The Gulf Heritage

IOC and Saudi Arabia End 12 Year Esports Deal Early The International Olympic Committee and Saudi Arabia have officially ended their 12 year partnership to host the Olympic Esports Games, less than two years after it began. The decision marks a major shift in how global sports organizations are approaching the fast growing world of competitive gaming. The partnership, announced in 2024, was meant to make Saudi Arabia the long term home of the Olympic Esports Games. It was part of a plan to bring together the prestige of the Olympics and the excitement of modern digital competition. Both sides released a joint statement confirming the end of the agreement after a detailed review of their progress. The IOC said that the decision allows it to explore a new model for developing the Olympic Esports Games that better fits its values and long term goals. Saudi Arabia said it will continue building its own esports ecosystem as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, which focuses on economic dive...

UAE Crown Prince Arrives in South Korea for APEC Summit The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has arrived in South Korea to lead the United Arab Emirates delegation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. The visit highlights the UAE’s growing focus on regional economic integration and its expanding role in global trade and cooperation. Sheikh Khaled is representing President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the forum, which takes place in the city of Gyeongju. His presence reflects the UAE’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Asia-Pacific countries and strengthening economic, investment, and sustainability ties. The APEC summit, held from October 31 to November 1, brings together 21 member economies to discuss trade, technology, and sustainable development. South Korea, the host nation, has placed a strong emphasis on innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive growth. The UAE’s participation as a key guest highlights i...

Global Bank Emphasises GCC Growth Potential JPMorgan Chase has reaffirmed its strong belief in the potential of the Gulf region, highlighting that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait represent a major growth market. The bank has ambitious expansion plans aimed at deepening its presence in the Middle East and positioning itself at the heart of the region’s economic transformation. The global lender has already recorded steady growth in the region over the past few years and aims to significantly increase its revenues by 2030. The leadership of JPMorgan believes that the Gulf’s economic diversification, strong financial systems, and active reform programs make it one of the most promising regions for long term investment. Why the Gulf is a priority The Gulf economies are moving toward a more diversified future. While oil remains important, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are focusing on sectors such as tourism, f...

Qatar Takes Lead at GCC Ministers’ Commerce Meeting in Kuwait In a remarkable show of Gulf unity, Qatar’s delegation played a leading role at the fifth consultative meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council Ministers of Commerce and Industry and Entrepreneurs, held in Kuwait City. The event marked a renewed effort to strengthen economic integration and cooperation among the Gulf states. The meeting was hosted by the State of Kuwait and chaired by Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Abdullah Al Ajeel. Representing Qatar was Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, who led the country’s delegation. His participation reflected Qatar’s growing commitment to shaping the Gulf’s economic future. The gathering came at a crucial time when trade between GCC countries has been increasing. Officials noted that intra-GCC exports rose from around 132 billion US dollars in 2023 to more than 145 billion in 2024, showing nearly ten percent growth. The...

 From Cairo Streets to Global Beats: The Journey of Sameh Omran Sameh Omran , widely known by his stage name S Donz , is an Egypt ian-Kuwaiti DJ, producer, and founder of Tryb Entert. His music blends organic, melodic Afro and progressive sounds, bridging cultural roots with modern electronic music. From humble beginnings in Cairo to leading a platform that nurtures emerging artists, Sameh’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Early Life: Dreams Amidst Challenges Born and raised in Egypt, Sameh Omran grew up in a world where musical ambitions were often seen as a luxury rather than a viable career. Life was a delicate balancing act  school, family responsibilities, and the daily realities of a society where pursuing music professionally required resilience and sacrifice. From a young age, Sameh found solace in music. The rhythms and melodies that surrounded him in Cairo’s streets sparked a deep fascination. But passion alone coul...

 Ahmad Braide: Crafting Success One Dish at a Time Early Life Humble Beginnings in Lebanon Ahmad Braide was born in Lebanon, a country celebrated for its rich culinary heritage and resilient people. From a young age, he was drawn to the kitchen and fascinated by the way food could bring people together. Growing up in a modest household, Ahmad often witnessed his family working hard to make ends meet and he realized early that life would require determination, resilience, and creativity. Cooking became more than a hobby for Ahmad. It became an outlet for self-expression and a way to imagine a future beyond his immediate circumstances. Despite limited resources, he experimented with flavors, learned from family recipes, and nurtured a curiosity about international cuisines that would shape his career. Discovering His Calling The Turning Point Ahmad’s path to becoming a professional chef was filled with challenges. As a teenager, he faced skepticism from people who doubted that c...

 Monarch Caftan by Manar: The Journey of Passion, Struggle, and Style Early Life: Humble Beginnings and a Dream to Create Manar, the creative mind behind Monarch Caftan, grew up with a deep appreciation for fashion and culture. Born and raised in the Gulf region, she witnessed the rich traditions of Emirati and regional attire firsthand. While others her age focused on conventional career paths, Manar’s heart was drawn to the elegance of kaftans, their flowy fabric, intricate designs, and the stories they tell about heritage and identity. Life wasn’t always easy. Growing up, Manar faced the challenges that many young creatives encounter: limited resources, societal expectations, and skepticism about pursuing a career in fashion. Yet, these challenges did not dampen her spirit. She channeled her energy into learning sewing techniques, understanding fabrics, and exploring design patterns, laying the foundation for what would later become Monarch Caftan. The Turning Point: Discove...

 From Scratch to Culinary Excellence: The Inspiring Journey of Roland Khoueiry Early Life and Humble Beginnings Roland Khoueiry was born in Lebanon, a country renowned for its rich culture and resilient people but also known for economic and social challenges. From a young age, Roland displayed an interest in food and hospitality. While many of his peers pursued conventional careers for stability, he felt a calling toward the culinary world. Growing up in modest circumstances, Roland quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. His early life was shaped by discipline, determination, and the desire to excel despite limited resources. These formative experiences planted the seeds for a career that would later inspire countless aspiring chefs in Lebanon and beyond. Education and skill-building became his priority. Roland pursued studies in hospitality and culinary arts, absorbing every lesson he could from mentors, kitchens, and the bustling local food scene. His commi...

 Wael Jaber’s Journey from Vision to Global Business Empire Early Life and the Spark of Ambition Wael Jaber is a name synonymous with innovation, ambition, and perseverance. While details of his early life remain private, his career reflects a person who has always been driven by purpose and the desire to make a meaningful impact. From the outset, Wael demonstrated a rare combination of creativity and business acumen. He was not content with following a conventional path or relying on predefined opportunities. Instead, he chose to carve out his own route, guided by vision and determination. Many successful entrepreneurs share one trait: the courage to begin despite uncertainty. Wael’s early decisions reflect this mindset. Without a guaranteed outcome or roadmap, he embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, ready to face the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead. This early drive laid the foundation for what would later become a remarkable story of global business succes...

 Maryam Fouad Alshehab: From Silence to Strength, Championing Bahrain’s Deaf Community Early Life: Growing Up Amid Challenges Maryam Fouad Alshehab was born in Bahrain, a country rich in culture and community spirit but not always fully equipped to support individuals with disabilities. Growing up hearing-impaired, Maryam faced challenges that many might find unimaginable. Communication barriers, social stigma, and limited opportunities shaped her early years. From a young age, Maryam demonstrated resilience, empathy, and a desire to make a difference. Her life was not defined by the obstacles she faced but by her determination to rise above them. Her experiences provided a unique perspective. She understood the struggles of those often overlooked by society and recognized the transformative power of inclusion, respect, and opportunity. Finding Her Purpose: A Turning Point As Maryam matured, her commitment to community work deepened. She became a member of the Bahrain Child Dev...

 Hamad AlShehhi: From Station Agent to Trailblazer in Smart and Sustainable Transport Hamad AlShehhi , an Emirati expert in transportation, is transforming the way public transit works in the UAE. Known for innovative solutions in smart and sustainable transport, Hamad has become a symbol of dedication, resilience, and ambition. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a key figure in Dubai Metro’s operations inspires not only his peers but also young Emiratis who aspire to pursue specialized careers in engineering and public services. Early Life: Humble Beginnings in the UAE Hamad was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates in a society where the transportation and logistics sector was dominated by expatriates. From a young age, he was observant and curious, noticing the intricacies of daily life in the city, especially its bustling transport system. Despite limited representation of Emiratis in high-technical roles, Hamad developed a fascination with infrastructure a...

 With Ameena: Turning Everyday Life Into An Inspiring Lifestyle Story Introduction: More Than A Feed, A Personal Journey When scrolling through With Ameena’s Instagram profile, followers are immediately drawn to the aesthetically curated visuals. The soft morning light on a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, the casual elegance of her travel outfits, or the mouth-watering captures of local cuisine are instantly eye-catching. Yet, the beauty of her feed is only part of the story. What makes With Ameena unique is the way she presents life through a lens that is at once aspirational and relatable. Her tagline, “Lifestyle through my lens 📸✈️🍽️💄👗” , is not simply a description of the content she posts. It represents her philosophy of life. For With Ameena, every photograph, every story, and every post is a reflection of personal growth, resilience, and intentional living. Her journey is not about instant fame, viral content, or superficial beauty. It is about the quiet, consistent work...