Go Greek Yogurt Launches in Saudi Arabia

The Go Greek Yogurt experience has officially arrived in Saudi Arabia, offering a fresh approach to dessert, wellness, and lifestyle in a country that increasingly embraces wholesome culinary trends. Operating at The Esplanade, Panorama Mall, Al-Faisal University, 1364 Mall, and Al Faisaliah Mall, Go Greek Yogurt is redefining mindful indulgence in the Kingdom.

Renowned for its nutrient-rich menu and premium ingredients, Go Greek Yogurt serves fresh and frozen Greek yogurt with an array of wholesome toppings. “We focus on every detail—from the ingredients we source to the experience we create,” says Tanja Subotic, co-founder. “Each visit should feel like stepping into the heart of Greece.”

By merging delicious flavors with the wisdom of the Mediterranean lifestyle, Go Greek Yogurt goes beyond dessert—it’s a cultural moment that connects people, celebrates authenticity, and brings a taste of Europe to Saudi Arabia.

Founded in 2012 by David, Tanja, and Jonathan, Go Greek Yogurt blends their shared European heritage with a passion for authenticity, bringing the timeless flavors of Europe to the heart of California.

Go Greek was founded with a shared mission: to bring the timeless flavors of Europe to California while celebrating the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. More than just a yogurt brand, Go Greek embodies authenticity, mindful indulgence, and a commitment to quality.

RH Luxury Properties Boss Rebiha Helimi Launches Plans to Link Dubai and Africa Real Estate

RH Luxury Properties, led by founder and CEO Rebiha Helimi, is expanding its operations to establish a direct link between Dubai’s dynamic realty sector and the emerging fiscal strength within Africa. This is carefully strategized to effectively promote cross-continental revenue-producing activities to further enhance the flow of capital between the two regions.

Africa is home to approximately 135,200 high-net-worth individuals, each possessing investable wealth of at least USD 1 million. Collectively, they hold total assets of USD 2.5 trillion. The continent’s “Big 5” wealth markets— South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco—together account for 56% of Africa’s millionaires and over 90% of its billionaires.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in African investors choosing Dubai as their preferred destination for property investments. This trend highlights the financial capacity and growing attraction among Africa’s mega-rich personalities to invest in ultra-advanced cities like Dubai.

Rebiha Helimi’s 2025 pipeline focuses on connecting Africa’s elite with exclusive listings in Dubai, providing customized services that her competitors are unable to match.

RH Luxury Properties founder and CEO Rebiha Helimi
Source: RH Luxury

Rebiha Helimi also plans to create a stronger network between African investors and Dubai developers, aggressively pushing for collaboration and mutual growth. By organizing private events and investor gatherings, RH Luxury Properties shall provide a platform for building lasting partnerships. Her strategy is aimed at empowering Africa’s affluent with premium access to global real estate opportunities.

Arabian Automobiles Launches Urventures to Support UAE Startups

Arabian Automobiles Company, an automotive company of AW Rostamani Group and exclusive Nissan dealer in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, has launched Urventures, a mobility solutions platform in support of startups in the UAE.

Through the program, which is the first of its kind in the regional automotive sector, Arabian Automobiles becomes a direct investor in small businesses by offering commercial vehicles in exchange for a minimal stake in the business’ future equity.

In the first phase of Urventures, Arabian Automobiles has invested in two innovative women-led UAE startups, ProMed First Aid and Bambuyu, helping them address financial and logistical barriers by providing each its popular commercial microbus, the Nissan Urvan.

Instead of traditional funding, Urventures directly tackles the biggest challenge that small startups face in the early stages, which is logistical support.

The businesses were shortlisted based on three criteria including potential for growth, societal impact and the need for a van in their core business.

ProMed First Aid, which was established in 2024, provides emergency medical services training throughout the GCC. As a partner of the program, it will use the Nissan Urvan to deliver mobile medical training and transport essential equipment. The second startup selected under the Urventures platform is Bambuyu, a sustainable tissue company founded in 2021, which will utilize the vehicle to expand delivery operations and promote its eco-friendly products.

Hussam Baghdadi, Senior Director of Arabian Automobiles Company said, “This is an exciting time for us as Nissan and Arabian Automobiles are changing the way businesses can buy fleets. While we have always been a strong supporter of the business ecosystem through our expansive mobility solutions, we are now taking that a step further as the first automotive brand offering a unique startup investment approach.

Through Urventures, we go beyond selling vehicles to become true partners in growth, offering guidance that unlocks new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Our program aligns with the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for entrepreneurship and underscores our dedication to supporting emerging businesses in achieving their full potential.”

Auredel Sumalinog Magpantay, founder, COO, and Academic Director of ProMed First Aid Training, said, “This program has been instrumental in our rapid growth. The access to vehicles has allowed us to expand our service area and reach new customers. Plus, the mentorship has been invaluable in helping us navigate the challenges of scaling a startup.”

Sahar Karoubi, founder and spokesperson of Bambuyu, addressed their selection with a short statement, “This program was a game-changer for us. Access to a fleet allowed us to scale our delivery service rapidly and achieve profitability much sooner than anticipated.”

The second season of the program is planned for the second quarter of 2025 with Arabian Automobiles encouraging startups to submit their applications at http://urventures.capital.

“We Got Funded!” Egypt-Based Khazna Closes a USD$16 Million Pre-Series B Round

Khazna, an Egypt-based financial Super App that offers financial services to underserved segments, has raised a USD$16 million pre-Series B funding round

The round saw participation from new and existing investors including SANAD Fund for MSME, anb Seed Fund (managed by anb Capital), Aljazira Capital (the investment arm of Bank Aljazira of Saudi Arabia), Khwarizmi Ventures, Nclude (the fintech fund set up by Egypt’s largest national banks), ICU Ventures, Quona, Speedinvest and Disruptech Ventures.

With this new infusion of capital, Khazna aims to further fuel its growth by applying for a Digital Banking license in Egypt and advancing its expansion into the Saudi Arabian market.

Omar Saleh, CEO of Khazna, said, “Closing this funding round is a pivotal achievement for Khazna’s team. This not only propels our core business but also empowers us to accelerate our mission of advancing financial inclusion across the MENA region. Khazna’s entry into Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of a new chapter, and we are committed to delivering an unparalleled digital user experience across the region.”

UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure Partners with Shiba Inu to Implement Web3 Innovations

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has partnered with Shiba Inu to implement Web3 solutions to support public service efficiency, green infrastructure enhancements, and citizen-focused governance models.

Shiba Inu’s Operational System (ShibOS) will unify development across MoEI operations.

H.E. Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, said, “We’re delighted to deepen our commitment to cutting-edge digital services. This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our journey toward redefining government services. By embracing emerging technologies, we aim to set a global benchmark for innovation, delivering transformative solutions that benefit both our citizens and the wider community. Together, we are shaping a future built on sustainability, connectivity, and digital excellence.”

Shytoshi Kusama, Lead Visionary for the Shiba Inu team, said, “We’re thrilled the Ministry sees Shiba Inu as a cornerstone for next-generation infrastructure. This partnership showcases the power of Shiba Inu in delivering groundbreaking solutions. Together, we will redefine how, businesses, and citizens collaborate in a transparent, eco-friendly digital framework.”

One of the most recognized brands in the world, Shiba Inu is a technological powerhouse that offers a wide array of blockchain and AI-driven solutions that enable any person, business, city, or country to move from Web2 to Web3.

FIVE Holdings Founder and Executive Chairman Kabir Mulchandani on Becoming a Billionaire Entrepreneur

When Kabir Mulchandani founded FIVE Holdings in 2017, he wasn’t looking to follow the traditional hospitality playbook. Instead, he saw a gap in the market that combined high-energy, musically driven immersive entertainment with sustainable luxury hospitality in a way that no one else had done before.

Today, that vision has turned FIVE Holdings into a multi-billion-dollar empire, establishing it as a one-of-a-kind destination described as the ‘Disneyland for adults’.

Mulchandani’s formula for success is deceptively simple. A disruptive approach, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to sharing success with his employees. “What we’ve been able to do exceptionally well is create an entertainment-driven hospitality experience that is both immersive and eco-conscious,” he explains.

Staying true to its fearless and innovative approach, FIVE Holdings continues to carve out new market opportunities. Its ‘Global Sustainable Entertainment Ecosystem’ has propelled the brand to astronomical success, striking a chord with Gen Z and Millennials, who, coincidently, make up the majority of its guests.

Its portfolio includes landmark properties such as FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, and FIVE LUXE in Dubai, as well as FIVE Zurich in Switzerland. A merger last year also secured Destino Five Ibiza, and El Hotel Pacha in Spain, and the legendary Pacha Ibiza nightclub within FIVE’s portfolio.

The brand also expanded beyond hotels and real estate, introducing FIVE MODE and The Pacha Collection fashion lines, Toy Room clubs, WooMoon Storytellers, and even its own private record label, FIVE Music. And then there’s FLY FIVE, a bespoke jet experience that takes FIVE’s signature experiences sky-high.

With over 3,000 employees and more than 1,700 rooms across some of the world’s most iconic destinations, FIVE Holdings has become synonymous with a distinct, high-octane lifestyle.

FIVE’s financial performance tells a compelling story of its success. Year-to-date revenue for the year ended 31 December 2024 stood at AED 2,165 million, with an EBITDA of AED 766 million. Its occupancy rate stood at an impressive 86.55% for the same period.

But Mulchandani emphasises that success is not just about revenue but about people. With the implementation of FIVE’s Long-Term Incentive Programme, employees at all levels, from frontline staff to leadership, share in the company’s growth. “I believe this will give them a sense of ownership and belonging within the company,” he explains.

This commitment to shared success, sustainability, and well-being is a guiding principle that extends beyond business strategy and financial performance into a more holistic, purpose-driven approach for Mulchandani. With a strong focus on a healthy lifestyle, sustainability, and philanthropy, he explains, “I am able to find calmness and solutions. I am in my zone. I don’t think I’ve felt this good, centred, and focused.”

What started as a bold idea in 2017 rapidly evolved into a global phenomenon with a cult-like following, all fuelled by Mulchandani’s vision, grit and drive. At a time when the hospitality industry was dominated by established giants with massive market share, the key to success was finding an untapped space and making it his own.

“Nobody was in this space,” Mulchandani reflects. “The way we designed our hotel, with a lot of homegrown F&B, was always for entertainment. But I don’t think even we anticipated how strong our story could become.”

“Implementing Wellness in Hotels and Spas” by Vybewoman Founder and CEO Vyara Tosheva

If you run an independent spa or a hotel offering health-related solutions for busy travelers and UAE residents, you recognize the importance of providing wellness services. Here’s how to carefully create and curate a space intertwined with intriguing events to promote wellness, re-balance, and make a vitality boost while being profitable for stakeholders and owners?

Dive in to explore insights from a seasoned spa and wellness professional who has been on a 20-year wellness journey to figure out what works and what doesn’t so you can relax and implement DIY Wellness with ease!

“Hotels and residential spaces have greatly benefited from integrating wellness into their offerings. By providing state-of-the-art treatments such as biohacking experiences, mind and body therapies, fitness activities, and traditional services like massages, hotels create a holistic environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. These wellness-focused services enhance guest satisfaction, foster loyalty, and drive profitability. Additionally, they help establish a competitive edge by addressing the growing demand for health-related solutions among busy travelers and residents. Implementing wellness not only elevates guest experiences but also supports a sustainable and profitable model for stakeholders.”

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Egyptian Superstar Amr Diab and ONE Development Unveil DO Boutique Hotels

ONE Development, the UAE’s first AI-driven boutique lifestyle property developer, has launched ONE/AD, an innovative endeavor set to disrupt the hospitality industry as the first musical themed boutique hotel integrating AI, music and wellness.

Its first project, which is co-founded by ONE Development and the Egyptian superstar Amr Diab, is DO Boutique Hotels.

“Our partnership with global legend Amr Diab is a bold step towards redefining hospitality Industry,” said Ali Al Gebely, founder and Chairman of ONE Development. “DO Boutique Hotels introduces a completely new disruptive hotel chain in the UAE, seamlessly blending music, design and AI to create spaces where luxury meets inspiration.”

Al Gebely added, “Music is a truly universal language and DO Boutique Hotels will redefine hospitality by crafting unique experiences inspired by music, enabling guests to connect with their creative rhythms. Building on its expertise in real estate and AI-driven concepts, ONE Development is once again setting new benchmarks in the industry, offering a harmonious blend of comfort, elegance, and unforgettable moments.”

Amr Diab, founder of DO Boutique Hotels, said, “Music has always been my way of connecting with people; this vision now reaches into hospitality. DO Boutique Hotels create inspiring spaces where innovation, culture and wellness meet, offering today’s travelers exclusivity, creativity and meaningful connections.”

DO Boutique Hotels, under the slogan “Live the Beat,” offers an aspirational holistic lifestyle, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Each venue serves as a vibrant hub of creativity and connection, redefining hospitality and inspiring a renewed sense of living.

Seamless Payments: You Can Now Use Tabby on DubaiPay

Dubai Government, represented by Digital Dubai and the Department of Finance, has announced the integration of Tabby into DubaiPay, an application that provides access to more than 250 government and private sector services from over 35 entities. This integration enables round-the-clock deferred payment services, offering citizens, residents, and visitors in the UAE a seamless and secure way to make payments.

With this move, Tabby joins a diverse range of payment methods available on the DubaiPay platform, including credit cards, direct debit cards, smart wallets, online banking services, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. By introducing flexible installment options, the initiative aims to increase customer convenience while also empowering users to manage their financial commitments more effectively.

The installment mechanism works as follows: the customer selects the service they wish to pay for on the service provider’s website, and are then redirected to the DubaiPay page, where they can choose from several available payment options, including Tabby. After verifying their identity through a one-time password to access their account data on Tabby, the customer can determine the payment installments. Following that, the customer has the option to pay for their purchases in four monthly installments.

This expansion offers individuals and businesses a wider selection of convenient and secure payment options, reinforcing Digital Dubai’s vision to digitize life in the emirate and strengthen the foundations of the digital economy.

Following the announcement, Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of the Government of Dubai’s Department of Finance, emphasized the department’s pivotal role in advancing Dubai’s future strategies, particularly the Dubai Cashless Strategy. He highlighted that this strategy aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, position Dubai as a global hub for the future of business and investment. “The launch of deferred payment services through the DubaiPay platform marks another step toward realizing Dubai’s vision of offering innovative solutions that cater to customer needs while supporting the sustainability of public finances,” Al Saleh added. “This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing customer convenience, in line with Dubai’s goal of becoming one of the world’s smartest cities.”

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, stated that Tabby’s integration into the DubaiPay platform marked “a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey. “This step underscores the vital role of public-private partnerships in embedding digital transformation as both a culture and a practice on a broad scale, in line with the leadership’s vision to evolve from digital government to a fully integrated digital society,” Al Mansoori added. “We welcome Tabby’s addition to the Dubai Government’s digital payment ecosystem, as it introduces a trusted and flexible payment solution that enhances user convenience. Tabby’s success in recent years has positioned it as a prominent and widely recognized name in the digital payments sector in Dubai and the UAE.”

Meanwhile, Matar Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive, Digital Dubai Government Establishment, stated, “Digital payments are a cornerstone of Dubai’s digital lifestyle and economy. The inclusion of private sector companies in the DubaiPay system, managed by Digital Dubai, is a key step in strengthening customer confidence in digital payments and accelerating the emirate’s digital transformation efforts. At Digital Dubai, we are committed to encouraging all digital payment solution providers to join DubaiPay, as part of our mission to realize the vision of our wise leadership and fulfill the objectives of the Digital Dubai Strategy, which aims to digitize all aspects of life in Dubai.”

The DubaiPay system serves as the comprehensive platform for various payment methods and is operated and developed by the Dubai Government. It is a unified service for both service providers and government entities, enabling electronic payment transactions across multiple channels, including mobile phones, websites, kiosks, and smart devices.

Privacy at Risk: How Secure Messaging Will Redefine Business Communication in the Middle East

Leo & Muhly LLC, a trusted distribution partner of Threema, a Swiss company renowned for its focus on security, and NINE SEVEN ONE Global Solutions, a well-established Dubai based business consultancy, are introducing Threema.Work to the region.

Recognized as a leading secure communication solution by Forrester, Threema addresses the vulnerabilities in business communication and offers a robust alternative to WhatsApp.

The Growing Demand for Secure Business Messaging

In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, many organizations face critical risks, including data breaches, unauthorized access, and regulatory non-compliance. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Signal, originally designed for personal use, fail to meet the security demanded by corporate environments.

“Threema is designed for organizations that prioritize confidentiality,” says Fabian Muhly, CEO of Leo & Muhly. “For industries exchanging sensitive data daily, secure communication is indispensable.”

This is particularly relevant in sectors like finance, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, and aviation, where safeguarding data is non-negotiable. Government organizations, too, face significant risks, as breaches can lead to severe financial, operational, and reputational consequences.

A Strategic Partnership for Regional Success

Leo & Muhly and NINE SEVEN ONE combine global technological expertise with localized insights. While Leo & Muhly ensures Threema’s Swiss innovation reaches the region, NINE SEVEN ONE tailors the solution to Middle Eastern needs, addressing concerns such as data sovereignty and cultural nuances.

“Our role is to adapt Threema’s advanced technology for regional requirements,” explains Dirk Wagner, founder and CEO of NINE SEVEN ONE. “We’re ensuring businesses in the Middle East get a secure platform they can trust.”

Standing Out in a Competitive Market

Scheduled for a Q1 2025 launch, Threema.Work positions itself as a secure, practical alternative to WhatsApp. While WhatsApp dominates, its data-sharing practices and vulnerabilities have left businesses searching for safer options.

“This isn’t just about launching a product,” Wagner asserts. “It’s about setting a new standard, proving that security, privacy, and user-friendliness can coexist.”

Key features of Threema.Work include:

Security and Privacy by Design: Probably the most trusted business messenger on the planet, ensuring all messages and files are secure,
Stay compliant: Complies with regulations, such as GDPR, NIS2, DORA, CER,
Ensure Business Continuity: Ensure seamless communication and remain operable in the event of a system breakdown,
Possible self-Hosting for the Highest Security Requirements: maximum security, total data ownership,
Powerful Policy Enforcement: Provides a powerful administration tool for user management and policy enforcement.

A Region Poised for Transformation

The Middle East’s rapid digital transformation and focus on cybersecurity make it the ideal launchpad for Threema.Work. Governments and enterprises are prioritizing data privacy, creating fertile ground for secure solutions.

The global integration of Threema.work by Mercedes-Benz Group, one of the world’s most renowned brands, underscores the platform’s strength in managing sensitive, high-stakes communication on an international scale. This implementation highlights Threema’s value for organizations prioritizing security, offering a trusted solution for critical data protection.

Discussions with regional business leaders confirm a growing demand for secure communication alternatives. Similarly, the globally recognized airline Emirates evaluated Threema’s solution, reflecting this trend and showing how businesses are embracing innovative platforms to address privacy concerns and ensure trustworthy communication.

Future Innovations of Secure Business Messaging

While the immediate focus is on the Middle East, the partnership aims for global expansion. Future enhancements include integrating AI to streamline workflows, embedding enterprise software, and introducing analytics to optimize communication.

“This collaboration showcases the power of strategic partnerships,” says Muhly. “By combining Threema’s innovation with NINE SEVEN ONE’s market expertise, we’re redefining business communication.”

The launch of Threema.Work signals a pivotal shift in secure communication. By addressing vulnerabilities in existing platforms and offering tailored solutions, Leo & Muhly and NINE SEVEN ONE Global Solutions are setting a new benchmark for the industry.

For businesses seeking to safeguard their sensitive information while ensuring seamless operations, Threema.Work is a game-changing alternative. Anticipation for the launch underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in raising standards for secure messaging.