UAE’s based luxury real estate developer Binghatti Holding has launched Binghatti Capital Limited, an asset management firm based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The new entity plans to manage approximately $1bn in Shariah-compliant private credit and real estate strategies.

Binghatti Capital has received authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator for financial services conducted in or from DIFC.

The firm is licensed to work exclusively with professional clients.

As part of its real estate strategy, Binghatti Capital will implement separate mandates covering the acquisition and sale of off-plan residential properties, as well as the development and sale of residential projects. Its private credit platform will offer supply chain financing solutions to construction companies, property management entities, and key sector suppliers.

In addition to private funds, Binghatti Capital will offer discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio mandates, providing tailored investment solutions to meet the specific objectives of professional clients.

Read: Binghatti acquires mega plot for Dhs25bn master planned community in Dubaitti

Move to deepen Binghatti Holding’s investment footprint

Katralnada Binghatti, Executive Director of Binghatti Capital, said: “The creation of an asset management arm represents a strategic move to deepen Binghatti Holding’s investment footprint and enhance access to alternative capital.

“We believe that Binghatti Capital’s offerings are one of a kind, underscoring our long-term vision to expand into high-value, income-generating investments that deliver sustainable growth. Through our new Shariah-compliant private investment strategies, we are not only reinforcing our position in the UAE’s real estate sector but are supporting Dubai’s efforts to become one of the world’s leading foreign investment destinations.”

Shehzad Janab, SEO of Binghatti Capital, added: “Binghatti Capital represents a strategic extension of Binghatti Holding’s capabilities, designed to accelerate growth and strengthen resilience, ensuring sustained success through all market conditions. Our inaugural suite of what we believe are unique strategies represents a thoughtful, well-structured approach to real estate investing, providing access to opportunities that are typically reserved for large institutions.

“Through disciplined governance, active management, and a strong Shariah-compliant foundation, we aim to deliver compelling returns while diversifying our source of capital for Binghatti Group’s future developments.”

Salmaan Jaffrey, chief business development officer at DIFC Authority, said: “We are delighted to welcome Binghatti Capital to DIFC, the region’s largest financial centre and home to more than 46,000 professionals.

“Binghatti Capital’s presence will further strengthen Dubai’s financial ecosystem and reinforce DIFC’s position as the leading hub for asset management in the region. With over 400 wealth and asset management firms, DIFC continues to be the preferred destination for asset management companies seeking growth and opportunity in the region.”

Total public spending by the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to reach $542.1bn in the 2025 financial year, according to data released by the GCC Statistical Center (GCC-Stat).

According to a report published by the state news agency, WAM, the six member states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain — have largely projected higher public expenditures compared to 2024, directing increased funds toward infrastructure completion and targeted economic sector growth in line with long-term development strategies.

GCC-Stat data shows that government revenues across the bloc are forecast to remain relatively stable in 2025, supported by expectations that global oil prices will remain at moderate to high levels throughout the year.

Total public revenues for the GCC countries are estimated at $487.8bn, resulting in a combined budget deficit of $54.3bn for the year, the WAM report stated.

Read: GCC to outpace the global economy in 2025: FAB

Oil revenues: Major part of GCC government income

Oil revenues remain the largest component of government income in the region, making fiscal positions highly sensitive to global oil price fluctuations.

To mitigate risk, GCC countries adopt a conservative methodology when calculating break-even oil prices in their budget frameworks, aiming to buffer against volatility in the international energy markets.

To bridge the fiscal gap, GCC countries plan to rely on a mix of financial reserves and both domestic and international borrowing

In this interview, Niall Sallam, founder and CEO of Elevision, discusses how digital out-of-home (DOOH) is changing in the region — with a clear move toward programmatic capabilities, data-driven targeting, and content that fits within the wider digital ecosystem.

From Elevision’s new partnership with Dubai Design District (d3) to its expansion into international markets, Sallam outlines how the company is adapting to industry demands, supporting property partners, and aligning with the UAE’s broader push for innovation and smart infrastructure.

How have regional DOOH trends evolved in the past year, and what shifts do you anticipate in the coming months?

The past year has seen a rapid acceleration in programmatic DOOH and data-driven targeting. Advertisers are moving beyond simple reach metrics, demanding measurable impact and smarter audience segmentation. There is a strong appetite for premium placements, but equally important is time and location relevance. Where an audience is, and their frame of mind at that specific moment, plays a critical role in receptiveness and recall.

One of the most important shifts this year has been advertisers placing the appropriate weight on both context and creative. Context, when and where an ad appears, and what mindset the audience is in at that time, is now seen as equally important as the message itself. At the same time, dynamic creative optimisation is allowing brands to tailor messaging to real-time conditions, ensuring higher engagement and stronger recall. The combination of precision placement and high-quality creative is what ultimately drives impactful DOOH campaigns.

Looking ahead, AI-powered content and contextually dynamic advertising will take centre stage. Expect deeper integrations with mobile, social, and e-commerce platforms, making DOOH an even more connected part of the consumer journey.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the DOOH industry, and what key opportunities are emerging for advertisers and brands to leverage?

One of the biggest challenges in DOOH today is aligning measurement methodologies globally. Measurement is the currency that defines the value of DOOH, yet the industry still lacks a common, standardised approach. There are several measurement techniques used in OOH worldwide, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This fragmentation makes it difficult for advertisers to compare performance across markets or integrate DOOH seamlessly into omnichannel strategies.

The real challenge is ensuring that the industry aligns on a consistent, widely adopted measurement framework, one that enables advertisers to buy, evaluate, and optimise DOOH in a way that is comparable to other media channels.

Despite this, the opportunities for advertisers have never been stronger. DOOH provides brand-safe, high-impact exposure in premium urban environments, giving advertisers a unique way to capture attention in clutter-free spaces. Programmatic buying continues to drive greater efficiency and agility, allowing brands to activate targeted campaigns at scale with real-time flexibility.

Additionally, the continued expansion of premium DOOH placements in commercial and residential environments is creating more opportunities for brands to be present where audiences are most engaged.

The real power of DOOH lies in its ability to combine high-quality creative with precision placement, ensuring brands are not just seen but truly absorbed.

What new solutions is Elevision bringing to market that set it apart in the DOOH space?

Unlike most OOH suppliers in our market, all of our inventory is available programmatically. That level of accessibility and flexibility is a significant differentiator. Advertisers can activate campaigns with precision, agility, and scale, seamlessly integrating DOOH into broader omnichannel strategies. Programmatic buying isn’t just a feature of our network, it’s become the foundation of how we operate.

Another key distinction is our commitment to non-advertising content. We are the only player in the region with a robust, dedicated content strategy designed to drive audience engagement and enhance brand alignment. For decades, whether in print, radio, or television, editorial content played a pivotal role in shaping advertiser positioning, and DOOH should be no different. Media is most effective when it provides value beyond advertising, and Elevision is one of the few DOOH networks in MENA truly focused on this.

Our soon-to-launch Dubai Design District (d3) network is a prime example. Alongside advertising, we are introducing ‘d3 Lifestyle Channels’, a curated content strategy designed to reflect the district’s creative, fashion, and design-driven community.

These channels will engage audiences with relevant, high-quality content while providing advertisers with a platform that enhances their brand presence in an authentic and impactful way. This isn’t just about screen time, it’s about creating an ecosystem where content and commerce work together to drive deeper audience connection.

How does Elevision’s partnership with d3 contribute to a more interactive and creative urban experience?

As mentioned, our soon-to-launch d3 Lifestyle Channels are a cornerstone of Elevision’s approach to blending content, commerce, and community engagement. These channels go beyond standard advertising, they create an ecosystem of curated content that reflects the fashion, design, and creative culture at the heart of d3.

A key aspect of these channels is how they will connect d3’s creative community with international markets. By collaborating with curators, designers, and thought leaders from around the world, Elevision will help amplify d3’s presence globally, ensuring it remains a recognised creative hub beyond the UAE.

At the same time, these channels provide an opportunity for international creators to elevate their own profiles within d3 and the broader UAE market. It’s a two-way exchange, bringing global creative talent into d3’s ecosystem while playing a role in positioning d3 as a dynamic player on the world stage.

From a brand perspective, this curated content strategy offers advertisers a unique opportunity to align with cultural relevance. By integrating brands into meaningful, high-quality storytelling, Elevision is creating a space where advertising isn’t just seen, it’s experienced as part of the broader cultural dialogue.

How does DOOH fit into the UAE’s broader innovation and digital transformation efforts?

The UAE has consistently been at the forefront of smart city innovation, and DOOH plays a critical role in shaping intelligent, data-driven urban environments. Digital screens are no longer just billboards, they are information hubs, AI-powered engagement platforms, and dynamic storytelling tools that integrate seamlessly into the country’s digital ecosystem.

This aligns directly with the UAE’s D33 economic agenda, which places a strong emphasis on digital transformation, AI integration, and smart infrastructure. As the UAE moves toward data-led urban development, DOOH serves as a natural bridge between technology, content, and consumer engagement.

Elevision has been an early pioneer in this space, recognising long before it became a broader industry focus, that out-of-home must evolve beyond static advertising to become digital and a fully integrated part of the smart city landscape.

Our work within DIFC, d3, and other key urban hubs reflects this forward-thinking approach, ensuring that digital media not only enhances commercial potential but also contributes to the broader innovation and connectivity goals of the UAE.

What’s next for Elevision in terms of expansion, innovation, and market leadership?

Elevision’s growth has always been built on trust, quality, and long-term partnerships. As we continue expanding, our focus remains on delivering value across a broad spectrum of stakeholders — from advertisers to property partners, to the communities they serve. DOOH is more than just an advertising platform; it’s an integral part of how properties engage with residents and visitors.

In a market where real estate is positioned as premium, every aspect of a development — from the materials used to the services offered needs to reflect that positioning. The same applies to media and communication solutions.

As the industry evolves, so do the expectations of both property owners and advertisers. Elevision has always been ahead of that curve, ensuring our partners are on the cutting edge of innovation and communication.

From advanced programmatic capabilities to AI-driven content strategies, we continue to push the boundaries of what DOOH can offer. Our soon-to-launch d3 network is a perfect example, integrating curated content, audience engagement, and premium ad placements in a way that elevates the entire district’s brand experience.

At the same time, we’re growing strategically, expanding in London, deepening our programmatic capabilities, and developing smarter ways to connect brands, properties, and audiences.

What happens when the world’s bestselling toy car brand meets one of the Middle East’s most influential streetwear labels? You get a high-octane fusion of nostalgia, identity, and style.

In a first-of-its-kind regional collaboration, Hot Wheels, the iconic franchise from Mattel, has teamed up with B-Hype, the Dubai-born streetwear brand known for its retro flair, cultural attitude, and celebrity drops. Launched in May, the limited-edition Hot Wheels x B-Hype collection reimagines the high-speed spirit of Hot Wheels through a fashion-forward lens, marking a milestone in both brands’ evolution.

This collaboration is more than a merch drop. For Mattel, it is a strategic step in extending Hot Wheels’ cultural relevance beyond the toy aisle and into lifestyle spaces — alongside previous global partnerships with fashion giants like Gucci and Puma.

For B-Hype, the drop reflects its ongoing mission to blend childhood nostalgia with cutting-edge streetwear, amplified through regional identity and global aspiration.

We caught up with Ruth Henriquez, head of Licensing, Publishing, and Location-Based Entertainment at Mattel EMEA, to explore how Hot Wheels is expanding into fashion, why the Middle East is a key player in its global franchise strategy, and how collaborations like this are shaping the future of brand storytelling.

Hot Wheels has been an iconic brand for generations. How would you describe its evolution from a beloved toy into a broader cultural and lifestyle symbol?

Hot Wheels has come a long way since its launch in 1968. What began as a toy car line has become a global franchise that fuels imagination, creativity, and pop culture moments.

More than just toy cars, Hot Wheels represents bold colors, performance design, and a passion for cars — elements that fans have grown up with and want to bring into their daily lives.

Today, it lives far beyond the toy aisle — from fashion drops with the likes of B-Hype to digital games, high-value collectibles, and cultural events. It is a brand that blends with modern-day relevance, continually reinventing itself while staying true to its high-energy, design-led roots.

How do franchise partnerships support Mattel’s evolution into a full brand ecosystem?

Franchise partnerships are ultimately about giving consumers more ways to connect with the brands they love, whether through fashion, gaming, experiences, or collectibles. These moments extend engagement and help keep brand culture alive across generations.

Mattel is home to a wide portfolio of brands, each that started its story in a unique way. Whether it is Hot Wheels as a toy car or Thomas & Friends as a book — now our brands stretch far beyond that original storytelling and have a full franchise ecosystem through partnerships such as the one we have just launched with B-Hype.

It is not just about products, it is about unlocking moments that reflect how fans live, play, and express themselves today.

Are there any figures you can reference about Mattel’s franchise partnerships globally?

Hot Wheels is the number-one selling toy in its category, with over eight billion of them sold across more than 150 countries.

It is a brand with truly global scale, and when we introduce it into new categories like fashion, collectibles, or gaming, the response is instant. Limited drops, like our collaborations with Gucci or Sean Wotherspoon, have sold out within minutes.

We also see increasing engagement through gaming and digital activations, as well as consistent sell-outs of specific collaborations — proof that Hot Wheels is resonating deeply across age groups and platforms.

A key trend fueling this growth is the rise of adult fans. In some markets, adults buying for themselves now account for up to 25 per cent of toy industry sales, and Hot Wheels consistently ranks among their top choices.

These fans are drawn to products that combine storytelling, design, and cultural relevance. They want to collect the next cool thing from their favourite brands — making franchise collaborations a powerful tool for brand engagement.

What inspired Hot Wheels’ expansion into fashion, and how does it reflect broader cultural trends?

The inspiration really came from our fans and the culture at large. We saw that Hot Wheels had evolved far beyond toy — it had become a symbol of personal style, nostalgia, and creative identity. We know fans love the bold colors and signature graphic language of Hot Wheels and were looking for ways to bring that love into their wardrobes. At the same time, fashion was embracing retro icons, with childhood brands making a comeback as cultural statements.

This move also reflects wider cultural shifts. Today, people are blending their passions — fashion, gaming, art, and toys — in ways that feel personal and expressive. Nostalgia has become a lifestyle, and Hot Wheels sits right at the intersection of that trend.

Wearing a Hot Wheels hoodie is not just a style choice, it is a nod to childhood, creativity, and individuality.

Streetwear thrives on storytelling and collaboration; both core to how we build franchises. Whether it is a drop with Gucci, BAPE, or local brands like B-Hype, these partnerships give fans new ways to engage with Hot Wheels while reinforcing its place in culture. It is about showing up in the right spaces, with personality.

Some collaborations have even featured details like “Racing since 1968” or dual Arabic-English branding — small but meaningful touches that make the brand feel both global and personal.

Read: Here are 6 ways how retail will be different by 2035, reveals report

What attributes of the Hot Wheels brand make it a natural fit for fashion and street culture?

Hot Wheels has always stood out for its bold visuals, high-energy spirit, and deep roots in car culture, which translate naturally into streetwear.

The iconic flame logo, vivid colour palette, and striking graphic language were practically made for apparel. You see it in collaborations like B-Hype, where the design DNA carries through effortlessly.

But it is more than just looks. Hot Wheels has always embodied individuality, creativity, and a bit of rebellious edge; values that align closely with street culture. It is expressive, collectible, and deeply nostalgic, which makes it feel right at home in a space where fashion meets fandom.

We did not want this to feel like a uniform. It is more like a toolkit for personal style; fans can mix and match pieces to make it their own.

How do you stay true to Hot Wheels’ brand values as you expand into lifestyle and fashion?

We are very intentional about how we show up in fashion. Every collaboration must reflect the essence of Hot Wheels — adrenaline, creativity, and that challenger spirit. Some ideas — even exciting ones — get turned down if they do not reflect the brand’s core. What we greenlight is deliberate.

In fact, in our collaboration with B-Hype, we aligned one simple goal: to reflect the boldness and creativity that defines both brands. The result was apparel that feels as high-energy as the brand itself.

Why is the Middle East an important region for Mattel’s franchise strategy and brand expansion?

The Middle East is a priority growth region for Mattel, and one where we already see strong engagement with our brands. It’s a market with a deeply rooted appreciation for storytelling, design, and family-oriented experiences—values that align closely with what Mattel stands for. The region also has a young and diverse population, with a strong appetite for creativity and innovation, making it an exciting environment for franchise-led growth.

With a flagship store in Dubai Mall and deep ties to local fashion culture, B-Hype was a natural partner. They describe themselves as a bridge between ’90s hip-hop and today’s generation, which fits Hot Wheels perfectly.

We have seen firsthand how much love there is for our brands — from the enthusiastic response to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in Dubai, to the growing community of collectors and fans of all ages. These moments confirm that our brands resonate in ways that go beyond product; they tap into shared passions and lifestyles.

That is why partnerships like Hot Wheels x B-Hype are so important. Working with respected, culturally attuned local partners allows us to ensure our brands show up in a way that feels authentic and relevant.

As we continue to expand, we are committed to doing so in collaboration with the region, building long-term relationships and experiences that reflect the unique character of each market.

Have you observed any specific consumer insights or trends from the Middle East that influenced Mattel’s Hot Wheels franchise strategy in the region?

Certainly, one of the most striking insights is the region’s passion for automotive culture. From supercars to street racing, there is a deep connection to performance and design, which aligns naturally with Hot Wheels’ DNA. That understanding shapes everything from how we tell brand stories to which activations we prioritise in-market.

We have also seen that Middle Eastern youth value a balance of cultural authenticity and global relevance. That is why our partnership with B-Hype felt like the right move as it reflects a strong local voice while tapping into international streetwear trends. Their aesthetic — blending retro references with bold, modern expression — mirrors how young consumers here are redefining their identity.

Taken together, these insights help us ensure Hot Wheels does not just arrive in the Middle East, it integrates in ways that are meaningful and lasting.

And finally, can we expect more collaborations like this in the future as part of Hot Wheels’ lifestyle and cultural expansion?

Absolutely. Hot Wheels x B-Hype is part of a broader lifestyle and cultural strategy, and it is just the beginning. We are not interested in one-off moments, we are building long-term momentum that connects our brands to the spaces our fans care about most.

Globally, we have exciting collaborations in the pipeline. And in the Middle East, the success of the B-Hype partnership has only reinforced the opportunity to do more. We are actively exploring new ways to show up—whether through fashion, art, music, or unexpected cultural intersections. These are not just brand exercises, they are creative collaborations that appeal to trendsetters, tastemakers, and global audiences alike.

While Hot Wheels has been the focus of this conversation, it is just one part of a much larger portfolio. Mattel is home to some of the world’s most iconic franchises — from Barbie to Masters of the Universe to UNO — and that makes us a uniquely desirable partner for brands across fashion, entertainment, retail, and beyond.

We are a brand powerhouse with storytelling at our core, and that is exactly what makes our collaborations stand out, and why you will be seeing many more.

Artificial intelligence is the defining competitive advantage in today’s accelerating fintech ecosystem. From real-time fraud detection to hyper-personalised financial products, artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping the customer experience. Yet, as we race forward, we must ask, who are we leaving behind?

According to the World Bank, over 1.4 billion adults globally remain unbanked. While fintech has made significant progress in making financial services faster and more accessible, it must also ensure that the benefits of innovation extend to those who need it most. The next leap in fintech must be powered by AI, but it must also be grounded in the imperative of financial inclusion.

A missed opportunity and a ticking clock

The UAE has been a beacon of innovation in fintech, from the rise of digital banking to the growing influence of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. This momentum creates an opportunity to build world-class infrastructure and lead with purpose.

For a nation with a diverse population and a bold vision for the future, embracing inclusive AI is both a strategic advantage and a meaningful responsibility.

Many individuals, particularly migrant workers who contribute so significantly to our economy, still face challenges in accessing basic financial products that are safe, affordable, and tailored to their needs.

From buzzword to catalyst

Financial inclusion is not just about opening an account. It is also about empowering residents with tools to manage their finances, send money home affordably, access micro-credit, and build a safety net for their families.

When applied responsibly, AI can play a vital role in advancing this vision. Technologies such as biometric identification, multilingual interfaces, and intelligent risk profiling can help remove longstanding barriers, especially for underserved communities that may lack formal documentation or credit histories.

In remittance-driven economies, AI can also enhance the speed, transparency, and affordability of cross-border transfers. With strong regulation and a supportive environment for innovation, there is real potential to use machine learning to improve transaction flows, reduce delays, and eliminate unnecessary costs.

These are not abstract improvements. They translate into real value for individuals and families who rely on these services every day.

Why now?

The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) estimates that across the global banking sector, gen AI could add between $200bn and $34bn in value annually, or 2.8 to 4.7 per cent of total industry revenues. However, the real opportunity lies in ensuring this value translates into broader access and real impact for individuals and communities.

As financial institutions adopt AI at scale, there is a unique window to embed inclusion into the foundation of these systems, from how services are designed to who they are designed for.

This momentum is further strengthened by the UAE’s national strategies.

The AI Strategy 2031 positions the country as a global AI leader with a focus on ethical, inclusive, and impactful applications across sectors like finance. Alongside this, the Digital Government Strategy 2025 aims to build an inclusive, user-centric digital society that leaves no one behind.

With clear frameworks in place and growing global AI maturity, now is the time to ensure fintech becomes not only smarter but also more inclusive, more human, and better aligned with real-world needs.

Building a human-centered AI future

This progress comes with responsibility. Financial institutions must ensure that inclusion is not an afterthought but a foundation. That means designing AI with diverse data sets, multilingual interfaces, and accessible experiences that reflect the communities we serve.

It also requires collaboration between traditional players, fintech innovators, regulators, and governments to establish clear frameworks that guide ethical and inclusive AI development.

Importantly, AI should complement, not replace, human connection. In a multicultural society like the UAE, omnichannel approaches that blend digital tools with physical touchpoints are essential. Financial literacy, personalised support, and community access must remain part of the equation to ensure no one is left behind.

A call to action

The fintech revolution has been marked by speed, scale, and disruption. Yet responsibility must characterise the next chapter.

Financial inclusion is not a box to be ticked. It’s the bedrock of long-term economic resilience and social cohesion. AI offers us a remarkable set of tools. But as with any tool, its worth depends on how and for whom we use it.

Let us build a future where progress is shared, access is expanded, and technology serves as a force for positive impact.

The writer is the CEO at Al Fardan Exchange.