< Previous20 June 2024 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 JAYESH PATEL CEO Wio Bank Patel, a pioneering figure in the fintech and digital banking sector, is leading the charge in revolutionising the digital bank- ing landscape in the UAE. With a razor- sharp focus on customer delivery, uncom- promising quality standards, and a relentless drive for innovation, he has helmed the transformation of Wio Bank as its CEO in Abu Dhabi since December 2020. Renowned for his strategic vision and ambitious mindset, Patel has successfully built and launched one of the fastest-growing digital banks in the UAE. With more than 18 years of experi- ence spearheading cutting-edge consumer-centric innovations across diverse industries, he brings a wealth of regional exper- tise to his current role. Having held a series of key senior leadership roles at Emir- ates NBD for over nine years, including Head of Liv. Digital Bank, Head of Retail Strategy, and Head of Innovation Strat- egy, Patel boasts extensive experience and a proven track record in the financial industry. His previous roles, such as serving on the Board of European Financial Management Association (EFMA) and as Assistant Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management at Qatar Telecom, have equipped him with a solid foundation in strategic deci- sion-making and performance management. Patel holds an MBA from Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business, complemented by bachelor’s and master's degrees in Engineering from Illinois. His unwavering commit- ment to excellence, combined with his superior business acumen and exceptional leadership capabilities, continue to propel Wio Bank to great success in the dynamic and ever-evolving digital banking sector of the UAE. The UAE digital-only lifestyle bank Wio Bank PJSC offers digital banking applications, embedded finance, and banking-as-a-service solutions. In September 2022, it introduced its first digital banking application, Wio Business, followed by Wio Personal for retail clients. In July 2023, Wio Bank partnered with ADX to provide users instant digital access to UAE IPOs on ADX through their Wio Personal accounts. ADQ and Alpha Dhabi hold the majority stake at 65 percent, while e& owns 25 percent, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) holds 10 percent. As of December 2023, the company had amassed over 90,000 customers. Reporting a revenue of $72.5m and a net profit of $544,514, Wio Bank has quickly become a leading choice for SMEs. The bank has achieved profitability in its first full year of operations since its launch, a significant achievement in the neo-banking sector. Customer deposits have exceeded $2.9bn, indicating a grow- ing trust and adoption of Wio’s services. Wio Business, the bank’s platform for SMEs, has seen remarkable enhancements, attracting over 50,000 customers with features such as Multi-currency Accounts, the Wage Protection System (WPS), and an SME Web App. On the other hand, Wio Personal, launched in July 2023, has gained traction with over 40,000 customers by the end of the year. The plat- form’s innovative features like fully digital onboarding, multi-currency accounts, and a competitive savings campaign have resonated strongly with retail customers seeking modern banking solutions. UAEarabianbusiness.com 21 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 MOHAMED AL MARZOOQI CEO – UAE HSBC Bank Middle East With a career spanning an impressive 22 years at HSBC, Al Marzooqi’s journey reached a new milestone with his appointment as the Chief Executive at HSBC UAE, in May 2023. His extensive experience within HSBC dates back to 2002 when he first joined the bank in the UAE. Backed by a wealth of experience, over the years, he has traversed various sectors including retail, commercial, corporate, and investment bank- ing, playing vital roles in nurturing and leading teams and key client relationships for HSBC in the country. Before assuming his current position, Al Marzooqi held the distinguished role of Managing Director and Head of Global Banking, UAE. Before that, he served as Managing Director and Head of Coverage for Abu Dhabi Government clients, contributing significantly to HSBC’s engagements within this critical sector. Each of these roles has contributed to his comprehensive understanding of the banking landscape and his ability to nurture client relationships effectively. International connectivity In the UAE, HSBC is the largest international bank, custodian to c.70 percent of foreign institutional investor assets, with a comprehensive investment banking and commercial banking platform, and the only full-service onshore and offshore private banking capability. It is the international bank with the longest continuous presence in the country, as it was the first and only bank when it was established in 1946. Today, the UAE holds significant stra- tegic importance for HSBC globally, and the UAE business achieved a record profit of $1bn in 2023, making it a major contributor to the Group’s international flows. HSBC has aligned its strategy in the UAE with the country’s ambitious economic transformation plans to unlock growth. International connectivity is the bank’s greatest strength, and Mohamed and his team have been focused on help- ing connect UAE clients – including inter- national corporates, Sovereign Wealth Funds, family conglomerates business, retail and private banking customers – with trade, investment and wealth opportunities across key international corridors. The bank’s expertise and market leadership are underscored by major awards including the UAE’s Best International Bank at the Euro- money Awards for Excellence 2024 in May this year. The bank aims to support its clients as they pursue oppor- tunities presented by economic transformation within the region and across the increasingly busy UAE-Asia trade corri- dor. As the leading international investment bank, HSBC is the UAE’s Equity Capital Market house of choice having been ranked #1 in ECM and the only international bank to act as Global Coordinator on all the UAE IPOs in 2024 to date. Supporting clients in the transition to net zero is a priority for HSBC, and the bank was awarded Market Leader in ESG in the UAE by Euromoney in 2023. Additionally, digitisation is a key part of the bank’s growth strategy in the country, and it launched an e-commerce payment platform, Omni Collect, for corporate customers, and a 10-minute account-opening solution on mobile for retail customers this year. The UAE is among the top five most profitable markets for HSBC’s Wealth and Personal Banking business globally, and the bank is pursuing growth by building out its universal scale franchise focused on growth in core banking, wealth and lending. HSBC was recognised as the UAE’s Best Interna- tional Private Bank in 2023, and the Best Bank for Succession Planning in 2024 by Euromoney. UAE22 June 2024 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 MOHAMED ABDELBARY Acting Group CEO Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Mohamed Abdelbary is the Acting Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, spearheading initiatives to identify growth opportunities and drive the achievement of ambitious targets aligned with the bank’s long-term strat- egy and vision. Prior to his appointment, Abdelbary held the position of Group Chief Finan- cial Officer at ADIB, where he played a key role in significantly enhancing the bank’s financial position. With over 27 years of experience in global banking institutions, Abdelbary brings a wealth of expertise to his current position. He joined ADIB in May 2020 after serving as the Regional Chief Financial Officer for Africa and the Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank. Prior to this, he held positions at Barclays Bank and Citi, contribut- ing to his extensive financial expertise and leadership acumen. A leading Islamic bank ADIB is a leading bank in the UAE and one of the-largest Islamic bank globally by assets. Headquartered and listed in Abu Dhabi, ADIB was incorporated in 1997 to serve as the first Islamic bank in Abu Dhabi. Internationally, the bank has a presence in six strategic markets, including Egypt, where it has 70 branches, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Iraq. The bank serves more than 1,300,000 customers through 60 branches and more than 500 ATMs, as well as a world-class digital infrastructure network, enabling customers to easily access banking services around the clock. In addition to private banking and wealth management services, ADIB offers a wide range of retail, corporate, and commercial banking products, and services. As a full-fledged financial service provider that offers banking solutions for individuals, corporations, and affluent customers, the wider ADIB Group provides brokerage, real estate and prop- erty management, payments, and insurance services. Over the last two decades, ADIB has demonstrated a consistent track record of growth with assets now totalling $53bn. The bank currently serves customers through a balanced proposition that combines a highly personalised customer experience with world-class digital banking services. ADIB’s digital transformation journey has witnessed a substantial rise in customer demand for its digital banking services. This is reflected in the 80 percent of customers who are now digitally active and 94 percent of ADIB’s banking transactions conducted digitally. ADIB is also home to one of the region’s first state-of-the-art digital command centres; ACE (Analytics Centre of Excellence). Making real-time deci- sions, the command centre focuses on utilising the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive greater efficiencies, optimise performance, enhance its preventive controls and be even more responsive to the ever-changing market dynamics. ADIB’s stellar performance last year was reflected in signif- icant tributes to the bank’s commitment in redefining inno- vation in banking. ADIB secured international titles and major accolades for its record achievements, such as the World’s Best Islamic Bank for ESG, the Middle East’s Best Islamic Bank, the UAE's Best Domestic Islamic Bank, and the UAE’s Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility from prestigious interna- tional organisations including Euromoney, the Financial Times and Global Finance. UAEarabianbusiness.com 23 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 MOHAMMED MORTADA AL DANDASHI Group Managing Director Al Ramz Corporation P.J.S.C. Mohammed Mortada Al Dandashi is a distinguished leader in the financial sector with over 25 years of experience. Through his strategic leadership, Al Dandashi has transformed Al Ramz from a nascent enterprise into a public joint-stock company. He has played a pivotal role in shaping regional capital markets and has been instrumental in significant mergers and acquisitions within the region, including landmark deals. Under his guidance, Al Ramz has emerged as a leading entity in corporate finance, market making, asset management and brokerage. The group is also at the forefront of quantita- tive research, driving innovation and excellence. Al Dandashi’s strategic insight, integrity, and dedication continue to propel the company’s success, establishing Al Ramz as a benchmark for financial services in the GCC. About Al Ramz Founded in 1998, AI Ramz is a UAE domiciled public joint stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market and regu- lated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority and the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Al Ramz provides a broad spectrum of services including asset management, corporate finance, brokerage, security margins, market making, liquidity providing, public offering management and financial research. UAE 25+ Mohammed Mortada Al Dandashi’s years of experience across multiple nancial disciplines Al Dandashi’s strategic insight, integrity, and dedication continue to propel the company’s success 24 June 2024 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 MOHAMMED QASIM AL ALI Group CEO National Bonds Al Ali plays an instrumental role in steering the company's expanding portfolio of enter- prises and spearheading inno- vative savings initiatives. With over 20 years of diverse experience both locally and internationally, his career includes senior management roles within the commercial divisions of the Emirates Group, where he demonstrated strong leadership and strategic acumen. Notably, he has also held the position of general manager in the UK and Ireland, showcasing his ability to navi- gate different markets and industries. Additionally, his tenure as the vice president of Customer Service and Operations at dnata at Dubai International Airport further underscores his expertise in delivering exceptional service and operational excel- lence in a dynamic environment. About National Bonds Established in March 2006 with a paid-up capital of $41m (AED150m), National Bonds is a private joint stock company fully owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the investment arm of the Dubai government. The company operates under the regulatory oversight of the Securities and Commodities Authority and undergoes audits by the Dubai Government Financial Audit Authority, Sharia Supervisory Board, and distinguished international external auditors. National Bonds offer a unique wealth accumulation oppor- tunity through a comprehensive Sharia-compliant Mudaraba based saving scheme, a pioneering concept globally. Guided by the fundamental belief in the transformative power of savings in fostering a robust economy, National Bonds empowers its clients to attain their financial goals while contributing to a prosperous financial landscape for present and future genera- tions. Serving a diverse clientele that includes retail customers, high-net-worth individuals, and corporations, National Bonds is committed to delivering financial solutions aligned with its clients’ needs. As a prominent UAE fund manager, National Bonds is in the final stages of developing a tailored pension fund specifically tailored for employers. This strategic initiative aligns with the UAE's forthcoming framework for utilising funds earmarked for end-of-service payments, catering to UAE-based employers seeking to invest in their end-of-service or gratuity schemes. National Bonds, the UAE's premier Sharia-compliant savings and investment firm, has officially been designated as an investment choice within the DEWS (DIFC Employee Work- place Savings Plan). Through this partnership, National Bonds will be integrated as a self-select investment alternative within the DEWS Plan, catering to its extensive network of over 40,000 members. Emphasising its Sharia-compliant savings programme, the company ensures secure opportunities for wealth accumulation by prioritising diversified managed assets and implementing a robust risk management strategy to safeguard capital and deliver regular returns to programme participants. This collaborative effort is aimed at enhancing the range of sustainable investment options available to employees enrolled in the plan, thereby making a positive impact on their investment portfolios. UAEarabianbusiness.com 25 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 NADIR AL KORAYA President and CEO Riyad Bank Al Koraya is the President and CEO of Riyad Bank, a leading financial institution ranked as the fifth largest bank in the GCC region. His significant role in the strategic transformation of Riyad Bank has been instrumental in establishing its reputation as one of the region’s fastest-growing financial entities. Prior to assuming the position of CEO, Al Koraya excelled as the Chief Treasury and Investment Officer, spearheading comprehensive overhauls in funding mechanisms, capital management, asset and liability management, product devel- opment, and investment strategies, driving Riyad Bank's exceptional expansion. With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in both KSA and global financial markets, he embarked on his professional journey at Samba Financial Group, honing his expertise in treasury management before transitioning to Riyad Bank as the Chief Treasury and Invest- ment Officer in 2014. In addition to his distinguished role at Riyad Bank, Al Koraya actively contributes to the broader financial landscape as the Chairman of the Board at Jeel Innovation Digital Company, a board member of Riyad Capital, and a Member of the Mastercard Middle East and Africa Advisory Board. His diverse portfolio demonstrates his commitment to foster- ing innovation and excellence across various sectors within the financial realm. About Riyad Bank Established in 1957, Riyad Bank is recognised as one of the top financial institutions in KSA and the wider Middle East region. With a focus on nurturing local talent, Riyad Bank maintains an impressive national employment rate of 96 percent, positioning them as a signif- icant contributor to the Saudi employ- ment landscape. Acknowledged for their innovative contributions to finance and investment in KSA, as of 31 March 2024, Riyad Bank’s total assets have risen to $107.9bn compared to $101bn in the same period last year, marking a 6 percent increase. Customer deposits also show growth, reaching $72.2bn by 31 March 2024, up 5 percent from $69bn in the corresponding period last year. Riyad Bank is a prominent banking and financial entity in the kingdom, with a strong focus on digital transformation initiatives. It serves as a strategic partner to various global innovation platforms, keeping pace with the evolving digital landscape on a global scale. Riyad Capital, a vital subsidiary of Riyad Bank, is a leading and innovative company in asset management and alternative investments. In May 2024, Riyad Capital announced the introduction of the ‘1957 Ventures’ fund, a closed-end investment fund supported by Riyad Bank to foster transformative growth in KSA’s fintech sector, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Programme. The launch of this fund underscores Riyad Capital and Riyad Bank’s determined commitment to advancing the king- dom’s digital transformation. By creating opportunities for innovative fintech models, this initiative contributes to the enhancement of a resilient financial sector, fostering innova- tion and competitiveness within KSA. The fund aims to expe- dite the Kingdom's digital transformation by fostering inno- vative fintech models. KSA26 June 2024 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 PATRICIA GOMES Regional Head of Commercial Banking, MENAT HSBC Bank Middle East Gomes brings over two decades of distinguished leadership and banking experience from a career across the key financial centers of Dubai, London, Hong Kong, and New York. Today, Gomes manages HSBC’s Commercial Banking franchise for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye (MENAT). Based in Dubai, HSBC’s regional headquarter, she is responsible for the Bank’s wholesale client coverage, credit & lending and management of its transac- tion banking capabilities across the region. Since joining HSBC in 2004, Gomes has held a number of senior roles across Client Coverage, Product and Credit Risk in markets across the Group’s international network. Gomes was Head of Global Trade and Receivables Finance for North America having led the Bank’s coverage of financial institutions in the US, a role built on her experience in Asia Pacific and Europe. Prior to join- ing HSBC, Gomes worked with Citigroup in London. She holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Masters in Economics from the Universidade Catolica Portuguesa. Gomes’ extensive industry knowledge, coupled with her proven track record of driving international business growth and fostering strategic partnerships, underscores her instru- mental role in advancing HSBC’s commercial banking agenda across the MENAT region. As the co-sponsor of MENAT Balance, HSBC’s Employee Resource Group that aims to promote career development with gender intelligence, Patricia actively champions the establishment of an inclusive workplace by advocating for changes in policies and procedures, as well as building talent programmes that help colleagues develop leadership skills and progress their careers. Banking giant HSBC’s scale and heritage in the Middle East, spanning over 130 years, combined with the Group’s global network and inter- national expertise, gives it the ability to connect clients across the world to opportunities in the Middle East. As the largest international banking organisation in MENAT, HSBC operates across 9 markets through a universal banking model, processing over $1.4 trillion of payments and supporting over $70bn of trade annually in the region. Its expertise across products and services are market lead- ing; HSBC was named the Middle East’s Best Investment Bank, Best Bank for Financing and Best Sustainable Finance Bank by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024, and it is the only bank to have topped the Middle East League Tables for ECM and DCM activity in three consecutive years. HSBC is uniquely placed to help its clients navigate the inbound and outbound opportunities presented by the region’s economic transformation plans; as the largest bank at either end of the growing Middle East-Asia corridor and with more than a century of history in each, is directly supporting clients to capitalise on new business and investment. UAE $66.1BN The revenue posted by HSBC Holdings in 2023, a 30 percent rise compared to the previous yeararabianbusiness.com 27 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 RANDA SADIK CEO Arab Bank Sadik has an extensive career history in the banking and financial services sector, with over three decades of experience and a track record of significant achievements in leadership roles. Before becoming the CEO at Arab Bank in February 2022, she served as the deputy CEO for more than 10 years at Jordan’s largest finan- cial institution. She has held diverse leadership positions for 24 years, including her role as Group General Manager of the International Banking Group at the National Bank of Kuwait. In guiding Arab Bank towards expansion and sustainable growth, Sadik’s strategic vision and leadership skills have been crucial. Her direction has not only enhanced the bank’s repu- tation locally and regionally but has also solidified its position as a top financial institution. She has led the bank’s involvement in the Women's Economic Empowerment project, supporting women through initiatives that promote financial stability and improve their quality of life. Beyond her CEO role, Sadik is actively engaged in leader- ship positions within the Arab Bank Group. She serves as a board member for Oman Arab Bank, the chair of the Arab Tunisian Bank board, and leads the management committee of the Al-Arabi Investment Group, demonstrating her commit- ment to strategic decision-making and oversight. Additionally, she holds key positions as Vice Chairman at Arab Bank Australia, Chairman of the Arab Tunisian Bank, and Vice Chairman of Arab Bank Australia. About Arab Bank Backed by a commitment towards inno- vation and digital transformation, high- lighting the bank’s ongoing investment in technology and its strategic focus on customer-centric innovations, Arab Bank Group reported solid results for the first quarter of 2024, with 17 percent increase in net income after tax reaching $252.8m as compared to $216.3m for the same period last year. The group maintained its strong capital base with a total equity of $11.3bn. Arab Bank achieved strong results in the first quarter of 2024, with the bank's net operating profit increasing by 10 percent due to growth in core banking income across multiple sectors and markets. The emphasis was on enhancing non-interest income contribution and diversifying revenue streams. At constant currency, the group’s loans grew by 7 percent to reach $37.1bn, and deposits grew by 6 percent to reach $49.8bn. Arab Bank continues to support the Queen Rania Founda- tion’s Read! project, aimed at promoting a reading culture in Jordan by improving school libraries. The initiative provides books and training for students in grades 1-6. The project is a collaboration between the Queen Rania Foundation and the non-profit group Room to Read, which focuses on children’s literacy worldwide. Since its launch, the Read! project has reno- vated 43 libraries, trained 250 teachers, and distributed 50,000 books, encouraging reading in schools. Arab Bank actively engages in the community through its Together programme, participating in initiatives related to healthcare, poverty reduc- tion, environmental protection, education, orphan support, and women’s empowerment. JORDAN28 June 2024 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 ROLA ABU MANNEH CEO UAE, Middle East and Pakistan Standard Chartered Abu Manneh, the first Emirati woman to lead an international bank in the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan, assumed the role of CEO of Standard Chartered UAE in August 2018. Under her leadership, the UAE business became one of Standard Chartered Group's top three markets globally. She was later appointed as a director on the boards of Standard Char- tered banks in Pakistan and Uganda in January and May 2023, respectively. Abu Manneh also serves as a board member at MyZoi, a Standard Chartered subsidiary incubated through SC Ventures. Recognised for her directorship on the board of the Dubai International Chamber in 2021, Abu Manneh is a staunch advo- cate for women's empowerment and female entrepreneurship. She initiates mentorship programmes for university students, equipping them with the necessary skills for success. Her global impact extends to roles such as a member of the Global Coun- cil for Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality (SDG5), a UAE delegate in G20Empower, and a member of the NYUAD Vice Chancellor's Leadership Council. Abu Manneh is also a director on the Board of Make-A-Wish Foun- dation UAE and provides advisory services for both the Global Summit of Women and the Fortune Global Forum. Before her role at Standard Chartered, Abu Manneh served as Head of Corporate & Investment Banking for Abu Dhabi at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Before this, she held the position of general manager of FAB's Wholesale Banking Group, overseeing Project Finance Syndications, Financial Institutions Group, and Global Transaction Banking. Abu Manneh holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Oper- ational Research from the University of London, Royal Hollo- way, and Bedford New College. About Standard Chartered Standard Chartered’s purpose is to fuel commerce and pros- perity through its unique diversity. The bank’s strategic priori- ties translate this overarching goal into action, aligning its activ- ities with key economic and social trends in the markets it serves. This approach shapes the bank’s engagement with customers and society, driving its growth by responding to these shifts. Moreover, Standard Chartered has committed to support- ing the UAE’s sustainability objectives, with a dedicated team focusing on environmental, social, governance, and sustainable finance. The bank is strategically positioned to allocate its resources to assist the UAE in reaching its 2050 net-zero target. Priority Private, Standard Chartered’s newest wealth management service for the UAE’s affluent population, is designed to connect high-net-worth clients with exceptional financial opportunities. This exclusive service offers a range of tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of affluent indi- viduals including priority servicing, custom investment solu- tions, and lifestyle perks. Looking to the future, Priority Private plans to introduce new enhancements and developments. To maintain its position as a leader in wealth management innovation, Standard Char- tered is committed to helping the UAE's affluent clients achieve their financial objectives. UAEarabianbusiness.com 29 POWER OF FINANCE 2024 SAEEDA JAFFAR Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager – GCC Visa Visa’s Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager – GCC, Jaffar has a rich career history in financial services, payment systems, and digital tech- nologies, having held leadership positions in private and investment banks, private equity firms, and sovereign wealth funds. Throughout her robust 20-year career, she has excelled in strategic, M&A, and performance-driven projects across different industries. Noteworthy accomplishments at Visa include pioneering initiatives such as sponsoring the FIFA World Cup and launch- ing the Visa Masters of Movement NFT Collection. She played a crucial role in introducing the She’s Next programme in the UAE, supporting local women entrepreneurs through network- ing, mentoring, and funding opportunities. With extensive experience in the Middle East, Europe, as well as the US, Jaffar provides valuable strategic insights and expertise to clients in the financial services sector, covering various institutions such as universal banks, investment banks, private banks, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, government entities, and family businesses. Additionally, she serves as a trusted board member at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), leveraging her financial services knowledge and expertise. Before her current role, Jaffar held leadership positions at United Arab Bank, Bahrain FinTech Bay, and McKinsey and Company, drawing on her experience as the managing director for the Middle East at Alvarez and Marsal. A global leader in digital payments Visa, a global leader in digital payments that operates in over 200 countries, connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments through a secure payment network, facilitating seam- less transactions. Since 2020, Visa has committed over $3m to support women- owned businesses in over 30 countries through grants and the She's Next initiative, demonstrating their dedication to advancing women's entrepreneurship. In March 2024, Visa released the results of the independent study titled ‘Value of Acceptance’, focusing on merchants’ atti- tudes towards digital payments and the impact of digital commerce on small businesses and retailers in the UAE. The study showed that 68 percent of surveyed merchants view accepting card and mobile wallet payments as an essential investment for growth. While merchants are aware of the costs associated with digital payment acceptance, 95 percent believe that the value and benefits outweigh these costs. On 13 May 2024, an impactful survey by PYMNTS Intel- ligence and Visa Acceptance Solutions revealed that the UAE ranks second globally in shopping satisfaction, with 71 percent of consumers utilising digital features to enhance their shopping experiences. The 2024 Global Digital Shopping Index: UAE Edition surveyed 1,392 consumers and 212 merchants, high- lighting the rise of Click-and-Mortar™ shopping experiences in the UAE. Despite the high reliance on digital features, there is a gap between consumer demand and market supply, present- ing an opportunity for merchants to tailor digital offerings to meet consumer preferences and enhance shopping experiences. The implementation of digital features can lead to increased consumer satisfaction, especially among Millennials and Gener- ation Z consumers embracing Click-and-Mortar™ strategies. UAENext >