Financial
4 PILLARS ON WHICH GCC BANKS CAN FINALLY BUILD THEIR EVERYDAY AI HOUSE

By Sid Bhatia, Regional VP & General Manager – META, Dataiku
The GCC always learns its lessons well. Since the 2008 financial crisis, regional governments have reformed their FSI sectors to establish greater transparency and stability. Everything from a tightening of liquidity rules to the broad digitalization of the industry, and even the greater focus on ESG, can be tied to central banks’ desire to never again be at the mercy of a global crisis not of their making. While challenges such as currency pegs and inescapable market connectivity remain, strides have been made towards a sustainable, resilient regional FSI industry. The fintech sector is humming with activity. For example, in December, Saudi Arabia’s BNPL (buy now, pay later) success story Tamara became the kingdom’s first fintech unicorn, reaching its billion-dollar valuation during a US$340-million Series C equity funding round. And as smaller players soldier on, showing everyone else what is possible, even veteran brands are looking for ways to do more. Preferably, with less.
Lately, the “do more with less” proposition inevitably leads to generative AI. With all the swagger of a Hollywood starlet, it strutted into the mainstream practically overnight and showed us what modern technology can now do (cheaply) for those who have data. And FSI entities have lots of data. Now if they can only rest their adoption strategy on the right pillars. Here are the four I would suggest.
- PREPARE, PREPARE, NOW GO
Clean your data. Organize your data. Train your people and determine who will have access to what. Establish governance policies. Draw up a roadmap of priorities that includes any necessary cloud migrations. What KPIs will you use? How will they be measured and how will they tie to goals in order to tell you whether you are succeeding or failing? All of this goes together to form the horse on the AI journey. The cart, full of AI models, comes later. Without preparation, most complex endeavors are doomed to fail. That said, the preparation should not stall the work. FSIs already have a strong mindset for data gathering and analysis that pervades the workforce. And it benefits nobody to spend all your time feeding and grooming the horse while the cart sits idle. So do not reinvent processes for the sake of reinvention. As you move along the road, everything from the design of workflows to the tolerance for risk may change. You may bore the precious talent waiting to innovate if you spend too much time planning. So, yes, plan diligently, but then get on the road.
- SPIN PLATES
Banking and risk go hand in hand. And modern risks are appreciably higher than ever. Institutions must protect privacy and their own proprietary interests. Data, analytics, and AI all have direct bearings on regional FSI organizations’ reputations and their obligations to regulators. But again, we must be mindful of the implications of a stationary cart. Banks must be daring enough to act but be cautious enough to do so safely. Your people are your innovators, so they need access to data. Ownership must be granted under the right framework and IT setup. Teams must learn how to balance action with safety — how to spin plates, if you will. They should test, evaluate, and learn from results instinctively while understanding the goal they are pursuing. For example, anti-money-laundering (AML) is an obvious target for AI, with clear benefits, but an inaccurate model could lead to a false positive and, if managed ineptly, could result in a damaged customer relationship at best and widespread brand excoriation at worst.
- NAIL IT DOWN
At some point, it is time to stop testing the water and commit to a swim. The goal of Everyday AI is a culture change, which requires the embedding of technology in everyday processes. Workflow owners must be empowered to drive their own change, albeit in consultation, or even collaboration, with others. Indeed, it is these traditional silos that so often stall progress on AI journeys. But if culture change has been achieved then all stakeholders will know the metrics, goals, workflows, and governance restrictions in play. This interconnected, collaborative ownership of projects is a path to success but is only possible after the AI culture has been nailed down.
- GIVE THE NEW KID A SHOT
Generative AI is, to FSI entities, as much a potential boon as it is a bane. While the privacy downsides of certain products may rule them out as adoption targets, the raw technology is extremely powerful for meeting banks’ content-production needs. Costs will plumet while the potential for scalability skyrockets. Some FSI organizations have been attracted to generative AI because of its relatively low data-dependency. It also has the capacity to be a virtual assistant to customer facing human agents, boosting their real-time performance in any number of ways, from proactive information gathering to upselling and cross-selling opportunities. Outside of the customer arena, generative AI can support urgent operational issues such as sustainability. It can sift through thousands of documents and come back with insights on how portfolios are affecting carbon-impact goals. Generative AI has a prominent role to play in the digitalization of the FSI sector. Its applications are extensive and any player not evaluating it may risk being left behind.
THE ROAD TO EVERYDAY AI
Horses and carts aside, it is the journey that matters. Every milestone passed, every project delivered is another step towards the data culture that sets a bank apart. Customers want individualization. They want quick turnarounds on applications and requests for information. And they want security. AI can be an analyst of markets, a valet to customers, and a guard dog for data. Generative AI may be monopolizing the limelight, but no matter which you choose, there are plenty of tools out there that can give regional businesses a leg up, an eye on the horizon, or a fresh new voice.
Financial
Reimagining Banking: Unlocking Endless Potential and Unlimited Growth in the Middle East

By Keith Redding, Chief Revenue Officer, Universal Banking at Finastra

Reimagining banking in the Middle East is redefining how financial institutions grow, engage, and innovate. As digital transformation accelerates, banks must evolve to deliver seamless, secure, and personalized experiences that meet rising customer expectations.
Across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, adoption of digital banking continues to surge. According to Capco’s “Bank of the Future” survey, 89% of UAE customers have become more confident using mobile banking services, while 83% now access them primarily via mobile apps. Similarly, Saudi Arabia expects online banking penetration to grow by over 16 percentage points between 2024 and 2029, underscoring the region’s momentum toward smarter, connected financial ecosystems.
Reimagining Banking Middle East with Data and Analytics
Data has become the new cornerstone of success. Through AI, analytics, and machine learning, banks can decode customer behaviour and anticipate needs more precisely than ever. As a result, they can personalize offerings, boost retention, and reduce friction across the customer journey.
A clear example of this transformation is Riyad Bank’s Centre of Intelligence (COI) — Saudi Arabia’s first AI-focused banking hub — which enhances operational efficiency while driving innovation in customer engagement.
By reimagining banking in the Middle East with data-driven strategies, institutions can align financial products with real-time insights and deliver experiences that feel intuitive, predictive, and human.
Hyper-Personalization and Omnichannel Growth
Customers today interact through multiple touchpoints — mobile apps, websites, and physical branches — expecting consistent, personalized service. Therefore, delivering a seamless omnichannel experience has become the foundation of loyalty.
In the UAE, 70% of consumers are willing to share personal data for tailored experiences, while in Saudi Arabia, the number climbs to 71%. This readiness empowers banks to use analytics ethically and transparently, transforming everyday banking into relationship-driven engagement.
Digital Sales Outreach and New Engagement Models
Digital outreach is not an option — it’s essential. Mobile-first strategies, social media engagement, and AI-driven marketing are now central to how banks connect with customers.
Take D360 Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s first digital-only institutions. It attracted over 600,000 customers within two months of launch, proving that mobile-first banking can scale fast when powered by user-centric design.
Ecosystem Collaboration: Powering Innovation in the Middle East
Another major force reimagining banking in the Middle East is ecosystem collaboration. By partnering with fintechs, big tech firms, and infrastructure providers, banks can expand capabilities faster than ever before.
Globally, fintech startups have surged from 12,000 in 2020 to nearly 30,000 in 2024. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) now hosts over 1,000 fintech firms, while Saudi Arabia’s fintech ecosystem has more than doubled within a year. This growth underscores the importance of collaboration as a driver of agility and innovation.
Such partnerships empower banks to deploy advanced solutions like AI-powered risk scoring, embedded finance, and real-time payments — all while ensuring compliance with regional and global standards.
Looking Ahead: Building a Future-Ready Financial Ecosystem
The future of reimagining banking in the Middle East lies in intelligent, insight-led operations. Automated recommendations, predictive support, and AI-driven decision-making will soon define how banks engage customers.
Forward-thinking institutions in the UAE are already adopting AI-assisted frameworks that streamline service and elevate the customer experience. In Saudi Arabia, agile innovation models like Alinma Bank’s digital factory accelerate product launches and improve customer alignment.
As the region continues to evolve, banks that combine innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric transformation will achieve sustainable growth and long-term market leadership.
Check this out UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint
Financial
UAE Crypto Regulation Sets Global Blueprint

By Karl Naïm, Group Chief Commercial Officer, XBTO
The UAE has evolved from a crypto sandbox to a global model for digital asset regulation, demonstrating how policy clarity, investor protection, and innovation can coexist. Once a regional testing ground, the nation now leads in tokenization, blockchain adoption, and institutional-grade compliance — setting a framework others are eager to emulate.
Institutions Move from Observation to Adoption
Over the last two years, institutional investors — from sovereign funds to global asset managers — have shifted from cautious exploration to structured allocations in digital assets. Yet, these investors only engage when they see robust regulatory infrastructure.
Here, UAE crypto regulation stands apart. While the U.S. remains divided over jurisdictional control and Europe’s MiCA awaits full rollout, the UAE offers a complete ecosystem where policy meets execution. This maturity has transformed the country into a trusted base for large-scale blockchain initiatives.
Two Regulatory Paths, One Unified Objective
The UAE’s approach balances innovation and oversight through two distinct yet aligned regulatory arms.
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Through the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), it licenses custody, tokenization, and brokerage activities under strict governance criteria.
- Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): Instead of classifying asset types, VARA regulates activities, giving firms flexibility to innovate without restarting their licensing process.
This dual model ensures both stability and adaptability — a rare equilibrium that reinforces confidence among enterprises and investors.
Tokenization Moves from Pilot to Production
In 2023, Neovision and Realize launched one of the first tokenized U.S. Treasury funds under ADGM’s oversight, now part of a market valued at over $2.4 billion. Soon after, HSBC piloted tokenized gold settlement in the Emirates, leveraging the UAE’s mature legal and technical infrastructure.
Unlike most markets, where tokenization remains conceptual, the UAE has operationalized it across corporate bonds, commodities, and private equity. This tangible progress makes UAE crypto regulation a benchmark for turning blockchain theory into enterprise-scale reality.
Proven Resilience Through Market Turbulence
The UAE’s frameworks were tested during the 2022 digital asset downturn. While some regions froze licensing or enforcement, VARA introduced stricter custodial and marketing rules while continuing to issue licenses transparently.
In 2024, both VARA and ADGM demonstrated accountability by penalizing unlicensed operators and enforcing compliance — signaling a regulatory environment that values both innovation and discipline.
Blockchain Beyond Finance
Beyond crypto trading and tokenization, the UAE is using blockchain to drive cross-sector innovation.
- Ras Al Khaimah has built a dedicated Web3 zone for decentralized applications.
- Sharjah is piloting blockchain in public services, from identity to supply chain tracking.
This diversification proves the national model’s flexibility and depth, blending economic and civic value under a unified UAE crypto regulation framework.
Geography Meets Governance
Situated between Asia and Europe, the UAE benefits from time-zone overlap, U.S. dollar settlement, and investor-friendly tax structures. Yet its real advantage lies in policy precision. Since 2023, VARA has issued frequent updates and consultative papers, responding dynamically to industry input.
Following its removal from the FATF grey list in 2024, the UAE has accelerated compliance reforms faster than most peers, turning global scrutiny into strategic progress.
A Replicable Blueprint for the World
While the U.S. debates regulatory ownership and Europe await MiCA’s maturity, the UAE has implemented a live, multi-emirate framework. It balances openness with oversight — a model now studied by global policymakers.
For institutional investors, the question has shifted from if to were. Increasingly, the answer is clear: the UAE — where crypto regulation is no longer an experiment, but the emerging global standard.
Read our previous post, UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment
Financial
UAE Depreciation Rules Boost Real Estate Investment

By Shabbir Moonim, CFO, The Continental Group

A Sharper Edge for UAE Property Depreciation Investors
The UAE property depreciation is reshaping how businesses and family offices view property as an investment. Real estate has always anchored wealth and stability, but its treatment within corporate tax frameworks now determines how effectively it performs over time.
The latest guidance allows depreciation deductions on properties valued at fair market value, adding a layer of fiscal precision. Companies choosing the realization basis—deferring tax until sale—can now claim an annual deduction of up to 4 percent on the property’s original cost or written-down tax value. This refinement strengthens property’s role inside long-term, tax-efficient portfolios.
How Depreciation Boosts UAE Property Cash Flow
Investment success depends not only on appreciation but also on liquidity and reinvestment power. Depreciation lowers taxable income, improving post-tax returns for assets that are typically illiquid.
For structured property holders, claiming depreciation under fair-value accounting boosts internal yield and aligns property with other income-producing assets. Even at a modest 4 percent, the deduction releases capital that can be reallocated or retained, enhancing overall portfolio efficiency.
Moreover, this recurring offset stabilizes cash flows, giving investors predictable returns that complement the long-term nature of property ownership.
Aligning UAE Property Depreciation with Tax Efficiency
Previously, owners had to choose between fair-value accounting and depreciation benefits. Businesses valuing properties at market rates lost tax deductions, while those using historical cost models retained them. The new UAE depreciation rules remove this compromise.
Now, companies can maintain up-to-date valuations and still claim depreciation, ensuring transparency and consistency. This alignment allows property to compete directly with other investment classes, from private equity to listed securities, on a balanced tax basis.
Consequently, financial planners can make clearer, data-driven decisions about capital allocation and portfolio composition.
Small Rule, Big Impact on UAE Property Investment
While no single regulation redefines real-estate logic, subtle fiscal changes can transform investment behavior. This policy turns property from a passive holding into an active component of strategic capital management.
It also reflects the UAE’s commitment to predictable, rules-based governance that supports investment without distorting markets. For business owners and families planning across generations, this stability builds confidence and encourages long-term commitment to the country’s economy.
Ultimately, the UAE depreciation rules help transform real estate from a static asset into a dynamic tool for tax optimization and sustainable growth.
A Foundation for Smarter Real Estate Portfolios
These reforms make it easier to incorporate real estate within diversified investment portfolios. They support businesses in balancing cash flow needs, compliance requirements, and performance targets.
For investors, the message is clear: property can now compete with other asset classes not only on returns but also on efficiency and resilience. The UAE continues to build a financial landscape where predictability and innovation work hand in hand.
About the Author
Shabbir Moonim is the Chief Financial Officer at The Continental Group, with over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, and governance. He aligns financial operations with enterprise growth, oversees risk management and treasury, and drives regulatory readiness and data-driven decision-making across the organization.
About The Continental Group
Founded in 1994 by Ashok Sardana, The Continental Group is a leading insurance and financial services provider licensed by the UAE Insurance Authority, SCA, and DFSA. With over 250 professionals operating across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the Group offers customized solutions in investments, wealth management, succession planning, and insurance. Its core values — integrity, insight, and innovation — continue to drive client trust and long-term financial well-being.
Check out our previous post, ADIB Launches Remit Service, Expands Digital Banking Solutions
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