearly 150 years.

Interview

Tomás Guerrero, Manager, Halal Trade and Marketing Centre (HTMC)

Since its inception, HTMC has consolidated its position within the halal sector globally, with industry players and companies seeking to establish a presence in the halal market.

B2B

Smart solutions

Dubai is leading the way in the region in terms of using innovative and intelligent solutions for business processes.

Interview

Issam Galadari, Founder & CEO, Ithra Dubai

Ithra Dubai develops and manages mixed-used projects on a bold and ambitious scale with a mission to transcend traditional real estate projects and enrich communities.

Interview

Nabil Alkindi, CEO, Dubai South Properties

Dubai South Properties has the expertise and synergies to offer high-quality residential projects at a lower price point.

Interview

PNC Menon, Founder & Chairman, Sobha Realty

With a focus on precision and perfection, Sobha Realty aims to stay on top of cutting-edge developments in order to offer the best the market has to offer.

Interview

Hussain Sajwani, Founder & Chairman, DAMAC Properties & DICO Group of Companies

DAMAC combines the glamor of recognized luxury brands with its reputation for quality and reliability to introduce iconic projects in Dubai and around the world.

Interview

Balvinder Singh Sahni (Abu Sabah), Founder & Chairman, RSG Group of Companies

RSG Group of Companies has climbed the ranks of the top real estate firms by growing at a sustainable pace and delivering top-quality developments on time.

Interview

Fahad Azizi, CEO, Azizi Developments

With a portfolio of projects based on a solid understanding of customers' wants and needs, Azizi Developments serves as a catalyst to the UAE's development.

B2B

Developers

Exciting and innovative projects, one including man-made islands and the planting of coral reefs, are using sustainability as their foundation. Dubai's real estate investors are looking forward to these new greener offerings.

Forum

Property Management Services

While Dubai's housing market has experienced highs and lows in recent years, players in the real estate sector are confident in the market's ability to deliver new opportunities and better returns in the near future.

Forum

Real estate brokers

While some have worried over Dubai's recent drop in rental prices, real estate brokers on the ground remain firm in their conviction that Dubai's market represents a great investment, thanks to its infrastructure and government-led reforms of investment laws.

B2B

Engineering

Dubai's construction sector offers a dynamic environment for the best engineering companies to apply the latest technologies and set new regional standards.

B2B

Ivar Krasinski and Martin Baershmidt

EDGE Architects maintains a standard of architecture that is committed to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Interview

Amer Ali, Executive Director, Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA)

DMCA's innovation strategy and cooperation with government and private-sector partners has made Dubai and the UAE an influential force in the global maritime industry.

Interview

Richard Morgan, Regional Managing Director West & Central Asia, Maersk

Maersk is working on end-to-end supply chain services that are digitally enabled and highly innovative, supporting customers in their growth needs and adding value to their brands.

Interview

Rado Antolovic, CEO, Dubai Drydocks World (DDW) & Dubai Maritime City (DMC)

DDW is committed to building innovative and collaborative solutions to meet the demands of the energy industry.

Interview

Martin Helweg, CEO, P&O Maritime Logistics

With customers increasingly looking for a handful of select, trusted suppliers, P&O Maritime Logistics is well positioned to provide sought-after solutions with safety and the environment at the forefront.

Forum

Shipping

World-class infrastructure and a favorable and predictable policy framework are two reasons why Dubai continues to be the go-to choice for shipping companies looking to expand or relocate.

Interview

Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors & Director General, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Dubai's future in education will benefit from the growing number of international universities and a greater focus on early education for young families.

Interview

Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director, Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) & Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)

DKP and DIAC synergistically work together to push Dubai's agenda for a knowledge-based economy into the 21st century.

Interview

Chaouki M. Eid, Managing Director, Meirc Training & Consulting

Meirc Training & Consulting is one of the most trusted training firms in the region, helping clients develop their human capital in a range of management and technical fields.

B2B

Mark of excellence

As a research-led university, University of Birmingham Dubai's vision and ambition complements the UAE and Dubai's vision for the future development of the knowledge economy.

Focus

Master minds

Dubai's educational system is trying to keep its most talented students in the Emirate by bringing schools from overseas to set up shop in Dubai.

Forum

Universities

To stay ahead of the learning curve, universities in Dubai are offering an array of new programs in AI, big data, cloud computing, and even social media influencing, while exploring innovative ways to teach outside the classroom.

B2B

Vocational training

Dubai is home to many hospitality institutes that take advantage of its numerous successful luxury restaurants, hotels, and international events, including Expo 2020.

Interview

Shamsheer Vayalil, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Amanat Holdings

Amanat Holdings is working to increase its healthy-sized investments in education and health to bring better offerings in these sectors to Dubai, the GCC, and the world.

Interview

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE)

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair's philanthropic mission is to provide refugees with education while promoting private sector involvement in transparent philanthropy.

B2B

Schools

K-12 education in Dubai is revolutionizing the sector through private schools offering multiple price points and innovative teaching programs.

Interview

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free (DDF)

One of the leading airport retailers in the world, DDF currently operates some 40,000sqm of retail space at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, reporting sales over USD2.029 billion in 2019.

Interview

Charles Nahhas, Managing Director, Arabian Marketing Corp FZCO

Founded over 100 years ago, Montegrappa seeks to keep the fountain pen tradition alive through beautiful workmanship and limited edition collections.

Interview

Patrick Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group

In keeping with Dubai's strategy to offer delight to luxury clientele, Chalhoub Group has introduced a more interactive beauty shopping experience.

B2B

Automotive retailers

Forum

Retail

Thanks to its serious shoppers, Dubai offers retailers a unique luxury market and a new arena to test out new retail concepts for products in all categories.

B2B

Culture

More than luxurious malls, here's to the organizations working to advance sports and culture.

Interview

Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director, Dubai Design District (d3)

d3, Dubai's new district promoting up-and-coming designers and serving as a hub for bigger brands, is contributing to the design sector's bigger picture.

Focus

Big canvas

By hosting more cultural events and opening new gallery spaces, Dubai is aiming to become an art hub for the Gulf.

Interview

Bassam Zakaria, General Manager, dusitD2 Kenz Hotel Dubai & Dusit Princess Dubai Marina

Millennial travelers are the mainstay of hip hotel brand dusitD2, and they bring a refreshed focus on art.

Interview

Syed Mohammad Asad Zaidi, General Manager, Ramada Chelsea Hotel by Wyndham

In Dubai the hospitality choices are endless. That is why Ramada Chelsea Hotel's strategy of incorporating customer feedback and sales teams' insight in management has helped its numbers grow.

Interview

Issam Slaimi, General Manager, Golden Tulip Media Hotel

Dubai is a well-established tourist destination in the global tourism map.

Forum

Hospitality

While intense competition in Dubai has driven innovation, hotels must stay aware of changing market forces and demands if they want to stay ahead.

Forum

Culture and entertainment

Dubai's artistic and musical scenes can become masterpieces in their own rights, with increasing government support, a growing global interest in Middle Eastern art, and a forward-looking mentality.