logo
NEP Group appoints Waleed Isaac as President of NEP Middle East and Asia

NEP Group appoints Waleed Isaac as President of NEP Middle East and Asia

Zawya6 days ago
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates --(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NEP Group, the world's most trusted media services partner for producers of live sport and entertainment, announced today that Waleed Isaac will join the company on 1 August as President for NEP's expanding Middle East and Asia region.
An accomplished, results-oriented leader, Mr. Isaac brings a wealth of expertise to the company as it continues to grow and invest in the region to support broadcasters, sports leagues, rightsholders and content producers of local and global major broadcast productions and live events. Based in Dubai, he brings deep experience with both market and cultural insights from his work across the Middle East, India and Singapore, as well as internationally in cities ranging from Atlanta to London to Paris, along with many others. Mr. Isaac is fluent in three languages: English, Arabic and French.
Prior to joining NEP, Waleed Isaac has spent his 30+-year career working in complex industries like large-scale events, energy, infrastructure and oil & gas with global corporations including GE, BrandSafway, and, most recently, Loxam Group, where he has served as Regional COO for the Middle East since 2022. He has worked with several businesses that support the media industry. An electrical engineer by training and an MBA, Mr. Isaac's experience encompasses an understanding of both the operational and commercial sides of business.
Martin Stewart, CEO of NEP, said: 'I couldn't be more pleased that Waleed has accepted the role of President for our growing Middle East and Asia region, and that he will oversee our teams based in the UAE, KSA, India and Singapore. He brings a tremendous level of executive leadership experience and understanding of the region, which will be instrumental as we seek to drive sustainable, profitable growth through technological innovation, operational excellence, and strong relationships.'
Waleed Isaac said: 'I am thrilled to join NEP as we continue to build upon the momentum and investment we have made across the region. I've been listening to the market and am very much looking forward to bringing NEP's tailored, cutting-edge solutions and expertise to our customers to meet their unique needs. I will also be focused on empowering and resourcing our teams as I begin my new role, so our people continue to deliver at the highest level for our customers.
'It's an exciting time to be a part of this growth journey and to join the best team in the business.'
Upon his official start, Mr. Isaac will join the NEP Media Services Executive Team, and he will spend his first months getting to know NEP's teams as well as meeting with key customers. In September, he will join the NEP global team at the IBC Show in Amsterdam.
About NEP
NEP is the world's most trusted media services partner for live sports and entertainment. With a global network of experts, cutting-edge technology, and an expansive portfolio of customer-driven, innovative solutions, we empower our customers to tell their stories in breakthrough ways.
Headquartered in the United States and with operations in 25 countries, we've supported thousands of major productions and events on every continent with excellence and reliability. See how we bring content to life at nepgroup.com.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE emerges as top global safe-haven for wealth in new tax index
UAE emerges as top global safe-haven for wealth in new tax index

Khaleej Times

timean hour ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE emerges as top global safe-haven for wealth in new tax index

The UAE has emerged as the world's most attractive destination for wealth preservation, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai topping the newly released Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025 by global mobility platform Multipolitan. The report underscores the UAE's status as a global hub for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking stability, fiscal efficiency, and long-term wealth protection amid growing global tax pressures. Multipolitan's 'Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation' ranks 164 cities based on their statutory taxation frameworks, legal governance, and treaty networks. Abu Dhabi takes the top spot, followed closely by Dubai in second place, outperforming traditional financial centres such as Singapore (3rd), Zurich (6th), and Hong Kong (7th). The UAE's achievement underscores its role as a magnet for global capital and talent in an era when rising taxes, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting regulatory landscapes are redefining global wealth strategies. Abu Dhabi leads due to its zero per cent income tax regime, relatively low property transfer fees, strong legal infrastructure, and consistent policy environment. Dubai's second-place ranking reflects its unparalleled international connectivity, broad treaty coverage, and a regulatory ecosystem that supports transparent wealth management and investor confidence. Speaking on the findings, Nirbhay Handa, CEO of Multipolitan, said, 'Wealth isn't just being built anymore — it's being defended. Geography has become the ultimate strategy. The UAE is at the forefront of this shift, offering not just low tax rates but something even more important — predictability, legal clarity, and institutional trust.' The Index arrives at a time when high-tax jurisdictions in Europe and North America are tightening regulations on wealth, inheritance, and capital flows. In contrast, cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer a rare combination of low-tax environments, asset security, and regulatory foresight — a mix that increasingly appeals to globally mobile families and corporate leaders. The report also highlights the broader strength of the Gulf region in shaping the future of wealth mobility. Five additional GCC cities made the top 20 — Manama (4th), Doha (5th), Kuwait City (8th), Riyadh (12th), and Muscat (17th) — driven by tax incentives, economic diversification strategies, and growing financial sector sophistication. With seven of the top 20 tax-friendly cities located in the GCC, the region's reputation as a rising force in wealth preservation is now firmly established. In addition to taxation metrics, Multipolitan's report introduces two complementary indexes that provide a multidimensional lens on global resilience. In the Wealth Preservation Cities Index (2015–2025), Zug, Hong Kong, and Basel ranked highest for safeguarding purchasing power during a volatile decade. Abu Dhabi and Dubai placed 22nd and 24th, respectively, indicating growing maturity and increasing investor confidence in long-term capital security. Meanwhile, in the Smart & Sustainable Cities Index 2025, Wellington, Copenhagen, and Singapore topped the rankings. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ranked 23rd and 25th, are quickly climbing the ladder as they invest in climate resilience and digital infrastructure — cornerstones of future wealth sustainability. According to Knight Frank's 2024 Wealth Report, Dubai recorded the highest global influx of ultra-rich individuals, with over 4,500 new HNWIs relocating to the city in the past year alone. This was driven by its appealing visa regimes, lifestyle offerings, and safe-haven status during geopolitical upheavals. Abu Dhabi, with its long-term investor residency schemes and rapidly expanding private banking sector, is also gaining traction among institutional wealth managers and multi-family offices. The Multipolitan report includes expert commentary from former leaders at EY, Deloitte, and BDO, as well as international tax lawyers and family office strategists. Collectively, these perspectives paint a picture of a new global order in wealth planning — one where jurisdictional agility, smart structures, and proactive compliance are becoming essential. Topics addressed range from how American expatriates are restructuring their holdings, to how AI is transforming global tax strategy, to Portugal and Malta's rising appeal as complementary wealth hubs. What sets Abu Dhabi and Dubai apart, experts note, is their ability to combine traditional financial stability with innovation and long-term governance vision. With no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax, the UAE continues to attract wealth creators seeking to shield their legacies from policy volatility. Moreover, the country's rapidly growing network of double tax treaties — now exceeding 140 — ensures international compliance and ease of asset mobility. As governments worldwide increase scrutiny on offshore structures and adopt transparency standards like the OECD's Common Reporting Standard (CRS), the UAE's strategy of aligning competitive taxation with robust regulatory practices has earned global credibility.

PayCargo launches new digital payment platform in UAE with Emirates SkyCargo partnership
PayCargo launches new digital payment platform in UAE with Emirates SkyCargo partnership

Arabian Business

timean hour ago

  • Arabian Business

PayCargo launches new digital payment platform in UAE with Emirates SkyCargo partnership

PayCargo, a logistics payment platform, has launched operations in the United Arab Emirates, with Emirates SkyCargo becoming the first carrier in the region to implement the company's payment solution. The collaboration transforms the cargo payment process by providing customers with a digital payment platform that connects carriers with freight forwarders and vendors. The launch addresses the cargo industry's reliance on traditional payment systems, including cash transactions. Emirates SkyCargo adopts PayCargo's payment solution Emirates SkyCargo customers in the UAE can now process payments through credit card or direct debit, enabling same-day or next-business-day cargo release. The integration forms part of the airline's strategy to implement digital solutions that improve operational efficiency and customer service. Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: 'The next era of logistics, and of Emirates SkyCargo, will be defined by smart technology and digital solutions. This partnership with PayCargo ensures we are at the forefront of that evolution, providing faster and more secure transactions for our customers, streamlining processes for our internal teams, and solving industry-wide challenges of accessing air freight capacity.' The platform eliminates manual payment processes and provides instant payment capabilities. PayCargo's solution connects multiple parties within the logistics chain on a single platform, creating a centralised payment system for the cargo industry. Eduardo Del Riego, President and CEO of PayCargo, added: 'We're thrilled to launch in the UAE with Emirates SkyCargo as our first regional partner. This solution will help streamline the cargo payment process and save customers valuable time. By eliminating manual payment systems, we can provide a more efficient and reliable solution. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo as they lead the way in digital solutions for the logistics industry.' The UAE launch follows a strategic alliance established in 2022 between PayCargo and Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum. Seed Group facilitated PayCargo's introduction to the UAE market and supported the company's expansion across the Middle East and North Africa region. The UAE has positioned itself as a trade hub through investments in multi-modal infrastructure, digital and technology acceleration, and forward-looking policies. These developments have strengthened the country's position as a logistics hub. The partnership between PayCargo and Emirates SkyCargo, described as the world's largest international airline, establishes the foundation for increased logistics resilience supported by digital infrastructure.

Asia's largest institutional fund platform Gordian Capital plans move to Dubai
Asia's largest institutional fund platform Gordian Capital plans move to Dubai

Arabian Business

timean hour ago

  • Arabian Business

Asia's largest institutional fund platform Gordian Capital plans move to Dubai

Gordian Capital, Asia's first and largest institutional cross-border fund platform and fund solutions provider, which was acquired by the Luxembourg-based IQ-EQ on Wednesday, plans to expand and set up operations in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The move, which is expected to significantly enhance its Middle East operations, is subject to approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Gordian Capital is Asia's only fully-licensed institutional fund platform operating in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, the continent's three key financial centres. It is fully licensed and regulated with MAS in Singapore, SEC in the USA, SFC in Hong Kong, FSA in Japan, and ASIC in Australia. The group is also required to meet guidelines and registration requirements with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), CSRC (China Securities Regulatory Commission) and CBI (Central Bank of Ireland) as both an investor and investment manager. As a key regulated infrastructure provider, the company is already part of the ecosystem of prime brokers, executing brokers, fund administrators, legal, tax and audit firms with operations in Asia and, subject to regulatory approval, expects to also become a key market provider in, and help expand the DIFC ecosystem. The firm has launched over 115 funds across both private and public strategies, including private equity, real estate, venture capital, private credit, infrastructure, trade finance, and multiple hedge fund strategies, as well as long-only and absolute return strategies. It works with some of the world's largest general partners and asset managers, supporting them as they both invest and expand into Asia. Almost 96 per cent of its US$17 billion assets under management are from institutional investors. Mark Voumard, Founder of the group and CEO of Gordian Capital Singapore, commented: 'The DIFC has seen and continues to experience strong growth in the number of managers across alternatives and traditional strategies, who have established an operation. 'Going cross-border can have its challenges, primarily in terms of speed to market, as well as meeting rigorous initial and ongoing operational and regulatory standards. This is where, provided we obtain regulatory approval, with the group's history of success and growth in Asia over the last 20 years, we plan to provide a highly regulated market entry pathway and infrastructure for institutional quality GPs and managers seeking to establish a regulated presence in DIFC. 'We have been given a warm welcome by the pro-business, market-friendly, and highly professional team at DIFC and, subject to receiving regulatory approval, expect to work closely with them to help develop DIFC even further as an asset management centre.' Gordian's planned Fund Platform offering in DIFC, subject to approval by the DFSA, would leverage the company's expertise as the manager for experienced investment professionals, who require an institutional level regulated, physical and operational fund infrastructure. Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, added: 'We are pleased that Gordian Capital has announced its intention to establish a presence in Dubai International Financial Centre. Their decision reflects the strength of DIFC as the region's leading financial hub with unparalleled depth in asset management, attracting new firms and business models that access the fast-growing markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.' Gordian Capital joins IQ-EQ, rebrands by 2026 Meanwhile, IQ-EQ has received regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) and is expected to close its acquisition of Gordion shortly, subject to customary closing conditions. CEO and co-founder Voumard will continue to lead the business and will join IQ-EQ's Asia senior leadership team, ensuring continuity of the day-to-day delivery of services. The business will go to market as Gordian Capital, part of IQ-EQ, until the second quarter of 2026, after which the business will rebrand as IQ-EQ. Mark Pesco, Group Chief Executive Officer at IQ-EQ, commented: 'This acquisition represents a significant milestone in IQ-EQ's growth strategy, further solidifying our strong market position in the Asia Pacific region. 'Asia has long been a key region for IQ-EQ, and the addition of Gordian Capital, alongside our recent acquisition of AMAL Group, underscores our commitment to expanding our presence and capabilities in this dynamic market. The combined expertise and reach of our expert teams will enable us to offer unparalleled services and support, fostering growth and innovation across the region.' Established in 2004 by capital markets professionals and alternatives industry veterans in Asia, Gordian Capital initially launched its first operating subsidiary in Singapore in 2005.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store