Ghada Ismail

Founded in 2006 in San Marino, Bioscience Institute has grown into a leading name in regenerative medicine and genomics, with key operations in Europe and the Middle East. The company was the first to establish a private stem cell lab in the GCC, launching a state-of-the-art Cell Factory and Biobank in Dubai.

Known for its strong focus on research and innovation, Bioscience works closely with top universities and reinvests in developing advanced therapies. As it looks to expand further into the Gulf, particularly Saudi Arabia, the company is bringing its expertise in stem cells, personalized medicine, and AI-powered diagnostics to the region.

In this interview, we explore how Bioscience built credibility in a new field, how it views the Saudi market, and what’s next for its growth in the GCC.

You launched the first private stem cell lab in the GCC back in 2013. What was the regional and global landscape for stem cell therapy like at the time, and how did you establish scientific credibility in such an emerging field?

When we began our stem cell cultivation activity in Dubai in 2013, we built a cell factory that was the only one of its kind in the entire Middle East. At the time, there were only about a hundred clinical trials underway, whereas now there are more than 1,600. Back then, there were no authorizations from the FDA or the European Medicines Agency, whereas now such approvals exist. Scientific evidence was limited to a few localized treatments, whereas today systemic physiopathological and pathological conditions are being treated with excellent results. Scientific evidence and our rigorous activity have contributed to building our credibility in the region.

Bioscience has been operating across Europe and the UAE. What draws you to Saudi Arabia now, and how do you view its potential for knowledge transfer and long-term collaboration?

We are very interested in what is happening in KSA and in the opportunity to export our know-how, which began to take shape in 2007 when we started our operations in Italy. For this to happen, it will be necessary to share our experience with a Saudi partner who is suitable in terms of expertise and capabilities.

How would you describe the regulatory and cultural environment in the GCC when it comes to adopting advanced biomedical technologies like stem cell therapy?

The regulatory and cultural environment of the GCC has been open to dialogue and has not taken a prejudiced stance. As a result, it focuses on the substance of proposals, facilitating the introduction of innovative technologies in the region more quickly than in other countries. The GCC regulatory framework is highly flexible and is not influenced by the lobbying of large industries, as is often the case in the USA and Europe.

How is Bioscience leveraging AI to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes, especially as the company expands into more complex markets like Saudi Arabia?

We use AI for our Clinical Decision Support System, which assists our physicians in performing accurate patient assessments and identifying the most suitable therapy by cross-referencing data from numerous biomarkers—something that would otherwise be impossible for a human to achieve.

With digital transformation reshaping patient expectations in Saudi Arabia, how is Bioscience adapting its technology and service models to meet demand for more personalized and tech-enabled care?

We have developed an IT platform that functions as an operating system and can be integrated into the operations of any clinic, enabling the use of the most advanced protocol in the fields of molecular biology, genomics, and regenerative medicine with stem cells and exosomes.

Given Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in biotech and innovation, do you see the Kingdom emerging as a regional R&D hub for regenerative medicine in the coming years?

Saudi Arabia has the potential to become a hub for R&D in regenerative medicine; however, in addition to investments, a supportive environment and incentives should be created for companies with know-how that could be shared.

Kholoud Hussein

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable increase in the visibility of women-led startups. From tech-driven platforms to homegrown fashion brands, female entrepreneurs are gaining traction in the Kingdom’s evolving business landscape. But as the spotlight intensifies—especially under the broad banner of Vision 2030—a critical question emerges: Are women-led startups in Saudi Arabia a quiet revolution reshaping the economy, or are they part of a carefully curated PR narrative aimed at polishing the Kingdom’s global image?

The answer lies somewhere in between. While genuine structural reforms and individual success stories signal meaningful progress, the overwhelming emphasis on optics and international perception also plays a prominent role.

Legal and Policy Shifts Enabling Women Entrepreneurs

Before the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, the economic participation of Saudi women faced substantial structural and societal barriers. Business ownership required male guardian approval, mobility was severely restricted, and access to funding and banking services was minimal. Many women operated informally from home, often limited to traditionally “feminine” sectors like tailoring, catering, and private tutoring.

The narrative began shifting dramatically with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious reform agenda. Vision 2030 placed women’s economic empowerment at the center of national transformation, not just for gender parity but as an economic imperative. Reforms rolled out in rapid succession: women could start businesses without guardian approval, freely open bank accounts, and participate in major economic sectors previously off-limits.

The regulatory overhaul included streamlined company registration through platforms like Meras, flexible work arrangements, and enhanced maternity protections. Institutions like Monsha’at, the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, began offering targeted support, including training programs and access to incubation hubs. Public-private partnerships, such as Flat6Labs, Wadi Makkah, and Badir, have incorporated specific tracks to support female founders.

Indicators of Growth and Participation

The numbers paint a compelling—if still partial—picture of progress. According to the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, the number of women-owned businesses rose by over 60% between 2016 and 2023. Women now own more than 25% of registered SMEs, with a strong presence in sectors such as e-commerce, fashion, beauty tech, wellness, edtech, and food delivery.

The country also saw female labor force participation grow from 17% in 2016 to over 36% by the end of 2023, suggesting that female entrepreneurship is riding on the back of broader economic integration.

Still, the funding picture remains uneven. While women-led startups have secured high-profile funding rounds—especially in health tech and e-commerce—they receive less than 7% of total venture capital deployed in the Kingdom, according to a 2024 report by MAGNiTT. Most of this funding is clustered in early-stage rounds, with a significant drop-off when it comes to scale-ups.

Inside the Experience: Success, Exposure, and Gaps

Behind the aggregate numbers are real women who reflect both the promise and pitfalls of Saudi Arabia’s startup revolution.

Take the case of Sara Al-Rashed, founder of a Saudi edtech platform offering gamified Arabic learning tools for children. Her company received support from a local accelerator and won recognition at regional innovation forums. Yet, when it came time to scale, she struggled to attract Series A funding. Several investors voiced concern about her ability to lead a high-growth tech company as a solo female founder—a subtle but telling form of gender bias.

In contrast, Reem Al-Jaber, who launched a high-end wellness and beauty brand targeting GCC markets, not only received angel investment but also inked distribution partnerships with two major Saudi retailers. Her success was featured in multiple government-sponsored media outlets and at international trade events. Yet, critics note that her brand, while highly visible, has yet to break even—a reminder that not all media coverage reflects business fundamentals.

These examples reveal a complex truth: some women are building resilient, scalable startups, while others gain media traction without matching financial success. The disparity highlights the need to distinguish between authentic progress and symbolic representation.

Public Narratives and the Power of Visibility

Saudi Arabia’s image overhaul is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, and women entrepreneurs are a critical part of that strategy. High-profile forums like LEAP, FII, and the Global Entrepreneurship Congress regularly spotlight female founders as proof of the Kingdom’s modernization. International media coverage often portrays these women as pioneers, shattering stereotypes in a conservative society.

While these stories are real and inspirational, the heavy emphasis on a few selected figures risks reducing systemic progress to PR optics. Corporate sponsors, banks, and government agencies often feature women entrepreneurs in ESG reports and ad campaigns, aligning their brand with the Kingdom’s progressive image. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Ministry of Investment frequently emphasize female participation as part of their global investor pitch decks.

This strategic branding is not inherently negative—visibility matters. But without consistent support, mentorship, and equitable access to capital, these stories risk becoming superficial showcases rather than sustainable models of empowerment.

Challenges Below the Surface

Despite reforms, significant barriers persist for women-led startups. Access to funding remains a top hurdle. Investor networks are still predominantly male, and many women lack the informal connections or technical backgrounds that VCs typically favor.

Scaling a startup often requires partnership with logistics firms, government contractors, or large-scale suppliers—areas where women still face subtle discrimination. Moreover, societal expectations continue to weigh heavily. Many female entrepreneurs juggle business leadership with family obligations, in a culture that still views caregiving as a woman’s primary role.

These challenges are particularly acute outside urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah, where conservative norms remain deeply entrenched. Even within cities, progress often relies on the backing of liberal-minded family members or sponsors.

Broader Influence and Long-Term Potential

Despite these headwinds, women-led startups are beginning to transform Saudi Arabia’s business ecosystem. Many female founders actively hire women, mentor younger entrepreneurs, and cultivate inclusive work cultures. This creates a multiplier effect that extends far beyond individual success.

For example, one fintech founder in the Eastern Province reportedly structured her team to include 70% women, offering flexible work-from-home options and onsite childcare. Her model—though still rare—is helping redefine what leadership looks like in a new Saudi economy.

Furthermore, these entrepreneurs are becoming role models for the next generation. As young Saudi girls see women launching companies, raising capital, and speaking at global summits, their expectations—and those of their families—begin to shift.

From Visibility to Viability

The rapid rise of women-led startups reflects real, measurable progress driven by sweeping legal reforms, cultural evolution, and individual ambition. But at the same time, the prominence of these founders in media campaigns and international forums points to a deliberate effort to shape perception, both inside and outside the Kingdom.

To ensure that this movement evolves from trend to transformation, more must be done. The government must deepen institutional support, investors must diversify funding pipelines, and the ecosystem must go beyond visibility to sustainability.

Only then will Saudi Arabia’s women-led startup surge prove to be not just a compelling narrative, but a lasting economic force.

Ghada Ismail

Speed is life in startup land. Getting your idea to market quickly can be the difference between leading the charge and watching someone else do it first. But let’s face it: building a product from scratch takes time, money, and technical resources that many founders simply don’t have, especially in the early days. That’s where white-label products come into play.

In effect, a white-label product is an off-the-shelf solution produced by one company and sold to another, which retails it and flaunts it as if it were theirs. It's the technology era's version of a bare piece of paper: you slap on your logo, your design, your dream, and you're in business.

White-labeling allows startups to quickly get started without having to reinvent the wheel. Instead of spending months on development, founders can focus on what really matters: building a great brand, growing rapidly, and gaining users.

Why Startups Prefer White-Label Solutions

White-labeling is a favorite tool for early-stage founders, especially those who are non-technical or those in highly regulated verticals such as fintech or healthtech. It's how you go fast without compromising quality or compliance.

Here's why it works so well:

• Quicker time-to-market: You can go to market in weeks instead of months.

• Lower costs: Skip the expensive development phase and save your money for scaling.

• Pre-integrated compliance: The majority of providers already comply with regulatory requirements in the industry, so you don't need to go through the legal trouble.

• White-label branding: Make the product fit your own brand; your image, your voice, your UX.

• Less development time: Spend less time developing and more time selling, marketing, and expanding.

It's a smart way to conduct a test in the real world without burning your runway.

Where White-Labeling Works Best

White-label models thrive in areas where the underlying functionality is analogous, and most crucial is how you brand and deliver value to your users.

Some of the most used industries where startups use white-label offerings are:

• Fintech: Digital wallets, BNPL (buy now, pay later) apps, insurance platforms, robo-advisors.

• E-commerce: Website builders, loyalty programs.

• Healthtech: Virtual clinics, appointment systems, patient portals.

• SaaS: Chatbots, invoicing platforms, analytics dashboards.

• Edtech: Learning platforms, online classrooms, exam tools.

Where a regulatory environment is strict, as in the case of Saudi Arabia, and sectors like fintech and healthtech are growing aggressively, white-label products allow startups to access markets rapidly without falling foul of regulation.

What to Watch Out For

No answer is ever perfect, naturally. White-labeling has its trade-offs, and here are some of them: 

• Limited control: You're working within someone else's template, so you could be restricted in what you can modify.

• Vendor dependence: Your product is dependent on the reliability and support of your white-label vendor.

• Scalability problems: As your business grows, you could end up having to switch to a custom-built system that can handle more users or special features.

• Insufficient differentiation: If you have more than one firm utilizing the same base product, your competitive edge has to come from branding, customer support, or add-ons.

The key is to use white-labeling as a stepping stone, not a long-term home. It's a great beginning, but you'll need to have an exit strategy when you outgrow it.

Wrapping Things Up…

White-label options represent a smart, strategic way in which startups are able to reach the market faster, spend less on developing out, and focus on growth. To many entrepreneurs, they're the magic ingredient to concept proofing and early traction.

But while a white-label product can help you get started, it won't make you successful. That's still up to you; how well you understand your users, how you build your brand, and how you adapt as you grow.

So if you're a founder with a vision and limited tech capabilities, or you operate in a tough, regulated space, white-labeling might be the go-to launch strategy for you to enter the market.

Kholoud Hussein 

In the evolving landscape of global business, the terms traditional commerce and entrepreneurship are often used interchangeably. While both involve the exchange of goods or services for profit, the differences between them run deeper, encompassing mindset, risk appetite, innovation, scalability, and value creation. Understanding these differences is critical for anyone looking to navigate today’s complex economic environment or start a business in a rapidly changing market.

1. Definition and Core Philosophy

Traditional commerce refers to the established methods of buying and selling goods and services, typically conducted through physical stores, franchises, or wholesale/retail distribution systems. These businesses often follow proven models with predictable processes and known markets. Examples include a local grocery store, a clothing shop, or a hardware store—operations where the focus is on efficiency, stability, and consistent customer service.

Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is the process of identifying gaps in the market and creating innovative solutions to meet those needs. It often involves building something from scratch—whether a product, service, or business model. Entrepreneurs tend to challenge the status quo, driven by a vision of change, disruption, or progress. Think of startups creating AI-driven platforms, ride-sharing apps, or clean energy solutions—ventures that did not exist a decade ago but are now reshaping industries.

2. Risk and Uncertainty

Traditional commerce is relatively lower-risk. It typically relies on established supply chains, customer behaviors, and product lines. Business owners in this space often invest in a known outcome—selling a popular product in a familiar location to a predictable customer base.

Entrepreneurship is inherently riskier. Entrepreneurs venture into uncharted territories, often with no guarantee of success. Startups may fail due to a lack of market demand, funding issues, or execution challenges. However, the potential rewards—both financial and societal—are significantly higher if the venture succeeds. This high-risk, high-reward nature defines the entrepreneurial spirit.

3. Innovation and Scalability

Innovation is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are problem solvers, constantly looking for ways to do things better, faster, or cheaper. They leverage new technologies, business models, or social trends to create value. A startup founder might disrupt traditional retail by launching an AI-driven personal shopping assistant or use blockchain to improve supply chain transparency.

In contrast, traditional commerce often relies on tried-and-tested models with minimal innovation. The primary goal is to improve efficiency and reduce costs. While some traditional businesses adopt new technologies, they usually do so gradually and reactively, rather than as a central tenet of their business strategy.

When it comes to scalability, traditional businesses grow linearly—more stores mean more revenue, but also more costs. Entrepreneurial ventures, especially those in the digital or tech sectors, can scale exponentially. A software startup can acquire millions of users worldwide with minimal incremental cost, creating opportunities for massive returns and global impact.

4. Funding and Financial Strategy

Traditional businesses are often self-funded or financed through bank loans. They generate revenue through daily transactions and focus on long-term stability and profitability.

Entrepreneurs frequently seek venture capital, angel investors, or crowdfunding. Their financial strategy is centered around rapid growth, market capture, and future valuation. Many startups operate at a loss in their early years, focusing instead on building a user base or technological edge before turning a profit.

5. Mindset and Motivation

The mindset of a traditional business owner is typically conservative. Success is defined by steady income, loyal customers, and local reputation. These businesses form the backbone of local economies, offering employment and stability.

Entrepreneurs, however, are driven by vision, ambition, and often a desire to change the world. They embrace uncertainty and are willing to take bold steps to realize their ideas. Their motivation often goes beyond profit—it includes solving meaningful problems, achieving scale, and sometimes even leaving a legacy.

Finally, while traditional commerce and entrepreneurship differ significantly, they are not mutually exclusive. They often complement each other in the broader economic ecosystem. Entrepreneurs create new markets and drive innovation, while traditional businesses provide the stability, infrastructure, and workforce that sustain daily financial life.

As economies around the world, including those in the Gulf and MENA regions, push for diversification and innovation, the line between the two is increasingly blurred. Many traditional businesses are adopting entrepreneurial thinking—digital transformation, e-commerce, and agile models—while entrepreneurs are learning the value of operational discipline and sustainable growth from their traditional counterparts.

Understanding these differences and synergies is vital for policymakers, investors, and aspiring business leaders who aim to foster a resilient and dynamic economy in the 21st century.

Ghada Ismail
 

The way we pay is changing. Again! From magnetic stripes to chip cards, mobile wallets, and wearables, each wave has brought more convenience and speed. Now, the next frontier may be something far more innate: the human palm.

Palm recognition technology, once confined to high-security settings, is making its way into everyday finance. With a simple wave of the hand, users can authorize payments, verify their identity, and access services with no phone or card required. Tech giants like Amazon have already introduced palm-scanning systems across retail, entertainment, and even healthcare. Pilots are also appearing across Asia and the Middle East, including rising interest in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

As digital economies seek faster, safer, and more inclusive payment options, palm biometrics offer a compelling solution. But they also raise valid questions around privacy and surveillance. Is this frictionless future a leap forward—or a little too close for comfort?

Either way, the next era of financial access may be closer than we think—literally in the palm of our hands.

How Palm Recognition Works
Palm recognition systems use near-infrared light to scan the unique vein patterns beneath the skin; an internal signature nearly impossible to forge. The data is encrypted and stored securely, often in cloud-based environments. During authentication, users simply hover their palm over a scanner, and the system matches the scan to their registered biometric template in under a second.

Amazon has been a leading adopter with its “Amazon One” system, which combines palm and vein imagery for high-accuracy authentication. The technology integrates with existing payment networks like Visa and Mastercard, allowing users to link their palm to a digital wallet or bank account.

Fintech Use Cases Around the World

Amazon One in Whole Foods and Beyond

• Retail Rollout: Amazon One is now active in more than 500 Whole Foods Market locations across the U.S., following a nationwide expansion completed in 2023.
• Airports & Venues: The technology is also in use at major airports and sports stadiums, including retail outlets in U.S. terminals and venues like Coors Field.

Healthcare Innovation at NYU Langone Health

• In March 2025, NYU Langone Health began rolling out Amazon One for patient check-in, offering a contactless alternative at its clinics and hospitals.

International Developments

• Singapore: At the 2024 Singapore Fintech Festival, Tencent and Visa jointly piloted palm-based payments. After a one-time registration, customers were able to pay with their palm at participating cafes.
• China: In Beijing, passengers on the Daxing Airport Express Line can use palm recognition via WeChat Pay to enter the metro—no cards or phones required.

These examples show that palm biometrics are no longer experimental. They're entering the mainstream.

Why Fintech Is Embracing the Palm

Palm biometrics offer a mix of advantages that appeal to fintechs and users alike:

• Speed: Authentication is virtually instantaneous, reducing queues and wait times.
• Security: Vein patterns are internal and highly resistant to spoofing, offering stronger protection than fingerprints or facial recognition.
• Hygiene: Fully contactless, palm scanning is ideal for public environments—especially post-pandemic.
• Accessibility: Palm authentication offers a device-free option for people without smartphones or physical cards, improving financial access.

These benefits are especially relevant in emerging markets and among unbanked populations, where biometrics can play a crucial role in digital inclusion.

The Privacy Debate

Despite its promise, palm recognition raises valid privacy concerns. Since vascular patterns are immutable, a breach of biometric data could have long-lasting consequences.

Amazon states that palm data captured by Amazon One is encrypted and stored securely in the AWS Cloud, emphasizing that it is not shared with government agencies or advertisers. While this commitment offers some reassurance, privacy advocates remain cautious. The lack of universal regulation on biometric data storage, retention, and usage leaves room for concern—particularly in countries without strong consumer protection frameworks.

Building public trust will require transparency, user consent mechanisms, and robust oversight.

Regional Innovation: Palm Tech Expands Across the Middle East and Africa
In the Middle East and Africa, palm recognition is gaining traction beyond global tech giants. IDCentriq, a leader in biometric authentication, participated at Seamless Middle East 2025, held from 20–22 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where the company unveiled its ePalm palm-vein authentication technology, designed for secure, contactless identity verification in government and financial sectors.

Ali AlMeshal, CEO of PaymentsCo for the GCC, a regional subsidiary of IDCentriq, said: “Adopting technologies like ePalm will be crucial in fostering consumer confidence and driving growth in the digital payments landscape across the GCC.”

Led by Executive Chairman and CEO Muhanad Azzeh, IDCentriq is positioning ePalm as a homegrown solution tailored for the region’s shift toward cashless economies and digitally integrated public services.

Saudi Arabia’s Palm Vein Scanner Market Gathers Momentum

In Saudi Arabia, the palm vein scanner market is gaining traction as demand grows for secure, contactless biometric authentication across key sectors like healthcare, finance, and government, according to a report issued by 6wresearch in 2023. The technology’s ability to provide precise, tamper-resistant identity verification using subdermal vein patterns makes it particularly appealing in a country prioritizing advanced security infrastructure.

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated adoption, as institutions sought hygienic, touch-free solutions for access control and identity management. Today, palm vein scanners are increasingly being deployed in high-security environments and customer-facing applications where trust and privacy are paramount.

Still, challenges remain, particularly around ensuring accuracy, public acceptance, and robust data protection. Key players active in the Saudi market include Fujitsu, Hitachi, and M2SYS Technology, all offering solutions tailored to the Kingdom’s growing need for scalable, secure authentication systems.

The Road Ahead

Palm recognition is still novel, but its rapid global rollout suggests it's more than a passing trend. As companies like Amazon expand internationally, and as fintechs across Asia and the Middle East chase frictionless user experiences, palm biometrics are emerging as a serious contender in the future of digital identity.

In Saudi Arabia and beyond, the next big step in financial access may require nothing more than a wave of the hand.

No card. No phone. Just a palm.