Riyadh Air secures 60 Airbus A321 aircraft ahead of its 2025 commercial launch, CFO confirms at FII
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
automotive industry
Self-driving taxis to hit Riyadh streets by 2027, says CEO of PIF-backed TASARU
The PIF-backed investment vehicle is also eyeing significant investments in the logistics sector by year-end
clean energy
Middle East needs stronger policies to tap into $900bn green FDI flows, energy expert says
The region has seen limited green investment flows compared to Europe and the US despite offering the world’s lowest renewable energy production costs, Strategy& expert reveals
digital transformation
EXCLUSIVE: Globant inks major deal with Saudi’s Qiddiya mega-project, confirms new Riyadh office in Q1
The partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities as Qiddiya, one of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious giga-projects, continues its transformation from desert terrain into an entertainment destination and residential hub near Riyadh
FII
Gulf region is world’s ‘most ambitious economic reform story,’ says Templeton executive at FII 2024
Despite regional geopolitical tensions, investment risks in Gulf markets remain well-contained, with key markets maintaining stability, says Bassel Khatoun
FII
FII 2024 day 1: $300mn tech fund launch, AI initiative, global leaders shape investment future in Riyadh
The conference will continue through the week, with upcoming sessions focused on deepening partnerships and exploring innovative solutions to global challenges
cruise saudi
Cruise Saudi to launch first Arabian-focused luxury ship AROYA on Dec. 16, CEO reveals
The vessel, which is only five years old, was originally built for the Chinese market but has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment under Cruise Saudi’s direction, CEO Lars Clasen said
cruise saudi
Ultra-luxury AMAN cruise ship on track for Red Sea launch in Q2 2027
The 100-guest cruise ship will complement other luxury developments in the kingdom, including the recently launched Sindalah Island, says Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen
cruise saudi
EXCLUSIVE: Cruise Saudi expanding to 10 destinations along Red Sea coast, 3 new ports underway
Operational ports like Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam are complemented by new developments, including AlWajh as a gateway to AlUla and private islands for cruise passengers
Future Investment Initiative
Saudi Arabia’s PIF pivots to domestic focus, eyes AI revolution, says Al-Rumayyan
The fund is reportedly in early discussions about a potential AI partnership worth up to $40 billion with venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz
RAK hospitality
RAK debuts Seven Wonders platform with Armin van Buuren show, plans 7-week festival in late 2025
The inaugural show at Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert served as a proof of concept for potential sponsors and partners, according to RAK Hospitality COO Donald Bremner
Gaming resort
Ras Al Khaimah: Wynn Resort ‘perfectly on track’ for Q1 2027 opening, says RAK Hospitality COO
In an interview on the sidelines of the inaugural Seven Wonders event in Ras Al Khaimah, Bremner confirmed there have been “no suggestions of any delays” to the landmark project
Jebel Jais
RAK Hospitality doubles down on tourism push with fifth hotel acquisition, eyes 3.5mn visitors by 2030
UAE’s first casino resort developer reveals multi-hotel pipeline in Ras Al Khaimah on sidelines of the inaugural Seven Wonders event
BRICS
BRICS in Russia: New world order shows the West on the backfoot
As over 30 heads of state gather for the BRICS summit in Russia, we’re witnessing not the isolation of a pariah state, but the emergence of a new global coalition that challenges the very foundation of Western diplomatic power
Capitalism
Is capitalism broken?
Rising inequality, monopolies and questioning over self-regulation raise doubts among experts
BRICS
ANALYSIS: Where Non-Aligned Movement sought neutrality, BRICS builds economic bloc
Unlike the Cold War-era neutrality bloc, the expanded BRICS alliance wielding $45 trillion pushes for a new economic order
BRICS
BRICS Summit 2024: Key moments from day 1 of historic Kazan talks
The 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan marked its first meeting since expansion, with Putin hosting leaders from 24 nations to discuss economic and diplomatic cooperation
FATF
Lebanon’s cash economy surge drives FATF grey-listing concerns
The development adds another layer of complexity to Lebanon’s ongoing economic challenges, potentially deterring much-needed foreign investment at a crucial time for the country’s recovery efforts
BRICS
ANALYSIS: UAE enters BRICS arena, balancing Moscow ties and Western pressures
The three-day BRICS summit marks a crucial moment for the expanded bloc, which now represents 36% of global GDP and 45% of the world’s population
BRICS
UAE’s BRICS Summit debut marks shift towards ‘concrete action,’ experts say
The summit’s outcomes could include new trade pacts, unified positions on international matters, and concrete steps toward de-dollarisation initiatives, experts say
BRICS
BRICS summit 2024 to begin on Tuesday: All you need to know
Here’s everyting you need to know about the three-day gathering of influential emerging economies
AI adoption
UAE races to bridge AI talent gap amid major tech investment drive
The race to AI proficiency is on, and the UAE is sprinting ahead to bridge the global tech talent gap, industry leaders say on the sidelines of GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Human vs. machine: Inside Abu Dhabi’s multimillion-dollar bet on AI-driven autonomous racing
The future of racing may be autonomous, but can human racers and AI-driven vehicles coexist? Aspire’s CEO weighs in on the evolving world of motorsports
Carlos Ghosn
EXCLUSIVE: Carlos Ghosn says Nissan is ‘shadow of former self’
The former auto industry magnate’s comments come as he continues to fight legal battles stemming from his tenure at the helm of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance
Carlos Ghosn
AB Majlis podcast: Carlos Ghosn denounces ‘weaponisation of justice’ in exclusive interview
As legal proceedings continue in multiple jurisdictions, Ghosn’s story remains a cautionary tale about the intersections of business, politics, and justice in the global economy
Carlos Ghosn
Carlos Ghosn rules out career in Lebanese politics: ‘I’m not interested’
Despite ruling out a direct role in politics, Ghosn expressed willingness to assist in Lebanon’s economic recovery in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi
EXCLUSIVE: NBA dismisses rumours of Saudi expansion plans
NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum acknowledged that while NBA games are broadcast across Saudi Arabia as part of the league’s media rights deal, there are no concrete arrangements to take pre-season or regular season games to the Kingdom at this stage
Abu Dhabi
NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024: Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets arrive in UAE, highlighting league’s global expansion
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 will kick off today as the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are set to play two preseason matches in the UAE capital
geopolitical tensions
Lebanon-Israel conflict: Investors urged to stay calm as oil prices surge amid Middle East geopolitical tensions
While short-term volatility is likely, the long-term outlook for oil prices remains subject to a wide range of influences beyond the current Middle East crisis, experts say
Beirut
‘We don’t want Lebanon to be the second Gaza’: UAE-based expats fear for homeland amid escalating Israel tensions
Anxiety and guilt torment UAE’s Lebanese residents amid homeland’s turmoil
geopolitical tensions
ANALYSIS: Iran’s attack on Israel – A symbolic message or major escalation?
The coming days will be critical in determining whether this attack marks a new phase in the long-standing Iran-Israel conflict or if diplomatic efforts can succeed in preventing further escalation
Aviation
Panic as Lebanese expats race to book flights for family out of Beirut amid escalating Lebanon-Israel conflict
As most airlines suspend flights to and from Beirut, tickets on Lebanon’s national carrier MEA – the sole remaining operator – are sold out for weeks, stranding many seeking escape
Corporate tax UAE
Relief for UAE businesses as FTA extends corporate tax deadline
Many business owners had overlooked the misalignment between the date on their tax registration certificate and the actual filing date, according to tax experts
Corporate tax
UAE corporate tax brings unexpected benefits to family businesses
As the December deadline approaches, experts advise UAE businesses to use this extended period not just for compliance, but as an opportunity to gain deeper insights into their financial health and improve their business practices
China
Inside the global lithium boom and the geopolitical race for EV supply chain dominance
China and Russia are positioning themselves as major forces vying for control over these vital lithium deposits through strategic diplomacy and deal-making
Apple
Careem’s iPhone 16 stock sells out in hours
To meet the torrid pace of orders, Careem restocked its iPhone 16 inventory earlier this week after the launch day sell-out
ADHD
Global ADHD drug shortage leaves many without medication, experts cite supply chain disruptions
Global manufacturing and distribution delays drive 3-4 month ADHD medication shortage in Dubai
Abu Dhabi
UAE real estate: Fed rate cut spells good news for Dubai homebuyers as mortgage rates set to drop
The Fed’s 0.5% rate cut puts UAE homebuyers in line for lower mortgage rates and an affordability boost
Donald Trump
Trump assassination attempts may boost public sympathy in ongoing legal trials, expert claims
As the election approaches and legal battles continue, Trump’s legal challenges and political ambitions are set to keep the political scene in unprecedented flux
Cyberattack
Analysis: Hezbollah pager explosions signal shift to ‘unrestricted, asymmetric warfare’ – experts
Lebanon-Israel tensions enter a “new era” after Tuesday’s deadly Hezbollah pager explosions killed 9 and injured thousands
Air France
Air France, Lufthansa suspend flights to Beirut, Tel Aviv amid growing Israel-Lebanon tensions
The move comes in response to a series of explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday evening
inflation
US Fed poised for first rate cut since 2020 amid economic shifts
The two-day meeting, which will begin tonight, is expected to result in a decision to cut interest rates for the first time in over four yeras
Egypt
Inside Gulf investors’ multibillion-dollar bet on Egypt’s North Coast as FDI target sparks buying spree
Investors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are fueling Egypt’s coastal real estate investment boom
Apple iPhone 16
EXCLUSIVE: Clicks to launch viral Blackberry-style keyboard cases for ‘different phone models’, CEO reveals
Clicks will be broadening its product range to include “wider support for different phone models” in the coming year, CEO Adrian Li says
Abu Dhabi
NBA legend Derek Fisher on Saudi Arabia expansion: ‘There’s no reason why we shouldn’t’
This comes a month before his first trip to the region where he will participate in the 2024 NBA Abu Dhabi games
Donald Trump
The ‘opportunity economy’: Inside Kamala Harris’s economic plan for working America
Here’s what we know so far about Kamala Harris’s “opportunity economy” and how it aims to address the needs of working and middle-class families in the US
Donald Trump
Harris and Trump clash over Israel policy in 2024 US presidential debate
Harris urges an immediate Gaza ceasefire, while Trump claims the conflict wouldn’t have occurred under his leadership and accuses her of harbouring hatred for both Israel and Arabs
Donald Trump
Harris and Trump face off in heated US presidential debate: Key moments
It began with a handshake and quickly devolved into sharp exchanges on foreign policy, abortion, and immigration
bumble
Dubai singles splurge on premium dating apps but starve for real romance
With fewer people approaching strangers in real life, many are now paying for premium features on dating apps to increase their chances of forming genuine connections
Connection
Inside the modern connection crisis and the lost art of meaningful conversations
The neuroscience behind transforming awkward exchanges into genuine connections is simpler than you might think
economic slowdown
Is a recession coming in 2025?
Recessions in major economies could reduce oil demand, potentially leading to economic uncertainties in GCC nations, experts warn
Brazil
Big tech’s ‘tobacco moment’? Durov, Musk, and the geopolitical taming of tech CEOs
These high-profile cases may point to signs of a broader shift in tech and geopolitics, experts say
clean energy
UAE bets big on green hydrogen, eyes global clean energy leadership, ministry official says
The UAE’s clean energy push mirrors a regional trend, as Gulf countries invest in renewables to diversify from oil dependence
Artificial intelligence
UAE sets global standard for future-ready governance, says top official
“We are setting the standard for the rest of the world to follow,” says Ruqayya AlBlooshi