Business
Covid or recession cannot replace personal touch in networking, says BNI chief of UAE
Kumar Shyam
Dubai – A visit to the annual expo and members day of the Business Network International has revealed that the face to face meetings will still remain the preferred option for many.
While the world moved its business online wherever possible in the Covid-19 aftermath, the recessionary pressures that followed also meant people resorted to more networking.
“Not just this Covid, but four times in the past two decades that I have been associated with BNI, I have seen that membership figures have got the actual momentum only during times of recession,” said Bijay Shah, the national director of BNI for Qatar and UAE.
According to BNI, it is the world’s largest business networking and referral organisation. Shah put the member strength in the UAE to 800 members, who pay an annual subscription amount and then meet in person at a designated venue with a stipulated cover amount to cover for the costs of the venue and refreshments.
The annual day also provided businesses with an opportunity to explore mutual synergies through networking sessions while some also put up stalls to advertise their wares.
K Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce) at the Consulate General of India also graced the event to mark 17 years of BNI in the UAE, which has mushroomed into 20 chapters and few about to start.
Bijay Shah, left, and K Kalimuthu chat on the sidelines of the BNI Expo Day at JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai. Courtesy BNI
Members also came together to share industry knowledge and trends while there was a panel discussion on the importance of integration of the metaverse in businesses.
While the businessmen and professionals have gone back to operating onsite, the era of Zoom and Teams meetings online ensured that networking can happen virtually too.
Ask Mr Shah and members from the BNI at the expo at JW Marriott Marquis hotel, Dubai, the unanimous verdict is that personal meetings have their own strengths.
In a recent PwC Consumer Intelligence Series survey, 75 percent of 15,000 consumer respondents confirmed the observation that when it comes to business, the human touch is still extremely important.
“In a world where automation and digitalisation are the way to generate new businesses, human relationships have been challenged since a long time and to greater degree post-pandemic. BNI significantly contributes that to business growth through the power of building interpersonal relationships.”
“We are growing in the UAE with close to 800 members and last year alone the members closed businesses worth over 336 Million AED,” Shah said. “Not just in the UAE, BNI has a proven growth track record globally and is a business model able to grow in any economic environment. BNI is now franchising across the Middle East (email information@bni.ae to know more).”
Shirish Jain, a member, gave a real-life example to explain this. “What happens in online meetings is that the personal touch is lacking. Even in BNI, sometimes the important connections are made around the coffee table. For instance, four-five members are casually chatting and during a talk on metaverse, some shares an anecdote citing a friend whom I would love to do business with. So many times it has happened that we mention our friends and family who the network could benefit from and vice versa. So I would say in-person meetings are still better than online.”
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The Expo and Members Day was loaded with a range of learning events, such as panel discussions with keynote speakers and members sharing their success stories. The event ended with a spectacular awards ceremony honoring and recognizing the members’ achievements.
“Networking is an important element of every business. BNI aspires to be a guiding light for companies and individuals seeking to connect and thrive,” Mr Shah added.
About BNI
It is a 37-year-old business and professional networking organization that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter. BNI has over 289K members worldwide, in over 75 different countries, from over 300 different types of professions. In each chapter, there is a long list of categories for businessmen and profession. Once a member signs up and fills up that category, the chapter blocks out others in the same providing monopoly to protect the member’s interests.
Dubai offers a wide range of residential communities, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood, a vibrant city lifestyle or an affordable apartment with good transport links.
From waterfront towers to suburban communities with parks and schools, here’s a guide to some of the most preferred places to rent an apartment in Dubai for the long term.
Dubai Hills Estate: Family-friendly environment
Dubai Hills Estate has become one of the city’s most sought-after residential communities thanks to its green spaces, modern infrastructure and family-friendly environment.
Why renters choose Dubai Hills Estate
- Spacious apartments and villas.
- Parks, walking trails and playgrounds.
- Reputable international schools nearby.
- Dubai Hills Mall and healthcare facilities.
- Peaceful surroundings with easy access to major roads.
It’s particularly popular with expat families looking for long-term stability and a high quality of life.
Business Bay: Best for professionals
Business Bay remains one of Dubai’s top rental hotspots for professionals working in the city’s commercial districts.
Why live in Business Bay?
- Minutes from Downtown Dubai.
- Excellent access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Metro.
- Modern high-rise apartments.
- Restaurants, cafés and nightlife.
- Popular with young professionals, entrepreneurs and digital nomads.
Its central location makes commuting convenient while offering an energetic urban lifestyle.
Downtown Dubai: If you want city living
If you want to live in the heart of Dubai, Downtown Dubai offers premium apartments surrounded by iconic attractions.
Highlights include:
- Walking distance to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
- Luxury residential towers.
- Excellent dining and entertainment.
- Strong public transport connectivity.
- Vibrant lifestyle throughout the year.
Downtown is ideal for residents who enjoy living close to business, shopping and leisure destinations.
Dubai Marina: Home with a view
Dubai Marina remains one of the emirate’s most popular neighbourhoods for long-term renters.
Why choose Dubai Marina?
- Waterfront lifestyle.
- Dubai Metro and Tram connectivity.
- Wide selection of cafés and restaurants.
- Marina Walk and beach access.
- Modern apartments with premium amenities.
The area appeals to professionals and couples seeking convenience and an active social scene.
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Value for money
JVC has grown into one of Dubai’s fastest-expanding residential communities.
Residents enjoy:
- More affordable rents than many central areas.
- Parks and landscaped streets.
- Family-friendly atmosphere.
- Schools, supermarkets and fitness centres.
- New apartment developments with modern facilities.
It offers a balance between affordability and quality of life.
Dubai Silicon Oasis: Affordable living
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a popular choice for professionals, students and families looking for value.
Key advantages include:
- Competitive rental prices.
- Technology and business hub.
- Schools, clinics and shopping centres.
- Easy access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
- Many buildings offer chiller-free apartments, helping reduce monthly utility costs.
The community combines residential, commercial and leisure facilities in one location.
International City: For budget renters
International City remains one of Dubai’s most affordable apartment markets.
Why it’s popular
- Low rental prices.
- Wide choice of studio and one-bedroom apartments.
- Restaurants and supermarkets nearby.
- Schools and healthcare facilities.
- Convenient access to major roads.
It’s well suited to first-time renters, singles and those looking to keep housing costs low.
Al Barsha: Convenience for all
Al Barsha offers a central location without the premium prices found in Downtown Dubai.
Benefits include:
- Close to Mall of the Emirates.
- Good Metro connectivity.
- Schools and healthcare facilities.
- Wide range of apartment options.
- Established residential community.
It remains a practical choice for families and working professionals alike.
What to consider before renting
Before signing a tenancy contract, consider:
- Your monthly rental budget.
- Distance to work or school.
- Public transport and road access.
- Nearby supermarkets, healthcare and schools.
- Building amenities such as gyms, swimming pools and parking.
- Utility costs, including whether the apartment is chiller-free.
- Payment terms, as many landlords require rent in one to four cheques.
Which area is right for you?
Your ideal location depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
- Best for families: Dubai Hills Estate, JVC
- Best for professionals: Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina
- Best for affordable living: Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Al Barsha
With communities to suit every budget and lifestyle, Dubai continues to offer long-term renters a wide variety of options across the city.
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