Across the Middle East, financial inclusion has seen remarkable growth, driven by soaring mobile penetration rates exceeding 95% in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In Egypt, financial inclusion has more than doubled since 2016, with mobile penetration surpassing 100%. Despite these advancements, a significant portion of the underbanked population still struggles with financial literacy, digital navigation, and cultural barriers, limiting their ability to fully engage with formal banking systems. This gap has prompted financial institutions to explore innovative solutions, with Agentic AI emerging as a transformative tool. Unlike traditional AI models, Agentic AI operates independently within defined boundaries, processing diverse inputs, recognizing behavioral patterns, and making context-driven decisions. Early deployments by global institutions like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and BNY Mellon have demonstrated its potential to streamline operations and enhance reliability. In the UAE, Agentic AI is already being used for autonomous decision-making in personal lending and SME financing, addressing long-standing inclusion challenges. By focusing on engagement rather than mere access, Agentic AI can preemptively assist users, guide those with low financial literacy, adapt to irregular income patterns, and communicate in local languages, making financial services more accessible and user-friendly. As financial institutions shift their focus from expanding reach to enhancing service adaptability, Agentic AI is poised to redefine the future of financial inclusion.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Galadari Brothers earns second place in Dubai Sustainability Challenge 2025
Galadari Brothers has proudly secured the second position in the Dubai Sustainability Challenge 2025, a citywide initiative orchestrated by Companies for Good. This event aimed to galvanize corporate teams to take actionable steps towards fostering a greener and more sustainable Dubai. The three-week challenge saw the participation of leading organizations across the UAE, documenting over 500 sustainable actions, including waste reduction, energy conservation, community volunteering, and recycling initiatives. The program concluded with a grand finale desert clean-up, where the top three companies collaborated to collect waste from the desert environment.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, ‘This recognition reflects Galadari Brothers’ shared purpose to drive meaningful change. Our teams demonstrated how sustainability can thrive when it becomes a collective habit, woven into the way we work and contribute to the community.’ Employees from various divisions of Galadari Brothers actively participated, contributing ideas and daily actions that aligned with the conglomerate’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Talat Jahan Sheikh from Group Finance highlighted the personal impact of the challenge, saying, ‘What made the challenge special was how it turned sustainability into something personal. Small habits like switching off unused lights or reusing materials created a real sense of ownership.’ The finale event was marked by a spirited desert cleanup competition, which Muhammad Kamran from Galadari Ventures Division described as ‘an inspiring day,’ adding, ‘Seeing teams from different companies working together in the open desert reminded us how powerful collective action can be.’
This achievement underscores Galadari Brothers’ steadfast commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations and corporate culture, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a green and circular economy and the UAE’s sustainable future.
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Adipec sees 35,000 deals worth $46 billion, sets bold agenda for energy future
The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec) 2025 concluded with a historic $46 billion in deals across 35,000 agreements, solidifying its position as a premier global energy platform. The event, held over four days, attracted an unprecedented 239,709 attendees from 172 countries, marking a 17% increase from 2024. This surge in participation underscores the UAE’s growing influence in fostering global energy dialogue. Organized by Adnoc under the theme “Energy. Intelligence. Impact.”, Adipec highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and low-carbon solutions in the energy sector. Beyond the deals, the event generated an estimated $400 million in economic benefits for Abu Dhabi, boosting hospitality, tourism, and transport industries. Featuring over 1,800 speakers, including 45+ ministers and policymakers, Adipec welcomed delegations from industry giants like Aramco, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, described Adipec 2025 as “extraordinary in every measure,” emphasizing its role in fostering tangible partnerships and investments. Abdulmunim Al Kindy, Chairman of Adipec 2025, stressed the event’s contribution to shaping a secure energy future through data-driven solutions and global collaboration. With energy demand on the rise, Adipec’s focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusive financing models positions it as a key driver of sustainable growth. The next edition, Adipec 2026, is scheduled for November 2–5, with an expanded agenda addressing energy security and global progress.
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Small-town India to cricket World champions: The women who made history
The Indian women’s cricket team recently etched their names in history by clinching their first-ever World Cup title, a monumental achievement nearly five decades after their international debut. Their journey to victory was fraught with challenges, including a three-match losing streak in the round-robin stage. However, the team showcased unparalleled resilience, overcoming both external and internal obstacles to triumph over the previously unbeaten Australia in the semi-final and a determined South African side in the final. The players’ grit and determination on the field mirrored their off-field struggles, as many hailed from modest backgrounds in India’s small towns, where their families made significant sacrifices to support their dreams. These women, who honed their skills in village lanes with second-hand equipment, defied societal norms and gender biases to forge a legacy of perseverance and success. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s emotional celebration with her father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar, underscored the profound familial support that fueled her journey from Moga, Punjab, to lifting the World Cup trophy in Mumbai. Similarly, pace-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur’s story of her father crafting her first bat from leftover wood in his carpentry workshop highlighted the unwavering belief in her potential. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s ascent from a small grocery shop in Mumbai to the global stage, supported by her family’s sacrifices, further exemplified the team’s collective spirit. Fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur’s perseverance, driven by her mother’s sacrifices, culminated in a stellar performance in the final. This historic win not only celebrates their cricketing prowess but also honors the enduring spirit of their families and communities.
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Sudan paramilitaries agree to mediators’ truce proposal
In a significant development in Sudan’s protracted conflict, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Thursday their acceptance of a humanitarian truce proposal put forward by international mediators. This announcement comes shortly after the RSF seized control of El Fasher, the last major stronghold of the Sudanese army in the western Darfur region. The capture of El Fasher marks a pivotal moment in the two-year-long war, effectively consolidating the RSF’s dominance over all five state capitals in Darfur. The RSF stated that the truce aims to address the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict, protect civilians, and facilitate the delivery of urgent aid. The proposal, backed by the Quad countries—the United States, Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—has yet to receive a response from the Sudanese government. Earlier in the day, army chief Abdel Fattah Al Burhan vowed to continue the fight, emphasizing his commitment to defeating the RSF and avenging the losses suffered by his forces. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has divided Sudan along geographical lines, with the RSF controlling Darfur and parts of the south, while the army retains the north, east, and central regions. The mediators’ proposal, details of which remain undisclosed, is expected to include provisions for a temporary ceasefire, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and a transition to civilian governance.
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First phase of Bihar elections posts ‘highest’ turnout in 30 years
The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections concluded on Thursday with a provisional voter turnout of 64.46 percent across 121 constituencies, marking a significant increase from the 56.1 percent recorded in the 2020 elections. According to Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, this turnout is likely the highest in the state over the past three decades. Both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan alliance swiftly claimed victory following the polls. Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan alliance forming the government, stating, ‘We are forming the next government with a clear majority, perhaps even more.’ Prashant Kishore, chief of the Jan Suraaj Party, interpreted the high turnout as a sign of imminent change, predicting a ‘new arrangement’ by the counting date. BJP candidate Sanjay Saraogi attributed the surge in voter enthusiasm to strong public support for the NDA, while Janata Dal (U) leader Neeraj Kumar credited the Bihar government’s Mahila Rozgar Yojana for mobilizing women, backward classes, and Dalit voters. The elections have highlighted Bihar’s demand for development and trust in current leadership, setting the stage for a highly anticipated outcome.
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Emaar Properties records Dh61b in 9-month sales as backlog crosses Dh150b
Emaar Properties, a leading global real estate developer based in Dubai, has announced a remarkable 22% increase in property sales, reaching Dh61 billion in the first nine months of 2025. This milestone is further bolstered by an unprecedented revenue backlog of Dh150.3 billion as of September 30, 2025, marking a 49% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore the company’s robust performance and the sustained demand for premium real estate in Dubai. Emaar’s revenue surged 39% to Dh33.1 billion, while EBITDA grew 32% to Dh16.6 billion. Net profit before tax also saw a significant 35% increase, reaching Dh16.7 billion. The company’s strategic land bank, comprising approximately 660 million square feet of mixed-use development opportunities, provides a solid foundation for future expansion. Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar’s founder, credited the UAE government’s leadership and Emaar’s long-term planning for this success. Emaar Development, the company’s build-to-sell subsidiary, reported Dh52.9 billion in property sales, a 10% increase, while its international operations saw a staggering 331% growth in sales, particularly in Egypt and India. Recurring revenue streams, including malls, hospitality, and leisure, contributed Dh7.7 billion, reflecting 13% growth. Emaar’s ESG initiatives and credit rating upgrades further highlight its commitment to sustainability and financial stability. With new luxury projects like Emaar Hills and Dubai Mansions, Emaar continues to lead the global real estate market.
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Egypt and Turkey wary of ‘disarmament’ language in Gaza UN resolution, sources says
Arab and Muslim nations are raising alarms over a proposed US-led international stabilization force in Gaza, fearing they may be coerced into forcibly disarming Hamas. A draft United Nations resolution, obtained by Middle East Eye, outlines the force’s role in demilitarizing Gaza, including dismantling military and terror infrastructure. Egyptian officials emphasize the need for a negotiated approach to disarmament, advocating for amnesty for Hamas fighters who surrender their weapons. They stress that Egypt will not undertake tasks Israel failed to accomplish. Turkish sources criticize the draft, arguing it transforms the force into an enforcer of Israeli security rather than a peacekeeping body. They suggest the force should focus on conflict prevention, border control, and training Palestinian security personnel under a future government. While Palestinian support for Hamas remains strong, there are indications that regional pressure may influence Hamas to consider relinquishing certain weapons. The US plan, part of President Trump’s 20-point peace proposal, faces skepticism due to its lack of consultation with key regional players. Critics argue the force must avoid being perceived as an Israeli proxy to gain legitimacy among Palestinians. The draft resolution proposes a ‘board of peace’ chaired by Trump, with a US military coordination center in Israel overseeing operations. Unlike traditional UN peacekeeping missions, this force would operate independently of UN command, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.
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HRC Group’s LEU100 drone debuts at CIIE, targeting China’s low-altitude mobility sector
HRC Group, a global leader in composite-material solutions, unveiled its cutting-edge LEU100 drone at the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on November 5, 2025. The drone, designed for low-altitude mobility, marks a significant step in the company’s expansion into China’s burgeoning drone market. The LEU100 boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 140kg, a range of 200km, and a payload capacity of 55kg. Its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capabilities make it ideal for diverse applications, including logistics, medical rescue, disaster relief, and remote sensing. HRC Group’s expertise in carbon-fiber composites played a pivotal role in the drone’s development, ensuring lightweight yet durable construction. Ge Hongyi, HRC Group’s Vice President and CFO, emphasized the material’s advantages, noting its high strength and low energy consumption. He also highlighted the company’s decade-long experience in applying carbon-fiber composites to automotive structures, which has driven exponential sales growth. Ge expressed optimism about China’s low-altitude economy, citing the country’s leadership in the sector and the potential for innovative products. Beyond the LEU100, HRC Group showcased its carbon-fiber applications in automotive and commercial aircraft components. The company, a six-time CIIE exhibitor, praised the expo as a diverse and international platform that aligns with its global market strategy. Ge underscored the event’s role in demonstrating China’s commitment to openness and fostering industry growth.
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EFG Hermes appoints Christopher Laing as head of equity capital markets
EFG Hermes, a prominent investment bank specializing in Frontier and Emerging Markets (FEM), has announced the appointment of Christopher Laing as its new Head of Equity Capital Markets (ECM). Effective immediately, Laing will be based in Dubai, where he will spearhead the firm’s ECM operations, driving growth and expanding its regional and global footprint. Laing brings over three decades of investment banking experience, including senior ECM roles at HSBC and Deutsche Bank, where he led significant transactions across emerging and developed markets. His appointment aligns with EFG Hermes’ strategy to bolster its regional presence and deliver innovative capital market solutions. Mostafa Gad, Global Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes, expressed enthusiasm about Laing’s addition, highlighting his extensive expertise and the value he brings to clients. Laing himself expressed excitement about joining EFG Hermes, emphasizing the region’s dynamic market opportunities and his commitment to enhancing client partnerships and delivering strategic advisory solutions. This move underscores EFG Hermes’ dedication to maintaining its leadership in the region’s investment banking sector and supporting clients across the MENA region and beyond.