The initiative will also elevate Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most investable cities, as it will help in instilling long-term market confidence among global investors
Author Archives: James Mathew
James Mathew, preferred to be addressed as James, assumes the role of India Correspondent at Arabian Business from New Delhi, bringing to the table a wealth of knowledge and expertise in economic, financial, and corporate sectors. With a career spanning renowned financial dailies like The Economic Times, Business Standard, and The Observer of Business & Politics in India, James transitioned to the international media scene in 2018.
At Arabian Business, his reporting covers a wide spectrum of sectors, developments, and issues spanning India, the Middle East, Africa, and, at times, the global arena. Known for his passionate reporting, James keeps a vigilant eye on significant economic and business sectors, aiming to be the first to inform Arabian Business readers. He boasts an impressive track record of breaking stories, particularly in the domains of major corporate developments and cutting-edge tech sectors, including the metaverse and cryptocurrency. Amidst his journalistic endeavors, James considers his series of emotionally resonant stories on the challenges faced by expat returnees from the Gulf during the Covid-19 pandemic, published in Arabian Business, as his proudest moments, surpassing even his numerous globally impactful breaking stories. His educational background includes a Master's degree in English Literature and Language, complemented by a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism.
Inside the UAE’s tech-powered economic transformation
With IT services adoption soaring across manufacturing, logistics, real estate, and education, experts predict a transformational decade ahead for the UAE’s digital economy
UAE, regional firms switch to blockchain-based cross-border payments as global trade tensions mount
Regulatory initiatives such as the UAE Central Bank’s move to give legal clarity to payment token issuers through its Payment Token Services Regulation are accelerating the shift
UAE banks fuel real estate demand surge with lower mortgage rates, extended financing facilities
Some UAE banks are now offering mortgages below 4% and making it easier for buyers to finance homes under 70-30 and 80-20 payment plans
UAE job market sees shifts in hiring strategies as contracts, service roles gain favour among employers
Job market witnesses major churn amid inflow of more junior talents and increase in real estate , hospitality and aviation roles
Dubai startup taps VR to tackle global health crisis
A bold new Dubai startup is using VR to transform emotional healthcare at scale—blending tech, therapy, and innovation hub ambition in a bid to disrupt a $38 billion global crisis
UAE restaurants turn to AI, ghost kitchens to counter soaring rents and evolving consumer tastes
From ghost kitchens to Instagram-worthy dining, tech and tastes are reshaping the UAE’s F&B scene as rising costs push a bold new wave of innovation
GCC sees massive surge in high-value startup funding deals in early months of 2025
The rising trend of high-value startup funding in the region, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is expected to continue in the coming quarters of this year, experts said
Crypto market: Retail participation in the sector predicted to see a major boost in Bitcoin as a result of Trump’s IRS overturned
Bitcoin prices shot up in early trading hours on Monday, April 28, to cross the $94,000 mark, touching $94,083 briefly, gaining close to 8% in 7 days
‘We’re not here to compete on volume’: DHG Holding on bringing AI-powered smart living to Dubai’s property market
The company applies the same meticulous approach in Dubai as it does in Switzerland – both in planning, design, and execution, CEO says in Arabian Business interview
Unilever rolls out major sustainability drive in UAE in bid to boost sales, shift consumer behaviour
Unilever’s sustainability initiatives are not limited to the UAE, but are embedded across multiple brands and markets, the company’s GM Manan Gupta said
RAK real estate booms as Dubai, Abu Dhabi buyers drive record growth
This trend is expected to intensify with the Etihad Rail connection and RAK International Airport expansion rolling out
UAE to see highest jump in consumer spending this year as Gulf region becomes new global wellness hub
The rising trend of consumers prioritising wellbeing and preventive health is triggering a surge in investments in the region
India, Middle East can step in to reshape global trade amid Trump tariff war, expert says
The UAE’s position as a global financial hub can complement India’s growing capital markets, enabling more Indian firms to list in the UAE and vice versa
Real estate tokenisation: Dubai predicted to see $16bn market for digital fractional ownership
The broader investor reach enabled by the tokenisation move could significantly increase property values in Dubai in the long run
Trump tariffs result in increased demand for UAE property from foreign investors, here’s what you need to know
The uncertainty and high tariffs are also leading property investors to reduce their investments in the US, further decreasing the demand and value of the US dollar
Gaming meets hiring: Dubai-based recruitment platform to address job market disconnect
A new Dubai-based recruitment platform combines gaming and psychological profiling to revolutionise hiring processes, targeting a $150 million market share by 2027
Revealed: UAE, Middle East fast emerging as global capital for private wealth management
Ongoing global market turbulence drives wealthy elite to safer markets like the UAE and wider Middle East after suffering multi-billion losses
Experts predict short-term change in UAE property market as a result of Trump tariffs
The UAE and other regional markets to gain in the supply chain sector as suppliers seek alternative markets, following Trump’s tariffs
Dubai real estate surges as new set of buyers eye super-high returns on land investments
Demand for ready plots and off-plan land continues to surge, positioning Dubai’s land market as a key wealth-generation vehicle
Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures to replicate Asia, Africa SME model in GCC
SC Ventures to bring its successful SME building strategy in India, South East Asia and Africa to GCC, and plans to roll out an ambitious growth plan through a series of strategic tie-ups
Dubai Loop to trigger new wave of real estate investment demand, experts say
The project is expected to follow a similar pattern of rising property prices as seen along Dubai Metro’s Red Line, which experienced an increase of 27% to 44% between 2010 and 2022
Crypto and capital markets braced for potential bloodbath ahead of ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs
Additional tariffs could push US economic uncertainty index to record levels, surpassing 2008 financial crisis and April 2020 pandemic high
UAE to be launch pad for global initiative to tackle massive crypto theft
Serenity looks to tap into $40bn market with biometric access card for digital currency storage and transactions
AI to accelerate visa processing in UAE amidst massive surge in travel demand
AI-driven platforms are transforming visa applications in the UAE, streamlining processes amid soaring demand for Schengen, US, and Asia-bound travel
Revealed: Speed, efficiency and privacy drive surging crypto adoption in Middle East
A sizeable number of cryptocurrency users in the region, however, are concerned about security risks amidst the surge in phishing scams, exchange breaches, and Ponzi schemes
UAE sees record surge in flight bookings, fuelled by Eid Al Fitr, spring break rush
Industry players report a 65% jump in overall bookings compared to the previous Eid period, which is expected to go up significantly higher this week as the festival date closes
UAE loyalty programmes surge as companies embrace cross-sector collaborations, multi-brand ecosystems to boost profits
Leading UAE companies are investing in AI-powered loyalty programmes, with a focus on creating seamless, high-value experiences
EXCLUSIVE: Dubai’s once-elite racehorse market now open for fractional ownership with digital tokens
The tokenised ‘syndicated ownership’ model for the sector will Simplify asset management and enhance liquidity by making fractional shares of racehorses transferable
UAE jobs: Massive development plans and influx of new businesses drive hiring-spree, oil & gas sector leads the charge
Hiring for blue-collar jobs are seeing the maximum growth, reflecting the UAE’s ongoing mega residential and commercial infrastructure projects
Surging population growth fuels property demand in Dubai in early months of 2025; triggers race for new project launches
With an average household size of four people per unit, the population increase in January–February translates to a demand for more than 51,126 additional homes in 2025, sector experts said
UAE, other MENA stock markets poised for major uptick fuelled by Western capital flows amid regional economic boom
The UAE’s banking sector, comprising 40% of its stock market, offers a buffer against tariff volatility, experts say
Dubai’s economic boom fuels record demand for office space, outpacing supply for new businesses
The spike in demand for Dubai real estate is pushing office rental prices to record highs in central areas, forcing companies to seriously evaluate relocation options
Bitcoin price projected to crash to $70,000 as crypto market’s Trump optimism wanes
The ongoing trade tariff war, discussions of stagflation, and the rush to safe havens are also turning investors away from the crypto market
UAE property developers face rising costs as new launches, labour crunch strain supply chains
The boom in new real estate projects is driving up construction material costs by up to 15%
Revealed: 30% surge in luxury car rentals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi amid rise in business, event-related travel
Maybachs, Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis are among the most sought-after car brands for rent in the UAE
Nod for stablecoins USDC and EURC to accelerate UAE’s emergence as a crypto powerhouse, say experts
The DFSA’s decision will enable over 6,000 DIFC firms to use these stablecoins for payments and treasury functions legally
Crypto exchange major Bitget to make Dubai as hub for its next phase of global expansion
The company has sought a licence from Dubai VARA for a massive expansion of its operations
Missoni teams up with developers for two new UAE real estate launches
The Dubai developer will join hands with Durar Group, a renowned Dubai luxury real estate major, to launch the two branded projects
Crypto market hits ‘extreme fear’ zone: Trump tariffs, US economy slowdown trigger market volatility
Beyond trade tensions, crypto markets are facing uncertainty over a potential US economic slowdown, exacerbated after a raft of weak readings on consumer sentiment
Rupee collapse: UAE NRIs switch to dollars as US economic outlook brightens
The new trend of NRIs holding their investments in USD and AED is linked to the changing profiles of Indian expats in the UAE – and the wider Gulf region
Dubai real estate’s next phase sees end-users outpace investors, bringing stability in mid-to-high-end market: Experts
Mid-to-high-income professionals in the 30–45 age group are making up a larger share of buyers in the end-user demand
Dubai real estate: Freehold rule changes cause spike in buyers, developments, prices, experts say
The joint development efforts are expected to open up opportunities for both owners and developers to maximise the market advantage of these properties
UAE real estate: Rental market surges as investors flock to Ras Al Khaimah amid luxury property boom, tourism wave
Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly emerging as a top choice for real estate investments, as investors increasingly seek alternative destinations that offer luxury and high returns amid soaring property prices in Dubai
Wealthy buyers race for Dubai ultra-luxury homes amid supply squeeze
Dubai’s luxury real estate market is poised for continued momentum, with prices in prime locations expected to remain firm or appreciate further, driven by a limited supply of ultra-luxury properties
Saudi BNPL market to hit $53bn by 2030 as Tabby readies for IPO
Tabby, the leading player in the BNPL market in Saudi Arabia and the region, raised $160 million last week at an estimated $3.3 billion valuation, apparently in a final funding round ahead of an IPO
Dubai commercial real estate boom: Prime office spaces set for 12% value appreciation in 2025
Dubai International Financial Centre and Business Bay areas expected to see up to a 20% rise in rentals this year upon renewals in Grade A and B buildings
Massive spike in remittances by Gulf-based NRIs as rupee nosedives to record levels
The rupee’s sharp decline is likely to drive a further increase in non-resident Indian (NRI) remittances, particularly from the Gulf region
AI regulation: Governments play catch-up as $225bn stablecoin opportunity reshapes global markets
The surge in the use of AI tools and digital currencies, such as stablecoins, comes at a time when powerful economic blocs are relaxing regulations for the sectors, which could trigger a new technological race
Surge in premium fusion segment as foodies in Dubai turn to French cuisines with spicy Indian, healthy Mediterranean twists
Increasing disposable incomes, a thriving tourism sector and a growing appetite for innovative culinary concepts are driving the new trend
India is a $60bn opportunity for GCC retailers, experts say
India’s digital revolution, with over 220 million online shoppers, provides fertile ground for GCC-based e-commerce platforms to expand their reach, experts said
Revealed: ‘Experiential dining’ the new fad among foodies in Dubai as celebrity chefs promote new concepts to chart own paths
The rising popularity of the trend is attracting leading international brands and celebrity chefs to Dubai
What companies will IPO next? Up to 25 tech firms prepare for 2025 listing, report finds
A flurry of fintech, retail, and super-app firms are likely to hit the IPO market this year
Bitcoin price rebounds to cross $100,000 amid lingering fears of major crypto market upheaval
Ethereum rebounded from $2,451 on Monday to $2,799 on Tuesday, marking a significant recovery for the major cryptocurrency