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Over the past 25 years, Toufic Kreidieh, the Founding Partner and CEO of Brands for Less, has been immersed in an entrepreneurial journey that began with scraping together $10,000 to establish a store in a Beirut underground parking lot in 1996. Today, their off-price retail enterprise has evolved into a thriving budget shopping empire, boasting over 80 outlets across the Middle East and Malta, along with a robust online presence. Kreidieh takes pride in Brands for Less’ transformative impact on the region’s retail landscape, coining a new paradigm in shopping. He states, “We are really proud to be the people…

“If fortune favors the brave, SAP stands as a testament to how courage and innovation can shape formidable organizations and drive corporate success. As a global leader in business process management software, the German multinational constantly forges ahead, setting the bar for others in the industry. Gina-Marie Collignon, SAP’s Vice-President and Head of Marketing for EMEA South, believes that the company’s commitment to workplace diversity and effective change management is pivotal in propelling the software giant to new heights and maintaining a competitive edge. In a world where change is not merely an event but a constant state, mastering effective…

“Driving Fintech Growth in EEMEA: Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Mastercard, Leads Innovation and Collaboration” EEMEA’s fintech sector is experiencing rapid acceleration, poised to surpass $2.5 billion this year, with startups across the region securing substantial investments. Mastercard, a global leader in payments and technology, is actively shaping the fintech landscape in EEMEA through a dynamic strategy that involves strategic acquisitions, robust collaboration, and a commitment to fostering innovation. While Mastercard consistently strengthens its in-house capabilities, strategic acquisitions are pivotal to keeping pace with fintech advancements and meeting the evolving needs of customers in the EEMEA…

J.K. Khalil, Cluster General Manager of MENA East at Mastercard, sheds light on the surging demand for emerging payment methods among consumers and how Mastercard is actively contributing to the evolving payment landscape. The future of payments, driven by advanced technology, is already unfolding, with consumers worldwide embracing innovative ways to shop, transact, and manage their finances. Mastercard’s New Payments Index 2022 reveals significant insights, placing digital solutions at the forefront. In the MENA region, the United Arab Emirates stands out as a notable example. The Mastercard study underscores that U.A.E. consumers are not just aware of emerging payment methods;…

“PNC Menon, Sobha Group’s Visionary Founder and Chairman, on Building a Unique Business Legacy for Tomorrow” PNC Menon, the founder and chairman of Sobha Group, reflects on his business philosophy and outlines the future trajectory for his multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Renowned for shaping the Middle East construction sector over five decades, Menon’s unique backward-integrated business model has propelled Sobha Group to unparalleled success, earning it recognition at Harvard Business School. With a focus on controlling contracting, manufacturing, and design processes, the company achieves exceptional standards in cost, quality, and time management, often delivering projects ahead of schedule. Menon’s meticulous approach to…

Over the past 25 years, Toufic Kreidieh, the Founding Partner and CEO of Brands for Less, has been immersed in an entrepreneurial journey that began with scraping together $10,000 to establish a store in a Beirut underground parking lot in 1996. Today, their off-price retail enterprise has evolved into a thriving budget shopping empire, boasting over 80 outlets across the Middle East and Malta, along with a robust online presence. Kreidieh takes pride in Brands for Less’ transformative impact on the region’s retail landscape, coining a new paradigm in shopping. He states, “We are really proud to be the people…

In the contemporary landscape, music plays a crucial role in enhancing interactive media experiences. Mehdi Cherif, the Co-founder and CEO of Pulse, elucidates how his platform is revolutionizing the music discovery landscape. Pulse achieves this transformation by incorporating decentralized technology, overhauling the business model, and introducing an unprecedented level of interactivity to music streaming. Cherif emphasizes that in today’s music platforms, users seek a combination of a stellar music discovery experience, engagement, and validation. Pulse, as a novel social music platform, endeavors to fulfill these criteria by seamlessly integrating brands into the music discovery process and harnessing the power of…

Despite its reputation as an international business hub, the UAE offers a rich tapestry of experiences for tourists across its seven emirates. While visitors have long been drawn to the country’s shores, the swift recovery of the UAE’s travel and tourism industry post-COVID-19 is providing a significant boost. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), is spearheading an ambitious strategy to attract three million tourists by 2030, all while upholding the emirate’s commitment to sustainable development. Tourism, contributing 12% to the country’s GDP and employing 750,000 people, plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s economy. However,…

Following a significant downturn triggered by the onset of COVID-19, the global hospitality sector has undergone a robust recovery in the past 12 months. Hotel occupancy rates are gradually returning to levels observed before the pandemic, and there is a notable uptick in sector investment, with global transaction volume surging by 131% year-on-year to reach $66.8 billion in 2021, according to JLL. Among the markets demonstrating a noteworthy resurgence is the Middle East, and Guy Hutchinson, the President and CEO of Rotana Hotels, holds optimistic expectations for both his company and the region. “The pace of recovery has been nothing…

Bluemina, spearheaded by Managing Partner Bashar Daoud, unveils the strategies behind its flourishing success amid the escalating demand for citizenship and residency by investment in the MENA region. As a trailblazing entity in the realm of citizenship and residency by investment solutions, Bluemina has carved a niche by fostering robust affiliations with governments worldwide. Serving as an international marketing agent for 16 diverse programs, including those of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Malta, and Portugal, the firm stands as a proud member of the Investment Migration Council. Bluemina’s pivotal role is set to amplify as the appetite for citizenship and…