Fast Company Middle East

29/11/2025

Acquisitions are more financially and strategically successful if they are more about what the acquiring company can do to help the acquired company than the other way around.

When the focus is on what the acquired company can do for the acquirer, the acquirer tends to have to pay top dollar for the acquired company and the acquirer can do little to help pay for the high takeover premium.

Thus, in the failure-ridden world of acquisitions, the logic of this diversify-to-eliminate-the-shareholder-problem drives companies toward very low success rate approaches.

Here's why:

Why successful acquisitions are harder than you think.

29/11/2025

The line between human and machine authorship is blurring, particularly as it’s become increasingly difficult to tell whether something was written by a person or AI.

Now, in what may seem like a tipping point, the digital marketing firm Graphite recently published a study showing that more than 50% of articles on the web are being generated by artificial intelligence.

If you’re more likely to read something written by AI than by a human on the internet, is it only a matter of time before human writing becomes obsolete? Or is this simply another technological development that humans will adapt to?

Read more:

AI appears to be most useful when the writing in question is low-stakes and formulaic.

28/11/2025

We’re excited to announce another remarkable group of winners from the Most Innovative Companies List 2025, whose work embodies the spirit of progress in the region.

These companies are not only pioneering new technologies but also setting fresh benchmarks for impact, resilience, and forward-thinking strategy.

See the full list: https://fastcompanyme.com/collections/most-innovative-companies-middle-east-2025/

28/11/2025

Emirates Development Bank (EDB) premiered The Multiplier Effect, a documentary that shifts the focus from financial metrics to the personal journeys behind the UAE’s rapidly expanding entrepreneurial landscape.

The film, co-developed with the Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology’s Make it in the Emirates initiative and the Ministry of Economy & Tourism’s Startup Capital of the World campaign, highlights how strategic support and national policy translate into real-world impact for founders across the country.

Speaking at the premiere, H.E. Ahmed Alnaqbi, CEO of EDB, emphasized the documentary’s aim to demonstrate the real-world value of development banking. “The Multiplier Effect highlights the people and ideas driving the UAE’s economic transformation,” he said. “At EDB, our mission is straightforward: when we finance growth, the nation grows. Every business we support contributes to jobs, innovation, and long-term value for the country. This film shows that impact clearly.”

Read more:

Film traces how national strategy, financing, and personal resilience are shaping the country’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

28/11/2025

From redefining engagement to driving digital transformation, these companies in the Middle East region are shaping the future with immersive experiences and transformative technologies that fuel growth and inclusion.

See the full list: https://fastcompanyme.com/collections/most-innovative-companies-middle-east-2025/

28/11/2025

Saudi Arabia’s food services market is expected to reach about $44.67 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.2%, according to Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Franchise Committee at the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

Al-Ghamdi said the market is currently valued at roughly $30.12 billion. The sector covers the full supply chain — from agricultural production and processing to distribution, retail, restaurants, and cafes.

He noted that Saudi Arabia is accelerating the international expansion of its national brands in an effort to promote the Saudi model and position the “Saudi brand” as a marker of quality and innovation. The strategy aligns with Vision 2030 objectives to strengthen the private sector, boost non-oil exports, and expand domestic and global demand.

Read more:

The market is valued at about $30.12 billion and spans the full supply chain, from production and processing to distribution, retail, restaurants, and cafes.

28/11/2025

Corporate earnings across the Gulf rose to a 12-quarter high in the third quarter, lifted by strong banking and real estate results that offset weaker performance in telecom and utilities, according to Kamco Invest.

Aggregate net income for listed GCC companies grew 7.9% year-on-year to $65.6 billion, with quarterly profits up 15.7% — one of the strongest sequential increases since 2022.

The annual rise was driven mainly by higher banking and real estate earnings, supported by a mild rebound in the energy sector. The UAE recorded the biggest jump in total profits, followed by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Read more:

The UAE recorded the biggest jump in total profits, followed by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

28/11/2025

Crisis is everywhere. And while big brands may dominate the headlines, smaller companies face equally urgent situations. Regardless of a company’s size, leaders must be prepared when the ever-turning wheel of misfortune lands on their spot—because it will.

Failing to prepare can shatter reputations, destroy careers, and cripple revenue in a matter of moments. Here are four actionable steps to ensure you aren’t caught off guard when crisis hits.

Read more:

Leaders must be prepared when the ever-turning wheel of misfortune lands on their spot—because it will

28/11/2025

The average consumer is expected to spend $1,595 on holiday gifts this year, according to Deloitte. That’s 10% less than 2024 and highlights the importance shoppers will place on bargains this year. And a growing number of consumers will be relying on AI to help them find those deals.

Some 33% of the people Deloitte spoke to in its 2025 Holiday Retail Survey said they plan to use AI as part of their holiday shopping—double the number who did last year. Many say the tech could assist them with inspiration and product discovery.

That could benefit retailers who have already embraced AI in their recommendation engines, as well as those planning to roll it out.

Read more:

56% of consumers say they’ll use AI tools in their hunt for deals.

27/11/2025

Fast Company Middle East’s Most Innovative Companies 2025 — Meet the Honorees

Innovation isn’t a buzzword. It’s a mandate shaping the future of business, technology, and society across the Middle East.

This year, 56 trailblazing companies across 24 categories have earned a place on our Most Innovative Companies 2025 list, with several securing multiple wins.

From AI and fintech to sustainability, mobility, retail, health, media, and beyond, these organizations are pushing boundaries, redefining industries, and delivering transformative impact through bold ideas and real-world ex*****on.

Together, they represent the region’s most forward-thinking companies, rewriting what’s possible and leading the charge toward a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative future.

See the full list of winners : https://fastcompanyme.com/collections/most-innovative-companies-middle-east-2025/

27/11/2025

Saudi-listed MIS - Al Moammar Information Systems Co. has received its first Development Commencement Notice from Saudi Data Centres Fund 1 to expand the capacity of existing data centres under a 112 megawatts (MW) framework agreement signed in July 2025.

In a stock exchange filing, MIS confirmed that work will begin with an initial 72 MW expansion valued at approximately 3 billion Saudi riyals ($800 million). The company stated that it anticipates the financial impact of the first 24 MW to appear starting in the first quarter of 2026 and continuing through the first quarter of 2027.

It added that information regarding the remaining 48 MW will be released within the next six months.

Read more:

MIS begins major data centre expansion to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and meet rising demand.