Announcements

A Dubai institute teaching next-level entrepreneurship to business scions

Published

2 years ago

November 13, 2023

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Those wanting a traditional global MBA programs to support their family business growth or boost entrepreneurial aspirations rather than be directed towards the job market now have an option thanks to a brand new institute in Dubai.

Midas and CS Institute of Management is all set to offer a first of its kind curriculum titled ‘Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Management’ catering to this specific niche. Crafted for the scions of business families, this new program will offer the knowledge, skills, and exposure to take family businesses to their next level or launch independent ventures on a global stage. Brainchild of Chandrasekhar Singh and Pooja Shah, the co-founders of this institute, this course has accomplished business coaches, global faculty from leading business schools and cutting-edge topics imparting knowledge and expertise on how to take one’s business global.

This is designed for individuals between the ages of 21 to 30 who hail from business family backgrounds. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least a recognized bachelor’s course. Students will get almost 350 hours of classroom coaching besides a significant amount of experiential learning and onsite trainings. Upon completion of the program they will be awarded a certificate from the institute that is duly recognized by Dubai Government’s Educational Quality Assurance and Regulator – Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Singh feels that the program will be particularly beneficial for Indian business families looking to bring in a global perspective in their home-grown businesses through their next-gen successors. In fact both of them have a ‘first-movers advantage’ in this unique mix of education and entrepreneurship.

Before helming this institute, Pooja successfully ran the Midas Institute of Entrepreneurship in Pune, India for the last 10 years creating and enabling 250+ successful new-age entrepreneurs. Her prior involvement as the Dean of Student Affairs in her family founded Flame University also adds to her experience and acumen. Armed with an M.Sc. degree in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Management from the Nottingham University Business School in UK, Pooja feels that many promoters are actually facing this genuine problem. “Either their children are not interested in the business or are not experienced enough to take it forward. We want to tackle this issue with the best possible approach as every family business must take its step ahead with a new generation taking over and I can understand that deeply being from a family business background myself where I started my association in any and all my father’s business ventures from a very young age,” she says.

Chandrasekhar on his part has a seasoned corporate, entrepreneurship, and higher education background. He worked in leadership positions for global banking majors such as Standard Chartered and Citibank. He was a prominent Director for Corporate Relations at SP Jain School of Global Management and a Co-Founder of Sunmaya Fashion – an upcoming ladieswear brand in Dubai. He says, “We understand that every entrepreneur’s journey is unique. That’s why we want to offer programs tailored to suit their needs. Our aim is to offer a global platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and successors of business families. The institute’s positioning and approach will help them propel their business forward.”

Pooja being an acclaimed Transformation and Impact Coach also stressed on the importance of developing the right mindset for the students. She said, “We will be definitely be teaching them the new forms of learning along-with data science, Artificial Intelligence and Design Thinking but our main focus is towards building ‘the right mindset of an entrepreneur’. Bring a critical thinker who is creative and ready for challenges in life. We are not only working on getting them ready for their business but overall for life. They must be ready to taste success by facing challenges and failures”.

CS further elaborated that right from the selection criteria to the final certification, the approach is dynamic and completely customized as per market requirements. “You will have to present your case to enroll for this course. After the six months of rigorous coaching by some of the best global business minds, you will have to make another presentation on your business plan. The best new venture idea of the batch will be funded the entire course fee as an investment to start your own venture,” he added.

They both feel that this could be an unparalleled opportunity as there are currently no international entrepreneurship programs catering to students from family business backgrounds in India. “Dubai’s strategic location, business-friendly policies, and safety standards make it an ideal destination for both learning and business establishment,”

The participants are all set to gain valuable experiences such as diverse peer learning, cultural understanding, global perspective, industry insights, and international expansion. They will be assisted on coming to Dubai on an investor visa for the course and can explore business expansion opportunities in other Gulf Co-operating Council Countries (GCC) such as Saudi Arabia and Oman along-with handpicked European countries by being taken there for experiential learning during festival and course breaks.

About Midas and CS Institute of Management
Located in the global business hub of Dubai at a most strategic location of Dubai Healthcare City right next to Wafi Mall, the Midas and CS Institute of Management offers tailor-made, cutting edge programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and family business successors. These market-oriented, practical programs are poised to provide the students with the tools necessary for their global journey, setting them on a path towards success and innovation in the ever-changing world of business. Currently there are two courses. One is called ‘Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Management’ for 21 to 30 year old graduates from business families or aspiring entrepreneurs. Another upcoming program is for business and startup owners who are 30 years and above. This intensive one-week program will provide a global exposure to them for transforming their business and also show them how to start a business in Dubai.

Announcements

Royaloak launches in UAE bringing Indian design excellence to gulf

Published

6 days ago

June 29, 2025

Staff Reporter

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Royaloak Furniture, one of India’s largest organised furniture retail chains, has announced its entry into the UAE market as part of a broader international expansion strategy. With an operational history spanning over 15 years and a customer base exceeding 5 million, the brand has opened three stores in the UAE—located in RAK Mall (Ras Al Khaimah), Lulu Mall (Fujairah), and Silicon Central Mall (Dubai)—each spanning nearly 20,000 square feet.

The move comes at a time when the UAE’s furniture and home décor industry is witnessing steady growth, driven by a combination of increased real estate development, rising urbanisation, and a growing population of design-conscious consumers. According to industry estimates, the UAE furniture market was valued at approximately USD 5.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.18%.

Royaloak’s entry adds momentum to the region’s expanding mid-to-premium furniture segment. The brand is known for its “Country Collection” that showcases curated pieces inspired by American, Italian, and Malaysian designs. The company sources products from manufacturing hubs across Asia and Europe, aiming to balance aesthetic appeal with functional quality.

“Our UAE expansion is aligned with market demand and retail opportunity,” said Mathan Subramaniam, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Royaloak. “What sets us apart is a vertically integrated model—from sourcing to distribution—which ensures both product consistency and affordability. With our dedicated warehouse in the UAE, we are equipped to provide fast, reliable delivery and a localised shopping experience.”

The stores are designed to cater to a wide demographic—offering furniture for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, dining areas, and outdoor spaces, in addition to home décor and mattresses. Each outlet is supported by Arabic-speaking staff to ensure culturally attuned customer service.

In tandem with its retail footprint, Royaloak has launched a dedicated UAE e-commerce platform, while also partnering with Amazon UAE and Noon to strengthen its omnichannel presence. The brand’s UAE entry is not just an expansion strategy but also a commitment to job creation and customer-centric innovation in one of the Middle East’s most competitive retail landscapes. The company plans further expansion across the Emirates in the coming year

Announcements

Dubai travel: Emirates minimises disruptions, reassures travellers ahead of summer holidays

Published

2 weeks ago

June 24, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Despite heightened regional tensions on June 23, Emirates Airline resumed regular operations within hours, with only minimal disruptions reported across its global network.

The Dubai-based carrier activated its contingency and disruption plans following the latest regional developments, swiftly stabilising operations without any flight diversions and only a few route cancellations. Most affected flights were rerouted slightly to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in limited delays due to congestion.

In a statement, Emirates confirmed that its scheduled services resumed quickly and that the airline had maintained operations to the majority of destinations. Flights to Amman and Beirut, which were briefly suspended, resumed shortly after, demonstrating Emirates’ agility in responding to dynamic situations while ensuring traveller safety.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the airline said, noting it would never operate any flight unless it meets the strictest safety regulations. Emirates continues to coordinate closely with global aviation authorities and regularly evaluates the security landscape to reroute aircraft if needed.

Keeping Passengers Informed

The airline kept its customers up to date throughout the disruptions via its website, social media channels, and through dedicated reservation teams, who assisted travellers in adjusting itineraries as needed.

Looking Ahead to Summer Travel

As Emirates prepares for a surge in summer travel, the airline said it remains ready to adapt to any changing conditions. “With the UAE’s strong infrastructure and support systems, we are fully prepared to continue safe and smooth operations,” the airline added.

Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and stay informed through official Emirates communication channels.

Announcements

Latest UAE travel update: What travellers, especially to India, need to know amid flight disruptions

Published

2 weeks ago

June 24, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Several UAE-based airlines have issued disruptions in their service and route changes as a precautionary response following heightened regional tensions after Iran attacks Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

UAE residents planning to travel this week are advised to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport, as ongoing regional tensions have led to disruptions across several major carriers.

Following Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have rerouted or cancelled select flights to ensure passenger safety amid restricted airspace and rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE Airlines Are Saying

Etihad Airways

Cancelled flights on Tuesday (June 24) to/from Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam:
- EY651/652 (Abu Dhabi – Kuwait)
- EY663/664 (Abu Dhabi – Doha)
- EY575/576 (Abu Dhabi – Dammam)
Flights to Israel remain suspended until July 15.
The airline confirmed it is using only approved airspace and warned that the situation is highly dynamic.
Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates Airline

Has rerouted flights away from conflict zones.
Temporary suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq (Tehran, Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
Warns of potential delays due to longer routes and airspace congestion.

flydubai

Flights on June 24 resumed, but delays remain possible.
Temporary suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg (Russia) until June 30.
Passengers heading to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted from their point of origin.

Air Arabia

Advises passengers of possible disruptions due to airspace closures.
Suspended services to Jordan (until June 25) and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan (until June 30).

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Airport Updates

Dubai Airports said operations across DXB and DWC have resumed, but some delays or cancellations may still occur.
Travellers heading to India are especially advised to confirm flight status in advance. “Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on X.
“
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi echoed similar advice: check with your airline before traveling.

Impact on International Flights

flydubai, Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia have adjusted or halted flights across the region.
IndiGo Airlines suspended flights to several Gulf cities including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, and Abu Dhabi until at least 10am Tuesday.
Pakistan International Airlines has halted services to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai.
EgyptAir also cancelled Gulf-bound flights from Cairo.
Air Canada extended its Toronto–Dubai flight suspension until August 4.

Additional Restrictions

Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian-operated aircraft, including military flights—until July 23, 2025.

Travel Tips for UAE Passengers

Check flight status online or via airline apps before leaving home.
Expect delays even if your flight is not cancelled—reroutings may extend travel time.
If you are transiting through the UAE to a suspended destination, contact your airline immediately to explore alternative arrangements.