Author: Stuart

Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE: PIPR), a leading international investment bank, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MENA Growth Partners, a merchant bank headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The acquisition will establish Piper Sandler’s strategic investment banking hub for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. As part of the agreement, Eric Wilson, founder of MENA Growth Partners, and his team will serve as consultants to Piper Sandler. The firm will leverage their four decades of experience and extensive regional relationships to enhance its advisory and transaction capabilities across the Middle East. MENA Growth Partners’ deep local…

London-born Modern Coffee brand WatchHouse is expanding its international footprint with the launch of its first UAE location this October. Recognised for its architecturally designed Houses and elevated approach to hospitality, WatchHouse now operates over 20 sites across the UK and two in the United States. This new opening represents the brand’s first international franchise and a milestone in its global growth journey. The expansion comes through a master franchise partnership with Big Belly Hospitality, a leading UAE-based food and beverage operator. The collaboration will begin with a six-month espresso-led residency at Marsa Boulevard — a seasonal waterfront development on…

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has opened nominations for the fifth edition of its annual Urban Treasures awards, inviting the public to celebrate the long-standing establishments that have become part of the emirate’s cultural and social identity. Open until 30 November, the nomination process allows residents and visitors to put forward local businesses that have served the community for more than two decades. Eligible establishments include cafés, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, tailors, perfumeries, jewellers, pharmacies, photography studios, and textile stores. Following a six-month evaluation period, 15 of these enduring institutions will be recognised…

Presight, a global leader in AI and big data analytics, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ALPHA X, a Dubai-based innovation and consultancy firm specialising in application-layer digital transformation and data infrastructure. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Adel Al Sharji, Chief Operating Officer of Presight, and Waleed Al Aryan, Managing Director of ALPHA X. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation aimed at accelerating international digital transformation projects. By combining resources, expertise, and advanced technologies, both organisations will collaborate on developing a high-performance AI data centre and innovation hub. The partnership will also enhance the implementation…

CPO Roundtable hosted by CIPS MENA and EcoVadis spotlights regulation, CFO alignment, and supplier engagement as key enablers Procurement leaders from across the UAE are signalling a major strategic pivot from conventional green procurement to a broader framework of responsible sourcing, according to insights from a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Roundtable hosted by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) in partnership with EcoVadis. The roundtable, held in Dubai, gathered senior executives from leading organisations to explore how the UAE is emerging as a regional leader in embedding sustainability into procurement strategy. Discussions highlighted that regulatory changes—such as the…

Brands to be Showcased at Dubai Muscle Show 2025 Two of the United States’ most respected names in sports nutrition, Core Nutritionals® and Unmatched®, are set to make their debut in the Middle East at the Dubai Muscle Show 2025, running from 24–26 October at the South Halls, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. The event marks a major step in both brands’ global growth, coinciding with their expansion into the UAE through an exclusive partnership with Vivandi Distribution. Founded in 2004 in Statesville, North Carolina, by natural bodybuilding champion Doug Miller and professional figure competitor Stephanie Miller, Core Nutritionals® has…

In a city built on excellence, connections, and experience, few names carry as much quiet influence in the world of private service as Chad Allan. For over a decade, Chad has been known as one of Dubai’s most trusted concierge professionals, a man equally respected by his clients and hospitality partners for his consistency, discretion, and commitment to delivering exactly what he promises. Unlike many entrepreneurs who come from corporate or capital-backed backgrounds, Chad’s roots are firmly in networking, not business-building. His reputation was earned the hard way through years of relationships, referrals, and results. Every client he worked with…

DIP Angola has reaffirmed its growing strategic presence in the region through active participation in the recent Angola–Saudi Arabia Business Mission held in Riyadh. The mission, organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Angola–Saudi Arabia (CCIAAS), convened senior representatives from both public and private sectors, creating an important platform for DIP Angola to engage with Saudi government entities, investment funds, and leading industrial partners. These discussions deepened bilateral cooperation, identified new investment prospects, and advanced DIP Angola’s vision of becoming a key gateway for Saudi businesses seeking entry into Angola and wider African markets. Omar Al Mesmar, Board Director…

UAE’s newest homegrown fragrance house makes its debut at Beautyworld Middle East, blending Rasasi’s rich heritage with a daring new vision for accessible luxury. In a defining moment for the region’s fragrance industry, Canéza — a contemporary perfume house inspired by the creative legacy of Rasasi — is set to make its official debut at Beautyworld Middle East 2025. The brand introduces a collection of 22 perfumes that combine artisanal craftsmanship, timeless refinement, and an ambition to make luxury fragrances more attainable for all. Founded by Anis Abdul Razak Kalsekar, Co-Owner of Rasasi Group and the visionary behind some of…

The summit will unite global policymakers, business leaders, and investors to explore the forces reshaping international trade. Amna Lootah: “The event aims to shape the future of global commerce and innovation.” Khuloud Al Omian: “This partnership goes beyond media; it’s about shaping the future of global trade.” Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has announced a strategic collaboration with Forbes Middle East to host the Future Growth Nexus Summit in March 2026. The high-level event will bring together government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to discuss the trends and challenges shaping the…