Cryptocurrencies are gaining traction as a diversification tool, especially among younger investor demographics who are keen on digital assets
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.
Cryptocurrency
Revealed: UAE emerging as hotbed for global hedge funds as funds embrace digital assets in a big way
Most hedge funds are also participating in funding rounds involving promising firms coming up in the sector in the UAE and the region
Initial public offering
LuLu IPO: More retailers across MENA now eye IPO, up to $100bn in market cap on the way
Strong fundamentals such as stability, sustainability and scalability to drive the IPO surge among the region’s retail and grocery market players
Dubai
London’s loss is Dubai’s gain: Fears of UK non-dom tax law change triggers influx of real estate buyers
The change in the UK law will keep demand for prime and super-prime luxury properties in Dubai strong through the last quarter of this year and into 2025, an expert believes
Cryptocurrency
US elections 2024: Gold rallies, crypto dips as markets price in Trump victory before rate cuts
Gold ETFs post strong rally, marking the longest winning streak since July, and adding an estimated whopping 157,117 troy ounces of gold in the last trading session alone
Edtech
Thaw in ‘funding winter’ in UAE as market sees slew of multi-million, double digit investment deals
The trend is expected to continue as regional economies rebound and investors look for opportunities in emerging markets
Bullion Market
Gold prices surge to all-time high on Friday as rate cut, US election uncertainties drive investors to the safe haven asset
The current rally in gold prices comes close on the heels of gold emerging as the standout asset in Q3, 2024, appreciating by a whopping 13.8%
Dubai
Dubai real estate with high ‘value-for-money’ appeal sees buyer demand spike
This, along with the growing preferences for community-focused developments leading to an increase in demand for mid-to-high tier properties in well-developed communities
UAE
Revealed: UAE’s tourism sector predicted to see a massive surge; to drive $100bn contribution to economy
UAE’s visa reforms and relaxed entry requirements make it easier for tourists from various countries to visit, encouraging more spontaneous travel and tourism
Dubai
Dubai real estate demand expected to spike as renters look to buy: Report
The study revealed that the anticipation of further firming of property prices in Dubai is a major reason for tenants to buy houses as early as possible
Dubai
Dubai real estate shifts to mixed-use developments with ‘holistic living experience’: Experts
Dubai property developers target young professionals and the rapidly growing middle class with affordable housing amid rising rents
Bahrain
Surge in ‘workation’ in GCC as CEOs, business owners and top-paid expats take overseas family outings at whims
Seeking finest experiences such as sessions with top hairdressers, getting luxurious facials and shopping at top-end designer places are among the ‘to do’ items for their family members, while CEOs continue with company work on the go
Branded residences
Revealed: Global rich ditch volatile stock market for Dubai’s luxury real estate market
Dubai’s property market hit a 10-year high in recent months, attracting an influx of HNWIs from India, Russia, the UK and more to the UAE
Blockchain
UAE resilience, innovation to drive long-term investor support despite regional headwinds: Experts
Global VC and fintech players are taking a long-term, strategic view on investments in the UAE and the region
affordable housing in dubai
Dubai real estate: Influx of European job seekers spurs demand for mid-market housing
New expats seek unique and memorable in the design and furnishings of the apartment in Dubai
Bitcoin
Middle East conflict triggers 12% plunge in global cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin falls to $60,750: Experts
The cryptocurrency market has seen a very intense liquidation over the last few days following the sudden escalation of the regional conflict in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia
Travel trends: UAE, Saudi travellers embrace ‘Slow’, ‘Solo’ holidays amidst shift towards longer stays
According to a survey, a significant number of travellers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia have already embarked on slow holidays
delivery services
Revealed: Saudi Arabia’s hyperlocal retail market poised for $13.5bn surge, driving sector growth by 2030
The Kingdom’s hyperlocal market is predicted to see a number of IPOs as leading players scurry to raise investments to fund their aggressive growth plans
Artificial intelligence
Dubai rises as epicentre of PropTech innovation as city’s real estate firms chase new-age tech tools with massive investments
PropTech startups in the MENA region secured $200 million in funding in the first half of 2024, surpassing even the traditionally dominant fintech sector
cross-border payments
Revealed: Stablecoin market capitalisation hits a massive $172bn globally; fast emerging as alternative to dollar savings
They also offer new possibilities for cross-border payments and asset management, improving efficiency and reducing costs, disrupting the business models of traditional banks and financial institutions
Abu Dhabi
India, UAE businesses cash in on major demand for Abu Dhabi mega-events IIFA, Grand Prix, Coldplay concert
Booking portals are aggressively marketing major events across the UAE capital to maximise returns during peak tourist season
Dubai
Global heavyweights in real estate sector eye expansion into UAE, GCC amid talk of next round of market boom
With the start of the new interest rate cut cycle leading to fall in mortgage rates, market experts predict a surge in real estate investments in the region
GCC investors
Fed rate cut impact: GCC investment managers turn bullish on gold, US equities
Gold prices hit a new high of $2.635 per ounce on Tuesday morning trading hours, gaining more than 2.2% in the last few days trading sessions post-rate cut
Dubai
Moscow’s loss, Dubai’s gain? Russian buyers flock to UAE real estate as mortgage rates skyrocket to 18% in home market
Cash rich investors from France are also flocking to upscale Dubai properties as UAE offers nearly half payback period on investments compared to Paris
HR technology
Revealed: UAE, Saudi Arabia seeing influx of new-age HR ventures amidst slew of labour law changes, surge in expat employees
The move is attracting a number of international investors to the Gulf region to cash in on the business potential
Family offices
India’s Playbook Partners close to striking deals with UAE, Saudi institutional investors, large family offices for $250mn fund
The initial target of $250 million corpus for the fund could go up several notches if the institutional investors from the region agree to write bigger cheques
Blockchain
Gaming industry poised for big churn with new breed of developers shifting to ‘play-generate value-earn’ model to boost user engagement
The new set of game developers is using Blockchain as a tool to enhance the gaming experience for users, rather than deploying the technology to add more complexity to games
AI
UAE, Saudi corporates leverage AI-based HR tech for international expansion
In the GCC – mainly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia – 6 out of 10 CHROs plan to invest significantly in HR tech in 2024, with 37% focusing on AI technologies to address talent shortages and skill development
Donald Trump
GCC, Indian market players investing in renewable energy, pharma, IT stocks betting on a Harris win
Investors are also hedging on shares of oil and gas and defence sectors to play safe if Trump gets elected in the November 5 election
Fashion
Saudi Arabia: Women’s fashion projected to become $53bn market by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s young and tech-savvy population with high disposable income will fuel the growth of online fashion
digital economy
Games of the Future 2025: Event to tip global gaming hubs status in UAE’s favour from Korea, Los Angeles, say industry leaders
The Games of the Future 2025 will align seamlessly with the UAE’s broader goals of becoming a leader in the global digital economy
stock market
Gulf wealth managers brace for market volatility, strategize to mitigate risks ahead of ‘watershed’ 2024 US election
Investors are drawing up a prudent diversification strategy to focus on alternative assets to ride out the anticipated market storm ahead of the US election
Bitcoin
Fed rate cut: Cryptocurrency market holds breath for US payroll data as interest rate drop looms
The US’s upcoming jobs report is expected to have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market, a month after disappointing results led to a market meltdown across the globe
Arab world
Paddy Upton: UAE, Saudi companies can supercharge growth through best practices
Upton said shunning foreign influence inevitably limits the potential for expansion and multinational success
Donald Trump
US presidential election 2024: Markets in suspense as latest odds give Trump a 4% edge over Harris
The latest opinion polls gave only a shade higher rating – 0.1% – to 43.8% to Trump, as against 47.1% for Harris
Pakistan
Pakistan fintech PostEx to disrupt e-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia, UAE with upfront payment solutions to merchants
Company founder Khan says while there are existing players in both markets, their hybrid solution will make it unique in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Dubai
Dubai real estate developer eyes massive expansion across UAE, beyond
The company is preparing to launch its maiden mixed residential and commercial project in October in Dubai
crude oil price
Oil prices to spike, gold faces high volatility amid potential US Fed interest rate cut
The rebound in oil prices could be short-lived as concerns over demand and a potential supply surplus loomed large
Real Estate
Australian real estate firms target UAE, Saudi investors with events amid major housing shortage
This comes ahead of an expected real estate investment boom in the runup to the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane
bleisure travel
Spike in ‘bleisure travel’ keeps cash counters busy, bottom lines up for UAE hospitality, tourism sector players
The market is increasingly seeing a shift towards ‘value for money’ travel, keeping hoteliers to innovate and strategise to offer personalised and customised experiences for guests
Dubai
Revealed: Tokenisation to spur next growth phase of Dubai’s real estate sector
The rise of tokenisation and blockchain technology in Dubai – and larger UAE – is also boosting fractional ownership of real estate assets, even encompassing various high-value assets such as vacation homes
E-commerce
UAE set to be at the forefront of impending logistics sector transformation, says industry expert
The surge in e-commerce revenues in UAE and GCC is to shape the future of the logistics industry in the region, with Dubai set to be the main beneficiary
Dubai
UAE property: Dubai developer PG Real Estate targets cash-rich international investors with new advisory arm
The new real estate advisory arm will offer a host of services in areas such as investment, asset management, property valuation, and strategic portfolio optimisation
Artificial intelligence
UAE’s first AI real estate consultant closes $30mn worth of property deals within weeks of launch
The social media influence of Jucica Brown, the new virtual real estate consultant launched by Dubai-headquartered Realiste on the short message platform Telegram, has also already garnered 100,000 followers on Instagram
circular economy
How one UAE startup is changing consumer habits by rewarding those who recycle
Sparklo not only recycled 33 million bottles, but also rewards those who recycle with discounts on groceries, utility payments, car charging, and more as an incentive for recycling
ayurveda
Inside Tulåh – UAE company’s first $100mn clinical wellness resort launching this December
The resort will offer a combo package of the best of modern medicine, traditional Indian healthcare and luxury hospitality to align the mind, body and soul
Financial Market
MENA region poised for $50bn market boom despite US recession fears, market volatility
Over 60 Rhinos and classified ventures are expected to hit the market within the next 3 to 5 years, experts reveal
Dubai
Revealed: Dubai investors flock to large properties, defying global demand surge for smaller apartments
Skyrocketing real estate prices and increasing urbanisation are cited as the major reasons for the rising global preferences for smaller apartments
India
Tata Group arm Titan Watches eyes massive regional expansion with 35 GCC outlets
The proposed expansion in the region will see Titan extending its product line in the region with launches of a range of fragrances and its stylish Fastrack sunglasses
Dubai
Super rich global property investors ditch London for Dubai over concerns on new Labour govt tax, spend priorities
Dubai’s steady and high yielding RoI potentials from property investments are adding to the lure for cash-rich buyers to shift their focus to the emirate
Dubai
Dubai rental market: Landlords in hot competition for eye-catching innovations to woo premium tenants
The demand for apartment renovations in Dubai is not only rising, but taking unusual and expensive proportions
Employee
Rising global cost of living pushes some UAE businesses to adjust salaries as inflation bites
Increasing living expenses spur a wave of wage reviews and incentive schemes globally, experts say
healthy diet
Revealed: UAE, Saudi Arabia lead strong GCC consumer shift towards flexitarianism, healthy eating
The shift is triggering a projected eight-times surge in the size of plant-based meat market to $500 million by 2030 from a mere $60 million in 2023
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Seabeats announces novel insurance plan to cover all aspects of home ownership
The proposed house insurance cover will offer coverage for both the structure of the house as well as the contents inside, beside protection against natural disasters such as floods, and earthquakes, as well as accidents like fires