The Integrator

What does it take to lead one of Dubai’s most iconic beach resorts? We sat down with Shadi Refai, Hotel Manager at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, to explore how leadership has evolved in hospitality — and how engineering, F&B creativity, and guest trends are redefining luxury on the shoreline. From sustainability in operations to the story behind their award-winning dining, this is more than just a peek behind the lobby doors. Don't Miss out on this topic : https://lnkd.in/dActzjjf #HospitalityIntegrator #HiltonDubaiPalm #LeadershipInHospitality #LuxuryTravel #UAEHotels #HotelManagement

Can a single algorithm reshape how entire cities are built? Andreas Hassellöf, CEO of Ombri and Phygrid, believes AI is no longer just a planning tool — it's becoming the very foundation of smarter, cleaner urban infrastructure. From digital twins to intelligent data flows, discover how tech is quietly transforming our roads, grids, and skylines. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/dqWmD8HB #TechnologyIntegrator #UrbanTech #AI #Infrastructure #GCC #Dubai #FutureCities

Partnerships play a critical role in Ishraq’s expansion. In 2024, collaborations with McGettigan Group and Samco Holding unlocked two key growth streams - Joseph Karam, COO, Ishraq Hospitality Read more: https://lnkd.in/dC3iq8ZF #HospitalityIntegrator #Dubai #Collab

VINFAST Partners with Metadome.ai to Transform Automotive Retail with AI & XR VinFast is redefining how we experience electric vehicles, thanks to a new partnership with immersive tech leader Metadome.ai. VinFast is rolling out a new AI- and XR-powered experience that brings models like the VF 8 to life in hyper-realistic 3D. From phones and laptops to interactive showrooms, customers can now explore, customize, and engage with their next EV like never before. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dwdPSc5h Shorya Mahajan #VinFast #MetadomeAI #ElectricVehicles #AutomotiveIntegrator

“Great design sparks a dialogue between form, life, and emotions.”   In our latest conversation with Deepak Dinesh Prabakaran, Deputy CEO of Design & Engineering at Azizi Developments, we explore what it means to craft homes that speak to people, not just visually, but emotionally and experientially.   From shaping sustainable communities to redefining comfort in high-rise living, Deepak shares a rare, inside look into Azizi’s design philosophy, its bold aspirations with mega-projects like Azizi Venice and Azizi Milan, and how the brand is contributing to the UAE’s long-term sustainability vision.   Watch the full interview to see how architecture at Azizi is more than structure — it’s storytelling. #AziziDevelopments #UAERealEstate #IntegratorMedia #HomeIntegrator

Beyond the Helpdesk: How HP’s Workforce Experience Platform Makes IT Strategic Again HP’s new Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) is designed to help IT teams move from reactive troubleshooting to proactive strategy. Now available across the region, WXP provides IT leaders with complete visibility and control over their endpoint environment, including PCs, printers, collaboration tools, and third-party devices. With AI-driven insights, employee sentiment analysis, and sustainability-focused asset management, WXP is positioned to transform how organizations manage hybrid workforces. Full details available here: https://lnkd.in/daX2EjAw #HP #WorkforceExperiencePlatform #TechnologyIntegrator

2025 Genesis Electrified GV70 First Drive Review: Fast, Flashy & Functional We spent a few days with the Genesis UAE Electrified GV70, and it left quite an impression. It’s quick, comfortable, and carries itself with the kind of quiet confidence you'd expect from a proper luxury SUV. With 483 hp, all-wheel drive, and a beautifully detailed cabin, it’s a strong contender in the growing electric luxury SUV space and one that stands out for doing things a little differently. Read the full first drive review here - https://lnkd.in/dmV_imWd #GenesisGV70 #Genesis #ElectricSUV #EVReview #UAEcars #GenesisElectrified #AutomotiveIntegrator

PNY Technologies Restructures Middle East and Africa Operations   PNY Technologies Europe & MEA has announced a strategic overhaul of its Middle East and Africa operations, introducing two focused business divisions to better serve the growing demand in both consumer and professional markets.   Talus Arukalil will lead the Channel Division, overseeing NVIDIA GeForce, NVIDIA RTX Pro, and storage products. Muhannad Hammad will head the Compute Division, focusing on AI infrastructure and professional services powered by NVIDIA.   With a new regional office in Saudi Arabia and key leadership appointed across North Africa, Saudi, East and Southern Africa, PNY is doubling down on its MEA commitment.   🔗 Read the full press release on our website: https://lnkd.in/dynvnybT   #PNYTechnologies #NVIDIA #MiddleEastTech #TechnologyIntegrator

Presenting the latest edition of Financial Integrator! Towards a Cashless Future! How often do you use cash these days? With contactless cards, mobile wallets, and online payments becoming the norm, we’re clearly moving toward a cashless future. In this edition, we examine how fintechs, banks, and regulators are collaborating to reshape payment systems across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE. Today’s payment infrastructure is open, mobile-first, 24/7, and secure—designed for speed, inclusion, and interoperability. We open with a perspective from the payments arm of the Central Bank of The UAE, detailing what’s driving this change and how national payment systems are being built to support economic resilience, efficiency, and inclusion. At the forefront of this transformation are technologies like AI and blockchain. Our cover story features Amit Malhotra, Global Head of Retail Banking at ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), who shares how the bank is leveraging generative AI to become a future-ready institution. He also discusses why blockchain’s potential is still unfolding and how ADIB’s Smart Sukuk platform is opening new access to Islamic investments. Elsewhere in the issue, we explore AI-powered banking, the evolution of hospitality finance, and how open banking boosts operational agility. We also highlight two key reports: Amazon Payment Services’ re:Imagine Payments forum and Checkout.com’s insights into why MENA is among the world’s fastest-moving digital economies. As payments go digital and technologies converge, MENA is taking a leadership role. At Financial Integrator, we’re proud to chronicle this shift—and the region’s growing influence in the global financial ecosystem. Jan Pilbauer | Adam Dixon | Daumantas Grigaravicius | Joseph Kirikian, CFA | Ahmad Ghandour | Hiral Patel | Brendan Gow | Warda Malik | Mohamed Fairooz | Badreya AlMehairi Al Etihad Payments | Adam Smith's Panmure House | Heriot-Watt University | Adyen | TASARU Mobility Investments | Backbase | Chalet Berezka Restaurant | Capital Haus | FTI Consulting | SC Ventures by Standard Chartered | Mashreq | Commercial Bank of Dubai | DUBAI ISLAMIC BANK | RAKBANK

Presenting the latest edition of Hospitality Integrator! Purpose-Driven Evolution in Hospitality “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt’s words resonate deeply with the spirit of this edition. The excitement of pioneering new guest journeys – of exceeding expectations and enriching their stays in innovative, profound ways – is exactly the optimism fueling hospitality right now. We are witnessing a silent but meaningful progression toward purpose that is thoughtful, long-term, and quietly confident.   Across the industry, brands are asking better questions. How can we serve with sincerity? How do we design with care? What does growth look like when it's measured not only in numbers, but in meaning? The answers are unfolding in ways both ambitious and grounded. This month’s stories reflect that energy. From Ishraq Hospitality’s approach to people-first operations to Dibba Bay’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture, the focus is clear. Hospitality today is being built with intention. Not for applause, but for impact.   We also look at the region’s investment mindset, where capital is being used not just to expand, but to shape culture and experience. There’s a sense of maturity to it, implying that hospitality in the Middle East is no longer in a race, but in a rhythm. Even technology is taking on a quieter, more purposeful role. Behind the scenes, AI-powered revenue systems and efficient back-of-house upgrades are making operations smarter, smoother, and more responsive. Not flashy, but effective.   At a time when the world feels saturated with noise, this edition is a reminder that hospitality doesn’t need to shout to stand out. It simply needs to be genuine. And that sincerity is exactly what is giving the industry its renewed sense of momentum. We hope these pages spark ideas, invite reflection, and serve as a gentle reminder that purpose and progress can absolutely go hand in hand. Alessandro Salvatico | Kieran Fitzgerald | Ryan Hattingh | Ibrahim Saba, CHBA | Joseph Karam | Nikhil Nanda | Shadi Refai | Andrea Sartoris | Nesrin Khieschman | Fabian Dagostin | Rhiannon Emerald Callaghan | Tarun Jewalikar | Fares Satli | Deivid Paiva | Arlette Richter-Picardo Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board | Agon Capital | IDeaS Revenue Solutions | Ishraq Hospitality | Innovations Group UAE | Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah | Dibba Bay Oysters | Mars | Dave's Hot Chicken | FIX Dessert Chocolatier | Hyatt | AHOYmodz | Starbucks | Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel - Managed by HMH | PHAT Buns UK | Minor Hotels