Markets mea Q2 2026 Featuring: Sherwes Travel – Libyan Holidays: Inbound Travel & Tour Agency of the Year 2025 – Libya Why Missing One Dubai Business Event Can Cost You a Year of Growth
News Within this bustling region, we celebrate the excellence sweeping across a myriad of industries and sectors which are ultimately influencing the rest of the globe. We’re proud to share news features, insights, and success stories of our prestigious awardees, and we truly hope you find this issue to be as inspiring as we do. Wishing you a fantastic few months ahead, here at MEA Markets we continue to seek out the latest updates and strive to recognise dedicated businesses and individuals so we can continue to share information with you. We look forward to welcoming you back in Q3 for more features. Welcome to the Q2 2026 issue of MEA Markets magazine. As always, we are dedicated to providing our readers with all the latest news and features from across the Middle East and Africa. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
News Contents 4. News - 40% Increase in Demand for Russian Plastic Surgery Among Arabs in UAE During 2025 - Memorandum of Understanding Signed to Advance ASEAN Digital and Artificial Intelligence Hub Initiative 6. Conflict Specialist Reveals Surprising Overlap Between War and Work Tension 8. Sherwes Travel – Libyan Holidays: Inbound Travel & Tour Agency of the Year 2025 – Libya 9. Employers of Overseas Staff Must Be Prepared for Risks, Including Political and Civil Unrest, Conflict and Natural Disaster 10. Why Missing One Dubai Business Event Can Cost You a Year of Growth 6. 9.
News 40% Increase in Demand for Russian Plastic Surgery Among Arabs in UAE During 2025 A 40% increase in demand for Russian plastic surgery among Arabs has been reported in the UAE in 2025, according to leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Dmitry Melnikov and his team of surgeons at Fayy Health, renowned as Dubai’s premier destination for holistic health and beauty. Before coming to Dubai, Dr Menikov and his team have previously represented Russia’s largest plastic surgery unit. In Russia, he heads the center of plastic surgery at the Institute of Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology, Europe’s largest plastic and reconstructive surgery hospital. The surge in interest comes as more patients from the UAE and the broader MENA region seek highquality, world-class aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, with many opting for advanced treatments offered by renowned Russian surgeons now practicing in Dubai. Dr. Dmitry Melnikov commented: “The rising demand for our services is a clear reflection of the growing popularity of Russian plastic and reconstructive surgery in the UAE over the past few years. We’ve all seen many new clinics open, and top Russian talent is increasingly moving to Dubai — and for good reason. Patients are drawn to the high-quality, natural results our expertise consistently delivers. This shift highlights the growing trust in our work and the effectiveness of our techniques in achieving exceptional aesthetic outcomes.” About half of the patients are choosing to undergo new surgeries, while the other half are seeking to correct or enhance previous procedures, a trend reflecting the growing demand for both cosmetic enhancements and refinements of earlier surgeries. Dr Dmitry Melnikov is one of the first Russian plastic surgeons licensed in Dubai since 2022. Dr Melnikov is an acclaimed plastic and reconstructive breast surgeon according to Tatler magazine’s list of top surgeons. His patients include some of the top 5 influencers in Russia. Dr Melnikov is the Vice Secretary for the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) and an active member of the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery. His team includes Dr Alexander Glushko, a highly skilled and licensed nose and facial surgeon. With an MD and PhD, Dr Glushko brings over a decade of experience in the field, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to his clinical expertise, he has published over 100 scientific articles, holds multiple patents, and is a frequent speaker and educator in his field. His approach to surgery is centered around five core principles: Purpose, Balance, Safety, Approach, and Trust. Dr Glushko is also an active member of several international surgical societies, contributing to the advancement of plastic and maxillofacial surgery. Other distinguished members of the team include Dr. Simon Ivanov, who specializes in facelifts, endoscopic facelifts, as well as breast and body surgeries, and Dr. Anna Brodska, an expert in liposuction, fat grafting, and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), who was trained in Brazil. About 50% of patients opt for new surgeries, while the other half seek to revise previous procedures
News Memorandum of Understanding Signed to Advance ASEAN Digital and Artificial Intelligence Hub Initiative A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the development of the ASEAN Digital and Artificial Intelligence Hub Initiative was successfully signed at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Residence, marking an important milestone in strengthening technological collaboration between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Technology and Communications of the Lao PDR, represented by H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Technology and Communications, and MENAS Capital LLC, represented by H.E. Khalifa Matar Al Mazrouei, Chairman of MENAS Capital LLC. The strategic cooperation aims to support the development of the ASEAN Digital and Artificial Intelligence Center project, fostering innovation, advancing digital transformation, and promoting the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies across the region. The initiative seeks to position Laos as a regional hub for digital innovation, research collaboration, and cross-border technology development within ASEAN and beyond. The signing ceremony brought together distinguished guests, senior officials, and business leaders from Laos and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the shared commitment of both parties to strengthening international partnerships in emerging technologies and digital infrastructure. H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith emphasised the importance of international collaboration in accelerating Laos’ digital transformation agenda and supporting the country’s vision for a modern and inclusive digital economy. Representing MENAS Capital LLC, H.E. Khalifa Matar Al Mazrouei highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that MENAS Capital is committed to advancing innovation, technology investment and crossregional collaboration between ASEAN and the Middle East. He emphasised the firm’s strong interest in supporting investment in green energy and sustainable infrastructure projects in Laos, recognising the country’s competitive renewable energy advantage. He reaffirmed MENAS Capital’s commitment to contributing capital, expertise and long-term partnership to accelerate the ASEAN Digital and Artificial Intelligence Hub Initiative and strengthen sustainable digital ecosystems across the region. The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence development, digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, research collaboration and technology investment. The initiative is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, support skills development and accelerate sustainable economic growth through advanced digital technologies. In addition, both parties highlighted the strategic opportunity to promote investment in data centre infrastructure in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Laos is widely recognised for its strong renewable energy base, with hydropower forming the backbone of its electricity supply. The country benefits from competitively priced green electricity compared with many neighbouring markets, creating a clear cost advantage for energy-intensive digital infrastructure. With significant available land, expanding infrastructure and access to stable low-carbon power, Laos presents an attractive location for sustainable, green-powered data centres. Such investment would support artificial intelligence, cloud services and regional digital platforms, while reinforcing Laos’ ambition to become a trusted regional hub for digital innovation built on affordable and environmentally responsible energy. This collaboration reflects the growing ties between Southeast Asia and the Middle East in shaping the future of digital economies and advancing crossregional innovation.
Feature By internationally renowned mediator and conflict specialist, Jane Gunn (Global Leader – Who’s Who Mediation & Legal 500 Hall of Fame 2025) According to https://weforum.org reports 2026, uncertainty is the defining theme of the global risks outlook in 2026, both in the short and long term, with 50% of respondents anticipating either a turbulent or stormy outlook over the next two years, rising to 57% over the next 10 years. Globally, economic pressures, resource scarcity, and political instability are increasing tensions, geopolitical jitters, and conflict, which are also being mirrored at the leadership and team levels within the workplace. At an organisational level, during times of national or global insecurity and volatility, production can stall, costs can spike, and profits may dip, meaning budgets are squeezed, growth plans are frozen, and recruitment may falter, all of which can contribute to tension and disputes. Yet in Deloitte’s 2026 Global Human Capital Trends survey, seven of 10 business leaders say their primary strategy over the next three years is to be fast and nimble. This tests business resilience and means priorities change, and we have to be at our best. Individually, many of us fear rising prices and a lack of job security, which affects engagement, and our desire to change jobs is often “put on hold”. According to the British Safety Council, one in three (35 per cent) workers said they’re not comfortable letting their line manager or senior leader know they’re experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure and stress at work. Adrenaline and cortisol are high, and they inevitably affect our physiology and how we think and behave. We can become stuck, and when under stress, we experience things in a much more heightened way, and tension rises. So how is global tension being mirrored by leaders in the workplace? Leaders don’t truly understand how to de-escalate. Many global and business leaders handle escalating tensions poorly because they don’t accurately anticipate the consequences and haven’t actively listened. Both types of leaders leave it too late, allowing conflict to escalate when negotiation and mediation could have been an effective early intervention. Global, and often business, leaders are not trained in conflict and responsibility and lack the skill sets. Who is calling the shots? Global leaders often fear losing face and are even prepared to take us to the edge of the abyss to save their face. They continue to blunder on, often lacking courage, morality and empathy. Some are playing to the gallery, posturing and trying to impress those watching. If we see global leaders behaving without empathy, we may well model it. Many of us are afraid to stand up to people who have high levels of charisma or power, which encourages further poor behaviour and a toxic culture. In the workplace, we are also seeing ringleaders motivated by their own gains and use tools to censor, cancel, eliminate, coerce, control and exclude. Conflict Specialist Reveals Surprising Overlap Between War and Work Tension Do we rarely care about our people’s needs and interests? Many leaders are divorced from their population’s or workers’ needs. On a global level, what does that country need, and what are its interests? Secure borders, rights to minerals, or simply survival and the protection of families and livelihoods? In the workplace, do employers know or care about what their employees might need, from flexibility, to training, feeling valued and engaged in their work? Conflict Solutions in The Workplace (and perhaps Globally) Don’t exploit when there is a power imbalance Rather than a desperate all-encompassing need to win, it takes real coverage to step back from the brink. Once you declare you are right, it’s harder. When you recognise you have power over people step back to see what they are experiencing, and how it might affect them and their lives, and understand their triggers. Don’t ask for compliance and seek differing opinions. Soft skills make for effective dialogue. Whilst more empathy and compassion are needed, they are often considered soft skills, yet in many situations seem incredibly hard to implement. Diplomacy and negotiation, conflictresolution innovations, and finding structured ways to reduce tension before it implodes are achieved through cooperation and understanding, and a proactive, collaborative mindset. Winning is rarely the most important factor in reality. That’s just ego. In times of conflict, leaders need to ensure deep listening, compassion and empathy for those affected by their decisions, and the parties in conflict need to move away from the drive to win a showdown. Take time and space to reflect, especially when tensions are escalating. Early recognition that all is not well, and the use of a well-thought-out blueprint, are much more effective than ploughing on whilst things get worse.
A better framework for resolving conflicts. Understanding the principles of conflict resolution, pushing the red STOP button, and having and using a Blueprint for peace in the workplace. Having a clear Blueprint can help people feel confident engaging in dialogue. Every business with over 50 people should have an agreed-upon, documented framework that enables people to understand why there is conflict, how we have got to this place, and how to step off the fast-moving escalator to resolve it. On an Individual Level With decades of conflict and mediation experience, including at the White House, I believe that humanity will circle back to a better way. People recognise that we have been sucked into a dark period, and we need to move out of that again. Looking at the impact on future generations is helpful because politicians operate on a short-term five-year cycle at most. Stay connected. Meaningful connection and laughter are so important because they impact our behaviour, self-esteem and nervous system. We can all experience a dopamine boost when we rediscover a sense of purpose and meaning. Put respect at the heart of everything you do and be open to others’ views, even if you don’t agree with them. Whilst many feel powerless at that moment, we can apply better principles ourselves by not just going with the flow. We need to be courageous enough to express our opinions if they can add value.
MEA | Q2 2026 8 Jul23190 Inbound Travel & Tour Agency of the Year 2025 – Libya Founded in 1996, Sherwes Travel is a premium provider of Libyan tours. It is an agency its clients won’t forget in a hurry, which is exactly how we feel at MEA Markets. Here we take a closer look at its outstanding offerings as we reflect on its most recent win. Libya is a beautiful country to behold, and to explore to make incredible memories that will last a lifetime. From incredible and breathtaking locations to amazing culinary experiences, exploration of the Sahara Desert to hiking for any level of fitness, and more, Sherwes Travel has everything you need to find the perfect holiday. Delivering a personalised and tailored experience to a wide and diverse client base from all around the world, Sherwes Travel has become well known as a reliable partner for tours of a lifetime in Libya. Sherwes Travel’s team is small yet mighty, close-knit, and truly committed to providing only the best service for their customers. As a demonstration of this, a client shared: “I took a 6 night tour to Western Libya through Penguin Travel. Locally, the tour was led by Ramzi from Sherwes Travel. From the moment I arrived in Tripoli till the end of the tour, everything was good. The tour started in Tripoli airport and Ramzi picked us up. He was very knowledgeable about the history and took the group to several historical sites including Leptis Magna, Sabratha and Ghadames, where we also had local guide for added detail. “Ramzi was very generous, covering the costs of all meals and coffee stops. The hotel in Tripoli was also very comfortable. We had a police escort throughout and he was very friendly with us without any issues, and it felt safe. Overall I would strongly recommend Ramzi and Sherwes Travel.” With an assortment of services, from handling visas to arranging all travel, and more, Sherwes Travel has expertly positioned itself as a leading agency for tours across Libya. Bestowed with the esteemed title of Most Professional Travel & Tour Agency in Libya for 2024, and more recently the title of Inbound Travel & Tour Agency of the Year 2025 in Libya, Sherwes Travel is a multi-awardwinning agency that we’re proud to continually recognise in our prestigious African Excellence Awards programme. We are sure to see Sherwes Travel continue to flourish for the years ahead. “Our multilingual tour guides and drivers are professionally trained in safety and first aid. We are the first tour operator in Libya to initiate a Tour Guide Training Seminar to improve the standard of our tour guides.” To experience Libya, in a luxurious and authentic way, contact the agency today to find the perfect package for you and your travel companions. No matter what you’re looking for, whether you love beaches, a culture-rich tours, or anything in else you would like to explore, Sherwes Travel has the right package as it will always tailor packages to exactly what you need and desire. Contact Details Contact: Ibrahim Usta Email: [email protected] Company: Sherwes Travel – Libyan Holidays Web address: www.sherwestravel.com
Jul23121 MEA | Q2 2026 9 Employers of Overseas Staff Must Be Prepared for Risks, Including Political and Civil Unrest, Conflict and Natural Disaster Employers of overseas staff must be prepared for risks, including political and civil unrest, conflict, natural disaster, and medical outbreaks, say the international employee benefits specialists at Everywhen. In such situations, employees will look to their employer for support, and employers have a duty of care to have that support in place. In the latest research run by Everywhen, 21% of employers who have employees overseas said they are concerned about the threat of political unrest, conflict or war, 18% say they are concerned about environment threats such as floods, and 22% are worried about medical outbreaks such as a pandemic. Employers must provide support to help them manage these concerns. Sarah Dennis, head of international, Everywhen says: “Unrest, conflict, natural disasters and medical outbreaks can happen at any time and in any location, and situations can escalate quickly. It’s vital that support is in place beforehand, and that both employers and employees know what the protocols are in such an event.” Global employers need to have a good understanding of potential risks wherever they have staff based, or wherever they are considering having staff based. They need to know how all staff may be impacted, and the implications for wider regions. They need to have protocols ready should an event occur, and both employers and employees need to know what those are. Specialists can advise on potential risks and what companies need to do to prepare. And only reputable sources of guidance should be sought, such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Procedures for communications need to be understood, employers need to be able to trace all their staff and keep in touch to share information, updates, alerts, and provide advice and support. Employees need to know how they can be prepared beforehand too. For instance, in the event of unrest or conflict, employees may be advised to Stand Fast or Shelter in Place, and they need to know what this means in practice and what they can do to be ready, such as getting together a Shelter in Place kit with drinking water and non-perishable food. It’s also vital that robust evacuation and relocation plans are ready in advance in the event that they’ll be needed, and both employers and employees need to know their roles in such a situation. Sarah Dennis adds: “We can’t stress enough how important it is for employers to prepare for emergencies beforehand. The good news is that support is available, and experts are on hand to help. We’d very much encourage employers to make the most of the specialist support available.”
MEA | Q2 2026 Dubai doesn’t do “small moves.” Everything here is fast, bold, and unapologetically global. From sunrise breakfasts with investors to midnight deal-closing shisha sessions, business in the UAE runs on momentum. And here’s the uncomfortable truth: miss one key event, and you might lose an entire year of growth. In a city where timing is everything, showing up late—or not at all—isn’t just unlucky, it’s expensive. That’s why even logistics like rent a car Dubai quietly become part of the success equation from day one. Dubai Is Where Decisions Happen Fast In many markets, networking is a slow burn. You exchange emails, schedule calls weeks ahead, and maybe—just maybe—something moves. Dubai flips that script. One conversation at a conference coffee break can turn into a partnership by the weekend. One invite-only roundtable can unlock access to investors who don’t even take cold meetings. Business events here aren’t about theory. They’re about action. People come ready to decide, ready to move capital, ready to scale. If you’re not in the room, someone else takes your seat—and your opportunity. The “Next Event” Myth A common mistake newcomers make is thinking, “No worries, I’ll catch the next one.” That mindset doesn’t work in Dubai. Many high-level events are: • Invite-only • Held once a year • Limited to very specific industries or deal stages Miss it, and you don’t just miss the talks— you miss the private dinners, the afterparties, the closed WhatsApp groups, and the follow-up meetings that actually make the money move. By the time the “next event” rolls around, the market may have shifted, budgets may be locked, and competitors may already be executing. Relationships > Resumes Dubai is international, but it’s also deeply relationship-driven. Trust is built face-to-face. People want to look you in the eye, feel your energy, and see how you move. Events are where that trust is accelerated. You can be the smartest person in the room on paper, but if you’re not physically present, you’re invisible. And in Dubai, invisible businesses don’t grow—they get replaced. FOMO Is Real—and Costly Let’s be real: Dubai runs on FOMO. When people hear, “You weren’t there?”, it’s already a red flag. Not because they’re judging—but because presence signals seriousness. Being seen at the right events tells the market: • You’re active • You’re investing in growth • You’re part of the ecosystem That perception alone opens doors. Missing events sends the opposite signal, even if it’s unintentional. Logistics Can Kill Momentum Here’s something nobody tells you until it’s too late: Dubai events are spread out. One might be in DIFC, another in Dubai Marina, and an evening meetup somewhere near Downtown. Public transport won’t always save you, and relying on last-minute rides can turn into stress real quick. When your schedule is packed and timing matters, mobility equals freedom. Being able to move on your own terms lets you say “yes” to last-minute invites, pop into side meetings, and leave early to catch the next opportunity. That flexibility often separates people who hear about deals from those who close them. The Compounding Effect of Showing Up One event leads to: • Three new contacts • One private follow-up meeting • Another invite next week • A collaboration two months later This is how growth compounds in Dubai. But if you miss the first domino, the rest never fall. That’s why skipping “just one event” can quietly cost you months—or a full year—of momentum. A Smart Conclusion (Without the Hard Sell) Dubai rewards preparation. It rewards speed. And it rewards people who remove friction from their business lives. Attending the right events, being on time, and moving freely across the city aren’t luxuries here—they’re strategic advantages. When your calendar is stacked with meetings, conferences, and spontaneous opportunities, having reliable mobility becomes part of doing business properly. That’s why many professionals quickly realize that arranging transport in advance isn’t just convenient— it’s smart. In a city where every meeting can change your trajectory, even something as simple as renting a car can quietly support bigger wins. In Dubai, growth doesn’t wait. And neither should you. Why Missing One Dubai Business Event Can Cost You a Year of Growth
11 Why Missing One Dubai Business Event Can Cost You a Year of Growth
meamarkets.digitalRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==