👋 Good morning, Smashi Business Readers!

The long holiday is over and now it’s time to get back to work. In today’s edition, Baaghil, a branding expert, has sparked a debate by criticizing a recent Saudi banking campaign urging clients to "throw away" their app! Meanwhile, Nour Taher, CEO of Intella, emphasizes the importance of supporting local tech alternatives in response to controversial remarks from Stripe's founder. Additionally, the inaugural Abu Dhabi Business Week is set to kick off soon, featuring a stellar lineup of global leaders and innovators eager to shape the future of business in the region.

Let’s dive into the details! 🌟👇️ 

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Intella CEO Speaks Out on Regional Tech Growth Amid calls for Stripe Boycott

📰 What is it about?

• Nour Taher, the founder and CEO of Intella, recently voiced her concerns on LinkedIn regarding the regional tech landscape amid calls for a boycott of Stripe. Her criticism was directed at Stripe's founder, who expressed enthusiasm about being in Tel Aviv during the ongoing humanitarian genocide in Gaza and Lebanon. Taher highlighted the growing local response that emphasizes the importance of supporting regional alternatives to multinational tech companies. She expressed optimism about a future where startups are prioritized and aligned with the values of the local community.

💡 Why it matters?

• Support for Local Alternatives: Taher’s comments underscore a significant shift towards promoting regional tech solutions as viable alternatives to global giants like Stripe. This movement can empower local startups and enhance economic resilience.

• Social Responsibility in Tech: The controversy surrounding Stripe's founder’s remarks brings attention to the ethical responsibilities of tech leaders. It raises questions about the role of technology companies in global crises and the importance of aligning business practices with humanitarian values.

🔜 What’s next?

• Tech leaders and entrepreneurs may initiate programs aimed at educating the public about local alternatives and encouraging investment in regional startups.

📈 Markets

Saudi Banking Campaign Sparks Debate: 'Throw Away Your App'?

📰 What is it about?

• A recent banking campaign in Saudi Arabia, which encouraged clients to "throw away" their banking app for an upgrade, has ignited debate in the marketing and banking communities. Branding expert Baaghil took to LinkedIn to criticize the campaign, labeling it a marketing disaster. He argued that such messaging undermines the essential trust and stability that are critical in the banking industry. Baaghil expressed concern that flashy marketing tactics often overshadow a brand's core values, warning that this negligence could jeopardize years of established trust and credibility.

💡 Why it matters?

• The mixed reactions to the campaign underscore an ongoing conversation about the ethics of marketing in sensitive sectors like banking. This debate can influence future marketing strategies and practices within the industry.

🔜 What’s next?

• Banks may reassess their marketing approaches to ensure alignment with core values and customer expectations, focusing on building rather than eroding trust. Also, as a response to the controversy, banks may explore more thoughtful and customer-centric campaigns that emphasize security and reliability, aiming to rebuild any lost trust.

💭Quote of the day
^{“your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning” —Bill Gates}

Global Business Leaders Are Coming To Abu Dhabi For The First Event of Its Kind

📰 What is it about?

• The inaugural Abu Dhabi Business Week (ADBW) is set to commence on December 4, 2024, promising an exciting array of events featuring prominent global leaders, innovators, and influential public figures. Notable speakers include Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix; Jo Malone, founder of Jo Malone London; and Randi Zuckerberg, former executive at Facebook. They will be joined by other industry leaders such as Mo Gawdat from Google X, Magnus Olsson of Careem, and Elie Habib, co-founder of Anghami. The event will also feature insights from renowned figures like former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and football legend Clarence Seedorf. With over 8,000 attendees expected and ten transformative events planned, the theme for the week is "Deliver Value. Create Impact," taking place at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.

💡 Why it matters?

• Economic Development: ADBW represents a significant initiative to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for business and innovation in the Middle East. The event aims to foster economic growth and attract investment, reflecting the region's commitment to diversifying its economy.

• Networking Opportunities: The gathering of prominent figures from various industries provides a unique platform for networking and collaboration. Attendees can forge valuable connections that may lead to partnerships, investments, and innovative projects.

• For more details and to register, please visit: adbusinessweek.com 

🔍In other news…

1. “The UAE has given us limitless opportunities” .. Kitopi CEO Mohamad Ballout Celebrates UAE’s Impact on Global Food Innovation.

2. Aanaab, the leading digital professional development platform for teachers, has successfully completed its Series A funding round, securing $7 million from Dallah Investment Holding. This investment underscores Aanaab’s significant role in driving growth and impact within the education technology sector in the region.

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