Is inflation here to stay? Is the growth scare justified? What are the investment perspectives? Emirates NBD’s CIO Maurice Gravier answers three of the most concerning questions in 2022
Author Archives: Abdul Rawuf
Cyber criminals
Now you know: Cybercriminals are using HTML email attachments to avoid detection
There are two main types of HTML attachments used by cybercriminals: HTML files with a phishing link or entire malicious pages
Creative economy
Why the MENA region has ‘amazing potential’ for metaverse businesses
Abundance of creative talent among the region’s young adults, and their desire to express themselves online through Arabic content, are factors for success in the metaverse, said the CEO of WOLF
Aluminium
Will the EGA’s UAE-made aluminium be used to build the nation’s next spacecraft?
Potential future synergies between the EGA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre include the sharing of laboratory capabilities, high-end machinery and fabrication facilities, and material sourcing
Crypto economy
Crypto crashes $1 trillion in five months, but it’s ‘not game over yet’, experts say
What is causing the “fear-driven” crypto crash? Do investors need to tread more cautiously? Will Bitcoin and Ethereum bounce back? Experts talk to Arabian Business about all this and more!
Berthold Trenkel
Video: Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 accommodation plans are “enough,” says Qatar Tourism
Qatar is getting ready to host the mega-event later this year as the Gulf nation prepares to host hundreds of thousands of football fans
3D digital world
Benefits of seizing marketing opportunities in the metaverse and building virtual bridges
Is the comms industry really prepared for a metaverse future? And what opportunities does this new iteration of the web present for seamlessly bridging consumer experiences both online and offline?
Berthold Trenkel
Will everybody with a FIFA World Cup 2022 match ticket have a place to stay in Qatar?
Qatar Tourism COO Berthold Trenkel discusses the supply of FIFA World Cup rooms
Business
Back to the basics: Why forgetting your regular customers is a risky business
Lucy Bradley, the brand commander at Plug Communications, shares a refreshing take on the customer churn challenge and maintaining loyalty as the Middle East returns to jam-packed venues and hard-to-get bookings
construction industry
Dubai’s ‘already robust’ property market receives another boost with DLD, municipality restructure
Additional transparency and accountability as a result of these changes will bolster construction whilst ensuring that the emirate is in line with a sustainable growth model, experts told Arabian Business
business data
Delivering secure enterprise networks in a post-pandemic working environment
As businesses battle with functioning in new areas, including hybrid and remote working environments, the necessity to remain on top of cybersecurity challenges has intensified
Antonio Guterres
United Nations General Assembly to pay tribute to late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Global leaders and representatives will observe a minute of silence, will express condolences and sympathies with the UAE government and people, and will reflect on Sheikh Khalifa’s legacy and achievements
Dubai
Dubai’s metaverse sector to support 42,000 virtual jobs and add $4 billion to its economy by 2030
Headed by the Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, the higher committee overseeing the Dubai Metaverse Strategy aims to implement metaverse tech that can help improve the performance of resident surgeons by 230 percent and increase the productivity of engineers by 30 percent
Dubai
Dubai real estate soars to highest transaction volumes ever recorded in the first four months of the year
Despite higher financing costs and high rates of inflation, activity in Dubai’s residential market continues to remain at historic highs, experts said
Antonio Guterres
Video: Five critical actions needed to jump-start the energy transition
Climate change has wreaked a heavy toll of human lives, led to billions of dollars in economic losses, and has triggered shocks for food and water security across the globe, a report said
Ali Matar
Lack of flexibility is causing 70 percent of the region’s professionals to consider leaving their job
LinkedIn research indicates female employees most impacted by flexible working hours, with 37 percent indicating it has a positive impact on their mental wellbeing
Aerospace
International cooperation crucial to mitigate challenges, pursue growth in the space sector, UAE astronaut says
As the focus on space technologies continues to grow, more than 15,000 additional satellites are likely to orbit the planet by 2030, an expert said, while also warning of dangerous space debris that could pose a threat to human spaceflight and exploration missions
e-visas
Saudi to see boom in new businesses, ‘influx of affluent investors’ due to recent visa reforms: Experts
The kingdom continues to pave its way towards a future-thinking economy, holding exciting potential and unique business opportunities for investors, while leveraging Saudi assets and driving non-oil economic growth, an expert said
Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi
UAE’s tourism sector thrives as growth rates exceed pre-Covid performance, boosting the economy
Travellers from India, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Russia, and the US topped the list of international arrivals, as the UAE witnessed the resurgence of inward tourism flows from foreign markets in the first three months of 2022
automotive industry
Construction starts on Lucid’s first electric vehicle factory in Saudi Arabia with investments of $3.4 billion
Once complete, the manufacturing facility will build up to 155,000 electric vehicles, which are initially slated for the Saudi Arabian market, with Middle East regional deliveries of Lucid Air expected to begin later this year
Abu Dhabi
UAE’s Flat6Labs begins boot camp to select high-growth startups for investment and acceleration
The best companies chosen by the Selection Committee at the end of the programme could be eligible for seed funding of up to AED 1.15 million, and follow-on funding of up to AED 2 million
Bahrain Economists Society
Further visa reform on the horizon after UAE ‘ups its game’ with unemployment scheme: experts
Initiative will create a ‘safety-net’ encouraging workers to remain in the country while looking for their next job
Armani Residences Burj Khalifa
Six trends that make Dubai the go-to destination for branded residences, rivalling New York and Miami
For the global elite, branded residences provide large and opulently serviced homes under the strength and expert care of a leading luxury brand which, in addition to the UAE Government’s recent policies, have boosted the sector
augmented reality
What does it take to live next to Snoop Dogg in the metaverse?
Companies need to be steered with a bulletproof strategy that meets them where they currently are in their transformation journey, and propels their digital maturity while preventing them from succumbing to trends without being fully prepared for future technologies. Trends which I recently succumbed to when I bid on a plot of land neighbouring Snoop Dogg
Airport infrastructure
How AI and robotics are enhancing passenger experience and safety measures in aviation
Advances in integrated, automated, and electric mobility in the airport setting will minimise cost and enhance efficiency, experts at the Airport Show in Dubai agreed
business ideas
Revealed: How entrepreneurs from the GCC can succeed in the UK
Three key factors that entrepreneurs from the Gulf should consider when setting up their business in the United Kingdom
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and SAP ink MoU to support startups and SMEs
The collaboration will also enhance industry innovation and digital transformation, aid the development of advanced business models, nurture Emirati talent, and foster local digital competencies
anxiety
Six useful tips to manage workplace anxiety
The conundrum of getting anxious over getting anxious can seem inescapable, especially when the things you’re obsessing about are work-related, but it can be managed and overcome
Abu Dhabi
UAE improves focus on preventing food-producing agricultural soil from degradation
Under the terms of the MoU, ICBA and Conscious Planet will collaborate to raise public awareness about the importance of soil conservation, empower stakeholders, provide training, and facilitate knowledge exchange on the topic in the region
Capcom
Saudi Arabia’s PIF acquires 5 percent stake in Nintendo as it drives further into gaming investments
The PIF has been building stakes in video game makers and e-sports firms such as Nintendo and Capcom over the past two years, turning to the Japanese market just as a weaker yen has made investments more affordable
CBUAE
Ease of doing business for investors and entrepreneurs improves with UAE Ministry’s digital system
In its bid to improve the UAE’s allure as an ideal digitally advanced hub for businesses, the new digital attestation services will streamline procedures and boost the quality of services provided
Crown Prince of Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan reviews plans to boost Dubai real estate, create private sector deals worth $2.72bn per year
The comprehensive restructuring plans for the Dubai Land Department and Dubai Municipality aim to improve operational efficiencies, promote public-private partnerships, ensure sustainable development, and maximise the emirate’s economic, tourism, and commercial potential
CRTKL
Video: Four key disruptors that are reshaping the future of the workplace
With more than 40 percent of the global workforce likely to leave their employer this year, the attraction and retention of top talent has become more important than ever before
artists
How digital powerhouse Wacom is helping designers and artists push the boundaries of success
Highly specialised input devices that go beyond average tablets and displays – connected to a laptop or computer – allow artists to draw images and graphics in a breeze
Brand View
Cybercriminals are targeting financial institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The vast majority (93 percent) of banking fraud has happened in post-pandemic time, which confirms how cybercrime activity is dramatically growing
ACWA Power
Saudi’s ACWA Power sees net profit rise to $41.3mn in Q1 2022 despite Covid, Ukraine war disruptions
The Saudi firm saw three water and seven power projects come into operation between February and December 2021, driving growth in the first three months of 2022 by generating additional contractual, operations, and maintenance revenue streams
balanced workplace
YouTube celebrity Jazzy Mac on how to deal with gender discrimination in the workplace
Counter sexism by calling it out, female credit expert and social media star Jazzy Mac told Arabian Business
Dubai
Dubai real estate sees continued surge in demand with transactions worth $490 million on a single day
Transactions on Tuesday, May 17, included sales of 342 villas and apartments worth AED 1.11 billion, and 49 land plots worth AED 295.09 million
Arabian Travel Market
Will Dubai remain one of the world’s most open cities in the post-Covid world?
Dubai’s ability to provide one of the world’s safest environments and the gathering pace of its economic growth are making it a preferred international destination
carbon emissions
The ‘E’ in ESG: Addressing the elephant in the boardroom
Most companies have a history of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which addresses the S in ESG, and have been slowly enhancing their corporate governance, which addresses the G in ESG, but the environmental aspect needs attention
B2B businesses
Could ‘gamification’ help corporate banks improve customer loyalty?
Gamification is the use of game-like mechanics in non-game contexts to engage users and motivate them to achieve their goals
Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail’s Stage 2 chugs past 75% milestone in its journey to redefine the future of transport
Etihad Rail aims to link the UAE’s centres of trade and industry through its passenger and freight services, the CEO of the UAE’s national railway network said
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Agthia Group to work with UAE authorities on exemption from India’s wheat ban: report
The Indian government’s decision to halt shipments due to a drop in production has exacerbated pressure on a tight wheat market that is struggling due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
ADNOC plans natural gas plant in Fujairah as UAE looks to double LNG export to meet surge in demand
ADNOC has appointed McDermott International Ltd as the design contractor and intends to award a contract for the construction of the plant in 2023
Abu Dhabi
In pictures: World leaders visit Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to offer condolences
Global leaders paid respects following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the second President of the UAE and 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, who passed away at the age of 73 on May 13
Abu Dhabi
ADNOC and Borealis to sell 10 percent stake in Borouge petrochem joint venture through an IPO
The state-owned energy company and the Austrian chemicals producer will sell 3 billion shares, possibly raising $2 billion
blue-collar workers
Unemployment pay to boost MENA startups, protect ‘most vulnerable’ workers: Experts
The unemployment scheme will offer blue-collar workers some ‘breathing room’ to find other roles, startup founders told Arabian Business
AppGallery
From awareness to conversion: How advertisers can leverage features on HUAWEI Ads
HUAWEI Ads enables marketers to utilise multiple placements via AppGallery like featured pages, category ranking, or keyword research
Airport Innovation and Development Conference
‘Flawless response to Covid’ helped Dubai’s DXB airport retain title as the world’s busiest airport
Future developments in the aviation industry include unmanned traffic management, night operations, autonomous unmanned aircraft operations, urban air mobility, unmanned aircraft delivery, and high-speed unmanned aircraft, among others
King Salman
How expats can apply for Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency visa in three simple steps
In addition to offering permanent residency in Saudi Arabia, the Premium Residency visa permits expats to use airport lanes dedicated to Saudi nationals, to conduct businesses, to sponsor visit visas for relatives, to buy and own real estate, and to employ domestic workers such as housemaids
Abu Dhabi
‘Deserving successor’ Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will boost the UAE’s growth by investing in people: officials
Government officials pointed to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s achievements across security, construction, culture, and tourism, among other fields, and have showed support for his plans to ensure the UAE’s sustainable development
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s IHC completes $2bn Adani transaction as Asia’s richest billionaire goes on dealmaking spree
After years of focusing on coal and infrastructure-related plays, Gautam Adani is branching out in line with his growing fortune, buying up a range of assets from a premium rice brand and travel portal to a green energy firm
Anantara
Minor Hotels to develop luxury Anantara hotel at Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate destination
Located just outside the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is transforming more than 11 square kilometres of Diriyah into what will become the world’s largest cultural and lifestyle development
Abu Dhabi
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to focus on education in preparation for post-oil era
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s vision for the education sector includes monitoring and conducting field visits, honouring outstanding students, and issuing directives aimed at advancing scientific development, a government official said