The Business Year

This week, TBY Panama sat down with Magda Echeverria Linares, General Manager of Panapark Free Zone, the largest private free zone in the country, to discuss how the park is shaping the future of investment in Panama. From tailoring large-scale developments like Ron Diplomático’s expansion to creating an ecosystem that goes beyond warehousing, Panapark is setting a new standard. With a focus on sustainable growth, Panapark is evolving into a Free Zone 4.0—integrating corporate services, offices, and educational alliances to foster long-term value for global investors. With Bianca Chiriac

TBY talks to Azfar Shakeel, CEO of Lumi | لومي Rental, about expanding market share, tourism in Saudi Arabia, and challenges in scaling operations. https://bit.ly/4jxsflN With Edoardo Caccin and Alena Hakansson

In our insightful discussion with Matthew (Matt) Luckhurst, CEO of APM Terminals Bahrain, we explored the company’s pivotal role in advancing Bahrain’s trade and logistics ecosystem. As operators of Khalifa Bin Salman Port, APM Terminals continues to drive innovation through smart port technology, automation, and value-added services—transforming Bahrain into a regional logistics hub. Key initiatives include a shift toward sustainability with the Middle East’s first self-sufficient renewable energy port facility, and a strong focus on digital transformation, multimodal connectivity, and workforce development. With a new LOI signed with the Bahraini government, APM Terminals is committed to further enhancing its contribution to national economic goals and global trade networks. With Clara Corominas Rührup and Maite Elizalde

TBY’s team in the #UAE recently met with Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Alef Education, to explore how the company is transforming learning through innovative, AI-driven platforms and a deep commitment to improving student outcomes. Our discussion focused on Alef’s mission to personalize education at scale, empower teachers with real-time data, and support national education goals across the region. By leveraging advanced technology, Alef Education is shaping a more adaptive future for learners. In The Business Year UAE 2025, we’ll highlight Alef Education’s role in driving digital transformation in the education sector and its growing influence beyond the UAE. #EdTech #AIinEducation #DigitalLearning #PersonalizedLearning #UAE #TheBusinessYear #AlefEducation #EducationInnovation #FutureOfLearning #SmartEducation For more of our UAE coverage, visit: https://lnkd.in/gSpESjnk With Yasmine El yacoubi and Isabel Renedo

In our recent discussion with Abdulwahed AlJanahi, CEO of The BENEFIT Company, we explored the company’s transformative role in Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem. Since its founding in 1997, Benefit has evolved into a national leader in digital payments, financial data services, and identity solutions—powering Bahrain’s journey towards a cashless economy. From the success of BenefitPay to embracing cutting-edge fintech solutions, investing in emerging technologies, and forming strategic alliances, Benefit continues to shape the region’s digital financial landscape. Key priorities for 2025/2026 include expanding international partnerships, advancing financial inclusion, and enhancing digital infrastructure to support a more seamless, secure, and innovative future. Bahrain is not only embracing fintech—it’s shaping the region's financial landscape. With Clara Corominas Rührup and Maite Elizalde

We’re proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Business Year and the Oman American Business Council (AmCham Oman). This strategic partnership marks a new chapter of collaboration aimed at strengthening business ties and increasing visibility for key American and Omani stakeholders in the upcoming edition of The Business Year: Oman 2025. With Rebecca Olson and Daria Gudoshnikova

In an era of geopolitical fragmentation, the private sector has emerged as a key enabler of international cooperation. And in #Qatar, JTA International Investment Holding’s is playing an important role in economic diplomacy. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g2r7ShnR

TBY’s team in #SaudiArabia had the opportunity to sit down with Najib Dagher, Chief Strategy Officer at Teef Najd Group | مجموعة طيف نجد, to discuss the company’s evolution and its expanding role in the Kingdom’s development landscape. From its origins in the 1970s, Teef Najd has grown into a vertically integrated, multi-sector group, delivering engineering services and materials to major projects such as Diriyah, NEOM, and King Salman Park. Dagher shared insights into the company’s strategic partnerships, its focus on sustainability and facility management, and its commitment to supporting Vision 2030 through local manufacturing and long-term investment. #Vision2030 #TeefNajdGroup #SaudiArabia #GigaProjects #Construction #Infrastructure #Sustainability #BusinessLeadership With Edoardo Caccin and Sofía Souto Hermoso

Put your organization in the spotlight. Our contract publishing services deliver your message to the audiences that matter most.   Key features include: 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Customized reports and yearbooks that highlight your organization's milestones and perspectives. 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Access to international audiences through platforms like Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon, Dow Jones Factiva, and FactSet. 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: Proven experience working with entities such as Mastercard, Parsons, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: A dedicated team conducting in-depth interviews and research to deliver valuable insights. 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Opportunities to feature in both print and digital formats, reaching a diverse readership. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/gD5g-VXH

The Business Year had the honor of meeting Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi. Our discussion focused on the DRC’s strategic priorities, including improving the country’s attractiveness to investors through key reforms, and ensuring the sustainable and beneficial exploitation of minerals. We also talked about the growing ties between the DRC and the UAE, and the opportunities to work together in areas like energy, infrastructure, and technology. #AIMCongress #DRC #UAE #Leadership #AfricaRising #EconomicDevelopment #TheBusinessYear #JudithSuminwa #PrimeMinister #Sustainability #InvestmentOpportunities #WomenInLeadership #AbuDhabi #GlobalPartnerships #DRCUAE With Yasmine El yacoubi and Isabel Renedo, with thanks to ANAPI-RDC, Présidence RDC, Mickael Lukoki, Ing, MBA,DSD, and Myoto Liyolo