The CEO confirmed that the brand’s UAE partner has exclusive plans to expand Cupbop into Saudi Arabia as well
Author Archives: Nicole Abigael
Nicole Abigael is a Reporter at Arabian Business and host of the AB Majlis podcast. She covers a diverse range of topics including luxury real estate, high-net-worth individuals, technology, and lifestyle trends across the Middle East.
Nicole has led insightful conversations with global industry leaders, top executives, and influential decision-makers.
Her expertise spans across AI, fintech, luxury markets, and digital transformation, exploring how these forces shape economies and industries in the Middle East and beyond.
As a dynamic storyteller, Nicole is dedicated to uncovering the narratives that define the business landscape. From leading high-profile discussions or diving into investigative reporting, she brings a sharp analytical lens and a deep understanding of the evolving business landscape in the region.
For tips, media inquiries, or the AB Majlis podcast, you can reach out to her on:
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best fitness tracker
WHOOP launches new devices in GCC with medical-grade features, longevity focus
Cristiano Ronaldo and regional wellness icon Karen Wazen back new wearables as GCC emerges among WHOOP’s fastest-growing markets
Fujairah
Fujairah to host World Taekwondo Cadet Championships 2025 with record global participation
The event will welcome a record 811 athletes aged between 12 and 14, representing 93 countries
Dubai
Revealed: Turkish wealthy eye Dubai Golden visas amid rising political, social unrest
Surging demand for residency-by-investment schemes comes as Türkiye grapples with growing political and social instability
Maldives
UAE travel to Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles surges amid growing demand for luxury holidays
The surge reflects a broader trend, Indian Ocean destinations are gaining ground as top choices for UAE travellers seeking both luxury and authenticity
Azizi Developments
EXCLUSIVE: Meet Mirwais Azizi – The man behind billion-dollar developments in Dubai – and the world
From skyscrapers to opera houses, Mirwais Azizi is reshaping skylines and communities with a vision powered by legacy, humility, and heartfelt conviction
branded residence
Dubai real estate: Branded residences to double as demand surges, buyers ready to pay 69% premium
Dubai is home to over 81,200 millionaires, more than 237 centimillionaires, and 20 billionaires
Ras Al Khaimah
Revealed: Wynn Al Marjan unveils first look inside resort guest rooms
UAE’s first integrated gaming resort will feature rooms designed with a distinctive entry vestibule separating the sleeping quarters from the corridor
Ras Al Khaimah
UAE casino: Wynn Al Marjan jobs live ahead of 2027 opening
The roles span across various disciplines, from food and beverage and hotel operations to entertainment and wellness
Burj Al Arab
Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab ‘more than just a resort’ says hotel boss
Dubai’s newest luxury resort, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, offers transformative wellness, cultural collaborations, and 11 dining concepts, marking a new era in high-end hospitality
Abu Dhabi
Sotheby’s unveils $100mn diamond collection in historic Abu Dhabi exhibition
The exhibition, hosted in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island, features several rare diamonds including the ‘Mediterranean Blue’
Audemars Piguet
Luxury watch trends 2025: Potential discontinuations from major brands to aid boom in secondary market
Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe investors to potentially experience the best resale value, should discontinuations occur
Flydrive
World’s first FlyDrive vehicle PAL-V Liberty showcased at AIM Congress 2025
As urban centers worldwide face mounting challenges such as traffic congestion and intercity travel delays, the emergence of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) presents a transformative solution
AIM Congress 2025 to host high-level roundtables on global investment trends, challenges
AIM Congress 2025 aims to generate strategic recommendations that will help reshape the global investment landscape
Abu Dhabi to host 20,000 global participants at AIM Congress 2025
Organized by AIM Global Foundation, AIM Congress is a premier international platform focused on driving economic development and fostering investment opportunities
Aviation
UAE Eid Al Fitr 2025: DXB to welcome 3.6 million travellers
DXB will handle approximately 276,000 travelers per day, with the first week of April seeing the sharpest increase
AEON Clinic
AEON Clinic’s International Masterclass on Next-Generation Medicine 2025
The CME-accredited event will take place at Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal from April 23-27, bringing together the world’s leading healthcare and wellness experts
E-commerce
UAE Eid trends revealed: Convenience, flexible payment remains top priority for customers, says Amazon VP
Insights from Amazon Advertising surveys reveal that 66.1 per cent of shoppers in 2024 are focusing on Eid celebrations marking the end of Ramadan
Dubai
Dubai hospitality boom: Thousands of new jobs to emerge as hotel openings surge
Dubai is set to add 4,619 new hotel rooms across 20 properties in 2025, following the addition of 4,255 rooms in 2024
Azizi Developments
EXCLUSIVE: Azizi reveals massive global expansion plan with ‘five to six’ towers in London, eyes Australia, Canada, France and Germany
While international expansion in underway – Azizi remains confident about both the local and global property markets, citing that Dubai’s ability to attract high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) will continue to fuel demand
Dubai
Dubai real estate trends revealed: ‘Community-centric living is the future of leasing’
Recent regulatory changes have also played a key role in reshaping Dubai’s rental market
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Villa market soars as luxury demand outpaces supply, off-plan properties surge
The off-plan segment has emerged as a significant driver of Dubai’s villa market, with buyers becoming increasingly willing to commit to properties under development
Pope Francis
Pope Francis shows ‘slight improvement’ amid ongoing medical treatment
The Vatican reassured the public that Pope Francis’ condition remains stable
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: AI companionships could lead to social isolation, warns Marisa Peer
The growing prevalence of AI companionships, could lead to profound psychological challenges, particularly for younger generations
Dubai
VFS Global relocates Dubai visa center, advises early application during peak season
Ahead of the upcoming summer travel season, VFS Global is encouraging travelers to plan their visa applications well in advance
Apple
Apple iPhone 17 ultra-thin ‘Air’ model revealed in design leak: Reports
Multiple leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air will feature a dramatically slimmer profile measuring potentially as thin as 5.5mm – considerably thinner than the 6.9mm iPhone 6 from 2014
Dubai
Is padel the new tennis? Inside the ‘addictive’ game taking over Dubai’s sporting scene
Dubai is now home to over 250 padel courts, with both the number of courts and players on the rise
beauty and skincare
Glass skin and snail mucus: Inside the unusual world of Korean skincare – a trend or beauty secret?
The race to achieve ‘glass skin’ with emerging trends such as double cleansing, snail mucus, salmon sperm products and more is taking over the internet – but is this all just a passing trend?
ADGM
ADGM records 245% growth in Assets Under Management
The number of operational entities within ADGM rose by 32 percent, reaching 2,381 by the end of 2024
High Net Worth Individuals
Luxury travel for the ultra-wealthy: Inside the Dubai company that curates expeditions for the rich
The Dubai-based company has been serving clients with a net worth of over $50 million, including several celebrities, legacy families, and entrepreneurs, for over 16 years
Makkah
EXCLUSIVE: Saudi’s ROSHN records SAR1.5bn in real estate sales during four-day event
The record-breaking number was driven by the launch of ALMANAR, ROSHN’s first integrated community in Makkah, and the release of new homes in SEDRA, its flagship development in Riyadh
Dubai
Revealed: Dubai’s most expensive schools 2025
Over 20 schools with a Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) rating of ‘outstanding’ are the most expensive schools in the emirate
Doha
Qatar luxury watch, jewellery demand booms as global luxury spending remains flat
Despite its relatively small population, Qatar’s per capita revenue in this sector highlights the country’s strong purchasing power and enduring appetite for premium timepieces and jewellery
Aman
EXCLUSIVE: Ultra-luxury brand Aman CEO unveils ambitious global expansion plan with locations in Dubai, Maldives, Saudi Arabia
Over the last three years, Aman has pre-sold over $5 billion worth of Aman Residences around the world, and Dubai is no exception, Doronin said
Bitcoin
Trump’s return sparks crypto surge: What does this mean for the US, Middle East?
The market’s response to Trump’s re-election and subsequent pro-crypto policies has been swift and pronounced
Four Seasons
Revealed: The island location four hours from Dubai where the rich carry out secret business deals, meetings
With two locations in Seychelles, the Four Seasons offers exclusivity, ultra-luxury properties and world-class amenities in response to demand from high-net-worth individuals
Branded residences
Branded real estate: Four Seasons expands UAE presence with Ras Al Khaimah resort, private residences
Located in the Mina waterfront destination, the property will feature 150 rooms and 130 private residences
Branded residences
EXCLUSIVE: Prince of Georgia eyes UAE investors for Georgian luxury real estate
The strengthening ties between the UAE and Georgia have created a natural investment corridor
Dubai
One man, 40 years, one thousand rings: Inside the Yves Gastou collection of men’s rings in Dubai
Collected for over 40 years, the rings represent more than just jewellery – it’s a chronicle of craftsmanship, history, and passion that spans continents and centuries
Dubai
Influencers flock to Dubai ‘faster than brunch reservations on a Saturday’ fueled by Golden Visas, zero income tax, luxury lifestyle
Dubai is currently witnessing an increase in relocation of social media stars to the city, predominantly from US, Asia and Europe
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: From mechanic to CEO – Al Masaood’s Irfan Tansel steers auto dealer through digital age
Auto industry veteran Tansel is charting Al Masaood’s shift from ‘nuts and bolts’ to a digital dealership
business ventures
‘Side hustles’ in Dubai: The do’s and don’ts of owning a business while working as a full-time employee
In Dubai, anyone looking to engage in economic activity, whether as a full-time employee or otherwise, must obtain the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities
anxiety
Inside the $100k a week London retreat where the Middle East’s richest seek mental health treatment
The clinic’s unique approach includes integrating family support, maintaining confidentiality, and providing aftercare programs – treatment costs range from £50,000 to £95,000 per week
DIB
DIB increases stake in Türkiye’s Digital Bank to 25%
The move follows the initial acquisition in September 2023, further cementing DIB’s presence in Türkiye’s dynamic financial landscape
Commercial
Saudi commercial registrations surge by 60% in 2024
The registrations covered various economic sectors, with wholesale and retail trade, construction, accommodation and food services, and manufacturing industries leading the list
billionaires
Global billionaires’ wealth increases by $2 trillion in 2024: Report
The report is unveiled at a time when the richest of the world began to assemble in Davos for their annual jamboree in the ski resort town
climate change
Donald Trump to declare national energy emergency: Report
The move is set to be among an array of actions Trump will take – starting hours after he’s sworn in on Monday – to deliver on campaign promises to boost domestic energy output
eSIM
MENA eSim market grows 20% driven by surging travel, IoT adoption, 5G network rollout
eSIM technology is projected to power 33% of all smartphone connections in the MENA region this year, which is projected to jump to 68% by 2030
Cryptocurrency
Bitget LaunchX to support Jambo’s $5mn fundraising for first ever crypto space programme
The satellite programme is the next phase to vertically integrate borderless data access to JamboPhone users around the world
Blockchain
Dizzaract Games launches as Middle East’s largest game development studio
The company also pioneering AI integration in gaming
BNPL
Debt in disguise: Experts issue Buy Now Pay Later warning as ‘clever marketing’ risks overspending
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans have been gaining popularity with several service providers offering ease of multiple payment purchases, however, experts urge users to stay vigilant of potential debt traps
Chinese New Year
Dubai restaurants to profit from Chinese New Year as tourists, expats drive demand
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, F&B establishments in Dubai are set to bank from the increased footfall and rising revenue due to growing demand from the city’s vast expat population
Dubai
Dubai real estate market sees rising interest from Germans, French, British as investor demographic shifts
The city’s stability and investor-friendly environment have positioned it as an appealing alternative for international property buyers
Abu Dhabi
Like ‘London 20 years ago’: Why global entrepreneurs are betting big on Dubai, everything you need to know
The city has several initiatives and support entities to aid the growth and development of startups in Dubai