Like so much of the major tech-based movements around the world, crypto’s start can be traced back to the West. Equally, like so much acceleration in capability and regulation of technology, the exciting next chapter is unfurling here in the Middle East.

Over the years, the Gulf has consistently shown its ability to act responsibly with innovation, blending government regulation, real-world integration, with speed and scale.

While other markets wrestle with uncertainty, MENA’s approach is pragmatic: create the frameworks first, then invite innovation to flourish inside them. And what’s more, they remain open-armed, which bodes well for disruptive entrepreneurs and outliers driving and scaling technologies at the forefront of culture, society, and economies.

Bahrain was among the earliest movers in Crypto

Bahrain was among the earliest movers, with the Central Bank of Bahrain establishing one of the world’s most comprehensive digital-asset frameworks. Binance became the first exchange to secure a Category 4 license there, a pin-worthy compliance milestone for the rest of the world.

The UAE, meanwhile, has evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic Web3 ecosystems. Through the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi, the Emirates are not only attracting exchanges and fintechs, but also incubating the next generation of blockchain start-ups, tokenised-asset platforms, and AI-driven financial solutions.

For Binance, the UAE serves as both a regional base and a hub for education, institutional collaboration, and product innovation, from self-custody solutions like Trust Wallet – now serving over 280 million users – to Binance Institutional, which provides compliant trading and custody for global investors. It also serves as the home of this year’s Binance Blockchain Week for the second consecutive year – the brand’s flagship gathering taking place in December at the Coca-Cola Arena.

Saudi Arabia is investing in fintech sandboxes

Saudi is now signaling its own intent to join the digital-asset future. Under Vision 2030, the kingdom is investing in fintech sandboxes and pilot blockchain projects aimed at financial inclusion and efficiency.

For the initiated, the opportunity is obvious, for the curious, it’s vast and exciting. The tokenisation of real-world assets (RWA) — from real estate to corporate debt — already exceeds $20bn globally, with a projection of another $10tn to follow in the coming years.

There is no doubt that MENA’s strong regulatory infrastructure will make it a key gateway for this new capital market.

By pairing this ambition with accountability, MENA is building a bridge between traditional finance and the decentralised future. It’s unrivaled in terms of readiness, eagerness, governmental support, and global talent. You need only do a 360 turn almost anywhere in the Emirates to see it.

The Gulf is no longer a follower in the crypto story. It is a co-author, helping to define a more transparent, inclusive, and hybrid financial system for the world.

Read: Binance’s regional head on driving crypto growth and digital innovation in the Gulf

Tesla said on Thursday it is recalling 63,619 Cybertrucks over software that makes the front parking lights too bright, potentially impairing oncoming drivers’ vision.

It said an over-the-air software update has been released to the fix the issue at no charge for the Cybertrucks built between November 13, 2023 and October 11, 2025.

The Elon Musk-led automaker said it identified the problem during an internal review earlier this month after photometric tests confirmed the excessive brightness.

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Tesla said it has not received any reports of crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the issue.

On Wednesday, the EV maker also recalled 12,963 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles over a battery-pack component defect that could cause a loss of propulsion and increase crash risk.

Earlier this month, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was opening an investigation into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with its Full Self-Driving system after more than 50 reports of traffic-safety violations and a series of crashes.

The company reported record third-quarter revenue that beat Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, driven by its highest quarterly EV sales as US buyers rushed to lock in a key tax credit before it expired last month.

But Tesla’s profit missed analysts’ expectations, in part due to tariff and research costs, as well as a decline in income from regulatory credits that are expected to continue fading with recent legislation passed by the Trump administration.

Shares of the company were down 3.3 per cent in premarket trading. The stock is up nearly 9 per cent so far this year.

The WE Convention (Women’s Empowerment Convention), the world’s largest women’s empowerment gathering, is set to take place on November 1–2, 2025, at Atlantis The Royal Dubai. Organised by the WE Council, a global community of women leaders promoting personal and professional development, the event will bring together over 2,000 attendees and more than 100 world-renowned speakers.

All tickets for the event were sold out three weeks in advance—an unprecedented milestone for a women’s empowerment event in the Middle East. The most affordable ticket category had already sold out in September 2025, underscoring the growing demand for platforms that drive women’s leadership, financial independence, and global collaboration.

This year’s theme, “All in: Career, Money, and Life,” will explore the vital relationship between financial independence and women’s empowerment, offering insights into how women can build sustainable careers and wealth in an evolving global economy.

“It is with great joy and gratitude that I announce that all tickets for WE Convention 2025 are completely sold out. This response is the best proof that our chosen theme was timely and necessary. Every year, we gather a truly unique community of women ready to invest in their development and change the rules of the game,” says WE Convention founder Mila Semeshkina.

The lineup of speakers includes some of the world’s most influential leaders across business, government, fashion, and sports. Confirmed speakers include H.E. Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future; H.E. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority; Dame Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue and chief content officer of Condé Nast; Candace Bushnell, international best-selling author; Dr. Maky Zanganeh, US self-made billionaire and co-CEO and president of Summit Therapeutics; and Joelle Mardinian, celebrity entrepreneur.

Other notable speakers include Amira Sajwani, managing director of sales and development at DAMAC Properties; Svetlana Kuznetsova, Grand Slam tennis champion and sports-fashion designer; Mary Gukasyan, managing director of Kraft Heinz Middle East & Africa; Mirna Arif, general manager for Middle East and Africa Growth Markets; Nawal El Moutawakel, Olympic champion and vice president of the International Olympic Committee; Alina Nazarova, director of premium and private banking at Alfa-Bank; Nisha Jagtiani, group director of Landmark Group; and Angela Orlov, co-founder and head of design at ORLOV Jewelry.

During the convention, Mila Semeshkina, founder of the WE Council and WE Convention, will also debut her third book — a practical, step-by-step guide designed to help women navigate career advancement and financial success in today’s male-dominated world. The book draws on her extensive experience working with multimillionaires, political figures, and global business leaders.

Complementing the main conference, a select group of speakers and VIP and Platinum guests will attend WE Night on November 1 at the Michelin-acclaimed estiatorio Milos at Atlantis The Royal. The exclusive evening will feature red-carpet arrivals, live fashion and musical performances, a gourmet dinner, and curated networking sessions.

With its sold-out status and global speaker lineup, WE Convention 2025 is poised to become a defining moment in the regional and international dialogue on women’s empowerment, financial independence, and leadership in the modern era.

The WE Convention 2025 is supported by partners: ORLOV Jewelry, Eywa by R.Evolution, the international educational platform Lectera.com, Kraft Heinz, Migems Dubai, Omorfia Group, META, LinkedIn, La Biosthétique, OKX, Shiseido, Philip Morris International, Aeon & Trisl, AM Wealth, LITT, LETOILE, Keto Kartel, Divinom, Milena Aesthetic Clinic, Privé7 Dubai, the female factor, and Women in AI.

Further details about the WE Convention can be found here: http://www.weconvention.com

The city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia is rapidly redefining itself as a prime business and investment hub, driven by a sweeping programme of development projects, infrastructure expansion, regulatory reforms and global investment outreach. With 224 initiatives currently underway, covering more than 30 million square metres and exceeding SAR200bn in value, the region is positioning itself for a new era of sustainable growth. Meanwhile, a nine-point competitive advantage framework and landmark capital-market reforms are opening the door to foreign investors as never before. Together, these moves reflect both the local ambition of Madinah and the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, boost private-sector participation and raise the kingdom’s regional economic standing.

According to a report issued by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a total of 224 development projects are currently underway in the region. These comprise 15 government-led projects, 10 semi-government initiatives and 199 private-sector ventures, covering more than 30 million m² of investment-land. The total value of these projects exceeds SAR200bn, underlining the scale and economic significance of the programme, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

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The bulk of activity is in the commercial sector, which accounts for 162 ventures, roughly 80 per cent of the total project count. Other highlighted segments include 20 mixed-use residential & commercial developments, 11 health-sector projects, eight standalone residential projects, seven education projects, seven tourism and entertainment initiatives, five religious-purpose projects, four public-utility schemes and two corporate-projects.

Crucially, the rollout is expected to generate 125,722 new job-opportunities in the region, supporting national efforts to reduce unemployment and raise the participation of Saudi talent in economic development. These large-scale projects offer business-community entry points, act as engines of regional growth and enhance Madinah’s attractiveness as both an investment destination and a quality-of-life destination for residents and visitors alike.

9 competitive advantages that make Madinah stand out

Beyond the hard numbers, the Madinah Chamber’s research confirms that the region enjoys nine distinctive competitive advantages that stack the deck in favour of local and foreign investors.

These advantages include generous investment incentives and facilities spanning manufacturing, tourism and advanced technologies; multi-year tax exemptions; full foreign-ownership rights in most sectors; and streamlined regional licensing procedures via a unified investment-system. The region also boasts abundant mineral reserves and large agricultural lands, date production alone exceeds 344,000 tonnes annually across premium varieties. Infrastructure strengths are equally noteworthy: the region hosts multiple international airports (including Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, AlUla International Airport, and Prince Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu), together serving over 11 million passengers annually. The logistics network is reinforced by key ports (Yanbu Commercial Port handles 20 million tonness of goods and 1.5 million containers; King Fahd Industrial Port manages 15 million tonnes and 400,000 containers) and the Haramain High‑Speed Train, which ferries more than 1.5 million passengers annually.

Another standout asset is the Madinah Industrial City, built on roughly 10 million m² and the home to 540 factories, around 4.6 per cent of the kingdom’s total industrial facilities, making it a cornerstone of Madinah’s industrial and investment ecosystem. Together, these factors signal that Madinah isn’t just another regional city, it is a strategically engineered investment zone aligned with national-diversification goals.

Capital-market reforms open doors for foreign investment

In January 2025, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) announced that foreign investors can now participate in Saudi-listed companies that own real-estate assets in the cities of Makkah and Madinah. The move forms part of a broader drive to enhance capital-market appeal, boost liquidity, and channel foreign capital into key developmental initiatives.

Under the new rules, non-Saudi natural and legal persons may hold up to 49 per cent of shares in a listed company owning real estate in Makkah or Madinah; direct shareholding by strategic foreign investors is excluded from this allowance. The reforms also allow listed Saudi companies to acquire ownership, easement, or usufruct rights over properties used for headquarters or branch offices in Makkah and Madinah, so long as those properties serve designated operational uses and comply with relevant laws. These regulatory adjustments sit alongside earlier measures that opened the Saudi market to resident foreign investors, swap-agreements, qualified foreign-financial institution access, and direct debt-instrument investments, all aligning with the design of a more accessible, global-style financial marketplace.

These changes not only support the financing of infrastructure and real-estate development in Madinah and Makkah, but also mark a shift in how Saudi Arabia engages global capital, moving from largely domestic funding to an integrated international investor ecosystem.

Strategic synergies: Projects, incentives and capital flows

The three strands of activity, massive development-projects, competitive incentives, and capital-market liberalisation, are not occurring in isolation. Instead, they form a strategic synergy that is amplifying Madinah’s economic profile.

The large-scale projects being deployed across commercial, tourism, residential, education and health sectors provide concrete investment opportunities. These opportunities are then enhanced by the nine competitive advantages that reduce barriers and increase attractiveness for both domestic and global players. Finally, the CMA’s reforms ensure the capital to fund these projects can flow from across borders and into the Saudi market at scale.

For domestic companies and entrepreneurs in Madinah, the current wave of projects opens a broad spectrum of participation, from construction and real estate to hospitality, manufacturing, logistics and technology. For foreign investors, the region has effectively lowered the ‘welcome mat’: full ownership rights in most sectors, tax exemptions, streamlined licensing and now access via Saudi markets’ listed companies.

From a national-economic standpoint, Madinah’s growth trajectory aligns with broader goals of job creation (125,722 new roles in the pipeline), urban transformation, sector diversification and increased private-sector participation. For the region’s inhabitants and visitors, the benefits will be felt as rising infrastructure quality, improved services, and enhanced urban vibrancy.

Challenges and forward considerations

While the outlook is positive, the scale and complexity of 224 ongoing projects, the sheer infrastructure demands and the competitive intensity for investment mean that effective execution, governance and monitoring will be critical. Ensuring timely delivery, controlling cost-overruns, maintaining the quality of outcomes and aligning with local workforce development will all be major tasks for authorities and private-sector players alike.

Additionally, while foreign-investment rules have been relaxed, foreign capital flows must still integrate with local labour markets, regulatory frameworks and cultural dynamics to deliver sustainable outcomes. The real-estate reforms apply only in listed companies owning real estate, which means many opportunities still lie within domestic investment channels or require new structures to capture foreign interest.

Madinah Region is staging a bold re-launch of its economic identity, powered by a vast pipeline of development projects, a compelling incentives framework and capital-market reform designed to open doors to global investors. By interlocking large-scale execution, structural investment advantages and market accessibility, the region is positioning itself as an advanced economic hub in Saudi Arabia, and a bellwether for how the kingdom intends to compete for global capital and talent in the decade ahead.

For investors, entrepreneurs and policy-makers alike, Madinah’s moment has arrived.

The UAE’s food service market is undergoing a transformative boom, projected to skyrocket from $16.58bn (Dhs60.91bn) in 2024 to an astonishing $50.21bn (Dhs184.73bn) by 2033, according to the SevenRooms 2025 UAE Restaurant Industry Trends report. This surge is fueled by a thriving tourism sector, a wealthy consumer base, and an increasing appetite for diverse and elevated dining experiences.

As this dynamic landscape evolves, restaurant operators in the UAE are embracing digital innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet rising guest expectations, aiming to deliver more than just service, they strive to create personalised, memorable experiences that resonate deeply with patrons.

In today’s digital age, almost all UAE diners (99 per cent) rely on online platforms to find new restaurants. Social media and Google remain the top channels, illustrating that a strong digital presence is no longer optional but essential for restaurants seeking to attract and retain customers.

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This online behavior underscores a critical shift: consumers expect to engage with brands where they spend their time, on social networks and search engines. As a result, restaurant operators in the UAE are investing heavily in digital marketing strategies, content creation, and seamless online booking systems.

At the same time, the UAE is emerging as a leader in AI adoption within the food service sector. Nearly 95 per cent of consumers are comfortable using AI-driven systems for reservations, highlighting a market primed for technological integration. However, only 42 per cent of restaurant operators have embraced AI for processing bookings, suggesting significant growth potential.

Kinesh Patel, founder and CTO of SevenRooms, stresses the importance of trust in this new technology frontier: “Restaurants need to feel confident that AI systems are accurate, reliable and ethical, especially with guest data. As AI enhances dining experiences, trust will follow and pave the way for wider AI adoption, transforming the restaurant industry for the better.”

Beyond reservations, operators currently using AI predominantly apply it in data analytics (51 per cent) and marketing (49 per cent). This early adoption phase signals a broader trend toward leveraging AI not just for efficiency but for strategic growth.

AI’s impact on efficiency and customer experience

Artificial intelligence is proving a game-changer in operational efficiency and customer service. By speeding up response times to guest inquiries and streamlining routine tasks, AI enables restaurant staff to dedicate more energy to high-touch, personalised interactions that build lasting loyalty.

The ability of AI to handle reservations, answer common questions, and manage orders through chatbots and virtual assistants is freeing human staff to focus on the nuances of hospitality, something technology alone cannot replicate.

A striking example of AI integration is Dubai’s first AI-themed restaurant, Woohoo, situated inside Kempinski The Boulevard Hotel in Downtown Dubai.

Woohoo: Where AI meets culinary creativity

Woohoo offers diners an immersive experience where technology and culinary artistry merge seamlessly. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a futuristic environment featuring volumetric art, metallic surfaces, and dynamic blue ambient lighting that responds to movement and sound. Interactive digital installations create a multi-sensory atmosphere, while bronze-toned furnishings add warmth and sophistication.

Every design element, from floor-to-ceiling windows to architectural flow and projections, has been meticulously curated to evoke a timeless yet futuristic mood. At Woohoo, AI transcends back-of-house operations; it is woven into the very fabric of the dining experience, shaping ambiance, movement, and menu innovation.

Chef Aiman leads a globally inspired menu drawing from Japanese, Peruvian, and Mexican influences, with each dish crafted through a collaboration between AI insights and culinary expertise. The menu ranges from intricately prepared sushi rolls to vibrant tacos and innovative small plates, all designed to surprise and satisfy guests with bold flavors and artistic presentation.

Whether dining solo or in groups, patrons at Woohoo are immersed in an experience that feels both cutting-edge and deeply personal, where technology enhances creativity and engagement.

AI-Driven operational innovations transforming UAE restaurants

The impact of AI in the UAE’s restaurant industry extends beyond customer-facing innovations into critical operational functions that directly influence profitability and sustainability:

• Inventory management: AI-driven forecasting tools analyze historical sales, seasonal trends, and real-time consumption to recommend optimal stock orders. This capability helps restaurants avoid costly overstocking or shortages during peak periods, reducing food waste and enhancing ingredient availability.
• Personalised customer engagement: AI algorithms analyse customer preferences and purchasing habits to tailor promotions, loyalty rewards, and upselling suggestions, creating a personalised experience that drives satisfaction and repeat business.
• Demand forecasting and smarter staff scheduling: Predictive models forecast busy periods, enabling managers to schedule staff efficiently, minimising overstaffing during slow times and ensuring adequate coverage during rush hours.
• Faster service through predictive insights: AI anticipates popular dishes and peak times, allowing kitchen teams to prepare in advance, reducing wait times and improving overall service flow.
• Customer support automation: AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants handle reservation requests, order placements, and frequently asked questions, relieving staff from routine communications and allowing them to concentrate on high-value tasks.
• Marketing and content creation: AI accelerates production of social media posts, blogs, website copy, and even brand-aligned images, helping restaurants maintain a fresh and engaging digital presence at scale.

Spotlight on Foodics BI: AI-powered insights for smarter restaurant management

Among the standout AI-powered platforms is Foodics BI, a comprehensive business intelligence tool specifically designed for restaurants. It integrates seamlessly with the Foodics ecosystem, offering real-time visibility into sales, inventory, customer behavior, and staff performance.

Belal Zahran, Foodics International MD for Egypt and UAE, explains, “Foodics BI is not just a reporting tool, it’s a fully integrated, AI-powered decision-making platform built specifically for restaurants. Its ability to answer natural language queries and provide tailored insights makes complex data accessible to executives, owners, and managers without technical expertise.”

Foodics BI empowers restaurants to cut costs, reduce waste, and optimize operations by delivering predictive analytics and live dashboards. Whether managing a single café or a multi-branch chain, operators can identify inefficiencies, monitor sales performance, and make proactive adjustments.

In the rapidly digitising MENA region, Foodics BI equips F&B operators to lead transformation efforts by adapting quickly to changing customer demands, responding to market trends, and scaling efficiently.

The platform also addresses local market nuances, incorporating insights into branch-level consumer behaviors, seasonal shifts like Ramadan, and dining preferences, enabling culturally relevant and operationally excellent decisions.

Importantly, Foodics BI aims to empower rather than replace restaurant managers. By automating repetitive tasks and surfacing key insights, it frees managers to focus on strategic priorities, team leadership, and delivering superior guest experiences.

Elevated dining experiences drive consumer spending

The UAE’s dining scene is not just expanding in size but evolving in sophistication. Diners are showing a growing willingness to spend more on personalised experiences that add value and distinction to their meals. This includes tailored appetisers, custom tasting menus, and personalised beverage pairings designed to delight and surprise.

For special occasions like holidays, consumers seek elevated experiences that go beyond the plate, specialised menus, unique presentation, and keepsakes that make the event memorable. This trend reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations, where food service is increasingly seen as a form of entertainment and luxury.

Restaurants are responding by blending technology with creativity, using AI to customise offerings and elevate guest interactions. This approach not only drives higher spending but also cultivates brand loyalty and repeat visits.

The road ahead: UAE restaurants embrace a tech-driven future

The UAE’s food service sector is set to more than triple in value by 2033, driven by innovation, technology, and evolving consumer expectations. Operators are increasingly turning to AI and digital tools not only to streamline back-of-house operations but to elevate every touchpoint of the dining journey.

From discovery through online platforms to AI-enhanced reservations, personalised menus, and futuristic dining environments like Woohoo, technology is becoming the cornerstone of competitive advantage.

With consumers eager to invest in elevated, tailored experiences, restaurants that successfully blend high-tech solutions with human connection will dominate the market. The future of dining in the UAE is high-tech, highly personalised, and poised for unprecedented growth.