Author: MoneySecrets

Fouad Darwish, CEO and Managing Director of Palms Sports, based in the UAE and a regional leader in sports innovation, confirmed a new strategic partnership with Egypt’s Al Ahly Club. This partnership focuses on operational collaboration and sustainable sports projects. In his interview on the Money Secrets podcast with economic content creator Ahmed Elgamal, Darwish emphasized that entering the Egyptian market is not merely a financial investment, but part of a broader, long-term institutional cooperation. “We’re not approaching Egypt as just another investment destination,” he noted, “but as a strategic operational partner.” He added that Egypt serves as a key…

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank, participated in the third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, held under South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency in Durban. The event gathered representatives from member countries, invited states, and international organizations. The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and included senior officials from the Ministry and the Central Bank. The meeting reviewed progress on the 2025 G20 priorities set by South Africa and adopted a final communiqué, to which the UAE actively contributed through working…

EDGE Group, the UAE’s leading advanced technology and defense company, signed three strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Hungary’s 4iG, a prominent player in telecommunications, IT, space, and defense. The agreements, signed during an official UAE delegation visit to Hungary, aim to establish a broad industrial partnership between the two countries. Through these MoUs, EDGE and 4iG will jointly develop and market advanced defense solutions for European and African markets. Key systems include EDGE’s SkyKnight air defense missile, Shadow 25 and 50 loitering munitions, and autonomous air traffic management platforms VEGA and ORION. The collaboration will also explore opportunities in…

The Department of Finance in the Government of Dubai and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy — one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and partnership in achieving the objectives of Dubai’s Cashless Strategy. The focus will be on the strategy’s core pillars: governance, innovation, and transitioning toward a cashless society. The MoU was signed in the presence of H.E. Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of the government of Dubai’s Department of Finance, and H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of…

On the sidelines of the 2024 Knowledge Summit, in an episode of the “Money Secrets” podcast, economic content creator Ahmed Algamal hosted Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Program. Al Dardari emphasized that shifting toward a knowledge economy is an urgent priority to bridge the skills gap between Arab youth and the labor market, and to build a sustainable economy capable of creating competitive opportunities. He explained that the “Future Skills Academy,” launched in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, aims to equip…

In a special episode of the “Money Secrets” podcast, economic content creator Ahmed Elgamal hosted Essa Al-Habib, a Kuwaiti content creator, who shared the story of his journey in transforming content creation into a real source of income. He also highlighted key milestones in his path to becoming one of the region’s most prominent influencers and being named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list. Essa revealed that 2024 was a turning point in his life, during which he achieved the highest financial earnings of his career. He stated, “I started as an amateur in content creation, and today I own…

International Holding Company (IHC) has completed its acquisition of eFunder, the UAE-based SME financing platform, and rebranded it as Zilo, marking a new phase of growth focused on improving capital access for high-potential businesses across the region. Fully licensed and regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM), Zilo has operated since August 2020. It offers fast, digital financing solutions by converting approved invoices into working capital within 24 to 48 hours. Following the acquisition, Zilo will align with IHC’s broader vision to power future-focused economies through responsible investment and fintech innovation. The platform aims to help…

Mubadala Investment Company, based in Abu Dhabi, has announced a new strategic investment in PCI Pharma Services, a global leader in outsourced pharmaceutical development and manufacturing with a focus on innovative biologics. This investment is part of a joint strategic transaction led by Bain Capital and current majority investor Kohlberg, with Partners Group continuing its minority support. Mubadala’s latest move builds on its initial investment in PCI alongside Kohlberg in 2020. Over the past five years, PCI has successfully launched over 450 products and expanded its 50-year legacy in pharmaceutical services, supporting innovation and improving patient access to advanced therapies.…

The Global Summit on the Future of Hospitality has confirmed the participation of the first 50 senior leaders from the hospitality and tourism sectors as keynote speakers. The summit will take place at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, from October 27 to 29, 2025. As the region’s premier hospitality investment platform, the summit will host a distinguished lineup of global experts, thought leaders, and professionals from related fields such as tourism, media, education, and innovation. This year’s theme, “Where Vision Drives Growth, Investment Follows”, underscores the importance of strategic foresight in shaping future investments in the sector. The speaker list is updated…

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) announced the election of its CEO, H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, as Chair of the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). This appointment reflects the UAE’s growing international presence and highlights the long-standing institutional efforts that have positioned the country as a key player in shaping the future of global financial regulation. In his new role, Al Awadhi will represent AMERC on IOSCO’s Board, which includes 34 top regulatory bodies from around the world. The AMERC committee includes 43 regulatory authorities from across North…