United Arab Emirates
Megha Merani is an independent journalist and editor with more than a decade of newspaper, magazine and web reporting experience in the United Arab Emirates and wider Gulf region, writing hard news, features and opinion pieces.
Her stories have made headlines across a number of publications including Reuters, the Associated Press, Bloomberg Middle East, Entrepreneur Middle East, Times of India, The Economic Times, Arab News, Arabian Business, Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI), MEED, Zawya, The Treasurer UK, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Salaam Gateway, Citizen K, Accelerate SME, CEO Middle East, Gulf News, tabloid!, Friday, Climate Control Middle East, and former local daily 7DAYS, owned by the UK-based Daily Mail & General Trust Plc (DMGT), whose media portfolio includes the world’s biggest circulating free daily newspaper UK Metro.
Megha has also served as consulting editor for the Times of India and Economic Times. She additionally produces editorial for market intelligence portals, international agencies and government publications, including editorial for the World Government Summit, the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Abu Dhabi Media Office, and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communication and Technology.
She reports across a wide range of sectors breaking news in finance, technology, entrepreneurship, construction, education, entertainment, motoring and on migrant worker issues.
Megha holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from York University, Canada. Her experience before she ventured into journalism included roles in UI design, process reengineering, ERP implementation and database development. Her background led her to become a regular commentator on the sector through her weekly column Tech Talk, published in 7DAYS.
Megha is also an Associate Fellow (AFHEA) at Murdoch University in Dubai and has earned a Learning and Teaching Certificate from the Higher Education Academy UK.
In 2018, she won a grant from the Thomson Reuters Foundation and The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime funded by the government of Norway to report on the online trade in illegal wildlife.
In 2019, she won First Place for her business pitch with a $25,000 grant from Startup Sharjah - an initiative aimed at building digital content and publishing industry ventures - backed by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, an incubator for startups.
In 2020, Megha was one of 11 journalists from around the world chosen to be part of the Journalist Fellowship Summer School at the Reuters Institute For Journalism at the University of Oxford, UK. She is also a member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network (OCJN).
She also serves as UN Women mentor, advocating for equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs, as well as supports various other programs including TIE Women, 60 Day Startups, and the Watt Inc. Business Incubator.
In her spare time she enjoys traveling, volunteering and photography.
Got a story? Write to her at megha.merani [at] gmail.com
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. How many entrepreneurs do you know of that have built a unicorn without a cent of external funding? Well, here's one: Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation.
The UAE introduced a law banning the ownership and trade of wild animals, but sellers have shifted their illegal activities online, with numerous ads on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram Charlie was ripped from his mother's arms while he was still nursing. Also available at https://www.arabianbusiness.com/culture-society/413336-the-business-of-wildlife
Investment firms specialising in distressed debt are expecting a surge in firms in the Gulf falling into trouble
Cop28's global stocktake text explicitly mentions fossil fuels - a first for a climate summit - though some have pointed to loopholes
The UAE has removed the AED1 million ($272,294) minimum down payment requirement to qualify for a golden visa through real estate investment
Russian investors are buying and building properties in upscale Dubai neighbourhoods, creating homes away from home in the emirate
Abraj boss says oil fracking growing in popularity Oil and gas provides Omani government with 70% of annual budget Controversial technique has critics due to environmental impact Oil fracking demand in Oman has proliferated in the last four years and is projected to increase further, a top executive at Abraj Energy Services has said.
The man who is said to have fired Steve Jobs from Apple in 1985 has admitted his latest creation is not as good as the iPhone. Speaking at the launch of Obi Mobile in Dubai - a new, affordable range of smartphones - John Sculley told 7DAYS: "Steve would have said, 'It's not good enough, I can make it better'.
Despite sanctions, consumers from Russia are likely to get their hands on Apple's new iPhone 15 through 'parallel markets' including the UAE
Demand for 'last mile' finance is expected to rise across the Gulf as construction activity remains strong
The bankruptcy law, which comes into force next May, is expected to align the UAE more closely with global best practice on insolvencies
Enforcement of the UAE diversity rule has been temporarily suspended but it is likely to affect companies in future
The United Nations climate conference in Dubai made history last month, uniting nearly 200 nations to adopt a resolution to "transition away" from coal, oil and gas in this decade.
UAE businesses encounter difficulties procuring work visas for some employees after a government directive aimed at boosting diversity
Management at a firm where hundreds of labourers went on strike in Downtown Dubai have promised they will not punish workers for staging a public protest.
Dr Azad Moopen says Dubai officials are considering a system that will allow high-quality healthcare providers to charge more for services
The Cop28 climate summit in Dubai concluded with a landmark agreement urging countries to "transition away" from coal, oil, and gas
Saudi Arabia and UAE are buying up artificial intelligence chips by Nividia in race for AI supremacy in the Gulf
'If fossil fuels were gone from tomorrow, everything would shut down,' the GCC's Dr Mohammed Al Rashidi tells AGBI at the Cop28 summit
The UAE is considering supporting an unprecedented agreement towards 'phasing out' fossil fuels, observers have told AGBI
Clothing is one of the world's most polluting industries and in the UAE retailers are paying the cost of sustainable practices
Gulf institutional investors will invest in bitcoin exchange-traded funds after the SEC approved several crypto ETFs, experts say
Space is becoming big business in the Middle East, according to a Euroconsult report, and its spin-offs can benefit the wider economy
Dubai witnessed a 40 percent increase in the value of home mortgage approvals last year, despite climbing interest rates, as rents soared
Activists and politicians criticise the latest draft of the Cop28 global stocktake because it does not call for a phase-out of fossil fuels
A supercomputer built by Silicon Valley's Cerebras Systems and Abu Dhabi AI holding group G42 is set to challenge global technology giants
Dr Azad Moopen, founder and chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, explains why many Dubai hospitals are struggling
Major national banks in the UAE are to boost their green financing commitments, aiming to exceed a collective $272 billion
Sarwa, a Dubai-based fintech, will add several new asset classes including private equity and real estate to its robo-advisory platform
UAE family-run companies shy away from becoming listed because they do not like the level of scrutiny an IPO entails, says Mishal Kanoo
Climate change advocates warn that the Middle East is the hardest hit by global warming and even more must be done to mitigate the crisis
Dubai crypto regulator, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, has halted the sale of Islamic Coin, a token that claims sharia compliance
Green goals are essential, Al Kaabi says, but people must be realistic Africa should be able to use oil and gas for 'national growth', he argues Energy capacity in sub-Saharan Africa 20 times less than in the US Barring Africa from exploiting its fossil fuel riches is "very, very, very unfair" despite the urgency to cut global greenhouse gas emissions, Qatar's energy chief has said.
"European right-mindedness is not the way it actually is" "You will be able to party - but you have to respect the culture" "It's a blueprint for the whole country's sustainable future" Former England and Liverpool footballer John Barnes believes the World Cup in Qatar will help change the perception of Middle Eastern countries and dismantle negative narratives in the West.
Countries in the Middle East must simplifly processes to achieve their goal of becoming leaders in the startup economy, experts at Gitex say
CTRL+P: Jordanian hospital printing prosthetic limbs offers amputees hope International medical non-profit Médecins Sans Frontières is using 3D printing technology to help victims of war live with autonomy and dignity, writes Megha Merani. A hospital in Jordan has 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for more than 30 amputee victims of war in the Middle East to help them live with autonomy, dignity, and new hope for the future.
No fundamental model to price art or other investible assets Cryptocurrency market slumped by $2 trillion since November Crypto assets will not become currencies and global regulators should be concerned about the trillions of dollars lost in the cryptocurrency market, a senior investment executive at one of the UAE's top financial institutions said yesterday.
Trump Estates in Damac Hills features over 240 luxury villas New Trump World Golf Club due to open in emirate Company praised for quality despite controversy around ex president Donald Trump may be the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation in the US, but his name is still big business in Dubai, where properties in the Gulf city bearing his brand name have appreciated by nearly 100 percent and continue to command strong demand.
High prices are dire for region's most vulnerable nations Egypt depends on Ukraine and Russia for 80% of its supplies Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, South Sudan and Somalia all in need Middle East and African countries dependent on Ukrainian grain face the prospect of crippling food insecurity, hunger and misery, despite a deal to restart exports blockaded amid the Russian war.
By Megha Merani With its rapidly growing economy and thriving financial sector, Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities for Indian fintechs looking to expand their business overseas Two years ago, all of Safexpay's revenues came from its home market of India.
Russian buyers are snapping up large properties in premium locations Dubai purchases by Russians surged 67 percent in Q1 2022 Citizens of Ukraine and Moldova are also buying homes in the safe haven Gulf city Wealthy Russians are snapping up luxury homes in Dubai in a bid to sidestep the sanctions imposed by Western nations after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
Egypt's Cop27 officials keep up pressure to finance climate action Environment minister welcomes ongoing discussions with oil producers The world still urgently needs to address the "elephant in the room" in the climate crisis, which is financing action for vulnerable developing countries, officials from Cop27 host nation Egypt said.
Liz Truss' plan will attract Gulf investors to the UK, says Ali Sajwani Sterling tumbled after the UK government unveiled its tax cut plans Cuts in planning red tape will 'encourage foreign developers like us' The UK's new economic plan, which has rattled markets and prompted record drops in sterling, is not a mistake and will stimulate foreign investment, an executive from one of Dubai's largest property developers has said.
A 51 percent stake in Atletico Mineiro could fetch $200m Liverpool legend John Barnes says European-sized deals unlikely Libra league expects broadcasting revenues to rise 56% to $1bn A new law allowing Brazil's soccer clubs to seek foreign investment is already attracting investors from the Middle East.
Influx contributed to rents rising faster than expected Top real estate buyers are from India, the UK, Italy, Russia and France Services inflation caused by arrivals who are not sensitive to prices The influx of affluent migrants into the UAE has contributed to the country's rising inflation, but also presents new opportunities for the Gulf state.
Officials help worker who claims she fought off attacks by her boss
Climate group questions claim that World Cup will be carbon neutral FIFA and organisers point to 'detailed legacy plans' for stadiums Qatar's Supreme Committee says it is on track for net zero FIFA has rejected a report that claims Qatar 2022 will rely on "flimsy" offsets to meet its pledge to host the first carbon-neutral World Cup.
Startup valuations in MENA region see a downward correction Investment in MENA startups sunk by 54% month-on-month Some 'death warrant' valuations give investors up 80% of company Investors who demand increasingly bigger stakes in startups amid plunging valuations could be signing their own "death warrants".
Changpeng Zhao said the industry had to become more transparent The crypto boss made a speech at Abu Dhabi Finance Week Binance's rival FTX filed for bankruptcy on November 11 Confidence in the crypto industry has been "shaken" and it needs to open up to "a lot more" oversight from regulators, the chief executive of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange has said.
Sultan Al Jaber has outlined the Emirates' plans for climate action The Adnoc and Masdar chief has been named president of Cop28 Summit to focus on 'transformational progress' needed to hit Paris goal The UAE intends to make financing for climate change projects "more affordable [and] much more accessible", the country's oil chief and Cop28 president has said.
34% of male UAE bosses think women can't compete, survey finds Visa senior VP Saeeda Jaffar points to data that disproves this idea Payments giant offering $10,000 grant to female entrepreneurs in UAE Is a man better at running a business than a woman?
On the first anniversary of his death, his ex-wife Jane Hawking reflects on her life with the renowned physicist and cosmologist Today (March 14th) marks the first anniversary of Stephen's death. Jane Hawking, the ex-wife of renowned physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking, has shared memories of spirited discussions between them about science and religion as she made an effort to reconcile their contradictory beliefs.
"There is a much higher cost to it [for now], although AI will continue to be incredibly relevant as we move forward. But it's important to remember that some of these transformation journeys take 10 to 15 years. It's not something that will happen tomorrow.
88% of young Arabs described Israel as an enemy UAE-Israel economic agreement to advance trade beyond $10bn Palestinian-Israeli conflict not resolved by Abraham Accords Rapyd is first Israeli company to be regulated in the UAE Israel is still seen as an enemy by the majority of young Arabs, despite the thaw in relations after the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020.
Already made several fintech acquisitions in Europe and Asia Higher banking restrictions open "window of opportunity" Valued at $15 billion, Rapyd has raised $960 million to date Rapyd, Israel's highest-valued unicorn, is eyeing financial technology acquisitions in the Middle East and North Africa as it seeks to capitalise on the challenging business environment for startups.
Italy's famous 'Mille Miglia' classic car rally goes to the emirates Organiser Octanium plans 'shopping centre for collector cars' Global market projected to grow to $43.4bn in 2024 The UAE and supercars have been synonymous for decades, with the very latest luxury models frequently spotted on its roads - but a new industry of classic cars is also gaining speed.
Lack of single federal regulator poses challenges Streamlined rules can help avoid 'regulatory arbitrage' Conversations continuing between Abu Dhabi and Dubai The UAE must close potential loopholes between cryptocurrency regulations established by competing financial free zones, a senior industry figure has highlighted.
Checkout.com works with enterprises from Careem to Carrefour Fintech firm increased payment processing in MENA by 75% Next frontier in digital payments in region will be dive into crypto Consolidation is coming to the Gulf's fintech sector, according to Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, senior vice president for MENA at global payments processor Checkout.com.
Price growth for home on the slopes highest for eight years Gulf purchasers benefit from strength of US dollar Italy, France and Switzerland all report Middle East interest Demand for high-end ski chalets from affluent Middle East buyers has surged, even though the price of a home on the slopes is rising at its fastest rate for almost a decade.
Some did it in disguise, while others just asked, 'Why not sit in front?' and hopped on. Three Arab women tell Megha Merani about shattering stereotypes as part of an international women-only bikers club. History was made in 2018, when women in Saudi Arabia were permitted to drive for the first time since 1957.
Man arrested after putting clip of assault on YouTube says people had to see it
Telecom veteran Sultan says it's vital to invest in new fields 'Over-the-top' services are offered directly to a network's customers Sultan says there is more to be done for Gulf entrepreneurs Osman Sultan proclaimed in 1997 he would put "a mobile in the hand of everyone" in Egypt.
Russian gas is essential to the global market and Qatar does not have the capacity to replace supplies to Europe with liquefied natural gas, the Gulf state's Emir has said. The European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Russian oil imports in March in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, pledging to wean itself off Russian energy.
Securing finance for manufacturing projects is essential to the success of programmes such as Operation 300bn in the UAE. The bankability of such projects has long been a topic of discussion between local manufacturers and banks, and is a significant bottleneck in attracting funding for expansion.
UAE Banks Federation chairman stressed need to spend on digitisation Physical banks closing as 95% of transactions now happen digitally Digital bank launches in the region include YAP, Wio and Zand The banking sector in the UAE could grow faster than the nation's economy but competition from fintechs poses a threat to the survival of banks unless they restructure their operating models, according to a senior industry official.
Contractors may see margins slashed and prices hiked for buyers Labour shortages and Russian sanctions exacerbate pressures Risks of delays and builders cutting corners on materials Construction costs in Saudi Arabia are expected to soar by nearly 20 percent and drive down industry margins.
UAE is third on global list for number of branded residences Roberto Cavalli and Elie Saab getting interest in Saudi Arabia Average price ranges from $680,000 to $6.8 million The UAE is expected to attract the largest net inflow of high net worth individuals globally in 2022 - and with that comes a growing demand for luxury housing.
Mena users of Binance have increased 49% YTD Saudis rank third among Arab owners of crypto assets UAE is ranked fourth most crypto ready country Both countries are cautiously embracing crypto regulation Crypto exchange Binance is in talks with financial regulators in Saudi Arabia to expand into the kingdom.
This article is the third in a series that captures key highlights from the RAK Real Estate Business Leaders Forum jointly held by MEED, Mashreq and Stirling Hospitality Advisors on 28 October, discussing the trends shaping the way forward for the emirate's real estate sector.
Fuel prices in UAE have increased more than 40% this year On-demand car rentals offer good value compared to taxis Maintenance-free weekend rentals popular with remote workers Rising petrol prices in the UAE are pushing small businesses and private individuals to switch from vehicle ownership to rentals, industry experts said.
72% of Arabs aged 18 to 24 describe Russia as an ally UK and US seen as an enemy by 30% and 37% respectively Trump's rhetoric towards Muslims made US unpopular, expert says Third of Arab youth blame US and NATO most for the Ukraine war US still considered second
AC units using inverter technology Growing global demand for ACs is 'blind spot' in energy debate Cooling systems account for 80% of UAE buildings' energy consumption Daikin AC firm opens second factory in Middle East in Saudi Arabia The UAE's replacement market for air conditioning (AC) is growing fast as energy consumption concerns continue to rise.
'The region is starting to harness the sun,' says World Bank director UAE is home to three of the world's largest solar power projects Saudi Arabia's solar power capacity is expected to grow rapidly Gulf hydrocarbon producers could turn into the world's leading solar energy exporters.
Saudi sovereign wealth fund owns 30% of supercar company Pagani-branded homes in DaVinci Tower begin at $1.5m Pagani Arte designs interiors for luxury private jets High-end cars go for up to $17.5m Horacio Pagani, founder of the supercar that bears his name, is open to further partnerships with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund as his company expands into luxury real estate and private jet design.
LaLiga's venture with Dubai-based Galaxy Racer targets young market Deal to create projects for lifestyle and music as well as football Global esports market forecast to reach $1.87 billion in 2025 Spain's main football league, LaLiga, has signed a 15-year deal with Galaxy Racer, one of the world's largest largest esports, gaming and lifestyle organisations, that they estimate will generate more than $3.16 billion.
Local food and beverage (F&B) producers in the UAE say the sector is being severely constrained by rising input costs and unprecedented challenges caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The impact of the war, which began in February this year, has reverberated across the globe, creating uncertainty and insecurity in global food supply chains.
This article is the second in a series that captures key highlights from the MEED-Mashreq Manufacturing Business Leaders Forum held on 29 September in Dubai, discussing the way forward for UAE manufacturing and the role of Operation 300bn in advancing the sector.
Al Kaabi says countries will eventually achieve market equilibrium But governments must invest more in gas to replenish back-up supplies Qatar and UAE both expanding their focus on the gas market Europe will eventually return to imports of Russian gas but with reduced dependence, Qatar's energy boss has predicted.
Changpeng Zhao urged the use of blockchain and decentralised finance Even late adopters of the tech will suffer, said the crypto exchange boss Binance CEO was speaking to Fintech Week conference in Dubai Banks that fail to catch up with blockchain and decentralised finance technologies will have a "hard time in the future", the chief executive of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange has warned.
A star-studded line-up is set to splash out on after-parties at the Qatar World Cup, according to the region's event planners. F1 champion Lewis Hamiliton, supermodel Bella Hadid and singers Usher, The Weeknd and French Montana are among the celebrities flying out for the winter tournament, said Bally Singh, founder of the Rich List Group.
Net zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires $173trn investment UN envoy said move to net zero is 'greatest commercial opportunity' Climate-related funds rose to 860 worldwide by the end of last year Middle East and North Africa-based Venture capital firm VentureSouq is to launch a new climate-focused fund to support companies developing solutions for the green economy.
Next stage of growth for Abu Dhabi firm is autonomous vehicles Bayanat started trialling driverless taxis last year Also looking to acquire smart city concepts and sustainability solutions Abu Dhabi's geospatial and data analytics firm Bayanat AI Plc expects its next wave of growth to come from the driverless vehicles segment and is in the market for potential acquisitions.
2023 forum aims to foster MENA investment Underpinned by growing wealth inflows Hedge funds also increasingly locating in UAE Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci has partnered with a UAE investment forum set to take place next year.
Almost one in five UAE adults have a digital-only account Traditional banks need to build a robust digital bank strategy More than 168m people in MENA still don't have a bank account The UAE's growing army of digital-only banks could soon be snapped up by traditional banks as digitisation continues apace, experts have told AGBI.
Mecca and Medina real estate developers expect to benefit Dar Al Arkan saw its profit surge 675% in Q1 2022 A new ruling allowing Muslims from around the world to buy property in Islam's holiest cities could be a "game changer" for Saudi Arabia's real estate market, according to insiders.
Wall Street firms see slump in deals since Fed interest rate hikes Goldman Sachs expected to lay off several hundred workers Middle East to adopt culling strategy, says GII boss Pankaj Gupta JPMorgan Chase CEO warns investors economic 'hurricane' on way The looming global recession is pushing private equity firms to freeze hiring in the Gulf, with layoffs likely to be on the way, an executive at a UAE-based global investment company has said.
"It might get worse," Vineet Budki, managing partner and CEO at Cypher Capital, told AGBI when asked: Just how bad is the crypto market crash? Yet, the UAE-based venture capital (VC) firm has been deploying millions in Bitcoin, even as cryptocurrencies suffered their most brutal collapse this year.
Dubai destination for 95% of gold from east and central Africa Regulations 'give relief' to Swiss gold traders on sourcing legitimacy New UAE gold regulations could take the shine off the sector and lead to a supply and profits squeeze, according to experts.
Oil exporters urged to spend their budget surplus on path to net zero Bank of America executive pointed to investors' rising interest in ESG Arshad Ghafur made the comments at Dubai's Fintech Week Oil and gas-producing countries can capitalise on the commodity price boom to fuel their transition to net zero, the boss of one of the world's leading financial institutions said yesterday.
Saudi Arabia's Dar Global Real Estate chief questions Dubai market Payment plans for off-plan developments but lack of mortgage options Mortgage systems for overseas investors looking to buy completed homes in Dubai need to be overhauled, says the leader of one of the Gulf's biggest property firms. "Dubai is a very unique market where off-plan sells higher than the ready properties," said Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global Real Estate, Saudi Arabian real estate firm Dar Al Arkan's independent...
SVB has long been go-to lender for tech startups and VCs Traditional banks often reluctant to risk business with small business Neobanks pose added competition to traditional lenders One thing is more certain than not in the ongoing confusion caused by last week's Silicon Valley Bank collapse: traditional lenders in the Gulf are likely to make it even more difficult for UAE startups to open bank accounts and borrow money.
More people on an aircraft, lower carbon emissions per passenger Key challenge for bigger aircraft is filling them Many airports reaching full capacity at peak times Airbus, the world's largest passenger aircraft manufacturer, needs to build bigger planes to create a more sustainable aviation sector, its top customer, Emirates Airline, has said.
Israel, India, the US and the United Arab Emirates came together on Thursday for an historic meeting as the "I2U2" collective. The futuristic name refers to the first letters of the four countries.
Dubai airline still needs 5,000 more staff and 900 pilots, says COO Dubai's Emirates airlines will splash $2 billion on new hires and aircraft upgrades as demand for flights ramps up, a top executive has revealed. Aviation was among the worst hit sectors during the global pandemic as international borders shuttered during lockdowns.
Abraj plans initial public offering on Muscat Stock Exchange Oman's onshore drilling market forecast to grow at 2.5% annually Developing fracking services for deep tight gas wells Omani oil and gas service company Abraj has set its sights firmly on exporting to the Gulf and the wider region.
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi says incentives will lure international business Quicker visas and easier banking offered to attract companies The United Arab Emirates is looking to compete against the world's most popular cities for international businesses, the nation's trade minister said as he announced incentives aiming to attract 300 digital companies to set up offices over the next year.
Banking is not a realistic pivot amid latest crypto fallout Binance CEO is eyeing possibilities Repriced risk and tougher banking regulation are barriers Wealthy financial technology (fintech) companies won't find it easy to buy banks in the Middle East or other developed economies, no matter how much money they're willing to put on the table.
Unskilled workers from India will not have to settle for a life of manual labour in the Gulf construction industry in future, a prominent Indian politician has promised. Yashwant Sinha, a key member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), claims the government is committed to tackling issues of the poor, particularly in rural India.
Yashwant Sinha, a key member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), claims the government is committed to tackling issues of the poor, particularly in rural India.
UAE economy diversified and policymakers learned from 2008 Despite global inflation, GCC countries will benefit from high oil prices The UAE and wider Gulf markets will likely avert a recession, experts have said, despite global fears of a slump as the US Federal Reserve announced a 75 basis point hike to interest rates - its largest since 1994.
Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur sees UAE studios potential Emirates play a major role in movie marketing and fundraising Bollywood stars head to Dubai for business as well as second home The UAE is set to become a major post-production and financing hub for the Bollywood film industry.
Prices forecast to rise and maybe break records Downturn may see investors flock to gold to rebalance portfolios Reopening of Chinese market will mark its first gold purchase in 3 years Global central banks buying gold at record pace Gold may have underperformed last year but it is expected to shine in 2023 and could rise as high as $3,000, analysts have said.
5% import duties for jewellery waived following Cepa deal 8.26% increase in India's gem and jewellery exports since the Cepa UAE 'going from strength to strength' as a jewellery destination Indians are travelling to Dubai to purchase jewellery made in their home country as it costs less in the emirates.
Mercury supports startups in UAE as well as US Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank is opportunity for neobanks Truly Financial saw 20% increase in customers since SVB fall A US fintech is accepting applications to open bank accounts from venture capitalists and tech startups with entities formed in the UAE, a move local industry experts say will be a "wake-up call" to the Gulf's banking sector.
UAE has kept up cordial relations with both East and West Decade of 'deglobalisation' forecast by Emirates NBD investment report Powers that 'speak to both' set to benefit, says bank's Maurice Gravier The UAE is "the new Switzerland" and poised to reap the benefits of its good relationships with both East and West, the investment boss of one of the Gulf's leading banks has said.
DIFC working to strengthen links with financial services companies Governor Essa Kazim says it will organise roadshows in China Number of companies in Dubai centre grew by 20% in 2022 The Dubai International Financial Centre has plans to generate a new wave of interest from Chinese financial services companies as the world's second-largest economy returns to the global stage.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur sees a big future for Saudi and UAE cinema Bafta winner views the region with a 'huge amount of optimism' His latest film, a cross-cultural romcom, hit UAE cinemas this week Shekhar Kapur, the filmmaker behind Elizabeth and Bandit Queen, has partly "shifted base" to Dubai and is scouting locations in the Gulf for future projects.
Emirates NBD predicts issuance after successful bond launch last year Treasury bonds were vastly oversubscribed New tenor indicates maturing of UAE financial system The UAE government is expected to issue its first ever 10-year dirham-denominated bond in 2023, a banking executive has said.
FAB will initially let customers use cryptocurrency for payments Identifying Web3 startups to develop financial services in the metaverse Bank's chief tech officer said digital assets adoption is inevitability First Abu Dhabi Bank plans to introduce cryptocurrency and digital asset offerings to its customers.
Lab-grown diamonds make up 10% of total global sales Big stones can be 30-40% cheaper than natural mined diamonds Diamonds grown in lab are better for environment Replica 'simulant' diamonds growing in popularity Basma Chaieri began her business after watching the season two finale of Netflix's hit series Explained.
The emirate's largest property firm is capitalising on soaring demand for luxury villas in Dubai's most prestigious enclave Dubai's Emaar Properties is expected to release nearly 20 rare new land plots for sale in the city's most upmarket neighbourhood, Emirates Hills, several real estate agents have confirmed.
Sell-off in cryptocurrencies wiped over $200bn from market in a day Two thirds of UAE residents are interested in crypto investing Should everyone own cryptocurrencies? "No, definitely not," Mark Chahwan, co-founder of Sarwa, told AGBI exactly a week after the investing and personal finance platform introduced the option to trade cryptocurrencies.
Natasha Hannoun, head of debt at SHUAA Capital, tells AGBI why the investor's alternative capital solution is a game changer for the region's startup ecosystem Fintech is the number one target for SHUAA Venture Partners, a new $250 million (AED 918 million) Shari'ah fund, focused on venture debt investments.
Dubai Chamber CEO Hamad Buamim said protectionism is only a temporary measure Hamad Buamim said he believes that the entry of large companies into the market bring advantages too and upholds Dubai's status as a global business hub.
'Why is everything coming out of California?'
NFT ownership concentrated on just 0.1 percent of crypto owners Potential buyers must recognise that crypto assets are highly volatile MAF, owner of 29 malls, hopes Web3 tech will future-proof business As Gulf retail brands venture into non-fungible tokens (NFTs), customers need to be careful not to fall for fear-of-missing-out (FOMO) syndrome, and jump on the digital bandwagon without fully understanding what they're buying into, a leading cryptocurrency and blockchain lawyer has said.
Bitcoin has more than halved since hitting its all-time high of $69,000 Queries show security concerns or customers looking to cash in on crisis UAE-based crypto exchange BitOasis has seen the number of interactions with its chatbot surge from about 300 late last year, to nearly 3,000 this year after Bitcoin's violent crash - a total rise of 1,400 percent.
Revelations about the scale of hidden debts spark debate in the UAE about the need for more rigorous bank loan checks and company auditing The ongoing legal battles surrounding the NMC Healthcare, the largest private healthcare provider in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been a big learning curve for how businesses manage their financial [...]
Some bank accounts taking up to a year to set up Startups waiting, despite obtaining a business licence Lack of consistency on requirements, rules for new businesses Opening a bank account is "still the biggest hurdle" entrepreneurs and business founders face in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with some waiting as long as a year to get the green light to start banking.
Abu Dhabi Global Market pioneers the milestone exchange allowing companies to trade carbon credits like conventional financial assets The launch of the world's first regulated carbon credit exchange and clearing house to regulate carbon credits will help mobilise capital for renewable energy projects in the MENA region.
"Yes, you have to act fast and make some big decisions, but do this based on data, rather than feeling, or because everyone else is."
BAHRAIN: "Your excess is someone else's relief" is the slogan chosen by Conserving Bounties, a non-profit food bank in Bahrain that collects surplus food from hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and private events, and distributes it to needy workers and underprivileged families.
Blockchain is one of the buzzwords of the modern business world, but there is still a lot of ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding it and the impact it will have on the global economy
15+ min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. "Did you really quit McKinsey to do this?" Alper Celen's decision to trade his cushy job at the prestigious global management consulting firm's Scandinavian offices for a move to Saudi Arabia to grow a startup there didn't make much sense to his colleagues.
How do you do things by the book, provide proper quality healthcare to patients and make money? Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi has an answer Healthcare in the UAE is 'oversupplied' is not what you expect to hear when you sit down to interview the top man of a rapidly expanding healthcare group in the emirates.
Faithful+Gould's 2017 forecast assumes another major infrastructure project will be awarded by "exception or royal decree", according to the firm's Construction Intelligence Report on Saudi Arabia which was released on Tuesday. It referred to expenditure under the 2017 state budget that appears to make room for a new major infrastructure scheme.
The Trump Organization, the company founded by United States (U.S.) President Donald J. Trump, has recently renewed registrations on a series of website domains for possible business ventures in the Middle East and North Africa, pointing to a range of potential future projects in the region.
Tower owned by Abu Dhabi-based Al Jaber Group is sold as part of multi-billion dirham debt restructure A landmark hotel property in Dubai operated by Hong Kong's Shangri-La Group of Hotels has sold for AED700.2 million ($190.62 million) according to results posted on an auction website.
By Megha Merani Emaar Hospitality Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai-based global property developer Emaar Properties PJSC, is not considering listing its hotels business, the company's new CEO said on Monday. The developer raised $1.6 billion after it sold a 15.4 percent stake in its retail unit Emaar Malls Group in an initial public offer (IPO) in September 2015, according to a Reuters report.
The value of all the island deals was not disclosed but a Nakheel spokesperson told Gulf News in 2007 that about half of the islands were sold for prices ranging between $20 million and $50 million.
An unsuccessful venture to establish the first Islamic bank headquartered in the euro zone in 2014 has revived its plans and is in the process of raising funds for the project, an executive told Salaam Gateway.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Antoinette Allah-Mensah is both heartbroken and excited. The 28-year-old single mum from Ghana is stoically holding back tears as she talks about missing her son's third birthday next month, especially because he unfailingly asks when she will come to him every time he hears her voice on the phone.
From Zelda Fitzgerald to Lillian Disney and Mitza Maric - history has abundant instances of women whose work went unrecognised Behind every great man there's a great woman. Or so goes the old adage, commonly believed to have originated from feminist movements that began in the US back in the 1940s.
The regulatory arm of Dubai Land Department warns brokers not to chase investors in corridors and parking lots The notice issued to real estate development and brokerage companies by RERA comes as the property sector face fierce competition amidst ongoing subdued market conditions that have persisted since crude prices plunged in 2014.
7DAYS wordsmith Megha Merani finds that taking on a 14-year-old Scrabble star spells ‘disaster’. How many points is that?
This involved bringing in Tabarak Investment to inject new capital into the business following a proposed share capital reduction that will see three-quarters of its share base cancelled with a view to extinguishing 1.7 billion UAE dirhams worth of historic losses.
As part of this plan it announced to the Dubai Financial Market it had secured a binding offer from Dubai-based Tabarak Investment for a capital injection of 500 million UAE dirhams. Its strategy also involves divestment from non-performing or distressed subsidiaries.
K Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles, he most Porsches on the planet, and is the brains behind one of the world’s largest Porsche showrooms.
Game on: Saudi's first woman to play world series squash aims to inspire female athletes A self-taught squash player who made history in 2018 believes that Saudi women have a shot at getting into the big leagues, writes Megha Merani. Nada Abo Alnaja started out teaching herself the game by watching YouTube videos.
A softening market has seen a global dip in sales, but Malabar Gold & Diamonds says currency fluctuations have driven up investment in gold It's not a bad day at work when a customer walks in and orders millions of dollars of jewellery in a single visit.
5 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. "I'm an idiot," Dharmesh Shah wrote on his blog in 2012. His confession came two years before his startup, cloud-based, inbound marketing software company HubSpot, raised US$125 million through its listing at a valuation of $759 million in 2014.
High school fees is something many expats accept as one of the downsides of living in the UAE, but the days of yearly increases and long waiting lists appear to be over, as education operators begin to adjust to the new economic landscape
Academy Award winning actor and United Nations Messenger of Peace, Charlize Theron is optimistic on the fire that's been lit by women across the globe speaking out against sexual harassment and fighting for equal pay. She's also firmly on the side of the kids in the US who are fighting to change gun laws.
Abu Dhabi Financial Group founding CEO Jassim Alseddiqi on what it takes to succeed - no matter what the economic conditions Jassim Alseddiqi is a much sought-after board member "You see that sand over there?" Jassim Alseddiqi points to an empty plot of land from the window of his 35th-floor boardroom overlooking the waters from Abu Dhabi Global Market on Al Maryah Island.
Gergi Abboud, senior vice president and general manager, SAP Middle East South, tells Arabian Business why businesses must evolve for a new era - and fast Gergi Abboud, senior vice president and general manager, SAP Middle East South.
13 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Hashim Alhussaini has had first-hand experience with and insight into the entrepreneurial landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
(Updated to include statement from Emaar) Dubai's largest listed real estate developer Emaar Properties PJSC will not be taking part in this year's Cityscape Global exhibition, the region's largest annual real estate industry showcase. "Cityscape Global has been a significant platform to showcase property developments in UAE and in the region.
Sondos Alqattan refused to apologise for comments criticising Kuwait's new laws that granted Filipino domestic workers in the Gulf state one day off per week Sondos Alqattan, known for her online make-up tutorials, said the backlash was "unjustified" and did not require an apology.
DUBAI: The most crucial year in a child's education may be the age of 8, or third grade, according to a study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.The organization, which focuses on improving the wellbeing of American children, found this to be the developmental phase when children transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."
9 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The math is a no brainer, tech investor Abdullah Altamami explains. A GDP of US$782 billion in 2018, and a population surpassing 34 million- of which 60% are below 35 years of age.
From controversial company statements and questionable campaigns to tasteless tweets, Megha Merani looks back on seven Twitter and facebook fails of 2013
12 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The number of incubators and accelerators across the globe has multiplied by nearly five times over the last decade- up from 560 back in 2009 to 2,616 in 2018, according to a report published by global consultancy Roland Berger earlier this year.
Blacklane, a Berlin-based global professional chauffeur services start-up that Al Fahim Group has invested in, announced the opening of its Middle East office in Dubai this week. Blacklane also announced a deal with Emirates to exclusively take over its complimentary chauffeur-drive service for its First and Business Class passengers in India, Italy and Sweden.
By Megha Merani May 4 (TRPN) - Heavy losses in recent fires have increased the cost of insuring high-rise properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at least four-fold, with some policies beginning to take into account loss of business, a UAE-based insurance lawyer said on Thursday.
"Arbitration awards are judgements (under the new law), you go to the execution courts to immediately execute," Tamimi said. If a party wants to challenge the award they can file a challenge within 30 days to challenge the award, he added, but that challenge does not stop enforcement.
Bollywood model-turned-actor and producer John Abraham has a new sports film in the pipeline that no one knows about just yet - but that's not what he's interested in talking about. He'd rather speak about his weekend refereeing young women footballers in Dubai and the difference he wants to make in the world by encouraging female empowerment and sustainability through sport.
Even with payments being a pain point in the oil-producing state, CEO Wael Allan has his hopes riding on a big ticket - the much-awaited award of the Makkah Metro project, for which DSI is part of the preferred bidding consortium that includes Saudi contractor Al-Saad and France's Alstom.
Property developers in Dubai will get incentives to include 'affordable' homes in their product mix in central areas as part of a new government policy on affordable housing to be implemented next year, an official from the Dubai Land Department said.
"There's a whole opportunity there for third-party financiers to invest and get returns on just a retrofit," Gentil told Zawya Projects on the sidelines of the Alleem Business Congress last month. "I think more and more, especially when they (building owners) see prices going up for electricity and water bills, like what happened in Abu Dhabi recently, that's when they start to be interested (in retrofit)."
DUBAI, March 5 (TRPN) - Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties PJSC said on Sunday that it has hired a new chief executive to head development. "John Carfi has joined Emaar Properties as CEO of Development," a company spokesperson told Zawya Projects in an email. Carfi joins Emaar from Australian property group Mirvac, where he was head of residential.
He added that a lack of clarity on how the new tax might affect commercial rents was causing "nervousness" amongst some existing tenants. The finance ministry held its first workshop in March to educate UAE businesses on the proposed new tax law.
By Megha Merani DUBAI, March 1 (TRPN) - Abu Dhabi is expected to roll out a new building retrofit programme spanning millions of square metres this year to reduce energy consumption in the Gulf emirate, the chief executive of an end-use energy consultancy said.
As the new chairman of the World Chambers Federation, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President and CEO Hamad Buamim is ready to tackle new challenges and bring new ideas to enhance global trade Dubai Chamber is looking at markets that have competitive advantage "It was our aspiration to lead and now here we are," says Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), as he gazes outside of his office window at the abras sailing along the bustling...
construction| Saudi Arabia plans to implement metro projects in Makkah, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina in partnership with the private sector By Megha Merani DUBAI, March 7 (TRPN) - Saudi Arabia plans to implement metro projects in Makkah, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina in partnership with the private sector, the chief of Saudi Railways Organization ( SRO) said on Tuesday.
12 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Soul searches don't typically begin when we're feeling fulfilled. Most seekers admit that it's usually when you hit your lowest point that you embark on a quest for answers.
30 July 2017 Omar Kassim, the Dubai-based founder of online marketplace JadoPado, has launched a new startup that aims to facilitate real estate transactions using blockchain technology. Kassim, who recently sold his company to Noon, the e-commerce conglomerate headed by Emaar chairman Mohamad Alabbar, has ventured into the world of real estate with a new platform he's calling Esanjo.com.
Artist angry after concept 'copied' by Dubai firm
12 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Tell them how they can make more money, offer them something no one else ever has, and be flexible- that's the simple secret to Mountasser Hachem's success.
If you are coping with infertility, it doesn't help when people tell you to 'just relax' - or pacify you with platitudes and advice that fails to acknowledge the reality of your circumstances. Priyanka Bhatia-Mahendru gets it. She offers couples coping tools to deal with potential stresses and strains of conceiving via assisted reproductive techniques at Bourn Hall Fertility Centre in Dubai.
A new young actor can only dream of rising to fame after the release of her debut film. So it's incredibly rare when an 18-year-old breaks the internet with just a teaser of her upcoming movie. Priya Prakash Varrier has skyrocketed to stardom ahead of her upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Love in what has been, quite literally, the wink of an eye.
It's a child's worst nightmare come true. When 42-year-old Desiree Vlekken returned home to visit her parents in the Philippines over Christmas, her dad didn't seem to recognise her. He had lost a lot of weight. He was constantly agitated, easily upset, having imaginary fights and delusional episodes.
Clearly there aren't enough women buying Bentleys, at least not in the UAE. I say this not because I haven't seen a girl or two whiz past me in a Conti GT down Sheikh Zayed Road. I say so because when I announced at the dealership that I was there to pick up the Mulsanne, I was greeted by a gaping look.
A lack of innovation in developing meaningful Shariah-compliant financial products and unaccommodating regulations stand in the way of a faster development of the global Islamic finance industry to better serve consumer needs, entrepreneurs told Salaam Gateway on the sidelines of the Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) in Dubai last week.
Sibling of murder victim is recovering from torture hell but may need surgery
Sex and the City star SJPCemodels her shoe line in Dubai Fashionistas worldwide famously quote Carrie Bradshaw if they are ever berated for buying slinky shoes instead of sensible stocks. "I like my money where I can see it -- hanging in my closet,"Cethey say.
A better regulatory framework and more generous incentives for the private sector are critical for the public-private partnership (PPP) model to succeed in the United Arab Emirates, a government economist said. In August 2015, Dubai passed a new PPP law regulating partnerships between the public and private sectors in the emirate.
Plans to start towing an iceberg from Antarctica to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will begin in 2019 and will take about 12 months to complete, an executive from the UAE Icebergs Project has said.
Saying you're off to a board meeting sounds like an important place to hangout. It smells like success and paints a picture of fancy suits seated around a long table in a conference room making million dollar decisions. Like you've arrived in life, and it's just what big businesses do.
Model maker foretells growth of the emirate
Angry tenant slams smokers in JLT tower as building owners iron out rules
You know this isn't going to be your usual fairytale when the conversation suddenly veers from how a bride met her husband to how the aviation authorities, the military and the coastguard played a starring role in her wedding. Dubai-based film director Japinder Kaur's wedding story is anything but typical.
Serena and Rahul Sajnani's love story dates back to when they were just 12 year olds playing imaginative games about pretending to work at an airport. They've been best friends since, and later the friendship blossomed into the love of a lifetime.
The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) decision to impose value-added-tax (VAT) on non-life insurance is expected to drive up the cost of health, motor, and property premiums, a tax expert said. The UAE is the biggest insurance market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, where motor and health policies account for 70 percent of the market.
Pakistani actors Urwa Hocane, Bilal Ashraf and Gohar Rasheed are earnest, excited and hugely enthusiastic - not just about their upcoming release but also about showing off the revival of their nation's film industry and cinema culture.
10 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Saying you're off to a board meeting sounds like an important place to hangout. It smells like success and paints a picture of fancy suits seated around a long table in a conference room making million dollar decisions.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. It's not about your product, service or people. At its fundamental core, business is really just about one thing: making decisions.
Developers cannot ignore the future and need to start thinking about factoring landing pads for flying taxis into their master plans and project designs, a Dubai-based architect said, with some investors already beginning to request the addition to their plans.
It's not every day you see they skyline of city drawn across a girl's arms on the eve of her wedding - one city on the left arm and another city on the right. But such drawings, created as henna patterns, are the latest trend amongst brides in the United Arab Emirates.
It's the time of year when the fillies and fellas come out to play in their finest feathers. As one of the world's richest horse races, the $10-million (Dh36.7 million) Dubai World Cup is exciting of course, but the stakes are far higher off the track, as socialites compete for attention, to inspire envy or signal that they're ready to mingle.
17 August 2017 Fifteen years ago, the Dubai government issued a decree that allowed expatriates and foreigners to own freehold property in the emirate. Local developers jumped to cash in on the foreign investment, pitching big dreams of projects that would put the United Arab Emirates on the world map.
Countries must not let down their guard or scale back efforts in the fight against maritime piracy, an international security summit in Dubai has heard. Speaking at the Counter-Piracy Conference yesterday, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the number of attacks has reduced significantly in recent years, but that there are new threats including pirates allying with terror groups such as ISIL.
On a day they will likely never forget, there were smiles all around for 140 people with Down syndrome when they were surprised by a visit from the Crown Prince of Dubai at their sports day.
The UAE's "call in life" is to set an example of tolerance for the world to learn from, a top government official has said. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the country has become a place where different religions, ethnicities and nationalities could live peacefully and side by side.
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has vehemently defended himself after a personal plea from a fellow Indian actress to help combat rape in the country. The actor is currently in Dubai to promote his film 'PK'.
When college sweethearts Krish Malhotra and Ananya Swaminathan declared their intention to tie the knot, their parents threw a fit, forbidding them from ever walking down the aisle. Though both are Indian, the absolute opposition was due to cultural differences between their respective communities - a clash of customs between Krish's loud folks from the northern state of Punjab and Ananya's traditional, religious, Brahmin family from Chennai in south India.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he is unsure about whether his name adds any value to the Dhs2.3 billion real estate project he is backing in Dubai, but he believes the concept of 'affordable' housing will sell.
A Dhs10 million fleet of fancy cars, including a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bentley and a Mercedes G Class limo, will line up to ferry commuters across Dubai free of charge as part of the city's motor festival. The service will operate for 10 hours a day during the weekends of November 21-22 and 28-29, and December 5-6.
Health bosses hope a Dhs100 million investment in a medical research complex in Dubai could lead to a cure for cancer. Work is under way on the 170,000sqft Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, which will focus on research and development on the UAE's five most urgent healthcare challenges: cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and mental health.
13 August 2017 Snap Inc.(NYSE:SNAP), the maker of the popular photo and video messaging application Snapchat, is ramping up hiring in Dubai after it announced the opening of its first Middle East office earlier this year. The American technology and social media firm established an office in Dubai Internet City in February, led by ex-Yahoo head Hussein Freijeh.
By Megha Merani May 21 (TRPN) - Dubai-based Danube Group expects its building materials business to grow by at least five percent in 2017, despite challenging economic conditions, the company's chairman said. Several construction projects in the United Arab Emirates and across oil-producing Gulf Arab states have suffered delays following the plunge in crude prices in 2014, slower economic growth and tighter bank liquidity.
24 July 2017 The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) has signed its first Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement for the development of a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant - hoping to set an example for future public-private projects in the emirate.
Teens launch YouTube series to create awareness about the Holy Month
By Megha Merani DUBAI, March 1 (TRPN) - Abu Dhabi is expected to roll out a new building retrofit programme spanning millions of square metres this year to reduce energy consumption in the Gulf emirate, the chief executive of an end-use energy consultancy said.
Veterans of the US military have added their voices to those lambasting Fox News presenters who made sexist remarks about an UAE fighter pilot. 7DAYS reported yesterday how leading figures in the UAE branded the remarks about Major Mariam Al Mansouri as derogatory.
His brother, Bollywood actor Sohail Khan, is brand ambassador for the Burj Pacific project in Downtown Dubai. His famous family, including Salman Khan, have snapped up several apartments in the same development. But actor and director Arbaaz Khan is busy urging expats to invest in real estate back in India.
More women in the UAE are learning to fly helicopters and planes, two of the country's main pilot schools have said. Fujairah Aviation Academy said that 10 per cent of its trainees are now women - up from 2 to 3 per cent just five years ago, while Bristow Academy said it had seen a rise of 8 per cent in the same period.
It might be the gizmo on many a festive shopping list, but owning a drone will involve more than simply buying and flying in the future. Police have revealed a new law to regulate the use of the unmanned aerial devices in the UAE is in the pipeline.
In an age of clean sharp fonts of thumb written texts, the pleasure of pressing pen to paper to scrawl your signature is still undeniable. So many of us have doodled our names on the back of notebooks again and again to perfect our autographs, even if it's just before signing a birthday card.
You park the car and head into the mall: Keys? Check. Wallet? Check. Phone? Check. Kids... Parents leaving their children unattended in cars is such an issue in the Emirates that police have developed a warning device to remind careless mums and dads of the error of their ways.
The perks are legendary. Never-ending free gourmet meals, massages, haircuts, fitness classes, gym membership and even a concierge service to run mundane errands like picking up the dry cleaning and getting the oil changed on your car.
An expat in Dubai who sang his way to victory at 'Champ of the Camp' has more than trebled his salary after using his winnings to learn to drive. Dhruv Bakshi, 28, out-sang 3,000 entrants from 80 labour camps at last year's final of Western Union 'Camp ka Champ' - a singing contest for labourers, popularly known as 'Dubai Idol'.
From the slopes at Ski Dubai to the city's spice markets, Hollywood actress Eva Longoria has been busy snapping photos around town. The American star and philanthropist is in the emirate for the Global Gift Gala, which took place last night.
A group of kind-hearted Dubai singers have come together to raise money to cover the medical bills of two young children with cancer. Daudjan Al Maty (right), aged four, from Kazakhstan and Ammar Ibrahim Ali, aged two, from Nigeria, are undergoing treatment for leukaemia at Dubai Hospital.
In the UAE, people like to complain a lot. Whether it's bad customer service, road safety, a lack of libraries or inconvenient access to recycling facilities, people are always comparing things to elsewhere and finding faults. But instead of moaning and nit-picking, why not do something about it instead?
A selfless seven-year-old has had her long blonde hair cut so it can be used to make a wig for little girls with cancer. Second-grader Katrina Dewar generously parted with 10 sections of her 20-inch locks yesterday to give to the Little Princess Trust - a charity that provides real-hair wigs, free of charge, to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.
The 'world's largest' Apple retail store will open in Dubai early next year, a source close to the tech giant has revealed. Rumours have been rife about the opening of the store since CEO Tim Cook's Dubai visit earlier this year.
A hotel driver has spoken of his delight at becoming the first person to be handed a Dhs1,000 prize under a scheme to reward careful motorists. Shantaram Jadhav won half his Dhs2,000 monthly salary yesterday morning in Ghusais as part of the Porsche RoadStar campaign.
The winner of this year's 'Champ of the Camp' wants to spend his prize money on putting his teenage sister through school. Expat workers Kushal Sunar and his team-mate Mohammed Shazad Ali sang their way to victory last Thursday night at the finals of the Western Union 'Camp ka Champ' - the popular singing contest for labourers, popularly known as 'Dubai Idol'.
Wordsmith Megha Merani finds that taking on a 14-year-old Scrabble star spells 'disaster'. How many points is that? Ladies first, he says politely, gesturing for me to pick my letters from the bag of tiles.
Technology giant Apple has begun advertising for staff in the UAE - the biggest hint yet that an official store is on its way. The California firm has long been rumoured to be planning an outlet in the country, but is famously tight-lipped about new products and expansions.
Don't slurp your soup! It's bad manners. That's what my mother always said to us when we were children. Spitting was a big no-no too. When I was inspired by Jack [Leonardo Di Caprio] showing Rose [Kate Winslet] how to 'spit like a man', I was sent to my room without any dinner.
Two UAE residents are making Indian politicians sprint over cows and scurry past chickens for votes in the race to become the country's next prime minister. As more than 800 million citizens cast their ballots to elect a new government for the world's largest democracy, expats Justin Joseph and Shaun Samuel have developed a smartphone game designed to show political support for candidates.
Driver praised as Dhs1.2 million cash and gems returned
This is the message greeting mothers as they drop off their kids at one Dubai school. The poster, positioned at the entrance of Raffles World Academy, tells mums to cover up during the school run. The notice reads: "Parents & Visitors... We'd love to see you... but not that much of you!
Tackling the Ebola epidemic and dealing with the threat from extremists are among the key challenges to be discussed at this week's Summit on the Global Agenda. The high-level event, hosted with the World Economic Forum, begins today and will see more than 1,000 politicians, academics and thinkers from 83 countries gather in Dubai for the seventh year.
Why endorse someone else's development when you can build your own? That's the view of Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty when it comes to real estate. The actor has been keeping an eye on Dubai's buzzing property market - but says he is not going to follow in his B-town colleague superstar Shah Rukh Khan's footsteps.
Two of the biggest names in Indian cinema have hailed plans to build a Bollywood theme park in Dubai - saying it will further boost the global appeal of Hindi films. Abhishek Bachchan and Farah Khan welcomed the development saying the plan was evidence of the industry's reach.
The biggest obstacle to getting parents to buckle up their children is the lack of a law making it mandatory, according to the CEO of traffic at the RTA. Even after almost 10 years of awareness campaigns, Maitha bin Adai, the head of the Traffic and Roads Department at the Roads and Transport Authority, believes the only way to ensure families invest in car seats is to make it law.
"I like my money where I can see it - hanging in my closet," they say. Just as she did in the iconic TV sitcom 'Sex And The City'. And Tuesday afternoon seemed no different as scores of shoe lovers lined up at Bloomingdales in Dubai to invest in soles from their style icon Sarah Jessica Parker's new collection - and have them autographed by the lady too.
When most people come to Dubai they plan visits to the emirate's record-breaking wonders... a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa or a stroll around Dubai Mall. These are some of the must-dos for ordinary tourists and the hundreds of celebrities that flock to the city each year.
On New Year's Eve last year, thousands watched 479,651 shells light up the sky over the Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands in just six minutes - earning Dubai top place for the biggest-ever pyrotechnics display on the planet.
By Megha Merani April 18 (TRPN) - United World Infrastructure (UWI), a Dubai and Washington D.C.-based infrastructure investment and development company, is in talks to develop a new economic cluster in Egypt with an approximate total investment of more than $500 million, a company executive said.
A 'VIP abortion' clinic in India is taking advantage of vulnerable women in the UAE by offering to deliver pills to their door for a quick and easy way to terminate a pregnancy, a 7DAYS investigation has revealed.
A wildlife advocate has criticised celebrities who pose for photos with exotic pets then share them online with their fans. Hollywood's 'Fast and Furious' star Vin Diesel, American rapper Ludacris, singer-songwriter Tyrese Gibson and B-town diva Shilpa Shetty are among the many public figures that have posted photos of themselves alongside domesticated wild animals on social media.
Eyewitnesses have described the grisly scene after a man's body was found at the base of a tower in Dubai on Tuesday. Staff from the Radisson Royal Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road made the grim discovery outside the Nassima apartment block of the same building.
The man with the world's most piercings has vowed never to return to Dubai after being refused entry because of "security reasons". Rolf Buchholz, who holds a Guinness World Record with 453 piercings in his body, was due to make an appearance at Dubai nightclub Cirque le Soir on Friday night.
Coffee giant Tim Horton's has been criticised by police and customers after urging motorists to drink their beverage while driving in a social media post. The global chain's GCC division posted a photo of a driver holding a cup at the wheel along with the message: "One thing you can drink and drive with."
A promising young pupil plucked from the slums of Bangladesh could lose the opportunity of a lifetime if he does not find a foster family. Milon Hossain, 16, is on a sought-after scholarship with the Maria Cristina Foundation, who brought him to Dubai from Dhaka.
Being chased by a creature from 'The Walking Dead' that is hungering for my brains is not my idea of a good weekend. Since he's not quite the prince charming of my dreams, I'm forced to run, for my life, to escape being eaten - also an activity I do not consider fun.
Real estate bosses have criticised a rival company for an advertising campaign in which the firm says it can help landlords "avoid rental cap laws" in Dubai. Rules brought in by RERA (the Real Estate Regulatory Agency) state the maximum landlords can raise rents when renewing contracts.
"The eyes are the window to your soul," said William Shakespeare. Centuries later, plastic surgeons are now labelling eyes "the window of the face," instead. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid plastic surgery, has become the most popular of all facial cosmetic surgery operations selected by patients from Asia - and Dubai is on its way to becoming a hub for the procedure.
Broken elevators, mouldy air-conditioning, a dirty pool and sky-high chiller fees - just some of the woes of Dubai tenants after they hand over huge rent cheques. Now, a new website has been launched to help house hunters get the inside scoop on flats by collating good and bad reviews.
Stroll to a soundtrack of unforgettable Irish tales
THE UAE is becoming a haven for people seeking the body beautiful and plastic surgeons are keen to get a slice of the action. So much so that the Emirates now has the highest ratio of plastic surgeons to citizens on earth.
Bam! Bam! Bam! Shooting down virtual enemy targets might sound thrilling to gamers, but there's a lot more to sniping on screen than you think. Fun and games are not things you typically associate with law enforcement, especially when it's Dubai Police, who have the tough task of keeping the city's busy streets safe everyday.
Endangered Bengal tigers at Dubai Zoo have become mentally ill due to the "distressing environment" they are cooped up in, a tiger expert believes. Chris Slappendel, architect of the awareness project Tigertrail.org, believes that the big cats at the zoo are suffering from "zoochosis".
So says seven-year-old Sam Lloyd, who made a poster, right, hoping to convince people to stop killing the animal for its horn, which is traded on the black market. Rhino horns are used by some cultures as status symbols, ornaments or for traditional medicine, with totally unproven claims to cure cancer and other diseases.
Choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone is the most important decision you can make. Along with the eternal declaration of love and commitment comes an emotionally charged, grown-up choice: in addition to sharing your daily life, are you also going to share your money?
That could very well be what Jay Z agreed to when he married Beyonce Knowles in 2008. But the power couple's vows were put to the test recently. A minute-long video posted by TMZ went viral this week, revealing a physical row that went down between Jay Z and his wife's sister, Solange, after the Met Gala.
Beyonce believes there's too much pressure on women to look perfect. If she feels that way then imagine how the rest of us must suffer. After all, it's easy enough to say that when you look like the Grammy-winning pop princess. She even somehow managed to look her bewitching self, so soon after baby Ivy Blue was born.
Millions of people worldwide have clearly taken Shakira's lyrics to heart after she recently stormed past the 100 million 'likes' milestone on Facebook. The 37-year-old pop diva is the most 'liked' person on the planet, but what can we learn from Shakira's social skills? And do 'likes' really matter?
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are hunting the hackers who stole naked photos of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and plastered them across the internet, but the damage has already been done. The compromising images surfaced on website 4chan on Sunday night after the 24-year-old Hollywood star's Apple iCloud account was broken into.
A new, healthy routine and lifestyle could literally be a click away. It might sound crazy, but according to a new survey by life insurer AIA Australia, all it takes is a selfie. Yes. You read it right.
It's the life of a dog," he jokes. Abdulla A Ajmal, the grandson of Ajmal Ali - founder of one of the most famous fragrance houses in the Middle East - sniffs between 20 to 30 scents as part of his daily routine. It's the only way to find the perfect smells.
George Clooney hit out on Wednesday at allegations that his mum-in-law-to-be is against him marrying her daughter because of religious differences. He was riled after a British tabloid reported how his fiancée Amal Alamuddin's mother, Baria, has been "telling half of Beirut" that her daughter could do better.
If you've already abandoned your vow to get in shape this year, it's probably going to take some hardcore motivation to get off the couch and get moving again. Maybe it's time to use technology in your favour: why not adopt a social approach to get you motivated to exercise and eat right?
Jamaican rapper Sean Kingston has been making pal Justin Bieber "mental" over a gold iPhone 6 - all the way from the sunny shores of Dubai. Kingston was in town to perform at the Armani Prive nightclub at the Burj Khalifa last week, while he stayed at the Burj Al Arab hotel.
Feeling rather depressed after England's embarrassing show at the World Cup? Or are you just one of those who cannot stand football? There's potential comic relief for both devastated fans and haters of the sport at The Laughter Factory's 18th birthday celebrations, as comedy star Jason Manford returns to perform in Dubai on Sunday night.
Crying children were left inconsolable after being made to walk away without a promised meeting with Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Big B was in town for the world premiere of his new kids' movie 'Bhoothnath Returns' - a sequel to 2008 release 'Bhoothnath' - in which he plays a friendly ghost.
The toddler, a surrogate child, will make his Bollywood debut in the Dubai-set tale that will have its world premiere at the Atlantis - The Palm hotel on October 22. SRK's wife Gauri revealed in an interview with an Indian daily that it was a "very spontaneous decision" to give AbRam a role in the film.
Bollywood stars hit out at cleavage controversy
It's the Dubai-shot Bollywood production taking the box office by storm, but top actor Abhishek Bachchan's own mother has criticised the film and called his acting "stupid". Indian cinema icon Jaya Bachchan criticised latest release 'Happy New Year' when speaking at the Mumbai Literature Festival.
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth. So goes Pharrell Williams' infectious pop anthem 'Happy'. It's neither advice, nor a guaranteed solution to life's troubles. People know this. Still, the cheerful chant - viewed more than 180 million times on YouTube and spurring countless parodies across the planet - gets crowds doing just as instructed and adding their own happy dance to boot.
Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest tasks you perform daily. Now, a Dubai-based centre for people with special needs is urging the UAE to brush up on their awareness of disability. The aim of the campaign is to get people to brush with their less dominant hand, record it and post the clip on Facebook, using the hashtag #snfbrushingchallenge.
Dubai's education regulator is to triple the number of schools using the 'Parent School Contract' and add clauses on social media use after noting a 20 per cent drop in the number of complaints from schools and parents who signed the contract.
Discounts from the school canteen if pupils order in Arabic or getting them to appeal to the referee in the UAE's mother tongue - just two examples of how Dubai educators believe schoolchildren in the emirate can boost their Arabic skills and get ahead in life.
A campaign to beat cyber bullies that started in the UK has now been launched in the UAE to help children, teachers and parents prevent online harassment among teens. 'Beat the CyberBully' was born following tragic incidents in which bullying victims took their own lives after being subjected to vile taunts on social media and chat sites.
The rain stayed away as the finest fillies from across the world flocked to impress at the 19th running of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse. We're not just talking about horses of course. We also mean the thousands of women dressed to the nines, complete with skyscraper heels and high-class hats.
Shoe lovers in the UAE may fall head over heels this week when the world's most expensive piece of footwear goes on sale in Dubai for Dhs11.3 million. Worth even more than all the shoes in Carrie Bradshaw's coveted closet, the extravagant size-38 boots are laced with diamonds totalling 1,527 carats.
All women have had at least one - those disturbingly painful experiences at a beauty counter that leave you hating the mirror for a month. From the so-called 'beauty expert' bombarding you with tips on how to 'fix' problems you never knew you had, to the supposed 'artist' who shakes her head at you for breaking the rules and picking a shade of lipstick that's too bright for your complexion.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi should team up to avoid fans having to choose between attending their favourite sporting events following last weekend's clash between the Formula One and the DP World Tour Championship, according to a top UAE sports official. The head of Dubai Sports Council admitted a unified UAE calendar for sporting events would serve better spectators.
A real estate developer claims Abu Dhabi is a "gold mine" for investors, and a better long-term prospect than "posh" Dubai. Jack Hu, managing director of the Farglory Group Middle East, made the comments at the launch of the Taiwanese firm's Maryah Plaza project in Abu Dhabi in Al Maryah Island's new financial freezone.
A heated meeting with Don Corleone followed by a romantic dinner with Jack Dawson then a showdown with Decepticons if you don't pay the bill - this is how your night might pan out at a new, movie-themed hotel planned for Dubai. The Paramount Hotel Dubai, Downtown, was launched by DAMAC Properties at Cityscape Global yesterday.
Flippers have no place in Dubai's property market anymore and the so-called real estate 'bubble' is not set to burst again - thanks to government regulations and a cautious approach from developers, experts have said. The three-day, mammoth Cityscape Global property exhibition was officially opened in Dubai yesterday by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates.
Don't fall for sales pitches at Cityscape Global that insist you make an immediate decision before the deal sells out, real estate professionals have advised. "It's one of the biggest lies you come across in the market - anyone who tells you their project is almost sold out is definitely not telling the truth," Haji Suleman, senior property consultant at Silver Heights Real Estate, told 7DAYS.
This is going to seriously upset real estate agents - is it not? "No comment," Adham Saleh tells 7DAYS. Then, he reluctantly concedes: "Maybe... probably." But that's not the point, the man behind ezayedrealestate.com insists. The entrepreneur is on a mission to advocate a healthy real estate market in the UAE by changing the way property is bought and sold.
One wealthy car lover in the UAE is destined to become the owner of a one-of-a-kind motor deemed fit for an Indian royal. The Rolls-Royce Maharaja Phantom Drophead Coupé, a bespoke vehicle created exclusively for Indian customers in Dubai, was unveiled to an invite-only audience last night.
The head of a new law firm in Dubai believes he will give big-brand international legal advisors in the UAE a run for their money by offering better rates and targeting clients from the largest expat population in the country. Kochhar and Co Inc, the largest international law firm in India, opened its offices in Dubai yesterday.
The move is designed to crack down on motorists who alter their autos in a manner that makes them a safety hazard on the city's roads. Ahmad Bahrozyan, executive director of the RTA Licensing Agency, told 7DAYS: "We are considering a very important project in 2015 which will take us into the classification and certification of garages in Dubai, including garages that conduct vehicle modifications.
If those curves instantly catch your eye but she's gone before you can even get a second glimpse long enough to figure who that new model in town is - chances are it's the new RC or the RC F that has zoomed past you.
Motoring