Latest news with #TalaMichelIssa
Al Arabiya
13 hours ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Trump to decide within two weeks on US role in Iran-Israel war
In this episode of W News Extra, presented by Leigh-Ann Gerrans, we continue our coverage of the Iran-Israel war. The White House said Thursday that President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the US will get directly involved in the conflict. Guests: Shane McGinley – Business Editor, Arabian Gulf Business Insight Tala Michel Issa – Chief Reporter, Arabian Business
Arabian Business
31-03-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
Top Dubai real estate investments, developers and financing revealed; DIFC hedge fund seeks interns; Pfizer antibiotics update – 10 things you missed this week
Latest in antibiotic medicine EXCLUSIVE: Pfizer recalls bacteria-fighting antibiotic Zithromax from UAE market by Tala Michel Issa Wed 5 Mar 2025 Popular antibiotic that is used to fight STIs, skin and respiratory infections vanishes from pharmacy shelves as Pfizer works to resolve 'manufacturing' issue Video: Should the Covid-19 vaccine be patent-free? by ITP Mon 17 Aug 2020 The race is on for what some argue will be the most coveted resource of our time: a Covid-19 vaccine.
Arabian Business
26-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
AB Majlis podcast: A deep dive into Arabian Business' Dubai 100 power list – All you need to know
Dubai's most influential figures have been revealed in the highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Dubai 100 power list, with Mohamed Alabbar, founder and managing director of Emaar Properties and claiming the top spot. In a special episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business' s Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa and Reporter Nicole Abigael provided exclusive insights into the reimagined ranking system and the diverse leaders shaping Dubai's future. A new approach to measuring influence This year's Dubai 100 represents a significant departure from traditional power lists that focus primarily on wealth or titles. Arabian Business has introduced a sophisticated nine-parameter ranking system that evaluates individuals across multiple dimensions, including economic contribution, governance, environmental impact, and digital presence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arabian Business (@arabianbusiness) 'We wanted to create something more robust than traditional power lists that often focus solely on wealth or title,' Issa explained during the podcast. 'Our new nine-parameter ranking system evaluates individuals across multiple dimensions, from economic contribution and governance to environmental impact and digital presence.' 'We're assessing impact, influence, cultural significance, really looking at who's truly shaping Dubai's trajectory as it continues its remarkable ascent as a global powerhouse,' said Abigael. The comprehensive methodology weighs various factors differently, with inspiration carrying the highest weight at 20 per cent, followed by legacy and economic contribution at 15 per cent each. Cultural impact, community engagement, entrepreneurial achievement, and social media presence each contribute 10 per cent, while environmental impact and innovation round out the framework at 5 per cent each. This approach has resulted in greater diversity across industry representation, nationality, and gender, reflecting Dubai's evolution as a global city where power isn't just about money or position anymore. The Dubai 100's top 5 influential leaders The top five positions on the list showcase different facets of Dubai's development. Mohamed Alabbar (Emaar Properties, – His influence spans from building Dubai's skyline with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to challenging Amazon's digital dominance in the region with Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair (Mashreq Bank, Al Ghurair Investment) – Under his leadership, Mashreq Bank posted a record AED8.6 billion profit in 2023, representing a 130 per cent year-on-year increase. Beyond finance, he also serves as chairman of Dubai Chambers. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil (Burjeel Holdings) – He has transformed healthcare across the region and positioned the UAE as a medical tourism destination. Burjeel Holdings saw a 16 per cent increase in revenue to around AED4.5 billion last year. Abdullah Al Futtaim (Al-Futtaim Group) – He has led the group's expansion across automotive, retail, real estate and financial services, while making significant investments in EV infrastructure across the UAE. Badr Jafar (Crescent Enterprises, Pearl Initiative) – Operating at the intersection of business, policy, and purpose, he oversees a $15 billion-plus conglomerate while driving real-world impact through the Pearl Initiative and serving as the UAE envoy for business and philanthropy. Featured women in Dubai 100 Notably, the list features a significant increase in female representation, starting with Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty at number six. With over 50 million Instagram followers and recognition as one of America's richest self-made women, Kattan has redefined influencer-led commerce while championing inclusivity and women's entrepreneurship. 'That's another important shift,' Issa noted during the podcast. 'Beyond Huda Kattan at number six, we have impressive leaders like Dr. Mariam Matar, who launched the UAE Genetic Diseases Association and transformed genetics from a niche science into a cornerstone of UAE healthcare policy.' Other prominent women on the list include Renuka Jagtiani, who leads the $9 billion Landmark Group retail empire spanning over 2,200 stores in 21 countries, and Hana Al Rostamani, who shattered the banking sector's glass ceiling as the first woman to lead a UAE-based bank when she became Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank. Emerging trends reshape what influence truly means in Dubai The podcast hosts identified three major trends in this year's rankings. The rise of cultural operators – Individuals like Anas Bukhash, whose ABtalks platform has clocked over 300 million views, and Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, who transformed a stretch of warehouses in Al Quoz into the beating heart of Dubai's contemporary art scene. Sustainability champions – Leaders like Habiba Al Mar'ashi, co-founder and chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, have transformed environmental action from a niche concern into a mainstream priority, especially following COP28. Digital disruptors – Innovators like Haider Ali Khan of Bayut and dubizzle, who revolutionized property transactions in the Middle East, and Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsen of Careem, who created the region's first unicorn startup. What this tells us about Dubai's future As the hosts discussed, the Dubai 100 reflects how influence is evolving from pure commercial success to multi-dimensional impact. The highest-ranked leaders aren't just building businesses—they're shaping entire ecosystems, influencing policy, and driving cultural change. 'I think we've covered a lot of ground today, from the titans of the industry who build Dubai's physical infrastructure to cultural innovators, tech disruptors reshaping its future as well,' Abigael explained. 'The Dubai 100 is not just a snapshot of who matters today,' Issa observed. 'It's actually a window into the future of the city itself. The individuals who make the list are those who understand where Dubai is headed and are helping to steer its course.' The list also points to the increasing importance of 'bridge builders'—people connecting Dubai to global networks—and those driving sustainability and innovation in line with Dubai's ambitious net-zero 2050 strategy. 'I think this diversity reflects Dubai's own evolution into a truly global city, one that values innovation, sustainability and cultural richness alongside economic growth,' Abigael added.
