Al Ansari Exchange Marks a Decade of Giving with 100,000 Iftar Meals Distributed Across the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE – March 2025 – Al Ansari Exchange, the UAE's leading remittance and foreign exchange company and a subsidiary of Al Ansari Financial Services PJSC [DFM: ALANSARI], proudly commemorates ten years of its annual Iftar meal distribution, reaching a milestone of 100,000 meals provided to communities in need across the UAE. In alignment with the UAE's 'Year of the Community 2025,' this year's initiative continues the company's commitment to fostering solidarity and sustainability, with 10,000 meals distributed across all seven Emirates.
Since its launch, this initiative has been an integral part of Al Ansari Exchange's corporate social responsibility efforts, ensuring that individuals and families receive nourishing meals to break their fast. In collaboration with government entities and community organizations, this year's distribution covered 10 locations, reinforcing the company's role in supporting social cohesion and well-being.
'Our Iftar meal distribution embodies the spirit of the 'Year of the Community,' which celebrates the values of unity, generosity, and collective responsibility,' said Hisham Salah Eldin, Head of Business Development at Al Ansari Exchange. 'Reaching the 100,000-meal milestone is a testament to the impact of sustained giving. As we continue this tradition, we remain committed to strengthening our communities and promoting initiatives that create meaningful change.'
'This initiative offers our employees a valuable opportunity to directly contribute to community service and embody the spirit of giving, which resonates deeply with our company's core values', he added.
Through its decade-long Ramadan meal distribution and broader CSR efforts, Al Ansari Exchange remains dedicated to enhancing social welfare and championing sustainability, in line with the UAE's vision for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
13-08-2025
- Mid East Info
Emirates Islamic selected as the lead cash management service provider by Kimera Group to support financial operations
Dubai, UAE, August 2025: Emirates Islamic, one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the UAE, has announced that it has been mandated as the lead cash management service provider for the entire UAE financial operations of the Kimera Group. As part of the collaboration, Emirates Islamic will provide Kimera Group with a comprehensive suite of innovative digital and operational solutions, including access to its digital banking platforms businessONLINE and smartTRADE, Smart Cash Deposit Machines (SCDM), Cheque Scanning ICCS and Remote Cheque Printing, thus delivering seamless and intelligent solutions tailored to Kimera Group's specific needs. In addition, the Bank will also facilitate Payroll (Non-WPS) services and Corporate Credit Cards for the Group. Mohammad Kamran Wajid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Islamic, said: 'We are pleased to partner with Kimera Group to deliver digital banking solutions to meet their advanced financial needs. With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and client-centric solutions, we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted partner to corporate clients, further reinforcing our position as a key player in the UAE's banking sector.' He added: 'As a leading Islamic bank in the region, we are committed to providing our customers with digitally-first banking solutions, unlocking efficiency, convenience and empowerment. We look forward to collaborating with Kimera Group to facilitate greater business agility and improved performance, while guiding them through their digital transformation journey.' Tariq Al Ghussein, Chief Executive Officer, Kimera Group said: 'Partnering with Emirates Islamic is a strategic move in advancing Kimera Group's financial operations with state-of-the-art digital banking solutions. Their expertise and innovative platforms will enable us to enhance operational efficiency, optimise transaction management, and drive greater financial agility. This collaboration reflects our commitment to integrating best-in-class financial solutions that support our growth, strengthen our capabilities, and position us for long-term success.' About Emirates Islamic: Emirates Islamic (DFM: EIB), part of Emirates NBD Group, is a leading Islamic financial institution in the UAE. Established in 2004 as Emirates Islamic Bank, the bank has established itself as a major player in the highly competitive financial services sector in the UAE. Emirates Islamic offers a comprehensive range of Shari'ah-compliant products and services across the Personal, Business and Corporate banking spectrum with a network of 40 branches and 229 ATMs/CDMs across the UAE. In the fast-growing area of online and mobile banking, the bank is an innovator, being the first Islamic bank in the UAE to launch a mobile banking app and offer Apple Pay, as well as being the first Islamic bank in the world to launch Chat Banking services for customers via WhatsApp. Emirates Islamic has consistently received local and international awards, in recognition of its strong record of performance and innovation in banking. Emirates Islamic was recognized as 'Best Overall Islamic Bank' and 'Most Innovative Islamic Bank' at the Islamic Finance News Awards 2024. The Bank was also named the 'Most Innovative Islamic Bank' at the prestigious Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards 2024. As part of its commitment to the UAE community, the Emirates Islamic Charity Fund provides financial aid to those in need, with a focus on food, shelter, health, education and social welfare contributions.
Mid East Info
13-08-2025
- Mid East Info
Al Ansari Financial Services' H1 2025 operating income increases by 13% to a record AED 638 million - Middle East Business News and Information
H1'25 Financial and Operational Highlights 13% YoY increase in Operating Income to AED 638 million attributed to the consolidation of BFC Group results from Q2 2025 (post acquisition) and the robust performance across the majority of business lines. Operating Income 11% YoY increase in EBITDA to AED 287 million with an EBITDA Margin of 45% due to increase in operating income. EBITDA Net profit after tax increased by 3% YoY to AED 212 million due to the increase in operating income arising from the consolidation of BFC Group results, offset by the increase in finance cost as a result of the shareholder's loan availed for the BFC acquisition. Total Transactions increased by 10% YoY to 28 million transactions. Outward Remittances value of transactions saw a 12% increase YoY. Bank Notes value of transactions reported a 105% increase YoY. Wage Protection System (WPS) number of salary disbursals saw a growth of 25% YoY . . Digital channels reported an increase of 30% YoY in the number of transactions, accounting for 23% of the overall outward remittances. Expansion in line with the Group's strategy and ambition, solidifying its market leadership position and regional plans. The Group's total number of physical branches reached 439 in H1'25, with Al Ansari Exchange reaching a total of 274 branches in UAE, as a result of 15 net new branches since H1'24 and 165 net branches acquired as part of BFC, across Bahrain, Kuwait and India. Al Ansari Exchange in Kuwait acquisition formalities is expected to be completed by the end Q3'25 (subject to regulatory approvals). Al Ansari Digital Wallet is set to be launched in Q3'25. Dubai, UAE – August 2025: Al Ansari Financial Services PJSC (DFM: ALANSARI) ('the Group'), the largest non-banking financial institution and services provider in the GCC, has delivered a resilient and record breaking performance in the first half of 2025 ('H1'25'), reporting a 13% year-on-year (YoY) increase in operating income to AED 638 million, attributable to the consolidation of BFC Group results from Q2 2025 and the strong performance across the majority of business lines. This growth, achieved despite persistent geopolitical headwinds, reinforces the Group's resilience, market leadership and the success of its long-term strategy to drive sustainable growth by capitalising on the UAE's and wider GCC's robust economic momentum. Financial Highlights: In AED thousands (unless otherwise stated) H1'25* H1'24 % change (YoY) Q2'25 Q2'24 % change (YoY) Operating Income 638,364 567,055 +13% 344,160 292,329 +18% EBITDA 287,051 257,917 +11% 149,386 135,502 +10% EBITDA Margin (%) 45.0% 45.5% 43.4% 46.4% Net Profit after Tax 212,244 205,476 +3% 103,390 106,732 (3%) Earnings per Share 0.0283 0.0274 +3% 0.0138 0.0142 (3%) Free Cash Flow (FCF) 269,790 242,019 +12% 137,213 127,181 +8% Operational Highlights H1'25* H1'24 Change (unit) (YoY) No. of physical branches 439 259 180 net branches since H1'24 Total No. of transactions 27.6 mn 25.0 mn +10% * H1'25 figures include BFC Group results H1'25 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COMMENTARY Operating Income demonstrated an increase of 13% YoY driven by the consolidation of BFC figures and robust performance across most of the business lines. EBITDA witnessed a sizeable 11% growth YoY, with EBITDA margin remaining consistent at 45%, despite a complex operating environment characterised by increased costs and geopolitical tensions in the region. Net profit after tax increased by 3% YoY, as a result of the increased finance costs for the acquisition loan, despite the sizeable uptick in operating income arising from the consolidation of BFC results. H1'25 OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE COMMENTARY The total number of transactions grew by 10% compared to the same period last year, reaching 28 million transactions. The market continues to witness pressures from key remittance corridors as well as certain fintech practices and ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have weighed on remittance income. Despite these headwinds, Remittance Operating Income rose by 2% YoY, reflecting the Group's robust fundamentals and market adaptability. Although geopolitical tensions in certain markets have exerted pressure on the banknotes business, the Group demonstrated resilience in this segment, reporting a substantial 26% YoY increase in Banknotes Operating income. Strategic partnerships, strong overall performance and increased demand on our prepaid cards, the consolidation of BFC figures and the GCC's surge in tourism enabled us to navigate disruptions and to continue to meet and exceed customer expectations. The Group's WPS and Other Products & Services business delivered impressive growth, with operating income increasing by a robust 36% YoY. This growth was driven by the GCC's expanding labour market and ongoing infrastructure and development projects. As more employers prioritise compliance and timely salary disbursements, demand for secure, efficient payroll solutions remains strong. The Group's continued investment in digital innovation is yielding strong results, with a notable 30% YoY increase in the number of transactions conducted through its digital channels, constituting 23% of the total outward remittance transactions. This growth reflects the accelerating adoption of our digital platforms, as more customers choose the convenience, speed, and reliability of our online and mobile services. The uptick in usage is a direct outcome of our commitment to deliver a seamless and intuitive customer experience — one that builds trust and encourages long-term digital engagement. As we advance our digital transformation strategy, these early adoption trends position us well for scalable growth and deeper customer connectivity in the quarters ahead. Commenting on the results, Rashed A. Al Ansari, Group CEO of Al Ansari Financial Services, said: 'We continue our strong momentum in the first half of 2025, building upon our positive first-quarter results coupled with the consolidation of BFC results into the Group during the second quarter. Despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges and fierce competition, we achieved solid growth across our business segments through our focus and discipline on execution and customer experience. Our results are a testament to the strength of our business model, the trust of our customers, and our commitment to delivering accessible, technology-driven financial solutions. We continue to successfully grow our customer base and market share, underscoring the resilience of our brand. The continued growth in digital transactions reflects our increased efforts to drive innovation and expand access to essential financial services. Our performance across business units reinforces our central role in advancing financial inclusion and supporting the diverse needs of individuals and businesses in the UAE, the GCC and beyond. Through the acquisition of BFC Group, we have delivered on our promise, of expanding our footprint beyond UAE, where we are already the undisputed market leader. Our strategic growth initiatives and recent acquisition are designed to future-proof the company, positioning us for success in an evolving financial landscape. In addition, we have begun integrating AI into our systems, and the early results have been promising and have exceeded initial expectations . As we look ahead, we remain deeply aligned with the UAE's and the GCC's overall vision for a digitally empowered and inclusive economy. We will continue investing in technology, focusing on customer experience, and pursuing sustainable growth that delivers long-term value to our shareholders, customers, and the communities we serve.' Mohammad Bitar Deputy Group CEO of Al Ansari Financial Services, added: 'H1 2025 was defined by robust operational execution across the Group, as we focused on strengthening service delivery, driving efficiency and preparing for future growth initiatives. We achieved notable improvements in customer engagement as well as process optimisation across both our physical and digital avenues. A key milestone was the consolidation of the BFC acquisition into the results of the Group, which marks a crucial step forward in our growth strategy. This acquisition is crucial for the Group as it expands our geographic reach and enhances our ability to serve a wider and larger customer base with greater scale and capability. We are also on the verge of launching our much-anticipated digital wallet—a market-changing innovation that promises to revolutionise the way our customers manage their finances. Designed with accessibility and ease-of-use in mind, the wallet will empower customers to store, send, and spend money more conveniently and securely than ever before. We remain focused on seamless integration, operational excellence, and value add opportunities that will reinforce our market leadership in the sector.
CairoScene
10-08-2025
- CairoScene
Inside the Cairo Catering Studio Run by a Brother-Sister Team
Inside the Cairo Catering Studio Run by a Brother-Sister Team Founded by siblings Hosny and Habiba Makhlouf, The Cater reshapes events with fine technique, close authorship, and total control over how food is seen and served. It was the night of an important dinner at the French Embassy, and brother-sister catering team Habiba and Hosny Makhlouf were in the kitchen. Dressed in chef whites and moving with the practiced ease of people used to orchestrating behind the scenes, they prepared a menu designed to leave an impression. The brief was exacting: French pastries for a high-profile gathering of diplomats, chefs, and magazine editors. What arrived at the table was both meticulous and unexpected - delicate creations laced with rose water, cardamom, pistachios, and orange blossom. The technique was French. The soul was unmistakably Arab. Embassy chefs stepped out from the kitchen to taste what they had heard about. Recipes were requested. And when the night drew to a close, the pair were invited into the embassy's own pastry lab for a quiet conversation about method, flavour and vision. It may not have been their first event, but it clarified what their company, The Cater, had become. Hosny and Habiba Makhlouf had started the business as a family-run partnership built on two distinct instincts - his rooted in classical technique, hers drawn from global food experiences. From the beginning, their aim was to introduce a new rhythm to Cairo's catering scene, one that fused precision with curiosity and made visual storytelling as important as taste. 'That mix - Hosny's classical training and my global food inspiration - is what shapes The Cater's identity,' Habiba tells SceneEats. Hosny trained at École Bellouet Conseil in Paris and now leads the kitchen with structure and discipline. Habiba focuses on creative direction, drawing from her exposure to different cuisines and traditions. Both remain closely involved in everything from menu development and client communication to event setup and social media. 'We don't just delegate. We really enjoy being hands-on and present throughout the process,' she says. The Cater's very first event took place during Ramadan and was hosted for family. 'The beauty of starting with family is that it gave us complete creative freedom,' Habiba explains. With no outside expectations, they built the menu and the aesthetic exactly the way they wanted. 'Phones were out the entire night. Everyone was photographing the food and posting it, and our social media started gaining traction right then and there.' Their process today is structured but collaborative. A team of experienced chefs works alongside the founders to develop dishes that are refined but still original. 'We combine their technical knowledge with our creative vision and fresh energy,' Habiba says. A separate logistics and service team manages setup and coordination, making sure every detail transitions smoothly from kitchen to table. Every event begins with a client conversation. Some come with detailed ideas. Others describe a feeling. The team responds with custom menus that align with the theme while staying true to their visual and culinary language. 'We believe in collaborating closely with each client, having ongoing conversations to make sure every detail aligns with their expectations,' she says. The Cater specialises in globally inspired dishes built from fine dining techniques. Their menus often pair classic preparations with unexpected flavour profiles, layered textures and styled plating. 'Our goal has always been to bring a fine dining experience into the world of catering, something that feels elevated, refined, and beautifully curated from start to finish,' Habiba says. Visual presentation shapes every part of their work. Trays, garnishes, utensils and even the pace of service are considered part of the experience. 'We make sure nothing feels basic, repetitive or simple,' she says. This attention to detail is what defines their aesthetic. 'Clients constantly tell us that our aesthetic, combined with our flavour, is what makes The Cater stand out.' While their team can scale up for larger events, they often gravitate toward intimate celebrations. Engagements, birthdays, and weddings give them room to craft deeply personal menus and expressive presentation. Their structure allows them to handle both scale and nuance with clarity and control. The French Embassy event offered a clear example of their direction. 'Preparing French pastries for such a prestigious client was both exciting and a bit intimidating,' Habiba recalls. 'We knew our work would be scrutinised closely, which pushed us to be even more creative and precise.' The menu combined the logic of French pastry with the warmth of Middle Eastern ingredients. 'Chefs from the embassy came out to taste our creations and even asked for recipes, which was a huge honour.' That night led to an ongoing relationship. The embassy kitchen invited them inside for a private walkthrough, and they've stayed in touch since. Cairo itself has played a major role in shaping their rhythm. 'Cairo's fast-paced lifestyle also means our clients value efficiency and reliability, so we've built a team and a system that can deliver flawless events on time, every time,' Habiba says. The city's layered food scene has also encouraged them to keep experimenting and refining their style. Hosny and Habiba continue to grow The Cater with careful intent. They've hinted at expanding into delivery, retail, or a physical location. But for now, their focus remains on depth, not scale. 'The Cater will continue to expand its flavour profile and offerings. Our potential in delivery and catering is limitless,' she says. Their style is defined by quiet precision. What they've built feels personal, considered, and tightly composed. Each event is treated as a story told through food, where even the smallest decisions are part of the experience.
