Leadership | Page 2

Zein Zone’s Zaina Kourki and GAIA Culture’s Patricia Paulina Karrer are reshaping artist financing with an art–tech–finance model that enables emerging regional talent to build long-term brand value.

While many economies show early signs of hesitation under pressure, the UAE has continued to move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

Measures include fee deferrals, liquidity support, and trade facilitation as the emirate moves to ease market pressures and sustain growth.

Ahmad Al-Zaini, Founder and CEO of Foodics, shares how intuition, resilience, and a people-first mindset have shaped one of the region’s leading F&B tech platforms—proving that building a lasting company starts with purpose, not just scale.

In hospitality, resilience is not only operational but also relational. During periods of uncertainty, owner confidence becomes one of the most important assets in the system.

As businesses evolve, many founders find themselves at a crossroads where old strategies no longer deliver the same results, making mindset transformation essential for clarity, resilience, and confident leadership.

Founders should be choosing strategic expansion over retrenchment, reinforcing a long-term growth outlook despite market volatility.

Redefining the UAE investment landscape through Gen-Z innovation and strategic consultancy.

Eligible applicants can apply through the “Emirati” section on the Dubai Now app, with submissions open until June 30, 2026.

The good news is that staying visible doesn’t always require a large marketing budget or a PR agency. There are simple things founders can do themselves to keep their brand relevant, trusted and present during uncertain periods.

“The regional escalations made World Monitor visible, not useful,” says the CEO behind Anghami, the MENA region’s first Nasdaq-listed music streaming platform, who is now helping millions understand major global developments in real time.

Women across the Middle East are stepping confidently into senior leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and resilience. The next step for organizations is to strengthen the systems that will sustain this momentum and unlock their full potential.

The board’s role is not to predict every crisis. It is to build the conditions for disciplined agility: the right information flows, the right decision rights, the right supplier ecosystem, and the right care for people.

The private event saw 300 leaders from across the emirate’s business sector convene, as well as the attendance of UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation H.E. Reem Al Hashimy

Karma Developers approaches real estate with a focus on people, communities, and long-term impact. Beyond construction, the company engages in social initiatives, sustainability efforts, and partnerships that reflect its commitment to responsible development.

Crises are rarely comfortable for any leader. But when communication is handled well, they can also become moments that demonstrate credibility, responsibility and trust.

The bravest thing a founder can do right now is not the most visible thing. It is the quiet, deliberate work of ensuring that everything they have built can outlast the version of them that built it.

The Future Shifts When a Nation Trusts Its Women Leadership is tested in practice rather than in theory during times of economicrecalibration and regional unpredictability. When the world seems to be changing underour feet, a country’s strength is demonstrated by its leaders. As a young Emirati girl who grew up surrounded by the aroma of […]

One of the clearest patterns in resilient organisations is how leaders communicate during instability.

Al Hashimy’s leadership has reflected the UAE’s broader diplomatic philosophy: one rooted in dialogue, multilateralism, and long-term cooperation rather than confrontation.

Across the three carriers, passengers have been advised to check flight status updates and travel to the airport only if they have confirmed bookings.

“For me, launching a business isn’t just about commercial success or money. It’s about taking that step, overcoming fear, and unlocking a new mindset."

In a career defined by high-stakes interviews and global turning points, Hadley Gamble reflects on resilience, authenticity, and the discipline required to lead — both on screen and beyond it. Pinning Hadley Gamble down required a fair amount of patience.  We met at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai in early January, exchanged messages, […]

"Across all my businesses, my vision is simple: build sustainable platforms that serve people, create opportunities, and give back more than they take.”

Whether it’s a geo-political flashpoint or tech-driven disruption reshaping your industry in real time, one thing is increasingly clear: the operating environment for leaders has never been more volatile. The ability to navigate this successfully is what will separate the great from the rest. These are five skills that we work with leaders on. Not […]

A 78-slide deck doesn’t create growth, and it won’t fix your business problems, but execution will. As SME ecosystems mature, specialists who implement, deliver, and take ownership are beating out generalists offering opinions.