Author: Mahdeehassan

Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Arab Publishers’ Association (APA) in Egypt to promote knowledge dissemination, reinforce publishing and distribution networks, and support industry creators through strategic support and innovative opportunities. The MoU was signed at MBRF’s headquarters by His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, and Mohamed Rashad, President of APA, to establish a strategic partnership and reinforce collaborative frameworks in the fields of publishing, printing, and training. As part of the agreement, both parties will actively collaborate in key areas, including translation rights management, intellectual property…

Dubai: KPMG Middle East hosted an Emirati Townhall 2025, dedicated to recognizing the achievements and contributions of Emirati professionals within the firm, while reaffirming its commitment to advancing national talent development in the UAE. The event also served as a platform to announce KPMG’s Emirati Youth Council for the year, in the presence of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department. The event featured a panel discussion on the future of Emiratization and national capacity-building in the UAE, with notable attendance from HE Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary of National Talents, Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization, and an Emirati Human…

Backed by strong global demand, Airalo is scaling its eSIM solutions and infrastructure to power the next generation of travel with borderless mobile a ccess for consumers and businesses alike. LEWES, Del.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Airalo, the world’s first and largest eSIM provider, today announced a $220m investment led by new investor, CVC. The investment includes new growth capital valuing Airalo at over $1 billion, marking its status as the industry’s first unicorn. Driven by surging global demand, Airalo has continued its rapid expansion and now serves over 20 million travelers across 200+ destinations. With a new app experience and unlimited data plans launching…

Jeddah: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has once again ranked as the most recommended brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the “YouGov’s Most Recommended Brands 2025” report. This marks the second consecutive year Saudia has claimed the first position, outperforming major brands across multiple sectors in the Kingdom. The ranking is based on consumer perceptions of quality, value, and overall satisfaction. Khaled Tash, Group Chief Marketing Officer, stated: “Retaining this recognition and maintaining Saudia’s leading position in YouGov’s index reflects the strength of our brand and our deep understanding of guest preferences.…

SBC Summit Tbilisi 2025 will return to Georgia’s capital on 15-16 October, bringing together 2,000 senior industry professionals and 40+ exhibitors to exchange expertise and discover the brands leading the way in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Co-hosted with SMH Global—a Georgia-founded company operating at the intersection of sports, sports media, and iGaming across Eurasia and beyond, and a longtime SBC partner in the region—the event will take place at the 5-star Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace. By bringing together key stakeholders in a regionally rooted setting, the event will open direct access to high-growth markets including Georgia, Kazakhstan, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Armenia—territories…

Ajman, United Arab Emirates – His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD), honoured the winners of the ‘Tourism Innovator Award 2025’. The awards were presented in recognition of their creative ideas and pioneering projects, which have helped advance Ajman’s sustainable tourism development, further consolidating the Emirate’s stature as a leading tourist destination. This initiative is a part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of innovation and scientific research among youth, while encouraging them to develop their creative skills. It also aims to empower them to present meaningful projects that align…

Cairo, Valu, the MENA region’s leading universal financial technology powerhouse, is proud to announce that the Central Bank of Jordan has granted its initial approval for Valu to officially launch BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) services in Jordan. This milestone marks a significant step in Valu’s regional expansion, driven by the recognition of Jordan’s dynamic market potential and growing demand for flexible, accessible financial solutions. As part of its broader growth strategy, Valu recognizes Jordan as a promising frontier and an emerging hub of economic vitality and digital transformation. The company’s comprehensive market assessment underscores the country’s promising growth prospects, fueled…

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of Diyar Ajwa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Al Musbah Group – marking the debut of the lifestyle Tapestry Collection brand in Saudi Arabia. Expected to open later in 2025, the new signing reinforces Hilton’s continued expansion in the Kingdom and adds to its growing presence in one of the world’s most significant religious tourism destinations. With this addition, Hilton remains on track to reach its milestone of 100 hotels trading and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia. Strategically located north of the central Haram area in Madinah, Diyar…

DUBAI, UAE – Network International, a leading fintech company in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Magnati, a leading provider of payment solutions in the UAE, today announced that they have received key regulatory approvals to merge into a single entity, owned by a Brookfield-led consortium. The merger process is expected to be completed during Q3, 2025. The merged entity will serve over 250 financial institutions, 240,000 businesses and more than 20 million cardholders across more than 50 markets in MEA. With a comprehensive suite of offerings—including digital payments, data and insights, small business lending, and advanced fraud and security…

As part of its Emerging Markets conference focus, SBC Summit 2025 will shine a spotlight on Africa’s booming gambling ecosystem, offering stakeholders targeted insights and real-world strategies for growth in the region. The Emerging Markets – Africa track will take place on Tuesday, 16 September, at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), and feature five expert-led sessions designed to guide delegates through the continent’s most promising opportunities, operational challenges, and regional nuances. The track will cover several key markets, from established territories like South Africa to emerging ones such as Ghana. Delegates will hear directly from the industry figures shaping the African landscape and…