Crestview appoints Vice President, Head of Middle East, expanding Gulf presence
Headquartered in Canada, Crestview serves close to 100 clients with a team of more than 130 professionals from offices in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom — and now the UAE.
A longtime partner to Gulf clients, Crestview is now supporting clients in the region, from the region, while taking on more regional mandates, focusing on three core areas: Strategic and executive positioning, stakeholder engagement, and market entry and access.
Alexander M. Wegner brings more than 17 years' experience across the Middle East and Africa to the role. He has successfully built and scaled new practices, led international teams and worked with major corporate, government and philanthropic organisations in Bahrain, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
His clients have included Ministers, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, CEOs, sovereign wealth funds and Fortune 500 firms. He holds degrees from both The University of Chicago and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.
'I'm delighted to lead Crestview's fast-growing business in the Middle East,' Alexander M. Wegner, Vice President, Head of Middle East, said. 'Crestview has a hard-earned reputation for consistent excellence and impact, and the caliber and commitment of colleagues throughout the firm is nothing short of exceptional. I can't think of a more capable group of people to write the next chapter of Crestview's global growth story with, and I'm excited about all we're going to achieve with and for our clients here in the Gulf.'
Julian Ovens, a Partner and former resource executive and Chief of Staff to Canada's Foreign and International Trade Ministers, said, 'Gulf markets have always been key — during my time in government, resources and investment banking. With our world changing more profoundly and rapidly than anyone had predicted just a few years ago, the Gulf states' financial firepower and diplomatic leverage can make an outsized difference.'
Ovens added, 'In Alexander, we have a trusted hand who knows the region inside out and can help clients in, or interested in, these markets navigate them successfully. We're glad to have him join our senior team.'
Crestview counts Blackstone, McDonald's and Mastercard among its clients. It takes on mandates from the world's biggest brands, local not-for-profits and grassroots advocates to make change and have impact.
In the Gulf, Crestview is already advising energy clients in Abu Dhabi — with a growing team that includes GCC nationals — and has done work in the UAE's telecommunications industry.
Reflecting on Crestview's growth journey since its founding in 2004, Founding Partner Mark Spiro said, 'As a partner-owned firm that has grown organically, we have the freedom and agility to act on the opportunities we see, wherever they may be. Today, the Gulf states are leading the way — from AI to the energy transition — and I'm convinced our experience, people and networks will create value.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
4 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Foreign investors alert: Saudi approves digital IDs for property ownership
Image credit: Getty Images In a groundbreaking move to open up its real estate sector, Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved the use of digital identification for non-resident, non-Saudi foreigners to own property in the country. The decision comes as part of broader efforts to implement the non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which will come into effect in January 2026, Read- To support the rollout, the General Real Estate Authority will work with the Governance overhaul and committee formation The cabinet also backed governance measures proposed by the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, which include forming a specialised committee within the Real Estate Authority to oversee non-Saudi ownership and usufruct rights. Additionally, the board of the General Real Estate Authority has been restructured, now chaired by its CEO and composed of representatives from various ministries, government entities, and three members from the private sector. Key requirements for foreign buyers In July, the Cabinet formally approved the non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law. Just last month, draft executive regulations were published, laying out the conditions for non-resident ownership. To qualify, foreign buyers must activate a digital ID via the Absher platform, open a Saudi bank account, and obtain a local contact number, setting the stage for a more accessible property market for global investors.
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Arabian Business
New UAE school holidays; GCC visa rules; Dubai property boom; Etihad Rail real estate forecast; Abu Dhabi road tolls – 10 things you missed this week
A longer winter break for UAE students, new visa-on-arrival rules in Kuwait, and record-breaking Dubai property sales made headlines in the Middle East this week. From landmark hotel launches to transformative transport projects there were also major changes in education, travel, real estate, and infrastructure across the UAE and GCC Catch up on the biggest news stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE school calendar for 2025-2026: Longer winter break and new mid-term holidays revealed The UAE has announced the academic calendar for public and private sector schools in the 2025-2026 academic year, introducing unified term dates, longer breaks, and new mid-term holidays. The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) unveiled the new school calendar, which was approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council. The updated schedule will take effect from August 25, 2025, aligning with the country's 'Year of Community' goals to strengthen family cohesion and create a balanced learning environment. See key dates for UAE school year 2025-2026 here. Kuwait announces new visa for expats in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman Kuwait has announced new visa on arrival rules for expat residents living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. The new visa was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef Al Sabah. The tourist visit visa is offered to residents of GCC countries and is designed to boost tourism from neighbouring countries. Where Dubai rents rose and fell in first half of 2025 Dubai's rental market delivered mixed performance during the first half of 2025, with luxury waterfront communities posting steep increases whilst budget-friendly neighbourhoods experienced significant declines, according to industry experts and market data. The biggest winners were prime areas like Business Bay and Dubai Marina, where rental rates surged driven by young professionals seeking proximity to Dubai's financial districts. Meanwhile, areas like International City and Discovery Gardens saw rents tumble as regulatory crackdowns and increased competition took their toll. 'Business Bay saw rental rates increase in H1, driven by high demand from young professionals and its proximity to Downtown Dubai and DIFC,' said Ronan Arthur, Director and Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell. UAE real estate: Etihad Rail to boost property market and create new trade and investment corridors Etihad Rail will transform real estate, investment and trade across the UAE, according to a property CEO in the country. A UAE property expert says the benefits delivered by Etihad Rail will extend far beyond real estate, creating new corridors for living, trade, and investment across the Emirates. Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, believes the Etihad Rail network will transform the UAE's economic landscape by boosting connectivity, reducing travel times, and driving genuine demand in emerging markets. UAE announces major new passport rule UAE citizens will now be able to renew their passports up to one year before the expiry date, following a new decision by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). Previously, the renewal period was limited to six months before expiry. The updated rule — announced by ICP Chairman Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi — comes into effect Monday, August 18, 2025, and will be available via the Authority's smart services platform. Al Shamsi said the move will improve citizens' quality of life by allowing them to plan international travel further in advance, complete official transactions without delays, and increase the use of secure digital documents. Dubai Smart Rental Index bears fruit as landlords recalibrate pricing strategies Tenants are successfully using Dubai's Smart Rental Index to challenge unjustified rent hikes, leading to fairer rental agreements and reduced conflicts with landlords, as the regulatory tool delivers on its promise to moderate extreme rental increases seven months after its introduction. The Index, launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in January 2025, has shifted bargaining power towards tenants and created what brokers describe as a more balanced rental market, with data from the first half of 2025 revealing divergent trends across different price segments and neighbourhoods. Landlords are recalibrating their pricing strategies in response to the artificial intelligence-powered tool, which uses multiple data points including rental contract values, area averages, and building classifications to determine fair rental adjustments whilst requiring landlords to provide 90 days' notice for increases. Dubai property sales hit $14bn in July as off-plan demand and rents surge, top developers revealed Dubai's residential real estate market continued its upward trajectory in July 2025, with Betterhomes reporting strong growth in both sales and leasing, driven by robust off-plan demand and an influx of new tenants. Drawing on data from Property Monitor and its own transactions, the firm highlighted significant month-on-month gains in volumes, values, and rental activity. Average price per square foot: AED1,893 ($516), up 3.3 per cent from June Total transactions: 18,816, up 20.5 per cent month-on-month Total sales value: AED51.3bn ($13.96bn), a 10.6 per cent increase Off-plan sales: 65 per cent of transactions, up from 62 per cent in June Mandarin Oriental to open Dubai hotel and branded residences in Wasl Tower by October 2025 Mandarin Oriental is expanding its footprint in Dubai with the launch of its second property, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, set to open in October 2025. Located within Wasl Tower, a striking new addition to the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline, the hotel will feature 259 rooms and suites and 224 private residences. A rooftop helipad will provide seamless VIP arrivals. The tower itself is set to become a design landmark, boasting the region's tallest ceramic façade and a distinctive twisting form. Dubai real estate insights 2025: What are GCC property investors prioritising in H2? Dubai real estate investors are looking for off-plan properties, high rental yields, and long-term lifestyle investments, according to analysis by brokerage and development firm Asico. Asico has identified key trends shaping GCC buyer preferences for the second half of 2025 based on detailed market analysis and direct client feedback. Wail Abualhamail, Director of Real Estate at Asico, said: 'We've seen a significant increase in enquiries from GCC clients, especially those seeking a blend of capital appreciation and lifestyle value. Our clients are not just looking for property, they're making long-term decisions tied to family life, income generation, and future stability in the UAE.' Abu Dhabi to scrap road toll caps from September 1 under new rules Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre has announced major changes to the emirate's Road Toll Executive Regulations (DARB), aimed at improving traffic flow and easing congestion on main roads during peak hours. Effective Monday, September 1, 2025, the evening toll period will be brought forward to run from 3pm to 7pm, while the morning period remains unchanged at 7am to 9am, Monday to Saturday. Tolls will continue to be free on Sundays and public holidays.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Babyshop – Elevating Back to School for the Class of 2025
From backpacks to bento boxes - the brand has every essential covered As the school bells get ready to ring again, excitement is in the air. New classes, new friends, and new adventures await the Class of 2025 and for parents, it's the perfect time to gear up with essentials that balance quality, style, and value. Babyshop steps in as the trusted partner for this journey, making sure every child begins the year prepared, confident, and ready to shine. From uniforms and backpacks to bottles, lunchboxes, and more, Babyshop ensures the Class of 2025 is all set for success, every step of the way. This year's backpack collection, starting at just Dh49, combines functionality, comfort, and fun. Ergonomically designed with padded straps and honeycomb ventilation, the bags reduce pressure and heat - perfect for warm climates. Innovative styles feature LED lights and smart compartments to keep everything in place, while licensed ranges such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, NBA, and Xbox cater to kids who love to stand out. Babyshop's character collections bring magic to school days, with choices like Spiderman, Sonic, Hot Wheels, Naruto, Mickey Mouse, Batman, and Disney Stitch for boys, and Disney Frozen, Hello Kitty, Minnie, Kuromi, and Barbie for girls. A new, exclusive Fisher-Price range has also been introduced for the littlest learners. While the characters add excitement, Babyshop guarantees the safety, durability, and quality behind every piece. School lunches get an upgrade with bento-style lunchboxes made from high-grade Tritan plastic - durable, stain-resistant, and free from lingering food smells. Designed to be microwave and dishwasher safe, they make mealtime both fun and practical. Matching insulated lunch bags, starting from Dh19, keep food fresh all day, while BPA-free water bottles, from AED 12, are leak-proof, easy to grip, and available in vibrant designs - some even featuring a mist spray for hot days. Uniforms, starting at Dh17, combine comfort, durability, and style with breathable, cotton-rich fabrics built to handle busy school days and frequent washes. For even better value, Babyshop offers 3-in-1 and 5-in-1 bundles from Dh69, with coordinated backpacks, water bottles, lunchboxes, and more-making back-to-school shopping easier than ever. Every school bag purchase unlocks over Dh3,000 worth of exclusive offers through Babyshop's partnership with Kidzapp, featuring Aster Pharmacy, Aster Clinics, Aster Opticals, Legoland, British Orchard Nursery, Rehla Box, Cheeky Monkeys, Orange Wheels, Orange Hub, Ready Set Go, Piccoli, Zafran, Carluccios, Sugarmoo, Osterio, and Shvili Restaurants. With a two-year warranty on all bags, water bottles, and meal boxes, Babyshop stands behind every purchase, understanding that real life comes with bumps, drops, and everything in between. It's more than a policy - it's a promise of peace of mind for parents. Parents can visit their nearest Babyshop store or shop online at - because the Class of 2025 deserves nothing less than the very best start.
