Dubai has become a “magnet” for the world’s wealthy as they flock to the emirate to buy luxury properties worth $10 million and above
Author Archives: Tala Michel Issa
Tala Michel Issa is the Chief Reporter at Arabian Business and Producer/Presenter of the AB Majlis podcast. Her interviews feature global figures including former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn, Mindvalley's Vishen Lakhiani, former US government advisors, and the UAE's most prominent business personalities.
With a focus on business and geopolitics, she tracks how regional developments shape global markets, with particular expertise in wealth migration trends, trade, and economics. Before joining Arabian Business, she worked for Al Arabiya English in Dubai where she delivered authoritative coverage across political affairs, public health challenges, business developments, and breaking news. Her work spans multiple publications, where she has written extensively on topics from British politics to the evolving technology and energy sectors.
Tala holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in media and journalism from Newcastle University, UK.
For story tips, media inquiries, or more information on the AB Majlis podcast, you can reach out to her on:
Twitter: @talamichelissa
Instagram: @talamichelissa
LinkedIn: Tala Michel Issa
Obesity
Weight loss pill on the way, offers replacement to needle-based Wegovy
Wegovy in a pill: Oral semaglutide pill may revolutionise weight loss treatment, offering an alternative to injectable diabetes drugs for needle-averse patients
Audemars Piguet
Limited edition Audemars Piguet ‘Spider-Man’ watch auction raises $8.5mln for charity at Dubai launch
AP unveils ‘Spider-Man’ watch in Dubai, tapping into the Middle East’s thriving luxury watch market where demand continues to rise with young clientele
AED1 per minute delay
Deliveroo boss says Careem’s controversial AED1 refund per minute delay policy sends the wrong message
Comments come as Deliveroo reports exceptional expansion results over past two years
commercial real estate
Saudi Arabia office space demand soars as supply crisis sparks race for premium HQs
Demand for office space in Saudi Arabia has continued to rise amid rules demanding regional HQs be located in the kingdom
alternative nicotine products
How to quit vaping: UAE doctors share tips to end nicotine habit
Vaping has surged in popularity but many users are now asking how to quit
Mark Mobius
Billionaire Mark Mobius bullish on Dubai’s real estate market, encourages investment
Renowned billionaire investor lauds Dubai’s thriving real estate market, unveiling unparalleled investment prospects and untapped potential
AT Kearney
Saudi Arabia: $26bn worth of M&E investment opportunities to drive 60% surge in job creation
Experts anticipate new M&E investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia to fuel 60 percent surge in job creation within next 10 years
Culture
Dubai singles ditch Tinder, Bumble as speed dating makes comeback
In-person dating events are making a comeback as singles look to make genuine connections and escape endless swiping
Abu Dhabi
Grief tech: Therapists say AI, deepfake replicas of lost loved ones can help cope with loss
Using generative AI and deepfake technology to cope with grief offers solace, but raises ethical concerns, experts say
Al Ghurair
Dubai Chamber office in Sydney a ‘big win,’ says Al Ghurair
Dubai Chambers expands to Sydney while Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce opens office in Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Meet the scientists using generative AI to cure cancer
With a mission to make longevity of human life possible, Insilico’s AI technology is making great strides in drug discovery to cure cancer
‘Ozempic face’: Doctors warn of hidden side effects of rapid weight loss with type 2 diabetes drugs
While Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy or Mounjaro may effectively aid weight loss, the post-usage side effects may outweigh the benefits
Dubai
Dubai residents able to pay rent monthly with credit card, no cheques with new startup platform
Dubai residents can now bid farewell to upfront rent payments as a new “rent now pay later” service introduces convenient monthly rent payment options, easing the financial burden and debt management for many expats
Dubai
Inside Saudi Arabia’s push to boost domestic tourism among Millennials and Gen Z
Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a major expansion in its hospitality sector, with 315,000 new hotel rooms planned by 2030
Abu Dhabi
UAE ‘ahead of the curve’ in crypto, digital asset regulation, experts say
In an industry that is “thirsty for regulation,” the UAE is already ahead, experts say
Abu Dhabi
Artists fear uncertain future of art as AI starts generating images
Art experts are torn over what the future of the industry might look like, with the advent of Generative AI holding unprecedented potential to alter the industry forever.
Abu Dhabi
AI safety guide: What parents need to know if their kid is using generative AI tools
Although generative AI holds a lot of promise, it is important to prioritise the safety of children by taking the necessary steps to minimise potential risks
Bitcoin
Hamas militant group AQB ends cryptocurrency donation drive
Hamas-affiliated militant group Al-Qassem Brigades (AQB) ends its cryptocurrency donation campaign
GIMS
EXCLUSIVE: Issam Alnajjar reveals working with Mohammed Ramadan, GIMS on upcoming single ‘TMO’
Issam Alnajjar, Mohammed Ramadan and GIMS will release a new single on Friday
acquisition attempts
Muslim dating app Muzz accuses Tinder of aggressive intimidation tactics
The world’s largest Muslim dating app Muzz lost its trademark in a UK appeal against global dating conglomerate and Tinder and Hinge’s owner Match Group
Dubai
Prime fever: Logan Paul, KSI’s ‘overpriced’ energy drink hits shelves in UAE
Families are concerned about the “absurd” pricing of Logan Paul and KSI’s sports drink Prime now available in UAE
baby boomers
Dubai plastic surgery demand surges as Gen Z turn to Botox, fillers, liposuction
Gen Z is driving the demand for cosmetic procedures in UAE
Accenture
UAE, Saudi jobs: Tech talent targeted as layoffs surge globally
Tech talents laid off by Big Tech companies stand to gain from new opportunities in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Arab Music
EXCLUSIVE: Elyanna opens up on immigrant childhood after bold, historic Coachella performance
Palestinian-Chilean music icon Elyanna opens up about representation and the importance of belief
UAE weight loss drug: TikTok craze leaves diabetes patients without lifesaving medicine Ozempic
A TikTok weight loss trend led to a shortage in global supply for type 2 diabetes drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda, depriving patients who need it the most.
Jeddah
Saudi real estate: Is now a good time to buy? Here’s what you need to know
With residents of the kingdom’s biggest cities facing sky-high rent, many are considering if they should get on the property ladder
Accenture
Metaverse jobs: How Web3.0 will upend the future of work
As the world continues to shift, jobseekers will need to adapt to the next evolution of technology, the internet, and their working lives
crypto
Islamic Coin: World’s first Sharia compliant cryptocurrency to launch in May, co-founder reveals
The world’s first Sharia compliant cryptocurrency Islamic Coin is set to launch next month
Dubai
Riyadh housing crisis: Expats head to Saudi after HQ rule change but face major real estate shortage
Several residential real estate projects are already in the works across Saudi Arabia