Abu Dhabi Calling: Where Wego Turns Wanderlust into Boarding Passes

**DUBAI, UAE** – Wego, the number 1 travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in MENA, has partnered with DCT Abu Dhabi. Together, they're putting the UAE capital front and center for regional travelers.

Why does this matter? Because Wego knows what travelers want, and it uses data-driven storytelling to connect them with bookable flights and stays.

Abu Dhabi blends heritage and innovation effortlessly. You can admire Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, then wander through Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Saadiyat Island offers pristine shores, and Yas Island delivers adrenaline-packed theme parks.

Feeling adventurous? Head to the UNESCO-listed oases of Al Ain, or venture into the sweeping dunes of the Rub' al Khali.

In short, this destination rewards curiosity at every turn.

Mamoun Hmidan, Wego's Chief Business Officer, says Abu Dhabi "continues to set the benchmark for regional tourism."

Likewise, Abdulla Yousuf of DCT Abu Dhabi notes that demand for culturally immersive experiences closer to home keeps growing. Therefore, this partnership couldn't come at a better time.

**Ready to go?** Open Wego, pick your dates, and let Abu Dhabi do the rest.

Money Without Borders: Aljazira Bank Sends Remittances Into the Fast Lane

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, is buzzing with fresh news. Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has signed a new agreement with Aljazira Bank, one of the Kingdom's leading financial institutions.

The goal is simple: modernize and expand international remittance services. As a result, customers can expect faster, more reliable transfers.

Thanks to Thunes' trusted Direct Global Network, Aljazira's retail customers will gain real-time access to billions of bank accounts and mobile wallets worldwide.

Moreover, optimised cross-border rails will span high-volume corridors in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The bank will also broaden its payment catalogue with new endpoints and destinations.

Vision 2030 is turning the Kingdom into a global hub for digital finance. Meanwhile, demand keeps surging. Research by Thunes and Juniper Research shows that 56% of residents sent money internationally last year.

Consequently, established, highly regulated institutions are turning to Thunes to power their core cross-border capabilities.

Fahad Almutairi of Aljazira Bank says the focus is on services that are fast, secure, and convenient. Likewise, he highlights growing mobile wallet popularity and faster account transfers.

Ahmad Yaacoub of Thunes calls the bank a cornerstone of Saudi banking. Ultimately, he says the partnership empowers the Kingdom's migrant workforce and fuels the broader KSA economy.

Rebuilding Syria's Financial Backbone: One Fund's Blueprint from Amman

On September 21–22, the Central Bank of Jordan, the Union of Arab Banks (UAB), the Association of Banks in Jordan and the Jordanian Businessmen Association convened the Arab Regional Conference on Supporting Development & Investment in Syria. Dr. Adel Al-Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, presided.

More than 309 participants attended, including government officials and representatives from central banks, commercial banks, the World Bank and UNDP. Together, they explored how the region can help Syria reconnect with Arab and international financial networks.

Among the invited guests, New York-based EssentaTor Inc. presented its EssentaTor Arab Capital Strategic Liquidity Fund, or EAC Fund. UAB also gave the company an "Acknowledgment and Appreciation" for its contribution.

Howard Chang, EssentaTor's Chief Strategy Officer and a former United Nations diplomat, delivered the keynote. He aimed to turn reconstruction needs into investable structures.

First, the fund is exploring liquidity mechanisms with central banks, which would bridge long-term development assets and investors' short-term liquidity needs. Second, it seeks to ring-fence construction, market, counterparty and liquidity risks through transparent governance.

Third, the EAC Integrated Investment and Growth Framework would link capital with technology, industrial capacity and operating expertise. Consequently, projects could connect with suppliers, logistics, training and regional value chains.

Ultimately, the EAC Fund wants to unite banks, development institutions, investors and industrial enterprises. By doing so, it hopes to mobilize long-term capital, support employment and foster sustainable growth in Syria.