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Forbes Middle East and Beltone Holding to Launch the Top Advisors & Investors Summit in Egypt

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شمس سيف
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Forbes Middle East and Beltone Holding to Launch the Top Advisors & Investors Summit in Egypt
Forbes Middle East and Beltone Holding to Launch the Top Advisors & Investors Summit in Egypt

Forbes Middle East, in partnership with Beltone Holding, has announced the launch of the inaugural Top Advisors & Investors Summit, set to take place in Cairo during the second half of 2025.

Held against a backdrop of rapid economic and financial transformation across MENA, the summit is poised to play a pivotal role in redefining investment strategies and channeling capital toward high-growth sectors of the future. The summit will bring together global investors, Beltone’s financial advisers, and top regional companies to explore emerging trends and unlock promising opportunities within a dynamic investment landscape.

Through panel discussions, exclusive interviews, and interactive workshops, the Top Advisors & Investors Summit will serve as a dynamic platform for participants to explore strategies for diversifying investment portfolios, promising Fintech opportunities, and the integration of innovation with traditional investment approaches. Discussions will also spotlight emerging asset classes, the impact of digital transformation, and the growing role of AI in reshaping the business and investment landscape.

“Launching this initiative, in collaboration with Beltone Holding, presents a strategic opportunity for leading economic advisors and investors to gather, exchange insights on evolving market dynamics, and uncover high-potential opportunities across sectors including finance, technology, services, healthcare, real estate, and tourism,” said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Forbes Middle East. “This summit serves as a vital platform for shaping the future of investment across the region.

The summit will carve out a position as a premier platform for shaping the future of investment across MENA. Beyond spotlighting emerging opportunities, it seeks to redefine strategic thinking in a rapidly shifting landscape, where financial innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term foresight are driving more resilient and sustainable investment approaches.

For more details and information about the summit, please visit the website here.

e& enterprise and Exeed Industries team up to fast-track UAE’s Industry 4.0 shift

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Sahfy Sahfy
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e& enterprise and Exeed Industries team up to fast-track UAE’s Industry 4.0 shift
e& enterprise and Exeed Industries team up to fast-track UAE’s Industry 4.0 shift

e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&, and Exeed Industries, a leading UAE industrial group and a subsidiary of National Holding, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership is a multi-year programme set to accelerate digital transformation across Exeed Industries’ UAE-based factories.

Together, both entities will develop a comprehensive Industry 4.0 roadmap – a strategic plan that guides manufacturers in adopting smart, connected technologies to boost efficiency and competitiveness – underpinned by AI and sustainability. The goal is to strengthen the resilience and global standing of UAE manufacturing.

e& enterprise will lead the development of the Exeed Industries technology blueprint for Industry 4.0 strategy, working closely with each manufacturing unit and the Group. This roadmap will be key in enabling Exeed Industries to access funding opportunities from Abu Dhabi Investment Office through the Smart Manufacturing Accelerator Programme (SMAP), to implement transformative projects at scale.

The scope covers conducting maturity assessments across five Exeed plants, developing tailored smart manufacturing roadmaps, and Deployment of Industrial IoT (IIoT) technologies integrated with AI and GenAI engines, digital twins (which use IIoT data to mirror the real-time performance and condition of physical assets), predictive maintenance and automation. It also includes deploying AI for functions like demand forecasting, quality control, and energy optimisation, as well as integrating ESG-driven platforms to monitor and reduce carbon impact.

Majd Coussa, Acting Chief Revenue Officer, e& enterprise, said: “This partnership represents a model for how we aim to work with forward-looking manufacturers. By combining Exeed’s industrial leadership with our deep expertise in digital transformation, we will co-develop scalable solutions that align with the UAE’s goals for innovation, sustainability and economic diversification.”

Mohammed AlAmeer, Group CEO, Exeed Industries, added: “At Exeed Industries, we are committed to evolving our manufacturing capabilities to meet the demands of a future-ready industrial sector. This MoU with e& enterprise allows us to reimagine our operations through the lens of digital innovation, contributing directly to national goals under Make it in the Emirates.”

As part of the collaboration, e& enterprise will bring its wider climate commitment to the table. After setting ambitious environmental targets for 2030, e& launched its Climate Transition Plan, titled “Ambition to Action”, which sets out a clear roadmap to Net Zero. One of the first companies in the region to publish such a detailed approach, e& is working to decarbonise its operations and support partners like Exeed in embedding sustainable practices across value chains.

Sustainability is embedded in e&’s transformation journey, aligned with national and global priorities such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, We The UAE 2031 Vision, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership with Exeed will further strengthen ESG-led manufacturing, with the aim of building resilient, resource-efficient industrial models that are future-fit and climate-aligned.

The collaboration supports the UAE’s broader ambitions to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing, in line with its Industry 4.0 strategy and net zero goals. It will also serve as a replicable framework for other manufacturers in the UAE and the wider region, demonstrating how digital transformation can enhance industrial productivity, energy efficiency and competitiveness.

Dollar could fall 10%, investors to prepare for major shift

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Dollar could fall 10%, investors to prepare for major shift
Dollar could fall 10%, investors to prepare for major shift

 

The US dollar could slide by as much as 10% over the next 12 months, according to analysts at deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

The analysis joins a growing chorus of major financial institutions forecasting a deeper downturn for the greenback amid slowing growth, aggressive rate cuts, and global trade disruption.

The US Dollar Index, already down nearly 10% from its February highs, is forecast by deVere to tumble further, potentially hitting levels not seen since the early stages of the pandemic.

The fall, if realised, would mark one of the most significant annual declines in over a decade.

“Investors need to brace for a pronounced decline in the dollar’s value,” said Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group.

“The combination of a shifting interest rate landscape, intensifying trade headwinds, and the recalibration of global capital flows is likely to weigh heavily on the currency. The US no longer holds the same interest rate advantage it once did, and that gap is only going to widen as cuts accelerate.”

deVere’s projection aligns with recent warnings from top-tier US banks and other international financial institutions, though its 10% forecast is among the most bearish.

The anticipated rate cuts from the Federal Reserve — as much as 175 basis points in total over the next year — are central to the outlook.

“This policy shift is expected to compress yields and erode the dollar’s attractiveness relative to its major peers,” notes Nigel Green.

“While 10-year Treasury yields remain elevated for now, we believe they’re nearing a peak, with a sharp descent on the horizon as the Fed pivots more decisively.”

He continues: “With a slowing domestic economy and growing political unpredictability, especially on the trade front, global investors are increasingly questioning the dollar’s dominance.

“This is a moment of reassessment — not only of US economic resilience but also of the role the dollar plays in the world’s financial architecture.”

Sentiment toward the dollar has already deteriorated markedly. Commodity Futures Trading Commission data show speculative positioning on the dollar remains far from bullish extremes, leaving room for a more aggressive unwind. Meanwhile, a Bloomberg gauge of the currency slipped again on Monday, continuing a trend that reflects a broader rethink of exposure to US-denominated assets.

As the dollar weakens, investors are already pivoting. deVere notes increased demand for traditional safe-haven currencies — including the yen, euro, and Swiss franc — all of which stand to gain as the dollar retreats.

“The winners in this shift will be those who position now,” said Green. “Foreign exchange markets are forward-looking, and many of the tailwinds that propped up the dollar are now becoming headwinds.

“A passive stance could mean missed opportunities — or worse, significant losses.”

For companies and investors with international exposure, this shift is already influencing strategy.

Exporters and multinationals are hedging more actively, while portfolio managers are reassessing allocations to non-dollar assets and emerging markets that could benefit from a weaker US currency.

“The world is watching the US not just for monetary signals but also for stability,” adds Green. “When confidence erodes — as it is now — the consequences extend beyond FX charts. Investors should prepare accordingly.”

He concludes: “The dollar is facing a tougher 12 months ahead, and those who act early will be best placed to seize the inevitable opportunities.

Al Baraka Group Continues Outstanding Performance in Q1 2025 with Net Income Surging by 19% and Total Assets Exceeding USD27 Billion

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Al Baraka Group Continues Outstanding Performance in Q1 2025 with Net Income Surging by 19% and Total Assets Exceeding USD27 Billion
Al Baraka Group Continues Outstanding Performance in Q1 2025 with Net Income Surging by 19% and Total Assets Exceeding USD27 Billion

Al Baraka Group B.S.C. (c) (“the Group”) continued to achieve strong financial results, recording significant growth in profitability and operational metrics during the first quarter of 2025. The net income attributable to the parent company’s shareholders rose by 19% to reach USD 46 million, compared to USD 39 million in Q1 2024. Basic earnings per share stood at 3.84 US cents in Q1 2025, up from 3.23 US cents in the same quarter of 2024. This substantial improvement is attributed mainly to the growth in financing volumes and business expansion in key markets such as Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt, which positively impacted the Group’s operating income.

The Group also announced a notable increase in total comprehensive income attributable to Al Baraka shareholders, registering profits of USD 34 million by the end of Q1 2025, compared to a loss of USD 60 million during the same period last year. This improvement was primarily due to a reduction in the foreign currency translation reserve.

Additionally, the Group recorded a significant 19% upsurge in total net income, which reached USD 91 million in Q1 2025, up from USD 77 million in the same period of 2024. This was mainly driven by increased profits from financing and investments in the Group’s key banking subsidiaries (“Units”), along with a reduction in provisions despite the continued rise in funding costs.

The transfer of 2024’s net income to retained earnings, combined with the recorded net income for Q1 2025, led to a 2% rise in total equity attributable to the parent company’s shareholders and sukuk holders, reaching USD 1.28 billion by the end of March 2025, compared to USD 1.24 billion as of the end of December 2024. Total equity reached USD 2.03 billion at the end of March 2025, up from USD 2.00 billion in December 2024, marking a 1% increase for the same reasons.

Driven by business growth and an expanding customer base, the Group saw an increase in both financing and deposits, particularly in its main markets. As a result, total assets grew to USD 27.24 billion by the end of March 2025, compared to USD 26.19 billion at the end of 2024, reflecting a 4% growth.

Commenting on these results, Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board, said:

“In the first quarter of 2025 Al Baraka Group successfully built upon the strong financial performance achieved last year. The Group continued to strengthen its presence and expand its market share in the key countries where it operates, remaining vigilant against adverse global economic and financial conditions while steadily advancing business growth, financing, and deposits. This has significantly boosted income and net profits. We shall continue leveraging our strong financial resources and broad network to enhance our business and customer base and maximize investment returns, while remaining committed to serving the communities where we operate.”

Mr. Houssem Ben Haj Amor, Board Member and Group CEO, added:

“Despite the volatile investment climate and uncertainty stemming from regional and global geopolitical and economic developments, the Group and its Units have acquired deep experience in adapting to such conditions. Meanwhile, the Group continues to focus on its core objectives of strengthening financial resilience and increasing returns from financing and investment portfolios through building market confidence in our products and services, and leveraging our banking competencies that continuously work on innovative solutions, which boost our competitiveness. Such innovations include the ‘Trade Finance Platform’ and the ‘Borderless Banking’ initiatives, which we launched last year. We also continue to maintain comprehensive oversight of risks, compliance, and governance controls.

Tires Recycled into New Heat-Resistant Roads for Pilgrims

By
شمس سيف
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Tires Recycled into New Heat-Resistant Roads for Pilgrims
Tires Recycled into New Heat-Resistant Roads for Pilgrims

Eco-conscious walkways made from recycled tyres offer cooler, softer routes in Mecca

Saudi local authorities inaugurated an expanded, climate-controlled pedestrian walkway to prepare for the Hajj, which starts Wednesday, June 4th. This initiative aims to improve the comfort and accessibility of millions of pilgrims, including those with disabilities. Additionally, environmentalists commend the project for its innovative employment of recycled materials and dedication to sustainable infrastructure in a significant global religious hub.

According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has grown 82% since its launch in 2023. More than 84,000 square metres of roads in Arafat have been resurfaced using heat-reflective and recycled materials that lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C and reflect 30–40% more sunlight during morning hours. These features help reduce urban heat island effects and provide a cooler, more comfortable experience for pilgrims in peak summer conditions.

A key aspect of the project is the use of rubberised asphalt made from recycled car tyres obtained from local landfills. Saudi Arabia discards more than 23 million used tyres each year. Transforming these tyres into road materials mitigates environmental risks, prevents the release of toxic leachates, and lowers emissions from both incineration and prolonged degradation.

The coverage of flexible rubber surfaces has increased by 33%, now totaling 16,000 square metres. The latest section stretches from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, offering a softer walking surface that enhances comfort and safety, particularly for elderly pilgrims.

Additional features include a green corridor along a 1,200-metre stretch, with tree planting, air-cooling mist systems, and water fountains installed in collaboration with the local charities to improve air quality and heat relief.

A 4,000-metre pedestrian path leading to Mount Arafat has also been completed. It uses the same cooled, low-vibration paving to support individuals with disabilities and their companions.

HE Al Zeyoudi welcomes EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to the UAE for CEPA Talks

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شمس سيف
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HE Al Zeyoudi welcomes EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to the UAE for CEPA Talks
HE Al Zeyoudi welcomes EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to the UAE for CEPA Talks

In 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and the EU reached US$67.6 billion, representing a growth of 3.6% over 2023.

HE Al Zeyoudi: “Our negotiations toward a UAE-EU CEPA is of great importance to both the UAE and the EU and represents an extraordinary opportunity for us both to enhance trade and investment ties that will foster greater collaboration and create mutual benefits and prosperity.”

His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, welcomed His Excellency Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, to the United Arab Emirates for ongoing talks regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the EU. The visit also included an investment roundtable with representatives from leading private sector companies aimed at exploring opportunities for increased collaboration and investment flows between the EU and UAE.

The UAE-EU CEPA is poised to be a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties and unlocking new avenues for trade and cooperation. The agreement will pave the way for the removal of trade barriers, enhance market access for goods and services, and stimulate investment in key sectors. By consolidating access to the EU market, the second largest economic bloc in the world, the CEPA will reinforce the UAE’s status as a global trade and logistics hub.

The EU is already one of the UAE’s key trading partners, accounting for 8.3% of non-oil trade. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two reached US$67.6 billion, representing a growth of 3.6% over 2023.

HE Al Zeyoudi emphasized the importance of the CEPA with the EU, stating, “Our negotiations toward a UAE-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is of great importance to both the UAE and the EU and represents an extraordinary opportunity for us both to enhance trade and investment ties that will foster greater collaboration and create mutual benefits and prosperity. By working together, we will strengthen our supply chains, drive innovation, and create jobs that will benefit our communities and economies for many years to come.”

HE Maroš Šefčovič commented: “Europe continues to be a reliable trading partner, which respects the deals it makes. And it is natural to seek to grow our relations with long-standing and trusted partners like the United Arab Emirates. A bilateral FTA would unlock tremendous business opportunities for European and Emirati businesses alike. Our aim is therefore to reach an ambitious deal that is commercially meaningful on both sides – one that brings tangible, lasting benefits, along with predictability, so essential to any successful business. This would add strength to our regional cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.”

During the investment roundtable, representatives from the UAE and the European private sectors, engaged in discussions to identify mutual investment opportunities that can drive innovation and sustainable economic development. FDI flows between the UAE and EU are strong and robust, with recent partnerships in data centers in Italy, solar plants in Spain, and neighbourhood redevelopment in Budapest. A UAE-EU CEPA has the potential to unlock further opportunities, including a US$50 billion AI data center deal with France and a US$40 billion commitment in Italy’s energy and defense sectors.

The CEPA program is a key pillar of the UAE’s foreign trade agenda, reflecting the nation’s commitment to open, rules-based trade to drive economic growth and diversify its economy. By enhancing access to global markets and establishing stronger trade and investment flows with partners around the world, the CEPA program has contributed to a record non-oil trade of US$816 billion in 2024, marking a 14.6% increase over 2023.

In a Warming World, Mecca Cools Down: Saudi Arabia Expands ‘White Road’ Project‏

By
شمس سيف
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In a Warming World, Mecca Cools Down : Saudi Arabia Expands ‘White Road’ Project‏
In a Warming World, Mecca Cools Down : Saudi Arabia Expands ‘White Road’ Project‏

Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, launched the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Mecca, which will enhance accessibility services for individuals with disabilities.

According to the Roads General Authority, the cooled roads initiative has expanded by 82%, building on its initial success since its launch in 2023. More than 84,000 square metres of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally sourced recycled materials designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight. These materials lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C and reflect 30–40% more sunlight during the morning hours, helping to mitigate urban heat islands and providing a more comfortable environment for pilgrims while reducing energy consumption and air pollution.

Furthermore, the growth of flexible rubber roads increased by 33%. These surfaces aim to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas, offering particular advantages to older adults. The newly laid section extends from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, raising the overall flexible pavement area to 16,000 square meters. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has validated the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberised asphalt.

The new initiatives feature a green corridor project along the adaptable route, featuring trees planted over 1,200 meters from Namira Mosque to the train station. To enhance air quality and comfort for pilgrims, air-cooling mist systems and water fountains have been installed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation.

Furthermore, the Minister has introduced an accessibility initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. This initiative features a 4,000-metre pedestrian path that leads to Mount Arafat, built with cooled paving materials designed to minimise vibrations and enhance mobility for users and their companions.

The Roads General Authority, the national regulator of Saudi Arabia’s Road sector, aims to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030 and reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. Saudi Arabia currently boasts the world’s leading intercity road connectivity, with a total network exceeding 73,000 kilometers.

Forbes Middle East Concludes Its Building The Future Summit In Abu Dhabi In Partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport

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شمس سيف
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Forbes Middle East Concludes Its Building The Future Summit In Abu Dhabi In Partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport
Forbes Middle East Concludes Its Building The Future Summit In Abu Dhabi In Partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport

Forbes Middle East concluded the inaugural Building the Future Summit, a two-day event held at Berkeley, Abu Dhabi. The summit was organized in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, and in collaboration with One Development.

The summit’s final day saw the attendance of senior government officials and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, alongside a distinguished cohort of experts, innovators, and real estate leaders from across the region. The discussions centered on the future of smart cities and sustainable urban development. Among the notable attendees were H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government; Latifa Alshehhi, Director of Investment Data Department at the Ministry of Investment; Kholood Abdulla Alsuwaidi, Head of Smart Data Section at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Ali Sajwani, Managing Director at DAMAC Properties, Founder & CEO, Amali Properties; Ali Tumbi, Founder & Chairman of AQUA Group of Companies, as well as prominent real estate leaders including Alex Zagrebelny, Founder and CEO of R · Evolution Group; and Mohammad Rafiee, CEO of Richmind Development.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE government, delivered a special address on leading the digital age, highlighting how a bold vision rooted in security, intelligence, and resilience is essential to shaping the cities of tomorrow. “We ensure the safety and security that everybody is leveraging in digitization and protect them in the cyber, digital economy,” he said. “We are enhancing our expertise with the great value of this society. Securing the human factor, their data and privacy, and building that cybersecurity culture.”

Ali Al Gebely, Founder & Chairman of ONE Development, said: “We begin every project by understanding the lived realities of our residents. It’s not about deploying technology for its own sake; it’s about making life easier and more efficient. For example, our AI systems don’t just automate – they help reduce operational costs, improve resource efficiency, and deliver real-time solutions. Urban congestion and cost challenges are very real, and our designs reflect that. We focus on creating integrated communities with intuitive layouts, sustainable infrastructure, and smart resource management – communities that are not only aspirational but also deeply livable.”

“We come together today to reaffirm that smart cities are not built by technology alone, but through the integration of innovation, thoughtful design, and cultural identity,” said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East. “The discussions held throughout this summit mark a pivotal step toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. We hope this platform will foster greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing among leaders and decision-makers to drive urban transformation across the region.”

The discussions also featured a select group of filmmakers and artists, including filmmaker Marwan Hamed and filmmaker and editor Ahmed Hafez. The Redefining Smart Living panel discussed the future of housing, with the participation of Abdelbasset Betraoui, board member & Partner at Land Sterling and CEO at Horton Interiors, and Ahmed El Sherbini, CEO of Think Human.

The interactive sessions on the second day explored key trends in urban planning and the evolution of smart cities, with a focus on infrastructure resilience, sustainable mobility, smart homes, and preserving the cultural identity of urban environments. Discussions also covered strategies for reshaping workspaces and enhancing the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating data-driven urban transformation. Speakers emphasized the importance of building smart infrastructure that integrates sustainability and well-being, serving as the foundation for urban design that balances innovation with community needs.

To host the Building The Future Summit, Forbes Middle East is collaborating with many distinguished partners, including presenting partner, ONE Development; main strategic partner, the Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme; associate partners, Binghatti Developers and Reportage Properties; event partners Zane Developments, Marjan Properties, Aqua Properties, Danube Group, Hassan Allam Holding, Richmind Developers, Eywa Dubai by R.Evolution, and REEF Luxury Developments; AI and technology partner Xphere Interactive Technologies; gift partners Pure Candles, Kashida, Shuk Leather, Jasani, Business Bay, Metaspace Labs Information Technology, Aroma 24/7, Innara, and Obsidian Skincare; entertainment partner Scream Entertainment; education partner Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; landscape partner Growhub; communications partner Gallabox Technology Consulting; transportation partner The Global Limo; furniture partner Electra; and catering partners, Evian, Solaris Tea, and Stree F&B.

Forbes Middle East Launches Building the Future Summit with UAE Ministry of Energy, Abu Dhabi Municipalities and Transport Department

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Sahfy Sahfy
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Forbes Middle East Launches the Building the Future Summit In Partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport
Forbes Middle East Launches the Building the Future Summit In Partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport

The inaugural Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit kicked off today at Berkeley, Abu Dhabi. The two-day event is being held in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, and in collaboration with One Development.

The summit brings together an exclusive cohort of real estate leaders, investors, innovators, and architects from across the region and around the world, serving as a platform to explore the future of smart cities, promote sustainable urban solutions, and highlight investment and development opportunities in the region’s real estate sector.

The opening day was attended by H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; H.E. Eng. Mohamed Almansoori, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme;  H.E. Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre; Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE Development.

The event also welcomed many prominent industry leaders, including Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of Sales and Development at DAMAC Properties, Founder and CEO of PRYPCO, and Cofounder and COO of Amali Properties; Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding; and Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of the Danube Group.

The first day’s program featured keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions exploring the future of smart cities and the development of advanced infrastructure, with a focus on seamlessly integrating elements of luxury, hospitality, and entertainment. Topics included interior design, mixed-use developments, and green infrastructure, as well as the fundamentals of smart urban planning, ranging from healthcare infrastructure to sustainable architecture powered by technology and AI.

The discussions also emphasized the critical role of effective policies and strategic public-private partnerships in accelerating development through institutional collaboration. In addition, the sessions highlighted the UAE’s ongoing efforts to reshape urban living by embracing smart digital infrastructure and data-driven urban planning.

H.E. Eng. Mohamed Almansoori, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme said in his opening keynote, “It is my honor to welcome you to this distinguished event, which aligns with the declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community in the United Arab Emirates, as part of a national vision based on strengthening social cohesion and placing the family at the heart of stability and growth.”

H.E. pointed out that housing is one of the fundamental pillars for building cohesive communities, explaining that the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program provides a supportive residential environment that enhances quality of life and aligns with the aspirations of society. He emphasized that smart and integrated urban planning is a cornerstone in the path toward sustainable development. “The UAE continues to play a pioneering global role through distinctive initiatives, including the Urban Development Agenda Platform for Asia and the Pacific, which was launched in partnership with Malaysia and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the field of sustainable urbanization,” he added.

In his opening address, Ali Al Gebely, Founder & Chairman of ONE Development, emphasized that “the future doesn’t begin with structures—it begins with the human journey and experience.” He described the UAE as one of the most advanced and resilient ecosystems for private sector growth, especially in urban development. “We ask ourselves: What do people truly aspire to? What connects them in a rapidly changing world? What transforms a place to live into a place to belong?” These questions, he said, shape ONE Development’s philosophy and design approach. Al Gebely also announced the launch of DO Hotels, an AI-powered hospitality concept developed in partnership with global icon Amr Diab. Set to launch in Dubai on May 28, 2025, Do Hotels blends music, AI, and wellness to deliver a new dimension in hospitality experiences. “The integration of AI into urban development is not just strategic—it’s essential,” Al Gebely added.

“We are gathered today to address one of the most pressing and impactful issues of our time: how to build cities that are smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. In a rapidly evolving world, smart cities are no longer a luxury—they are a strategic imperative. The focus is not solely on technology, but on how we harness it to boost efficiency, enhance quality of life, and accelerate development,” said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, in her welcoming speech. “Abu Dhabi is advancing confidently toward a new urban model, one rooted in innovation and driven by data, with sustainability at its core. This summit serves as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and inclusive cities. It aligns with the declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, underscoring the UAE’s dedication to placing people at the center of urban progress,” she added. 

The day also featured an award ceremony honoring a group of the region’s most influential real estate leaders, including prominent government officials and visionary entrepreneurs and businessmen, who are shaping the future of the Middle East’s economy and positioning the real estate sector as a driving force in the global market.

The summit will continue tomorrow with more interactive sessions, exploring future trends in real estate, urban planning, and investment, with participation from leading industry experts and decision-makers from around the world.

To host the Building The Future Summit, Forbes Middle East is collaborating with many distinguished partners, including presenting partner, ONE Development; main strategic partner, the Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme; associate partners, Binghatti Developers and Reportage Properties; event partners Zane Developments, Marjan Properties, Aqua Properties, Danube Group, Hassan Allam Holding, Richmind Developers Eywa Dubai by R.Evolution, and REEF Luxury Developments; AI and technology partner Xphere Interactive Technologies; gift partners Pure Candles, Kashida, Shuk Leather, Jasani, Business Bay, Metaspace Labs Information Technology, Aroma 24/7, Innara, and Obsidian Skincare; entertainment partner Scream Entertainment; education partner Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; landscape partner Growhub; communications partner Gallabox Technology Consulting; transportation partner, The Global Limo; furniture partner Electra; and catering partners, Evian, Solaris Tea, and Stree F&B.

For more details and information about the summit, please visit the website here.

HC Brokerage and Avior Capital Markets hold their fifth Egypt Virtual Conference HC– Avior EGYPT VIRTUAL CONFERENCE May 2025

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Sahfy Sahfy
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HC Brokerage and Avior Capital Markets hold their fifth Egypt Virtual Conference HC– Avior EGYPT VIRTUAL CONFERENCE May 2025
HC Brokerage and Avior Capital Markets hold their fifth Egypt Virtual Conference HC– Avior EGYPT VIRTUAL CONFERENCE May 2025

The HC-Avior Egypt Virtual Conference starts on 26 May and will run until 29 May, offering financial institutions from the US, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and Egypt insights on compelling investment opportunities within Egypt’s leading listed companies across multiple sectors. Investors will e-meet representatives of some 25 listed companies on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) through group and one-on-one meetings.

Hassan Choucri, Managing Director of HC Brokerage, said: “In light of the current global economic transformations, geopolitical conditions, and the evolving concepts of investment and investor behavior worldwide, I see the adoption of this initiative for the fifth consecutive year, in collaboration with Avior, as a vital means to connect major, active companies with capital owners looking to expand and enter promising new markets. This initiative also serves as a significant promotion for the Egyptian capital market as one of the most prominent sources of opportunities in the region.”

For Further details on Avior Capital Markets, please visit: https://avior.co.za/

For Further details on HC Brokerage, please visit: https://www.hc-si.com/

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