Jasper Hope is that man whose passion for creative performance and impeccable leadership has positioned Dubai Opera as a global hub for arts and entertainment. Since August 2016, Hope has been directing an impressive orchestration of high-class performances successfully charming the globe at the helm of this iconic venue.

Prior to arriving in Dubai, Hope has a long history of performing arts experience. He honed his craft as the COO of one of the world’s most eminent performance venues, the Royal Albert Hall in London, in crafting unforgettable artistic experiences. Considered the new vision, and with experiences gained from traversing most of the celebrated performance halls around the globe, he was well-equipped to embark on this momentous undertaking and turn Dubai Opera into reality. A refreshing cultural landscape for the UAE had begun since Hope set out reorienting the relationship between the region and performing arts.

The first season of Dubai Opera was nothing short of spectacular. The Pearl Fishers by Bizet opened night followed with one of its highpoints: the show by the Russian State Ballet, and outstanding magicians, not to mention Emirati talent itself-in this instance, the famous singer Hussain Al Jassmi. This lineup, so diverse in tastes, confirmed that Hope really wants something for everyone from its classical fans to those who enjoy any new act. It also showed his strategical vision – not just to please the residents of Dubai but to millions of tourists who visit this city every year.

It was not an easy task to fill the 2,000-seat auditorium of Dubai Opera each and every day of the week, but Hope’s persistent hard work and creative approach made it possible. He designed extraordinary performances that ensured the venue became synonymous with world-class entertainment. For example, ranging from opera and ballet to comedy and live concerts, the eclectic offering of Dubai Opera reflects the person’s belief that art can bring people across cultural boundaries together.

The community side has also been incorporated by the leadership of Hope as Dubai Opera has always been involved in outreach and education. In this case, it frequently conducts various workshops, master classes, and talks to nurture local talent and further increase appreciation for the arts. In doing so, Hope has made performing arts accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds in order to create an artistic community in Dubai.

With an excellent ability to balance big ideas and small details, Hope has also played a vital role in making the physical space of Dubai Opera fit the cultural aspirations. The dhow-inspired design of the venue is absolutely breath-taking and pays great homage to the maritime heritage of Dubai, while state-of-the-art facilities place it as one of the world’s most versatile performance spaces. Be it grand opera, an intimate recital, or a corporate event, Dubai Opera seamlessly adapts to deliver exceptional experiences.

He has widely received recognition for his inputs to Dubai Opera, is generally considered one of the leaders of influential cultural change, and has successfully managed to present Dubai Opera on the international map. Hope, the creative commercial skills and capabilities that went to place Dubai Opera on the map have, for him, stamped the emirate in a position as the place of global cultural affairs. For him, it is not just an auditorium; rather, it is a platform he desires to inspire, connect, and celebrate the transformative power of arts.

Dubai remains one of the world’s hubs for tourism and innovation, and work at Dubai Opera by Jasper Hope sums up how culture can play a vital role in shaping a city. Passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the magic of live performances–elements comprise the grand legacy of the Dubai Opera from opera and magnificent shows to today’s contemporary events. Dubai Opera, under the magnanimous leadership of Hope, remains the real magic- casting a spell on the audiences and serving as a benchmark in the world of performing arts.

This is the story of Jasper Hope, testifying to what visionary leadership and a deep love for the arts can achieve-with all those qualities: he has created a world-class venue under Dubai Opera, and his vision is working its way into being a cultural legacy for generations to come.

CEO and co-founder of Telr, Sirish Kumar is behind the fintech revolution that’s sweeping across solutions for e-payment in the GCC and India. The game-changer approach by Kumar has positioned Telr as the frontrunner within the sector, and strategic acumen and commitment to empowering small- and medium-sized enterprises defines this vision of Kumar. His leadership is not only restructuring the way businesses are handling payments but paving the way toward a more inclusive digital economy.

It does much more than the average e-payment service and gives SMEs a lifeline that can help them survive in markets where competition can only be expected to grow stronger. The easy-to-use platform lets Telr cover payments efficiently and with security, while bridging gaps for businesses with little or no access to traditional financial resource bases. Under Kumar’s guidance, the company has engineered novel features which make acceptance and management of online payments a hassle-free process, freeing businesses from the technical and operational requirements that would otherwise suffocate their growth.

Kumar founded Telr along with a bold vision: to build an ecosystem specifically suited for the unique needs of SMEs in emerging markets. His experience as a mature C-suite executive has made him understand the risk and opportunities that these markets present. Through fundraising, building solid governance platforms, and strategic partnerships, Kumar saw Telr survive and grow in a very competitive market. It is the ability to drive first-in-market revenue-sharing deals with acquiring banks across geographies which emphasizes Kumar’s ability to innovate and think ahead.

A qualified Chartered Accountant with a very deep understanding of the financial world, Kumar uses this to come up with solutions that solve real-life problems. His financial acumen helps him navigate through intricate regulatory environments for Telr, sustaining compliance while staying flexible in terms of responding to needs in local markets. It is by these dual focuses on compliance and innovation that Telr can successfully establish its footprint in different regions of the world and win the trust of businesses and financial institutions alike.

Its focus on security, coupled with this ease of use, has also been a significant factor in the growth of Telr. As cyber-attacks are very much in the horizon, Kumar’s emphasis on building a robust yet very easy-to-use payment platform has ensured that no transaction goes vulnerable. From encryption technologies to fraud prevention measures, Telr’s infrastructure ensures that every transaction is protected, giving business and customer peace of mind. This focus on security has been significant in building Telr’s reputation as a reliable partner for SMEs.

Along with professional pursuits, Kumar is an active angel investor, who also promotes social entrepreneurship. Investments in a number of start-ups reflect his faith in the catalyzing forces of technology in removing societal challenges. Telr’s efforts toward innovation and sustainability are positively impacted by Kumar as his initiatives lead to a larger growth ecosystem in line with his goals. Social initiatives reflect a focused interest in the architecting of an equitable and prosperous future.

Kumar’s approach to leadership is pragmatic, yet visionary. He understood the intricacies of emerging markets and formulated strategies that were innovative yet root-bound in reality. He ensured agility in the competitive market by strategic partnerships with large telecom groups and diversifying service offerings of Telr. His ability to foresee the direction in which the market would head puts Telr at the pinnacle of the fintech space.

Telr’s success is proof of Kumar’s relentless drive and his close understanding of the financial services landscape. Under his guidance, Telr has not only expanded its market presence but also brought out some path-breaking solutions that have set new standards in the industry. His leadership, which appears to blend collaboration and innovation, has emerged as an inspiration that has encouraged a culture of excellence within the organization.

The always-growing vision that Kumar holds is to empower businesses and drive financial inclusivity as Telr grows. His work reminds all of us of the transformative power that fintech can unleash in emerging markets and of the leading role that leadership plays in unlocking such potential. Sirish Kumar is doing far more than building a company; he’s crafting a legacy that will shape the outlook of digital payments for centuries.

With the help of diligence and innovation, Kumar also shows the centrality of fintech in providing business with its leadership “edge” against the hurdles that business may cross. With Telr at the front of this new wave, e-payments stand brightly placed ahead than ever before.

Firoz Merchant’s story tells one of resilience, ambition, and a never-give-up attitude. Founder and chairman of Pure Gold Jewellers, a firm with over $1 billion dollars’ worth of business across the Gulf and India, employee 5,000 people, yet behind this glittering success story lies one of perseverance, humility, and commitment toward giving back to society.

There is no easy starting point for a merchant. Merchant grew up in a small bedroom shared with eight siblings, was forced out of school to address financial hardship at an age of 11, yet his entrepreneurial spirit was defiantly firm. Twelve years later, in 1989, he started his gold business journey in Dubai, changing the complexion and culture of the region’s jewellery industry evermore. At Pure Gold Jewellers, jewellery majesty, quality, and flawless craftsmanship stand on the approval scale of trust and authenticity.

Merchant’s success story was not overnight. Pure vision supported by sheer hard work and sharp, actual understanding of the gold market, he established Pure Gold Jewellers as a leader in its category through inculcation of the traditional artistry with modern retail practices. With stores throughout the GCC and India, the brand caters to diverse tastes and preferences, offering everything from intricate bridal collections to contemporary designs. Merchant’s ability to read market trends and change his strategy according to consumer needs has been quite pivotal in driving the growth of the company.

Apart from his business successes, the philanthropic activities of Merchant are equally impressive. He has spent over $1 million to free thousands of Indian debtors languishing in UAE jails. The initiative originates from his desire to believe in second chances and to give back to the community that shaped him. Merchant considers this to be his way of repaying his homeland for the values and resilience it instilled in him. His efforts have come in for widespread appreciation and have further reinforced his status as a businessman with a heart.

The life of Merchant, who shouldered his way to being one of the richest Indians in the GCC, with an estimated wealth of $475 million, is anything but inspiring. Ranked 35th on the Arabian Business 50 Richest Indians list, he has transformed his life, as well as the lives of many around him. His story talks to those who believe in the power of hard work and determination and vision for a better life. Despite wealth and status, he is grounded with values he upholds: humility and gratitude.

As a leader, Merchant has promoted innovation to ensure Pure Gold Jewellers remained competitive in the market. This is evident in his investment in technology, sustainability, and customer-centric initiatives. The company ensures relevance in a changing landscape by cultivating a culture of excellence and inclusivity under his leadership. Such a legacy goes beyond financial success and has become a model for aspiring entrepreneurs in combining empathy and strategic foresight to attain success.

The journey of Merchant also portrays the vibrant power of Dubai as a global business hub. The very supportive environment and strategic location provided an ideal background for his ambitious dreams. Scaling up his business in Dubai by leveraging its infrastructure and connectivity potential, Merchant could reach global markets. This story is a testament to opportunities in the UAE for visionaries and those who dream big.

Firoz Merchant is one such individual whose success does not seem to remember the journeys and struggles on the path that led him to his success. It reminds us that greatness is not necessarily defined by where one started, but about choices carried out along the road. In the pursuit of continuous expansion and uplifting communities, Merchant’s legacy inspires generations moving forward.