Latest news with #Shahriar
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
From Tehran to Toronto via Turkey: an Iranian's bid to flee war
Dragging two suitcases and wearing a rucksack, Homa looked exhausted after crossing the Turkish border following a long trip from Tehran where she'd been on holiday when the Israel-Iran war began. The 40-year-old Iranian who works in Canada as a business analyst was stranded when Iran closed its airspace after Israel launched a massive pre-dawn bombing campaign on Friday and the Islamic republic struck back, in their most intense confrontation in history. Homa, who didn't give her surname, quickly looked for an alternative way out, eventually finding a bus to Iran's northwestern border with Turkey, a journey of 850 kilometres (530 miles). After enduring four days of conflict, she left Tehran at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, reaching the Kapikoy border crossing into the eastern Turkish province of Van on Wednesday afternoon. Many people were leaving Tehran, like her own family who drove to Shahriar, a town some 30 kilometres to the west on a journey that took "hours, because of the heavy traffic," she said. "They're not safe, I am worried about them". So far, Iran says at least 224 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks targeting Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, while Israel says at least 24 have died in Tehran's retaliation. Despite her long journey, Homa still has some way to go before getting back to her family in Toronto. "Right now, I'm going to Erzurum, then to Istanbul, then to Dubai and then to Toronto," she said before starting the next five-hour leg from the border to Erzurum on her long road home. - 'Impossible to sleep' - "I couldn't sleep for five nights in a row" because of the sound of incoming missiles, told AFP, saying the bombardment in the east of the city had forced to her to relocate to the north. And communication was difficult. "The internet is awful. I couldn't even get the VPN working. Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram are all being filtered and WiFi is on-and-off," she said. Kapikoy, which lies 100 kilometres east of the lakeside Turkish city of Van, is the main point for crossings between Turkey and Iran. So far there doesn't appear to be a huge influx of Iranians crossing the border since the bombing began, and Turkish officials haven't given numbers. On Wednesday afternoon, AFP correspondents saw a steady trickle of Iranians arriving, with similar numbers crossing back into Iran -- several hundred at the most. A Turkish customs official told AFP that "there's nothing unusual compared to last year. Despite the war, the arrivals are quite stable," given that Van has always been a popular destination for Iranian tourists. Even so, flights between Van and Istanbul have been solidly booked up in both directions for days, as have long-distance coaches. Turkish bus drivers say the numbers have been higher over the past week. "We used to have three to four buses between 8:00 pm and 8:00 am but right now we have 30," driver Ismail Metin told AFP, saying many head to Istanbul some 1,500 kilometres away. -'Iranians not fleeing'- Many Iranians are also trying to get home -- among them Ramin Rad, 37, who works in the tile business. He was in Van for work when the bombing started, and was hoping to get back to Urmia, the largest city in Iran's Western Azerbaijan province. "My family is safe," he said, confident that the war would not destabilise the regime and expressing anger at Israel. "How dare you change Allah's regime? Godwilling, Muslims will win," he said. Mirzanezhad Valehzagherd, a 49-year-old who works in tourism, often travels between Istanbul, where he lives, and Tehran, but was forced to go by land because there were no flights. "My family lives in Tehran," he told AFP, saying the situation there was "not bad" because Israel was targeting "military" sites. "People are not fleeing Tehran," he insisted, his words echoed by a woman in a straw hat who was going the other way. "We live in northern Cyprus and because there's no flights, we had to get a bus to the border from Tehran," said 45-year-old Seher who works in finance. "It's safe over there. There's no problem." fo/hmw/gv
Gulf Today
04-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
10 Entrepreneurs leading with Bold Vision in 2025
Gulf Network What does it take to turn bold ideas into thriving, future-proof businesses? In an age where industries evolve at lightning speed, it's not enough to simply keep up — real leaders set the pace. Across sectors and borders, today's entrepreneurs combine vision, resilience, and innovation to reshape the world around them. Whether they're using technology to streamline healthcare, redefining sports opportunities for women, or building eco-friendly solutions for modern cities, these founders share one powerful trait: they lead with purpose. In this feature, we spotlight 10 entrepreneurs who aren't just following trends — they're creating them. Their journeys offer insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into the mindset needed to succeed in 2025 and beyond. Dr. Abdalla Kablan Dr. Abdalla Kablan , founder of DELTA Wealth Partners, is redefining venture capital through Artificial Wisdom—an evolution of AI that integrates ethics, context, and long-term vision. A serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits, including Wyzer (acquired by a NASDAQ-listed company), he combines deep-tech expertise with human insight to power AI-driven investment models. As an international speaker and government advisor on AI and digital transformation, Dr. Kablan is shaping the future of finance and technology. Recognized as a European Young Leader and award-winning fintech innovator, he inspires the next generation through global talks and his book, Artificial Wisdom: The New Frontier of Intelligence . His mission? To build a future where technology empowers humanity and creates lasting value. Shahriar Shahir Barzegar A name that's becoming synonymous with redefining the future of health and wellness in the Middle East. As the founder of elegant hoopoe Poly Clinic and Grishana Co ., Shahriar isn't just building companies—he's crafting an ecosystem where technology, trust, and human experience converge. His approach is anything but conventional. While others follow trends, he creates them, integrating AI, blockchain, and hyper-personalized care into a seamless model that challenges traditional healthcare frameworks. Through his exclusive partnership with TruBody USA, he's introduced groundbreaking body contouring technologies to the region, while positioning elegant hoopoe as a franchise blueprint for the GCC and beyond. In 2025, he's taking things further: launching an AI-powered wellness platform and a blockchain-based membership system that isn't just innovative—it's transformative. Shahriar doesn't see limitations—only untapped potential. Whether writing books that question societal norms or designing systems that shift entire industries, his path is driven by intuition, bold strategy, and an unwavering belief that the future belongs to those who dare to design it. Ivan Kroshnyi Ivan Kroshnyi is a visionary entrepreneur with a portfolio of different projects across multiple industries—from real estate and financial markets to sustainable technologies. He has always been passionate about turning bold ideas into practical solutions. This is one of the many reasons why he constantly brings innovation to the forefront of his work. This is evidenced by one of his ventures, Eco Way, whose mission is to revolutionize the delivery industry, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly not just in the UAE but across the globe. Ivan views challenges as valuable feedback from reality and believes that continuous learning and personal growth are the real engines of success. With a flexible mindset, an eye for innovation, and a global perspective, Ivan Kroshnyi strives to drive progress and create meaningful change through every project he takes on. Vitaliy Chiryassov Vitaliy Chiryassov, founder of UPPERCASE GROUP , is revolutionizing international consulting by breaking down bureaucratic barriers for entrepreneurs. After launching his business in 2009, Vitaliy experienced firsthand the complexities of scaling globally, from banking issues to shifting regulations. In response, he created UPPERSETUP, a digital platform simplifying business registration and compliance. His transparency, showcased through content like his "Business Without Borders" YouTube channel, has built trust and a loyal client base. From establishing a legal firm in Kazakhstan to expanding into the UAE and launching ventures like MAJLIS ale, Vitaliy's blend of strategic expertise and innovation empowers entrepreneurs to navigate global markets and seize new opportunities with confidence. Heba AlSamt Heba AlSamt , the Director of Awaan at Dubai Media and an expert in digital, streaming, and social media, is a pioneer in the region's digital landscape and the first Emirati woman to take on a leadership role in this field. She established Emiratweet, the first social media community, in 2009 and founded The Social Media Club UAE in 2013, initiating important discussions about the transformative impact of social media on business and culture. Heba's leadership is characterized by innovation, resilience, and a dedication to empowering others, particularly women and young professionals. Her work connects global technology trends with local contexts, influencing the future of OTT, VOD, and social media. With honors such as the Arab Women's Award and the Middle East Excellence Award, Heba continues to lead the charge in digital evolution, challenging norms and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Lisa Hayhoe Lisa Hayhoe , co-founder of Onyx FC, is transforming the female football landscape in the UAE. Drawing from her own elite academy experience in the UK, she launched the region's first fully female-run club, dedicated to developing female athletes of all ages. Onyx FC stands out through its use of advanced tech like AI performance tracking, speed gates, and reaction lights to personalize training and boost player growth. Despite cultural challenges, Lisa has built a trusted community, secured sponsorship from Adidas, and expanded across Dubai. In 2025, she's launching elite development programs and female-only tournaments—cementing Onyx FC's mission to empower the next generation of female footballers through innovation, accessibility, and purpose-driven leadership. Christina Maria Khater As Founder & CEO of KristiesLab , a leading marketing and events agency with 170+ talent professionals across Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, Christina Maria Khater leads a powerhouse delivering cutting-edge branding, experiential events, and strategic marketing solutions. The agency partners exclusively with multinational corporations and elite regional and global brands, pushing the marketing and events envelope in the region while embedding sustainability at its core. Beyond building one of MENA's biggest agencies, Christina founded the "Unconditional" NGO to advance women's economic participation. Her commitment to social responsibility was nationally recognized after rebuilding 87 Beirut homes after the Beirut Blast in August 2020. Honored as a United Nations Global Compact SDG 5 Pioneer and 2024 Global 200 Power Leader by the White Page Leadership Conclave in Dubai, she represents the new generation of purpose-driven executives. "We create brand leaders today while investing in the leaders of tomorrow." Akbar Moideen Thumbay Akbar Moideen Thumbay, a visionary leader in healthcare, is carrying forward his family's legacy at Thumbay Healthcare with a relentless focus on innovation, patient care, and academic excellence. As the force behind the region's first private academic health system and largest teaching hospital, he ensures the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance patient experiences. His leadership extends to research, securing grants to drive medical advancements. Under his guidance, Thumbay Healthcare has expanded into psychiatric care with a new hospital in Sharjah and is venturing into veterinary medicine. With a competitive, service-oriented approach, Akbar Moideen Thumbay's dedication to quality, hard work, and innovation continues to shape the future of healthcare in the region. Latifa Alshamsi Latifa Alshamsi is a pioneering Emirati content creator and entrepreneur who helped shape the influencer landscape in the UAE. As the first local female to blend fashion, food, and travel into a lifestyle brand, she transformed personal storytelling into a platform that resonates across generations. Over her 14-year journey, Latifa has inspired countless women by authentically showcasing Emirati life and defying expectations in a space that once didn't exist. Beyond her social media success, she is the founder of Events by Latifa Alshamsi and Loud Marketing, using her creativity to build brands and craft memorable experiences. Her motivation? To show her children the power of passion, perseverance, and following your own path, no matter how unconventional. Dr. Umair Khan Dr. Umair Khan, founder of Sahl AI , is redefining healthcare efficiency with a bold vision to return physicians to patient care by eliminating administrative burdens. Drawing from his background as a physician, academic, and entrepreneur, Umair leads Sahl AI, a health tech startup pioneering the first-of-its-kind Arabic AI medical scribe, delivering 95% accuracy in real-world clinical settings. Based in Riyadh, his team of 'self-guided missiles' works directly with healthcare providers to develop AI solutions tailored for local workflows. With pilots across major hospitals like King Saud Medical City and Dallah Hospitals, Umair is driving healthcare innovation across the region, proving that mindset, adaptability, and calculated risk are the cornerstones of transformative entrepreneurship.
