Business Extra: How FinTech is evolving in the Middle East


  • English
  • Arabic

In this episode of Business Extra, we explore the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape in the Middle East, where new apps and products are constantly emerging with promises of easier financial transactions and innovative money management solutions.

Among these players, Dubai-based start-up Ziina stands out for its methodical rise over the past few years.

Ziina aims to bring economic freedom and enhanced financial literacy across the Middle East. Recently, the company made headlines by securing a Stored Value Facility licence in the UAE, a significant milestone that promises to propel the start-up even farther.

Ziina's chief executive and co-founder Faisal Toukan joins host Cody Combs to discuss the company’s journey, the significance of its recent achievements, and its plans for the future.

The five new places of worship

Church of South Indian Parish

St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch

St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch

St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais

Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais

 

Punchy appearance

Roars of support buoyed Mr Johnson in an extremely confident and combative appearance

if you go

The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.

The trip 

Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.

Business Insights
  • As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses. 
  • SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income. 
  • Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Updated: September 26, 2024, 6:17 AM
More podcasts

On The Money

Make money work for you with news and expert analysis

          By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
          On The Money