< Previous30 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Beshara embarked on his career with the Mohammad & Obaid AlMulla Group (M&O Group) in 2017 as its Group General Counsel. He progressed rapidly within the organi- zation, becoming the Group Chief Legal Officer and assuming his current role by late 2018. A wealth of experience Recognised as a leader in the legal sector, Beshara has a wealth of experi- ence and a distinguished professional career that has spanned over a decade. His tenure encompasses vital leader- ship roles, including legal counsel and chairman, and his current position as the Group CEO of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group of Companies. His versatile expertise traverses several sectors, including finance, aviation, and corporate law. His notable accomplishments include providing strategic coun- sel to CEOs, advising on matters within the aviation industry, spearheading joint ventures, and managing litigation cases. Beshara has received several accolades, including a rank- ing among the Top 10 in the Arabian Business Dubai 100 list for 2024 and as a distinguished member of the esteemed Legal 500 Middle East rankings for consecutive years. Key responsibilities In his role, Beshara oversees the comprehensive portfolio of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group. It entails strategic leadership and direction across the group’s business units and subsidiaries, ensuring the alignment of corporate objec- tives, optimising operational efficiencies, and spearheading growth initiatives to strengthen the group’s market position and enhance its financial performance. He is steering the group’s strategic direction, leading the development and implementation of internal audit and corporate compliance programmes, and contributing to creating general manage- ment policies. About American Hospital Dubai In alignment with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and the UAE National Programme for Artificial Intelligence, American Hospital Dubai is pioneering advancements in complex medical conditions, robotic surgical procedures, AI-driven healthcare solutions, and positioning itself as a destination for medical tourism. The hospital continually DIVERSIFIED BESHARA SHERIF Group CEO Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group (M&O Group)arabianbusiness.com 31 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 endeavors to launch premium healthcare services to the region through strategic global partnerships with medical pioneers. With multi-faceted initiatives backed by state-of- the-art technology, the hospital is vital in reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a prominent healthcare hub. The organisation upholds a culture of excellence by incorporating industry best practices. At the same time, their operational success is driven by the commitment to innova- tion, cutting-edge treatments, technological advancements, leveraging the expertise of top professionals, and delivering compassionate care. Under Beshara’s visionary leadership, American Hospital Dubai and Cerner, the global leader in healthcare technology, set a milestone with the Artificial Intelligence research centre. It is the only hospital in the Middle East to win the Excellence in Robotics Surgery award with over 1,500 successful proce- dures. Also, M&O Group’s hospitality division is expanding into regional markets, and Ishraq Hospitality, the Group’s asset management division, is increasing the Group’s foot- print across the region with new mid-priced hotels. Focus on technology With accelerated AI adoption, the UAE is predicted to add $182bn to its economy by 2035. American Hospital Dubai actively supports UAE’s AI goals, as reflected in their estab- lishment of the AI-led Research Centre in collaboration with Cerner in 2020, which will be the first of its kind in the region. The hospital set a milestone in robotic spinal surgeries with a spinal fixation procedure using the Medtronic Mazor American Hospital Dubai’s training programme for 20 Emirati surgeons this year is another milestone in the group’s mentoring leadership X Stealth™ Edition Robotic Guidance System and is the first private healthcare entity in the region to employ this technology. They are the region’s first private healthcare entity to bring the 4th Generation da Vinci Robotic System for Surgeries. American Hospital Dubai’s training programme for 20 Emirati surgeons by 2024 is another milestone in their mentoring leadership. The programme comprises an online introduction, step-by-step training on modules, work on simulators and modules dry box, and hands-on and cadaver training by internationally renowned, certified robotic surgeon trainers. About Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group A family-owned business established in 1942, the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group has a diversified portfolio in the critical sectors of healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and travel and tourism. Beshara steers the group’s growth, including investments and expansion in critical infrastructure, tech- nology, healthcare security, innovation, and education. He has streamlined the group’s corporate governance structure to escalate growth and expand its impact and role in UAE’s nation building. The group aims to enrich its medical technologies port- folio, collaborate with esteemed medical innovators on a global scale, advance its educational objectives, stay abreast of evolving innovations and cutting-edge artificial intelli- gence applications, achieve sustainability KPIs, and make substantial investments in broadening the boundaries of medical excellence.32 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 BADER MOHAMMED AL MEER Group CEO Qatar Airways Having assumed his current role at Qatar Airways in November 2023, Al Meer previously boasts a successful tenure as the COO of Hamad Interna- tional Airport. Throughout his career, he has played integral roles in Qatar’s landmark developments, demonstrating his adeptness in construction, project management, and aviation operations. His leadership at Hamad International Airport (HIA) has been characterised by visionary initiatives and remarkable accomplishments in significant airport projects. Noteworthy among these projects is the expansion endeavour known as The Orchard, which has revolutionised the airport experience and solidified Doha's status as a premier global aviation hub. Al Meer’s tenure at the helm of the airline group symbol- ises a period marked by a dedication to innovation, fostering a culture of empowerment within the organisation, and driv- ing continued success in the competitive aviation landscape with his guidance and industry expertise. In December 2023, Al-Meer was elected to the board of governors of the Interna- tional Air Transport Association (IATA), a prestigious appoint- ment that underscores his exceptional leadership in the avia- tion industry. IATA, recognised as the trade association for the world’s airlines, boasts a membership of approximately 320 airlines, representing 83 percent of global air traffic. Through his role, he will contribute to shaping the future growth of secure, and sustainable air transport, in line with IATA’s mission to advo- cate for airline interests globally. His extensive expertise in the aviation sector positions him to make significant contributions as a member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organisation (AACO). AACO, the regional association of Arab Airlines comprising 34 carriers, focuses on fostering cooperation among members in various areas such as aero-political affairs, environmental sustainability, and training initiatives. Al Meer’s previous role as a board director of the Airports Council International in the Asia/Pacific Region underscores his commitment to airport development and sustainability initiatives. His dedication have been instrumental in securing industry accolades for Hamad International Airport, including Skytrax's prestigious Best Airport in the World awards in 2021 and 2022. About Qatar Airways Qatar Airways has introduced Sama 2.0, described as the first digital human in aviation, as an innovative AI assistant for passengers. This advanced technology, which represents a second generation of AI, offers passengers information on various topics such as travel details and on-board services. Sama 2.0 has been designed to appear more human-like, displaying expressions and simulated breathing compared to its earlier appearance. The integration of Sama 2.0 into Qatar Airways’ digital ecosystem signifies a significant advancement in passenger interaction and service provision. This AI assistant can assist passengers in booking flights, completing transactions, and providing personalised recommendations. AVIATIONarabianbusiness.com 33 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 DIVERSIFIED CARLOS WAKIM CEO Bloom Holding In addition to his current position as the CEO of Bloom Holding, Wakim serves as the chairman of the Execu- tive Committee for Bloom Education and the chairman of the Board of Governors of Brighton College UAE schools. He oversees operations across all Bloom Holding companies, including real estate with Bloom Properties, education investments with Bloom Education, hospitality with Bloom Hospitality, facilities management with bfm, and landscaping services with Bloom Landscape. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the region’s leading real estate firms, Wakim has played a signif- icant role in their success and expansion. At Bloom Hold- ing, he leverages his industry expertise to drive the compa- ny’s strategic objective of expanding its portfolio in the UAE and internationally. He embraces Bloom Holding’s custom- er-centric, long-term approach by spearheading new projects that offer attractive returns on investment and long-term rental yields for end-users. His leadership vision and determination have steered Bloom Holding through a period of growth, making stra- tegic decisions to develop projects and services that meet customer needs while capitalising on growth opportunities and navigating market challenges. Wakim remains focused on establishing robust short- and long-term goals that create value for Bloom Holding’s customers by providing high-quality projects, premium communities and desirable environments in key locations. Bloom Holding under Wakim’s leadership Under Wakim’s guidance, Bloom Holding has expanded its real estate, hospitality, and education portfolio. He led the successful launch of Bloom Living, a fully integrated and all-in- clusive community in Abu Dhabi. The iconic gated community features more than 4,500 homes, including a selection of villas, townhouses, and apartments to suit the unique needs of residents of all generations. The launch of Bloom Living marks a significant milestone for Bloom Holding, and the project has been thoughtfully designed so that all the facil- ities, amenities and services are within walking distance for every resident. Bloom Holding has witnessed remarkable success on the launched phases of Bloom Living with all villas and townhouses now successfully sold out, underscor- ing the appeal of the project as a sought-after destination for premium community living. Additionally, Wakim facilitated the completion and handover of Aldhay project six months ahead of schedule and secured a deal with Rotana to manage Bloom Arjaan by Rotana, offering an attractive investment opportunity with guaranteed returns of up to 8 percent over five years. Education holds a central place in Wakim’s vision, evident through Bloom's partnerships with top-tier inter- national schools and participation in Abu Dhabi’s Charter Schools program. He led the launch of Bloom World Acad- emy, committed to delivering high-quality, customised education. Under his leadership, the number of students in Bloom Education's portfolio has grown to over 21,000 across 18 schools, and he has signed a deal with New Era Education to establish Bloom’s first international school in Cairo, Egypt.100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 EASA AL GURG Group CEO Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG) Al Gurg, a dynamic leader from the third generation of the family, commenced his tenure at Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG) in August 2010 as the general manager of Scientechnic, the group’s flagship entity. Before joining ESAG, he held the position of assistant manager within the Accounting & Finance depart- ment at Siemens. Assuming the role of group CEO since May 2021, he has championed a strategic approach centred on performance management and posi- tive leadership principles, aiming to drive sustainable revenue and profitability. Under Al Gurg’s strategic direction, ESAG maintains a steadfast commitment to organic expansion initiatives while consistently providing innovative turnkey solu- tions for high-impact projects spanning various industry sectors. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to excel- lence, he advocates for empowerment and accountability within the organisation, instilling a culture of ownership. Notably, he has been instrumental in defining the strategic trajectory of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Commercial and Industrial Group during his tenure as CEO. By leveraging enduring part- nerships and adept leadership teams, he has emphasised key growth catalysts, including innovative customer engagement strategies, fostering a culture of shared accountability among staff, and a proactive approach to meeting evolving regional and global market demands. Al Gurg serves as a board member of the Al Gurg Charity Foundation, a philanthropic organisation established under royal decree in October 2010. The Foundation plays a role in supporting charitable initiatives such as housing projects, orphanages, elderly care facilities, academic institutions, student scholarships, and medical assistance programmes for those in need. About ESAG ESAG stands as one of the UAE’s premier family businesses, boasting a diverse portfolio of over 30 companies. Established in 1960, the group has forged strategic partnerships with industry-leading brands across a multitude of sectors. Having initially focused on trading prestigious consumer brands like Grundig and Siemens, ESAG has evolved into a dynamic conglomerate with interests spanning retail, building materials, industrial, and real estate sectors. Through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives, ESAG has positioned itself for continuous expansion into new markets. Notable joint ventures include Al Gurg Unilever, Siemens, Al Gurg Fosroc, Al Gurg Smollan, Akzo Nobel Decorative Paints, Siemens Healthcare, Siemens Mobility, as well as Links Insurance Brokers. With its robust engineering and manufacturing capabili- ties, the group provides comprehensive technical consultancy, project management, and construction services to diverse industries including construction, oil and gas, power, and other infrastructure sectors. Within the consumer segment, ESAG collaborates with global brands focusing on both residential and commercial markets. As a prominent UAE-based conglomerate, ESAG has played an integral role in the nation's advancement and ongo- ing prosperity, contributing to key transformative initiatives. ESAG’s wide-ranging expertise is showcased through its involvement in numerous iconic projects in the UAE. DIVERSIFIED 34 May 2024arabianbusiness.com 35 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 MEDIA ELDA CHOUCAIR CEO Omnicom Media Group (OMG MENA) As one of the few women holding a C-suite role in regional advertising, Choucair boasts a 17-year tenure within the media group where she has consistently driven transformative projects span- ning technology, automation, predictive modelling, and e-commerce. Her professional journey commenced in senior account positions at OMD, progressing to a leadership role at PHD where she was instrumental in propelling PHD to sevenfold growth, establishing it as a prominent player in the regional landscape. In 2016, she took on the role of CEO at PHD MENA and later assumed the position of COO of the Holding Group, ultimately leading to her current role. She actively engages in various industry groups, holding the vice-chair position at the Advertising Business Group (ABG), as a board member for the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) GCC, the International Advertising Association (IAA) UAE Chapter, and acting as a founding board member of the Unstereotype Alliance. Choucair has also championed invest- ing in young people by driving an apprenticeship programme. In her current leadership role, Choucair’s visionary approach challenges industry norms and embraces novel strategies, as demonstrated by her key role in expanding the group's presence into new Middle Eastern markets. Recently, OMG has introduced Momentum, its ESG solution for the MENA region. This consultancy employs tools like the global ESG toolkit and a carbon calculator to help clients align media investments with ESG priorities. The g r oup has par tnered with ClimatePartner, offering access to a global carbon calculator for estimating emissions in media plans by channel. About OMG Media The recently published FY 2023 report by COMvergence reveals that OMG MENA achieved top group and agency rankings in both the GCC and Egypt during the previous year. In FY23, OMG's agencies success- fully acquired 22 new clients and retained six in the GCC, positioning the holding company well ahead of its closest competitor. Key account wins contributing to this success include DET, RAK Authority, JLR, Diriyah Gate Company, Mobily, and HSBC. Similarly, in Egypt, OMG and OMD emerged as leading entities in their respective categories, gaining eight new clients and retaining three. OMD particularly stood out by securing twice as much new business compared to its closest competitor. This marks the first instance where Egypt’s performance is analysed separately. Notable wins for OMG in Egypt include Madinet Masr and Beko. To compile these rankings, the Paris-based consultancy evaluated a total of 99 pitches and account movements in the GCC region, along- side 28 in Egypt. In January 2024, OMG MENA teamed up with The Neuron to access its specialist DSP for planning, booking, and monitoring campaigns in over 80 countries. This collab- oration promises digital innovation as well as enhanced audi- ence engagement. In MENA, outdoor advertising retains a 20 percent share of media investments, with 50 percent of its revenues now directed to digital sites, exceeding the global average of 40 percent. 36 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 ELHAM MAHFOUZ CEO Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) With an expansive career spanning over 35 years in the banking industr y, Mahfouz’s journey began as a credit analyst and has been marked by illustrious positions within Kuwait's financial sector. Her tenure includes senior leadership roles such as acting general manager of International Bank- ing, showcasing her acumen for steering strategic initiatives across global opera- tions. Her expertise and leadership prowess led to her appointment as the general manager of International Bank- ing in December 2010, underscoring her adeptness in driving international financial strategies. Transcending organisational boundaries, Mahfouz’s profes- sional trajectory at CBK has been transformative. Assuming the mantle of deputy CEO in April 2012, she exemplified a commitment to excellence and vision that culminated in her promotion to the position of CEO in November 2014. As the visionary leader at the helm of one of Kuwait's premier finan- cial institutions, Mahfouz has been instrumental in shaping CBK's trajectory, steering it towards sustained growth and innovation. Her leadership acumen and visionary approach have been instrumental in positioning CBK as a key player in Kuwait’s dynamic financial ecosystem. Beyond her role as CEO, Mahfouz’s oversight extends to key departments such as retail banking, treasury, and corporate credit, reflecting her multifaceted leadership capabilities and strategic vision. Renowned as one of Kuwait’s most influential women, her robust industry experience and unwavering dedi- cation to excellence have been instrumental in propelling CBK to new heights of success and relevance in the ever-evolving financial landscape. About Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al Tijari) As the second oldest bank in Kuwait, CBK offers a broad range of services extending from retail banking to financing large-scale projects. The bank leverages its substantial capital base and extensive expertise to play a pioneering role in the Kuwaiti economy. CBK, as one of Kuwait’s largest financial entities, holds a significant retail and corporate banking footprint in the region. Founded in June 1960, CBK is a robust corporate and retail banking franchise, offering innovative financial and investment solutions to its expanding customer base. The bank has emerged as a key financial supporter, facilitating loans for various power, construction, and prominent infrastructure projects within Kuwait. The bank aims to evolve as “the digitised bank of choice, with innovative banking solutions tailored to customers’ lifestyles, promoting environmental and social friendliness.” In February 2024, CBK and Network International (Network), the leading enabler of digital commerce across the MEA region, announced an intent to strategically collaborate to significantly enhance CBK’s ongoing digital transformation and payment innovation initiatives. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation journey of Al Tijari, the second oldest and one of the leading financial institutions in Kuwait. CBK will leverage Network’s cutting- edge technology and expertise in end-to-end issuer processing capabilities, including fraud detection and prevention, tokeni- sation, cardholder self-serve application, advanced authenti- cation, and instant issuance. BANKINGarabianbusiness.com 37 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 MEDIA ELIE HABIB Co-founder and CTO Anghami A nghami, often hailed as the superior counterpart to Spotify in the MENA region, was launched when Habib identified a significant gap in the digi- tal music service domain. Together with his partner Eddy Maroun, they officially launched Anghami in November 2012 in Beirut, Lebanon as a response to a local void in the local music scene. One of the most significant triumphs was its feat of becoming the first Arab technology company to be listed on NASDAQ and was the first time an Arab company had listed on NASDAQ in over 25 years. About Anghami As the first and foremost music streaming technology platform in the MENA region, Anghami serves as the go-to destination for Arabic and international music, podcasts, and entertain- ment. Today, Anghami possesses one of the largest music cata- logues in the MENA region, with over 73 million users In MENA, Europe And USA, providing over 30 million Arabic and international songs encompassing millions of songs and licensed content from prominent Arabic labels, international labels, distributors, and independent artists. Concurrently, the company has been cultivating enduring relationships with major Arabic and international music labels including Rotana Music, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and the Merlin Network. In 2021, Anghami relocated its head- quarters to Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and supported by the Abu Dhabi Invest- ment Office (ADIO). The company also has offices in Beirut, Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh, with more than 160 employees. Anghami also has offices in Beirut, Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh, and operates across 16 countries in the MENA region. Notably, Anghami has recently extended its services to encompass the US, Canada, and Europe. On 17 May 2023, Anghami Inc. announced its unaudited preliminary results for Q1 2023 detailing that Anghami successfully achieved an unaudited revenue of $10.2m, representing a 6 percent increase compared to Q1 2022. In April 2024, the UAE-based online streaming platform OSN+ and Anghami Inc. successfully completed their merger, forming a powerful media conglomerate following the conclu- sion of the transaction and the receipt of all necessary regula- tory approvals. Under the new structure, OSN+ now holds a majority stake of 55.45 percent in Anghami, valuing each share at $3.69. This significant acquisition solidifies OSN+ as a prominent player in the media industry. This strategic move aims to leverage the strengths of both entities and enhance their offerings to consumers in the competitive streaming market. In a related development, Saudi Arabian media power- house MBC Group recently acquired a 13.7 percent stake in Anghami, further shaping the landscape of the media industry in the region. Building on its momentum, Anghami, which went public on the US NASDAQ exchange last year, secured a $5m investment from Saudi VC firm SRMG Ventures in August. Despite these developments, Anghami will continue to be listed on the NASDAQ, ensuring its visibility and reach in the global market.38 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 EMAN ABDULRAZZAQ Group Chief Human Resource Officer Emirates NBD In addition to her current role, Abdulrazzaq holds the position of board member at the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) and serves as the executive member at Emir- ates NBD Group. In this role, she over- sees a workforce of over 26,000 employ- ees across nine countries. She has played a crucial role in spearheading a transformative work culture embedded with proactive practices and driving Future Skills development initiatives. Her efforts focus on reskilling and nurturing an agile workforce equipped to navigate the evolving digital landscape. Prior to joining Emirates NBD, Abdulrazzaq served as the regional head of Strategy and Chief of Staff at HSBC Bank Middle East Limited for the MENAT regions. In this capacity, she also oversaw Sustainable Finance initiatives. Commencing her career at HSBC as a corporate banker, she transitioned to Human Resources where she successfully led the function through multifaceted change programmes. Notably, she spearheaded the implementation of new tech- nologies, triggering significant cultural shifts and operational enhancements across HR functions in the MENAT region. Her expertise expanded further at HSBC, where she took on the roles of chief of Staff and Strategy and Planning. As a trusted advisor to the CEO, MENAT, she drove strategic programmes aimed at accelerating growth and boosting busi- ness revenue. About Emirates NBD Emirates NBD is a premier banking group in the MENAT region, operating in 13 countries and recognised as the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a brand value of $3.89bn. The group caters to individuals, businesses, govern- ments, and institutions, facilitating the realisation of diverse financial objectives through a wide range of banking products and services. These offerings encompass retail banking, corpo- rate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, global markets and treasury, and brokerage operations. In April 2024, Emirates NBD announced a net profit of $1.82bn in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 12 percent increase from $1.6bn reported in the corresponding period last year. Operating income for the quarter stood at $2.9bn, showcasing a slight rise from $2.8bn in the previous year. Emirates NBD attributed this performance to a robust deposit mix, steady loan growth, and significant fee and commission growth across all business segments. During the first quarter of the year, Emirates NBD’s asset base expanded by 5 percent, crossing the milestone of $245bn for the first time in its history. Emirates NBD has joined a pledge to accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls). As part of its ongoing commitment to promote gender equal- ity and representation of women in leadership roles, the group is among the newest cohort of eight leading local and multi- national companies in the UAE to sign the SDG 5 Pledge at an event hosted by the UAE Gender Balance Council (GBC). BANKINGarabianbusiness.com 39 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 FINANCE ESSA KAZIM Governor Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Kazim’s professional journey commenced in 1988 as a senior analyst in the Research and Statistics Department of the UAE Central Bank, a key role that laid the foundation for his illustrious career. Transitioning to the Dubai Department of Economic Devel- opment, he continued to expand his expertise, eventually being appointed as the director of Planning and Development in 1993. Further advancing in his career trajectory, he assumed the position of director-general of Dubai Financial Market, play- ing an instrumental role in shaping the financial landscape from 1999 to 2006. Subsequently, he ascended to the role of chairman from 2007 to 2021, showcasing his leadership acumen and strategic foresight in the financial sector. Beyond his current role, Kazim holds a series of key posi- tions across prominent institutions, including his chairman- ship of Borse Dubai, deputy chairmanship of the Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai, and membership on the influential Securities and Exchange Higher Committee and Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee. Kazim’s academic accomplishments mirror his profes- sional success, as evidenced by the honorary doctorate bestowed upon him by Coe College and his academic creden- tials including a Master's Degree in Economics from the University of Iowa (USA) and a Master's Degree in Total Quality Management from the Univer- sity of Wollongong, UAE. Kazim’s influence extends to specific boards and committees, as evident from his role as a member of the Higher Board of Directors of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), chairman of the DIFC Authority and Investments Board of Directors, and a board member on entities such as Nasdaq Dubai and the Free Zones Council. Additionally, his involvement in e&’s board underscores his commit- ment to diverse sectors and his enduring impact on the finan- cial landscape. About DIFC DIFC continued to strengthen its position as the premier global financial centre for the MEASA region, achieving record-breaking results in 2023. The Centre is now the oper- ational base for 5,523 active companies, marking a notable 26 percent increase from 4,377 in 2022. A total of 1,451 new companies were incorporated in DIFC in 2023, representing the highest annual registration figures in the Centre's history, with a substantial 34 percent rise. DIFC also announced that it is on track to surpass its goal of doubling its GDP contri- bution by 2030. The combined revenues in 2023 expanded at their fastest pace since inception, nearing $354m, a significant 23 percent surge compared to 2022. Operating profit reached $234m, indicating a 27 percent increase. Illustrating the robust finan- cial status of DIFC, total assets amounted to $4.9bn, up by 18 percent. The year saw the addition of prominent global entities such as Alliance Bernstein, Asia Research & Capital Manage- ment, Balyasny Asset Management, and more, further augmenting DIFC’s financial landscape. Next >