Markus Susilo, Partner & International Business Leader at Baker Tilly, outlines how startups in the UAE can navigate the new corporate tax regime, VAT, and Free Zone incentives through smart compliance and early tax planning.

What are the key corporate tax obligations that startups in the UAE need to be aware of under the new tax regime?
A startup must assess corporate tax (CT) registration as soon as it is established or begins operations. Deadlines differ depending on the legal form and tax residence of the person. Once registered, it must file annual CT returns and make payments on time to avoid penalties.

At what point does a startup become liable for corporate tax in the UAE, and how is the taxable threshold calculated for small businesses?
A business becomes liable for CT once registered as a taxable person. The worldwide income of a UAE tax resident is subject to tax in the UAE, while non-UAE tax residents are taxed only on certain UAE-sourced income or UAE-attributed taxable income. Small Business Relief applies where the annual revenue of a taxable person does not exceed AED 3 million, provided that it is neither a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) nor a member of Multinational Enterprise group. This relief is available until the end of 2026. Importantly, the AED 3 million revenue cap is assessed for each tax period and each previous period within that window. Once a business exceeds AED 3 million in revenue in a tax period, it becomes ineligible for the relief going forward. 

How should startups manage VAT registration and compliance, especially if they’re pre-revenue or just beginning to generate income?
VAT rules are separate from CT. As soon as a business makes its first transaction, it must assess whether this triggers its obligation or eligibility to register for VAT. Pre-revenue status does not relieve businesses from monitoring VAT obligations. Imports of goods and services must also be considered. In general, there are two thresholds to be observed: one for mandatory registration and one for voluntary registration. Mandatory registration has a specific deadline, whereas voluntary registration does not. The deadline depends on whether the threshold is breached or expected to be breached based on the historical or future threshold test.

Many startups rely on foreign investment and cross-border transactions. What tax considerations should they keep in mind under UAE rules?
The key advice is to always perform a tax analysis for all transactions, including international dealings. Before a startup signs a cross-border contract or accepts a foreign investment, it should consider consulting a tax advisor or using in-house expertise to check the overall UAE tax implications. This is especially crucial when the location of decision makers and/or staff of the UAE business is outside the UAE. Certain activities performed outside the UAE for the UAE business may have hidden adverse tax implications outside the UAE. 

Are there any common tax compliance mistakes that startups in the UAE tend to make, particularly in their early stages?
Startups often underestimate or delay tax compliance. Failing to comply with CT or VAT obligations results in missed registrations, inaccurate records, and late filings. The UAE aligns its tax framework with international standards, and non-compliance attracts penalties. Ignoring or undermining tax laws – even inadvertently – is something no business should do. The UAE has invested effort into aligning its tax system with international best practices and expects even small startups to comply fully. Believing that “we’re just a startup, so compliance can wait” is a serious misstep. Startups should treat tax compliance as a fundamental part of running the business from day one. This is also general practice in mature tax jurisdictions.

How do you see the evolving UAE tax framework impacting the startup ecosystem in the next 2–3 years?
Broadly, we expect a two-fold effect: greater compliance requirements on one hand, and greater stability and international credibility on the other. Another development is stricter enforcement by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to ensure that tax laws are followed. This could include audits or penalties for those who do not comply, signaling that even startups must take tax matters seriously from inception. We will also likely see the UAE tax system mature further with additional guidance and possibly amendments to the law as authorities learn from initial implementation.

On the positive side, the evolving tax framework brings clarity and support for startups. The government is conscious of maintaining a startup-friendly environment. For example, the Small Business Relief measure was introduced to support startups and small businesses by reducing their corporate tax burden and compliance costs in the initial years. Moreover, as the UAE aligns with international tax practices, startups could find it easier to expand abroad or attract foreign investment, since investors and partners take comfort in transparent, rule-of-law jurisdictions. 

What advice would you give startup founders in terms of building a tax-efficient business from day one?
Building a “tax-efficient” business in the UAE (or anywhere) means structuring operations in a way that fully complies with the applicable laws while taking advantage of any incentives or reliefs available. My first piece of advice is that founders should incorporate tax considerations into their decision-making from the very start of the business. One practical approach is to map out potential tax “pain points” or exposures in the business plan. Being tax-efficient often means proper planning and documentation, rather than any aggressive tax avoidance scheme. It is about ensuring you don’t pay more tax than needed, and you don’t pay penalties either.

My second key advice is not to hesitate to seek professional help when needed. If the business is not in the “tax advisory” sphere itself, engaging a qualified tax advisor can be extremely valuable.

Lastly, founders should focus on good governance and record-keeping as a cornerstone of tax efficiency.

How do Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) apply to startups, and what should founders be aware of when engaging in relevant activities?
Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2020 stated that UAE-licensed businesses needed to comply with ESR for financial years starting on or after 1 January 2019. This was subsequently amended by Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024, which provides that ESR no longer apply to any financial year ending after 31 December 2022. This means that for a new startup launched now (in 2025 or later), ESR compliance obligations are not relevant. However, certain requirements have been embedded in provisions of the UAE CT law. A notable example is the need for sufficient economic substance in a UAE Free Zone if a company wants to take the Free Zone tax relief.

Many startups operate in Free Zones to benefit from tax incentives. How does the new corporate tax law affect Free Zone startups, and what conditions must they meet to retain their 0% rate?
Free Zone companies are taxable persons but may benefit from a 0% rate if classified as QFZPs. To qualify, they must fulfill all of the following conditions:

• Be incorporated in a  Free Zone
• Maintain adequate substance
• Earn Qualifying Income
• Comply with the de minimis rule
• Comply with the arm’s-length principle for transactions with Related Parties and Connected Persons, including documentation
• Prepare and maintain audited financial statements
• Not elect to be taxed at 9%

For startups considering whether to incorporate in a Free Zone or on the Mainland, what are the key tax differences they should factor into their decision-making?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each startup should closely examine its business model, target market, and growth plans in light of these tax differences. Sometimes a relief or incentive that looks good initially (e.g., Free Zone 0% or a specific deduction) might have adverse implications later if circumstances change. Founders should scenario-plan: “If we hit X revenue or pivot to do Y activity, will this structure still be optimal?” It may be beneficial to consult a tax advisor to run the numbers for both scenarios over a projected timeline. In summary, Mainland vs. Free Zone involves a trade-off between guaranteed but moderate taxation and simplicity (Mainland) versus potential 0% taxation with conditions (Free Zone).

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Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC), a leading multi-category beverage manufacturer in Egypt, and Orange Corners Egypt are supporting youth innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. The Orange Corners programme is an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and in Egypt is executed by the implementing partner, Outreach Egypt, under the auspices of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and is designed to equip young Egyptian entrepreneurs with the tools, exposure, and mentorship needed to build sustainable businesses.

This partnership underscores ABC’s enduring commitment to economic empowerment of youth through an inclusive program that also delivers on innovative, sustainable and viable business solutions. It also supports Egypt Vision 2030 and contributes to key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of the company’s commitment to empowering Egypt’s next generation of entrepreneurs, Al Ahram Beverages Company welcomed more than 50 participants from the Orange Corners Egypt programme to its largest manufacturing facility in Sharkia Governorate. These entrepreneurs represented a diverse range of regions, including Upper Egypt (Qena and Luxor) and the Delta (Alexandria, Behira, Dakahlia, Menoufia, and Kafr El Sheikh). The visit featured interactive mentorship sessions led by senior leaders across supply chain & production, finance & procurement, sustainability, health & safety, customer service logistics and planning, offering participants direct engagement with the company’s leadership. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into ABC’s business practices. In addition, participants also gained firsthand insights into the full scope of operations and learned more about the company’s manufacturing excellence, innovation and sustainability practices during a guided tour of the plant.

“Our partnership with Orange Corners is a powerful example of how the private sector can help nurture the next generation of Egyptian innovators,” said Nikolay Mladenov, Managing Director at Al Ahram Beverages Company. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to investing in local communities and building resilient value chains. Worth to mention, that nearly 90% of our raw materials are sourced locally, as we believe deeply in the strength and potential of Egyptian talent.”

“It’s been an incredible journey partnering with Orange Corners Egypt over the past two years,” said Cherine Aidarous, Head of Corporate Affairs at Al Ahram Beverages Company. “We’ve had the privilege of supporting over 250 entrepreneurs and witnessing the graduation of nearly 140 startups across Egypt. What makes this journey even more meaningful is that nearly 50% of these participants are women, proof that inclusive innovation is not just a goal, but a reality. We were proud to witness and contribute to the launch of the new Delta cycle last year, and that’s exactly why we’re always encouraged to expand our partnership. Seeing these bright, driven individuals here today fills me with pride and reinforces our belief in the power of inclusive innovation. At ABC, we’re committed to walking alongside these founders, offering mentorship, resources, and real-world exposure to help them thrive.”

The visit to the Sharkia plant comes at a pivotal moment in the programme’s expansion. In 2025 alone, Orange Corners Egypt welcomed 100 new startups from the Delta into its second cycle and launched a new cohort in Luxor, further extending its reach across the country. Earlier this year, 30 startups from Upper Egypt were awarded grants from the Orange Corners Innovation Fund, selected from over 1,200 applications, a testament to the growing strength and competitiveness of Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With over half of participants being women, the programme continues to champion inclusive innovation and equitable access to opportunity.

At Orange Corners Egypt, we believe that private sector engagement is the cornerstone for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Dalia El Nazer, Programme Manager of Orange Corners Egypt. “This partnership is a testament to how businesses can go beyond traditional CSR to play an active role in shaping the future of innovation and job creation in Egypt. When leading companies open their doors to young entrepreneurs, and share their knowledge, networks, and real-world insights, they help bridge the gap between ideas to growth and impact. Together, we’re not only empowering entrepreneurs to grow but also fostering a culture of a unique partnership that benefits the youth across the country.”

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Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently hosted an engaging session on how businesses can grow sales through influencer marketing at its Compass Coworking Centre. The session equipped entrepreneurs and SMEs with strategies to turn their social media presence into measurable business results.

Led by Mohamad Fattal, Founder and CEO of Alfan, the session delved into the evolving role of influencers in driving brand visibility, authenticity, and revenue. With insights drawn from Alfan’s network and partnerships, Fattal shared actionable methods to bridge the gap between creators, brands, and audiences.

Participants learned how to identify the right influencer partnerships based on audience relevance and engagement rates, develop content tailored to each platform, and design cost-effective strategies for SMEs and growing businesses. The session also provided tools to measure real commercial impact beyond surface-level metrics, supported by case studies showing how sustained creator collaborations and well-crafted briefs can drive stronger brand awareness and convert digital engagement into measurable sales.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “At RAKEZ, we continuously look for ways to help our business community stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape. Influencer marketing has evolved into a key growth driver for businesses of all sizes, and this session was designed to give our clients the knowledge and confidence to turn engagement into real sales. By connecting them with industry experts, we aim to empower them to think bigger, act smarter, and maximise every opportunity the digital world offers.”

The session is part of RAKEZ’s ongoing initiative to support the growth of its business community through expert-led workshops and networking opportunities that address real-world challenges and emerging trends across industries.

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BRKZ, the leading B2B managed marketplace for building materials in Saudi Arabia, has secured up to $30 million in growth debt from Stride Ventures. The facility will enhance BRKZ’s capabilities to offer flexible payment solutions in the construction sector, enabling its network of partner factories and contractors and driving growth in the supply chain for raw materials.

With Saudi Arabia preparing to host global events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and giga-projects like King Salman Park, Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya, and The Red Sea Project advancing, the country’s construction market is shifting gears from boom to blockbuster – where efficient materials procurement and innovative financing solutions are emerging as the next catalysts for sustainable growth.

This announcement follows BRKZ’s earlier equity rounds totaling $22.5 million, with the latest round fully covered by repeat investors including BECO, BNVT Capital, Better Tomorrow Ventures and Aramco’s Wa’ed, a strong signal of long-term confidence in the company’s business model. In 2024, BRKZ grew revenues by 4× while maintaining healthy unit economics. Since launch, the company has processed SAR 3.14 billion (≈ $837M) in RFQs, expanded its catalog to more than 7,500 SKUs sourced from 1,300 suppliers, and onboarded over 850 unique contracting companies and factories across the Kingdom.

As a further mark of recognition, BRKZ was hand-picked into the Saudi Unicorns Program, highlighting its position as one of the Kingdom’s most promising growth companies, strategically aligned with national priorities.

Ibrahim Manna, Founder & CEO of BRKZ, said: “This growth debt facility from Stride Ventures strengthens our ability to support contractors and factories with more flexible payment and financing enablement options across the Saudi building materials market. It allows us to further expand our tailored embedded financing ecosystem, helping customers manage project cash flows more efficiently. With the recognition of being hand-picked into the Saudi Unicorns Program, we are firmly positioned to scale as the procurement and financial enablement partner of choice for contractors and factories nationwide. Stride has a proven track record of backing companies with similar models, making them the right partner to support us as we scale this vision in Saudi Arabia.”

Khaled Hamada, General Manager of AlFanar Contracting, added: “BRKZ’s financing enablement solutions have been a game-changer for our projects. Having access to tailored payment terms through their platform allowed us to execute multiple projects across Saudi Arabia more efficiently, while meeting tight deadlines without the usual financing hurdles. Their approach gives contractors like us the confidence and flexibility to scale with the pace of the Kingdom’s giga-projects.”

As projects such as Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and Expo 2030 continue to shape the construction landscape, the sector is increasingly focused on efficiency, financial flexibility, and innovation. BRKZ’s financing enablement led model is designed to give contractors and factories the tools to execute reliably, even in a challenging market environment.

Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder & Managing Partner, Stride Ventures, said: “BRKZ is a standout startup, building the financing infrastructure to match the pace and scale of Saudi Arabia’s construction transformation under Vision 2030. This partnership reflects our commitment to the region’s entrepreneurial economy, with our GCC expansion set to deploy half a billion dollars across the region by 2026.”

Fariha Ansari Javed, Partner, Stride Ventures, said: “We are proud to back BRKZ as it pioneers innovative financing solutions for Saudi Arabia’s building materials sector. Having previously partnered with leaders in similar models in India, we believe BRKZ is well-positioned to replicate and localize that success in the Kingdom. Their strong execution, rapid scale, and alignment with national priorities make them a true standout in the region.”

Looking ahead, BRKZ will continue investing in AI-driven procurement tools, expanding its flexible payment enablement suite, and growing its supplier network across Saudi Arabia and international markets such as the Far East and India. The company is also doubling down on cloud manufacturing models and supply/off-take arrangements to further support the growth and resilience of factories and raw materials sourcing in the Kingdom.

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Creww Inc., Japan’s leading open innovation platform provider, and Real Madrid Next are pleased to announce the selection of 6 startups for the “Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia” Batch 2.

One Smile Tech Inc. https://1smiletech.jp/ (Japan)

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Commercial Bank International (CBI), one of the UAE’s leading financial institutions, officially launched CBIx, a bold, independent platform that is a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to innovation and ventures. CBIx explores, enables, and accelerates disruptive ideas across banking by bonding emerging technologies with real-world applications.

The launch of CBIx marks a fresh chapter in CBI’s evolution: rooted in finance and built for the next wave of digital transformation. As a fully independent venture, CBIx provides the bank with the ability to pilot new financial models and expand faster across areas such as AI, tokenized assets, Web3, gaming, and the wider fintech ecosystem.

“The UAE has long been a hub of innovation, and with CBIx, we are building on that spirit to lead the next stage of financial and technological transformation. Our vision is clear: to create meaningful connections between traditional finance and emerging technologies, and to turn ambitious ideas into practical solutions. CBIx will not follow global trends, it will set them, both in the region and internationally,” says Ala Aljayyusi, Managing Director of CBIx.

Initial initiatives include facilitating the establishment of a Money Market Fund in partnership with QNB and collaboration with the Al Farabi Innovation Hub to translate academic research into practical banking solutions. CBIx is also establishing a corporate venture capital arm to invest in high-potential startups and is advancing tokenization projects in partnership with the Ascend RWA Accelerator.

“CBIx is about turning vision into execution. It is where new ideas are tested and scaled into solutions that serve real needs: tokenized assets and AI-driven finance or tailored products for new communities like gaming. We are building something that is global in its outlook but firmly rooted in the UAE’s innovation ecosystem,” says Giovanni Everduin, Co-founder of CBIx.

CBIx is experimenting with next-gen banking models built for the world’s fastest-growing sectors, starting with custom financial products for the gaming community, created together with the DIFC’s gaming hub. It’s a glimpse into how CBIx plans to reinvent financial services and push the UAE further into the spotlight as a global digital powerhouse.

The CBIx team matches startup energy with deep industry know-how and a future-facing mindset. They’re building ventures that bridge local breakthroughs with global demand and have a real impact on customers, partners, and communities.

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Australian startup, Uluu has raised AUD 16 million in Series A funding to build a demonstration plant and scale its technology, transforming seaweed into a natural alternative to plastic for industrial production.

The round was led by German growth investor Burda Principal Investments with support from Main Sequence, Novel Investments (the family office of one of the world’s largest textile groups), Startmate, and a consortium of leading impact and family investors including Fairground and Trinity Ventures.

Uluu’s next-generation materials perform like conventional plastics and can be processed using existing plastic manufacturing equipment.

Unlike plastic made from fossil fuels, they are reusable, recyclable, home compostable and marine biodegradable—breaking down naturally without releasing microplastics. They’re strong, lightweight, waterproof and non-toxic, while being climate positive at scale.

At commercial scale, Uluu’s production process has scope to sequester and avoid up to ~5kg CO₂ equivalent for every 1kg of material produced, compared with ~3kg emitted by plastic today. The technology has the potential to reduce global CO₂ emissions by more than 2 gigatonnes per year.

With the Series A raise, Uluu will scale from its 100kg/year pilot facility to a 10-tonne/year demonstration plant in Western Australia, enabling the company to deliver commercial volumes to customers.

Uluu is already collaborating with a range of global partners in cosmetics, fashion and the automotive industry, including public campaigns with Quiksilver, Papinelle and Audi.

“After four years’ work developing this technology, including two years’ running our pilot plant, we’re excited to take this next step and start delivering meaningful volumes of our materials to customers,” said Uluu co-founder and co-CEO Michael Kingsbury.

“The demonstration plant is a critical step in showing Uluu can scale to truly compete with and replace fossil plastics.”

Uluu co-founder and co-CEO Dr Julia Reisser said seaweed was one of the most sustainable resources on Earth. Seaweed grows quickly and gets everything it needs from the sun and the sea,” she said. “It locks away CO 2 and helps clean up pollutants from the ocean.

“By harnessing seaweed, Uluu is producing materials that have a positive, rather than negative, impact on the environment, while ending plastic pollution.”

The Series A round also primes Uluu for future growth, with plans underway for a commercial-scale facility capable of producing thousands of tonnes annually to serve major global markets.

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Hashgraph Ventures Manager Ltd. (HVM), a newly established venture capital fund in Web3 and deep technologies, regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, has announced Darrach (Dara) Campbell as Senior Executive Officer.

HVM, which is licensed to manage VC funds, launched the Hashgraph Ventures Fund I LP, a venture capital fund classed as a Qualified Investor Fund with the ADGM FSRA. The strategic Web3 venture fund focuses on generating attractive long-term returns by investing in early-stage, equity and token-based companies that leverage the convergence of deep technologies to build and commercialize enterprise-grade infrastructure and products for the Web3 economy.

The appointment of Dara, who brings almost 20 years of multifaceted experience spanning investment banking, family office, venture capital, blockchain and gaming, reflects HVM’s commitment to accelerating its vision of setting the standard in deep tech investment and driving the next era of digital transformation, in the MENA region and beyond.

Kamal Youssefi, Executive Chairman of Hashgraph Ventures, Manager and President of The Hashgraph Association, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Dara, a seasoned investment fund management and blockchain expert, to the fund. We are confident he will add great value to the Web3 ecosystem through the strategic investments that will be made in deep tech companies and solutions in AI, IoT, Blockchain, DLT, robotics and quantum computing.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Dara said: “We are at a pivotal moment in the global Web3 landscape and by bringing our collective experience, our goal is to continue our evolution as a key enabler in the industry, both in the MENA region and worldwide. I’m excited to be providing my expertise and longevity in multiple investment verticals and I’m confident we can deliver strong value and positive long-term impact in the Web3 space.”

An accomplished leader in the digital economy, Dara previously served as the Head of Middle East at Varys Capital, overseeing its partnerships, strategy, capital alignment, and portfolio in the region.

He has also spearheaded EMG: Esports Management Group, a prominent UAE-based gaming ecosystem company as Managing Director, where he led IP creation and early-stage investments that delivered strong regional growth and culminated in a successful exit. He also held the role of Executive Director at Abdulla Al Gurg Global Investments (AGGI) where his core mandate centered around the gaming ecosystem entity, strategic investments across traditional and alternative asset classes including real estate, liquid strategies, and commodities.

Dara holds advanced certifications in international investments from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and a specialized degree in cryptocurrencies and trading from the Blockchain Council.

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Snap Inc. has officially opened its new office in Doha’s Msheireb district, in the presence of Founder and Chief Executive Officer Evan Spiegel and Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO). This expansion marks a major milestone in its Middle East presence and reaffirms its long-term investment in the region’s digital economy, amid the rapid digital innovations taking place in Qatar.

The Gulf region is among the most connected and technologically advanced in the world, with users opening Snapchat more than 45 times a day on average. Around 85% engage daily with augmented reality experiences, reflecting the region’s strong enthusiasm for immersive technologies. As Qatar continues to advance its digital transformation, Snapchat remains a key part of social connection, enabling people to express themselves, be creative, and communicate meaningfully, making it one of the most preferred platforms in the country for staying connected.

“We welcome Snap Inc.’s expansion in Qatar and its continued contribution to the country’s digital and creative economy. The establishment of the new office represents an important step in strengthening our strategic partnership, which began three years ago and has already achieved significant milestones, particularly in development, training, and support for the creative industry,” said Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO. “Today marks the beginning of a new phase in this close cooperation, one that supports our efforts to build a digital infrastructure capable of keeping pace with the latest developments in content creation, while attracting skilled professionals and empowering exceptional talents across the region — reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation, technology, and digital transformation, and supporting the nation’s comprehensive development journey.”

“Qatar stands as one of the region’s most dynamic and forward-looking markets and is home to an incredibly creative and highly engaged community,” said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snap Inc. in MENA. “With this new office, we’re deepening our roots in a market that celebrates creativity and culture, and reaffirming our commitment to empowering creators, partners, and businesses to unlock new opportunities within Qatar’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.”

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New research from Snap Inc., and GWI, has revealed that Qataris are among the most digitally engaged and forward-thinking audiences in the Middle East. The findings from “Getting to know Snapchatters in Qatar” highlight that more than 50% create content or interact with branded posts monthly, which makes them 33% more likely to click on sponsored content and 47% more likely to swipe up on Stories compared to the regional average.

At a time when cultural relevance and audience impact are paramount for brand engagement, the research showcases how Snapchatters in Qatar are setting new trends across content, commerce and community. Distinct usage habits among Snapchatters in Qatar highlight the individuality of this audience:

• Snapchatters are 25% more likely to belong to high-income groups compared to users in other GCC markets, representing an affluent audience for premium brands.
• In comparison to non-Snapchatters, they are 70% more likely to donate to charity each month, They are also 14% more likely to gift electronics, and 2.1x as likely to gift hampers  –  reflecting a community that values connection and generosity both on and off the platform.
• Nearly 70% engage with health, fitness, and beauty content, and they are  80% more likely to describe themselves as fashion-conscious.
• Over 40% also express enthusiasm for exploring local cultural experiences, including touring museums, enjoying traditional cuisine or and visiting heritage sites – blending  cultural curiosity and personal expression.
• Snapchatters are 316% more likely to be Qatari nationals, making the platform a key channel to reach young, affluent, and local audiences.
• They are also 38% more likely than non-users to be Gen Z, and in Qatar, are 16% more likely than users in GCC to be millennials.

“The findings from our research with GWI underscores Snapchat’s unparalleled ability to reach Qatar’s most engaged and culturally connected digital consumers – predominantly Gen Z and affluent locals –  who are shaping new standards for creativity, cultural relevance, and online engagement across the GCC.,” said Dina Al Sabbagh, Group Manager, Global Research and Insights at Snap Inc. “Whether brands are looking to tell their story, drive conversions, or tap into the cultural heartbeat of the nation, Snapchat’s insights and tools offer the perfect vehicle to build meaningful, impactful connections with their audience.”

Supported by its advanced AR tools and creator-driven ecosystem, Snapchat empowers brands, creators, and developers across the region to make meaningful connections with the right audiences. These insights underscore Snapchat’s position as the go-to space for full-funnel marketing in Qatar, reaffirming the platform’s role in connecting brands to Qatar’s most engaged and influential digital consumers, who are not just consuming content but actively shaping the conversations around it.

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The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, in collaboration with Accenture, unveiled a research report on AI investment entitled “Rebalancing Intelligence: How the Next Wave of AI Investment is Set to Flow South.”

The report is being launched at FII9, a global conference at which the world’s investment agenda is set, convening the world’s most influential leaders.

After years of concentration in the Global North, investors now predict a significant rebalancing of AI capital flows towards emerging markets, a major shift in investor focus.

The new data show that 87% of global investors plan to increase AI investments in the Global South within the next two years, with India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East identified as most likely beneficiaries.

The study surveyed 250 C-suite leaders from private equity firms (40%), venture capital firms (40%), and corporate venture units of large enterprises (20%) across 13 countries in the Global North. It also included 15 in-depth interviews with senior investors from leading PE, VC, and sovereign wealth funds.

Despite the Global South representing nearly half the world’s population and a quarter of global economic growth, it currently attracts only 28% of AI-related foreign direct investment, a fraction of the $548 billion invested globally over the past two years. There are just nine AI unicorns in the Global South, compared with 305 in the North.

AI dominates this year’s FII9 agenda, with over one third of panels and speakers exploring its potential. From tech and chip CEOs to sovereign funds, global investors and policymakers, FII9 is where the future of AI capital flows is discussed.

“OpenAI’s recent $1 trillion chip investment commitment shows the scale of transformation ahead,” said Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute. “We must ensure this wave lifts all boats. Bridging the AI investment divide is an economic opportunity and a moral imperative. Innovation must be a driver of shared global prosperity.”

“We are excited to join FII in launching this insightful report, which provides a unique and timely opportunity for global business leaders to learn about the untapped potential of AI to unlock growth in the Global South,” said Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture. “AI is much more than a technology—it’s a catalyst for reinvention—and investment in talent, infrastructure and local ecosystems across these regions will help ensure that AI becomes a force for shared prosperity and shape a future where innovation knows no borders.”

The report is the first major deliverable of AI Inclusive, an FII Institute initiative designed to accelerate AI growth in emerging markets by mobilizing investment, supporting startups, and deploying adaptable governance tools.

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HP released the third annual HP Work Relationship Index (WRI), a comprehensive global study that examines how people around the world feel about their relationship with work.

This year’s results reveal that fulfillment at work has hit a historic low. Only 20% of knowledge workers report a healthy relationship with work, down 8 points from 2024. The most dramatic decline is among business leaders, underscoring a crisis of connection and confidence at the very top. Yet the study also finds that 85% of the factors influencing workplace fulfillment are within an organization’s control, underscoring a significant opportunity for businesses to lead change and rebuild stronger work relationships.

For example, only 44% of knowledge workers say their work gives them a sense of purpose, and just 39% feel they receive adequate recognition for their contributions. These are fixable problems that will be critical as businesses seek to embrace a more fulfilling future of work.

“The findings from this year’s Work Relationship Index reinforce that the way we work is changing fast,” stated Peter Oganesean, Managing Director of HP Middle East and East Africa. “As younger professionals set new expectations around flexibility, autonomy and purpose, business leaders have a clear mandate: to create environments where people feel connected, valued and empowered to succeed. Fulfillment at work isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a business imperative.”

Work Isn’t Working
The 2025 Index shows employees under pressure, with many reporting rising expectations and a sense of disconnection. More than 6 in 10 desk-based workers say their company’s expectations have increased over the past year, while nearly half feel their employer prioritizes profit over people.

At the same time, the findings highlight an opportunity: businesses can reshape the employee experience through stronger leadership, recognition, flexibility and access to the right tools. By taking action now, organizations can turn today’s challenges into a foundation for healthier and more fulfilling work relationships.

Fulfillment Drives Growth
Research confirms that fulfilled employees are not only happier, but also more likely to drive positive outcomes for their organizations. Workers in the “Healthy Zone” are three times more likely to feel connected to colleagues, achieve work-life balance and contribute to business growth.

AI as a Positive Enabler
The 2025 Index also demonstrates AI’s potential to reshape the work experience. Four in ten knowledge workers now use AI daily, and those with access to work-provided AI tools are twice as likely to report a healthy relationship with work. Yet adoption gaps remain: just 21% of knowledge workers describe themselves as proficient in AI, compared to 56% of IT decision makers.

Businesses that democratize access to AI – through tools and training – are seeing measurable gains in optimism, productivity and retention.

The Future is Generational
An increasing focus of business leaders, and of this year’s Index, is the immediate impact of young professionals. Gen Z and Millennials, now the majority of the global workforce, are reshaping work with new expectations.

• 51% of Gen Z workers report having a side hustle.
• 4 in 5 Gen Z employees would give up part of their salary for more flexibility and autonomy.
• Younger generations are leading AI adoption, demanding purpose-driven leadership, and leaving companies that fail to keep up.

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Veeam is all set to acquire Securiti AI for $1.725 billion. Securiti AI is a recognized leader in Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) that also spans privacy, governance, access, and AI trust across hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS platforms. Veeam and Securiti AI unify data resilience with DSPM, privacy, governance, and AI trust spanning production and secondary data. Together, they will help customers understand their full data estate, while providing security, along with recovery and rollback, to unleash the value of their data for AI.

With the acquisition of Securiti AI, Veeam eliminates the challenge of managing fragmented data across apps, clouds, SaaS, endpoints, and backups. CIOs, CISOs, and CDOs will have a unified command center to fully control and understand all their data, as well as secure it with near-zero data loss or business downtime, recover and rollback data and AI with precision, and safely unleash AI innovation. This single control plane across production and secondary data enables enterprises to uniformly command their entire data estate – combining Veeam’s trusted data resilience capabilities with Securiti AI’s leading DSPM, data privacy, and AI trust capabilities.

The combination of Veeam and Securiti AI dramatically mitigates these trade-offs with a single command center for all data.

“We’ve entered a new era for data. It’s no longer about just protecting data from cyber threats and unforeseen disasters; it’s also about identifying all your data, ensuring it’s governed and trusted to power AI transparently,” said Anand Eswaran, CEO at Veeam. “This is the single most critical factor in failed AI initiatives. By combining the market-leading strengths of Veeam and Securiti AI, we bring those capabilities together in a single solution to help customers understand, secure, recover, and rollback, and unleash their data to drive new business value.”

“Enterprise AI is simply not possible without data security. Securiti AI solves that and enables the safe use of data and AI,” said Rehan Jalil, CEO at Securiti AI. “Bringing together our unique capabilities with Veeam, the global leader in data resilience, creates a new value proposition for customers with one data command center delivering data resilience, DSPM, privacy, governance, and AI trust for your entire data estate. Veeam’s global reach and innovation, combined with our technology and intelligence, will provide customers with unmatched business resilience and security to fully unlock the benefits of AI.”

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IFZA has launched its inaugural Scale360 accelerator, a market access program designed to connect international startups with the UAE’s thriving business ecosystem.

The program kicked off with a Dubai Immersion Week during GITEX Global 2025, welcoming 15 global startups specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability. The cohort includes Groundup.ai, BrandContext, Nucleon Security, Organized Matter, GlassHUB, ShareID, Tayar | طيار, ISTINA AI, Power Dime, Sensgreen, nettle, RELAYTO AI, 913.ai, Interloom, and Synteza AI, spanning sectors from retail and banking to defence and green technology.

“At IFZA, our focus is to empower entrepreneurs and attract high-potential ventures to the UAE,” said Julia Timms, Chief Commercial Officer at IFZA. “Scale360 was created to support the success of international startups entering this market – helping them navigate the business landscape, connect with investors, and launch with confidence. As a partner of choice, IFZA is proud to contribute to an ecosystem where collaboration drives real growth.”

During the immersion week, Scale360 partnered with Shorooq Partners for their annual GITEX Social, one of the region’s most influential startup networking events. The gathering brought together over 300 investors, partners, and ecosystem enablers, including other partners NVIDIA, Taylor Wessing, ElevenLabs, LimonCloud, and Verod-Kepple. The event coincided with Shorooq’s recent announcement of a $100 million AI fund, aligning with the UAE’s Vision 2031 and its ambition to lead in AI and sustainability.

A highlight of the program so far was the fireside chat “Do’s and Don’ts for Foreign Startups Entering the UAE”, featuring Gilles Praet (Sentiance), Fabrizio Siracusano (serial entrepreneur and innovation expert), and Yahya Iqelan (MBZUAI). The panel explored how public, private, and entrepreneurial sectors collaborate to drive growth and shared actionable insights for startups entering the UAE market.

“Scale360 bridges ambition with access,” said Sinead O’Keeffe, Head of Scale360. “Our role is to ensure international startups can enter the UAE market ready to collaborate, contribute, and grow alongside the region’s most forward-looking partners.”

The program also highlights the pivotal role of free zones in supporting startup growth, offering infrastructure, incentives, and access to regional markets. Its emphasis on AI and sustainability aligns with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and Net Zero by 2050 goals, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in emerging technologies and green innovation.

The Scale360 cohort will continue to engage with corporate partners and investors in the coming weeks, culminating in Demo Day in November 2025, where startups will showcase their progress and pitch to potential investors.

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