News
Young Arabs Are Embracing The Fintech Revolution
Working hard and aiming for high-paying jobs no longer leads to financial security, let alone the ability to retire early.

Between government-sponsored pensions and cultural norms, older generations of Arabs living in the MENA region were never too concerned with how to invest and save money.
For them, simply working hard was enough to enjoy the financial stability necessary to focus on creating families and living well-rounded, fulfilling lives. Young Arabs on the other hand, appear to be living in a completely different world. One that is in many ways far more difficult than the world their parents grew up in.
Working hard and aiming for high-paying jobs no longer leads to financial security, let alone the ability to retire early.
“It’s not just about retiring; it’s about living better, having dreams, having time to breathe and reflect,” said Mayar Akrameh, 29-year-old management consultant, in an interview for AFP. “We’re taught that if you’re working and making enough money, even if you hate your job, you’re good. Or they think we’re good”.
To improve their financial outlook, increasingly many young Arabs are turning to various UAE-based finance platforms that educate users and simplify investing, making the daunting process more accessible.
The pandemic has accelerated the growth of the fintech industry in the MENA region even more. It’s estimated that 465 fintech firms in the UAE alone will generate about $2 billion in investment capital by 2022, up from $80 million raised in 2017.
Also Read: Dubai Establishes $272 Million Future District Fund To Attract Tech Companies
These new financial players fill the massive gap in the region’s investment landscape, which still focuses largely on high-net-worth individuals. “If someone wanted to invest $1,000 or $10,000, there was not much available” said Haitham Juma, an investment solutions manager at the UAE-based National Bank of Fujairah.
Hopefully, the blossoming fintech industry will give young Arabs the options they need to secure the stable and prosperous financial future they dream of.
News
A Line-Up Of Over 100 Shows Comes To Snapchat This Ramadan
Snapchatters can watch a wide range of content, including entertainment, drama, and comedy.

As people across the Middle East celebrate the beginning of Ramadan this week, Snapchat has announced a new line-up of over 100 Ramadan shows to be added to the Discover platform, bringing drama, comedy, and more for the holy month. Snapchatters can also browse Spotlight to discover fresh creators and content from across the MENA region and beyond.
Snapchat partners on the Discover line-up include the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, Augustus Media, MBC Group, Rotana Media Group, Dubai Media Inc, 7awi Group, Alfan Group, and more. Snap Inc. has revealed that shows will include “Netflorex, THAT, and Marahel, as well as MBC’s highly anticipated show Tash Returns, Studio 23, and prank show Ramez Never End”.
Snapchat’s Discover and Spotlight will also feature creator content from Saudi legacy Creator Bader Saleh, Ahmad Alzahabi’s cooking show “The Golden Balance”, and Muslim Girl, a US-based award-winning creator empowering Muslim women worldwide.
Also Read: ChatGPT Is Accelerating The AI Revolution In The Middle East
“This Ramadan, we are partnering with some of the region’s most trusted media partners and fan-favorite creators to showcase engaging content on Discover and Spotlight. Snapchatters spent 31 percent more time watching Ramadan content than the year prior. We are excited to help our community discover new creators and content in a personalized way, allowing them to watch and share their favorite content that captures the spirit of the holy month,” says Hussein Freijeh, General Manager at Snap Inc. in MENA.
To view Snapchat’s Discover shows, simply swipe right on the app, search for the show you want to watch, and then subscribe!