Financial
Promoting Sustainable Development in the UAE and Beyond

In an interview with Exim Finance’s co-founder, Mr. Salah Al Nasser, we explore the company’s critical role in advancing sustainable development across the UAE and the broader region. The discussion highlights the progress in sustainable finance, the transformative impact of technology on sustainability, and strategic investments in food security and water conservation. Exim Finance also underscores the significance of recognizing sustainability leaders through initiatives like the VerdExim Sustainability Award.
Based on your extensive experience in institutional investment management, what have been the most important developments in sustainable finance over the last decade?
The most important developments in sustainable finance include the integration of ESG criteria into investment decisions, the growing investor demand for responsible investments, and the enhanced regulatory frameworks that have significantly shaped the field.
Over the past decade, sustainable finance has experienced notable growth, particularly in ESG investing, green bonds, and sustainability-linked loans. Regulatory changes, such as the EU’s SFDR, have improved transparency and standardized sustainability metrics, driving more capital towards sustainable investments. Key developments include:
A) Increased investment focus on sustainable and climate-smart projects and innovations, exemplified by the commitments made each year at the COP conferences.
B) The introduction of new financing tools and mechanisms focused on sustainability, such as blended finance and carbon credits.
How do you perceive the role of technology in advancing sustainability in the future?
Technology plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability by driving innovations in sustainable machines and equipment. These advancements help reduce environmental impact, increase efficiency, and support sustainable practices across various industries. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can develop solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Notably, technology is instrumental in renewable energy, smart grids, and AI-driven environmental monitoring. These innovations enable more efficient energy use, improved resource management, and support for circular economy practices. As technology continues to evolve, sustainable ventures will become increasingly cost-competitive compared to traditional business models, making technology a key enabler in the pursuit of sustainability
Could you explain why investment in food security is important? Additionally, could you explore some key strategies for implementing sustainable land management practices that enhance food security?
Key strategies for enhancing food security include adopting vertical farming methods to optimize space and resources, utilizing hydroponic and aeroponic systems to minimize water usage, and integrating advanced technologies for precision agriculture. These practices boost crop yields, reduce environmental impact, and enable year-round food production. Investing in food security is essential for economic stability and addressing global challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. It also supports public health by reducing hunger and malnutrition, ensuring stable access to nutritious food. Sustainable land management strategies, including agroecology, water-efficient irrigation, crop diversification, and conservation agriculture, enhance food production and resilience.
This region faces a critical water scarcity problem. Is this an important focus area for Exim Finance?
Addressing water scarcity is paramount for the region, and Exim Finance is at the forefront of sustainable water management. We invest in water-efficient technologies and infrastructure and support policies that promote water conservation. A prime example is the Regen Project, where our manufacturing process operates without water consumption, achieving unparalleled water efficiency and sustainability by eliminating wastewater production.
Water scarcity remains a critical concern, and Exim Finance is dedicated to investing in projects that advance water conservation and efficiency. Our investments in recycling and desalination technologies contribute to a more sustainable water future. This commitment is evident in our recent engagements in agriculture and food security projects, which adopt water-saving measures and circular models. Initiatives like green organic fish farming and microalgae production exemplify our approach to using less water while promoting sustainable practices.
How important is awarding and recognizing companies working with sustainability as a key concern globally? What is Exim’s vision in this sphere of work?
Recognizing and awarding companies for their sustainability efforts is vital in encouraging best practices and fostering innovation. Exim Finance is dedicated to promoting sustainable business practices and supports companies committed to environmental and social responsibility. By highlighting companies that prioritize sustainability, we inspire others to follow suit and adopt similar practices.
Exim Finance actively supports sustainability leaders by offering financing solutions that reward environmentally and socially responsible business practices. This approach not only enables these companies to scale but also ensures they have a meaningful impact on global sustainability. Our vision is exemplified by the annual VerdExim Sustainability Award, a global platform that recognizes and celebrates startups making significant contributions to sustainability.
The VerdExim Sustainability Award underscores Exim Finance’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future by supporting innovative startups in their initiatives. Through this award, we aim to drive global sustainability efforts and inspire a new generation of environmentally and socially conscious businesses.
Explain how Exim Finance promotes sustainable development in the UAE and the wider region.
Exim Finance is committed to promoting sustainable development by facilitating export finance backed by ECA guarantees and providing corporate guarantees through connected companies. Our support extends to projects that enhance environmental and social sustainability across the UAE and the wider region.
A key aspect of ECA financing is the integration of ESG criteria, ensuring that all projects undertaken by Exim Finance are inherently sustainable. We fund renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure projects, thereby fostering a more sustainable economy. Additionally, we facilitate green bonds and sustainability-linked loans, which support the transition to a greener future.
Our commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through:
A) Investing in sustainable ventures and projects across the region. B) Awarding and recognizing sustainable companies annually through the VerdExim Sustainability Award.
By recognizing and supporting sustainability leaders, Exim Finance drives innovation and best practices, contributing to the global effort towards a sustainable future.
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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