25/03 • March 2024 TOGETHEROmran Al Khoori, Executive Director and Board Member, Burjeel Holdings, and Chairman of RPM, reveals why people are the powerhouse behind success UAE AED 15 KSA SAR 15 BAHRAIN BHD 1.500 OMAN OMR 1.500 KUWAIT KWD 1.200 QATAR QAR 15 Inclusive of VATwww.arabianbusiness.com SUBSCRIBE NOW +971 4444 3000 www.itp.com/subscription #arabianbusinessarabianbusinessarabianbusiness 4 Vol. 25/03, March 2024 Contents Issue 2503, March 2024 Omran Al Khoori, Executive Director and Member of the Board of Directors at Burjeel Holdings and Chairman of Response Plus Holding, reveals why people are the powerhouse behind success HOSPITALIT Y Topgolf continues its high- ying drive OUTLOOK COP28 leaves a lasting legacy not just for the UAE but for the world 20 1426 The golf destination has taken Dubai by storm but has its eyes set on further expansion plans, says Mike Walton, Topgolf’s Director of Operations COPs are crucial for everyone in the world in the battle against climate change, says Professor Dame Heather J. McGregor of Heriot-Watt University Dubai TOGETHERarabianbusiness.com 5 SUBSCRIBE NO W www.itp.com/subscriptions +971 4 4443000 EXPERT VIEWS EXCLUSIVE IN TERVIEWS INDEPTH NEWS 25/02 • February 2024SPECIAL COVERAGE P14 SPECIAL COCOVOVERAGECOCCCC P14P14 PUBLISHED BY AND © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. NOTICE 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. 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PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Offices in KSA, UAE, UK, US, and INDIA ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi MANAGING DIRECTOR Alex Reeve MANAGING DIRECTOR Anil Bhoyrul EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rob Corder, rob.corder@itp.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 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 STUDIO VIDEOGRAPHER Muhammad Kaleem VIDEO EDITOR Liju Cheruvathur PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Denny Kollannoor PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mahendra Pawar SENIOR IMAGE EDITOR Emmalyn Robles EVENTS & MARKETING 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 DISTRIBUTION HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION AND NEWSTRADE Abdulrahim Alparambil DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Avinash Pereira CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Rajesh Pillai ADVERTISING GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Andy Sulahian, +971 4 444 3597, andy.sulahian@itp.com GROUP 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 COMMERCIAL MANAGER Pallavi Choudhary +971 4 444 3359, pallavi.choudhary@itp.com ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies CORPORATE WEBSITE itp.com CIRCULATION CUSTOMER SERVICE +971 4 444 3000 WEB arabianbusiness.com6 Vol. 25/03 March 2024 FIR ST WORD | Matthew Amlot, Editorial Director The case for collaboration MATTHEW AMLÔT @MatthewAmlot Al Khoori’s vision of engaging with and giving back to the community really resonated with me. As businesses, we must train our people to see themselves as part of the communities they operate in. Only through cooperation can we tackle today’s complex challenges and achieve long-term success. “The healthcare sector globally has witnessed massive disruption over the past couple of years. Innovation in the sector has blurred traditional boundaries and new business models driven by emerging technologies have evolved,” he said. Golf continues to gain popularity in the UAE, with Topgolf driving interest through innovative experiences. On page 14, we bring you an exclusive interview with Topgolf ’s leadership as they share insights into their expansion plans in Dubai. Sustainability will be critical to the region’s future economic prosperity. On page 38, we examine the rising costs of carbon emissions and what this means for busi- nesses and governments. As the impacts of climate change intensify, fostering environmentally-friendly growth will be indispensable. The digital transformation also faces hurdles around cybersecurity. Our features on pages 44 and 46 explore how the kingdom is building resilience against evolving cyber threats, and how biometrics are revolutionising authentica- tion while raising privacy issues. Forward-thinking regulation and public-private cooperation will be needed to maximise benefi ts and minimise risks. Beginning on page 50, our special real estate report dives into the various sub-segments within the market. The resi- dential sector boom shows no signs of slowing, with off -plan sales and handovers of new projects continuing at a break- neck pace across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and emerging locations. On the investment and funds front, solid economic pros- pects are spurring both regional and international capital infl ows. We speak to leading developers and investors about their strategies to ride the waves of globalisation, consolida- tion and new technologies. I hope you fi nd this special feature insightful as the real estate sector remains integral to the UAE’s economic ambi- tions. Its advanced reforms and vision continue attracting capital to sculpt the built environments of tomorrow. With that I’ll let you get to reading. Until next time. Teamwork, leadership, and community colour this issue of Arabian Business Welcome to the March 2024 issue of Arabian Business. This month, we feature Omran Al Khoori on our cover. As the Executive Director and Board Member of Burjeel Holdings and Chairman of Response Plus Holding, Al Khoori has played an integral role in the growth of the healthcare sector in the UAE over the past 15 years. In our conversation, Al Khoori’s passion for community and collaboration was evident. He strongly believes that by working together, we can create sustainable futures and opportunities for all. At Burjeel and RPM, Al Khoori has brought people from diff erent backgrounds together to deliver world-class healthcare to patients. “We have to work together to create one team… There’s nothing more gratifying than knowing you and your team are contributing to a sustainable future for all citizens and residents,” he said.arabianbusiness.com 7 Asiacell’s data-driven telecoms evolution Chra Hussain, Asiacell’s Chief Commercial Offi cer, talks about the telecom strategies, customer-centric approach, digital transformation, and the company’s successful marketing campaign How does Asiacell deliver a unique model of the telecom- munications industry that focuses on customer experience and digital transformation? Asiacell delivers a model that puts the customer at the centre of everything it does. We listen to our customers, under- stand their needs and preferences, and design and deliver products and services that exceed their expectations. We also leverage digital technologies and plat- forms to enhance our customer experi- ence, such as its mobile app, website, self-service kiosks, digital assistant, and eSIM service. We also use data and analytics to personalise its off ers and communications and to optimise its processes and operations. How does Asiacell demonstrate its data leadership and powerful network in Iraq? Asiacell leads with the best and fastest data services in Iraq, boasting the largest 4G+ network covering all governorates BY ARABIAN BUSINESS STAFF and 99.06 percent of the population. With over 70 percent of subscribers using data services, Asiacell offers diverse plans, value-added services like video streaming, gaming, music, and social media. We provide free access to select educational and health websites, along with zero-rated access to their app and website. How does Asiacell provide B2B facilities and customer experience for its business customers? Asiacell caters to B2B needs with customised solutions through its dedi- cated department serving corporate, government, SMEs, and SOHOs. The range of B2B services includes voice, data, SMS, roaming, international call- ing, mobile, SIP, M2M, broadband, VPN, IoT, cloud, and cybersecurity. Dedicated account managers, technical support, and customer care are provided. Asiacell's 17 data centres in Iraq, includ- ing 4 tier III, enhance business produc- tivity, security, and competitiveness. How does Asiacell differentiate itself from its competitors in terms of customer experience and digital transformation? Asiacell stands out by prioritising customer needs. With a customer-centric approach, we excel in service across vari- ous touchpoints, ensuring feedback collec- tion and effi cient issue resolution. Lever- aging digital channels like self-service IVR and chatbots, we enhance accessibility. Our solutions are designed to address challenges and boost satisfaction. The Asiacell app off ers convenient account management, balance recharge, service activation, and customer support. Addi- tionally, we embrace digital technologies like eSIM for seamless mobile plan switch- ing and multiple plans on a single device. Being a woman leader in the tele- com industry involves facing unique challenges. Can you share the key lessons you've lear ned in your career journey? Being a woman in telecom involves unique challenges and opportunities. Key lessons include resilience – over- coming challenges with focus and deter- mination. Continuous learning is vital in the dynamic telecom industr y, embracing agility, customer-centricity, and technological advancements. Build- ing a supportive network of mentors and allies is crucial. Navigating uncertainties requires adaptability and confi dent lead- ership. Promoting diversity and inclu- sion fosters a supportive workplace. Balancing work and family life involves eff ective management and communica- tion for a supportive environment. With two decades of experience in the telecom industry, how do you perceive its rapid evolution, and what is your outlook for the indus- try’s future impact on the world? The telecom industry has transformed in the last two decades with technological advancements, market liberalisation, and changing customer demands. Trends like mobile communication, convergence of telecom and media, and integration of digital and cloud services are notable. In the future, telecom will play a pivotal role in connecting people and fostering social and economic development. SPO TLIGHT8 Vol. 25/03, March 2024 HONOR introduces the thinnest, lightest foldable device in the Middle East The global brand’s latest foldable brings the form factor down to the same size and weight as a normal phone but with all of the benefi ts associated with a folding device The mobile landscape is in a period of transition as foldable smar tphones increasingly capture consumer interest. While still an emerging category, foldables address limitations of traditional slabs through fl exible form factors that off er more possibilities. Major brands like such as global brand HONOR are quickly emerging as a driving force with its own innovative takes on the concept. Through devices like the ground- breaking HONOR Magic V2, the company is establishing foldables as the new standard for productivity and versa- BY ARABIAN BUSINESS STAFF tility. Measuring a mere 9.9mm thin and 231g light when folded, the HONOR MAGIC V2 raises expectations for port- able power and breaks the rules normally constraining a device in this category – the weighty nature of the device. Yet its expansive 7.9-inch OLED display unfurls to provide tr ue dual-window multitasking, while the 3840Hz PWM Dimming technology working behind the scenes ensures eye fatigue is no longer a worry. In addition, HONOR Magic V2 comes outfitted with a robust 5000mAh battery and 66W fast-charging technology, granting users enduring performance to sustain their daily needs. Foldables address key user needs that standard phones cannot. For mobile professionals constantly on the go, their expanding screens unlock unprecedented flexibility. Whether working remotely, collaborating with colleagues or juggling multiple projects, foldables enable seamless multi-tasking ideal for productive workfl ows. Users can eff ortlessly view documents, pres- entations, emails and more across an unwieldy yet comfortable canvass. The experience feels akin to using a fully-fl edged tablet yet remains compact enough for travel. Workers can leave bulky laptops at home when running between meetings or working cafes, secure that foldables provide equivalent capabilities. No longer tethered to a single app, professionals gain freedom to juggle responsibilities and maximise effi ciency while mobile. The concentra- tion boost alone from having more real estate to view and manipulate content signifi cantly boosts productivity. From enterprise leaders to individ- uals, all appreciate elevated experiences and stronger engagement delivered through expansive yet portable foldable form factors. By enabling productive fl exibility, these innovative devices have far-reaching positive implications. They optimise focus at work while broadening personal entertainment possibilities on the move. HONOR grasped early the unfolding industry potential and neces- sity of affordable solutions for wider consumer access. Through focused in v estments and the HONOR MagicV2’s sleek design, the brand is quickly advancing foldable technology norms. Its initiatives are set to make the category more accessible and unlock boundless possibilities driving future innovation across premium mobile sectors. Under HONOR’s direction, foldables are primed to revolutionise the user experience and redefine what’s possible from smartphones. HONOR Magic V2 is available now for pre-order in the UAE via hihonor. com, Emax, Jumbo, Sharaf DG, Amazon, noon & Etisalat by e& at a price of AED 6899. Upon purchase, consumers will get free gifts worth AED 4744. BRANDVIEWJoin the global leader: difc.ae/make-enquiry Join the #1 financial centre to access more wealth When you join the number one global financial centre in the region, you can access the highest concentration of wealth in any Middle Eastern city. Nearly 70,000 millionaires live in Dubai. USD 3trn of private wealth is within an hour’s flight and USD 8trn available across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. No wonder more than 340 hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, private banking and asset management firms have chosen DIFC, the leading global financial centre in Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, as a catalyst for growth.Next >