Financial

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Fostering Financial Wellness for a Thriving Future in the Region!

Published

8 months ago

January 30, 2025

Integrator had an exclusive interview with Jigar Sagar, a UAE-based serial entrepreneur. In this conversation, he shares motivational, strategic, and actionable insights tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, business professionals, and those passionate about finance and innovation.

Jigar, tell us the story of your beginnings and what is your core area of expertise?

My entrepreneurial journey began quite early, at age 10, working in my family’s retail shop in Sharjah’s Gold Souk. This early exposure was instrumental in shaping my understanding of business fundamentals. The dynamic nature of the gold market, with its constant price fluctuations, naturally drew me toward understanding numbers and financial mechanics. Every day after school, from 6 PM onwards, I would immerse myself in the family business, learning invaluable lessons about customer service, inventory management, and the importance of building lasting relationships with clients.

What started as basic bookkeeping in the family business evolved into a deeper passion for finance and accounting. The gold market taught me early on that success in business isn’t just about sales – it’s about understanding the numbers behind those sales, managing inventory effectively, and maintaining precise financial records. This realization led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in finance from the American University of Dubai, where I graduated with Cum Laude honors.

My core expertise lies in understanding the intricate relationship between numbers and business success. Whether it’s corporate finance, strategic planning, or risk management, I believe that financial literacy is the backbone of any successful enterprise. This financial acumen, combined with my practical experience in business setup and growth strategies, has been crucial in my journey from the Gold Souk to managing multiple successful ventures. My expertise has evolved to encompass not just financial management, but also strategic business development, risk mitigation, and the creation of sustainable business models that can weather market fluctuations and economic challenges.

Tell us about what inspired you to transition from a finance manager to an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship was always the end goal for me—employment was a stepping stone in my larger journey. My brief stint at HSBC’s treasury department and subsequent role as Finance Manager at Creative Zone helped me build a strong foundation for my entrepreneurial aspirations.

Employment served multiple crucial purposes: it allowed me to accumulate capital for future investments, provided hands-on experience in corporate operations, and offered valuable insights into both effective and ineffective business practices. I specifically chose to work at Creative Zone, a startup at the time, rather than working with a large multinational, because I recognised that startups offer accelerated learning opportunities and growth potential that established corporations typically can’t match.

In a startup environment, roles are often fluid, and this allowed me to gain experience across multiple aspects of the business. I progressively moved from finance to sales, then to operations, and eventually became the key point person for government relations. This comprehensive exposure was invaluable in understanding how different business components interact and influence each other.

What truly inspired me was the opportunity to build something from the ground up. At Creative Zone, I witnessed firsthand how good business relationships could lead to new venture opportunities. This experience culminated in my acquisition of a minority stake in the company pre-Covid, marking my first significant step from employee to owner.

The transition wasn’t just about changing roles – it was about fulfilling a vision I’d had since my early days in the Gold Souk. I wanted to create not just successful businesses, but entire ecosystems that could support and nurture other entrepreneurs. This desire led me to launch multiple ventures, each addressing specific market gaps and needs I’d identified during my employment years.

How did you approach financial management and scaling Creative Zone to become Dubai’s largest business setup advisory firm? Can you share the (financial) details of your exit from Creative Zone?

The scaling of Creative Zone was built on three fundamental principles I learned from my early days in the Gold Souk: meticulous financial management, customer service excellence, and continuous innovation in service offerings.

In the initial phases, our focus was primarily on robust cash flow management and maintaining lean operations. This meant being extremely mindful of our expenses while simultaneously investing in growth opportunities. Drawing from my family business experience, I understood that customer service would be our key differentiator in a competitive market.

We consistently expanded our service portfolio to address evolving market needs. This included launching Creative Zone Business Hub and Creative Zone Tax & Accounting, which helped create additional revenue streams while providing more comprehensive solutions to our clients. Our approach to growth was always customer-centric, ensuring that each new service offering addressed a genuine market need.

The success of this strategy culminated in a multi-million dollar exit to a fund. This exit validated our business model and growth strategy, while also providing resources for future ventures and investments in the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

You had mentioned that hardworking people are paid the least during the Gladiator Summit in Dubai? What made you say so?

This observation comes from years of experience and studying successful business patterns. While our traditional education system promotes the idea that hard work alone equals success and higher compensation, the reality of modern business presents a different truth.

Don’t misunderstand – hard work is absolutely essential and non-negotiable for success. However, it’s the combination of hard work with smart strategic thinking that truly creates exponential value. I’ve seen countless examples of people who work incredibly hard in their jobs, putting in long hours and maximum effort, yet they remain in the same financial position year after year.

The key differentiator lies in how you channel that hard work. Are you building something sustainable? Are you creating systems that can work for you? Are you developing multiple revenue streams? These are the questions that separate those who are merely working hard from those who are creating lasting wealth.

When I started at the Gold Souk, I could have simply focused on being the hardest working person in the shop. Instead, I used that experience to learn about business operations, customer service, and financial management. I then applied these lessons to build multiple businesses, creating sustainable systems rather than just trading time for money.

The most successful entrepreneurs I’ve encountered are indeed hardworking, but they combine this with strategic thinking, market awareness, and the ability to build scalable systems. They outwork their competition while simultaneously working smart – creating businesses that can grow beyond their personal time investment.

Tell us in what ways are free zones adapting to the needs of today’s entrepreneurs, and what innovations are you bringing to these spaces?

The evolution of free zones in the UAE represents one of the most dynamic shifts in our business ecosystem. Today’s entrepreneurs demand more than just a business license—they need a comprehensive support system that enables their success, and free zones are rapidly adapting to meet these changing needs.

The primary transformation we’re seeing is the shift from traditional licensing centers to integrated business enablement hubs. Free zones are now focusing on making the entire process simpler, faster, and more cost-effective for entrepreneurs. This includes digitising operations, streamlining procedures, and reducing documentation requirements. What used to take weeks can now often be accomplished in days or even hours.

However, real innovation lies in how we’re reimagining the role of free zones in the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of being mere service providers, we’re transitioning these spaces into comprehensive market platforms. This means creating entire ecosystems where entrepreneurs can not only establish their businesses but also find partners, connect with customers, and access various support services.

Through my involvement with various free zones, I’ve focused on introducing innovations that address real entrepreneurial pain points. This includes developing new partnerships that provide value-added services.

You’ve mentioned a goal to empower over 100 million entrepreneurs globally. What drives this ambitious vision?

I believe empowering entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to build a better world. While individual inventions can certainly make an impact, entrepreneurs create lasting change by building sustainable businesses that serve society’s needs. They’re not just creating wealth, they’re solving problems, generating employment, and driving innovation across all sectors.

The goal of 100 million entrepreneurs might sound ambitious, but consider the ripple effect. If each entrepreneur creates even just a few jobs and serves a few hundred customers, we’re talking about improving millions of lives. These entrepreneurs will build businesses that not only serve today’s needs but anticipate and solve tomorrow’s challenges.

What really drives me is the long-term impact. When we empower entrepreneurs, we’re not just helping individuals succeed—we’re creating a chain reaction of positive change that will benefit future generations. These entrepreneurs will create the jobs of tomorrow, develop solutions for emerging challenges, and build the foundations for continued economic growth.

This is particularly relevant in the UAE, where we’re transitioning from attracting global wealth to nurturing homegrown innovation. By empowering entrepreneurs here and globally, we’re helping create a more dynamic, resilient, and prosperous world for future generations. It’s about building a legacy of sustainable growth and innovation that extends far beyond our own time.

Financial

Reimagining Banking: Unlocking Endless Potential and Unlimited Growth in the Middle East

Published

3 days ago

October 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

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

Published

3 days ago

October 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

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

Published

3 days ago

October 7, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Shabbir Moonim, CFO, The Continental Group

Shabbir Moonim,Chief Financial Officer at The Continental Group. — **Shabbir Moonim**

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.

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