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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
Dubai
Is Dubai real estate a better investment than stocks in 2024?
The decision to invest in real estate or stock market is driven by individual preferences, risk tolerance, and investment goals
advertising
The end of Reddit? Unpaid moderators, investor profiteering, identity at risk after IPO
Reddit has long styled itself as an underdog, but its recent IPO has thrust the self-proclaimed ‘front page of the internet’ into the spotlight. Will it survive going public?
Madinah
Saudi real estate: Influx in global Muslim HNWIs Makkah, Madinah property investments on major visa, policy reforms
For Muslim HNWIs worldwide, the spiritual pull of Islam’s holiest sites is transforming into a magnetic attraction for global real estate investment
holy month of Ramadan
Ramadan 2024: Umrah bookings soar as UAE worshippers flock to Saudi’s Makkah, Madinah
Umrah bookings from UAE to Saudi holy cities of Makkah and Madinah have increased significantly this Ramadan due to eased visa processes and improved infrastructure, says religious tour operator Umrahme
Amanat Holdings
Amanat appoints John Ireland as new CEO
The decision comes after he served as Acting CEO of Amanat for one year
Obesity
Ozempic, Mounjaro: Celebrities embrace ‘vanity weight loss’ craze as experts warn of abuse, council natural remedies
While celebrities chase a fleeting concept of bodily perfection, the growing misuse of GLP-1 medications has revealed an ugly reality – that even the most promising new treatments are no match for society’s unhealthy obsession with thinness at all costs
BRICS
BRICS: Next expansion could include Turkey, Algeria, Indonesia, Nigeria but major rifts remain
In a major geopolitical development earlier this year, BRICS cemented its rise as a potential counterweight to Western-led groups like the G7 with the addition of Saudi, UAE, Iran, Ethiopia, and Egypt
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: The world needs more doctors, says Pediatrician Dr. Sarah Rizk
With a global shortage of more than 4 million healthcare professionals, the decline in medicine as a career aspiration among youngsters could likely exacerbate this problem
DIFC
Dubai’s DIFC launches ‘groundbreaking’ Digital Assets Law to enhance legal certainty, boost investor confidence
The new DIFC law, which went into effect on March 8, defines the legal characteristics of digital assets as a form of property, outlining how they can be controlled, transferred, and dealt with by interested parties
Crypto scams
Human trafficking, deepfakes, loneliness: Inside the $75bn crypto scam criminal industry
Complex criminal organisations in Southeast Asia are perpetuating human trafficking and coercing workers into participating in ‘pig butchering’ scams, experts reveal
anti money laundering
Relief for UAE businesses as FATF grey list exit smooths trade flows, boosts foreign investment outlook
Experts from across industries hail the move as a major boost for the UAE’s financial reputation and economic prospects for the region
Dubai
Retiring in Dubai: How much do you need to save to retire comfortably?
Dubai expats reveal their retirement income goals exceed $100,000 per year for comfortable living. Here’s how you can achieve this, according to personal finance experts
Branded residences
Dubai real estate: Rental price growth to stabilise as 20,000 new properties to hit the market in 2024
Demand for residential rentals remains healthy given Dubai’s economic growth and expatriate workforce
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Eviction notices can now be transferred with property sale
This new ruling means eviction notices are now attached to the property rather than the individual landlord, expert says
DNA
Inside the science of longevity: How to live to the age of 100
Living past the century mark is becoming attainable for many with more information on the causes of ageing and regenerative medicine – all you need to know
Airbus
Connecting the unconnected in Saudi Arabia: Inside AALTO’s work to bring 5G to megaprojects
Airbus subsidiary AALTO targets Saudi megaprojects to bring 5G to underserved areas and aims to disrupt the economics of rural connectivity, the CEO says on the sidelines of MWC Barcelona 2024
iPhone
EXCLUSIVE: Viral Blackberry-style iPhone keyboard to launch in UAE this year, says Clicks CEO
The viral Clicks keyboard case has struck a nostalgic chord with both long-time iPhone users and former BlackBerry diehards
AI powered smartphones
MWC Barcelona 2024: AI-powered smartphones are the future, says HONOR MEA region CEO
Global technology brand HONOR used MWC Barcelona 2024 to highlight its vision for the future of AI-powered smartphones and devices
Culinary
Dubai restaurants go global: GAIA, Pickl, WOK BOYZ head to Miami, London, Canada as UAE dining takes on world
2024 is on track to become the year that ‘Made in Dubai’ dining concepts make their mark globally and increase the UAE’s standing in the international culinary scene
Diabetes
‘Hostage economy’: Does Denmark risk over-reliance on Big Pharma as obesity drug boom fuels 4.5% GDP contribution?
Big Pharma’s profitable grip tightens as Danish weight loss drugs Wegovy and Saxenda, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, surge in popularity globally as people spend out of pocket
celebrity
EXCLUSIVE: Naomi Campbell, Umar Kamani reveal plans to launch Dubai ‘talent management’ business
While the name of the enterprise is yet to be revealed, the former PLT CEO exclusively shared with Arabian Business that he and the international supermodel are planning to launch a new venture in Dubai
anxiety
What an Ancient Roman emperor can teach us about managing workplace stress with Stoicism
The timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius’ Stoic practices provides strategic methods for developing perspective and resilience that can help us manage modern workplace stress and face life’s challenges with greater composure
business owners
How to divorce-proof your business – all you need to know
When divorce strikes, the fallout can sink even the strongest business if not properly prepared – here are some legal strategies to apply that can protect your company
loyalty programme
The end of clickbait: Paywalls, subscriptions are the only viable option for media businesses to thrive
“Quality over quantity” has come to define the media industry as news and entertainment firms adopt subscription models and curate content based on evolving consumer demands
Cryptocurrency
Crypto after FTX: Rebuilding a broken industry
The crypto industry could thrive again if firms embrace compliance and transparency in the post-FTX era, experts say
Branded residences
Dubai’s luxury real estate gold rush lures global elite, outpacing London, LA for $10mn+ home sales
Dubai now boasts the highest number of luxury $10 million-plus property sales globally and the most branded residences worldwide, experts say
beach club
EXCLUSIVE: World’s biggest beach club coming to Dubai, Sirene by GAIA opening in September
Dubai’s Fundamental Hospitality will debut Sirene by GAIA, the world’s largest beach club spanning 9,000 square metres, taking the iconic GAIA restaurant brand beachside
Ras Al Khaimah
UAE real estate: Now is the right time to buy property in Ras Al Khaimah, experts say
Ras Al Khaimah’s positive economic trajectory bodes well for property investors seeking strong returns, experts say
Dubai
Dubai rivals Paris, New York as couples seek Instagram-worthy weddings, proposals
Beachfront locations and lavish packages make Dubai a top choice for couples looking to tie the knot or pop the question
Abu Dhabi
UAE, Saudi Arabia to see continued high net-worth migration on major visa, policy reforms
With stable growth prospects and massive opportunities, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are cementing their place as top destinations for business, investment and living for the world’s millionaires and billionaires
Ras Al Khaimah
UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah poised for multi-sector investment boom in 2024
An investment boom is expected across several industries this year following the Wynn casino announcement and as Ras Al Khaimah’s economic diversification efforts attract foreign investors
Dubai
Dubai marriage proposals cost up to AED250,000 as global couples flock to UAE for bespoke events
As Dubai attracts global couples, Burj Khalifa is beginning to rival the Eiffel Tower for marriage proposals, drawing pairs to plan special moments in the UAE
BRICS
BRICS countries hold $45 trillion in combined wealth, more than G7
The combined millionaire population in the BRICS countries, including UAE and Saudi Arabia, is expected to grow by 85 percent by 2034
Dubai
The business of loneliness
Under the veneer of luxury and leisure lurks a hidden epidemic: loneliness
consumer spending
Millennials are no longer victims of bad luck and economic downturn
Tough times forged resilient millennials. The 2008 crisis may have hit them hard, but it also spurred their adaptability, experts say
AB Majlis
AB Majlis podcast: Geopolitics will ‘hit you where it hurts,’ Nicolas Michelon warns businesses
Business owners must closely monitor geopolitical shifts and trade dynamics as global power balances change, a geopolitical risk expert says in an interview on the AB Majlis podcastAB Majlis
Careem
Free rent: Dubai Hills resident wins AED65,000 worth of rent with Careem, Kitopi
UAE food giants Kitopi and Careem pay a lucky Dubai resident’s AED65,000 annual rent after she won their December competition on Careem Food
Covid
COVID cases are rising again globally – what does this mean for the UAE?
There are currently over 22 million active COVID cases worldwide
Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia visa reforms woo global talent, investments for incoming economic ‘hyper-growth’ cycle
Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency overhaul opens up opportunities as its ambitious Vision takes shape
Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s new Civil Code to transform business ecosystem as influx of multinationals set up under HQ mandate
Sweeping legal reforms are removing barriers to trade in Saudi Arabia, attracting swathes of foreign investment
Real estate in Saudi Arabia
Saudi real estate: Riyadh housing shortage reaches boiling point as rents skyrocket 23% amid undersupply, population surge
Incoming residents are feeling the squeeze as demand for apartments outpaces market supply with Regional HQ mandate in full swing with population set to grow exponentially
Gulf investors
Gulf investors remain bullish on UK real estate despite economic slowdown
Gulf investments in UK real estate will remain robust in 2024, pointing to continued dealmaking activity and the incoming ETA visa scheme facilitating travel
Abu Dhabi
Sustainability no longer a luxury: Customers will pay more but businesses risk excluding non-wealthy
Though initially more costly, going green holds long-term value, experts say
Asia
BRICS UAE, Saudi expansion marks biggest challenge to the US dollar in the 21st century
The now enlarged BRICS+ deepens the pursuit of a post-dollar world as geopolitical fault lines shift, experts say
economic growth
MENA economic growth to surge 3.5% in 2024 despite worst global slowdown in 30 years, World Bank says
This comes despite the global economy heading towards its weakest performance 3 decades
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s escape from the economic pitfalls of ‘Dutch Disease’
Bold economic reforms under Vision 2030 steered Saudi Arabia away from oil dependence, avoiding the pitfalls of ‘Dutch Disease’ through cross-sector investments
Affordable fine jewellery
Dubai’s wealthy are taking a shine to lab-grown diamonds
The diamond industry ‘completely misunderstood itself,’ says Dubai jeweller who saw a massive spike in demand for lab-grown in 2023 following the release of Netflix documentary ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Should you buy a timeshare? Experts weigh in
With soaring property prices, timeshares could become an attractive affordable option for a luxury holiday home in Dubai – here’s everything you need to know about buying a timeshare
Dubai
Dubai couples are getting married faster than the rest of the world
Dubai could buck the global trend of declining marriage rates, experts say as engagements on the rise
BRICS
Saudi Arabia joins BRICS+: What it means for the kingdom and beyond
Saudi membership in BRICS+ signals the nation’s desire to carve an independent course on the global stage in the years ahead
career
Dubai kids tempted by ‘glamour’ of social media influencers, parents encourage it as ‘legitimate career’ choice
Why study medicine when you could profit from likes? Dubai parents are unexpectedly embracing their children’s calls to the alluring world of influencedom
Healthcare crisis
‘Zombie deer virus’: Middle East is safe but doctors warn of human infection risk as animal cases climb globally
With research suggesting possibility of animal-to-human infection, UAE doctors say precautions needed against ‘zombie deer virus’ as cases rise sharply in animals across US, Canada and northern Europe
Artificial intelligence
ChatGPT, MidJourney, Google Bard: Generative AI set to dominate in 2024 after watershed year
Major leaps in generative AI opened unprecedented possibilities for businesses and consumers last year, laying the foundation for it to permeate more domains in 2024