Leadership | Page 4

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.

In the Founders on the Frontline series, Kushal Desai and Sagar Chotrani of Publsh share how doubling down on communication, prioritizing people, and protecting core fundamentals is helping them navigate uncertainty, while building a reputation that lasts beyond it.

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.

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 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.

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.

In times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, startups that prioritize cash flow management gain the stability needed to survive and adapt. Entrepreneur Moyn Islam explains why financial discipline, not rapid growth, becomes the most important strategy for founders navigating volatile markets.

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.

When senior leaders lead through both their behaviour and their strategy, customer excellence becomes part of everyday operations rather than just an ambition.

In its first international expansion, DIFC is taking the Dubai FinTech Summit to Pakistan — a strategic move that signals rising global confidence in the country’s digital finance ecosystem and reshapes the UAE–South Asia economic corridor.

Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) has backed Dubai-born deep-tech company Immensa to accelerate its global expansion and scale its digital spare parts platform. The investment strengthens advanced manufacturing capabilities from the UAE while building more resilient, on-demand supply chains for industries worldwide.

“Being limited by the place you’re born shouldn’t define your life. My mission is to help people overcome those barriers and unlock a world of possibilities, regardless of nationality or borders.” — Armand Arton, CEO & Founder, Arton Capital

The session was moderated by Tamara Pupic, Managing Editor of Entrepreneur Middle East.

As the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Ahlam Bolooki has shaped the organisation into a reliable haven for reading, writing, and cultural exchange. Ahead of the 18th edition of the Foundation’s flagship Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, she discusses nurturing local writers, championing translation, safeguarding human creativity in the age of AI, and building a community where stories connect generations and cultures.