CATEGORIES

5 Natural Wellness Destinations In MENA

Medical tourism in the Middle East and Africa is expected to be worth $1.35 billion by 2026 compared to $900 million in 2021, according to Market Data Forecast. Here are five of the most popular places for natural medical tourism in the region.

THE MIDDLE EAST'S TOP 50 TRAVEL & TOURISM LEADERS

The travel and tourism industry experienced a revival in 2021, following one of the worst years the sector has ever seen.

Thirsty For Expansion

Ali Al Ebrahim cornered the Middle East’s devotion to coffee when he launched COFE App in Kuwait four years ago. Now, with $13.2 million in total funding and a new acquisition fueling expansion, the founder and CEO has got his sights on a global goal.

Going All In

Careem alumni Wahaj Ahmed, Talha Ansari, and Muhammad Nowkhaiz, cofounders of Retailo, used the pandemic incentive to quit their jobs and launch their own tech-based startup. With $45 million in funding raised in just 18 months, they’re looking to buy-now-pay-later for their next growth spurt.

REINVENTING A PALACE

Founder and Chairman of the Emerald Palace Group, Nver Mkhitaryan, went all in building the $700 million Emerald Palace Kempinski in Dubai, only to see COVID-19 interrupt operations. After some deft maneuvring, it’s back in business as the Middle East’s first Raffles resort.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon

Pamper your senses and rejuvenate your mind and body in the Maldives, a haven of sunny beaches, tranquility, and meditation.

KICKING OFF

Fresh from signing a new deal with Boeing worth more than $27 billion, Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, is now working on plans to transport over a million international football fans to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. As passenger numbers pick up, he’s feeling optimistic.

FREIGHT EXPECTATIONS

FLEXPORT CEO RYAN PETERSEN BECAME THE SELF-APPOINTED FACE OF SUPPLY-CHAIN SOLUTIONS IN 2021 BY THINKING OUTSIDE THE CONTAINER. NOW HIS $8 BILLION STARTUP NEEDS TO PROVE IT’S MORE THAN JUST SILICON VALLEY HYPE.

Forbes Middle East's Building The Future Summit 2022

The real estate and construction sector in the Middle East was going through a transformation phase before the outbreak of the pandemic two years ago. However, the pandemic presented an opportunity for the sector to accelerate digitalization for healthier and safer buildings.

BREAKING GROUND

Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at UNWTO, is representing the region on a global stage for the worldwide tourism agency. As the sector recovers from the worst global crisis it has faced in recent history, she’s spearheading change from its first-ever office in Riyadh.

The World's 5 Most Powerful Women

As Angela Merkel retired from public office in 2021, Forbes’ 18th edition of its World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list had a new number one in 2021 for the first time in 11 years. The list represents 30 different nationalities, but in the top five France’s Christine Lagarde is the only one not from the U.S.

The Westin Maldives

If you’re looking for a healing retreat where you can take a breather outside of your everyday routine, the Maldives offer a peaceful home away from home.

TRAILBLAZING JUSTICE TECH

Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive at ADGM Courts, helped build the financial center’s judicial system on a digital foundation long before the pandemic made it vital. Now she’s looking at new ways to innovate in handling disputes.

The Changing Fortunes Of The World's 5 Richest Female Billionaires

There were no new faces among the top five richest women between April 2020 and January 2022, but most did change their ranking. All five increased their wealth over 21 months, raising their combined wealth by almost $100 billion, and all acquired their fortunes by inheritance or divorce.

THE MIDDLE EAST'S 50 MOST POWERFUL BUSINESSWOMEN

This year’s list of MENA’s most influential and successful businesswomen features representatives of 19 different nationalities and 17 sectors. The U.A.E. and Egypt scored the most entries with seven each, followed by Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kuwait, and Oman, with four entries each.

OPENING MARKETS

Maryam Al Suwaidi, CEO of the U.A.E.’s Securities and Commodities Authority, has spent two decades with the financial regulator as it has expanded its remit. As it applies new laws that make it easier for startups to go public, she’s helping to future-proof the financial markets as they become more digital.

LEADING CHANGE

Sarah Al Suhaimi, Chairperson of the Saudi Tadawul Group, has helped restructure the region’s largest capital market, as well as list its own IPO. With a market cap of $2.7 trillion, Saudi’s stock exchange is increasing its international footing.

BEYOND THE SOUND BARRIER

DECADE AGO, Daniel Ek CONVINCED LABELS AND ARTISTS TO STREAM THEIR SONGS ON SPOTIFY, REVIVING THE FLATLINING MUSIC INDUSTRY. NOW, AFTER AMASSING A $4.4 BILLION FORTUNE, HE’S MOVING PAST POP STARS, OPENING HIS SUPERSTREAMER TO STORYTELLING, LIVE TALK AND A NEW BREED OF AUDIO CREATORS IN A BID TO OWN THE WORLD’S DIGITAL EARDRUMS.

7 Women That Took Their Companies Public In 2021

Despite economic uncertainty, favorable market conditions throughout 2021 led to an increased appetite for companies entering public markets. Meet the women that have successfully taken their company public over the last year.

5 Arab Women Who Made History In 2021

From politics to professional sports, 2021 was another milestone year for Arab women. These five claimed record-breaking achievements in 2021.