logo
Storyfiner launches strategic storytelling solutions to support GCC startups, government initiatives

Storyfiner launches strategic storytelling solutions to support GCC startups, government initiatives

Khaleej Times4 days ago

In a move aligned with the Gulf region's push for economic diversification and innovation, Storyfiner has launched a suite of strategic storytelling and communication solutions tailored for startups, SMEs, and government-affiliated organisations.
The UAE-based firm specialises in investor-ready presentations, pitch decks, branding communication, and narrative design, helping organisations across the GCC clarify complex ideas and engage audiences effectively.
As regional governments shift focus from oil-based economies to innovation and entrepreneurship, Storyfiner has supported several initiatives that align with national transformation agendas. Recent collaborations include working with ROSHN in Saudi Arabia to mentor startup cohorts and supporting a Dubai-based mobility accelerator in refreshing its investor communications. A cybersecurity incubator in the region also partnered with the firm to amplify its digital presence and stakeholder engagement.
'Our mission is to empower organisations with the tools to tell their story clearly and confidently,' said a spokesperson from Storyfiner. 'Whether it's for funding, public engagement, or brand positioning, we make communication strategic and effective.'
This initiative complements national goals such as Saudi Vision 2030 and similar development plans across the Gulf, where storytelling is emerging as a vital tool for economic transformation and cross-sector innovation.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bespin Global outline their mission to take public sector enterprises to the cloud
Bespin Global outline their mission to take public sector enterprises to the cloud

Tahawul Tech

time3 hours ago

  • Tahawul Tech

Bespin Global outline their mission to take public sector enterprises to the cloud

Bespin Global, an e& enterprise company outlined in detail how their agile product portfolio is designed to help public sector enterprise navigate and circumvent issues they face when migrating to public sovereign cloud models, during an exclusive roundtable held at the Ritz-Carlton JBR earlier this week. The roundtable was held in conjunction with CPI Media Group, and was moderated by CNME Editor Mark Forker. The topic of the roundtable was entitled, Next-Gen Governance: Powering the Future of Digital Government with Cloud. The series of presentations were delivered by the executive leadership from Bespin Global, which included; Mouteih Chaghlil, CEO of Bespin Global, Bassam Abbasi, Head of Network & Security, at Bespin Global and Sami Wahab, VP – Sales at Bespin Global. The roundtable was attended by IT leaders from the following public sector organisations. Abu Dhabi Mobility Sharjah Muncipality Smart Umm Al Quwain Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC) Dubai Legal Department EDGE Group Al Kuwait Hospital Dubai Dubai Culture & Arts Ministry of Finance Dubai Air Navigation Services The first session of the roundtable was delivered by Bespin Global CEO, Mouteih Chaghlil, who laid out how the company wants to be the partner of choice for public sector entities looking to accelerate their migration to the cloud. 'We know there are many challenges, and data classification is certainly a big one. What sort of data do I have, what is it, where is it, where does it need to reside, this sort of data classification needs to be determined, but it's not always black and white, and AI is only as good as the data you have. However, what we do know is that 32% of public sector entities in the UAE, KSA and Egypt are already utilising cloud-based customer engagement solutions, and 40% of them are planning to adopt cloud in the next few years. The opportunity is huge, and we know we have the capabilities to build secure and compliant hybrid/multi-cloud environments that support sovereignty and resilience,' said Chaghlil. There was a huge level of engagement and interaction between Chaghlil and those in attendance, with some outlining their desire to remain with SaaS cloud models. Chaghlil then highlighted how public services digitised with cloud and AI can really deliver localised innovation at scale. 'Our cloud-native solutions are tailored to national priorities and governance models. Our AI models trained on localised data ensure cultural and legal alignment. Integration with legacy systems enables a smooth transition without disruption and scalable infrastructure enables a rapid deployment of new services. In addition to this, having real-time access to unified data across agencies improves responsiveness and collaboration,' said Chaghlil. The next presentation was delivered by Bassam Abbasi, Head of Network & Security, at Bespin Global, and he stressed the importance of building a secure hybrid/multi cloud strategy in order to to ensure smooth migrations for mission-critical systems. There was a sharp focus on the role of AI in relation to cybersecurity, and how it builds that resilience and transparency that governments require. Abbasi insisted that people will remain at the core of digital transformation. 'Trust, transparency and control are critical, they are non-negotiable, and we get that. We can implement sovereign cloud models to protect sensitive citizen data, whilst maintaining that transparency on the data in line with clear governance rules and policies. We offer opt-in features and self-service options that ultimately empower users. At the end of the day, that is our goal, we want to take people with us in a way in which they maintain autonomy on the direction, but also have agility with accountability,' said Abbasi. Abbasi also highlighted how the landscape was change dramatically over the next few years. 'Within the next 1-3 years the picture is going to look a lot different due to the fact that public sector enterprises are going to pivot to either hybrid multi-cloud (33%), multiple public clouds (31%) or hybrid cloud (23%), with only 7% planning to remain solely in a datacentre, or private cloud. This change is driven by the need to modernize infrastructure to meet increasing demand for digital citizen services, improve the citizen experience, strengthen data security, and harness the power of emerging technologies. In addition, IT leaders are motivated to modernize their IT environment to prepare for future crises,' said Abbasi. The final presentation of the roundtable was delivered by Sami Wahab, VP – Sales at Bespin Global. His presentation examined the elements that come beyond migrations, and was focused on how Bespin can unlock innovation and increase efficiency in the public sector. He highlighted how Bespin Global's products can 'modernise workforces' across the public sector. 'We know we have the capability to boost productivity and enhance collaboration with our state-of-the-art modern workforce solutions with a secure framework that ensures seamless connectivity and data protection, and it is ultimately designed to transform the way you work. In summary, we design, develop and implement bespoke cloud solutions that specifically cater to your unique business needs,' said Wahab. Wahab concluded a brilliant presentation by giving those attendance some predictions that they envisage over the next few years. 'In terms of the multi-cloud, by 2027, 40% of enterprises will rely on interwoven IT architectures across cloud, core, and edge to support dynamic, location-agnostic workflow priorities. When it comes to GenAI on the cloud, by the end of this year, 70% of enterprises will form strategic ties to cloud providers for GenAI platforms, developer tools, and infrastructure, requiring new corporate controls for data and cost governance – and in terms of cloud data mobility, over the next 12 months, 55% of the G2000 will adopt multi cloud data logistic platforms to enable active data migration between hyperscalers to optimise costs, reduce vendor dependencies, and improve governance,' said Wahab.

Ibrahim Shiuree on the Maldives' vision for sustainable tourism, GCC growth
Ibrahim Shiuree on the Maldives' vision for sustainable tourism, GCC growth

Gulf Business

time5 hours ago

  • Gulf Business

Ibrahim Shiuree on the Maldives' vision for sustainable tourism, GCC growth

Image: Supplied With the Maldives consistently ranked among the top luxury destinations globally, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and MD of the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation ( In this conversation, he outlines how the Maldives is leveraging improved air connectivity, sustainability, and exclusive experiences to attract more travellers from the GCC — and why the country remains a magnet for investment and repeat visitation from the region's high-end market. Tell us about your presence at the recent ATM 2025 in Dubai. How is the Maldives leveraging improved air access, digital innovation, and regional partnerships to strengthen its global tourism footprint? The Maldives had one of its largest-ever delegations at ATM 2025, with over 230 representatives from 110 tourism companies, including resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, travel agencies, and airlines. Our consistent and strong presence at ATM Dubai reflects the importance we place on this platform to build industry partnerships and strengthen our global visibility. During ATM 2025, we also signed several important memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with major airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways. These agreements focus on enhancing air connectivity through joint marketing efforts and route development strategies. The aim is to tap into their extensive global networks and attract more tourists to the Maldives from key international markets. Additionally, we are using digital platforms and strategic collaborations to amplify our reach. For example, our partnership with Ooredoo enables us to connect with over 150 million customers globally, promoting the Maldives across new and existing markets. Our efforts are about more than just increasing tourist arrivals. We're equally focused on elevating the overall visitor experience, diversifying our source markets, and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape. The Middle East continues to emerge as a high-potential source market for the Maldives. What specific strategies are you implementing to attract more travellers from GCC countries, and how are you tailoring your offerings to meet their evolving preferences? The Middle East, particularly the GCC region, continues to be a high-potential and strategically important source market for the Maldives. We've been implementing targeted strategies that align with the evolving preferences of GCC travellers, who often seek luxury, privacy, family-friendly experiences, and bespoke services. As mentioned before, one of our key focuses has been building and strengthening partnerships with major airlines—these collaborations are essential for improving connectivity, increasing flight frequencies, and expanding our reach through coordinated marketing and promotional initiatives. In addition to airline partnerships, we've also launched major joint marketing campaigns with leading tour operators in the region, including DNATA. These campaigns help us promote tailored travel packages and exclusive experiences that cater specifically to the interests of Middle Eastern travellers—such as private villas and multi-generational family travel. Looking ahead, Visit Maldives is committed to strengthening these relationships, diversifying our outreach, and ensuring that our efforts translate into meaningful, sustainable growth. Our strategies have already contributed to many key milestones in positioning the Maldives as the World's Leading Destination, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the Middle Eastern market. The Maldives' unique 'one island, one resort' philosophy has become a benchmark for luxury and exclusivity. How does this model align with sustainability goals, and why does it particularly resonate with affluent Middle Eastern travellers? Our signature 'one island, one resort' philosophy is a hallmark of Maldivian luxury — it's a model that naturally supports our sustainability goals. By design, this concept limits the scale of development on each island, helping to reduce environmental impact and preserve the pristine natural beauty that defines the Maldives. From a sustainability perspective, having just one resort per island allows for better control over conservation efforts, waste management, and renewable energy integration. Many resorts are deeply committed to environmental stewardship — investing in solar power, coral reef restoration, and marine life protection programmes. At the same time, they actively raise awareness among tourists, encouraging responsible tourism and a deeper connection to the environment. This model also resonates strongly with affluent Middle Eastern travellers, who often prioritise privacy, exclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. The Maldives delivers all of that — offering private villas, luxurious amenities and bespoke experiences tailored for families and high-end travellers. Ultimately, the 'one island, one resort' concept delivers a unique blend of sustainability, seclusion, and personalised service within a breathtaking natural setting — making it an ideal destination for travellers from the GCC region seeking an unforgettable and meaningful escape. GCC travellers are increasingly seeking bespoke experiences, wellness, and luxury. How is the Maldives adapting its tourism ecosystem to meet these preferences and create repeat visitation from the Middle East? The Maldives has long been synonymous with bespoke experiences, wellness, and luxury — and our unique 'one island, one resort' concept remains unmatched globally for those seeking an exclusive and indulgent vacation. Over the years, we've strategically evolved our tourism ecosystem to align with the refined preferences of high-end travellers, particularly from the Middle East. Our resorts are deeply focused on delivering luxury through highly personalised services — from pre-arrival preference collection to tailor-made itineraries, private butlers, and around-the-clock service that caters to every need. Middle Eastern guests, who often seek privacy and personalized attention, find this level of service especially appealing. We also offer a range of ultra-luxurious experiences designed to create unforgettable memories: private sandbank dining under the stars, multi-day yacht charters with personal chefs, seaplane island-hopping adventures, underwater dining in glass-enclosed restaurants, and bespoke cultural immersion tours that showcase Maldivian heritage in an intimate and authentic way. Wellness is another pillar of our offering. Our resorts feature world-class wellness sanctuaries offering holistic spa treatments, guided meditation sessions, and personalised wellness programs designed to restore and rejuvenate the body and mind. The Maldives is an experience that lingers long after departure. We are proud to be the top choice for luxury travel globally, and our high repeat visitation rates from the Middle East are a testament to the magic we offer. Once someone experiences the Maldives, they almost always return — drawn back by the beauty, the service, and the unforgettable sense of serenity. The UAE and wider Middle East are home to sophisticated investors looking for high-yield opportunities. What makes the Maldivian tourism sector ripe for investment right now, and which areas — resorts, infrastructure, eco-tourism — offer the most promise? The Maldives has always been an attractive destination for discerning travellers — and that same allure extends to investors as well. With our tourism sector continuing to show resilience and steady growth, especially in the premium and luxury segments, the timing is ideal for those looking to explore high-potential opportunities. We see growing interest from sophisticated investors in the UAE and the wider Middle East, and we welcome that interest. The Maldives offers a stable environment, a strong brand as a world-leading destination, and a clear commitment to sustainability and innovation. There are certainly promising avenues across various areas—be it resorts, infrastructure, or emerging niches like eco-tourism and wellness. What makes investment in the Maldives unique is the opportunity to be part of a destination that not only delivers strong returns but also values authenticity, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. How is the Maldives strengthening regional tourism ties with Middle Eastern nations beyond visitor arrivals — perhaps through joint ventures, hospitality training, or innovation hubs? The Maldives is actively working to deepen its tourism ties with the Middle East — not just in terms of visitor arrivals, but through long-term strategic engagement and multifaceted collaborations. We've taken significant steps to build meaningful relationships across the region that go beyond traditional marketing. For example, we've hosted impactful familiarisation (FAM) trips, including a highly successful one with Khalid Al Ameri, a well-known influencer whose storytelling helped showcase the Maldives' appeal to a broad Middle Eastern audience. Our strong presence at ATM 2025 also reflected our commitment to the region — with initiatives like the LFC & Maldives-themed taxi campaign in Dubai, and key MoUs signed to enhance air connectivity and promote joint marketing efforts. Partnerships with influential travel brands have also played a vital role in expanding our reach within the GCC travel market. Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of activities planned — including dedicated roadshows, high-impact media and influencer trips, television promotions, and collaborations with popular consumer brands and digital platforms to keep the Maldives top-of-mind for Middle Eastern travellers. While we haven't formally launched specific joint ventures or training programmes tailored exclusively for the Middle Eastern market yet, ongoing foreign investment initiatives and large-scale projects like the Maldives Integrated Financial Centre (MIFC) could open doors to deeper hospitality collaboration, talent development, and innovation in the future. Overall, our vision is clear: we want to build enduring connections, offer value-rich experiences, and ensure that the Maldives remains a preferred, easily accessible, and culturally attuned luxury destination for travellers from the Middle East.

UAE fully backs efforts to boost GCC economic integration plan
UAE fully backs efforts to boost GCC economic integration plan

Gulf Today

time8 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

UAE fully backs efforts to boost GCC economic integration plan

The UAE has taken part in the 123rd Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee, held on Sunday in Kuwait, bringing together Their Excellencies, the Ministers of Finance of the GCC member states. Led by Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, the UAE delegation featured Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA); and Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Relations. A number of specialists from the Ministry of Finance, the Federal Tax Authority, the Federal Authority for Identity and Nationality, Customs and Port Security also accompanied the delegation. Advancing Economic Integration: The meeting discussed priority issues to strengthen financial and economic cooperation across the GCC, where appropriate decisions were taken accordingly. Topics addressed include the outcomes of the 84th Meeting of the Committee of the Governors of the Central Banks in the GCC Countries, recent sessions of the GCC Customs Union Authority, and the 14th meeting of the Committee of Heads and Directors of Tax Departments in the GCC Countries. Ministers also reviewed the latest developments related to the Gulf Common Market, along with recommendations stemming from a joint event hosted by the UAE Ministry of Finance and the GCC General Secretariat on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in February 2025. Progress on the GCC's economic unity agenda by 2025 was also reviewed, with discussions focusing on ongoing efforts to enhance Gulf coordination in global economic forums. The session also featured a briefing by the GCC Statistical Centre on current data from the Gulf Common Market. Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini said that strengthening joint GCC action in the financial and economic sectors will continue to be a strategic priority for the UAE, particularly in light of the accelerating challenges facing the global economy. He stressed the importance of completing the requirements of the GCC Common Market and Customs Union as essential steps toward enhancing economic efficiency and boosting the global and regional competitiveness of GCC countries. His Excellency added that the next phase calls for expediting institutional integration and aligning financial, tax, and customs policies to foster greater harmony and coherence among GCC economies. He reaffirmed the UAE's support for all efforts and initiatives aimed at establishing a unified Gulf economy and creating an attractive, dynamic environment for investment and trade. He concluded by highlighting the need to intensify technical cooperation and exchange expertise among member states, as well as making the most of the opportunities presented by joint Gulf projects. These efforts, he noted, are vital to achieving sustainable growth, ensuring long-term prosperity for GCC citizens, and strengthening the region's position as an influential economic bloc on the global stage. Exchanging views: During the meeting, the meeting ministers exchanged views on financial and economic priorities for the next phase and explored how to enhance the GCC countries' readiness to address regional and global developments, as well as how to support executive plans for economic integration and strengthen the GCC's position on the global stage. Two days earlier, The Ministry of Finance held a workshop on crisis management and forecasting, bringing together senior government officials and experts to explore best practices in emergency preparedness and strategic planning. The event, held in Dubai, was attended by Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; assistant undersecretaries; department directors; and representatives from the American University of Sharjah. In addition to highlighting the latest international practices in crisis management and forecasting, the workshop aimed to enhance the capabilities of national teams to respond effectively and plan proactively for future challenges. This aligns with the country's efforts to build a flexible government capable of adapting to evolving circumstances. Younis Haji AlKhoori emphasised that the workshop is part of the Ministry's commitment to strengthening institutional readiness. He highlighted that investing in capacity building for crisis management and forecasting is key to ensuring business continuity and improving government performance amid regional and global challenges. 'We are moving forward with our efforts to instill a culture of readiness within the organisational work environment, empowering our staff to make swift, well-thought-out decisions during crises and ensuring sustainable service delivery,' said AlKhoori.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store