Interview:Mohamed Khadiri What role do you see banks playing in Sharjah’s longterm economic development and diversification? MOHAMED KHADIRI: Banks in the emirate play a crucial role in providing financial services, capital and investment opportunities to businesses and individuals. They support economic growth by providing loans, facilitating trade, and promoting saving and investment among…
Interview:Ahmad Abu Eideh What has been the banking sector’s response to recent shifts in the global economic landscape? AHMAD ABU EIDEH: The banking sector has witnessed a multifaceted response to the current global economic landscape. Lenders have been navigating a high-interest rate environment, which is challenging for legacy institutions that have historically offered premium rates in…
Interview:Khaled Mohamed Balama To what extent can the regulatory landscape help banks benefit from disruptive technologies? KHALED MOHAMED BALAMA: The regulatory landscape in the UAE is under continuous review to ensure that it develops in line with the changes seen in financial technology. As such, we are constantly updating regulations to enable the responsible use of emerging technologies,…
Interview: Hatem Al Mosa What opportunities and challenges do you identify for the oil and gas sector in terms of achieving net-zero emissions goals? HATEM AL MOSA: While SNOC is a national oil company, it has set its own net-zero target for operations by 2032. Although this places SNOC ahead of the UAE’s 2050 target, our aspirations are fully aligned. There is a need for sustainability to coexist…
Interview:Khaled Al Huraimel In what ways can waste-to-energy innovations help meet objectives related to long-term energy security and environmental sustainability? KHALED AL HURAIMEL: The region has seen significant advancements in the waste-to-energy segment in recent years, with various opportunities for energy recovery from waste being identified and pursued. These innovations have made…
Interview:Badr Jafar, CEO, Crescent Enterprises What initiatives are positioning Sharjah as a leader in manufacturing, logistics and green technology? BADR JAFAR: Sharjah’s industrial infrastructure serves as a solid foundation for manufacturing, logistics and green technology. This is complemented by the emirate’s commitment to nurturing a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, which is…
Interview: Adel Abdullah Ali, Group CEO, Air Arabia What are the growth projections for low-cost airlines in the region, and what are the main factors that are driving this trend? ADEL ABDULLAH ALI: Prospects remain strong for the aviation industry in the MENA region, especially for the low-cost segment. The aviation sector is a critical pillar in strengthening the region’s competitiveness. The…
Interview: Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Airport Authority How does Sharjah’s geographic location influence the emirate’s role in regional and international transport and logistics networks? ALI SALIM AL MIDFA: The strategic position of the UAE, and Sharjah within it, plays a pivotal role in bridging eastwest transport routes. Since 1932 Sharjah has been a critical centre in aviation…
Interview:Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO, Arada How are sustainable building practices influencing urban development and enhancing the attractiveness of real estate investment? AHMED ALKHOSHAIBI:Developers and other companies involved in construction and real estate are starting to understand that a sustainable approach is not just good for the environment, but also for customers and business…
Interview:Yousef Al Mutawa, CEO, Sharjah Sustainable City In what ways is Sharjah addressing the challenge of balancing economic development and sustainability in its urban development policies? YOUSEF AL MUTAWA: Over the years Sharjah has transformed into a regional centre for arts, culture and industry. With a focus on both economic and social development, the emirate has cultivated an environment…
