Finesse partners with Securiti to bolster data security

This partnership combines Finesse’s expertise in digital transformation with Securiti’s advanced technologies for managing sensitive data

Gulf Business

29 May, 2025

Finesse partners with Securiti to bolster data security

Image credit: Supplied

Finesse, a leading digital transformation and AI solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Securiti, the pioneer of the Data+AI Command Center. The announcement was made during the GISEC event and aims to deliver cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to businesses across the region.

This partnership combines Finesse’s expertise in digital transformation with Securiti’s advanced technologies for managing sensitive data.

Together, they offer a robust suite of capabilities tailored to address the complex demands of today’s cybersecurity landscape.

Enhancing Cyberhub with AI-driven solutions

Finesse will integrate Securiti’s AI-powered data privacy and security tools into its Cyberhub platform. This integration equips organizations with advanced solutions for protecting sensitive data across both structured and unstructured environments.

Cyberhub already includes features such as a Cognitive Security Operations Center (CSOC), automated incident response, AI-driven Zero Trust architecture, and governance frameworks for generative AI. With the addition of Securiti’s platforms—Data Vault, Data Leakage Protection, and automated privacy compliance—Cyberhub’s offering becomes even more powerful, enabling proactive and scalable cybersecurity strategies.

Leadership perspectives on the partnership

“This partnership addresses critical challenges organizations face in securing sensitive data across distributed environments, especially in the cloud,” said Megha Shastri, Vice President – Enterprise Accounts at Finesse. “Our collaboration with Securiti will give customers continuous visibility and control over their data, reducing risks and ensuring compliance.”

Tahir Latif, Chief Privacy Officer (META) at Securiti, added, “Organisations must balance rapid innovation with strong data security. By automating the discovery, classification, and protection of sensitive data, we provide foundational intelligence that supports downstream security and AI governance.”

Advancing PrivacyOps and Ethical AI

As AI adoption accelerates, ensuring data privacy and ethical governance becomes a top priority. This partnership will enhance PrivacyOps by introducing greater automation and transparency. The integrated solution supports zero-trust frameworks and encourages responsible AI use across enterprise operations.

“Responsible AI governance begins with responsible data governance,” Latif emphasised. “Without deep visibility into data flows, deploying AI becomes risky.”

Paving the way for the future of cybersecurity

The Finesse-Securiti alliance comes at a pivotal moment as businesses face increasing cyber threats and evolving regulatory requirements. Together, these companies aim to create a secure foundation for growth—offering seamless integration of data security, AI governance, and privacy management to organisations in the UAE and beyond.

digital transformation Partnership Finesse Data security Securiti

UAE breakthrough: World’s first jet-powered firefighting aircraft unveiled

It features cutting-edge computer vision and LiDAR-based 3D scanning for precise mapping, target detection, and obstacle avoidance

Gulf Business

29 May, 2025

UAE breakthrough: World’s first jet-powered firefighting aircraft unveiled

Image credit: WAM/Website

As part of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has unveiled Suhail, the world’s first jet-powered firefighting drone — a groundbreaking UAE innovation that signals the future of smart and safe emergency response.

Read-Masdar to build world’s first 1GW baseload renewable plant in the UAE

Equipped with advanced smart systems, the drone can access hotspots unreachable by conventional means, significantly improving the speed and effectiveness of fire response efforts, a WAM report said.

Suhail represents a major breakthrough for the UAE as the world’s first jet-powered unmanned aircraft designed exclusively for firefighting operations. It features cutting-edge computer vision and LiDAR-based 3D scanning for precise mapping, target detection, and obstacle avoidance. The drone also boasts integrated smart systems that enable vertical flight, precise maneuverability, and high efficiency in challenging conditions.

This announcement underscores Abu Dhabi’s leadership in prevention and public safety and reinforces the UAE’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to protect lives and property.

Aircraft Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority Suhail jet-powered firefighting

Starting July 1: WhatsApp Business rolls out major pricing changes

Businesses can still respond to customer inquiries for free within a designated 24-hour customer service window

Nida Sohail

29 May, 2025

Starting July 1: WhatsApp Business rolls out major pricing changes

Image credit: Getty Images

In a significant move for businesses worldwide, WhatsApp Business has announced a revamped pricing model for its WhatsApp Business Platform, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The update introduces per-message billing, revised rates, and volume-based discounts for utility and authentication messages—aligning the platform with industry-standard practices seen on other messaging channels.

Per-message pricing: Shift in billing strategy

WhatsApp will now charge businesses per template message sent, rather than relying on broader session-based models. This means that if a company sends a single marketing and one utility message, they’ll incur separate charges for each message type.

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This update aligns our pricing structure with other leading communication platforms that already operate on a per-message basis.

Free messaging within the customer service window

Businesses can still respond to customer inquiries for free within a designated 24-hour customer service window, which resets every time a user sends a new message. During this period, companies can send both free-form and utility messages at no cost.

“This gives businesses more flexibility and choice when responding to customers, without worrying about added fees,” WhatsApp noted in its update.

New volume tiers offer scalable savings

To support growth, WhatsApp Business will roll out market-specific volume tiers for utility and authentication messages. As businesses scale up, they’ll automatically benefit from reduced pricing in higher tiers.

“The more messages you send, the more you save,” WhatsApp stated. “Volume-based pricing makes the platform more cost-effective for growing businesses.”

These volume tiers are category-specific and market-based. For instance, a business sending utility messages in Brazil would qualify for a separate pricing tier than one sending authentication messages in India.

What this means for businesses

Predictable billing with per-message pricing
No cost for responses within the customer service window
Lower rates at higher volumes, incentivising platform growth
Alignment with global communication pricing standards

Looking ahead

This pricing update signals WhatsApp’s continued commitment to supporting business communication while ensuring cost-efficiency and scalability. Companies leveraging the WhatsApp Business Platform should review the new pricing structure closely to optimise their messaging strategies before the July 1 rollout.

For a detailed breakdown of the updated rates and volume tiers, visit WhatsApp’s official Business Platform page.

UAE Dubai WhatsApp WhatsApp Business WhatsApp Business Platform per-message pricing messages

MENA M&A activity surges in Q1 2025 with $46bn in deals: EY

The MENA deal markets remained resilient despite lack of clarity on two fronts: the impact of monetary policy on cost of capital and the ongoing tariff and trade discussion, said EY

Gulf Business

29 May, 2025

MENA M&A activity surges in Q1 2025 with $46bn in deals: EY

Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region surged in Q1 2025, with 225 deals valued at $46bn, according to EY’s latest MENA M&A Insights 2024 report.

This marks a 31 per cent increase in deal volume and a 66 per cent rise in deal value compared to Q1 2024.

Cross-border transactions remained the key driver of M&A activity, accounting for 117 deals worth $37.3bn — 52 per cent of total volume and 81 per cent of total value. This represents the highest quarterly cross-border activity in both value and volume in the past five years, as companies seek growth and diversification outside their domestic markets.

“The MENA region continues to exhibit a robust influx of M&A transactions in 2025,” said Brad Watson, MENA EY-Parthenon leader. “This is supported by regulatory reforms, policy shifts, and a favorable macroeconomic outlook, including easing interest rates and improved investor sentiment.”

Watson added that the steady rise in domestic M&A activity — 48 per cent of total deal volume in Q1 2025 — aligns with the IMF’s projection of 3.6 per cent GDP growth for the region. “Companies are realigning their strategies to better accommodate the need for diversification, digital transformation, and the integration of emerging technologies,” he said.

The UAE maintained its position as the top MENA target country, with 63 deals totaling $20.3bn in Q1 2025.

Kuwait followed with$2.3bn in deal proceeds, bolstered by two major transactions in the Diversified Industrial Products and Power & Utilities sectors.

Canada attracted the highest outbound MENA deal value at $6.4bn, while the US remained the most popular outbound destination by volume.

Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) such as ADIA, PIF, and Mubadala, alongside other government-related entities (GREs), were key M&A players in the quarter, aligning with national diversification strategies.

Domestic M&A shows 20 per cent rise

Domestic M&A also showed strong growth, with a 20 per cent rise in volume and deal value jumping to $8.7bn from $1.69bn in Q1 2024.

The technology sector led domestic activity, contributing 37 per cent of value and 27 per cent of volume.

The largest domestic transaction was Abu Dhabi-based G42’s $2.2bn acquisition of a 40 per cent stake in Khazna Data Centres.

Intraregional deals involving the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia represented 83 per cent of total domestic deal value and 56 per cent of volume, highlighting ongoing regional integration in the technology, industrials, and real estate sectors.

The region also continued to attract strong foreign direct investment (FDI), with inbound deal volume rising 21 per cent and value reaching $17.6bn — up sharply from $2.5bn a year earlier. The UAE captured 53 per cent of inbound deal volume and 99 per cent of value.

Austria emerged as the top investor country, accounting for 94 per cent of total inbound value, led by a major chemicals sector transaction.

Outbound M&A highlights

Outbound M&A saw a 63 per cent increase in deal volume and totaled US$19.7bn, driven by investments from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together contributed 77 per cent of outbound volume and 94 per cent of value.

While the chemicals and oil & gas sectors led in outbound deal value, the highest number of outbound transactions were in technology, industrial products, and professional services. The UK was the leading destination for outbound M&A by volume with 13 deals, while Canada and Peru together accounted for 50 per cent of outbound deal value.

A key transaction was ADNOC and Austria’s OMV AG’s joint acquisition of Canada’s Nova Chemicals for $6.3bn, through a new entity, Borouge International Group, in which both parties will hold a 46.94 per cent stake.

“The MENA deal markets remained resilient despite lack of clarity on two fronts: the impact of monetary policy on cost of capital and the ongoing tariff and trade discussions,” said Anil Menon, MENA EY-Parthenon head of M&A and Equity Capital Markets leader. “We can expect to see increased activity in consumer, technology, and energy sectors.

“With AI expected to drive material shifts in fundamental value, significant capital allocation in technology is likely.”

finance MENA Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

Dubai International airport tops ACI’s air connectivity ranking for MEAP region

DXB currently connects to over 265 destinations across six continents, supporting international trade, tourism, and economic growth

Gulf Business

29 May, 2025

Dubai International airport tops ACI’s air connectivity ranking for MEAP region

Image: WAM

Dubai International (DXB) has retained its position as the top-ranked airport in the Airports Council International (ACI) 2024 Air Connectivity Ranking for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, state news agency WAM reported.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said the ranking reflects DXB’s vital role in global aviation. “Connectivity is the cornerstone of relevance in global aviation, and we are pleased to see Dubai International recognised once again as the region’s leading hub,” Griffiths said.

DXB currently connects to over 265 destinations across six continents, supporting international trade, tourism, and economic growth.

DXB enables seamless, secure journeys

“What sets DXB apart is not only the scale of our network, but the consistency and quality of the connections the airport provides,” Griffiths added. “Our strength lies in combining reach with efficiency, ensuring fast, seamless and secure journeys for tens of millions of guests each year.”

He credited the airport’s continued success to the “oneDXB spirit” – a shared commitment among airline partners, the airport community, and the city of Dubai. “Together, we are shaping a model of airport connectivity that is agile, guest-focused and economically significant, not just for the region but for the world,” he said.

Aviation DXB ACI rankings

SelfDrive’s Soham Shah on raising the bar for premium mobility services

The founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility shares the inspiration behind OTO, its unique market positioning, growth strategy, and the trends shaping the future of mobility

Neesha Salian

29 May, 2025

SelfDrive’s Soham Shah on raising the bar for premium mobility services

Images: Supplied

Digital car rental platform SelfDrive Mobility recently launched OTO — a tech-driven, chauffeur-powered luxury service currently operating across the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

From tailored intercity rides and event transport to corporate and school mobility, OTO aims to revolutionize how business travelers, tourists, and high-net-worth individuals experience comfort and sophistication on the move.

We speak to Soham Shah, founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility, about the inspiration behind OTO, its unique market positioning, growth strategy, and the trends shaping the future of mobility.

What inspired SelfDrive to launch the new chauffeur-driven, luxury service?

At SelfDrive Mobility, we’ve always been focused on addressing evolving consumer needs through innovation and convenience. Over the last few years, we noticed a strong demand for elevated, chauffeur-driven experiences — especially among tourists, business travelers, and high-net-worth individuals. With OTO, we wanted to reimagine what premium mobility looks like in today’s digital-first world. The goal was to integrate a curated luxury fleet and professional chauffeur services to create an experience that goes beyond transportation—offering reliability, sophistication, and ease.

What truly sets OTO apart is the personalised touch we bring to every journey. From tailored route planning to attentive chauffeur services, we ensure that each ride is crafted around the individual needs and preferences of our clients, delivering a seamless and luxurious travel experience every time.

What is the anticipated growth of luxury, chauffeur-driven services in the years to come?

The luxury chauffeur-driven market in the GCC is set to grow steadily, driven by rising tourism, increased business travel, and demand for tech-enabled premium mobility. The premium transportation sector is expected to reach Dhs17bn by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 8% over the next five years.

Recent trends — such as a significant rise in passenger volumes, expanding fleets, and a 44 per cent increase in trips within the luxury and e-hailing space —underscore the sector’s momentum. As the region strengthens its position as a global hub, platforms like OTO, offering a seamless blend of personalisation and luxury, are well-positioned to lead this shift.

What trends do you see ruling the auto industry in the coming months and years?

In addition to chauffeur-driven services, the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous taxis is transforming urban mobility. EVs reduce emissions and promote sustainability, while autonomous taxis improve efficiency, safety, and accessibility.

Together, they will reshape infrastructure with smarter traffic systems and expanded charging networks, leading to cleaner cities and a more seamless, customer-centric transport experience.

OTO is addressing a critical gap in the market by optimizing vehicle utilisation through a strategic pool of luxury cars that leverage existing infrastructure.

What sets OTO apart from other chauffeur-driven services currently operating in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain?

What truly sets OTO apart is that it’s more than just a chauffeur-driven service — it’s a comprehensive, all-in-one premium mobility solution. Under one unified platform, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet diverse customer needs, from hourly, daily, and monthly chauffeur bookings to intercity transfers, corporate mobility, group transport, event rides, and even school rides.

Whether you’re a business executive, a tourist, attending a major event, or a parent seeking reliable school transportation, OTO brings all these services together seamlessly. We identified a clear gap in the market for a premium, technology-driven chauffeur service that simplifies bookings while offering a range of tailored options.

Every OTO journey is powered by a professionally trained chauffeur, a luxury vehicle, and a commitment to excellence — making premium travel more accessible, convenient, and connected than ever before.

Do you have plans to expand to other GCC or international markets? If so, what’s the timeline?

Yes, absolutely. We see strong potential for OTO in other GCC markets such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, as well as select international destinations where premium chauffeur-driven mobility is in demand. We are set to launch in the UK as early as Q3 of 2025.

This will be followed by a strategic expansion across GCC markets in Q4 of 2025. The phased rollout will align with market demand, strategic partnerships, and our commitment to ensuring the same level of service excellence.

What kind of investment went into the development and launch of OTO, and what are your projected returns over the next 12–24 months?

The development and rollout of OTO is a part of our strategic investment of $5m.

We’re projecting strong EBITDA margins upwards of 20–25 per cent over the next 12–24 months, driven by increasing demand for premium, reliable mobility solutions in both the business and leisure sectors.

What are your plans for the upcoming years?

We’re focused on scaling OTO across new markets, continuously expanding our luxury fleet, and enhancing the personalized user experiences. We also plan to integrate more sustainable vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, to support the UAE and GCC’s green mobility goals. In parallel, we’ll continue developing corporate partnerships and strategic collaborations to deepen our reach in the business travel and travel trade segment.

Our long-term vision is to make OTO the go-to premium chauffeur-driven service across the Middle East and beyond.

Interview Dubai Selfdrive chauffeur services