reporter
Suhail Hasan
Suhail Hasan is a British businessman, entrepreneur, and the Chief Operating Officer of Fame, a global media and entertainment company headquartered in Dubai. As a guest author for Dubai.News, Suhail brings an insider's perspective on business strategy, entrepreneurship, media innovation, and the forces driving Dubai's transformation into a global business hub. His writing draws on hands-on experience building international brands and navigating the UAE's fast-moving commercial landscape.
Stories by Suhail Hasan
Naïa Island Dubai Plot Sells for Record AED560M ($152.5M)
A beachfront land parcel on Naïa Island in Dubai has sold for more than $150 million (AED560 million), one of the most expensive real estate transactions ever recorded in the UAE and a new benchmark for ultra-prime coastal property.
8 Jun 2026
Dubai Property Market 2026: What $250bn in Deals Means
Dubai's real estate market delivered a record-breaking performance in 2025, registering more than 270,000 transactions worth AED 917 billion ($249.7 billion), per the Dubai Land Department. The milestone reinforces Dubai's position as a global investment hub — and sets the stage
27 Feb 2026
12 Dubai Brands That Give Back This Ramadan
This Ramadan, giving back can be as simple as where you grab your coffee, book lunch, or shop. From inclusive cafes and zero-waste restaurants to thrift stores and toy-sharing platforms, these 12 Dubai businesses are making a real community difference.
20 Feb 2026
Family Office Summit Marks 10 Years in Dubai
Anthony Ritossa's Global Family Office Investment Summit marks a decade of connecting global private capital with Dubai. The 29th edition takes place February 4–5 at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, gathering 300+ family offices themed "Connecting a World of Opportunities in
23 Jan 2026
Primark Dubai: Three Stores Opening Spring 2026
After years of speculation, Primark is officially coming to Dubai with three flagship stores confirmed for spring 2026. Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden announced the locations — Dubai Mall, City Centre Mirdif, and Mall of the Emirates — on Virgin Radio Dubai, with jeans starting
16 Jan 2026
Ahmed Ben Chaibah on Earn Your Living: America Reacts
Ahmed Ben Chaibah's guest spot on the Earn Your Living Podcast sent American audiences into a spiral. The AquaFun founder laid out Dubai's zero income tax, Golden Visa perks, and world-record waterpark story in plain language — and the internet responded.
6 Dec 2025
Dubai Indoor Attractions Taking Over American Travel Feeds
American travelers open Instagram expecting desert heat and skyline shots — but Dubai's indoor attractions keep hijacking the algorithm. Snow parks, glowing galaxies, underwater tunnels, and full theme parks are landing on US feeds and redefining the city.
5 Dec 2025
UAE Breaks May Temperature Record with 51.6°C in Sweihan
The UAE broke its May temperature record on back-to-back days in 2025, with Sweihan in Abu Dhabi hitting 51.6°C on Saturday and 50.4°C the day before — both topping the previous May high of 50.2°C set in 2009. The NCM issued heat warnings as experts linked the early-season spike
25 May 2025
Dubai Launches Family Business Guidebook for Growth
Dubai has launched a comprehensive family business guidebook by Dubai DET and Dubai Chambers, covering governance, succession planning, wealth management, and digital transformation for family enterprises.
5 May 2025
Bitcoin Payments Now Accepted at O Beach Dubai
O Beach Dubai is now accepting Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Tether (USDT) for all bookings and services, powered by crypto payment provider Bitpace — making it one of the first luxury beach clubs in the UAE to go crypto-friendly.
3 May 2025
UAE National Investment Strategy 2031 Targets $65.4B FDI
The UAE Cabinet approved the National Investment Strategy 2031, targeting AED 240 billion ($65.4B) in annual FDI inflows — up from AED 112 billion in 2023 — and a doubling of FDI stock to AED 2.2 trillion, with focus on logistics, renewables, and digital economy growth.
11 Mar 2025
15,500 Chinese Companies Now Thriving in UAE Markets
More than 15,500 active Chinese companies have invested $6 billion in the UAE across retail, finance, and construction — a milestone highlighted at Investopia 2025's China-Arab Entrepreneurs Summit in Abu Dhabi, where six strategic partnerships were signed.
4 Mar 2025
UAE Remote Learning on Fridays During Ramadan 2025
The UAE Ministry of Education has launched the "Ramadan with Family" program, allowing public school students to learn remotely from home on Fridays during Ramadan 2025 — balancing academic commitments with family and spiritual activities throughout the holy month.
27 Feb 2025
United Arab Bank Posts 30% Profit Growth in 2024
United Arab Bank (UAB) posted a 30% rise in net profit for 2024, reaching AED 331 million — up from AED 255 million in 2023 — driven by 22% total asset growth, a 33% jump in customer deposits, and a Moody's upgrade to Baa3.
5 Feb 2025
UAE Payments Revenue to Hit $27.3 Billion by 2028
UAE payments revenue is forecast to reach $27.3 billion by 2028, according to BCG's Global Payments Report 2024. The UAE posted a 13.8% CAGR from 2018–2023, far outpacing global growth, as digital payments and fintech adoption accelerate across the country.
17 Dec 2024
UAE-China Trade Hits $100 Billion in 2024
China has become the UAE's third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade expected to surpass $100 billion by the end of 2024. The "Invest in China" promotional roadshow at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi brought together government officials, sovereign wealth funds, and business
12 Dec 2024
Ajman Free Zone: 15-Min Licenses, 48-Hr Visas
The Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ) attracted over 450 companies in just two months of operation, offering 15-minute license issuance, 48-hour visas, and fully paperless company formation from AED 10,800.
18 Nov 2024
UAE at the World Urban Forum Cairo 2024
The UAE represented its urban development model at the World Urban Forum Cairo 2024 (WUF12), the largest in the event's history with 37,000 delegates from 182 countries. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan attended on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
6 Nov 2024
Dubai's AED 16 Billion Roads Plan Unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched Dubai's AED 16 billion Main Roads Development Plan for 2024–2027. The RTA programme spans 22 projects to improve mobility for over 6 million residents, cut travel times by up to 20%, and integrate smart transport
4 Nov 2024
Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum 2024 Strengthens Ties
The 15th Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum met in Singapore on 28 October 2024, co-chaired by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak and Dr. Tan See Leng, reaffirming cooperation in fintech, green economy, food security, space, and nuclear energy as bilateral non-oil trade hit $5.8 billion.
29 Oct 2024
UAE Economy to Grow 5% in 2025, Says UBS Wealth Management
UAE economy growth in 2025 is forecast to surpass 5%, according to Michael Bolliger, Chief Investment Officer for Emerging Markets at UBS Global Wealth Management — matching the IMF's 5.1% GDP projection and supported by Chinese stimulus, OPEC policy, and anticipated US interest
28 Oct 2024
LuLu Group Plans Abu Dhabi IPO in Major Listing Move
LuLu Retail Holdings Plc is preparing a landmark IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, offering 25% of the company — 2.58 billion shares — in what is tipped to be the largest listing in the UAE in 2024. Subscription opens October 28, with the final price set on November 6
21 Oct 2024
India to Attract $100B in UAE Investments: Piyush Goyal
UAE investment in India is projected to reach $100 billion in coming years, with renewable energy, power transmission, data centres, and AI as the key focus sectors, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced at a bilateral task force meeting in Mumbai.
8 Oct 2024
UAE VAT Amendments 2024: Key Changes for Investors
The UAE has overhauled its VAT framework through Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024, introducing new exemptions for investment fund management, virtual asset transfers, and charitable donations up to AED 5 million — all designed to sharpen the country's investment appeal.
6 Oct 2024
DMCC Tops 500 Italian Companies in 2024 After Italy Roadshow
DMCC, the world's top-ranked free zone and Dubai's official commodities trade body, has surpassed 500 Italian member companies in 2024 — a 6% rise — after completing its Made For Trade Live roadshow in Milan and Rome, where nearly 180 Italian business leaders explored expanding
1 Oct 2024
UAE Corporate Tax Filing Deadline Extended to December 2024
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has extended the corporate tax filing deadline to 31 December 2024 for companies incorporated after 1 June 2023 with short first tax periods ending on or before 29 February 2024, under FTA Decision No. 7 of 2024.
30 Sep 2024
Dubai Emerges as $7.3tn Digital Creative Economy Hub
A joint study by Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Media City, developed with Monstarlab, values the global digital creative economy at AED 27tn ($7.3tn) — with Dubai ranked first on the FDI Index for creative projects and job creation.
29 Sep 2024
Dubai Financial Market Completes Index Review
The Dubai Financial Market completed its periodic review of the DFM General Index and Islamic Index as of September 23, 2024. Updated stock weightings for both indices took effect during Monday's trading session, reinforcing DFM's commitment to market transparency and investor
24 Sep 2024
UAE Economy Growth to Hit 4.8% by 2025
Oxford Economics forecasts UAE economy growth will accelerate to 4.8% by 2025, with the non-oil sector rising 4.6% in 2024. Chief Economist Scott Livermore credits record Dubai tourism, 100% foreign ownership rules, and Vision 2031 initiatives for driving the expansion.
22 Sep 2024
Dubai Leads Gulf Surge in Centi-Millionaires by 2040
A Henley & Partners forecast projects centi-millionaires — those with $100 million-plus in investable assets — will surge by 150% in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh by 2040, outpacing most global wealth markets.
20 Sep 2024
Mouza Al Suwaidi Appointed UAE Gender Balance Council Chief
The UAE Cabinet appointed Mouza Mohammed Al Suwaidi as Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, signalling the nation's commitment to advancing women in leadership and decision-making roles.
17 Sep 2024
UAE Virtual Asset License Now Valid Nationwide
The UAE is unifying crypto regulation by allowing VASPs licensed in Dubai to operate across all emirates. More than 50 firms licensed through Dubai's portal will automatically gain SCA recognition nationwide, strengthening the country's position as a leading global virtual asset
16 Sep 2024
Dubai CommerCity Signs eBay Partnership MoU
Dubai CommerCity has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with eBay, giving free zone companies direct access to eBay's 132 million active buyers across 190 markets — along with free three-month store subscriptions and export training seminars.
12 Sep 2024
Crypto Trading for Beginners in Dubai: A Guide
Living in Dubai and curious about cryptocurrency? Whether you are a spectator or a first-time investor, this beginner's guide covers Bitcoin, stablecoins, altcoins, DCA strategy, and how to trade securely on VARA-regulated platforms in the UAE.
4 Sep 2024
UAE Higher Education: AED 600k Expected Cost
A YouGov survey for Zurich International Life reveals UAE parents expect to spend AED 250,000–600,000 on each child's university education — yet 29% haven't started saving. Only 14% use dedicated education savings plans, despite 87% saying they're open to them.
3 Sep 2024
AUS Engineering Programs Renew ABET Accreditation to 2030
The American University of Sharjah has renewed ABET accreditation for seven College of Engineering undergraduate programs through September 30, 2030 — with the final report recording zero deficiencies, weaknesses, or concerns across all seven disciplines.
31 Aug 2024
UAE Freelance Industry Booms Despite Financial Hurdles
The UAE freelance industry is booming — registrations across the MENA region rose 142% since 2022 — yet independent workers continue to battle payment delays, undercutting competition, and the absence of a financial safety net.
30 Aug 2024
Amanda Spielman Chairs GEMS Education Academic Council
GEMS Education has appointed Amanda Spielman, former Ofsted Chief Inspector, as Chair of its new Academic Council. She will oversee curriculum, assessment, technology, inclusion and student welfare across GEMS schools in the UAE.
28 Aug 2024
UAE Airlines Now Fly to 606 Destinations Globally
UAE airlines now fly to 606 destinations worldwide — a 3.4% rise from 586 in 2023 — as the GCAA projects annual passenger traffic to hit 140 million. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi are all expanding routes and fleets.
26 Aug 2024
Malaysia FTA Deal With UAE Before End of 2024
Malaysia is in advanced talks to finalize a bilateral free trade agreement with the UAE before the end of 2024, while broader GCC negotiations continue with Saudi Arabia leading the bloc's side.
25 Aug 2024
UAE President Invited to FII Forum 2024 in Riyadh
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received a formal invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to attend the Future Investment Initiative Forum 2024 — the eighth edition of the premier Riyadh investment summit — deepening strategic economic ties
24 Aug 2024
UAE Schools Celebrate Record GCSE Results 2024
UAE schools have posted their best-ever GCSE results in 2024, with the GEMS Education network recording 3,617 Grade 9s across 23 schools in the UAE and Qatar. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi saw 28% of grades awarded at Grade 9, while Brighton College Dubai hit 40% at grades 8–9.
23 Aug 2024
Qatar to Lead GCC Events and Exhibition Market
Qatar is on track to achieve the highest compound annual growth rate in the GCC events and exhibition market. Its MICE sector — valued at $1.67 billion in 2023 — is projected to reach $3.51 billion by 2030, a 11.2% CAGR, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com.
19 Aug 2024
Kuwait's Al-Zour Refinery Ranks 8th in the World
Kuwait's Al-Zour Refinery has secured the 8th position among the world's largest oil refineries, with a capacity of 615,000 bpd. Operated by KIPIC and fully operational since 2022, it is the only Gulf or Arab refinery in the global top ten.
19 Aug 2024
Chinese Companies Choose Dubai as Global Expansion Hub
Chinese companies are backing Dubai as their top launchpad for global expansion, citing its unrivalled market access, neutral business environment, and streamlined registration processes. CEOs from Meorient, TUYA Smart, and United Imaging Healthcare explain why Dubai is their
17 Aug 2024
Dubai Investments Q2 2024 Profit Rises to AED 289M
Dubai Investments posted a Q2 2024 net profit of AED 289.24 million, up from AED 266.03 million in Q2 2023. Adjusted for fair-value gains, shareholder profit jumped 78% for the quarter and 83% for the first half of 2024, as total assets climbed to AED 21.82 billion.
10 Aug 2024
Ripple and DIFC Partner to Drive Blockchain in Dubai
Ripple has partnered with the DIFC Innovation Hub to accelerate blockchain adoption across the UAE and wider Middle East. The deal connects developers with DIFC's 1,000-member ecosystem and is backed by Ripple's 1 billion XRP fund for XRPL development.
8 Aug 2024
Business Class Dubai to London From AED 7,000
Business class on the Dubai–London route starts from just AED 7,280 with Royal Jordanian via a short Amman layover, compared to AED 19,283 on Emirates. Here are the best round-trip deals ranked by price, sourced from Google Flights.
4 Aug 2024
RTA Awards AED 165M Contract for Mall of the Emirates Access
Dubai's RTA and Majid Al Futtaim have awarded an AED 165 million contract to build a 300-metre Sheikh Zayed Road bridge and widen entrances to Mall of the Emirates, cutting travel time from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali from 10 minutes to just one.
29 Jul 2024
Mashreq Bank H1 2024 Net Profit Rises 14% to AED 4 Billion
Mashreq Bank reported a 14% year-on-year rise in net profit to AED 4 billion for H1 2024, with net profit before tax climbing 24% to AED 4.5 billion. Operating profit grew 21%, non-interest income surged 26% to AED 1.9 billion, and return on equity reached 27.6%.
26 Jul 2024