Saudi Arabia Named Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in StartupBlink Ecosystem Index 2025

Saudi Arabia recorded the highest growth rate among the global top 100 countries in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 by global startup research platform StartupBlink. It was also named StartupBlink’s first-ever Country of the Year.

The report features rankings for 1,400 cities and 110 countries, highlighting the winners in the global innovation economy. It was built in cooperation with global data partners such as Crunchbase, Semrush, and more than 100 governments worldwide.

This accomplishment reflects the support of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the strategic guidance of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, alongside the dedicated efforts of the National Program for Information Technology Development (NTDP) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

Insights on Saudi Arabia’s Startup Ecosystem for 2025:

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the global top 100 to achieve a growth rate above 200% in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025.
Three Saudi cities are ranked in the global top 1,000, all showing upward movement.
The top three Saudi cities recorded triple-digit ecosystem growth.
Riyadh rises to 3rd place in the Middle East startup ecosystem rankings.
Riyadh has shown consistent growth every year since 2022.
Riyadh ranks 2nd in the Arab League, narrowing the gap with Dubai.
The score gap between Riyadh and Dubai decreased from over 3x in 2024 to under 2x in 2025.
Riyadh ranks 14th globally in Transportation.
Riyadh ranks 23rd globally in Foodtech.
Riyadh ranks 28th globally in both Edtech and Marketing.
Riyadh has the highest growth rate—over 130%—among the global top 100 cities.
Jeddah climbs four spots to enter the top 10 in the Middle East.
Dammam rises to 12th place in the Middle East after two years of steady advancement.
Within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Riyadh ranks 2nd, Jeddah 4th, and Dammam 6th.
Medina debuts in the global top 1,000 for the first time.

RoseBernard Studio’s Robert Polacek Introduces New ‘High-Tech Meets High-Touch’ Trends That Promise Enhanced Guest Experiences

For quite some time now, Dubai has remained a hospitality hub, where competition is fierce, culinary innovation is constant, and cultural diversity is a strength. With technology merging with all aspects of every business, including hospitality, Robert Polacek, Partner and Creative Director of RoseBernard Studio, is asking the very obvious question: Can artificial intelligence help create more human guest experiences?

“AI provides the what: data and predictive power,” he says. “But RoseBernard focuses on the how: how to use those insights to design authentically human, emotionally resonant, and on-brand guest experiences.”

Polacek’s vision challenges a growing industry concern where personalization, when handled solely with algorithms, risks becoming hollow. “Personalization without personality can fall flat,” Polacek says. “AI is a powerful tool, but the magic happens when those insights are translated through a creative, human-centric lens.”

AI doesn’t replace design. According to Polacek, it informs it. Their process leverages AI-driven guest data to anticipate preferences and cultural behaviors, but the real innovation is in how this data is translated into immersive storytelling, emotional resonance, and brand loyalty. “We always believe in the power of authentic storytelling and immersive experiences,” Polacek explains. “AI helps us understand what matters to each guest. And we use design to deliver it in a way that feels meaningful and unforgettable.”

Dubai’s global dining scene plays a central role in this vision. “Food is the most accessible ambassador,” Polacek shares. “It’s how people connect with culture, and it’s where AI can become a secret ingredient.”

AI-enabled research helps RoseBernard identify what different cultures are eating, the trends shaping modern culinary experiences, and the emotional drivers behind them. This data allows Polacek’s team to design distinctive, authentic food and beverage concepts tailored to both the brand and the market. But it goes deeper than menus.

“When a client says they want a Chinese restaurant, they are not expecting: paint it red and add chopsticks,” says Polacek. “It means immersing in the soul of the cuisine, understanding what it really means to eat ramen in the streets of Hong Kong. That’s the level of emotional specificity we aim to capture.”

This culinary storytelling extends from the back-of-house to the front-of-house, from chef training using AI-curated global cooking techniques to crafting the mood, music, menus, and guest flow within each space. “To truly harness culinary diversity, the entire guest experience must reflect it,” he says. “We design environments and brand touchpoints that include ambiance to staff interactions to make it an immersive and understandable journey.”

^{Cha Bei – Galaxy World, Macau. Image courtesy: RoseBernard Studio Design}
Polacek sees his firm not just as designers, but as strategic partners for developers, operators, and hotel brands. “Creativity is strategic,” he explains, “and our role is to bridge visionary ambition with exceptional execution.”

Whether working on a hotel renovation or a brand-new restaurant concept, RoseBernard aligns with stakeholders early in the process, interpreting bold ideas into brand narratives, environments, and operational strategies that are emotionally resonant and commercially viable.

“Hospitality is also a real estate game,” he notes. “Especially in the Middle East, you’re designing for return on investment. AI helps us visualize fast and adapt faster, but our job is to ensure that every decision, every narrative and design choice, reinforces the property’s strategic goals.”

This involves challenging legacy hospitality norms. “We ask, do you really need a three-meal restaurant anymore?” Polacek shares. “The market doesn’t always want that. Pushing boundaries isn’t about ego; it’s about relevance, adaptability, and building lasting brand legacies.”

Polacek draws from personal travel experiences to underscore the emotional dimension of design. “I remember sitting on an upside-down bucket in Hong Kong eating roadside ramen, wiping my hands with tissue, and thinking, this is unforgettable,” he recalls. “Our mission is to take moments like that and translate them into luxury experiences that still feel real, emotional, and accessible.”

^{Quail + Crane – Grand Hyatt SFO. Image courtesy: RoseBernard Studio Design}

This authenticity is what makes RoseBernard’s work stand out. In a city teeming with opulence and flash, its work emphasizes meaning over gimmick. “We’re not just changing the color of a restaurant or swapping out drinks,” Polacek says. “We’re helping operators define their culinary identity and express it in a way that connects across cultures and elevates the entire property.”

As AI reshapes industries worldwide, Polacek advocates for a hospitality model where technology serves human creativity, not the other way around. “Our core belief is that design and creativity are not just aesthetics. They’re strategic business tools,” he says. “The true AI advantage is realized when it deepens human connection. We’re interested in where high-tech meets high touch to create something truly special.” From AI-informed restaurant concepts to emotionally rich guest journeys, RoseBernard Studio is proving that data can drive more than decisions; it can drive delight.

FIX Your Cravings: Inside the World of FIX Chocolate’s Sarah Hamouda

Favor, nostalgia, and creativity. The three words that Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian co-founder of FIX Dessert Chocolatier (FIX), uses to describe the “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” chocolate that she created back in 2022. “It truly began with a craving as I was heavily pregnant and just desperate to find something I couldn’t find anywhere else,” she says. “I wanted something nostalgic, indulgent and a little bit playful. In my mind, I kept picturing this dessert that was creamy, crunchy, and familiar but still a little unexpected. That’s when I started experimenting.”

In less than three years, FIX’s chocolate bars became a cultural moment- the world stops for a chance to enjoy this combination of milk chocolate, the shredded pastry known as kataifi, and a pistachio cream filling. That was obvious during the last World Economic Forum in Davos, where people braved the cold and waited in long lines for a taste of Hamouda’s chocolate bars. But it happens in Dubai too, at 14:00 and 17:00 every day, when daily production of 500 bars sells out on Deliveroo in a matter or minutes.

Was Hamouda ready for the high demand of her treats? “Honestly, not at all! We were learning as we went, adjusting processes in real time and constantly solving problems as they came up,” she says. “There were sleepless nights, but we kept going. While we may not have been fully prepared to meet the demand, we were determined to rise to the challenge and figure it out along the way.”

When this story started, both Hamouda and her husband and co-founder at FIX, Yezen Alani, were working full-time corporate jobs, juggling back-to-back meetings, tight deadlines, and batches of chocolate all at once. “Our days were packed and our nights were even busier, but we were fueled by something we truly believed in,” Hamouda recalls. “What really made it possible, especially in the early stages, was the incredible support from the people we surrounded ourselves with. As the FIX community started to grow, so did the demand for the product, and that’s when it became clear that the brand needed our undivided attention. Stepping away from our day jobs was a big decision, but it felt right. The brand had taken on a life of its own, and we knew it was time to give it all we had.”

Industry experts have praised the duo for creating “a dessert in a chocolate bar that is much more than just a regular chocolate bar,” while others believe that FIX chocolate’s resonance lies in its deep Middle Eastern roots as it reminds people of family traditions of sharing sweets. Yet, Hamouda explains there is much more to it. “I wanted to create something that felt personal but relatable,” she says. “A brand that tapped into nostalgia without leaning too heavily on it, and felt premium without being intimidating. I had people like myself in mind: emotionally connected to food, with a strong sense of taste, a sense of humor, and an eye for detail. Yezen, my husband, has been instrumental in naming our bars. He added that quirky twist that makes people smile. With FIX, we wanted it to feel like a treat, but also something that sparks curiosity and conversation.”

Image courtesy of FIX

In December 2023, when TikTok influencer Maria Vehera posted a video of herself trying Hamouda’s chocolate bar, the FIX brand certainly did capture attention and get people talking. The video went viral, leading to nearly seven million likes to date, and caused the prompt christening of “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” to “Dubai chocolate.” Hamouda says, “Maria’s video captured the essence of FIX in such a raw, unfiltered, and engaging way. A few weeks later, my phone just wouldn’t stop buzzing. Messages started pouring in from all over the world, and we were completely caught off guard. I think that’s the magic of something genuine, it connects with people when you least expect it.”

She adds that the brand’s marketing strategy was completely organic. “People tried the bars out of curiosity or because a friend recommended it to them,” Hamouda explains. “Maria, who posted the video that ended up gaining so much attention, made me see our bars through a whole new lens. It wasn’t part of a strategy or campaign. She simply loved the product and wanted to share it.”

“The momentum came from real reactions and genuine word of mouth, and I think that’s exactly why it resonated. We didn’t have a structured marketing plan or budget. It was all about people connecting with the product and sharing it because they truly believed in it.”

FIX’s products remain solely available in Dubai, which adds to its exclusivity, but also causes some interesting shifts in the chocolate production sector worldwide. One is independent chocolatiers and multinational brands, such as Lindt and Ülker, being urged to produce their own versions of the “Dubai chocolate” to meet the global demand. Another striking and unpredicted shift is the shortage of global pistachio supply due to the high demand for the basic kernels used in the FIX chocolate bars. “We’re incredibly proud to have inspired so many brands and individuals. Seeing the impact FIX has had on the dessert industry is something we never take for granted,” Hamouda says, and decides to share her views on the copycats of her business. “The frustration doesn’t come from others creating their own take on “Dubai chocolate.” It comes from those who directly replicate our intellectual property or use our branding to promote imitation products,” she explains. “We’ve put so much into building something original and thoughtful, and it’s important to us that our community can distinguish what’s truly FIX. We’ve trademarked what we can, and our focus remains on what matters most: staying creative, protecting our identity, and delivering an experience that only FIX can offer.”

The latest achievement of the FIX team was being to create a limited edition of a new chocolate (the Emirati Halwa) for H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE. “We were asked to create a bespoke chocolate inspired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan’s favorite dessert, Halwa, and we knew we had to get it right,” Hamouda says. “We spent time understanding the traditional flavors, then brought in innovation, craftsmanship and the right team to give it the signature FIX touch. It took time, precision and a lot of passion, and honestly, it still feels like a dream we’re proud to be living.”

Looking back at the fast-paced global growth of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, Hamouda has a few tips to share with other entrepreneurs. “Pacing has definitely been one of the biggest learning curves for us. In the early days, there’s so much energy and excitement that it’s tempting to say yes to everything and try and do it all at once. But over time, I’ve come to realize that sustainable growth takes time and patience. It doesn’t have to happen overnight.”

She adds, “As the business evolved, I started to understand the value of stepping back a little. I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a passionate, capable team, and learning to lean on them and trust the process has been a big shift for me. At the end of the day, great things are built together, and the strongest foundations are laid through steady, intentional growth.”

The biggest lesson they have learned along the way? “Build slow, build true, and never give up,” Hamouda says.

Supporting Local Handicrafts: Saudi Cultural Development Fund Launches Nama’ Accelerators in Partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Quality of Life Program

The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) has announced Nama’ Accelerators, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Quality-of-Life Program, one of Vision 2030 realization programs.

The accelerators are designed to enable the sustainable growth of cultural businesses through comprehensive training and development opportunities that culminate in financial incentives.

Nama’ Accelerators comprises multiple sector-specific tracks to be introduced by the Fund in the near future.

Image source: Saudi CDF

The accelerators launch with its first track, Handicrafts, as part of the Fund’s broader efforts to amplify the economic, social, and creative impact of the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, and to enable sector stakeholders to enhance and expand their cultural projects and businesses.

The Fund has launched a dedicated webpage for full accelerators details HERE.

The Handicrafts Track targets micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) across 11 key handicrafts fields, including pottery, textiles, and woodworking.

Participants will benefit from specialized training in modern craft techniques, intensive workshops in marketing and business development, and improved access to both local and global markets.

The accelerators conclude with targeted, financial incentives aimed at supporting long-term business growth and sustainability.

Through its first track, Nama’ Accelerators aims to transform Saudi Arabia’s vibrant handicraft heritage into sustainable economic businesses that that empower communities, spark innovation in the sector, and embrace the Kingdom’s national identity.

The accelerators also designed to amplify the sector’s economic and social impact by supporting the growth of ambitious, high-potential startups with innovative ideas.

In doing so, it contributes to building a vibrant Saudi entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages creativity and enables long-term, meaningful growth.

Nama’ Accelerators marks a significant step forward in the Cultural Development Fund’s mission to become the Financial Center of Excellence for the cultural sector. It reinforces the Fund’s role as a key financial enabler for cultural entrepreneurs and businesses by enabling their sustainable and profitable growth.

The accelerators also consolidate the Fund’s efforts with key stakeholders in the cultural ecosystem, enabling it to continue its path toward achieving the goals of the National Culture Strategy, under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.

For more information about Nama’ Accelerators and the Handicrafts Track, click HERE.

UBQT Partners With UAE Ministry of Economy To Enable Purposeful Community Connections

UBQT, a UAE-based social networking app that aims to transform how professionals connect, has announced a strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy as part of the Riyada Entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The collaboration seeks to facilitate more meaningful connections between professionals and their circles. The Ministry of Economy announced its partnership with UBQT on May 22, 2025 at GITEX EUROPE.

Dr. Ali Makki, Entrepreneurship Affairs Advisor at Ministry of Economy, and Lara Varjabedian, co-founder and CEO of UBQT, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) witnessed by H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship.

Founded by Varjabedian as well as Jonathan L. Hasson and I.Q. Sayed, UBQT (pronounced “Ubiquity”) has seen nearly 5,000 organic downloads since its January 2024 launch.

Through its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered social app, UBQT empowers communities to build stronger relationships, boost engagement, and harness social capital. With powerful features that allow users to sync diaries and easily plan in person catchups, UBQT keeps community members connected with their global/local professional and personal circles effortlessly.

Through this partnership, UBQT will create dedicated communities in the app for all Ministry of Economy initiatives, including Riyada, Future 100, and the National Program. By leveraging its innovative platform, UBQT will help community members to connect more in-person at events, in one-one catchups or while travelling (in different cities of the UAE or around the world), and receive curated connection suggestions and reminders.

“We are incredibly inspired by the UAE’s visionary outlook and focus on strengthening communities and building partnerships,” Lara, Co-Founder and CEO of UBQT commented. “The UAE has always been a forward-thinking nation, continuously shining a light on what truly matters, and this partnership demonstrates its commitment to innovation, social bonds within communities and unlocking the potential of social capital. It’s a privilege to be part of such a forward-thinking vision.”

With the Ministry hosting events worldwide, UBQT’s technology will help ensure that entrepreneurs and professionals stay effortlessly connected.

UBQT’s mission to empower more meaningful real-life connections within communities aligns with this vision. Through its app, UBQT is able to foster vibrant community bonds by simplifying real-life catchups, enabling professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members to effortlessly connect in person, collaborate, and forge lasting relationships.

.

The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF), an investment fund to support the sustainable development of the Kingdom’s cultural sector, hosted a roundtable and networking lunch at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, bringing together industry leaders, major studio executives, filmmakers, producers, and financiers.

Titled “Collaborate and Invest: Shaping the Future of the Film Industry,“ the event explored tailored financing mechanisms driving sustainable growth in the film sector and foster international collaborations, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global hub for creative filmmaking.

During the event, CDF announced a significant expansion of its role in supporting film projects, introducing a comprehensive financial excellence framework. This approach, created in close collaboration with various partners within the Saudi film ecosystem, aims to streamline funding processes, enhance clarity, and expand access for stakeholders across the entire film industry value chain.

The framework aims to improve the efficiency of the incentives process, targeting a 60% reduction in processing times for successful applications. Key components include:

Clear Eligibility Criteria: Clear guidelines for accessing financial support.
Well-Defined Evaluation Process: Objective assessments for project funding to enhance decision-making.
Faster Processing Times: An integrated digital system for submitting, tracking, and managing funding applications.

This new direction reflects CDF’s strategic commitment to accelerating the growth of the Saudi film sector, aligning closely with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and cultural empowerment.

By enhancing the funding infrastructure and fostering a competitive, globally connected film industry, CDF aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for the film sector.

Emirates Development Bank Launches Fee-Free Digital Banking Platform to Support UAE Entrepreneurs

Emirates Development Bank, the UAE government-owned financial institution, has launched EDB 360, a ee-free digital banking platform aimed at supporting the ambitions of the country’s entrepreneurs as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The announcement was made at this year’s edition of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Forum.

EDB 360 breaks down the traditional barriers of business banking with its no-fee, no-minimum-balance approach. It this gives entrepreneurs accessibility to speed, simplicity, and full control. Through smart integration with key government entities, EDB 360 allows users to open an account in minutes freeing founders to focus on scaling their ideas instead of navigating paperwork.

From a single app, entrepreneurs can manage payroll, invoicing, and payments, monitor cash flow, and access a growing suite of value-added services — including smart integrations with fintech platforms and a dedicated EDB Concierge that offers real-time advice for setup and scale-up.

“At EDB, our mission goes far beyond finance- we help businesses grow, because when they grow, the UAE grows,” H. E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, said. “With EDB 360, we’ve created a zero-bureaucracy, high-impact platform that gives entrepreneurs the flexibility, tools, and tailored support they need to build the businesses of tomorrow. By removing friction and expanding access to capital and advice, we’re helping turn bold ideas into real economic impact.”

Launched in collaboration with leading government and entrepreneurship bodies —including the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Khalifa Fund, and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)— as well as strategic ecosystem partners such as Visa, NymCard, Klaim, eFunder, Thoughtworks, and Trade Capital Partners, EDB 360 connects users with the wider financial and startup ecosystem to help them access new opportunities and scale easily.

Entrepreneurs operating in EDB’s key sectors benefit from sector-specific guidance, tools, and financing options that accelerate growth while contributing to the UAE’s broader economic vision. Now available on iOS and Android, EDB 360 is the UAE’s next step in building a smarter, stronger startup economy. Learn more by clicking HERE.

OnePane Empowers Enterprises to Build Cloud and Business Resilience

Onepane.ai, a US-based SaaS enterprise helping enterprises across the UAE, Middle East and APAC build scalable, resilient, and cost-conscious cloud environments, has released a new suite of service packages to enable organizations to take a more structured, transparent approach to cloud operations.

The new offering includes Cloud Pulse, a quick diagnostic to identify inefficiencies, Resilience Ready, a customized roadmap to strengthen cloud operations, and Cloud Tower, a comprehensive transformation framework designed to create long-term operational resilience and cloud maturity.

“Cloud spend doesn’t need to be a black hole,” said Arun Mohan, a seed investor in OnePane.ai. “Our goal is to give enterprises clarity and confidence—whether that means reducing waste, improving continuity, or simply making smarter decisions with their infrastructure.”

In recent years, OnePane has helped enterprises build resilient, cost-efficient cloud foundations.

By combining cloud governance, operational visibility, and actionable intelligence, it empowers organizations to reduce risk, control spend, and systemize knowledge—enabling scalable, sustainable digital resilience.

With its latest service packages, OnePane takes this mission further, helping businesses not just adopt the cloud, but secure and scale confidently within it.

From Beauty to Business: The Rise of Self-Made Beauty Entrepreneur Ashley Aquilina

In a world saturated with trends and influencers, few stories stand out like that of Ashley Aquilina, a British beautician who turned her passion into a thriving beauty business.

From a £4 -an-hour job at a spa in her hometown of Manchester, to launching a mobile beauty business in her local area, Aquilina’s career trajectory changed when her mother helped her find a lucrative niche. “When I was 23, I had my brows tattooed for the first time, and my mum advised I should learn how to do this. Semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) wasn’t big at the time, but I followed my instinct—and it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” she says.

Before long, her mobile beauty business evolved into a specialist business focused on semi-permanent makeup, servicing clients in Manchester and Dubai. “Four years ago, I expanded by launching my own academy and online SPMU product shop.”

Looking back at the early days, Aquilina says that the biggest challenge was financial. “Working in salons paid poorly, and being self-employed was risky, especially without consistent client flow,” she explains. “There was also the pressure of educating clients about treatments that weren’t yet mainstream, like SPMU back then. But I believed in the quality of my work and stayed persistent.”

Today, Aquilina specializes in beauty treatments for eyebrows (microblading, ombre brows, and combination brows) and lips (lip blush). “Currently, I have a small but dedicated team that helps manage the academy, product orders, and client bookings. I work closely with my staff to ensure the business still feels personal and high quality—something I’ve always valued,” she explains.

Ashley Aquilina Academy was borne out of her desire to help aspiring beauty professionals build a lucrative career. In a blog post on her website, Aquilina lays out the full cost breakdown with complete transparency- investing between £1,200 and £4,000 in microblading training can lead to a monthly income of £5,000 to £32,500. “After years of perfecting my craft, I realized there were so many aspiring artists who lacked guidance and proper education,” she explains. “I created my academy to empower others—to teach them not just the technique, but the business side of beauty too. My courses are designed for beginners as well as professionals looking to upskill.”

Ashley Aquilina, founder of Ashley Aquilina Academy.

On her main learnings from this part of her business, Aquilina says, “I’ve learned that teaching is an art in itself. People learn differently, and it’s so important to provide not just information, but mentorship and confidence-building. It’s also taught me how fulfilling it is to watch others succeed from something I helped them achieve.”

Her curiosity and ambition eventually brought her to Dubai, a place she had long considered “full of opportunity, especially in beauty.” She explains, “I noticed that SPMU was in demand here, and the entrepreneurial culture really aligned with my mindset. I knew I had something valuable to offer, and I wanted to grow beyond the UK.”

However, entering the the Dubai beauty market was no easy feat. “The biggest challenge was adapting to a new market with different regulations, consumer behaviors, and even cultural expectations,” Aquilina explains. “It took time to understand the licensing and legal requirements to operate professionally. I overcame these challenges by researching thoroughly, networking with other professionals in the region, and staying adaptable.”

When it comes to style and consumer expectations, the markets of the UK and the UAE have its differences, Aquilina says. “The UAE market is more trend-driven and fast-paced. Clients expect a very high level of service and are willing to invest in luxury treatments. In the UK, clients are sometimes more reserved in their approach, and trends can take a bit longer to catch on. However, both markets value quality, trust, and professionalism—which I always aim to deliver.”

Her future plans include expanding her training courses further internationally, introducing more advanced education options, and growing her online store. “I’m also exploring brand collaborations and product development, especially in the SPMU space.” Aquilina is equally passionate about both artistry and entrepreneurship which might be the secret to her success. “I’m passionate about the creative side—brows, lips, pigments—but I also love the business side. I schedule time for both. I treat my artistry like a craft I constantly refine, while also focusing on growing the academy, brand, and online store,” she concludes.

Saudi Cultural Development Fund’s Tailored Financing Could Accelerate the Kingdom’s Filmmaking Ambitions

The framework aims to improve the efficiency of the incentives process, targeting a 60% reduction in processing times for successful applications. Key components include:

Clear Eligibility Criteria: Clear guidelines for accessing financial support.
Well-Defined Evaluation Process: Objective assessments for project funding to enhance decision-making.
Faster Processing Times: An integrated digital system for submitting, tracking, and managing funding applications.

By enhancing the funding infrastructure and fostering a competitive, globally connected film industry, CDF aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for the film sector.