< Previous40 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 extremely beneficial as it helped me accomplish my work better than others. Then I moved from the government sector to the private sector and worked in fi nance. I began to learn and study the banking sector and wanted to excel in it, so I obtained certifi cations in Islamic Finance such as Cer tified Islamic Finance Executive, and the Certifi ed Islamic Banker Cer tificate (CIB), becoming the fi rst woman to obtain this certifi cation in the world; in addition to obtaining a postgraduate diploma in Islamic fi nance, and many other certifi - cates. I also became a Sharia advisor and auditor which enabled me to move from the banking sector to investment. Then I moved to National Bonds where in addition to my job as the deputy CEO, I worked closely with my colleagues and began developing some of the company’s investment and savings products. For example, ‘Sukuk Al Waqf ’, ‘Second Salary’ and ‘My One Million’. What is your advice to help people with saving? My recommendation is that individuals must activate automatic deduction from the current account and transfer to the savings account as soon as they receive any money in the current account, whether through their salary or the prof- its of their own work. You can also start saving on a small scale and with a short-term goal. People who set short-term goals are the ones who save more, and they should be slow when deciding to buy expensive or unnecessary products. To implement a savings plan, you can choose the 50-30-20 rule, where 50 percent of the income is allocated to daily necessities, 30 percent to other needs, and 20 percent to savings. A good way to ensure adherence to the savings plan is to monitor expenses and know where the money goes by using a monitoring tool. How do you seek to develop the fi nancial performance of National Bonds? National Bonds is a Sharia-compliant savings and investment company licensed and supervised by the Securities and Commodities Authority and is audited by the Dubai government Audit National Bonds: Helping People Achieve Their Dreams by Fostering a Culture of Savings An advocate of savings and investment, Rehab Lootah, Deputy Group CEO, National Bonds explains how they work to empower all segments of the society through the programmes and services National Bonds provide Rehab Lootah, Deputy Group CEO of National Bonds What are some key experiences you have acquired across various sectors? In 2002, I started my career in the fi eld of information technology, which made it easier for me to work in e-government. I participated in managing electronic transformation projects in government departments, and I coordinated between those departments to reach their desired goals from these projects. This was GO VERNMENTwww.meydanfz.ae 41 department, Sharia Supervisory Board. Our range of products follow a Sharia compliant Mudarabah concept. My role in ‘National Bonds’ was clear from the beginning, and was based on my experience in both the banking sector and information technology, where the goal was to transform all ‘National Bonds’ services and implement them through electronic channels, in addition to new innovations in Islamic products. Initially, I worked with the team to develop the mobile application and website for National Bonds. After less than two years of working with the company, we are seeing the results of the team’s work and their eff orts to develop the company. Some of the products I worked on with the team include the launch of Sukuk AlWaqf, an innovative endow- ment that was announced in 2022 by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Execu- tive Council of Dubai and launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRG- CEC), in partnership with the Awqaf and Minors Aff airs Foundation in Dubai and National Bonds.This endowment allows contributions to be placed with National Bonds with expected returns, while the returns are directed towards a humanitarian project of the contribu- tors’ choice. Also, Second Salary, a customised savings solution created for the UAE’s national and expatriate popu- lation; My One Million, designed for both individuals and corporations alike, which enables its participants toward achieving AED 1 million. What does your role at Taaleem Holding Group mean to you? I currently hold a board member position in Taaleem Holding Group, in the Educa- tion Committee, Remuneration Commit- tee and Audit Committee.The education sector in the region is recognised as one of the fastest-growing markets globally, presenting growth and expansion oppor- tunities for ‘Taaleem’ over the long term. The organisation has a strong reputation and a track record of off ering innovative and advanced educational solutions. Currently, ‘Taaleem’ operates 26 schools with 27,000 students, supported by over 1,700 faculty members and 3,000 administrative staff . I am a strong advocate of youth’s education and strong believer of the education sector’s key role in the devel- opment of the UAE. We are in the process of creating a partnership with different schools across Dubai to promote financial literac y. This programme will be launched soon; and my role in Taaleem is embossed in my personality of educating generations about fi nancial literacy and help them in creating a fi nancially stable and secure future for them. National Bonds is the largest shareholder of Taaleem Holding Group. How does this align with the company's broader objectives in the context of the rapidly growing education sector in the UAE? At National Bonds, we are always committed to supporting the education sector as it plays an instrumental role in the sustainable development of the UAE. Through the acquisition, National Bonds contribute to the country's vision of economic diversifi cation and knowl- edge-based growth, fostering a prosper- ous future for future generations. ‘Taaleem’ enhances the National Bonds' investment portfolio, enabling sustainable returns that are not signifi - cantly infl uenced by market cycles.This transaction demonstrates the company's confi dence in the successes achieved by the ‘Taaleem’ Group in line with National Bonds investment strategy. GO VERNMENT National Bonds OfficeGet in touch today Scan the QR code! Accept more payment methods globally and locally.44 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 ‘transnational localism’, blending the power of our global software suite with the specifi c needs of the UAE business landscape. We achieve this by meticu- lously tailoring best-selling applications to seamlessly integrate with local regu- lations and workfl ows. For instance, in 2023, we became the fi rst company to add corporate tax capabilities to our VAT-compliant Zoho Books and launched Zoho Payroll to cater to UAE labour laws.We also prioritise right-to- left language support in numerous apps. Beyond software, Zoho fosters deep partnerships with key government enti- ties like DET, Dubai Culture, IFZA, and Meydan Free Zone. These collab- orations empower local businesses digi- tal transformation, further propelling the UAE's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem forward. Could you provide a detailed explanation regarding the factors and strategic decisions that contributed to the notable 29 percent expansion of your partner network within the UAE? Zoho: Global Soft ware Fostering Growth for UAE Businesses Facing increasing competition and the ever-present need to optimise spending, Ali Shabdar, Zoho’s Regional Director MEA explains how large corporations in the UAE are increasingly turning to Zoho's secure, reliable, and value-driven cloud solutions ZOHO Headquarter in Chennai, India What is Zoho, and what strategies did Zoho implement to achieve a 43 percent revenue growth in the UAE in 2023? Zoho provides intelligent software designed to enhance business growth. Serving over 100 million users globally, Zoho's suite of 55+ products support various business operations, including sales and marketing, customer support, fi nance, and recruitment, enabling you to concentrate solely on your business objectives. Zoho prioritises user privacy and operates without relying on adver- tising revenue, even within its free off er- ings. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Zoho Corporation is a privately-owned, fi nancially successful company with its international base in Chennai, India, and additional offi ces worldwide. Zoho's UAE strategy hinges on TECHNOL OGYwww.meydanfz.ae 45 Ali Shabdar, Zoho’s Regional Director MEA Additionally, could you discuss the impact this growth has had on your business operations and the broader implications for your market presence in the region? Zoho's flourishing partner network is fuelled by a growing ecosystem of system integrators and value-added resellers. These skilled partners provide compre- hensive Zoho implementation and support, catering to both SMEs and large corporations. A dedicated partnership management team from Zoho nurtures these relationships, ensuring resellers are empowered, expertise is shared, and customer needs are understood through their valuable lens. This collaborative approach fuels Zoho's reach and success, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive with Zoho's solutions. Could you elaborate on how the noticeable trend towards an upmarket shift, characterised by an increasing number of mid-sized and large enterprises opting for Zoho's solutions, has infl uenced your strategic business approach? Zoho's nimble approach to adjusting its strategies and offerings in response to evolving market demands, signifi cantly influenced by the growing presence of large corporations, compels us to inten- sify our investment in research and devel- opment. This commitment is deeply rooted in our dedication to perpetually refine and improve our product suite, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers in terms of value and performance. By focusing on innovation and customer-centric enhance- ments, we aim to stay ahead of industry trends and provide solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our clients, thereby reinforcing our position as a leader in delivering value- driven cloud solutions. Can you explain the diverse elements that played a crucial role in the observed 24 percent uptick in the migration of large corporations to Zoho's platform over the past year? Facing rising competition and the ever-present need to optimise spending, large UAE corporations are increasingly turning to Zoho's secure, reliable, and value-driven cloud solutions. Zoho's suite of integrated applications off ers a compel- ling alternative, allowing busi- nesses to ditch costly licences and extract more value from their IT invest- ments. This focus on aff ordability and effi ciency, coupled with Zoho's priva- cy-forward, robust security and user- friendly inter- face, has made it a top choice for corpo- rations seeking a trustworthy partner to empower their digital transformation journey and streamline daily operations. Why do you think the UAE has become Zoho's fastest-growing market globally in 2023? The UAE is renowned for its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, which can be attributed to the visionary foresight and unwavering commitment of its leader- ship to drive progress and spur innova- tion. This dedication has meticulously shaped a nurturing environ- ment that is highly favourable for start- ups and entrepreneurs, thereby transforming the UAE into a rich breeding ground for ground-breaking ventures and prosper- ous business endeavours. The region's adoption of supportive policies, the launch of strategic initiatives, and the development of a robust infrastructure collectively play an instrumental role in stimulating creativity and fostering an entrepre- neurial mindset. This nurtur- ing back- drop is further amplifi ed by the UAE's commitment to integrating advanced technologies as well as digital transformation across various sectors, encouraging entrepreneurs to explore and innovate without bounds. How does Zoho's mission align with the UAE's approach to digital transformation? And in what ways have homegrown companies in the UAE utilised Zoho's solutions for their own growth and operations? Zoho's mission to empower busi- nesses through user-friendly, aff ordable, and comprehensive software perfectly reso- nates with the UAE's ambitious digital transformation strategy, paving the way for homegrown UAE companies to thrive. From streamlining operations with Zoho One's integrated suite to opti- mising customer interactions with Zoho CRM Plus, local players across diverse sectors leverage Zoho's value-driven solutions to scale efficiently, reduce costs, and enhance overall workfl ow.This synergy between Zoho's empowering tools and the UAE's fertile ground for digitisation is fuelling a mutually bene- fi cial ecosystem, propelling both Zoho's regional growth and the success of ambi- tious homegrown enterprises. TECHNOL OGY46 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 Can you describe Prism Studios UAE’s business trajectory? Dubai's cosmopolitan environment, coupled with a burgeoning interest in creative services, provided fertile ground for the studio's development. Factors contributing to its growth included a dedication to quality, adaptability to evolving industry trends, and a keen understanding of client needs. Entrepreneurship brought its share of challenges during Prism Studios UAE's early stages. These hurdles were met with resilience and strategic acumen. Navigating through initial obstacles involved honing photography skills, fostering customer satisfaction, and eff ective marketing to carve a distinctive identity in the competitive Dubai market. Differentiation in Dubai's Prism Studios UAE: Perfecting the Art of Storytelling Through Visuals Prism Studios UAE's establishment in Dubai was driven by the city's economic vitality, cultural diversity, tourism allure, entrepreneurial ecosystem, technological advancements, luxury focus, and strategic location. Emirati influencer and Founder Mohammad Alali explains how these factors contributed to the company's development Photography by Prism Studio UAE TECHNOL OGYwww.meydanfz.ae 47 Mohammad Alali, Founder of Prism Studio UAE competitive photography market was achieved through a commitment to capturing moments naturally, off ering fl exibility, and ensuring fast access to services. Opportunities for growth were seized through the creation of compel- ling visual narratives, showcasing a passion for stor ytelling through photography and travel videography. Networking and collaborations played a vital role in Pr ism Studios UAE's success. Leveraging the local ecosystem involved establishing partnerships with various industries, contributing posi- tively to the studio's growth. Is there a pivotal moment that infl uenced Prism Studios UAE’s success? Our journey was marked by a strategic decision to shift towards a unique story- telling approach in photography. This decision represented a departure from conventional practices and positioned the studio as a narrative-focused entity rather than merely a photography studio. This shift allowed the studio to transcend the role of captur ing moments and instead aimed to encap- sulate meaningful narratives that reso- nated emotionally with individuals and communities.The focus on storytelling not only elevated the artistic quality and depth of Prism Studios' portfolio but served as a magnet for a diverse clien- tele seeking a more personalised and authentic photographic experience. How did Prism Studios UAE diff erentiate itself? Prism Studios UAE strategically diff er- entiated itself and capitalised on growth opportunities through several key meas- ures, including our distinctive value proposition, emphasising our unique storytelling approach and a commit- ment to capturing moments naturally. Prism Studios positioned itself as a studio off ering freedom of movement and fast access to photography services. We leveraged eff ective marketing strat- egies, utilising social media platforms and online channels to showcase its work. Engag ing content, targeted promotions, and collaborations with infl uencers or other businesses contrib- uted increased visibility and brand awareness. We have embraced cutting- edge equipment, software, and editing techniques, ensuring that ser vices off ered are at the forefront of industry innovation. Also, actively engaging with the local community and participating in relevant events alongside networking oppor tunities, collaborations, and community involvement all contributed to establishing a strong presence. Also, Prism Studios invested in ongoing education and skill development. By strategically combining these elements, Prism Studios UAE successfully diff er- entiated itself in Dubai’s competitive market, seizing opportunities for growth and establishing a strong foothold as a reputable photography studio. Prism Studios UAE successfully diff erentiated itself in Dubai’s competitive market, seizing opportunities for growth and establishing a strong foothold as a reputable photography studio TECHNOL OGY48 Grow from Dubai – Issue 02 / March 2024 AirBox Express is the latest among such services looking to assist Western expats looking to send a box or a few boxes back home quickly through a personalised and reliable experience. They simply schedule a time slot for The Box representatives to come and pack, weigh, and pick up their packages. Alternatively, if they have an already packed box, they can provide the weight and dimension details for a quote and then have it collected. Packages are sent via air freight and customers are provided with a tracking number to keep up to date with the shipment. How does The Box Self Storage align with Dubai’s business landscape? Dubai's booming economy, rapid urban- isation, and a diverse expatriate popula- tion created a demand for reliable storage solutions. The Box capitalised on this opportunity by off ering secure, conven- ient storage services tailored to the local needs. Factors contributing to the compa- ny's development included a robust infra- structure, a business-friendly environ- ment, and a commitment to innovation, enabling The Box to thrive and pioneer the regional self-storage industry. What are some initial challenges faced? Initially,The Box confronted signifi cant challenges in securing the ideal location and facing unreliable landlords who failed to honour commitments. This frustrating setup process was just the beginning. While success seemed attain- able, sustaining it presented a real challenge. Navigating these obstacles required developing the right team, fostering a culture of innovation, and staying ahead in the industry. Passion emerged as the driving force, keeping the founder resil- ient through frustrations. As the business expanded, outgrowing initial investors became a hurdle. Crafting and agreeing to the buy-out process was the most chal- leng- ing experience considering the company was just three years in existence. However, it was the biggest blessing in disguise as we’ve been scaling our busi- ness while bootstrapping and retaining full ownership and control, a rarity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Box Self Storage: Shaping the Future of Storage Solutions in the Region Operating in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Beirut, Wadih Haddad, Founder and CEO, The Box Self Storage, explains how the company capitalises on the many favourable demographics within Dubai’s industry Wadih Haddad, Founder and CEO of The Box Self Storage Can you provide an overview of The Box Self Storage's trajectory? The Box started in 2006 rooted in humble beginnings from the founder's bedroom in the Springs, Dubai to trans- form into the region's leading storage and moving provider recognised by several regional authorities including DMCC, The Gulf Capital SME Awards, Entre- preneur ME and more. The Box main- tains the same founding principles and values it had from the beginning and continues to grow regionally with a fantastic team delivering outstanding service. Committed to sustainability,The Box ensures green building specifi cations by the Dubai Government are followed in all facilities it builds from scratch, plants a tree for each customer, off ers free pick up to recycle used boxes and has committed to comply with UN Sustain- able Development Goals wherever possi- ble. Looking ahead,The Box Self Storage envisions sustained innovation, custom- er-centricity, and eco-conscious growth, shaping the future of storage solutions. What is your AirBox Express service? L OGIS TICSAIRBOX EXPRESS The easiest way to send a box from Dubai to Europe. Trusted since 2007 CALL 800-THEBOX | theboxme.comNext >