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The cybersecurity landscape in the UAE is evolving rapidly, with organizations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 94% of cybersecurity professionals in the UAE are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought. Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardization and cost.

Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity

Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently. When asked what they associate with the term, 78% linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 64% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 40% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.

The growing demand for proactive security

One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents (70%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions. Another 24% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient. With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organizations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.

Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies

The study emphasizes that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimize reliance on external defenses.

“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.

Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures. When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage. This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organizations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.

As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organizations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.

Huawei Cloud hosted the Saudi Arabia Partner Day, Recruitment & Appreciation Gala at the InterContinental Riyadh, bringing together more than 150 partners from across the Kingdom. The event highlighted Huawei Cloud’s instrumental role in building one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing cloud ecosystems, directly contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitious digital transformation across industries.

The event reaffirmed Huawei Cloud’s long-term commitment to its local partners, focusing on enablement, innovation, and shared growth. Participants reflected on a year of significant ecosystem development and aligned on future opportunities to drive measurable impact for customers in Saudi Arabia.

“Our partners are the cornerstone of Huawei Cloud’s success in Saudi Arabia,” said Lawrence Liu, CEO of Huawei Cloud Saudi Arabia. “By deeply investing in our community, empowering partners with right policies, cutting-edge solutions, and strong incentives, we are jointly building a sustainable cloud future that delivers real value to customers and supports the Kingdom’s transformative journey.”

Discussions throughout the event centered on strengthening the partner network and fostering long-term success. Huawei Cloud shared key updates on its ecosystem strategy in Saudi Arabia, detailing continued investment, partner-focused policies, and scalable cloud solutions designed to enable partners to grow profitably and build sustainable businesses. Yong Hu, Director of Partner Development at Huawei Cloud Saudi Arabia, elaborated on the ecosystem’s evolution over the past year, highlighting how close collaboration with partners drives differentiation, supports innovation, and creates measurable customer impact across industries.

The maturity and success of the ecosystem were reflected in partner success stories. Points Information Technology demonstrated a live avatar empowered by Huawei AI solution unlocked new market opportunities and sustainable growth, while Raqmeyat shared its experience in executing effective digital marketing strategies to accelerate demand generation and business expansion. Ejada Systems Company, MDS for Computer Systems, BTC (Baud Telecom Company) and NAS Solutions also shared their journeys, underscoring the breadth and diversity of Huawei Cloud’s partner landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Partner excellence was a key highlight of the gathering, with Huawei Cloud recognizing more than 15 partners for their exceptional performance and contributions to the ecosystem. Among the recognitions, BTC (Baud Telecom Company) was named Outstanding Growth Partner, while MDS for Computer Systems and Ejada Systems Company received the Outstanding Revenue Partner award, highlighting their significant contributions to development growth and customer success.

With a rapidly expanding partner network and a clear focus on innovation, enablement, and shared success, Huawei Cloud continues to reinforce its role as a trusted cloud partner in Saudi Arabia,

Modern messengers, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and others, are often used for illicit purposes. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence has conducted an in-depth monitoring of over 800 blocked cybercriminal Telegram channels between 2021 and 2024. While a range of illegal activities continues to be hosted on the platform, its environment has become noticeably more challenging for sustained underground operations.

Telegram’s bot framework and other built-in features make for a low-effort ecosystem for the underworld. A single bot can simultaneously manage queries, process cryptocurrency payments, and instantly deliver stolen bank cards, info-stealer logs, phishing kits, or DDoS attacks to hundreds of buyers per day, often without operator involvement. Unlimited, non-expiring file storage eliminates the need for external hosting when distributing multi-gigabyte database dumps or stolen corporate documents. This frictionless automation naturally favors high-volume, low-price, low-skill offerings, such as leaked bank cards or other data, hosting malware, etc. High-value, trust-dependent deals (for instance, zero-day vulnerability information) still remain on reputation-gated dark-web forums.

Kaspersky researchers found two clear trends related to illegal activities on Telegram. The average lifespan of shadow channels has increased, with the proportion of channels surviving over nine months more than tripling in 2023-2024 compared to 2021–2022. At the same time, Telegram’s blocking activity has risen significantly. Monthly takedown figures recorded since October 2024 – even at their lowest – are comparable to the peak levels seen throughout 2023, and the overall pace has continued to accelerate in 2025. This impedes malicious activities. 

Other disadvantages of Telegram for cybercriminals include the lack of default end-to-end (E2E) encryption for chats, the inability to use their own servers for communication (due to the messenger’s centralized infrastructure), and closed server-side code, which makes it impossible to verify its functionality. 

As a result, several established underground communities, including the nearly 9,000-member BFRepo group and the Angel Drainer malware-as-a-service operation, have already begun shifting primary activity to other platforms or proprietary messengers, citing repeated disruptions of their activities on Telegram.

“Fraudsters find Telegram a convenient tool for many malicious activities, but the risk-reward balance is clearly shifting. Channels are managing to stay online longer than a couple of years ago, yet the dramatically higher volume of blocks means operators can no longer count on long-term stability. When a storefront or service disappears overnight – and sometimes reappears only to be removed again weeks later – building a reliable business becomes much harder. We’re starting to see the early stages of migration as a direct consequence,” comments Vladislav Belousov, Digital Footprint Analyst at Kaspersky.

To help users and organizations stay protected, Kaspersky recommends the following practical measures:

• Report clearly illicit channels and bots to accelerate community-driven moderation.
• Use multiple sources of Threat Intelligence information (with coverage of surface, deep and dark web resources) to be notified about recent underground activities and stay aware of actual TTPs used by threat actors.

Vodafone has announced the renewal of its partnership with TOD, strengthening its commitment to delivering premium sports and entertainment experiences to customers across Egypt.

Through this renewed collaboration, Vodafone customers will enjoy access to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on TOD, supported by Vodafone’s 5G network, offering wide coverage and a seamless streaming experience.

Beyond AFCON, the partnership provides Vodafone RED customers with year-round access to premium sports and entertainment from TOD, including exclusive live sports and a rich library of Arabic, Turkish and Western content.

The renewed partnership reflects both companies’ shared focus on innovation, connectivity, and delivering high-quality digital experiences tailored to the needs of today’s viewers.

Recent research from Kaspersky has illuminated a significant shift in AI usage during the holiday season. Far from being just a reliable shopping or planning assistant, artificial intelligence has emerged as a multifaceted digital companion capable of delivering emotional support – a phenomenon particularly pronounced among the Gen Z and millennial group. However, Kaspersky experts warn that placing too much trust in AI can threaten data security.

In the run-up to the Christmas holidays, Kaspersky conducted a survey* to find out how people leverage AI-powered tools to make the most of their free time and streamline holiday preparations, and to highlight the potential cyber threats related to it. It turns out that AI’s popularity in the 2025/2026 holiday is rather high, with 92% of survey participants in the UAE indicating they plan to incorporate AI into their holiday activities. The younger generation demonstrates the strongest enthusiasm for AI usage, with 86% of respondents aged 18-34 expressing intentions to resort to artificial intelligence during the holiday period. 

According to the survey, more than a half of AI users plans to utilize the tools during the holidays to search for recipes (45%) or restaurants and accommodation (59%), underscoring AI’s ongoing significance in simplifying research processes and reducing search-related time commitments.

However, AI as an idea generator also gets a great response from the audience. The survey uncovered that 48% of users seek AI assistance for brainstorming gift ideas, ways to celebrate or tips on Christmas decoration. 51% of respondents plan to trust AI to generate ideas on how to spend their free time. During the holidays 46% of respondents regards AI as a shopping assistant, which can help them to create shopping lists, find the best deals or analyze reviews. 

Modern AI tools enable holiday shoppers to find offers that perfectly match individual preferences and budget constraints with just a few clicks. However, the reliability of chatbot-generated information remains a significant concern. It’s highly recommended for shoppers to check all links provided by AI before clicking on them, as they may contain malicious or phishing content. To mitigate this risk, cybersecurity experts recommend employing a security solution  empowered with AI-based phishing detection tools.

Beyond its capacity to tackle diverse challenges and generate new ideas, AI assumed a new role: serving as a virtual companion capable of offering emotional assistance. 39% of those who use AI during holidays consider talking to it when they feel unhappy. Zoomers and millennials show the biggest interest in AI-powered support among all ages. 

“As LLM models rapidly evolve, their potential for engaging in meaningful dialogue with users grows as well. However, it’s important to bear in mind that they learn to answer from data, most of which is sourced from the Internet, meaning they are prone to regurgitate the error and biases from the text used for training. It’s highly recommended to approach AI suggestions with a healthy dose of skepticism and try to avoid oversharing,” comments Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center.

While communication with AI services may seem personal and private, it’s important to remember that most chatbots are owned by commercial companies with their own data collection and processing policies. Here are several security tips that can help to enhance data privacy:

• Before starting any conversation, review the privacy policy of the AI tool you’re using. Check whether you can opt out of using your chats for such purposes as model training or marketing to minimize the amount of data collected.
• Try to avoid sharing deeply personal, identifying, or financial information with AI chatbots. Treat your messages as you would a public social post – never assume absolute confidentiality.
• Stick to AI services from reputable companies with strong privacy and security track records. Avoid using anonymous or unknown bots that could be designed to harvest data. Malicious or fake AI bots may attempt to extract personal information to commit fraud, phishing, or blackmail. To protect your data, use a security solution such as Kaspersky Premium that prevents clicking on unreliable links.  

During the BRIDGE Summit 2025 held in Abu Dhabi, iQIYI and the BRIDGE Alliance officially announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of the BRIDGE Alliance, and Xianghua Yang, President of iQIYI’s Movie & Overseas Business Group.

The signing was followed by in-depth discussions on future collaboration, marking a new chapter of structured cooperation between China’s leading online entertainment platform and one of the Middle East and North Africa’s most ambitious media hub initiatives.

The partnership is founded on a shared vision. The BRIDGE Alliance is dedicated to advancing inclusivity, diversity, and impact across the media, content, and entertainment sectors by fostering international cooperation and innovation. iQIYI, one of China’s most influential digital entertainment brands, brings extensive expertise in long-form content, technology R&D, and diversified business models. Together, the two organizations aim to integrate content and technology strengths with platform and hub capabilities to explore the future of media technology.

Under the MoU, collaboration will focus on:

• Joint IP Development and Operation
• Co-production and Global Distribution of Film and TV Content
• Virtual Production and VR Technology Applications
• Media Technology R&D and Industry Exchange

H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi stated: “We welcome iQIYI as a partner of the BRIDGE Alliance. iQIYI’s leadership in content innovation and advanced technology integration makes it a natural collaborator as we build a globally connected media ecosystem.”

Xianghua Yang added: “This partnership represents a key step in expanding iQIYI’s international presence, particularly in strengthening ties with the MENA region. We look forward to delivering innovative entertainment experiences and contributing to the growth of the regional media technology ecosystem.”

The partnership aims to establish a benchmark for full-cycle collaboration from research and development through to real-world application, while enhancing cultural exchange and driving innovation through the power of media.

Kaspersky experts outline how the rapid development of AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape in 2026, both for individual users and for businesses. Large language models (LLMs) are influencing defensive capabilities while simultaneously expanding opportunities for threat actors.

Deepfakes are becoming a mainstream technology, and awareness will continue to grow. Companies are increasingly discussing the risks of synthetic content and training employees to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to it. As the volume of deepfakes grows, so does the range of formats in which they appear. At the same time, awareness is rising not only within organizations but also among regular users: end consumers encounter fake content more often and better understand the nature of such threats. As a result, deepfakes are becoming a stable element of the security agenda, requiring a systematic approach to training and internal policies.

Deepfake quality will improve through better audio and a lowering barrier to entry. The visual quality of deepfakes is already high, while realistic audio remains the main area for future growth. At the same time, content generation tools are becoming easier to use: even non-experts can now create a mid-quality deepfake in just a few clicks. As a result, the average quality continues to rise, creation becomes accessible to a far broader audience, and these capabilities will inevitably continue to be leveraged by cybercriminals.

Online deepfakes will continue to evolve but remain tools for advanced users. Real-time face and voice swapping technologies are improving, but their setup still requires more advanced technical skills. Wide adoption is unlikely, yet the risks in targeted scenarios will grow: increasing realism and the ability to manipulate video through virtual cameras make such attacks more convincing.

Efforts to develop a reliable system for labeling AI-generated content will continue. There are still no unified criteria for reliably identifying synthetic content, and current labels are easy to bypass or remove, especially when working with open-source models. For this reason, new technical and regulatory initiatives aimed at addressing the problem are likely to emerge.

Open-weight models will approach top closed models in many cybersecurity-related tasks, which create more opportunities for misuse. Closed models still offer stricter control mechanisms and safeguards, limiting abuse. However, open-source systems are rapidly catching up in functionality and circulate without comparable restrictions. This blurs the difference between proprietary models and open-source models both of which can be used efficiently for undesired or malicious purposes.

The line between legitimate and fraudulent AI-generated content will become increasingly blurred. AI can already produce well-crafted scam emails, convincing visual identities, and high-quality phishing pages. At the same time, major brands are adopting synthetic materials in advertising, making AI-generated content look familiar and visually “normal.” As a result, distinguishing real from fake will become even more challenging, both for users and for automated detection systems.

AI will become a cross-chain tool in cyberattacks and be used across most stages of the kill chain. Threat actors already employ LLMs to write code, build infrastructure, and automate operational tasks. Further advances will reinforce this trend: AI will increasingly support multiple stages of an attack, from preparation and communication to assembling malicious components, probing for vulnerabilities and deploying tools. Attackers will also work to hide signs of AI involvement, making such operations harder to analyze.

“While AI tools are being used in cyberattacks, they are also become a more common tool in security analysis and influence how SOC teams work. Agent-based systems will be able to continuously scan infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and gather contextual information for investigations, reducing the amount of manual routine work. As a result, specialists will shift from manually searching for data to making decisions based on already-prepared context. In parallel, security tools will transition to natural-language interfaces, enabling prompts instead of complex technical queries,” adds Vladislav Tushkanov, Research Development Group Manager at Kaspersky.

TGL presented by SoFi, the primetime team golf league, announced OMEGA as its Official Timekeeper. As part of the multiyear partnership, OMEGA is supporting TGL’s signature 40-second shot clock, which helps create the fast-paced, competitive action that has drawn fans to the league’s new format for team golf. TGL’s second season returns Sunday, Dec. 28, on ABC in the U.S., marking the league’s broadcast network debut. Season 2 opens with a rematch of last season’s Finals between New York Golf Club and defending champion Atlanta Drive GC.

 “Golf is a strong part of OMEGA’s sporting DNA, and we’re excited to grow our support of the game alongside TGL,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, president and CEO, OMEGA. “The unique format very much appeals to our pioneering spirit, and we love how the competition emphasizes our brand values of team dynamics, precision, power, time and technology.”

“Having a global luxury brand like OMEGA join as our Official Timekeeper is evidence of the broad appeal of TGL, which this season will reach more than 150 countries and territories around the world, and has resonated with younger fans in part due to the fast pace of TGL’s matches,” said Jason Langwell, chief revenue officer, TMRW Sports. 

In addition to serving as the Official Timekeeper of TGL and sponsoring TGL’s shot clock during matches, OMEGA’s partnership includes digital and social content integrations. The collaboration also features the presence of OMEGA clocks at SoFi Center, TGL’s purpose-built venue in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where fans are welcomed throughout the season as part of TGL’s premium hospitality experience.

TGL’s rosters include two OMEGA ambassadors with Boston Common Golf’s Rory McIlroy and The Bay Golf Club’s Wyndham Clark. Boston Common Golf’s first Season 2 match is Friday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 (vs. LA), and The Bay Golf Club makes its Season 2 debut on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN (vs. ATL).

TGL presented by SoFi Media Hub: 

The Media Hub offers media members a wide selection of downloadable assets, including player and team images, league and team logos, explainer content, match highlights, overviews of holes, statistics, and more. Media can register for access and apply for match credentials at TGLMediaHub.com.

Kaspersky Threat Research has identified a new malware campaign that uses paid Google search ads and shared conversations on the official ChatGPT website to trick Mac users into running a command that installs the AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer) info stealer and a persistent backdoor on their devices. 

In the campaign, attackers buy sponsored search ads for queries such as “chatgpt atlas” and direct users to a page that appears to be an installation guide for “ChatGPT Atlas for macOS” hosted at chatgpt.com. In reality, the page is a shared ChatGPT conversation generated through prompt engineering and then sanitized so that only the step-by-step “installation” instructions remain. The guide instructs users to copy a single line of code, open Terminal on macOS, paste the command, and grant all requested permissions.

Kaspersky researchers analysis shows that the command downloads and executes a script from the external domain atlas-extension[.]com. The script repeatedly prompts the user for their system password and validates the password by attempting to run system commands. Once the correct password is supplied, the script downloads the AMOS info stealer, uses the stolen credentials to install it, and launches the malware. The infection flow represents a variation of the so-called ClickFix technique, in which users are persuaded to manually execute shell commands that retrieve and run code from remote servers.

After installation, AMOS collects data that can be monetized or reused in later intrusions. The malware targets passwords, cookies, and other information from popular browsers, data from cryptocurrency wallets such as Electrum, Coinomi, and Exodus, and information from applications including Telegram Desktop and OpenVPN Connect. It also searches for files with TXT, PDF, and DOCX extensions in the Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders, as well as files stored by the Notes application, then exfiltrates this data to attacker-controlled infrastructure. In parallel, the attack installs a backdoor that is configured to start automatically on reboot, gives remote access to the compromised system, and duplicates much of AMOS’s data-collection logic.

The campaign reflects a broader trend in which info stealers have become one of 2025’s fastest-growing threats, with attackers actively experimenting with AI-related themes, fake AI tools, and AI-generated content to increase the credibility of their lures. Recent waves have included fake AI browser sidebars and fraudulent clients for popular models; the Atlas-themed activity extends this pattern by abusing a legitimate AI platform’s built-in content-sharing feature.

“What makes this case effective is not a sophisticated exploit, but the way social engineering is wrapped in a familiar AI context,” said Vladimir Gursky, Malware Analyst at Kaspersky. “A sponsored link leads to a well-formatted page on a trusted domain, and the ‘installation guide’ is just a single Terminal command. For many users, that combination of trust and simplicity is enough to bypass their usual caution, yet the result is full compromise of the system and long-term access for the attacker.”

Kaspersky recommends that users:

• Treat any unsolicited “guide” that asks them to run Terminal or PowerShell commands with caution, especially when it involves copying and pasting a one-line script from a website, document, or chat.
• Close pages or delete messages that ask for such actions if the instructions are unclear, and seek advice from a knowledgeable source before proceeding.
• Consider pasting any suspicious commands into a separate AI or security tool to understand what the code does before executing it.
• Install and maintain reputable security software on all devices, including macOS and Linux systems, such as Kaspersky Premium, to detect and block infostealers and related payloads.

Mintiply Capital, an investment banking advisory firm specialized in managing and structuring investment transactions, is set to lead an AED 1.2 billion investment opportunity for one of the GCC’s fastest-growing food and beverage groups.

The firm is currently advising on the strategic exit process for this diversified F&B group, providing guidance across the full transaction lifecycle, from valuation and deal structuring to investor onboarding and regulatory coordination. Mintiply Capital is supporting the positioning of the asset for acquisition by presenting the opportunity to qualified regional and international investors, ensuring a seamless transition of ownership and helping maximize value for all stakeholders.

The opportunity encompasses a diversified F&B and e-commerce ecosystem featuring multiple verticals across supermarkets, cafés, bakeries, catering, and digital food delivery. With more than 10 years of existence, the group rapidly expanded, evolving from a niche retail concept into a multi-brand network of multiple stores, multiple concept cafés, and an integrated online delivery platform.

“This initiative represents a landmark opportunity for investors to participate in a truly integrated F&B and e-commerce ecosystem in the GCC,” said Noel Hatem, Chief Operating Officer at Mintiply Capital. Hatem added: “Beyond strong financial returns, this project offers regional investors access to a high-growth, diversified business with proven scalability, a robust operational model, and the potential to shape the future of the F&B and e-commerce landscape in the region.”

“The market is evolving rapidly, and we are offering a structured, high-potential investment that combines strong fundamentals with clear growth and scalability across the region,” Hatem concluded.

Built on a model that combines premium quality with competitive pricing, the group has successfully positioned itself between high-end gourmet retailers and value-driven supermarkets capturing a broad consumer base and doubling its market alpha in just two years. Its product portfolio is complemented by a growing range of branded and private-label offerings.

The ecosystem also includes a fast-scaling e-commerce platform that has become a cornerstone of its customer engagement strategy, enabling consistent growth across both physical and digital channels.

As part of this transaction, Mintiply Capital is also advising on the structuring process of the acquisition framework for incoming investors, providing guidance on the design of the investment vehicle, guiding on regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and conducting operational, financial, and commercial due diligence. Mintiply Capital is also advising on the development of a comprehensive deal structure that enables new investors to seamlessly acquire the group’s full ecosystem.

With Gulf’s M&A activity expected to surpass $115 billion in 2025, the appetite for strategic acquisitions across the UAE and Saudi Arabia has never been stronger. According to the EY MENA M&A Insights 9M 2025 report, M&A activity in the region rose 23% in the first nine months of the year, with 649 deals. Strong investor interest and an improving economic environment fueled the growth, with cross-border transactions driving 54% of deal volume and 76% of deal value, which is the highest level in five years.

By curating this opportunity, Mintiply Capital reinforces its commitment to connecting global capital with regional success stories identifying high-performing businesses ready for strategic ownership transitions and long-term growth acceleration.

Riyadh Air and Huawei have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which brings together the former’s global growth vision and the latter’s technological expertise to elevate how guests discover, book and experience travel with the Kingdom’s new national carrier. 

The partners have already explored new opportunities in smart aviation and digital innovation, and this MoU marks the next significant step in the airline’s ambition to become one of the world’s most digitally advanced carriers.

A Phased Approach to Digital Excellence

Riyadh Air and Huawei will adopt a phased approach to developing the airline’s next-generation digital ecosystem, beginning with a focus on China and other key international markets. With key milestones achieved, Huawei will now support Riyadh Air’s broader digital transformation, leveraging its expertise in cloud, AI, mobility services, and integrated digital ecosystems.

20% of smartphone users in China use Huawei devices (according to TechInsights), giving Riyadh Air the opportunity to leverage Huawei’s technology and local reach to build a full, market-specific digital ecosystem, tailored to China’s unique social media and market environment, delivering seamless, personalized and data-driven travel experiences.

As the partnership evolves, collaboration will expand into areas of digital innovation, including marketing, loyalty, cloud services and advanced technologies, with a focus on co-creating future-focused digital solutions that enrich the travel experience and shape a new era of smart, connected aviation.

China at the Core of Growth Strategy

The focus on the Chinese market reflects its importance to Riyadh Air’s network strategy to reach over 100 global destinations.

“China market is an important part of Riyadh Air’s global expansion and essential to Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Air. “As the Kingdom raises its target to 150 million tourists by 2030 our partnership with Huawei strengthens our ability to deliver the digital, seamless and personalized journey Chinese guests travelers expect.”

Coste added that Riyadh Air, as the Kingdom’s new national carrier, aims to serve as a bridge enhancing airline connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China. Huawei devices have more than 730 million monthly active users globally, who will be introduced to the benefits of Riyadh Air’s digital lifestyle ecosystem, Sfeer.

Looking Ahead

Peak Yin, CEO KSA, HUAWEI Consumer Business Group (CBG) said: “We have found a true partner in Riyadh Air, a digital-native, future-focused national carrier. Huawei is committed to supporting Riyadh Air with our best global technologies to co-create world-class digital experiences for travelers from China – and around the world.”

“This partnership is designed as a seamless and continuously evolving collaboration, enabling us to innovate together, elevating every stage of the travel experience and pushing the boundaries of what technology can bring to the aviation industry – and its guests,” Yin added.

With a goal of connecting to 100 destinations by 2030, Riyadh Air sees strong digital partnerships as essential. By combining its global ambitions with Huawei’s technological expertise, the airline is set to shape the travel experience, enhance connectivity, and help shape the future of smart, digitally enabled air travel.

AJEX, the Saudi-headquartered partner of DHL  eCommerce, is proud to announce it has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, the global  authority on workplace culture, employee experience, for the second consecutive year. Based  entirely on AJEX employee feedback, results for 2025 revealed that 83% of employees described  AJEX as a Great Place To Work, and an overall 81% Trust Index score, up from 72% last year. 

Operational since 2021, AJEX has established itself as a leading player in the Middle East’s logistics  sector, expanding its network, products, and services, including e-commerce and cold chain  solutions, to cater to the region’s fastest growing sectors. Central to its success is the company’s  award-winning culture, built on trust, transparency, and a deep commitment to nurturing its  people.  

AJEX offers clear career pathways, continuous learning opportunities, and leadership accessibility  for its 2,000-strong workforce, creating an environment where employees feel heard, valued, and  supported. This people-first mindset has shaped a workplace where diverse perspectives thrive and where teams are empowered to innovate and contribute to the company’s growth. Reflecting  its commitment to meaningful representation, the AJEX workforce includes 32% Saudi nationals,  38 nationalities, and 17% female employees, demonstrating the company’s ongoing focus on Saudization, gender equity, and an inclusive, diverse culture. 

“We are delighted to have received this prestigious recognition from a Great Place To Work at AJEX  for the second year in row. This achievement is a testament to our employees’ commitment,  openness, and belief in AJEX, and reflects the continued dedication of our leadership in creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered,” said Khalid Aldosari, Chief  Shared Services Officer, AJEX. 

“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and  intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” added Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice  President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the  sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company  culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that AJEX stands out as one of the  top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

Jetour, in exclusive partnership with Elite Group Holding in the UAE, has officially kicked off the Liwa International Festival 2026 with a dynamic brand presence designed to celebrate adventure, culture, and community. As the festival opens its doors for a 23-day celebration in the Al Dhafra region, Jetour stands front and center, welcoming visitors with interactive displays, premium experiences, and thrilling off-road moments that embody the spirit of Travel+.

Recognized as one of the UAE’s most anticipated annual events, the Liwa International Festival welcomes thousands of visitors for an unforgettable celebration of heritage, motorsport, and entertainment. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Al Dhafra’s golden dunes, the festival features an extraordinary line-up of cultural showcases, high-energy competitions, nightly performances, and family-friendly attractions, all paying homage to the UAE’s deep connection to its desert traditions.

For the 2026 edition, Jetour will elevate the festival experience with a comprehensive presence across multiple zones, showcasing the brand’s innovation, exploration, and community engagement. Attendees can enjoy interactive test drives alongside lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences, with Jetour’s showcase crafted to highlight the versatility, capability, and premium comfort of its SUV line-up.

At the heart of the activation was the Jetour VIP Camp. During the first week, from December 12th to 14th, guests experienced a range of immersive cultural activities, including Arabic Tanoora performances, oud sessions, falconry, henna artistry, and traditional Dalla service. Additional weekends bring a world-music DJ fusion with international drummers and performers from December 19th to 21st, followed by an Eastern-inspired program from December 26th to 28th featuring a Dragon show, Chinese calligraphy, Bian Lian performances, tea tasting, and more. Throughout the entire festival, the VIP Camp will boast a Majlis, outdoor cinema, refreshments, giant board games, neon installations, volleyball, and a photobooth, creating an elevated retreat for families and adventure-seekers.

In the Corporate Area, Jetour presents a fully branded showroom-style display active from December 12th to January 3rd, featuring flagship SUVs including the G700, T2 i-DM 4WD, T2 Luxury Plus, T1, and Dashing. As the festival reaches its peak, Jetour will also command attention at Tal Moreeb from December 31st to January 3rd, where the imposing G700 takes center stage beside the grandstand culminating with a spectacular New Year’s Eve show and fireworks.

“Our participation at this year’s Liwa Festival reflects Jetour’s passion for connecting with communities through truly immersive experiences,” said Haroon Hayat, Group CFO of Elite Group Holding. “Moments like this remind us that personal achievements are only possible when backed by the dedication of an exceptional team. We are proud to bring Jetour’s adventurous DNA to one of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.”

Jetour, under the exclusive distributorship of Elite Group Holding, continues to redefine the UAE’s SUV landscape with its Travel+ philosophy, delivering innovation, intelligent design, and powerful performance tailored for modern lifestyles. With a growing presence across the Emirates, Jetour’s premium SUV line-up is crafted for drivers who value capability, comfort, and discovery across both city roads and rugged terrain.

As Liwa International Festival 2026 begins its annual celebration of heritage and adventure, Jetour is ready to take attendees on a journey of excitement and discovery that captures the true essence of Travel+.

Jetour: The Spirit of Travel+ 

Jetour is a premium SUV brand built on the Travel+ philosophy – a mindset that combines innovation, performance, and smart design to suit the evolving needs of global drivers. Under the exclusive distributorship of Elite Group Holding, Jetour UAE offers a robust lineup of adventure-ready SUVs – tailored for families, explorers, and anyone who demands more from their vehicle.

As the GCC works to build resilient, future-ready economies, the question of how to prepare learners for rapidly changing job markets is more urgent than ever. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, more than one in five jobs globally will be affected by 2030, driven by technological change, automation, demographic shifts and the green transition.

Almasar Alshamil Education, the leading provider of specialized education and the largest provider of private higher education in the UAE, is addressing this challenge head-on, equipping ca. 28,000 students with the skills, resilience and adaptability needed for the jobs of tomorrow through its two pillars: Special Needs Education and Care (SEC) and Higher Education.

Together, these two pillars position Almasar Education as the only education provider in the region to link early intervention with industry-aligned higher education. In doing so, Almasar Education is building a pathway from childhood to career that strengthens Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Human Capability Development Program.

Supporting approximately 8,000 beneficiaries in Saudi Arabia

Through the Human Development Company (HDC), Almasar Education operates 39 special education and care centers, 14 special education and care schools and three clinics across Saudi Arabia, serving approximately 8,000 children and young adults with special educational needs. By providing early screening, therapy and assistive technologies, HDC strengthens literacy, numeracy and self-regulation. At the same time, this work is helping to build and professionalize the Kingdom’s SEC sector, creating demand for thousands of skilled specialists and driving the localization of EdTech solutions tailored to this space. These services improve individual outcomes while widening the Kingdom’s future workforce by allowing more young people to progress into mainstream education, vocational training and ultimately employment.

Operating Higher Education programs that prepare graduates for the workplace 

Almasar Education leads the private higher education in the UAE through its two major institutions: Middlesex University Dubai, the largest private university in Dubai, and NEMA Holding, Abu Dhabi’s largest tertiary education group, operating Abu Dhabi University and Liwa University.

Almasar Education adopts an integrated and industry-focused approach to higher education, equipping individuals with both academic expertise and the practical competencies required to successfully enter the workforce after they graduate. The organization measures success by outcomes, aiming for each student to leave with a degree that opens doors in global markets and with the confidence to adapt when the job changes around them. Adapting to today’s requirements, programs in artificial intelligence, business analytics, cybersecurity and fintech are developed in partnership with leading employers and reinforced through live projects, internships and industry-led research. 

Recent collaborations highlight this practical approach. Middlesex University Dubai became the first in the UAE to have its MBA in AI and Business Analytics recognized by the Institute of Analytics, a global benchmark for data professionals. Partnerships with Alibaba Cloud and Dubai Police give students hands-on training in cloud platforms, digital forensics and AI-driven investigation tools, turning classrooms into gateways to real-world careers of the future.

Majed Al Mutairi, Chief Executive Officer of Almasar Alshamil Education said, “The skills gap is no longer a future scenario. With the Fourth Industrial Revolution continuing to transform economies and labor markets, education systems must adapt to meet future requirements. In Saudi Arabia, this is central to the Saudi Vision 2030 Human Capital Development Program, which seeks to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in a modern, digitally driven economy. Too often, traditional curricula are out of step with these evolving demands, and we must work to close that gap.

“Almasar Education plays a role at both ends of the skills pipeline, building strong early foundations through our SEC institutions while advancing higher education that responds to the demands of tomorrow’s industries. Through these efforts, every learner, regardless of background or ability, is equipped to contribute to and share in the region’s future,” he concluded.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its national transformation, Almasar Education is responding with immediate action, ensuring SEC facilities and residential centers echo today’s requirements, offering enhanced independence, social integration and the opportunity for personal growth. 

Alongside within higher education, it is launching programs in high-demand fields such as AI and fintech across the universities it operates and expanding industry partnerships to give homegrown talent a direct pathway into the workforce. These steps highlight the urgency of closing the gap before it widens further, driven by Almasar Education’s commitment to developing a skilled, inclusive and future-ready workforce that will power the Kingdom and the region’s next generation of growth. 

Kyndryl, a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise services, today released the United Arab Emirates findings from its second annual Readiness Report. The data reveals a moment of both momentum and reflection — as businesses in the UAE report growing returns from AI investments while facing mounting pressure to modernize infrastructure, scale innovation efforts, reskill workforces, and manage risk in an increasingly fragmented regulatory landscape.

“The UAE has set out one of the most ambitious AI agendas in the world, from its drive to build an AI-powered government to the transformation of key industries and the development of an AI-ready workforce,” said Raoul Van Engelshoven, Managing Director, Kyndryl UAE. “The findings of the Kyndryl Readiness Report reflect this momentum, showing how organizations across the UAE are accelerating their adoption of AI to match the nation’s vision.”

Last year’s report revealed a critical gap between perception and preparedness: while the majority of business leaders in the Middle East, including the UAE, believed their IT infrastructure was best-in-class, fewer felt it was ready for future disruption. While there has been momentum – that tension remains. This year:

• ROI pressure rising, but AI stuck in experimentation phase: 70% of UAE organizations report feeling more pressure to prove ROI on AI investments compared to last year. However, 66% say their innovation often stalls after the proof-of-concept, and 67% agree that there are foundational issues in their technology stack. 
• Confidence continues to outweigh capability: While UAE organizations are eager to innovate, foundational challenges persist. 91% say they struggle to keep up with the pace of technological advancements, 26% cite the complexity of their technology environments as a barrier to scaling tech investments, and 24% struggle to align business and technology teams. 
• AI driving workforce transformation, but skills gaps remain: 93% in the UAE say AI will “completely” transform jobs at their organizations within 12 months. Yet, 30% are concerned about how to upskill and reskill employees whose jobs are replaced by AI, 41% worry about the lack of core cognitive skills and 40% cite gaps in technical skills needed to harness AI’s potential.
• Cyber resilience top of mind: With 86% of the UAE organizations having experienced a cyber-related outage in the past year, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Yet, only 38% are implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and 35% are upgrading their IT infrastructure to mitigate business risks and strengthen resilience.
• Policy and compliance shaping infrastructure decisions: As UAE organizations scale their technology investments, 27% cite regulatory or compliance concerns as a barrier, underscoring the influence of policy on infrastructure strategy and innovation readiness.

Cloud is under pressure as geopolitical and regulatory disruption drive change

Many UAE organizations are revisiting their cloud infrastructure, prompted by new regulations and growing concerns about data sovereignty. 86% of UAE Business leaders express concerns about the geopolitical risks associated with storing and managing data in global cloud environments, and 68% have adjusted their cloud strategies in response – by investing in data repatriation, reassessing vendors, and shifting toward private cloud models.