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Covid or recession cannot replace personal touch in networking, says BNI chief of UAE

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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.

BNI-expo-day

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.

Automobile

Legend Motors launches Kaiyi X7 AWD and X7 PHEV SUVs in UAE, strengthening Chinese automaker’s expansion

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Legend Motors has expanded its product portfolio in the UAE with the launch of two new Kaiyi SUV models, the Kaiyi X7 AWD and the Kaiyi X7 PHEV, as the Chinese automotive brand strengthens its presence in one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing vehicle markets.

The latest launches underline Kaiyi’s strategy to grow its footprint across the Middle East by offering both conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and new-energy models that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Speaking during the launch event in Dubai, Cannon Wang, Group Vice President, Leadership and Strategy at Legend Holding Group, said the UAE remains a strategic market for the company’s regional ambitions.

“Dubai represents a global benchmark for automotive excellence, where innovation and customer expectations come together. It is a natural gateway for Kaiyi’s regional expansion, and we see strong long-term potential in the UAE market as we introduce products that combine technology, value and performance,” Wang said.

The newly introduced Kaiyi X7 AWD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 256 horsepower and 390Nm of torque. The SUV is paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.9 seconds.

Alongside it, the company unveiled the Kaiyi X7 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The vehicle offers an all-electric driving range of up to 150 kilometres under the CLTC testing cycle and features EV, Hybrid and Power Assist driving modes.

The launches come as Chinese automotive manufacturers continue to expand their presence across the Gulf region, driven by increasing demand for technologically advanced SUVs and electrified vehicles.

The UAE automotive market records annual new vehicle sales of around 300,000 units, with SUVs accounting for nearly half of total sales. The growing preference for fuel-efficient and technology-focused vehicles has encouraged several global and Chinese manufacturers to broaden their product offerings in the country.

Tony Wu, Deputy General Manager of Kaiyi International, said the company remains committed to supporting the UAE’s transition toward cleaner mobility while continuing to serve customers seeking petrol-powered vehicles.

“Aligned with Dubai’s Vision 2030, we see a clear direction towards accelerating the adoption of new energy vehicles. While our petrol-powered E5 and X3 models continue to perform strongly among retail and fleet customers, we are equally committed to supporting the region’s shift towards cleaner, future-ready mobility solutions,” Wu said.

Harsh Chaturvedi, General Manager of Kaiyi UAE, said the company’s focus is on making advanced automotive technology accessible to a wider customer base.

“True innovation lies in making cutting-edge technology accessible, practical and aligned with the everyday expectations of our customers. It’s not just about specifications but delivering a refined sense of control, comfort and modern luxury,” he said.

Through its UAE operations under Legend Motors, the automotive division of Dubai-based Legend Holdings, the company is also investing in after-sales services, spare parts availability and customer support as it seeks to strengthen its presence across the UAE and the wider GCC market.

The launch of both petrol-powered and plug-in hybrid variants reflects Kaiyi’s broader strategy of offering multiple powertrain options as demand for electrified mobility continues to grow across the Middle East.

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Announcements

Good news for businesses: Sharjah slashes fees and fines

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Businesses in Sharjah can now benefit from a range of temporary fee reductions after Sharjah Police unveiled a new package of incentives aimed at easing costs and supporting the emirate’s business community.

The measures, introduced in line with a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council, include 50% discounts on several security-related fees, along with reduced fines and lower training costs for companies.

What discounts are available?

Under the new initiative, eligible businesses will receive:

  • 50% off security permit renewal fees for commercial activities
  • 50% off security system subscription fees
  • 50% reduction on eligible violations and fines
  • 20% off mandatory training programme fees for companies

Sharjah Police said the initiative is designed to support commercial establishments, encourage business sustainability and further strengthen the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for investment.

How long will the discounts last?

The incentives will be available for three months from the date the decision comes into effect.

Businesses seeking more information about the discounts and eligibility can contact the Sharjah Police Call Centre on 901.

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Business

UAE fuel prices drop sharply: Here’s what you’ll pay from July 1

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Motorists across the UAE will pay significantly less at the pump from July 1 after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced a sharp reduction in petrol and diesel prices for July 2026.

All fuel grades have become cheaper compared to June, with Super 98 falling by 55 fils per litre, while diesel has dropped by 73 fils per litre.

All fuel grades have become cheaper compared to June, with Super 98 falling by 55 fils per litre, while diesel has dropped by 73 fils per litre.

Fuel prices for July

  • Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre (down from Dh3.95)
  • Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre (down from Dh3.83)
  • E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre (down from Dh3.76)
  • Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre (down from Dh4.33)

The new rates take effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2026.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices every month, with rates adjusted in line with movements in global oil and energy markets.

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