Gen Z workers are taking more sick days than previous generations – but is it really necessary?
Author Archives: Sharon Benjamin
Born and raised in the heart of the Middle East, Sharon Benjamin has been making waves as a reporter for Arabian Business since 2022. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity for the world of business, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry.
Sharon's passion for art and culture shines through in her work, where she seamlessly blends the worlds of commerce and creativity. Her interviews with some of the region's most influential business figures provide an insightful glimpse into their perspectives, strategies, and the unique intersections of culture and entrepreneurship.
When Sharon isn't on the hunt for the next big story or exploring the dynamic business landscape of the Middle East, you'll likely find her at home, surrounded by her beloved feline friend. She often jokes that her cat is her toughest and most adorable critic.
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respiratory illness
HMPV: Doctors say UAE residents have no need to ‘worry or panic’ on new virus
As China battles a surge in HMPV cases, UAE doctors reassure residents about this common respiratory virus while advising basic precautions during travel
Dubai
Dubai Smart Rental Index 2025: Everything you need to know about the ‘game-changing’ and ‘improved’ system, according to experts
Dubai’s new Smart Rental Index 2025 leverages AI and real-time data to calculate rental values, aiming to enhance market transparency, protect tenant rights, and provide investors with accurate insights
gen z
UAE jobs: Should you be a ‘brat’ at work? Experts weigh in
Gen Z workers are embracing the ‘brat’ TikTok trend to thrive at work by prioritising their mental health, taking more sick leaves, and more – but is it the right approach?
baby boomers
Gen Z must be financially independent and not ‘rely’ on Great Wealth Transfer, say UAE experts
With longer life expectancy and mounting healthcare costs, the traditional concept of passing wealth to the next generation has evolved from certainty to mere possibility, according to experts
eid al etihad
Eid Al Etihad 2024: Meet Ramesh Shukla, the UAE’s beloved photographer known for capturing the nation’s most iconic photographs
Arabian Business spoke to the talented Indian photographer’s extraordinary journey documenting the UAE’s remarkable transformation from humble beginnings to a global powerhouse, capturing historic moments that shaped a nation
Dubai
E-fuels can drive ‘opportunity’ to bridge ICE-EV gap: Porsche CEO
Porsche’s CEO Oliver Blume discusses the company’s electric vehicle strategy for the Middle East on the side lines of the Icons of Porsche event in Dubai
Dubai
‘She’s good to go’, says Sir Tim Clark as Dubai’s Emirates unveils first-ever A350 flight
Emirates unveiled the new A350 flight at an exclusive media event on November 27, 2024
scam
UAE scams: Don’t engage with fraudulent calls, experts warn
UAE experts uncover the sinister world of scam calls, exposing the invisible predators lurking behind every ring of your phone – and why your next “hello” could be your biggest mistake
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Al Jaddaf emerges as property investment hotspot – should you invest now? Experts weigh in
Dubai’s Al Jaddaf district offers investors attractive entry points with square foot prices down 30%, as area prepares for major transformation by 2030, experts say
Dubai
Landmark Group IPO: ‘We do not have plans yet’, says Chairwoman Renuka Jagtiani
Landmark Group executives confirm no immediate IPO plans as the retail giant marks its 50th anniversary, citing financial stability and strong organic cash flows
Cinemas in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia to see first local language IMAX release later this year, says CEO Richard Gelfond
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond outlines ambitious Middle East expansion plans, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a key growth market
childrens education
How much does it cost to raise a child in the UAE? Experts answer
From school costs, housing, and insurance, there’s a lot of factors to consider, experts told Arabian Business
automotive brands
UAE ‘important’ and ‘stable’ market with high ‘potential’ for Chinese automotive brand OMODA & JAECOO, says CEO
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business at the 2024 Chery International User Summit, CEO Shawn Xu talks why the UAE is an important market for OMODA&JAECOO
Real Estate
UAE real estate: Is it the right time to invest in Sharjah property? New laws explained, and what experts are saying
Sharjah has introduced new real estate laws extending eviction protections and rent freezes to boost tenant rights and market appeal – but is it the right time to invest?
employee productivity
UAE jobs: Do you say ‘no’ enough at work? Experts say probably not
What is the best way to respectfully decline a work task without letting it affect your mental health, as well as your productivity? Here is what UAE career experts told Arabian Business
career
TikTok work trends: Fauxductivity, office siren, save the day – all the Gen Z office trends shaping workplaces in 2024
TikTok has become a surprising influencer in modern workplace culture, spawning viral trends that reflect changing attitudes towards work – but what are the latest trends?
economic outlook
UAE assets: What are the world’s richest people investing in?
What unexpected investments are the world’s wealthiest pursuing amidst 2024’s economic uncertainties? Here is what UAE finance and wealth experts told Arabian Business
career advice
Is TikTok the new LinkedIn for Gen Z workers? UAE career experts weigh in
Gen Z is increasingly turning to TikTok for career advice and job searching, challenging LinkedIn’s dominance as a professional networking platform – but is it a wise choice?
family planning
Egg freezing: Inside the new TikTok trend celebrating women’s fertility choices
Egg freezing is a fertility preservation technique where a woman’s eggs (oocytes) are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use – but why is it becoming popular?
digital anonymity
Are you ever really anonymous online?
Your digital footprints may be leaving tracks, even when you think you’re invisible online, UAE cybersecurity experts told Arabian Business
Dubai
Panic attack at work? Here is what you can do, according to UAE experts
Arabian Business speaks to mental health experts in Dubai to understand what companies and colleagues can do during a panic attack at work
Dubai
Dubai real estate: How much should you earn to buy property worth $1 million?
Dubai’s real estate market is booming, but buyers face specific financial requirements and hidden costs – here’s how much you should be earning to buy property worth $1 million, according to experts
Dubai school
UAE has ‘very strong’ education sector, but ‘Covid backlog’ still remains, says new GEMS Education chair Amanda Spielman
In an exclusive interview, the former Chief Inspector of Ofsted revealed her new role at GEMS, what makes a good inspection and why technology can never replace humans in schools
Health emergency
UAE doctors say ‘no reason for panic’ as WHO declares public health emergency for mpox
Last week, Pakistan and Sweden confirmed cases of mpox – and while the UAE is safe, doctors advice residents to exercise caution, follow government announcements
Bullion Market
UAE gold prices: Is it the right time to buy? Experts weigh in
Despite recent market volatility, gold remains a sought-after safe haven asset as experts weigh its potential in a turbulent economic landscape
Dubai
Dubai real estate: The ultimate guide for NRIs investing in the property market, according to experts
What is drawing Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to Dubai’s real estate market, and what should they know before investing? Experts weigh in
Electric car
Lucid boss: Saudi Arabia ‘absolutely’ set to be global automotive hub with ‘relentless pursuit of innovation’
Lucid Middle East’s VP and MD speaks to Arabian Business about the all new Jeddah facility, Vision 2030, the launch of its SUV line and more
Dubai Land Department
Dubai real estate: Are landlords issuing eviction notices to residents? Experts weigh in
How are Dubai landlords addressing tenants paying below RERA index rates, and what legal requirements must they follow when issuing eviction notices?
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Is it the right time to invest in buying a villa?
With Dubai’s property market booming in 2024, is now the right time for investors to buy villas into the emirate’s sought-after residential segment?
alternative investment
Gen Z are investing in luxury goods over traditional assets. But is it worth it? Experts weigh in
Gen Z investors allocate funds to luxury goods and collectibles rather than stocks and bonds, driven by social media influence and changing market perceptions – but is it a wise decision to make?
schengen visa
Schengen Visa delays: UAE travel experts warn residents to apply in advance as delays mount due to high demand
Travel experts advise UAE residents applying for Schengen Visas to allow 6 months as demand is high since two years, causing delays in processing
Dubai
Dubai real estate: Are apartments worth investing in right now? Property experts weigh in
Dubai property experts weigh pros and cons of apartment investment as rents soar and market nears potential peak
Employment
UAE jobs: Fired by your employer? Know your rights
Here are the legal rights for terminated UAE employees, as explained by experts
career advice
UAE jobs: Do you really need a university degree to secure a high-paying role? Experts weigh in
UAE job market shakes up traditional hiring norms – but at what cost?
isolation
Pet rocks: Is the viral South Korea trend a cure for loneliness? Experts weigh in
The trend of young South Koreans keeping “pet rocks” has resurged as a way to cope with rising loneliness and burnout, but experts say genuine human interaction is needed for mental well-being over such substitutes
bacterial infection
Japan’s flesh-eating STSS infection is on the rise: Should you travel? UAE doctors weigh in
A rare but serious bacterial infection called Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is on the rise in Japan – but, should you travel there now? Here’s what UAE doctors had to say
Dubai
UAE meal plans: Are they worth it? Experts weigh in
Dubai’s meal plan industry is expanding due to demand for convenient, healthy food options among busy professionals – but is it really worth the hype?
Abu Dhabi
UAE real estate, tech stocks or gold? Here’s where you should be investing your money in 2024, according to experts
UAE investment and finance experts advise on investment strategies for 2024, emphasising diversification across sectors and regions amid economic shifts and global events
Dubai
Dubai real estate: The best areas to ‘buy-to-rent’ property, according to experts
Dubai’s suburban communities have become attractive for buy-to-rent investments as population growth has driven up housing demand and prices across the city’s real estate market, experts said
Budgeting
UAE savings: How to save over AED5,000 using the viral ‘100 envelopes’ TikTok challenge
Dubai-based finance experts weigh in on whether the viral TikTok ‘100 envelopes’ savings challenge – but is it an effective way to automatically save money daily and develop good financial habits?
career opportunities
UAE jobs: ‘Too nice’ to be promoted? Experts weigh in on viral TikTok ‘conspiracy theory’
UAE career experts weigh in on the viral TikTok theory that being too ‘nice’ at work can hinder promotions, advising employees to proactively promote their brand and map out promotion criteria with managers
Dubai real estate
Dubai real estate: Home Loan vs. Mortgage – Which is a better property financing option? Experts weigh in
Dubai experts offer insights on key differences, pros, cons and financial considerations when choosing between home loans and mortgages for property purchases in the emirates booming real estate market
Employee
UAE jobs: Should you ask for a pay rise? Experts weigh in
Working in a competitive market can reap benefits, but can also fuel a drive that makes workers work more than their remittance to stay on top of the game – but is it wise to ask for a salary hike?
Dubai
UAE gold price: Should investors buy right now? Experts weigh in
Gold remains an appealing investment during high inflation periods due to its ability to preserve purchasing power and hedge against currency depreciation and volatility, however, experts suggest to make planned investments
Buy now Pay later
UAE, Saudi ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ demand on the rise but experts call for caution as youth debt balloons
BNPL is gaining traction in UAE and Saudi Arabia due to digitisation, consumer demand, and appeal among youth, but experts warn of overspending risks
dating
LinkedIn dating: UAE experts discuss latest trend, need for ‘boundaries’, pitfalls
LinkedIn is increasingly used as a dating platform for professionals seeking meaningful connections based on shared interests and goals, but it’s important to establish boundaries to maintain professionalism
blue-collar workers
KPMG launches ‘Blue Wave’ to uplift blue-collar workers in UAE
KPMG launches ‘Blue Wave’ initiative to provide free educational opportunities, skill development and support to uplift blue-collar workers in the UAE
airport services
Dubai’s dnata CEO: Airport check-in queues could be ‘eliminated’ with new technology
In an exclusive interview, Dnata’s Group chief executive Steve Allen revealed plans to introduce more automation and new technologies like baggage scanning to optimise operations and enhance the passenger experience
Office peacocking
UAE jobs: Office peacocking, coffee badging among new tactics to lure employees back to office
‘External validation’ and ‘pressure’ – UAE experts reveal the psychology behind office peacocking and coffee badging
Dubai
Dubai luxury hospitality market ‘crowded’ with ‘a number of really good products’: Rotana CEO
Rotana reveals plans for strategic expansion into new markets while emphasising the importance of consistency and strategic partnerships for success in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Arabian Travel Market
Dubai ‘will never compromise’ on safety, security of tourists, residents, says DET Vice President
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business at Arabian Travel Market 2024, Hoor Al Khaja, Senior VP, International Operations at Dubai DET speaks on why D33 is an important agenda for the city, and more
AlUla
Saudi Arabia is going through a ‘transformative time’, says top AlUla executive
Melanie de Souza, the Executive Director Destination Marketing, The Royal Commission for AlUla talks Saudi Vision 2030, international visits and more with Arabian Business at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Dubai
Dubai ‘incredibly good’ at welcoming guests with new experiences, says top Hyatt executive
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business at the Arabian Travel Market 2024, Hyatt’s Moritz W. Frings speaks about the new Grand Hyatt Dubai Water Park, its upcoming Red Sea Hotel and more