2PointZero acquires Maseera, pledging $1bln to advance financial inclusion in emerging markets
As part of this transaction, 2PointZero will launch a new Abu Dhabi-based entity under the Maseera Holding name. Maseera, which serves low- and middle-income individuals as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), is evolving into a global, AI-driven financial services provider. This move reinforces 2PointZero's commitment to expanding financial inclusion, particularly in underserved economies.
Catering to low- and middle-income individuals as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), Maseera is being developed into a global, AI-powered, digital-first financial services provider.
By offering a comprehensive suite of financial services that are accessible, fast, affordable, and adaptable, Maseera aims to bridge the financial gap and empower communities.
The company envisions building a transcontinental platform, with majority-owned operations spanning multiple countries, initially targeting key markets across Asia and Africa.
Recognising the transformative potential of this venture, 2PointZero plans to invest US$1 billion into Maseera over the coming years. By seamlessly integrating Maseera's expertise with 2PointZero's cutting-edge technology and AI capabilities, this strategic partnership will drive innovation, unlock new value, and empower underserved populations with the financial tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Additionally, this investment will further enhance 2PointZero's dynamic value network, reinforcing its position as a key driver of financial inclusion and sustainable growth.
Mariam Almheiri, Group CEO of 2PointZero, emphasised the strategic importance of the acquisition, adding, 'Bringing Maseera into the 2PointZero ecosystem is a significant step forward in our mission to drive financial inclusion and empower underserved communities. By combining Maseera's client-centric approach with our technological expertise and global reach, we are enhancing our dynamic value network and delivering innovative financial solutions to markets where we operate. This partnership embodies our commitment to driving groundbreaking advancements through every investment, with the aim of creating a more sustainable and inclusive society.'
Amro Abouesh, Founder and CEO of Maseera Holding, stated, 'The principal value running through Maseera is empathy. We believe that empathy is key to innovation, and transparency is the cornerstone of credibility. By always standing on the clients' side, we ensure that our services truly meet the needs of those we serve, hence improving their financial resilience. Furthermore, with experienced backing from a global investor like 2PointZero, we will be able to maximise the value of data and focus our platform on those most underserved corners of emerging economies. This client-centric approach allows us to tailor our offerings to the unique requirements of our target audience, providing them with the financial tools and resources they need to thrive.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
17 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Luxury travel in the UAE isn't just growing — it's evolving
There's a quiet revolution in the UAE tourism space — and it's happening at the very top. Luxury travel, which was once a subset of the broader tourism sector, is rapidly becoming one of its fastest-growing and most dynamic segments. The entry of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals in the UAE is not only changing our economy — it's also changing the way travel is being experienced, crafted, and serviced across the region. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in UHNW migration to the UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the primary destinations. These are not tourists or expats, but entrepreneurs, investors, celebrities, family offices, and industry heads who are moving their lifestyle, business, and life to this part of the world. What's attracting them? It's a combination of political stability, world-class infrastructure, favourable tax conditions, and a forward-thinking government committed to innovation. Over the past two years, the UAE has transformed from a regional luxury destination into a global powerhouse in ultra-high-end tourism. The numbers don't lie: the UAE's luxury travel market generated $16.66 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach nearly $29.6 billion by 2030, growing at a 10.4 per cent CAGR from 2025–2030 according to the latest industry data. Meanwhile, across the Middle East and Africa, luxury travel is projected to surge from $95.7 billion in 2023 to $167.4 billion by 2030, at an 8.3 per cent CAGR. This flight of elites dovetails with a broader migration of wealth. A report published by Henley & Partners projects that the UAE will see a record 6,700 millionaires relocate in 2024 — nearly double that of the US. These UHNWIs bring global spending habits and sky-high expectations that are reshaping luxury travel in the Emirates. Driving forces behind the boom 1. Wealth migration: With nearly 6,700 millionaires arriving in 2024, the UAE isn't just a lifestyle magnet — it's rewriting its luxury ecosystem. 2. Skyrocketing spend: The GCC's luxury goods market hit $12.5 billion in 2023, growing at twice the global rate. Nearly 60 per cent of the UAE's luxury travel market growth stems from these high-net-worth tourists. This new wave of residents comes with expectations. They don't just want a holiday — they want seamless, tailored, and often discreet travel experiences that match their lifestyles. For them, travel is not tourism — it's identity, status, privacy, and experience, and that has huge implications for the UAE's travel and tourism sector. At we've seen this shift firsthand as a distinct rise in premium-tier bookings — our ultra-luxury segment bookings have climbed nearly 40 per cent in the last year. There's a growing appetite for bespoke itineraries, private jet bookings, luxury cruises, ultra-premium resorts, and even curated experiences that defy the ordinary — think glamping in the Rub' al Khali under Michelin-starred catering, or a last-minute ski trip to Courchevel with private instructors and chalet chefs. These aren't outliers anymore. They're the new baseline for a small but influential segment of our clientele. The UAE is uniquely positioned to meet this demand. Not only do we have the supply — luxury resorts, exclusive desert retreats, premium airlines like Emirates and Etihad — but we also have the ambition to address this demand. Hoteliers, tourism boards, and developers are doubling down on the luxury segment. In 2024, Dubai welcomed 18.72 million overnight visitors, a 9 per cent increase year-on-year, with five-star average hotel occupancy hitting roughly 77–78 per cent. Meanwhile, over 150 luxury hotels were in operation, accounting for nearly half of the Gulf's upscale room stock. Abu Dhabi too is registering a 26 per cent surge in international hotel stays Jan–Oct 2024, compared to pre-pandemic norms. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) are both supporting initiatives to upscale high-end products, from customized cultural tourism to luxury wellness escapes. Year on year, there is an increasing interest shown by local tourism boards, such as Sharjah Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah, to attract tourists as well as UAE residents in booking hotel stays, exclusive experiences, niche activities & more. To be fair — it's not just domestic demand. The UAE is increasingly becoming a luxury travel hub for the wider region. We're seeing more clients use Dubai as a base for onward travel to the Maldives, the Seychelles, the Swiss Alps, or even bespoke safari experiences in Africa. The connectivity from the UAE is unmatched due to Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports being central hubs for Asia, and for UHNW individuals, time is the ultimate currency. Technology is playing a major role in enabling this shift. We're now leveraging AI to better anticipate travel preferences, customize experiences down to the last detail, and deliver hyper-personalised itineraries. We're deploying AI-driven personalisation — from predictive guest preferences to real-time digital concierges. These tools let us offer private chauffeur pickups, room scent customisations, tailored wellness alerts efficiently and at scale. What used to require a luxury concierge team can now be offered digitally — but with a human touch layered in. From private airport transfers to in-room pillow preferences, technology is letting us scale exclusivity without diluting it. We're also seeing new luxury travel trends emerge. Multi-generational family travel is big — especially post-Covid, with families looking to reconnect in meaningful, immersive ways. Wellness tourism is another booming sector, with UHNW travelers prioritizing longevity, mindfulness, and recovery. Gastronomy-driven itineraries are also on the rise, with travellers planning entire trips around culinary experiences. As UHNW tastes and wants evolve, the world of travel must evolve with them. The five-star bar has moved. Now it is all about one-of-a-kind access, privacy, and personalization. That could be a private museum tour with the curator, a helicopter drop onto a glacier for a gourmet lunch, or getting tickets to sold-out Paris week fashion shows. The travel industry needs to think bigger, move faster, and operate with the same precision as the clientele it's serving. There's also a talent challenge ahead. White-glove service is not just about training — it's about mindset. As an industry, we need more people who understand the subtle art of serving without intruding, anticipating without overpromising. The demand for luxury-literate, culturally fluent, tech-savvy professionals is only going to grow. And yet, amidst all this opulence, I believe there's a growing consciousness emerging. According to Mastercard, 38 per cent of luxury seekers in MENA are willing to pay 30–50 per cent more for sustainable features, and over 50 per cent prioritize meaningful local experiences. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important — even among the wealthiest travelers. They want their experiences to have a lower footprint, to support local communities, to give back in some way. This is not just a passing trend; it's becoming part of the luxury code. At we are currently witnessing a rise in demand for eco-luxury safaris, carbon-offset private flights, and wellness retreats. Looking ahead, I believe the UAE is just getting started. We're not only going to cater to luxury travelers — we're going to shape the future of luxury travel globally. With bold vision and relentless innovation, we can create experiences that are not only world-class — but world-defining. Luxury travel is no longer a fringe category — it's a driving force for both travelers who seek the exclusive, as well as for operators who want to be the top pick for UHNW customers. The UAE, with its unique blend of ambition, connectivity, and creativity, is perfectly positioned to lead this new era. The writer is CEO & Co-founder,
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
Deyaar reports Dh266.6 million net profit before tax in H1 2025
31 July 2025 20:29 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Deyaar Development, an integrated real estate leader in Dubai, posted a 31.6% surge in net profit before tax to Dh266.6 million in the first half of company's results significantly outpaced market expectations, with total revenue climbing 39.2% year-on-year to Dh925.4 million in H1 2025, compared to Dh664.4 million in the same period last year. Earnings per share jumped 33.1% to 5.74 fils, from 4.31 fils in H1 2024 and revenue from other businesses also increased by 6.3%, reaching Dh170 million in H1 2025, as compared to Dh159.1 million in H1 addition, net profit before tax for Q2 2025 amounted to Dh146.8 million, a significant growth from Dh125.1 million in Q2 strong financial performance comes on the heels of strategic project launches across the UAE, including the February debut of AYA Beachfront Residences in Umm Al Quwain – the real estate leader's first residential venture in the northern emirate – and the ambitious Downtown Residences in Dubai, poised to be one of the UAE's tallest residential on the strong performance, Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO of Deyaar Development, said, 'We have achieved strong results during the first half of the year and successfully launched remarkable projects. Additionally, we have capitalised on emerging opportunities across the UAE. We have successfully expanded Deyaar's strategic investments in high-potential locations, yielding significant returns and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders.' As Deyaar expands its strategic investments in high-potential locations, the company anticipates the handover of five major projects in the second half of the year. With approximately 2,000 units, these developments are expected to significantly enhance liquidity and contribute positively to the overall financial stability.
Crypto Insight
2 hours ago
- Crypto Insight
Robinhood crypto revenue doubles as CEO bets big on asset tokenization
Trading platform Robinhood's crypto revenue increased 98% year-on-year to $160 million in the second quarter as CEO Vlad Tenev doubled down on plans to lead the real-world asset tokenization market in the US and abroad. Total net revenue climbed 45% year-on-year to $989 million, while net income increased by 105% to $386 million, Robinhood said in its earnings statement on Wednesday. Despite beating Wall Street expectations, company shares slightly retraced in after-hours trading. Crypto volumes also increased 32% in the quarter to $28 billion as the crypto market cap grew 21.7% to $3.36 trillion. Robinhood wants to tokenize hard-to-reach alternative assets 'We believe tokenization is the biggest innovation our industry has seen in the past decade,' the CEO said after Robinhood late last month rolled out a tokenization-focused layer 2 blockchain — Robinhood Chain — for stock trading in Europe. Tenev said Robinhood's main focus in the US market would be to tokenize alternative assets that were 'previously inaccessible.' 'Private markets and related real-world assets are opportunities that don't exist up until now,' and 'we're working with regulators to make that possible.' Tenev was referring to everything from private shares and venture capital funds to real estate that has typically been off-limits to retail investors due to regulatory and liquidity barriers. It comes almost two months after Robinhood's $200 million acquisition of crypto exchange Bitstamp, which is set to play a pivotal role in the company's tokenization strategy. Robinhood's tokenization offerings have raised legal concerns Tenev said he has seen strong interest from developers wanting to tokenize company assets on Robinhood since unveiling the tokenization strategy in Cannes, France, late last month: 'Since our event, we've just got lots and lots of calls from developers that either want to tokenize the shares of their own companies or otherwise jump on the tokenization of real-world assets revolution and partner with us.' Robinhood has already issued private equity tokens in Europe that resemble OpenAI and SpaceX shares. However, the tokenization offerings recently sparked a legal inquiry in Lithuania, while OpenAI warned that Robinhood's OpenAI token doesn't resemble actual equity in the company. Robinhood more equipped for tokenization, CEO argues Asked how Robinhood's tokenization platform would outscale public blockchains, Tenev pointed to the company's 25 million US users and the $1 trillion in assets that they already hold under custody. '[That] going to be very, very difficult for others to replicate,' Tenev said, noting that none of Robinhood's competitors or blockchain-native firms are 'really going after this specific opportunity.' 'There's a lot of chains out there that want to build the best chain for degen traders, but I think the opportunity for real-world assets and the unique characteristics that they have […] I don't think anyone else is tackling as directly.' While Tenev's comments were directed at layer 2s, Ethereum continues to dominate the crypto tokenization market, securing nearly $7 billion worth of real-world assets, data shows. Ethereum layer 2 ZKsync Era comes in second with $2.4 billion, accounting for a near 19% market share. Source:
