Independent films in the Middle East are gaining acclaim on the global stage. At the heart of the scene, breathing life into indie movies, is Cinema Akil, an arthouse cinema in Dubai founded by Butheina Kazim. Championing independent films, Butheina has brought thought-provoking, diverse, and underrepresented movies to the forefront. In this interview, we delve into the growth of indie cinema in the region and explore its impact on the region’s cultural landscape and audiences.

The post Butheina Kazim decodes the power and rise of indie cinema appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development, EEMEA at Mastercard, highlights the significance of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and embracing creativity in driving market development. She shares insights into how these principles are integral to shaping Mastercard’s strategy across the EEMEA region.

The post Mastercard’s Amnah Ajmal highlights the role of inclusivity and creativity in driving innovation appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

Monica Woodman, Conductor at Firdaus Orchestra based in Dubai’s Expo City, reflects on the UAE’s burgeoning interest in classical music and its commitment to cultivating local arts and nurturing youth. She discusses her role as a conductor, the growing appeal of classical music in the region, and the plans to further advance the arts and culture within the UAE.

The post Monica Woodman says the UAE has a newfound hunger for classical music appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

Manuel Lima, author and designer, addresses concerns over the excess, addictive behavior, and pollution associated with design. He discusses these intricacies, explaining that designers must collaborate and consider the long-term process.

The post Design is not a tool for profit, says Manuel Lima appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

Dr. Mario Garcia, CEO and Founder of Garcia Media, tackles the inner workings of AI and its influence on the future of content creation and storytelling. However, Dr. Garcia reminds us that, even with the assistance of such digital tools, humans remain the creators at the end of the day.

The post AI is a handy tool for visual imagery, says Dr. Mario Garcia appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

Fast Company Middle East’s Impact Council Future of Digital Commerce subcommittee members discussed the challenges and opportunities in digital commerce. They focused on how to provide personalized and seamless experiences by leveraging the latest technologies.

The post How digital commerce strikes a balance between privacy and profitability appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

AlUla is redefining innovation by blending ancient heritage with modern sustainability practices. It is preserving its rich history and archaeological sites while integrating technology to enhance the visitor experience. Melanie de Souza, Executive Director – Marketing at AlUla, tells us how ongoing initiatives, including ecological preservation efforts and renewable energy sources, make AlUla a model for future-proofing historical destinations worldwide.

The post How AlUla preserves the past with innovative practices appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

How can a city inspire others to live sustainably? Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, tells us how a city can amplify its impact and build a cultural identity.

The post How Msheireb Properties is redefining smart living appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

In an exclusive conversation, Porsche Middle East and Africa’s CEO, Dr. Manfred Bräunl, speaks about building a presence in the region, Porsche’s Road to X, and innovations and advanced technologies transforming the automotive industry.

The post Porsche defining success in the Middle East appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..

Reaching climate change goals requires new technologies, novel business models, and markets. It also requires innovative ideas, which can be done by bringing together innovative startups. In an exclusive interview, Tala Alem, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Lead, KSA, PepsiCo, gives us an insight into how PepsiCo aims to bolster the innovation ecosystem with solutions focused on climate, energy, and agriculture with the Mega Green Accelerator.

The post How PepsiCo is empowering the next-gen of sustainable leaders appeared first on Fast Company Middle East | The future of tech, business and innovation..