October 2023 Revealing the biggest names in technology from across the Middle East4 GITEX STARS 2023 www.arabianbusiness.com SUBSCRIBE NOW +971 4444 3000 www.itp.com/subscriptionarabianbusiness#arabianbusinessarabianbusiness 12 10 15 Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security Careem offers an extensive range of services, including payments, food and grocery delivery, ride-hailing and micro-mobility Aramex boasts an extensive footprint with over 310 locations worldwidearabianbusiness.com 5 FIRST WORD This special issue introduces you to 30 dynamic companies that are driving the technology ecosystem forward 22 Matthew Amlot Editor-in-Chief matthew.amlot@itp.comamlot@itp.com 18 27 Fadi Pharaon is a dynamic leader who serves as the head of market area Middle East & Africa for Ericsson Microsoft’s MEA-based team spans across 40 o ƾ ces in 79 countries across three continents HP is one of the world’s leading personal systems technology companies 066 GITEX STARS 2023 FIRST WORD | Matthew Amlot, Editor-in-Chief Lessons from history MATTHEW AMLÔT @MatthewAmlot Kablan, however, describes failure as “just a check- point” and something to move on from. Indeed, in his mind, “History is full of these stories of the greatest people, but they have failed in one way or another. It’s just that when we write history, we don’t call them failures. That may be because their success was so great that, rightly so, we’ll remember their success or greatness but there’s no greatness without failure.” In this issue, we are delighted to bring you not one but two exclusive supplements. Firstly, we proudly present our 50 Most Admired Companies list. This carefully curated supplement high- lights the businesses that have not only achieved remark- able success but have also set new standards of excellence in their respective industries. Secondly, and in tandem with the upcoming GITEX event, we are thrilled to unveil our second supplement, “GITEX Stars.” This special feature introduces you to 30 dynamic companies that are driving the technology ecosystem forward in the lead-up to GITEX. These tech trailblazers are at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of the industry through groundbreaking solutions and visionary leadership. This month, we also take the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Emirati women. In a dedicated section of the magazine, starting on page 42, we spotlight female Emirati leaders whose stories exemplify success, resilience and courage. Their journeys are a source of inspiration and a testament to the signiƅ cant strides being made in the UAE. Shifting our focus to cultural empowerment, we explore one of the most monumental projects in the Arabian Gulf, the Diriyah development in Saudi Arabia. This giga-project is not just transformative for Saudi Arabia but also for the broader region, standing as a testament to the region’s rich history. You can delve into the details on page 54. In the world of fashion, we bring you a success story that’s making waves in the industry. The Giving Movement (TGM) distinguishes itself through its unwavering commit- ment to sustainability. Founder Dominic Nowell-Barnes told Arabian Business that, “Our designs are not just for aesthetics, they’re charity-driven and functional too. You get to look good and feel good about your choices, and help other people in the process.” You can read more about this inspiring venture on page 18. With COP28 fast approaching in the UAE, we continue to emphasise the critical role of sustainability in business practices. On page 32, we delve into the role of wealth management in combating climate change, followed by an exploration of the importance of battery storage on page 34. We conclude with an outlook on how the UAE is poised to become a beacon for the global cleantech ecosystem post-COP28 on page 36. With that I’ll let you get to reading. Until next time. Using past wisdom to fuel present innovation H ello and welcome to the latest issue of Arabian Business. This month we take square aim at the importance of history as a guide for our present and future endeavours. Our cover story features none other than Abdalla Kablan, a visionary who has left an indelible mark in the realms of technology, entrepreneurship and academia. Kablan’s remarkable journey in the world of AI and inno- vation serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. His unwavering focus on leader- ship, coupled with his entrepreneurial ventures spanning over 13 years, has not been without its challenges, however. “Failure is going to happen no matter what. You can choose two things: Either to accept failure, learn from it, bounce back stronger and never make those mistakes again, or you can let it destroy you,” he said.arabianbusiness.com 7 SUBSCRIBE NOW www.itp.com/subscriptions +971 4 4443000 ުXPުݚT VIEWS 24/09 • August 2023 LEADERSHIP Former UK Prime Minister David Cameronbreaks down why it’s the team behind a leader that leads to success UK:£ 4.95 UAE: AED 15 KSA: SAR 15 BAHRAIN: BHD 1.500 OMAN: OMR 1.500 KUWAIT: KWD 1.200 QATAR: QAR 15 Inclusive of VAT ުXLݗݙݣVު interviews THE MAVERICK Ghassan Aboud, founder of the Ghassan Aboud Group, breaks down his journey from reporter to business titan, while showcasing the power of vision and disruptive entrepreneurship 24/08 • July 2023 KSA: SAR 15 BAHRAIN: BHD 1.500 OMAN: OMR 1.500 KUWAIT: KWD 1.200 QATAR: QAR 15 Inclusive of VAT INDE59H NEWS 24/10 • September 2023 DISRUPTING A GIANT Yasser Abdul Malak, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé MENA maps out his plan for shaking up an F&B behemoth UAE: AED 15 KSA: SAR 15 BAHRAIN: BHD 1.500 OMAN: OMR 1.500 KUWAIT: KWD 1.200 QATAR: QAR 15 Inclusive of VAT PUBLISHED BY AND © 2023 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. NO9ICE The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Offices in KSA, UAE, UK, US, and INDIA I95 MEDIA GROU5 CEO Ali Akawi MANAGING DIRECTOR Alex Reeve DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR Anil Bhoyrul EDI9ORIA1 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rob Corder, rob.corder@itp.com MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Amlot, + 971 4 444 3264, matthew.amlot@itp.com SUB EDITOR Edward Liamzon, +971 4 444 3474, edward.liamzon@itp.com ARABIANBUSINESS.COM EDITOR AT LARGE Will Milner DESIGN SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER Geri Batara Sonny DESIGNER Mohammed Irqsosy S9UDIO PHOTOGRAPHERRajesh Raghav VIDEOGRAPHER Muhammad Kaleem VIDEO EDITOR Liju Cheruvathur 5RODUC9ION PRODUCTION MANAGER Denny Kollannoor PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mahendra Pawar SENIOR IMAGE EDITOR Emmalyn Robles E;EN9S & MARKE9ING DIRECTOR OF AWARDS & MARKETING Daniel Fewtrell, +971 4 444 3684, daniel fewtrell@itp.com SENIOR MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Anthony Chandran, +971 4 444 3685, anthony.chandran@itp.com DIS9RIBU9ION HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION AND NEWSTRADE Abdulrahim Alparambil DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Avinash Pereira CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Rajesh Pillai AD;ER9ISING GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Saraswati Agarwal, +971 4 444 3352, saraswati.agarwal@itp.com SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGER Neha Sikri, +971 4 444 3353, neha.sikri@itp.com SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGER Samir Glor, +971 4 444 3320, Samir.Glor@itp.com I95 GROU5 CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies CORPORATE WEBSITE itp.com CIRCULATION CUSTOMER SERVICE +971 4 444 3000 WEB arabianbusiness.comT he Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) has emerged as a pivotal event in the realm of technology, not just for the Middle East but for the entire global tech commu- nity. Held annually in Dubai, GITEX has evolved into a dynamic platform that showcases the region’s rapid growth and innovation in the tech- nology sector. Over the years, GITEX has become a barom- eter of technological evolution in the Middle East, reƆ ecting the region’s unwavering commitment to becoming a global technology hub. GITEX: A Hub of innovation GITEX, established in 1981, has grown from its humble beginnings into one of the world’s largest technology exhibitions. With its numerous zones, including GITEX Future Stars, GITEX Technology Week, and GITEX Shopper, the event caters to a wide range of technology enthusiasts, from start- ups and investors to established tech giants. It serves as a melting pot of ideas, innovations, and collaborations that drive the Middle East's tech- nology industry forward. Tech innovation in the Middle East The Middle East’s technology sector has witnessed phenomenal growth in recent years. GITEX plays a pivotal role in showcasing this progress. Start- ups from the region are increasingly gaining international recognition. Countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have been proactive in creating favorable environments for tech companies to thrive. Government initiatives, such as Dubai’s Smart City project, have spurred inno- vation and positioned the Middle East as a leader in smart city solutions. Investment and talent One of the key reasons behind the Middle East’s tech boom is the substantial investments pouring into the sector. Governments and private inves- tors alike are funding startups and tech projects. This inƆ ux of capital has attracted top-tier talent from around the world. Skilled professionals are drawn to the Middle East by promising career opportunities and a high quality of life. This synergy between investment and talent is foster- ing a conducive ecosystem for technological advancement. Regional challenges and opportunities Despite the impressive growth, the Middle East’s technology industry faces its share of challenges. Cybersecurity concerns are paramount, given the region’s heavy reliance on technology for various sectors, including finance and infrastructure. Ensuring data protection and building robust cybersecurity measures are critical for sustaina- ble growth. On the flip side, these challenges are also opportunities. The need for cybersecurity solu- tions has given rise to a burgeoning cybersecurity industry in the Middle East. Entrepreneurs and startups in the region are developing cutting- edge solutions to address these challenges, thereby contributing to global cybersecurity e Ƃ orts. GITEX and the flourishing technology industry in the Middle EastNext >