Author Archives: Sharon Benjamin
Born and raised in the heart of the Middle East, Sharon Benjamin has been making waves as a reporter for Arabian Business since 2022. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity for the world of business, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry.
Sharon's passion for art and culture shines through in her work, where she seamlessly blends the worlds of commerce and creativity. Her interviews with some of the region's most influential business figures provide an insightful glimpse into their perspectives, strategies, and the unique intersections of culture and entrepreneurship.
When Sharon isn't on the hunt for the next big story or exploring the dynamic business landscape of the Middle East, you'll likely find her at home, surrounded by her beloved feline friend. She often jokes that her cat is her toughest and most adorable critic.
All Articles
Blockchain
Dubai real estate tokenization: Here’s why young investors are eyeing fractional property ownership, according to experts
Dubai’s real estate tokenization is lowering investment barriers, making luxury properties accessible to younger investors with smaller budgets, experts told Arabian Business
AECB credit score
UAE credit score: What really affects it? Experts weigh in
Discover the hidden factors that could be silently destroying your UAE credit score – and the simple steps that could save you thousands of dirhams
Dubai
From $7.50 to a real estate empire: The 47-year love story behind Sobha’s global luxury legacy
How a dream, relentless grit, and a 47-year marriage created one of real estate’s most iconic dynasties
5G
Airplane mode: Do we really need it in 2025? Experts weigh in
As airlines from the world over roll out 5G services that let passengers make calls mid-flight, the question really is – does this decades-old ritual still makes sense?
Amazon
Amazon extends Prime Day sale due to ‘thoughtful shopping’ shift in UAE, Saudi, says chief
“There has never been a better time to be a Prime member,” Stefano Martinelli, Vice President, Amazon Middle East and North Africa told Arabian Business
affordable housing in dubai
Dubai real estate: What is illegal subletting? Experts warn against shared flats, lease breaches
Regular inspections carried out by Dubai Municipality have reduced the opportunities for illegal subletting
Dubai
Dubai real estate: What is the first-time home buyer initiative? Everything you need to know
The timing of the launch during Dubai’s strong property market performance is considered “ideal,” industry experts said
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi real estate: New property laws explained
Abu Dhabi has enacted major real estate law reforms to boost investor protection, streamline oversight
insurance industry
UAE pet insurance: Is it really worth it? Experts weigh in
With veterinary costs rising and more residents embracing pet ownership, insurance is becoming a growing consideration for UAE pet parents – but is it worth the cost?
Aman Group
EXCLUSIVE: Ultra-luxury brand Aman Group announces first branded residences in Saudi Arabia
Each residence at Amansamar in Saudi Arabia will contain five to six bedrooms and will be set on plots starting from 9,000 square metres
Amaala
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global ‘on track’ to open AMAALA, 11 resorts fuelled by ‘surging’ investor demand
The next 6 to 12 months will see “continued evolution” of Red Sea Global’s offerings, Ahmad Darwish, Group Chief Administrative Officer said
Dubai
UAE residents need nearly $1,800 monthly to become millionaires in 10 years, financial experts reveal
Most UAE residents are missing millions in potential wealth by starting too late, despite having a unique tax-free advantage, experts told Arabian Business
employment opportunities
UAE jobs: Can you work for two employers at the same time? Rules explained
In 2018, UAE MoHRE introduced new regulations allowing companies to recruit skilled workers under part-time contract arrangements
Indian Aces 2025
Indian Aces 2025: How 25 Family Dynasties are reshaping the Gulf’s $2bn business landscape
The Family Dynasties category of Indian Aces 2025 tells a story that runs deeper than succession
Indian Aces 2025
Indian Aces 2025: When business success becomes social infrastructure
What sets this year’s Change Makers in the Indian Aces 2025 list apart is how they’ve turned profit into purpose – and made purpose profitable
Blockchain
Dubai real estate: How to buy property for $545 – tokenization explained
Here is a full guide to understanding what Dubai real estate tokenization is all about
Beeah Group
EXCLUSIVE: Sharjah’s BEEAH to unveil ‘major’ UAE development in coming weeks, CEOs reveal
BEEAH – the Sharjah-based sustainability group – is set to announce its first real estate project in the coming weeks, promising to bring its ecosystem of innovations to property development
Dubai
EXCLUSIVE: Dubai real estate giant Sobha Realty eyes 3 Texas cities for major U.S. expansion
Sobha Realty will initially focus on key cities in Texas, specifically Dallas, Houston, and Austin, the company’s Chairman told Arabian Business
BNPL
UAE malls in ‘non-prime’ areas could face pressure from Chinese goods diversion amid U.S. tariffs
UAE retailers are preparing for significant changes in 2025 as global trade tensions and evolving payment preferences reshape the regional shopping landscape
AI
UAE to introduce mandatory AI subject in schools from 2025: What does this mean for teachers
The UAE’s plan to introduce AI in all public schools marks a major step toward preparing students for a tech-driven future – here’s how teachers can prepare
Dubai
Unlock Dubai’s next property boom: Experts weight in on the right time to buy
How record-shattering sales and double-digit gains are creating fresh investment opportunities, and why now might be your moment to capitalise
Al Siniya Island
Umm Al Quwain an ‘investment hotspot’ in UAE, say real estate experts
Major masterplan developments such as Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty have become the primary investment catalysts in Umm Al Quwain
Bolt
EXCLUSIVE: talabat, Bolt announce ride services for ‘pro’ Dubai customers in major partnership
The agreement between talabat and Bolt was unveiled during a joint press event in Dubai
investment opportunities
Ras Al Khaimah is ‘prime’ for investment now, says RAKTDA CEO
Here’s why you should “put your money” in the emirate, according to RAKTDA CEO Raki Philips
Al Wasl Dome
ATM 2025: ‘Nothing like exchanging vows’ at Al Wasl Dome, says Expo City Dubai chief as $2.7bn DEC makeover turns venue into MICE hotspot
In an exclusive interview, Sholto Douglas-Home outlines updates on DEC expansion, upcoming events at Expo City Dubai, and future plans
Arabian Travel Market
ATM 2025: Emirates will ‘never compromise’ on quality, innovation, says airline boss
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer talks Al Maktoum Airport updates, market competition and how the airline always stays ‘ahead of the game’
Arabian Travel Market
EXCLUSIVE: Saudia to focus on new ‘digital approach’ as airline eyes faster innovation to match Emirates, Etihad, flydubai
EVP Arved von zur Muehlen outlines the airline’s plans to close the gap through fleet growth, Riyadh Air launch, tech upgrades, and Vision 2030 momentum
Al Maktoum International Airport
ATM 2025: Sharjah to play a ‘pivotal role’ when Dubai shifts airport operations to Al Maktoum International, says Arada boss
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business¸ Arada COO Amit Arora revealed new hospitality plans as Sharjah gears up for a larger role in UAE’s tourism and aviation space
Aljada
ATM 2025: Arada unveils all new Nest Hotel brand with first property in Sharjah
Situated five minutes from Sharjah International Airport, Nest Hotel Aljada will open in October this year
AI governance
Viral ChatGPT social media trends spark legal, ethical AI ‘threat’ as UAE experts warn of data risks
AI-driven Studio Ghibli, action figure images as part of viral trends raise alarms among UAE experts, warning that creatives’ rights and copyright protections are being compromised in the rush for innovation
designer swimwear
Orlebar Brown chief: ‘We have barely started; still a lot to prove and accomplish’ in luxury swimwear market
In an exclusive interview, Orlebar Brown co-founder Adam Brown reveals how the London luxury brand is making waves with tailored menswear, navigating challenges, and charting ambitious expansion courses
financial planning
UAE jobs: Why are Gen Z employees ‘micro-retiring’? The TikTok work trend explained
What is micro-retirement? And why is Gen Z embracing it? UAE career experts weigh in
Bread Ahead
‘I have no interest in that’: Viral Dubai chocolate a ‘gimmick’, Bread Ahead boss says
Bread Ahead operates 9 locations in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with plans to expand to 12 locations and 3 bakery schools by mid-2025, its founder exclusively told Arabian Business
Covid
‘We had to adapt fast’: Five years on, UAE healthcare workers recall COVID-19’s lasting impact
UAE healthcare frontline heroes talk lessons from the pandemic, the nation’s resilience and why being future-ready is important
Dubai
Dubai real estate: How much do you need to save to buy a $1m property
How much should Dubai property buyers save before purchasing a $1 million home, beyond the down payment?
Gold
UAE gold prices: Is it the right time to invest? Experts weigh in
Should UAE investors buy gold amid record prices and market fluctuations? Here’s what experts told Arabian Business
Dubai
Emaar, Ellington, Meraas, Omniyat among Dubai real estate developers to watch in 2025: Experts
Who are the developers leading Dubai’s record-breaking property market for investment growth in 2025? Here’s what experts told Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi
UAE megaprojects 2025: 50 massive developments set to transform the nation
Here are some of UAE’s upcoming projects planned for the next decade
Abu Dhabi
EXCLUSIVE: talabat IPO ‘very successful’, plans 2025 product expansion, says CEO
talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez discusses the company’s IPO, market strategy, and future expansion plans with Arabian Business
Alserkal Avenue
Dubai’s bkry plans major expansion as ‘overwhelming’ demand fuels success
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, co-founder and head pastry chef Kameel Rasyid shares bkry’s recipe for success, future plans, and why staying close to your roots is important
financial behaviour
UAE money: Does the new TikTok ‘no-spend’ challenge truly work? Dubai finance experts weigh in
Young professionals are turning to TikTok’s ‘no-spend’ challenge to combat rising costs of living, but is the trend a short-term fix or a lasting solution?
Dubai
UK 17-year-old swimmer Barnaby Ryder aims for historic Dubai World Islands attempt
In an exclusive interview, Ryder outlines his plans for the swim, the importance of men’s mental health and why Dubai holds a special place in his heart
Employees
UAE jobs: Why are employees ‘revenge quitting’? Dubai career experts weigh in
As workplace dynamics change, a new trend appears where employees are picking unusual ways to leave their jobs – but is it wise to revenge quit?
NEOM
Saudi Arabia megaprojects: 19 major developments transforming the kingdom
Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar projects to diversify its economy, generate jobs, and establish itself as a global commercial hub
Data privacy
UAE smartphones: Should you trade-in your phone for a new one? Experts weigh in
Trading in your smartphone in the UAE? Here’s why a basic factory reset isn’t enough to protect your privacy
Dubai
Dubai real estate: DLD opens freehold property conversion for Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Jaddaf – everything you need to know
Dubai’s freehold conversion of properties on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf is set to boost investment and attract global buyers – but what does this mean for owners and residents?
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority
Exhibition World Bahrain ‘complements’ Dubai, Abu Dhabi venues; not ‘competing with them’, says Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions boss
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Exhibition World Bahrain Chairman Sara Buhiji outlines the success behind the venue to host global events, future plans and more
Dubai
Dubai traffic to ease: Mall of the Emirates to reduce 50% travel time during peak season with new infrastructure upgrades
On January 12, RTA opened a new bridge that offers direct access to visitors to Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates
anxiety
UAE jobs: Why are Gen Z workers are taking more sick leaves? Career experts weigh in
Gen Z workers are taking more sick days than previous generations – but is it really necessary?
respiratory illness
HMPV: Doctors say UAE residents have no need to ‘worry or panic’ on new virus
As China battles a surge in HMPV cases, UAE doctors reassure residents about this common respiratory virus while advising basic precautions during travel
Dubai
Dubai Smart Rental Index 2025: Everything you need to know about the ‘game-changing’ and ‘improved’ system, according to experts
Dubai’s new Smart Rental Index 2025 leverages AI and real-time data to calculate rental values, aiming to enhance market transparency, protect tenant rights, and provide investors with accurate insights
gen z
UAE jobs: Should you be a ‘brat’ at work? Experts weigh in
Gen Z workers are embracing the ‘brat’ TikTok trend to thrive at work by prioritising their mental health, taking more sick leaves, and more – but is it the right approach?