Tech News
Tally MSME Honours 2025 celebrates UAE excellence
The Tally MSME Honours returned to Dubai with energy and purpose. The program celebrates UAE entrepreneurs and small businesses. Moreover, this fifth edition drew 1,500+ Middle East nominations and 20,000+ entries worldwide. As a result, judges recognised standout founders across five categories. Together, the winners reflect a resilient, tech-savvy SME community.
Why Tally MSME Honours matters
SMEs power jobs, exports, and everyday innovation. Therefore, recognition does more than hand out trophies. It raises visibility, opens networks, and encourages bold ideas. In addition, the program aligns with the UAE’s drive to be a global entrepreneurship hub. Consequently, policy momentum and digital adoption amplify that impact.
A night of recognition—and representation
The ceremony mixed celebration with substance. Founders, mentors, and city leaders filled the room. Most importantly, the event honoured winners across five tracks:
- Business Maestro: Muneer Al Wafaa (Al Wafaa Group); Satya Kalyan Yerramsetti (Telebu Communications LLC); Nitin Kumar Agarwal (GTGC Technical Services LLC); Abdul Aziz Al Harthy (Flexible Industrial Packages Company, SAOC); Abu Amir (Missan Group of Companies).
- Wonder Woman: Victoria Labdon (The Garden of Knowledge); Joy Elizabeth Buckner (Buckner Education); Dr. Mary Jane Al Alvero Mahdi (Prime Group of Companies); Bhavika Thadani (Priyankara FZC LLC); Rashmi Gurbaxani (CPME Consulting LLC).
- Tech Transformers: Dhiraj Hinduja (Doctor Cars Auto Repairing Co); Rahisudheen Abu (Trans Ocean Maritime Services LLC); Muhammad Adnan Arshad (Mahnoor Kitchen); Kashif Ahmad Khan (Peko); Quintin Picardo (TAS Consultants FZ LLC).
- E-preneur Icon: Pratibha Tiwari (Prasha Lifestyle); Ruchita Singh (Ruchita Nutribakes); Shweta Bora (THEMADEONEARTH LLC); Anupama Gokhale & Batul Tambawala (Upcycle Social Responsibility Projects); DJ Buddha.
- NewGen Icon: Pravin Rai (QuicKart General Trading LLC); Nouel Catis Omamalin (Nouel Catis Foodstuff Trading LLC); Mufaddal Vohara (Raj Digital Marketing FZ LLC); Naveen Kumar Reddy Yelluru (TechieMaya FZE); Rahuul Jashnani (CSRH Fashion Design LLC).
Voices from the stage
Leaders stressed community and momentum. Specifically, Nupur Goenka, Executive Director at Tally Solutions, highlighted resilience and shared learning. Meanwhile, Vikas Panchal, General Manager – MENA, noted the UAE’s supportive policies and rapid digital shift. Taken together, their messages explain why SMEs continue to thrive.
What sets this edition apart
First, the scale impressed. Entries jumped across sectors and emirates. Second, the category mix matched real founder journeys. It spotlighted women-led growth, tech adoption, and digital-first brands. Third, ecosystem partners added depth. The payment partner Pay10 showcased open-finance models, instant settlements, and lower costs. Accordingly, winners gained recognition and practical tools.
Eight quick takeaways for founders
Above all, keep execution simple and measured.
- First, tell the customer story clearly.
- Next, track unit economics early.
- Also, use digital channels, then measure conversion.
- Moreover, build partnerships that extend reach.
- Meanwhile, document processes before scaling.
- Additionally, invest in team skills and culture.
- Then, protect cash flow with disciplined cycles.
- Finally, celebrate wins to attract talent and partners.
Beyond trophies: the ripple effect
Awards create momentum. Consequently, new customers notice. Likewise, banks and partners take meetings faster. Furthermore, hiring becomes easier. Additionally, winners often mentor peers. Their stories prompt others to formalise operations, adopt software, and explore exports. In turn, the ecosystem compounds gains year after year.
Spotlight on community impact
Many honourees support local jobs and training. Others, in contrast, upcycle materials or cut food waste. Several export niche products from the UAE to global markets. In each case, practical innovation meets purpose. Therefore, that blend strengthens brand loyalty and long-term value.
How the UAE backdrop helps
The country invests in founders and skills. For example, free zones streamline setup. Similarly, digital services reduce paperwork. Meanwhile, accelerators and grants shorten the path from idea to launch. Hence, SMEs can test, learn, and scale faster than in many markets.
Looking ahead
Expect more cross-border e-commerce, AI-enabled operations, and sustainable products. Also expect more women at the helm and more youth-led ventures. Accordingly, the Tally MSME Honours will continue to spotlight that progress. Next year, the cohort will likely be even more diverse and data-driven.
Bottom line
The Tally MSME Honours celebrates grit, creativity, and smart execution. Ultimately, shortlist by shortlist, it raises the bar for UAE entrepreneurship. With that, visibility, networks, and practical support turn recognition into results. Consequently, the wider community gains confidence to build, hire, and grow.
Check out our previous post, IT physical security: 8 readiness moves from Genetec
Tech News
Delinea Brings Runtime Control for AI Agents to GISEC Global 2026

Delinea, the identity security platform that governs what humans, machines and AI agents do once they have access, today announced its participation at GISEC Global 2026. Under the theme, “From Access to Action: Governing AI at Runtime,” the company will spotlight the growing need for organisations to govern the actions autonomous AI agents take after access has been granted.
Following its release of new runtime authorisation capabilities for AI agents this summer, Delinea will use GISEC to advance the conversation around runtime authorisation, an approach designed to enforce policy on an agent’s actions within a session, at the time those actions are executed.
As AI agents take on increasingly autonomous roles across databases, cloud environments, infrastructure and business systems, the security challenge is shifting beyond authentication. While an agent may have legitimate access to a system, it can still take an action that exceeds its intended task or creates operational risk. Delinea’s runtime authorisation capabilities enable organisations to apply policy at the point of action — allowing, blocking or escalating activity before it executes.
“AI adoption is moving the identity-security conversation beyond the moment of authentication,” said Mortada Ayad, VP Sales at Delinea. “The question for organisations is no longer simply whether an AI agent can access a critical system. It is whether they can govern what that agent does once it is inside. At GISEC, we want to put that challenge, and the need for runtime control, at the centre of the regional conversation.”
Delinea has strategically adopted a channel-led presence at this year’s show, reflecting its focus on bringing these capabilities to market through the regional partners enterprises rely on to deploy, manage and operationalise complex security programmes. Through its presence at the stands of regional distributor, Shifra, and integrator partner, Defa3, the company will deepen engagement with existing partners, recruit new partners and build the specialist capabilities needed to support secure AI adoption across the region.
The approach builds on the Delinea Partner Advantage Program, launched in July 2026. The program provides partners with clearer rules of engagement, deal protection, tiered incentives and AI-driven enablement, helping them build profitable identity-security practices, while delivering stronger outcomes for customers. It is designed to support selling partners today, with expanding roles planned for managed service providers, global systems integrators, advisory partners and technology partners.
“For a capability this consequential, technology alone is not enough,” Ayad added. “Customers need partners who understand their environment, their risk and how to translate security policy into practical control. Our focus at GISEC is to equip and grow that ecosystem, so organisations can move forward with AI, knowing that authorised access does not become unchecked action.”
Delinea’s runtime authorisation for AI agents enables organisations to govern activity across the systems agents use, including databases, SSH hosts, Kubernetes clusters and cloud consoles. Through just-in-time, task-scoped access, and real-time policy enforcement, organisations can reduce reliance on standing credentials, while maintaining a defensible record of AI-driven activity.
Tech News
Tech First Gulf Strengthens its presence in Africa with the appointment of Mustapha Rafiki as General Manager – Maghreb & Francophone Africa
Tech First Gulf (TFG), a leading value-added technology distributor across the Middle East and Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mustapha Rafiki as General Manager – Maghreb & Francophone Africa. This strategic appointment marks another significant milestone in TFG’s continued regional expansion and reinforces the company’s commitment to strengthening its footprint across Africa.
With over 19 years of experience in the information technology industry, Mustapha brings extensive expertise in business development, channel management, sales leadership, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has successfully built and managed high-performing partner ecosystems while driving sustainable business growth across North, West, East, and Central Africa.
Before joining Tech First Gulf, Mustapha served as Head of B2B Africa at Logitech, where he led business operations across multiple African markets, developing strategic go-to-market initiatives and strengthening channel partnerships. Prior to Logitech, he held the position of Country Manager at Canon, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence, developing strategic alliances, and accelerating growth across key enterprise and commercial segments.
As TFG continues to expand its operations throughout Africa, Mustapha’s appointment reflects the company’s vision of investing in experienced leadership to unlock new opportunities, deepen vendor and partner relationships, and deliver greater value to customers across the markets.
Under his leadership, TFG aims to accelerate regional growth by strengthening its distribution network, expanding strategic technology alliances, enabling channel partners, and introducing innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of enterprises and public sector organizations across the region. His deep understanding of African markets, combined with his proven leadership, will play a vital role in driving TFG’s next phase of growth.
“We are pleased to welcome Mustapha to Tech First Gulf as we continue our expansion across the region. The markets under his leadership offer tremendous opportunities for growth and innovation, and we remain committed to investing in their future through strong leadership and long-term partnerships. Mustapha’s proven track record, strategic vision, and extensive regional expertise make him the ideal leader to accelerate our growth, strengthen our market presence, and deliver lasting value to our partners and customers,” said Mr. Akashdeep (Sky), Chief Strategy Officer, Tech First Gulf
Commenting on his appointment, Mustapha Rafiki said:
“I am excited to join Tech First Gulf at such an important stage of its growth journey. TFG has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative technology solutions and empowering its partner ecosystem. I look forward to working closely with our vendors, partners, and customers to accelerate growth, expand our market presence, and create lasting value across the region.”
As Tech First Gulf continues its regional expansion strategy, the company remains focused on empowering businesses through world-class technology solutions, strengthening strategic partnerships, and building a future-ready digital ecosystem across India, Middle East and Africa.
Tech News
Turnitin Expands AI Writing Detection to Support Arabic Language Submissions
Turnitin recently announced the launch of its AI writing detection capabilities for Arabic language submissions, marking a significant step in supporting educators and students worldwide. This expansion helps equip Arabic-speaking educators with the tools necessary to safeguard academic integrity and nurture original thinking in the classroom.
As AI adoption among students becomes nearly universal, educators require solutions that promote transparency, rather than surveillance. Turnitin goes beyond simply verifying authorship, its tools support the broader learning journey, and help equip students with the critical skills demanded by today’s workforce.
“By providing Arabic-speaking educators with tools that uphold learning integrity, we ensure that they have solutions designed to support original thought and critical thinking, rather than having LLMs replace it,” said James Thorley, Vice President of APAC and EMEA at Turnitin. “While there is no substitute for knowing a student’s writing style, educational background, and institutional AI policies, this tool gives educators insights into areas where AI may have been used. Ultimately, it opens the door to meaningful, informed conversations about the responsible use of AI.”
AI writing detection for Arabic is now available through Turnitin Originality and as an add-on for iThenticate customers. Like the English, Spanish, and Japanese versions, the feature provides educators with an overall percentage of likely AI-generated content, alongside:
Detection capabilities for the leading large language models, reporting designed with educators in mind and seamless integration into existing customer workflows.
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