East Meets West: The Cultural Architecture of Market Entry
For international SMEs, the Middle East represents opportunity and complexity in equal measure. Success requires more than market research: it demands cultural intelligence, patient partnership and strategic design from day one, writes Taqua Malik.
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Private Shopping Salons Redefine Luxury Retail in the Gulf
Across the GCC, VIP programmes are evolving into intimate salons that mirror majlis culture. Trust, family dynamics, and cultural alignment now shape purchasing decisions more powerfully than exclusive access alone, writes Taqua Malik, founder of Freedomvisory.
In Conversation: Nicola Turner, Principal at Heidrick & Struggles
From London to Dubai, Nicola Turner has placed senior leaders across luxury, retail and beauty. Now she shares insights on the Gulf's talent landscape, why cultural fluency and global acumen must coexist, and what leaders will need by 2028.
In Conversation: Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson, Co-Founders of UBQT
From Dubai, an AI-powered platform is attempting something radical: getting people off their phones and back into real life. Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson reflect on digital minimalism, proximity-based connection, and why the UAE provides the ideal testing ground for their work.
In Conversation: Rebecca Bemhena, VP Content at Shoptalk Luxe
As Shoptalk Luxe makes its Abu Dhabi debut, Rebecca Bemhena reflects on technology as luxury's new craftsmanship, how heritage maisons and disruptor brands forge the future together, and why invisible AI creates space for deeper human intimacy in elevated retail.
In Conversation: Georgette Davey, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches
From Switzerland to Shanghai and now Abu Dhabi, Georgette Davey reflects on three decades of hospitality education and why the Middle East represents the next frontier for Swiss academic excellence, one that meets Emirati cultural heritage.
East Meets West: The Cultural Architecture of Market Entry
For international SMEs, the Middle East represents opportunity and complexity in equal measure. Success requires more than market research: it demands cultural intelligence, patient partnership and strategic design from day one, writes Taqua Malik.
In Conversation
Q&As with the innovators shaping culture, capital, and tech.
In Conversation: Nicola Turner, Principal at Heidrick & Struggles
From London to Dubai, Nicola Turner has placed senior leaders across luxury, retail and beauty. Now she shares insights on the Gulf's talent landscape, why cultural fluency and global acumen must coexist, and what leaders will need by 2028.
In Conversation: Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson, Co-Founders of UBQT
From Dubai, an AI-powered platform is attempting something radical: getting people off their phones and back into real life. Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson reflect on digital minimalism, proximity-based connection, and why the UAE provides the ideal testing ground for their work.
In Conversation: Rebecca Bemhena, VP Content at Shoptalk Luxe
As Shoptalk Luxe makes its Abu Dhabi debut, Rebecca Bemhena reflects on technology as luxury's new craftsmanship, how heritage maisons and disruptor brands forge the future together, and why invisible AI creates space for deeper human intimacy in elevated retail.
In Conversation: Georgette Davey, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches
From Switzerland to Shanghai and now Abu Dhabi, Georgette Davey reflects on three decades of hospitality education and why the Middle East represents the next frontier for Swiss academic excellence, one that meets Emirati cultural heritage.Latest Articles
Private Shopping Salons Redefine Luxury Retail in the Gulf
Across the GCC, VIP programmes are evolving into intimate salons that mirror majlis culture. Trust, family dynamics, and cultural alignment now shape purchasing decisions more powerfully than exclusive access alone, writes Taqua Malik, founder of Freedomvisory.
In Conversation: Nicola Turner, Principal at Heidrick & Struggles
From London to Dubai, Nicola Turner has placed senior leaders across luxury, retail and beauty. Now she shares insights on the Gulf's talent landscape, why cultural fluency and global acumen must coexist, and what leaders will need by 2028.
In Conversation: Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson, Co-Founders of UBQT
From Dubai, an AI-powered platform is attempting something radical: getting people off their phones and back into real life. Lara Varjabedian and Jonathan L. Hasson reflect on digital minimalism, proximity-based connection, and why the UAE provides the ideal testing ground for their work.
In Conversation: Rebecca Bemhena, VP Content at Shoptalk Luxe
As Shoptalk Luxe makes its Abu Dhabi debut, Rebecca Bemhena reflects on technology as luxury's new craftsmanship, how heritage maisons and disruptor brands forge the future together, and why invisible AI creates space for deeper human intimacy in elevated retail.
In Conversation: Georgette Davey, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches
From Switzerland to Shanghai and now Abu Dhabi, Georgette Davey reflects on three decades of hospitality education and why the Middle East represents the next frontier for Swiss academic excellence, one that meets Emirati cultural heritage.
East Meets West: The Cultural Architecture of Market Entry
For international SMEs, the Middle East represents opportunity and complexity in equal measure. Success requires more than market research: it demands cultural intelligence, patient partnership and strategic design from day one, writes Taqua Malik.
