As organisations accelerate their digital transformation journeys, identity has become the new security perimeter, and the most critical layer of defence against modern cyber threats.
Yet, with a growing number of SaaS applications, fragmented security frameworks, and evolving compliance mandates, securing identity is more complex than ever.
Okta, a global leader in identity and access management, is working to change that. From championing a new Identity Security Standard to rolling out AI-driven threat protection and embracing a passwordless future, the company is aiming to redefine how enterprises approach identity.
Mark Whelan, Head of EMEA Growth Markets at Okta, shares how the company is building a more secure, scalable identity ecosystem, and what lies ahead for the future of identity management.
Q: What are the key objectives of the new Identity Security Standard, and how will it elevate identity protection across SaaS platforms?
The Identity Security Standard initiative is about creating a unified, standardised framework to securing identity across all enterprise applications. Its core mission is to provide a common framework that SaaS builders can rely on to meet the increasingly complex security needs of their customers. By standardising identity practices, we aim to make enterprise apps secure by default, fostering an open ecosystem. This move enhances end-to-end security for enterprise SaaS platforms.
Q: Okta’s recent solutions like Governance and Identity Threat Protection aim to build a secure ecosystem. What sets Okta’s approach apart from others in the industry?
What differentiates Okta is our commitment to delivering complete and unified identity management. Our platform integrates seamlessly with existing IT ecosystems, which means customers don’t have to choose between compatibility and innovation. We focus on high availability and always-on security, ensuring that protection is continuous and resilient. Importantly, we also emphasise user experience. There should never be a trade off between security and usability.
Q: How does the Okta Secure Identity Commitment (OSIC) influence client security practices? Could you share any notable examples?
One of OSIC’s core focuses is promoting phishing-resistant authentication. Beyond that, it reflects our ongoing investment in next-gen tools, including the use of AI and emerging areas like Identity Security Posture Management. The results speak for themselves: clients have seen up to a 90% reduction in credential stuffing attempts over 90 days, and in just a single month, OSIC’s protective mechanisms have blocked 2 billion potentially malicious access requests. These outcomes underscore how deeply OSIC is influencing operational security in real time.
Q: How is Okta leveraging AI in identity security, and what role do you see AI playing in protecting against future threats?
AI plays a pivotal role in our identity threat protection strategy today and will only become more critical moving forward. Currently, AI enables real-time threat detection and behavioural anomaly analysis, which means capabilities that are essential for identifying risks before they escalate. In the future, we see AI enhancing both security and user experience by analysing vast signals more efficiently and automating response mechanisms. This transition from reactive to proactive identity security means we can predict and prevent threats before they occur. Tools like Okta’s AI-driven Identity Threat Protection are already showing how transformative this approach can be.
Q: How does Okta ensure that new features effectively combat identity-based attacks, and what challenges do you face in staying ahead of these threats?
We take a customer-first approach to product development, working closely with organisations to understand the challenges they face. This gives us a comprehensive view of the industry and the market. To address identity-based attacks, we rely on a combination of real-time risk monitoring, adaptive multi-factor authentication (MFA), and AI-powered detection. These systems continuously evaluate user behaviour, flag anomalies, and respond dynamically to threats—offering protection that extends far beyond the login screen. Of course, staying ahead isn’t easy. The pace of attack sophistication is accelerating, and striking the right balance between robust security and seamless user experience is always a challenge. Our solution is to continuously evolve and integrate with a broad range of tools, ensuring we stay resilient as the ecosystem grows more complex.
Q: Looking ahead, what major shifts do you expect in identity management over the next decade?
That’s the billion-dollar question. It’s always tricky to predict the future, but some trends are already becoming clear. First, passwords are on their way out. Technologies like Passkeys are gaining traction, and we expect passwordless authentication to become the norm. Second, Zero Trust has gone from being a buzzword to a foundational principle; it’s now standard practice, especially among digital-native organisations. We also anticipate stronger privacy regulations, and Okta is proactively building compliance and transparency into its solutions to help customers navigate this changing environment. Finally, AI will take centre stage. As it matures, AI will bring greater intelligence and automation to identity management, allowing organisations to predict and neutralise threats before they materialise.
Americana Restaurants enters premium retail with carpo franchise deal
The company currently operates a portfolio of global brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, Peet’s Coffee, TGI Friday’s, and Baskin Robbins
Image courtesy: carpoworld.com/ for illustrative purposes
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Americana Restaurants International, the quick-service and casual dining operator in the MENA region and Kazakhstan, has signed an exclusive franchise agreement with premium lifestyle brand carpo, expanding its footprint into the luxury food retail sector.
The agreement grants Americana the exclusive rights to operate carpo stores in Kuwait and Qatar, with further expansion planned across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The rollout will begin with flagship stores expected to open by late 2025.
Founded in 1991 in Athens, carpo is known for its premium nuts, artisanal chocolates, and refined coffee, and operates in high-end locations in Greece, the UK, and the UAE, including a store in Dubai Mall launched in 2022.
A new outlet is set to open this autumn at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.
Move helps Americana tap into a sophisticated, fast-growing segment: Alabbar
“Partnering with carpo allows us to tap into a sophisticated, fast-growing segment with a globally respected brand built on craftsmanship and excellence,” said Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of the Board at Americana Restaurants. “It reflects our continued focus on innovation, brand elevation, and delivering differentiated experiences to our customers across the region.”
Kostas Kontopoulos, founder and CEO of carpo, added: “Partnering with Americana, a regional powerhouse with deep operational expertise, enables us to bring the carpo experience to consumers across the Gulf. This marks not just a commercial milestone, but the beginning of a shared vision to elevate consumer experience through heartfelt product offering and service excellence.”
The deal marks a strategic diversification for Americana, traditionally focused on quick-service and casual dining, into the high-margin premium retail space.
The company currently operates a portfolio of global brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, Peet’s Coffee, TGI Friday’s, and Baskin Robbins.
Listed on both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Saudi Exchange, Americana’s move into luxury retail aligns with its broader strategy to build communities around food, with a new emphasis on quality and sustainability.
Dubai PropTech Hub launches at DIFC Innovation Hub
Founding partners include leading developers such as Binghatti, Majid Al Futtaim, Sobha Realty, Union Properties, and infrastructure provider Transguard
The DIFC Innovation Hub and Dubai Land Department (DLD) have launched the Dubai PropTech Hub, the Middle East’s first dedicated innovation centre for property technology. Located in the DIFC Innovation Hub, home to the largest fintech accelerator in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, the initiative aims to transform the real estate sector through collaboration, experimentation and scalable innovation.
The Dubai PropTech Hub is expected to support more than 200 PropTech start-ups and scale-ups, generate over 3,000 jobs, and attract $300m in investment by 2030.
The hub will offer startups customised licensing, purpose-built workspaces, advanced incubators, and access to joint pilots and venture-building initiatives.
A comprehensive support system will help fast-track innovation from concept to commercialisation, while participants can benefit from early-stage incubators and global thought leadership programmes.
“DIFC is proud to unveil the Dubai PropTech Hub and provide a world-class financial and regulatory environment that supports real estate innovation,” said Essa Kazim, governor of DIFC. “This landmark initiative fast-tracks the expansion of the proptech market in Dubai and positions the emirate as a global leader in real estate innovation.”
Omar Hamad BuShehab, director general of Dubai Land Department, added, “This hub is a natural extension of the Real Estate Evolution Space Initiative (‘REES’) launched by DLD to support the innovation ecosystem. We are enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness and offering a smarter, more connected approach to real estate investment and development.”
The PropTech Hub adopts a multi-stakeholder collaboration model, bringing together regulators, developers, investors, and service providers. Founding partners include leading developers such as Binghatti, Majid Al Futtaim, Sobha Realty, Union Properties, and infrastructure provider Transguard, which is currently exploring AI-powered smart building and security applications through DIFC-led pilots.
By leveraging advanced technologies, the Dubai PropTech Hub aims to create a more accessible, transparent, and tech-enabled property market for residents, investors, and global stakeholders.
In a move to enhance operational efficiency and embrace cutting-edge technology, flydubai has partnered with emaratech, a leading UAE-based tech company, to roll out smart border control solutions for its pilots and cabin crew.
The new biometric smart gates have been installed at the airline’s Airport Operations Centre and are designed to streamline immigration processes through advanced facial recognition, AI-powered verification, and real-time data integration. This technology provides a faster, more secure, and paperless experience for crew members reporting for duty.
Seamless travel experience through smart technology
Thani Alzaffin, group CEO of emaratech, said the partnership marks a major milestone in modernizing border control systems.
“We are proud to partner with flydubai in pioneering a next-generation, paperless immigration experience for their crew members,” said Alzaffin. “Through AI-powered facial recognition, our smart gates integrate seamlessly with both flydubai’s and immigration’s platforms, enabling real-time validation and a truly frictionless journey.”
He added that the initiative reflects emaratech’s broader goal to redefine border control using artificial intelligence to deliver smarter, faster, and more secure checkpoints.
Supporting operational growth and efficiency
flydubai’s chief procurement and technology officer, Mohammed Hareb AlMheiri, emphasised the importance of technology in driving operational improvements.
“We are pleased to have partnered with emaratech to implement this innovative solution for our pilots and cabin crew,” said AlMheiri. “As we continue to grow, we seek technologies that boost efficiency. These biometric smart gates represent another step toward seamless and secure operations as we future-proof our systems.”
A total of six smart biometric gates have been installed, providing direct access to immigration clearance for crew members prior to flight departures.
A growing network and workforce
The initiative is part of flydubai’s broader investment in technology to support its frontline staff and operational goals. The airline currently serves more than 135 destinations with a modern fleet of 89 aircraft. Its workforce exceeds 6,400 employees, including over 1,300 pilots and 2,500 cabin crew.
Attendees at the Gulf Business Awards 2024- File photo
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The Gulf Business Awards, the region’s premier platform for recognising excellence and innovation across industries, is back.
Scheduled for September 24, 2025, in Dubai, this prestigious event will once again honour the companies and individuals shaping the Gulf’s economic and business landscape.
For nominations, click here
For more information, click here
Now in its 13th year, the Gulf Business Awards continues to celebrate innovation, resilience, leadership, and impact across sectors ranging from banking and real estate to healthcare, technology, and tourism.
File photo
Honoring the best and brightest in business
The 2025 edition promises an evening of recognition, inspiration, and high-profile networking. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are expected to attend the gala ceremony, where the region’s top performers will be recognised for their contributions to economic growth, technological innovation, and leadership.
“This event is more than just a ceremony — it’s a celebration of the extraordinary efforts that drive the Gulf’s vibrant business ecosystem,” said Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief of Motivate Media Group, the event’s organizer.
A platform for regional recognition
Each year, the Gulf Business Awards shines a spotlight on achievements across both the public and private sectors, offering a rare platform for industry-wide recognition. Whether it’s a startup disrupting traditional models or a conglomerate expanding regional influence, the awards represent a comprehensive celebration of business excellence.
Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges composed of regional experts, industry veterans, and editorial leadership from Gulf Business. The judging process ensures fairness, transparency, and acknowledgment of real merit.
A look back at 2024’s milestone event
Last year’s edition, held on September 24, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was attended by more than 300 prominent business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The night celebrated outstanding achievements from companies and individuals across key sectors of the economy.
The 2024 ceremony also marked a special moment for Motivate Media Group, as it celebrated its 45th anniversary.
Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mishal Kanoo, chairman of The Kanoo Group.
Recognised for his enduring contributions to the region’s commercial and philanthropic landscapes, Kanoo has long been regarded as a pioneering force in the Gulf’s business landscape.
File photo
2024 winners: A legacy of excellence
From innovative startups to established market leaders, the 2024 winners reflected the diversity and strength of the Gulf’s economy. Awardees included:
EFG Hermes ONE – Online Trading Company of the Year
ADCB – Banking Company of the Year
AIX Investment Group – Finance Advisory Company of the Year
valU – Payment Solutions Company of the Year
Amali Island by Amali Properties – Lifestyle Project of the Year
TORINO by ORO24 Developments – Best Project Delivery of the Year
fäm Properties – Real Estate Agency of the Year
Sobha Realty – Developer of the Year
Samana Barari Views – Project of the Year
PRYPCO – Proptech Company of the Year
Saudi Red Sea Authority – Tourism Company of the Year
Millennium Hotels and Resorts – Hospitality Company of the Year
Alshaya Group – Retail Company of the Year
Emirates – Transport and Logistics Company of the Year
Mediclinic Middle East – Healthcare Company of the Year
GE Vernova – Energy Company of the Year
stc Bahrain – Telecom Infrastructure Innovation
LEAP 2024 – Technology Event of the Year
These recognitions were decided by a distinguished panel that included Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor of Gulf Business; Helen Barrett, Deputy Chair of the British Business Group Dubai; Robin Joffe, Managing Director of Frost & Sullivan MEASA; and Mahmoud Bartawi, serial entrepreneur and founder.
Categories for the 2025 edition
The upcoming 2025 Gulf Business Awards will again feature a robust list of categories designed to reflect the evolving regional landscape. This year’s classifications include:
Overall awards
Lifetime Achievement
Company of the Year
Business Leader of the Year
Company awards
Banking Company of the Year
Real Estate Company of the Year
Tourism and Hospitality Company of the Year
Retail Company of the Year
Transport Company of the Year
Healthcare Company of the Year
Energy Company of the Year
Technology Company of the Year
Investment Company of the Year
Logistics Company of the Year
Leader awards
Banking Leader of the Year
Real Estate Leader of the Year
Tourism & Hospitality Leader of the Year
Retail Leader of the Year
Transport Leader of the Year
Healthcare Leader of the Year
Energy Leader of the Year
Technology Leader of the Year
Investment Leader of the Year
Logistics Leader of the Year
Editor’s choice awards
Artificial Intelligence Innovator of the Year
Blockchain Innovator of the Year
SME of the Year
Education Institution of the Year
MICE Business of the Year
These categories reflect the Gulf’s forward-looking, innovation-driven economy and will help honor those pioneering new paths in both traditional and emerging industries.
Why should you attend the event?
For entrepreneurs, executives, and decision-makers, the Gulf Business Awards offers much more than recognition. The event is a rare opportunity to network with industry peers, share insights, and build connections with regional influencers. It also serves as an excellent platform for businesses seeking to boost their credibility and brand exposure across the GCC.
With a legacy of over a decade, the Gulf Business Awards continues to play a vital role in fostering a culture of excellence and resilience among Gulf enterprises. As the region undergoes rapid transformation, events like these ensure that innovation and leadership remain at the forefront of business conversations.
Mark your calendar
The Gulf Business Awards 2025 will be held in Dubai on September 24. Nominations are open across all categories, and companies and individuals interested in being part of this prestigious recognition are encouraged to apply early.
To submit a nomination, all participants must register online. Fees apply per company or individual, per category, and vary depending on the number of nominations submitted:
1–4 categories: Dhs735 per category ($200)
5–9 categories: Dhs643 per category (minimum of 5 nominations required) ($175)
10+ categories: Dhs550 per category (minimum of 10 nominations required) ($150)
Each registration includes online entry processing and digital collateral
Please note: These fees also apply to all Leader category nominations.
Click on the registration link to submit your nomination for this year’s awards. The categories for the 2025 Awards are listed below.
Judges
This esteemed panel of judges brings extensive expertise across media, business, technology, and innovation.
With decades of leadership experience and significant regional influence, each judge contributes a unique perspective to the selection process. Their collective insight ensures a credible, forward-thinking, and excellence-driven evaluation.
Ian Fairservice
(Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief, Motivate Media Group)
Ian Fairservice founded Motivate in 1979 with the launch of What’s On, the UAE’s first independent magazine. With a diverse portfolio of award-winning publications—including Gulf Business, Emirates Woman, and Identity—Motivate’s consumer and trade brands reach over 2.5 million users per month. The group’s Books division, established in 1986, has published more than 300 titles. In addition to books and magazines, Motivate produces content across video, digital media, exhibitions and events, social media, influencer marketing, out-of-home media, talent management, training, and cinema.
Mishal Kanoo
(Chairman, The Kanoo Group)
Mishal Kanoo is Chairman of The Kanoo Group, one of the Gulf region’s largest and oldest family-owned conglomerates. Operating across multiple sectors, the group is widely recognized for its longstanding contribution to the region’s economic development.
A respected business leader and futurist, Mr. Kanoo is known for his strategic foresight and economic commentary. He holds leadership roles in several companies, including Gulf Capital, KHK & Partners, Dalma Capital, Crane Industrial Services, Akzo Nobel UAE Paints, and KAAF Investments.
In 2024, he received Gulf Business‘ Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his regional impact.
Kanoo began his career within the family business before gaining experience as an auditor at Arthur Andersen in Dubai. He holds two MBAs—one in finance from the University of St. Thomas, Texas, and another from the American University of Sharjah.
Beyond business, he is a published writer in regional media and business journals, and a motivational speaker passionate about mentoring others. He upholds the Kanoo family’s legacy of excellence, integrity, and philanthropy.
Jawad Jalal Abbassi
(Head of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), GSMA)
Jawad Jalal Abbassi is Head of the MENA region at the GSMA, overseeing activities across 25 countries. He leads the GSMA’s regional advocacy and strategic programs—focusing on 5G, IoT, AI, and digital identity—working with mobile operators, regulators, and policymakers to promote sustainable mobile broadband investment.
Jawad’s team collaborates with GSMA’s global offices, engaging stakeholders to advance the mobile sector’s role in economic development. He is a frequent speaker at regional technology and communications forums.
He joined the GSMA in 2015 after founding the Arab Advisors Group in 2001, a leading research and consulting firm later partially acquired by the Arab Jordan Investment Bank. Previously, he worked as a telecoms and tech analyst with the Yankee Group and the Economist Intelligence Unit in Boston.
Jawad holds a BSc in engineering from the American University in Cairo and an MSc in information systems from the London School of Economics. He has also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.
Dr Marwan Al Zarouni
(CEO of Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET))
Dr Marwan Al Zarouni is CEO of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), leading the emirate’s AI agenda under the ‘Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence’. He is also CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), placing him at the forefront of regional tech strategy.
With more than 20 years of experience in technology, digital forensics, cybersecurity, and AI, Dr Al Zarouni works closely with public and private sector stakeholders to shape forward-looking AI and blockchain policies that improve quality of life and visitor experience in Dubai. His leadership at DBCC has accelerated blockchain adoption in the UAE.
He is a founding member of both the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical Committee (AIEC), helping guide the ethical use of emerging technologies.
In 2022, CoinTelegraph named him among the top 100 influential figures in blockchain and crypto. He also served on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies from 2020 to 2021.
GARETH VAN ZYL
(Group Editor, Gulf Business)
Gareth van Zyl is Group Editor of Gulf Business, bringing over 15 years of experience reporting on technology and business in the UAE and South Africa. He has held senior editorial roles, including bureau chief for News24’s business section, roles at ITWeb (Africa’s largest IT publisher), and deputy editor at BizNews.com.
Earlier in his career, Gareth lived and worked in Dubai from 2008 to 2012, contributing to Windows Middle East magazine, 7DAYS newspaper, and The National.
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Wynn Resorts has released the first official details and images of Enclave, an ultra-luxury concept within its upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Slated to open in early 2027, Enclave is being positioned as a “destination within a destination,” offering elevated privacy, bespoke services, and curated luxury tailored to the region’s most sophisticated travelers.
Located atop the resort’s 300-metre tower, Enclave will feature 299 suites across four configurations, including two expansive Royal Apartments spanning 1,500 sqm.
Designed by Wynn Design & Development, in collaboration with famed design studios Anouska Hempel of London and Pinto Design of Paris, the suites aim to reflect a fusion of Middle Eastern cultural influences and Wynn’s signature elegance.
“The challenge has been to build upon our expertise in creating intimacy within grandeur and to redefine the integrated resort experience,” said Todd-Avery Lenahan, president and CEO of Wynn Design & Development. “Every dimension of our design process in creating this jewel within Wynn Al Marjan Island’s crown has been as artful and precise as cutting and polishing the facets of a rare and priceless gem.”
Enclave by Wynn Resorts
Guests arriving at Enclave will be welcomed through a guarded, private drive, leading to a dedicated lobby and salons exclusive to in-residence guests.
The suites — no more than 15 per floor — are styled in a palette of platinum, sapphire, sea mist, and gold, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
Each suite includes AM and PM private pantries, with bespoke amenities aligned to cultural preferences and international standards of luxury.
Key to the Enclave experience is a private pool and beach club overlooking Wynn Al Marjan’s eastern shoreline.
The secluded oasis includes three pools, tropical gardens, and beach butlers delivering on-demand dining and refreshments to guests lounging in private bungalows or cabanas.
The Enclave restaurant, located above the main lobby, will serve exclusive breakfast for guests, then transform into a Lebanese fine dining venue for lunch and dinner, led by a renowned Beirut and Paris-based restaurateur making their UAE debut.
A Lobby Lounge and Concierge Salon will offer a progression of curated services from morning coffee to champagne and cocktail evenings, echoing Wynn Las Vegas’ storied lounge culture.
Set across more than 60 hectares, Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,217 resort rooms, 297 Enclave suites, 24 international dining venues, a luxury shopping esplanade, 12 pools, a 420-metre private beach, a marina for superyachts, and a yet-to-be-revealed entertainment showroom.
Wynn Al Marjan Island’s construction on track
Construction remains on track with topping out of the tower expected in late 2025.
When complete, the resort will mark Wynn’s first integrated resort in the UAE and is expected to draw international clientele from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Wynn Resorts is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol WYNN and is part of the S&P 500 Index.
In addition to its UAE expansion, the company operates luxury properties in Las Vegas, Macau, Boston, and London’s Mayfair.
