标签： Africa

In the competitive landscape of the UAE’s banking sector, financial institutions are increasingly turning to technology and niche markets to drive growth. Experts highlight that digital banks and financial disruptors can achieve faster expansion by focusing on underserved segments and leveraging advanced technologies to streamline operations. Saadaat Yaqub Bajwa, Director and Co-founder of Kamel Pay, emphasized the potential of targeting blue-collar workers, who constitute 50% of the UAE’s population. ‘They are underbanked and underserved, offering significant growth opportunities,’ he noted. Kamel Pay has expanded its offerings to include microfinance, loans, and B2B financing, catering specifically to this demographic. At the Banking Innovation and Technology Summit in Dubai, industry leaders discussed the rise of digital banks and open finance. Vibhor Mundhada, CEO of Neopay, stressed the importance of horizontal availability alongside niche focus, ensuring their platform supports diverse payment methods for merchants. Technology plays a pivotal role in scaling operations efficiently. Fazil Badrudeen, Head of Brand and Marketing at Vision Bank, explained how AI and automation have streamlined compliance processes, enabling the bank to handle transactions with a lean team while meeting regulatory standards. Mohamed Roushdy, CIO of Reem Finance, praised the UAE’s supportive regulatory environment, which facilitates the transition from financial services to full banking. The Central Bank’s proactive approach in approving fintech partnerships and licenses further underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in the banking sector.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, UAE bank customers are demanding technology that combines speed, convenience, and personalization while retaining a human touch. This sentiment was highlighted by Gilbert Jadallah, Regional Sales Manager at Tungsten Automation, during a fireside chat at the 4th Banking Innovation and Technology Summit 2025, hosted by Khaleej Times on November 18. Jadallah emphasized that banks must overhaul not only their customer-facing applications but also their internal workflows to meet these expectations. By automating processes such as onboarding, KYC, lending, and trade, banks can reduce paperwork and allocate more time to client support. Jadallah noted, ‘Customers in the UAE want fast, simple, and personalized services. They also want digital journeys to feel human. To achieve that, banks have to free their staff from friction in the back office.’ The summit, now in its fifth edition, brought together senior leaders from banks, fintech firms, and regulatory bodies to explore how technology is reshaping financial services in the UAE. Moderated by Priyadarshinee Awatramani, Executive Director and Head of Client Experience at Standard Chartered Bank, the session delved into balancing empathy and efficiency in an increasingly digital banking sector. Awatramani stressed the importance of maintaining trust and the human element in a data-driven industry. Jadallah highlighted the potential of real-time data integration, explaining that many banks operate with disconnected data silos, which hinder their ability to anticipate customer needs. By leveraging automation platforms, banks can gain real-time insights, detect potential fraud, and respond proactively. ‘Real-time insights allow banks to move from reactive to proactive. That is where timely empathy comes in, being there for customers before they ask,’ he said. Awatramani added that scaling empathy across digital touchpoints requires responsible data usage and designing supportive customer journeys. The summit continues to serve as a vital platform for CEOs, CIOs, regulators, and fintech founders to collaborate and drive the UAE’s growth as a global hub for finance and technology.

R&B Fashion, a prominent homegrown brand under the Apparel Group, has been honored with the ‘Most Admired Value Retailer’ title at the esteemed SRF RetailMe Awards 2025. The award ceremony, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, celebrated outstanding achievements in retail innovation and customer satisfaction. This accolade underscores R&B Fashion’s dedication to providing exceptional value while maintaining high standards of style and quality, solidifying its reputation as a leading fashion destination across the GCC region. The brand’s success is rooted in its ability to deeply understand customer needs and consistently surpass expectations. R&B Fashion’s winning strategy combines trendy designs, affordable pricing, and a customer-centric approach, which has resonated strongly with value-conscious shoppers. With a rapidly expanding presence of over 180 stores across 75 cities in 8 countries, the brand is on track to reach the milestone of 250 stores. R&B Fashion’s extensive product range, strategic sourcing for competitive pricing, and seamless shopping experience across both physical and digital platforms have been key drivers of its success. Additionally, the brand has invested significantly in understanding regional fashion trends and tailoring its offerings to meet local preferences. As R&B Fashion celebrates this significant achievement, it remains steadfast in its commitment to affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction, aiming to set new benchmarks in the value retail segment.