In the fast-evolving world of fintech and digital assets, few professionals bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized innovation as seamlessly as Philip Gahler. His career, rooted in the precision of Austrian finance and refined through global exposure, reflects a rare balance of structure and agility, qualities that define the leaders shaping tomorrow’s financial landscape.
In the Gulf, progress is not an abstract concept, it is powered by people who dare to reimagine industries, uplift communities, and redefine what success means in a rapidly evolving region. “Voices of Change: 10 People Transforming the GCC” shines a spotlight on ten such individuals whose work spans innovation, inclusion, leadership, and transformation across diverse sectors.
In a world where beauty trends are constantly shifting and skincare solutions often feel overwhelming, one visionary decided to challenge the norm, with clarity, science, and purpose. Chithra Kannan, the founder of Skin Centrick, is redefining the beauty landscape with a brand built on transparency, inclusivity, and innovation.
Some professionals follow a straight path into their careers, while others create their own way when no doors open, taking a path a bit off the beaten track! For Sandi Saksena, the journey began not at a conventional starting point but at the age of 44, when persistence, patience, and passion turned setbacks into stepping stones. What began as an unconventional entry into the workforce soon grew into a career built on resilience, people skills, keen observations of human behavior, an unshakable belief in possibility, and a positive take on the word “NO.” A very powerful word when used to one’s advantage, she has her own interpretation. For her, NO means New Opportunities. And when she says ‘No,’ it is about setting boundaries, limits, and a decision not to give in or give up.
From a small office in Karama to building one of the most recognized car rental brands in the U.A.E., Jasbir Bassi’s journey is a story of resilience, determination, and vision. What began with just five cars in 1997 has grown into Carfare Group, a trusted name that now manages a fleet of over 3,000 vehicles with multiple divisions serving thousands of customers across the country.
Few leaders embody resilience, vision, and discipline as consistently as Sabir A. Khan. With nearly three decades of experience in Saudi Arabia’s oil & gas sector, his career reflects a remarkable journey from finance graduate to a trusted executive steering O&G multi-billion-dollar operations.
In the world of hospitality, few careers capture the balance of perseverance, adaptability, and vision quite like that of George Ion Iacob. From his beginnings in Romania to shaping one of Dubai’s competitive hotel properties, his path reflects the determination of a leader who has mastered every stage of the industry.
The Gulf region continues to rise as one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for innovation, leadership, and transformation. At the heart of this momentum are professionals whose vision, resilience, and dedication are shaping industries and inspiring communities. From technology and education to sustainability, finance, and wellness, these leaders are not only advancing their own fields but also redefining what it means to lead in 2025 and beyond.
Innovation is the heart of entrepreneurship. While many business ideas revolve around improving existing models or offering known services in new ways, the most powerful breakthroughs often come from identifying opportunities that no one else has tapped into yet. In a world teeming with startups and saturated markets, the search for truly unique, not-yet-implemented business ideas requires a combination of insight, foresight, and courage.
Zillow has become synonymous with online property search in the residential real estate market. Its user-friendly interface, accessible data, and powerful search tools have redefined how people buy, sell, and rent homes. With just a few clicks, users can explore property values, neighborhoods, and agent profiles, making Zillow an indispensable tool for millions of homebuyers and sellers.
In a business world increasingly dominated by large-scale retailers and online giants, one might assume that small shops are on their way out. The reality, however, is quite the opposite. Small, thoughtfully curated physical shops continue to thrive, particularly those that offer personalized service, local charm, and niche appeal. With changing consumer preferences favoring authenticity, convenience, and community connection, the humble small shop remains a profitable and enduring business model.
Commercial real estate (CRE) investing is often hailed as one of the most lucrative paths to long-term wealth. The potential for recurring income, portfolio diversification, tax advantages, and asset appreciation makes it highly attractive to seasoned investors and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Yet despite its promise, commercial real estate remains one of the most complex and challenging forms of investment.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs wonder how to come up with a strong, viable business idea, something original yet achievable. In reality, the best ideas often emerge from personal experiences, common frustrations, and market gaps rather than sudden flashes of inspiration. Business ideation doesn’t require complex systems or years of professional training. Instead, it’s about tuning into the world around you, recognizing patterns, and learning how to transform simple observations into scalable solutions.
As digital infrastructure continues to evolve and global connectivity grows stronger, online business opportunities have become more dynamic and diverse than ever before. In the post-pandemic digital economy, consumers and businesses alike are seeking more convenient, innovative, and personalized online solutions. This shift opens doors for aspiring entrepreneurs to tap into fresh, niche markets with scalable business models that require minimal physical overhead.
The real estate industry has long been one of the cornerstones of global economic activity, and in 2025, its performance continues to reflect broader macroeconomic dynamics, technological evolution, and shifting consumer behavior. From residential homes to commercial skyscrapers, real estate markets have experienced cycles of volatility and resilience shaped by inflation rates, interest policies, work-from-home trends, and demographic shifts.
In the world of media, branding, and communication, few visual tools are as iconic and enduring as the magazine cover. Long before social media feeds, viral videos, and influencer culture dominated attention spans, magazine covers served as primary cultural signposts. Today, despite a shift toward digital content, the magazine cover continues to wield significant psychological, commercial, and symbolic power.
In today’s fast-paced, financially demanding world, relying on a single income stream is no longer a secure strategy. Whether you're trying to pay off debt, save for future goals, or simply pursue a passion project, starting a small business while holding a job is not only possible, it’s smart. The key is to select ideas that are low-maintenance, manageable during non-working hours, and capable of generating real income over time.
Commercial real estate (CRE) represents a critical component of the global economy and a high-potential asset class for investors seeking income, capital growth, and portfolio diversification. Whether you’re investing in office towers, warehouses, retail plazas, or multifamily housing, one of the most important determinants of success is the ability to identify the best properties.
In the fast-evolving world of fintech and digital assets, few professionals bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized innovation as seamlessly as Philip Gahler. His career, rooted in the precision of Austrian finance and refined through global exposure, reflects a rare balance of structure and agility, qualities that define the leaders shaping tomorrow’s financial landscape.
In the Gulf, progress is not an abstract concept, it is powered by people who dare to reimagine industries, uplift communities, and redefine what success means in a rapidly evolving region. “Voices of Change: 10 People Transforming the GCC” shines a spotlight on ten such individuals whose work spans innovation, inclusion, leadership, and transformation across diverse sectors.
In a world where beauty trends are constantly shifting and skincare solutions often feel overwhelming, one visionary decided to challenge the norm, with clarity, science, and purpose. Chithra Kannan, the founder of Skin Centrick, is redefining the beauty landscape with a brand built on transparency, inclusivity, and innovation.
Some professionals follow a straight path into their careers, while others create their own way when no doors open, taking a path a bit off the beaten track! For Sandi Saksena, the journey began not at a conventional starting point but at the age of 44, when persistence, patience, and passion turned setbacks into stepping stones. What began as an unconventional entry into the workforce soon grew into a career built on resilience, people skills, keen observations of human behavior, an unshakable belief in possibility, and a positive take on the word “NO.” A very powerful word when used to one’s advantage, she has her own interpretation. For her, NO means New Opportunities. And when she says ‘No,’ it is about setting boundaries, limits, and a decision not to give in or give up.
Innovation is the heart of entrepreneurship. While many business ideas revolve around improving existing models or offering known services in new ways, the most powerful breakthroughs often come from identifying opportunities that no one else has tapped into yet. In a world teeming with startups and saturated markets, the search for truly unique, not-yet-implemented business ideas requires a combination of insight, foresight, and courage.
From a small office in Karama to building one of the most recognized car rental brands in the U.A.E., Jasbir Bassi’s journey is a story of resilience, determination, and vision. What began with just five cars in 1997 has grown into Carfare Group, a trusted name that now manages a fleet of over 3,000 vehicles with multiple divisions serving thousands of customers across the country.
Few leaders embody resilience, vision, and discipline as consistently as Sabir A. Khan. With nearly three decades of experience in Saudi Arabia’s oil & gas sector, his career reflects a remarkable journey from finance graduate to a trusted executive steering O&G multi-billion-dollar operations.
Zillow has become synonymous with online property search in the residential real estate market. Its user-friendly interface, accessible data, and powerful search tools have redefined how people buy, sell, and rent homes. With just a few clicks, users can explore property values, neighborhoods, and agent profiles, making Zillow an indispensable tool for millions of homebuyers and sellers.
In the world of hospitality, few careers capture the balance of perseverance, adaptability, and vision quite like that of George Ion Iacob. From his beginnings in Romania to shaping one of Dubai’s competitive hotel properties, his path reflects the determination of a leader who has mastered every stage of the industry.
The Gulf region continues to rise as one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for innovation, leadership, and transformation. At the heart of this momentum are professionals whose vision, resilience, and dedication are shaping industries and inspiring communities. From technology and education to sustainability, finance, and wellness, these leaders are not only advancing their own fields but also redefining what it means to lead in 2025 and beyond.
In a business world increasingly dominated by large-scale retailers and online giants, one might assume that small shops are on their way out. The reality, however, is quite the opposite. Small, thoughtfully curated physical shops continue to thrive, particularly those that offer personalized service, local charm, and niche appeal. With changing consumer preferences favoring authenticity, convenience, and community connection, the humble small shop remains a profitable and enduring business model.
Few journeys reflect the perfect blend of curiosity, persistence, and innovation as clearly as that of Arun Sudarsan. From the quiet industrial township of Renukoot in Northern India to the global maritime stage, his path has been guided by a fascination with engineering and a deep-rooted passion for the sea. What began as an eagerness to dismantle and understand machines has evolved into a career dedicated to redefining sustainable propulsion technologies in the Middle East and beyond.
