Economy Middle East

Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in driving economic diversification in the UAE, and initiatives like the Amazon x Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) Accelerator are providing them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to grow their businesses and reach global markets. In this episode of "Tamkeen: Stories of Growth," a series by Amazon.ae UAE and Economy Middle East, we sit down with Dr. Ali Ridha Al Hashimi, chairman, and Martin van Almsick, general manager of Al Nassma, the UAE’s premium camel milk chocolate brand. Founded in the UAE, Al Nassma Chocolate LLC produces chocolate using milk from one of only two EU-certified camel dairy farms globally, and it has made a mark on the international chocolate industry with unique offerings such as the ever-popular Kunafa Pistachio flavour, now exported to over 50 countries. In this episode, Dr. Ali Ridha Al Hashimi and Martin van Almsick share the story behind Al Nassma’s creation, the inspiration for using camel milk, and how the brand has grown through its partnership with Amazon. They discuss the impact of Amazon’s tools and services on reaching new customers, increasing visibility, and driving sales, as well as their experience participating in the DET x Amazon Accelerator as part of the Dubai Traders Program. They also share advice for entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to launch their products online. This episode offers an insightful glimpse into how UAE-based SMEs are expanding their reach and showcasing local excellence on the global stage, highlighting how digital tools and strategic support programs can fuel growth and business success. #AmazonUAE #TamkeenSeries #SMEGrowth #SMEs #GlobalMarkets

#SaudiArabia’s real estate sector continues to gain momentum, supported by landmark reforms and strong non-oil growth. According to CBRE Middle East’s Q3 2025 Real Estate Market Review, the #Kingdom’s GDP grew by 3.9% year-on-year in Q2, with non-oil activities now accounting for 56% of total output. This sustained diversification is driving demand across residential, office, retail, hospitality, and industrial sectors, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the region’s fastest-evolving real estate markets. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dWYHC64a Majed Al Hogail #RealEstate #EconomicGrowth #Vision2030

The financial trading landscape is evolving fast, and #MENA is leading the charge. Alfonso Cardalda, CMO of Exness, shares key insights on how digital adoption, trust, and human interaction are transforming the forex and fintech industries. Discover how Exness empowers traders with simplicity, transparency, and localized solutions while preparing for the next big global markets. Watch the full interview for more insights: https://lnkd.in/dJ3EnfXB

The region’s commerce sector is changing quickly. By 2028, retail sales in the GCC are expected to pass $390 billion, and the UAE’s e-commerce could reach nearly AED50 billion. These numbers reflect real shifts in how people shop, pay, and do business. In this interview, Walter Lironi, senior vice president and head of Value-Added Services for Visa in CEMEA, shares practical insights on what’s driving this change, from consumers embracing digital-first payments to the growing role of AI in commerce and the expansion of next-generation payments infrastructure. Watch the full interview to learn how Visa is helping shape the future of commerce across the region. https://lnkd.in/dHDvCAGn #Visa #AI #Infrastructure #Technology

#SaudiArabia announces major rental reforms in #Riyadh, including a five-year freeze on #rent increases for residential and commercial properties New rules also introduce contract registration, automatic renewals, and stricter enforcement aimed at fairness, transparency, and market stability

Economy Middle East’s September issue is out. On the cover is Ronaldo Mouchawar, VP of Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Amazon, reflecting on a decade of Amazon in the MENA region and the company’s $10 billion investment in fulfillment centers, data centers and logistics infrastructure. Inside, we explore how retail, e-commerce and travel are being reshaped across the Middle East as businesses respond to a new generation of consumers and evolving expectations. Across these sectors, one consumer is emerging: one who expects personalization, immediacy and experiences worth remembering. Check out the full magazine: https://lnkd.in/d6TXvEND Read the cover story: https://lnkd.in/dvp2V5GG #EconomyMiddleEast #Amazon #Ecommerce #Retail #Travel #Business