In an exclusive interview, Dnata’s Group chief executive Steve Allen revealed plans to introduce more automation and new technologies like baggage scanning to optimise operations and enhance the passenger experience
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.
Office peacocking
UAE jobs: Office peacocking, coffee badging among new tactics to lure employees back to office
‘External validation’ and ‘pressure’ – UAE experts reveal the psychology behind office peacocking and coffee badging
Dubai
Dubai luxury hospitality market ‘crowded’ with ‘a number of really good products’: Rotana CEO
Rotana reveals plans for strategic expansion into new markets while emphasising the importance of consistency and strategic partnerships for success in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Arabian Travel Market
Dubai ‘will never compromise’ on safety, security of tourists, residents, says DET Vice President
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business at Arabian Travel Market 2024, Hoor Al Khaja, Senior VP, International Operations at Dubai DET speaks on why D33 is an important agenda for the city, and more
AlUla
Saudi Arabia is going through a ‘transformative time’, says top AlUla executive
Melanie de Souza, the Executive Director Destination Marketing, The Royal Commission for AlUla talks Saudi Vision 2030, international visits and more with Arabian Business at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Dubai
Dubai ‘incredibly good’ at welcoming guests with new experiences, says top Hyatt executive
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business at the Arabian Travel Market 2024, Hyatt’s Moritz W. Frings speaks about the new Grand Hyatt Dubai Water Park, its upcoming Red Sea Hotel and more
Dubai
‘Dubai is a place we can keep learning from’: Goa Tourism Minister
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Rohan Khaunte – the Minister of Tourism of Goa – discussed why ATM 2024 is important for Goa, upcoming plans and ‘regenerative’ and ‘responsible’ tourism
Dubai
Ain Dubai will open when ‘ready’, says Dubai Holding Entertainment chief
Dubai Holding Entertainment aims to open Ain Dubai, the world’s largest wheel, and extends Global Village season due to high demand and increasing international visitors
Emirates
Emirates’ Sheikh Ahmed welcomes Riyadh Air launch ‘as a plus point’
“I wish Riyadh all the best,” Sheikh Ahmed said at the 2024 edition of Arabian Travel Market
Airlines
Riyadh Air will ‘disrupt’ airline industry in 2025 launch, says chief commercial officer
The new airline will begin operations “very fast,” the executive said
Abu Dhabi
What does it take to become Abu Dhabi Yas Island’s Chief Island Officer? Miral chief reveals
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Miral Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi discussed the role of a Chief Island Officer, tourism plans, and upcoming attractions
casino
EXCLUSIVE: RAK’s Wynn Resorts to launch gaming on opening
Wynn Al Marjan, a $3.9bn beachfront resort in Ras Al Khaimah, will become UAE’s first integrated gaming resort, offering a diverse range of attractions and incorporating natural elements into its design
RAK
RAK economy ‘extremely healthy’ for investors, RAKTDA boss says at ATM 2024
Ras Al Khaimah is developing tourism rapidly, aiming to triple visitor numbers by the decade’s end through major projects and growing interest from China, India and the MENA region
Dubai
Dubai real estate: How much should you save to buy an AED1mn property?
Dubai’s property market is experiencing significant growth, making it an attractive option for buyers, but careful financial assessment and consideration of associated costs are crucial before making a purchase
Cybersecurity
Read before you agree: UAE experts warn users to pay ‘more attention’ to digital privacy policies amid rising cybersecurity risks
UAE experts map out the importance of reading privacy policies to understand data handling and protect personal information online
Dubai
Dubai South real estate to rise amid massive Al Maktoum airport expansion plan: Experts
The recent expansion announcement of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South will lead to “increased demand” for properties in the area and a “steady rise” in property prices, experts told Arabian Business
Dubai
UAE floods: Dubai experts urge better home insurance coverage following record rainfall
Climate change needs to be taken more seriously, experts warn, urging residents to be better prepared for the future after record-breaking rains hit the UAE last week
Abu Dhabi
UAE heavy rains, thunder, and more: Inside the NCM’s cloud seeding missions
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) Director Alya Al Mazrouei discusses cloud seeding missions, rainfall targets and more
Dubai
Keratopigmentation: UAE doctors sound alarm on dangers of viral eye tattooing TikTok trend
UAE ophthamologists take a look at the viral TikTok trend of Keratopigmentation which lets people change their eye colour permanently
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Buying vs. Selling – What should you be doing in 2024? Experts weigh in
Here is a full guide to buying and selling property in 2024, as advised by Dubai real estate experts
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Best property type to sell in 2024, experts reveal
Apartments, condos, and townhouses in certain areas are the best-selling properties in Dubai right now, experts reveal
Employment
UAE jobs: Should interns be paid? Experts say yes
Companies should consider paying interns to expand opportunities, increase commitment, and gain value from a diverse pool of candidates, according to UAE experts
Employees
UAE jobs: Dealing with a toxic workplace? Here are 5 steps you can take, according to experts
Toxic workplace environments can negatively impact employees’ mental and physical health, so effective communication from leadership is key, and if issues persist, documentation and exploring other job options may be necessary, experts say
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Should I sell my property in 2024? Experts weigh in
As Dubai’s booming luxury property market hits new highs, property experts advise both sellers and buyers to strategically time their moves for maximum gains based on location, condition, and investment goals
Property in Ras al Khaimah
UAE real estate: ‘Now’ best time to buy Ras Al Khaimah property, say experts
There is a ‘high demand’ for Ras Al Khaimah properties from Dubai locals, expats and also investors from Russia, CIS countries, experts reveal
advertisement
Dubai’s InsuranceMarket.ae goes viral as highway ads takeover city, CEO confirms ‘significant investment’
InsuranceMarket.ae CEO talks to Arabian Business about the company’s marketing campaign across the UAE in response to a viral Instagram video showcasing its ads across Dubai
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Should you invest in a villa, townhouse or apartment in 2024? Experts weigh in
Experts say that while Dubai villas and townhouses saw strong demand during the pandemic due to more space needs, apartments may now offer better investment opportunities and potential for price gains in 2024 due to their relative affordability and continuing high demand
Abu Dhabi
Magic in UAE: British magician DMC reveals plans to build real-life Hogwarts, secrets behind ‘Impossible’ show at Emirates Palace
World-renowned magician DMC speaks about his journey so far, performing ‘Impossible’ at Emirates Palace, setting up “Hogwarts,” and the secrets of being a good magician
financial planning
Gen Z, Millennials better with money than boomers, HSBC boss says
Gen Z and Millennials are better prepared for finance than past generations, however they are not ready for big inheritances without the right plans, says HSBC global wealth chief Nuno Matos
assets under management
UAE among most ‘credible and solid’ international wealth hubs, says HSBC boss
The UAE is growing as a wealth management hub according to HSBC global wealth chief Nuno Matos, but some entrepreneurs worry their family lacks skills, passion, and work ethic to inherit the business
DTC
Inside Dubai’s exclusive Pink Taxis keeping women and families safe for 17 years
This International Women’s Day, Arabian Business takes a closer look at the service run by incredible women who are breaking barriers, empowering communities, and redefining the transport landscape in Dubai
Branded residences
Dubai branded residences: Taraf, Karl Lagerfeld announces new exclusive real estate project with villas starting at $4.1mn
In an exclusive interview, Karl Lagerfeld chief executive Pier Paolo Righi and Taraf chief executive Ahmed Shibel discussed the project’s many details
beauty and skincare
Fillers, Botox body contouring, clean beauty: Here are the upcoming cosmetic trends for 2024
The UAE beauty industry is expected to see various cosmetic trends, with a focus on customisable procedures and natural looks in 2024
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Inside the $40mn ‘Dragonfly’ villa inspired by Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya’s Dune movie series
The villa spans 2,500 square meters and features futuristic elements, such as a long and flat roofline depicting the wings of a dragonfly
Artificial intelligence
Rise of AI deepfakes: ‘We need to rethink what we share,’ Kaspersky data scientist says
The UAE is advanced in AI, but responsible and ethical use of AI is crucial especially as AI hallucinations, privacy risks, and cybersecurity threats lurk worldwide, Kaspersky’s Lead Data Scientist said
Cyberattack
‘No one is safe’ as global cyberattacks increase, says Kaspersky boss
Kaspersky’s Amin Hasbini discusses widespread ransomware and phishing attacks seen across the world including in UAE and Saudi Arabia, and the need for organisations to avoid cyber threats
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Emaar Properties announces MASSIVE expansion of The Oasis project
The expansion has increased the development’s lush landscapes by 108%, elevating the total development value from AED34 billion to AED73 billion
Dubai
Dubai real estate fake listing deadline: Agents must remove fraudulent ads or face fines
Real estate listings in Dubai with the Trakheesi QR code can help buyers and renters verify the listing’s authenticity
flexible working
UAE remote working ‘valuable element’ but dangers remain: Experts
Remote work in the UAE poses both productivity benefits and challenges according to experts, with setting clear boundaries and maintaining social connections being key factors
Dubai
UAE fine dining is taking Dubai by storm, but is it worth the cost?
Dubai’s fine dining scene has experienced significant growth, attracting both locals and global travellers, but opinions on its worth and value vary among consumers and experts
Riyadh
Riyadh Sports Boulevard part of plan to make city ‘one of the world’s greatest,’ megaproject boss says
Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard megaproject aims to transform the Saudi capital into a top global destination by creating a 135km green pathway with facilities for 50 different sports and more
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Rent to remain ‘unchanged’ for villas but apartments to see price hike, expert says
Dubai’s real estate market saw record-high rents and strong growth in Q4 2023, with villa rents reaching a decade-high average and apartments continuing an upward trend
Dubai
UAE Golden Visa: Dubai real estate expects boost as ‘minimum down payment’ rule dropped
The removal of the down payment was reported by local media last week, and will likely be a boon to property investment in the UAE
Employees
UAE Gen Z ‘difficult to work with’: Here’s how employers can retain them
UAE companies can retain Gen Z talent by understanding their unique needs, providing development opportunities, leveraging modern tools, offering customised benefits, promoting work-life balance, and giving timely feedback, experts said
Financial literacy
UAE Gen Z employees are ‘doom spending’ and maxing credit cards to cope with economic uncertainty, say experts
As global uncertainties mount, from war to inflation, more individuals appear to be coping through short-sighted consumption booms. If unchecked, experts say doom spending trends could worsen future financial instability on both personal and national economic levels
Dubai
Dr Jane Goodall: ‘No simple answer’ to sustainability
The world-renowned primatologist and anthropologist announced the establishment of a permanent Roots & Shoots office at Expo City Dubai’s Terra on Monday
Dubai
Dubai megaproject: Inside the Kempinski floating palace’s AED1.6bn Neptune villas
Arabian Business was given an exclusive sneak peek inside 1 of 48 Neptune by Kempinski floating villas
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Best property type, areas to invest and avoid in 2024, experts reveal
Experts predict steady luxury home sales, rising off-plan interest, and a focus on sustainability in Dubai property in 2024, while rental hotspots change and longer leases offer stability against price hikes
Expo 2030
Riyadh Expo 2030: Saudi Arabia to be global ‘epicentre’ for six months, says world fair construction boss
Riyadh Expo 2030 will be held under the thematic banner of ‘The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow’ in Saudi Arabia
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Property rents to rise in 2024, luring global investors, experts reveal
Dubai’s real estate market remains an attractive investment destination due to expected rental and price increases driven by economic resilience, population growth, and business initiatives
financial planning
UAE savings guide: How to save more of your salary with the 50/30/20 rule
Since UAE workers have the advantage of working on a tax-free salary, implementing this rule would should lead to higher savings over time
Dubai
Revealed: Dubai real estate red flags that buyers, renters need to know
Experts advise Dubai tenants and buyers to consider factors such as location, amenities, budget, property condition, developer reputation, legal documentation, red flags, construction quality, negotiation of costs, and property insurance when evaluating properties
Abu Dhabi
UAE jobs: Should jobseekers put their photograph on a CV? Experts weigh in
UAE career expers say omit photos to avoid bias, focus on qualifications; some industries may value headshots if presentation is crucial
Airport Rides for Pets
UAE pet taxi: Rise in pet ownership fuels demand for furry-friendly cabs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi
Pet taxi demand on the rise in UAE amid booming pet ownership and creation of venues welcoming furry friends across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, pet taxi giant Chauf-fur tells Arabian Business