Latest news with #WetheUAE2031
Campaign ME
3 days ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
The new rules of ROI: How MENA marketers can win in a fragmented, data-driven era
The marketing playbook is undergoing a pivotal shift amid evolving economic landscapes, demanding strategic and thoughtful planning from businesses across the region. In MENA, companies are grappling with persistent inflation, currency volatility, and high interest rates, all of which are prompting tighter scrutiny on budget allocation and a sharper focus on return on investment (ROI). Fiscal deficits are widening, with Saudi Arabia projected to reach 2.3 per cent of GDP, while geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions from tariffs and conflicts continue to fuel uncertainty. Still, the region offers compelling opportunities. The GCC continues to outperform the broader MENA region, with the UAE's economy expected to grow 4.8 per cent in 2025, driven largely by non-oil sectors. A regional tourism boom is also underway, Dubai welcomed over 18 million visitors in 2024 and ambitious economic diversification strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and We the UAE 2031 are helping maintain investor optimism. The ROI reset Media fragmentation is adding complexity to the marketing landscape. With a growing number of online and offline touchpoints, marketers are under pressure to deliver ROI across an increasingly fragmented media environment. Emerging channels like Connected TV (CTV) are gaining traction, with the GCC's CTV sector projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 15 per cent through 2025. Meanwhile, retail media is expected to propel MENA's e-commerce market to $57 billion in 2026, reinforcing the strategic role of marketing in driving business outcomes. This rising pressure from economic headwinds to evolving privacy regulations demands a reset. Brands must rethink how they connect with consumers. I've drawn on Snap's experience supporting brands and agencies across the region to identify three key recommendations to help marketers maximise their return on investments, navigate market volatility and prepare for the slower summer season and the high impact peak periods ahead. Three ways to maximise ROI in a fragmented ecosystem 1. Invest in holistic measurement frameworks A robust, future-facing measurement strategy is the foundation of marketing effectiveness today. As measurement capabilities become more complex, marketers are rediscovering the value of holistic, aggregate approaches like Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM). Rather than over-indexing on short-term or last-click metrics, which no longer reflect the multi-touch, multi-platform reality of consumer behaviour, MMM allows marketers a clearer view of the long-term business impact. According to a recent eMarketer report, while 78 per cent of marketers still use last-click attribution, three in four are moving toward more sophisticated approaches like MMM. These insights highlight how MMM can uncover underappreciated channels and guide smarter budget allocation. The most forward-thinking brands are triangulating multiple measurement tools, combining MMM, incrementality testing, and advanced attribution, to form a more accurate picture of performance. This shift requires agencies and advertisers to rethink their KPIs, embed MMM into their planning cycles, and balance short-term performance tracking with strategic evaluation frameworks. 2. Let algorithms do the heavy lifting Managing campaigns manually across fragmented platforms is no longer sustainable. With consumers spread across countless platforms and formats, it's no longer about micromanaging placements, it's about setting the right objectives and letting platforms' algorithms work in real time. Features like Target Cost Bidding (tCPA) and Campaign Budget Optimisation (CBO) are helping brands automate bidding and budget allocation toward the highest-converting audiences. This approach requires advertisers to define exact KPIs upfront and trust the algorithm to optimise towards them, rather than defaulting to manual campaign adjustments. Brands embracing these strategies have seen tangible success, with tCPA and CBO improving cost per action (CPA) and cost per mille (CPM) performance while maximising conversion volumes. Still, each platform's algorithm behaves differently. Winning marketers tailor their strategy to each channel's unique dynamics rather than copy-pasting best practices. 3. Improve your data signal quality In a privacy-first world, your data inputs are your competitive advantage. The quality of the signals brands send to platforms is now one of the most critical performance levers. Stronger signals, whether via pixel, mobile measurement partners (MMP), or Conversions API (CAPI), enable more accurate targeting, smarter optimisation, and clearer attribution. For web advertisers using the Snap Pixel and integrating the Conversions API, Snapchat data shows a 22 per cent increase in attributed purchases and an 18 per cent improvement in cost per purchase. For iOS app advertisers using an MMP alongside CAPI, there is a 47 per cent increase in attributed installs. This is especially vital as regulations like GDPR and DSA, along with ecosystem shifts such as ATT and cookie deprecation, have strengthened consumer privacy protections and reshaped how data is collected and used. High-quality first-party data is no longer optional; it's essential to performance and future-proofing. In this complex but opportunity-rich landscape, the marketers who succeed will be those who evolve quickly and strategically. By investing in holistic measurement, leaning into algorithmic optimisation, and strengthening their data foundations, brands and agencies can navigate the shifting MENA media ecosystem with clarity and confidence. This trifecta – measurement triangulation, smarter execution, and strong signal quality – will enable marketers to cut through the noise, outperform competitors, and drive meaningful, measurable growth. Those who embrace this shift early will set the pace for performance marketing across MENA's increasingly complex and dynamic landscape. By Rasha ElGhoussaini, Head of Agency, Snap.
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE committed to empower Emirati entrepreneurs, says Sheikh Hamdan
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, witnessed the launch of the 'UAE Future 50' initiative, featuring a list of future-focused Emirati companies. Jointly developed by the Government Development and the Future Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the initiative is part of the Riyada entrepreneurship ecosystem, which aims to enhance the national startup and innovation landscape. The initiative features 50 promising startups launched by Emirati entrepreneurs across 15 future-focused economic sectors that boost the diversification and resilience of the national economy. These sectors span fintech, healthtech, edtech, HR tech, food and agri-tech, space, cybersecurity, sustainability, renewable energy, smart mobility, advanced and creative industries, legal tech, and the sharing economy. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the UAE leadership's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering an economic environment that supports startups in future-focused sectors. He noted that Emirati innovators are playing a key role in driving economic diversification, advancing future-focused industries, and strengthening the nation's global competitiveness-efforts that align with the ambitions of 'We the UAE 2031' vision. He underscored the crucial role entrepreneurs play in turning innovative ideas into impactful ventures that drive the growth and diversification of the UAE's rapidly evolving economy. He also stressed the importance of inspiring the younger generation to explore the world of entrepreneurship, commending initiatives that nurture and empower entrepreneurs to reach new heights of success. The launch was attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future. Ohood Bint Khalfan Al Roumi highlighted the UAE's position as a global leader in future readiness, thanks to its strong innovation ecosystem and investment in national talent. She emphasised that the 'UAE Future 50' showcases Emirati entrepreneurs transforming ideas into pioneering ventures, supporting the government's goal to prepare the economy for future challenges. She added that these startups, working alongside major companies, will drive growth in key sectors and enhance the UAE's competitiveness and leadership worldwide. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, highlighted the crucial role of innovative ventures and Emirati talent in driving the UAE's transition to futuristic industries and boosting its global standing. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating an environment that supports sustainable growth and strengthens the national economy. The initiative aims to highlight promising Emirati startups in future-focused economic sectors by providing targeted support to accelerate their growth, recognising entrepreneurial achievements, and celebrating the contributions of Emirati innovators. It also seeks to foster a strong culture of entrepreneurship and inspire the next generation of national talent. The launch of the 'UAE Future 50' was marked by a dedicated event celebrating these pioneering ventures. The gathering featured an engaging talk by Emirati entrepreneur and Dubai Chambers Board Member Faisal Belhoul, who shared insights on the foundations of entrepreneurial success and the vital role entrepreneurs play in shaping the future economy. The event brought together young entrepreneurs, investors, representatives from investment funds, incubators, accelerators, family businesses, and leading companies. It also included an exhibition of the selected start-ups, giving attendees a closer look at their innovative ideas, achievements, and growth journeys. UAE startups have exhibited strong growth potential and play a key role in driving job creation, economic diversification, and national development objectives. Specifically chosen for their ability to boost the competitiveness of the future economy, these companies reflect the country's innovation-driven vision. The 'UAE Future 50' builds on the success of the Future 100 initiative, launched by the Government Development and the Future Office with the Ministry of Economy. The initiative annually highlights top emerging companies advancing future-focused sectors and supports the UAE's global standing in innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. By recognising and empowering high-potential ventures, Future 100 contributes to shaping a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy. WAM
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the ‘UAE Future 50'
28 May 2025 19:07 DUBAI (WAM) His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, witnessed the launch of the 'UAE Future 50' initiative, featuring a list of future-focused Emirati developed by the Government Development and the Future Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the initiative is part of the Riyada entrepreneurship ecosystem, which aims to enhance the national startup and innovation initiative features 50 promising startups launched by Emirati entrepreneurs across 15 future-focused economic sectors that boost the diversification and resilience of the national economy. These sectors span fintech, healthtech, edtech, HR tech, food and agri-tech, space, cybersecurity, sustainability, renewable energy, smart mobility, advanced and creative industries, legal tech, and the sharing economy.H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored the UAE leadership's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering an economic environment that supports startups in future-focused sectors. H.H. noted that Emirati innovators are playing a key role in driving economic diversification, advancing future-focused industries, and strengthening the nation's global competitiveness—efforts that align with the ambitions of 'We the UAE 2031' vision.H.H. underscored the crucial role entrepreneurs play in turning innovative ideas into impactful ventures that drive the growth and diversification of the UAE's rapidly evolving economy. H.H. also stressed the importance of inspiring the younger generation to explore the world of entrepreneurship, commending initiatives that nurture and empower entrepreneurs to reach new heights of launch was attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the bint Khalfan Al Roumi highlighted the UAE's position as a global leader in future readiness, thanks to its strong innovation ecosystem and investment in national talent. She emphasised that the 'UAE Future 50' showcases Emirati entrepreneurs transforming ideas into pioneering ventures, supporting the government's goal to prepare the economy for future challenges. She added that these startups, working alongside major companies, will drive growth in key sectors and enhance the UAE's competitiveness and leadership of the Ministry of Economy, Abdullah Al Saleh, highlighted the crucial role of innovative ventures and Emirati talent in driving the UAE's transition to futuristic industries and boosting its global reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating an environment that supports sustainable growth and strengthens the national initiative aims to highlight promising Emirati startups in future-focused economic sectors by providing targeted support to accelerate their growth, recognising entrepreneurial achievements, and celebrating the contributions of Emirati innovators. It also seeks to foster a strong culture of entrepreneurship and inspire the next generation of national launch of the 'UAE Future 50' was marked by a dedicated event celebrating these pioneering ventures. The gathering featured an engaging talk by Emirati entrepreneur and Dubai Chambers Board Member Faisal Belhoul, who shared insights on the foundations of entrepreneurial success and the vital role entrepreneurs play in shaping the future event brought together young entrepreneurs, investors, representatives from investment funds, incubators, accelerators, family businesses, and leading companies. It also included an exhibition of the selected start-ups, giving attendees a closer look at their innovative ideas, achievements, and growth startups have exhibited strong growth potential and play a key role in driving job creation, economic diversification, and national development chosen for their ability to boost the competitiveness of the future economy, these companies reflect the country's innovation-driven 'UAE Future 50' builds on the success of the Future 100 initiative, launched by the Government Development and the Future Office with the Ministry of initiative annually highlights top emerging companies advancing future-focused sectors and supports the UAE's global standing in innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. By recognising and empowering high-potential ventures, Future 100 contributes to shaping a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy.
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Etihad Credit Insurance achieves AED 16.2 billion in insured turnover with a 15.7% growth in more than 100 countries across 17 strategic sectors
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri: Under the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has adopted innovative strategies to enhance economic diversification, and Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) plays a vital role in supporting this Etihad Credit Insurance's results reflect the success of our efforts to enhance the global competitiveness of local companies and consolidate the UAE's economic position regionally and globally We are keen to expand the scope of the company's credit guarantees to include a number of major deals in the infrastructure and energy sectors in African markets The company's gross exposure increased to AED 11 billion, exceeding its 2023 levels by 14.58% UAE, May, 2025: Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE federal export credit company, has revealed a remarkable year of growth and strategic achievement in its 2024 Annual Report, with insured turnover reaching AED 16.2 billion – reflecting a 15.7% year-on-year increase and accounting for 2.85% of the UAE's total non-oil exports. This was announced during a media briefing led by H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of ECI, and other senior officials from the company. These figures underscore ECI's deepened contribution to supporting and safeguarding UAE-based exporters and investors through strategic credit solutions in over 100 countries and 17 strategic sectors. In 2024, the UAE's non-oil foreign trade surged to AED 3 trillion, marking a 14.6 percent increase over the previous year. ECI's contribution plays a vital role in advancing the nation's goal of achieving AED 800 billion in the country's non-oil exports by the next decade, in line with 'We the UAE 2031' economic goals. Since its inception, the company has facilitated over AED 21 billion in cumulative export trade and investment, resulting in booked Gross Written Premium (GWP) of AED 447 million, reflecting strong portfolio growth and a high retention rate. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of ECI Board of Directors, said: 'Guided by the unwavering support and directives of our wise leadership, the UAE has made remarkable strides in building a resilient, innovative, and knowledge-based economy. At the heart of this transformation is economic diversification, with non-oil industries, exports, re-exports, and non-oil foreign trade playing a central role in shaping our future aligned with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Today, non-oil sectors contribute 74.6% to the UAE's GDP—underscoring their growing role in shaping the country's economic future. Etihad Credit Insurance has significantly contributed to advancing this vision by fostering the expansion of UAE-based companies, enabling broader market access, and reinforcing key economic partnerships through targeted collaborations and tailored credit insurance solutions. By helping UAE businesses compete more effectively on the global stage, ECI plays a vital role in accelerating non-oil export growth and strengthening the country's standing as a leading, diversified economic powerhouse.' H.E. Bin Touq further noted that ECI has extended credit guarantees to cover several major infrastructure and energy deals in African markets, including Angola and Senegal, in line with the UAE's strategic efforts to foster sustainable global partnerships and drive inclusive economic development. 'In 2024, ECI provided targeted trade and investment insurance solutions to projects that advance clean energy, food security, critical infrastructure, and water sustainability. These efforts reflect our growing role in shaping a trade and export ecosystem that delivers long-term economic value while addressing urgent global challenges such as climate change and social equity,' H.E. elaborated. The report stated that the company has witnessed a gross exposure of AED 11 billion – a 14.58 percent increase over 2023. This growth was supported by a diverse portfolio, with over 60 percent of beneficiaries comprising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The report highlighted that ECI secured AA- international rating by Fitch for the sixth consecutive year, reflecting on the company's ability to mitigate potential risks and reiterate its strong presence in global markets. H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of ECI, said: 'We are committed to supporting the UAE's accelerated drive toward economic resilience and long-term sustainability. By offering innovative credit solutions, streamlined access to financing, and forging high-impact strategic partnerships, we empower UAE exporters, particularly SMEs, to unlock new opportunities and scale globally with confidence in an increasingly competitive world. This is reflected in ECI's strong performance in 2024, which not only underscores its pivotal role in enabling the national export competitiveness but also its commitment to empowering businesses with the tools and confidence to expand into new global markets. A key milestone for us in 2024 was the launch of Xport Xponential, a comprehensive program designed to support UAE-based companies. This new strategic initiative aligns with our commitment to increasing ECI's contribution to the non-oil GDP by 7-fold by 2031.' H.E. Al Mazrouei also reaffirmed ECI's dedication to clean and green energy initiatives in line with the UAE's sustainability commitments and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'The Africa Green Investment Initiative (AGII) led by the UAE and announced at the Africa Climate Summit, held in Nairobi in September 2023, is a multistakeholder partnership that employs an innovative approach to climate finance, combining the resources, expertise, and local knowledge of the following partners: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development; Masdar; AMEA Power; Africa 50; and Etihad Credit Insurance. AGII aims to deploy $4.5 billion in African renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade. This initiative represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to drive climate action and decarbonization in emerging economies and least developed countries to date and builds on the UAE's long-standing commitment to international cooperation and sustainable socio-economic development'. Furthermore, the report revealed that ECI offers coverage of up to AED 500 million per risk, with 60 percent of that amount ceded under a quota-share arrangement. This structure is backed by nine reinsurers rated 'A' and above, reaffirming ECI's robust reinsurance treaty. The report also highlighted ECI's commitment to supporting clients beyond credit insurance. This commitment was demonstrated by the company's effective handling of overdue payments, which resulted in the collection of AED 158 million from overdue payments, achieving collection success rate of 77 percent. With this, the total debt collected by ECI since its inception has risen to AED 528 million, an 87 per cent recovery success rate. The report further detailed the composition of ECI's portfolio, noting that 70 percent of its exposure lies in Short-Term Credit Insurance (ST), which supports high-frequency trade cycles, particularly in manufacturing, ICT, and agri-exports. Medium and Long-Term (MLT) commitments account for 17 percent of the portfolio, highlighting ECI's growing involvement in infrastructure, energy, and other capital-intensive sectors. The remaining 13 percent is dedicated to Political Risk Insurance (PRI). In terms of geographic distribution, the report identified Saudi Arabia as ECI's largest export market within the Gulf and wider MENA region, accounting for 7 per cent of the company's total exposure. ECI also provided notable coverage for exports to Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, highlighting the strength of intra-regional trade. Beyond the Middle East, ECI supported significant trade flows to leading Asian economies such as India and Singapore, while also facilitating UAE exports to Europe – including the UK and EU – and America. Furthermore, ECI signed around 28 agreements with government export credit agencies worldwide, including US EXIM, Korea Eximbank, Sinosure, BPI France, solidifying ECI's position as a trusted partner for international trade. Finally, the report also outlined ECI's plans to leverage the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to further enhance trade and strengthen commercial relations. These efforts will be supported by ECI's expanding information database, which grants access to over 400 million corporates globally, empowering UAE-based exporters with valuable insights and intelligence.
Hi Dubai
6 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Ministry of Finance Strengthens Government Financial Reporting with IMF Workshop
The UAE Ministry of Finance partnered with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to host a specialised four-day workshop in Dubai focused on preparing the government balance sheet according to the GFSM 2014 guidelines. This initiative brought together key government bodies, including the Central Bank, Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, and financial departments across the country. IMF experts led the sessions aimed at enhancing the technical skills of government staff to accurately collect, process, and publish government financial data. The workshop also fostered greater coordination among authorities to improve data quality, transparency, and competitiveness at regional and international levels. Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, Assistant Undersecretary for Government Budget and Revenue Sector, emphasised that the workshop reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to advancing public financial statistics by adopting global standards and providing specialised training for government entities. He described the balance sheet as a critical tool for decision-makers, offering a clear view of government assets and liabilities to support effective resource allocation and financial planning. The training covered key topics including the theoretical framework of government financial statistics, balance sheet components, and methodologies for compiling balance sheet reports. Discussions also included reviewing data sources, institutional and technical improvements, and developing a national roadmap for phased implementation. IMF officials praised the active engagement from UAE participants and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in accelerating progress toward international-standard financial reporting. These efforts align with the UAE's "We the UAE 2031" vision to enhance transparency and leadership in government financial governance. News Source: Emirates News Agency
