The Kingdom’s hyperlocal market is predicted to see a number of IPOs as leading players scurry to raise investments to fund their aggressive growth plans
Author Archives: James Mathew
James Mathew, preferred to be addressed as James, assumes the role of India Correspondent at Arabian Business from New Delhi, bringing to the table a wealth of knowledge and expertise in economic, financial, and corporate sectors. With a career spanning renowned financial dailies like The Economic Times, Business Standard, and The Observer of Business & Politics in India, James transitioned to the international media scene in 2018.
At Arabian Business, his reporting covers a wide spectrum of sectors, developments, and issues spanning India, the Middle East, Africa, and, at times, the global arena. Known for his passionate reporting, James keeps a vigilant eye on significant economic and business sectors, aiming to be the first to inform Arabian Business readers. He boasts an impressive track record of breaking stories, particularly in the domains of major corporate developments and cutting-edge tech sectors, including the metaverse and cryptocurrency. Amidst his journalistic endeavors, James considers his series of emotionally resonant stories on the challenges faced by expat returnees from the Gulf during the Covid-19 pandemic, published in Arabian Business, as his proudest moments, surpassing even his numerous globally impactful breaking stories. His educational background includes a Master's degree in English Literature and Language, complemented by a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism.
Dubai rises as epicentre of PropTech innovation as city’s real estate firms chase new-age tech tools with massive investments
PropTech startups in the MENA region secured $200 million in funding in the first half of 2024, surpassing even the traditionally dominant fintech sector
Revealed: Stablecoin market capitalisation hits a massive $172bn globally; fast emerging as alternative to dollar savings
They also offer new possibilities for cross-border payments and asset management, improving efficiency and reducing costs, disrupting the business models of traditional banks and financial institutions
India, UAE businesses cash in on major demand for Abu Dhabi mega-events IIFA, Grand Prix, Coldplay concert
Booking portals are aggressively marketing major events across the UAE capital to maximise returns during peak tourist season
Global heavyweights in real estate sector eye expansion into UAE, GCC amid talk of next round of market boom
With the start of the new interest rate cut cycle leading to fall in mortgage rates, market experts predict a surge in real estate investments in the region
Fed rate cut impact: GCC investment managers turn bullish on gold, US equities
Gold prices hit a new high of $2.635 per ounce on Tuesday morning trading hours, gaining more than 2.2% in the last few days trading sessions post-rate cut
Moscow’s loss, Dubai’s gain? Russian buyers flock to UAE real estate as mortgage rates skyrocket to 18% in home market
Cash rich investors from France are also flocking to upscale Dubai properties as UAE offers nearly half payback period on investments compared to Paris
Revealed: UAE, Saudi Arabia seeing influx of new-age HR ventures amidst slew of labour law changes, surge in expat employees
The move is attracting a number of international investors to the Gulf region to cash in on the business potential
India’s Playbook Partners close to striking deals with UAE, Saudi institutional investors, large family offices for $250mn fund
The initial target of $250 million corpus for the fund could go up several notches if the institutional investors from the region agree to write bigger cheques
Gaming industry poised for big churn with new breed of developers shifting to ‘play-generate value-earn’ model to boost user engagement
The new set of game developers is using Blockchain as a tool to enhance the gaming experience for users, rather than deploying the technology to add more complexity to games
UAE, Saudi corporates leverage AI-based HR tech for international expansion
In the GCC – mainly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia – 6 out of 10 CHROs plan to invest significantly in HR tech in 2024, with 37% focusing on AI technologies to address talent shortages and skill development
GCC, Indian market players investing in renewable energy, pharma, IT stocks betting on a Harris win
Investors are also hedging on shares of oil and gas and defence sectors to play safe if Trump gets elected in the November 5 election
Saudi Arabia: Women’s fashion projected to become $53bn market by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s young and tech-savvy population with high disposable income will fuel the growth of online fashion
Games of the Future 2025: Event to tip global gaming hubs status in UAE’s favour from Korea, Los Angeles, say industry leaders
The Games of the Future 2025 will align seamlessly with the UAE’s broader goals of becoming a leader in the global digital economy
Gulf wealth managers brace for market volatility, strategize to mitigate risks ahead of ‘watershed’ 2024 US election
Investors are drawing up a prudent diversification strategy to focus on alternative assets to ride out the anticipated market storm ahead of the US election
Fed rate cut: Cryptocurrency market holds breath for US payroll data as interest rate drop looms
The US’s upcoming jobs report is expected to have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market, a month after disappointing results led to a market meltdown across the globe
Paddy Upton: UAE, Saudi companies can supercharge growth through best practices
Upton said shunning foreign influence inevitably limits the potential for expansion and multinational success
US presidential election 2024: Markets in suspense as latest odds give Trump a 4% edge over Harris
The latest opinion polls gave only a shade higher rating – 0.1% – to 43.8% to Trump, as against 47.1% for Harris
Pakistan fintech PostEx to disrupt e-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia, UAE with upfront payment solutions to merchants
Company founder Khan says while there are existing players in both markets, their hybrid solution will make it unique in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Dubai real estate developer eyes massive expansion across UAE, beyond
The company is preparing to launch its maiden mixed residential and commercial project in October in Dubai
Oil prices to spike, gold faces high volatility amid potential US Fed interest rate cut
The rebound in oil prices could be short-lived as concerns over demand and a potential supply surplus loomed large
Australian real estate firms target UAE, Saudi investors with events amid major housing shortage
This comes ahead of an expected real estate investment boom in the runup to the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane
Spike in ‘bleisure travel’ keeps cash counters busy, bottom lines up for UAE hospitality, tourism sector players
The market is increasingly seeing a shift towards ‘value for money’ travel, keeping hoteliers to innovate and strategise to offer personalised and customised experiences for guests
Revealed: Tokenisation to spur next growth phase of Dubai’s real estate sector
The rise of tokenisation and blockchain technology in Dubai – and larger UAE – is also boosting fractional ownership of real estate assets, even encompassing various high-value assets such as vacation homes
UAE set to be at the forefront of impending logistics sector transformation, says industry expert
The surge in e-commerce revenues in UAE and GCC is to shape the future of the logistics industry in the region, with Dubai set to be the main beneficiary
UAE property: Dubai developer PG Real Estate targets cash-rich international investors with new advisory arm
The new real estate advisory arm will offer a host of services in areas such as investment, asset management, property valuation, and strategic portfolio optimisation
UAE’s first AI real estate consultant closes $30mn worth of property deals within weeks of launch
The social media influence of Jucica Brown, the new virtual real estate consultant launched by Dubai-headquartered Realiste on the short message platform Telegram, has also already garnered 100,000 followers on Instagram
How one UAE startup is changing consumer habits by rewarding those who recycle
Sparklo not only recycled 33 million bottles, but also rewards those who recycle with discounts on groceries, utility payments, car charging, and more as an incentive for recycling
Inside Tulåh – UAE company’s first $100mn clinical wellness resort launching this December
The resort will offer a combo package of the best of modern medicine, traditional Indian healthcare and luxury hospitality to align the mind, body and soul
MENA region poised for $50bn market boom despite US recession fears, market volatility
Over 60 Rhinos and classified ventures are expected to hit the market within the next 3 to 5 years, experts reveal
Revealed: Dubai investors flock to large properties, defying global demand surge for smaller apartments
Skyrocketing real estate prices and increasing urbanisation are cited as the major reasons for the rising global preferences for smaller apartments
Tata Group arm Titan Watches eyes massive regional expansion with 35 GCC outlets
The proposed expansion in the region will see Titan extending its product line in the region with launches of a range of fragrances and its stylish Fastrack sunglasses
Super rich global property investors ditch London for Dubai over concerns on new Labour govt tax, spend priorities
Dubai’s steady and high yielding RoI potentials from property investments are adding to the lure for cash-rich buyers to shift their focus to the emirate
Dubai rental market: Landlords in hot competition for eye-catching innovations to woo premium tenants
The demand for apartment renovations in Dubai is not only rising, but taking unusual and expensive proportions
Rising global cost of living pushes some UAE businesses to adjust salaries as inflation bites
Increasing living expenses spur a wave of wage reviews and incentive schemes globally, experts say
Revealed: UAE, Saudi Arabia lead strong GCC consumer shift towards flexitarianism, healthy eating
The shift is triggering a projected eight-times surge in the size of plant-based meat market to $500 million by 2030 from a mere $60 million in 2023
Dubai real estate: Seabeats announces novel insurance plan to cover all aspects of home ownership
The proposed house insurance cover will offer coverage for both the structure of the house as well as the contents inside, beside protection against natural disasters such as floods, and earthquakes, as well as accidents like fires
London real estate: Spike in GCC investments in residential properties amidst declining mortgage rates
The Battersea Power Station area, the fast-emerging neighbourhood on the banks of River Thames – billed as London’s most exciting new neighbourhood – is among the newly preferred investment locations for GCC investors
Revealed: Dubai off-plan properties prices to surge 15% in second half of 2024
Dubai real estate market faces competition from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah: Experts
India’s Core Integra sets sights on UAE, aims to revolutionise HR with tech-driven solutions
Core Integra’s suite of new-age tech solutions is aimed at helping companies save at least 30 percent on HR-related costs and reduce 500-600 manhours per annum
London’s famed Corinthia Hotel planning ambitious expansion to UAE, wider Middle East
The proposed slew of hotel projects will be set up through unique flexible management contract arrangements with Corinthia’s existing and new capital partners specialising in luxury hotel real estate
Leading real estate player Victor Lechman, several others eyeing foray into Saudi property market
Industry experts said more and more international and regional industry players will be looking to enter the burgeoning real estate sector in Saudi Arabia due to its potential for hitting high growth rates
Dubai real estate: Commercial and residential property frenzy fuels major uptick in rentals
Premier retail locations such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates lead the list of commercial properties which command premium rental rates
Saudi Arabia: Global, regional players move to cash in on upcoming mega-events Expo 2030, 2034 FIFA World Cup amid logistics industry boom
Saudi Arabia’s modern infrastructure and business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for global logistics giants
UAE-India conclave: Bharat Mart, India Hospital, more poised for multi-billion investment boost
The conclave will focus on the historical, current, and future aspects of the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE, UIBC-UC chairman said
UAE firms partner with universities to boost tech, blockchain talent pool, experts say
This comes amid rising concerns over an emerging talent gap in key sectors, potentially impeding widespread tech adoption and limiting economic growth prospects for the UAE
UAE jobs: Incoming influx of white-collar talent from US, UK, Europe as global firms push for staff relocation plans amid mass layoffs
The incoming wave of talent is expected to catapult Abu Dhabi and Dubai as major global hubs for wealth and growth
Revealed: Loyalty programmes drive online shopping in UAE to hit $5.5bn till half-way 2024
A latest study showed that as high as 75% of UAE shoppers are subscribers to various loyalty programmes offered by online marketplaces and companies across sectors
Zuma, Maido in Saudi Arabia: Global F&B majors cash in on Riyadh, NEOM with slew of new high-end restaurant openings
Dubai’s Atelier Group and London’s Pastor & Co are gearing up to launch several new luxury culinary experiences in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and NEOM
Revealed: Dubai real estate firms lure new expat tenants with free chocolates, custom-designed homes as market competition heats up
The initiatives boost homegrown businesses and add a ‘sense of charm and personality’ to each unit, experts say
Free homes, UAE Golden Visas: Top Dubai real estate developers lure celebrities, Europe’s super-rich at exclusive events in France, Monaco, Italy
Dubai property roadshows attract cash-rich investors in bustling European business hubs London, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Brussels
Revealed: Surge in MENA IPOs fuel VC funding in capital market infrastructure startups
Dubai-based Nuwa Capital has already invested in a couple of early stage ventures operating in Saudi capital market and is scouting for similar opportunities in the UAE
Revealed: UAE blockchain, crypto startups emerge as top favourites for VCs, global investors
UAE’s policy and regulatory initiatives leading to many thought-leaders and notable industry figures relocating to the country, creating a a ripple effect across the tech and investor ecosystem
Revealed: ISA to woo major firms to solar energy sector in Africa, Middle East with a $200mn initial fund
The global intergovernmental body is in parleys with authorities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to expand the fund corpus and also the scope of the initiative to the Middle East in a big way