You searched for By Arjavi Indraneesh — Arabian Post

Shift in how shisha is perceived and enjoyed globally

The Arabian Post Network — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:58:51 +0000

While demand for shisha smoking is steadily going up, air quality regulations, fire safety concerns and the operational burden of managing charcoal-based systems have historically presented challenges to hospitality venues. Ronan Barry, Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs at AIR, the global leader in hookah and pioneer in advanced inhalation technologies, spoke to the Arabian Post on the emerging shisha trends and the company’s future plans. AIR is preparing for a listing of its shares on Nasdaq.

Q: Your latest research shows a global surge in shisha demand. What’s driving this growth?
A: Our research shows that 90% of hospitality venue owners across four key markets – the UAE, US, Germany, and Spain – expect shisha demand to increase over the next two years. It is our view that that growth is being fueled by a shift in how shisha is perceived and enjoyed globally.

Shisha is a ritual that has been enjoyed for centuries, deeply rooted in tradition, community, and social connection. While that cultural significance remains, both consumer expectations and technology are evolving. Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking more premium, health-conscious and design-led experiences, and venues are responding by offering cleaner, more modern formats, like charcoal-free devices, that continue the historic tradition and ritual while meeting the demands of a more health-conscious generation.

Q: What challenges are hospitality venues facing as they try to meet this demand?
A: Air quality regulations, fire safety concerns and the operational burden of managing charcoal-based systems have historically presented challenges to venues. In fact, 89% of the businesses we surveyed said regulatory compliance is a significant challenge when offering shisha. That’s why innovations like OOKA – our charcoal-free, electronically heated shisha device – are so transformative. Not only does it remove the complexities of charcoal, but it also significantly reduces harmful emissions, creating a cleaner, more sustainable experience for both consumers and staff.

One in four (25%) venue owners told us that they see charcoal-free technology as a practical solution to help meet these regulatory requirements, meaning devices like OOKA are a real opportunity for forward-thinking operators to innovate and drive customer loyalty.

Q: Can you talk more about how OOKA addresses these health and safety concerns?
A: AIR commissioned and published the world’s first peer-reviewed emissions study on a charcoal-free shisha device – and the results were a game-changer for the category.

Our research found that emissions from OOKA showed near-zero detection of many of the most harmful by-products of combustion, including carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, and benzo[a]pyrene, which are typically found in both cigarettes and charcoal-heated waterpipes.

It also revealed that levels of key aldehydes, such as acrolein, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, were reduced considerably, with acrolein reduced by 96%. When you factor in how shisha is consumed in real life – often just once or twice a week – toxicant exposure from OOKA is estimated to be up to 100 times lower than cigarette smoking.[1]

That’s a huge step forward in harm reduction, and it has real-world implications for consumers and the hospitality industry. It means venues can now offer a premium shisha experience that not only appeals to today’s health and environmentally conscious customers, but also supports better indoor air quality and removes the risks associated with charcoal. It opens the door for more businesses – especially those that were previously put off by the risks of charcoal – to add shisha to their menus with confidence.

Q: How has OOKA been received by the hospitality industry so far?
A: The response has been overwhelmingly positive – particularly here in Dubai. OOKA Pro, our model tailored for hospitality venues, was developed with feedback from our partners and is already being used in leading hospitality destinations, such as Playa Beach Club Dubai. Venue owners appreciate the cleaner operation, the design customization options and the fact that it supports up to eight sessions on a single charge. Many venues have reported that bringing OOKA to their customers has opened new revenue streams and improved the customer experience significantly.

Q: Do you see OOKA influencing future regulatory approaches to shisha?
A: We believe so. The science is now catching up with the innovation. Our emissions study provides credible, independent evidence that charcoal-free devices like OOKA offer a reduced-risk alternative. That’s important not just for regulators and policymakers, but also for hospitality businesses. If regulation starts to recognize cleaner technologies like ours, it gives venues a real opportunity to expand their offerings and attract a broader customer base – including those who may have previously avoided shisha due to health or safety concerns.

We’re ready and willing to engage with regulators to champion the evolution of the category in policymaking. Our goal is to support the hospitality industry in offering cleaner products, while giving consumers the freedom to enjoy shisha with greater confidence.

Q: What’s next for AIR and the future of shisha?
A: At AIR, we are entering the next chapter with real momentum. In November 2025, we announced our intention to list on Nasdaq and are currently progressing with the transaction, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. Most recently, we filed Form F-4 which is an important milestone in taking another step closer to becoming a public company. Not only this, but business remains on a growth trajectory, as shown by the results for the year ending 31 December 2025, which revealed that AIR’s revenue increased by approximately 6% to $400 million, up from $377 million the previous year. Profit for the year also rose to $47 million from $34 million in 2024, putting us in a strong position ahead of the listing.

As our global presence as a company grows, we remain committed to leading the way in clean, tech-driven social inhalation. As consumer expectations shift and regulations tighten, the industry must continue to evolve. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in R&D, expand our partnerships with hospitality venues all over the globe and champion a future for shisha that’s smarter and cleaner.

This is an incredibly exciting time for the category. The core ritual of shisha, something that’s been enjoyed for centuries, remains as important as ever. But how people enjoy it is changing. AIR is proud to be at the forefront of that transformation, and we’re just getting started – we can’t wait to shape what comes next.

[1] Assumes two waterpipe sessions per week versus 20 cigarettes per day, based on consumption data from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

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Syria’s Power Dynamics Shift as Assad’s Allies Recalibrate

The Arabian Post Network — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 14:56:00 +0000

Arjavi Indraneesh

Syria is witnessing seismic shifts in its prolonged conflict, with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime having collapsed amid dwindling support from its critical allies, Russia and Iran. The rebel factions, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are in control, creating uncertainty about the nation’s political future. This precarious balance raises concerns of a potential power vacuum with regional ramifications i

HTS is led by Abu Muhammad al-Julani, The group, a splinter faction of al-Qaeda, has steadily consolidated power in northern Syria. It now serves as a dominant player in the opposition landscape, aiming to unify anti-Assad factions under its leadership. These developments coincide with a noticeable pivot by Assad’s key allies—Russia and Iran—toward addressing their respective internal and geopolitical priorities.

Russia’s involvement in Syria has been a cornerstone of Assad’s survival since the war began in 2011. However, its military and economic focus has shifted due to prolonged involvement in Ukraine, straining its capacity to maintain robust support for Damascus. Similarly, Iran, another critical ally, is grappling with its own domestic protests and regional tensions, which have curtailed its ability to extend substantial assistance to Syria. The weakening of external backing leaves Assad vulnerable as rebels push closer to his strongholds.

The United Nations reports that the fighting has displaced nearly 300,000 Syrians since late November, with estimates suggesting up to 1.5 million could be forced to flee if the conflict escalates further. These movements risk exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and fueling instability across neighboring countries. Regions like Homs and the coastal cities of Tartus and Latakia—home to Russian military bases—have witnessed increased civilian exodus as HTS fighters advance.

Strategically, HTS’s success followed control of critical infrastructure, including the M5 highway connecting major urban centers. Russian forces had reportedly bombed key routes to hinder rebel advances, but that could not stop HTS and allied factions capturing power.

The evolving dynamics of the Syrian conflict also have broader implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics. A power vacuum could embolden extremist groups, destabilize neighbouring countries, and strain international diplomatic efforts to restore peace. The conflict has already drawn in multiple actors, including Turkey, whose backing of the Syrian National Army further complicates the landscape. This militia coalition, aligned with HTS in several battles, aims to expand its influence, positioning itself as a rival to the Assad regime.

Regional players like Iraq and Lebanon are closely monitoring developments, given their intertwined security interests. Iraq’s ongoing fight against ISIS and Lebanon’s fragile political situation underscore the interconnected nature of the region’s challenges. Meanwhile, the involvement of Gulf nations, particularly Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in supporting opposition factions has added layers to an already multifaceted conflict.

HTS leader Julani has been describing the regime as “propped up by external powers but fundamentally unsustainable.” This assertion resonates with segments of the Syrian population disillusioned by years of corruption, economic collapse, and military oppression under Assad’s rule. Yet, HTS’s classification as a terrorist organization by Western countries complicates its international recognition and the prospect of coordinated opposition leadership.

Syrians are grappling with the enormity of this historic moment, as the overthrow of President Assad’s government marks a turning point laden with uncertainty and reflection. For countless families in Syria and among refugee and migrant communities worldwide, this development has unleashed a torrent of emotion. The Assad regime’s legacy of repression, which drove thousands into exile or imprisonment and subjected many to inhumane treatment, looms large in the collective memory of the nation.

At the same time, apprehension about what lies ahead is palpable among many Syrians. The volatile aftermaths of uprisings in countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya have shown how armed militias can seize power but often struggle to govern effectively. Addressing Syria’s future at the IISS Manama Dialogue Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, aptly observed: “When problems get left unresolved, they get worse … past events have shown us how important it is to support the national state.” His words underline the pressing need for a stable and inclusive political transition to avoid repeating the region’s turbulent history.

The article Syria’s Power Dynamics Shift as Assad’s Allies Recalibrate appeared first on Arabian Post.

Innovation is helping boost Shisha market

The Arabian Post Network — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:38:22 +0000

Arjavi Indraneesh|Arabian Post

Shisha smoking is a deeply held social tradition in Middle East and Africa, going back centuries which represents hospitality, respect, and a shared experience. The US has now joined the club and the social habit is winning over fans in countries in Asia-Pacifica and Europe as well. There are some 50 million shisha smokers worldwide, whose market size is estimated at $19 billion and is set to increase to $23 billion by 2026.

The increasing appeal for the habit, despite a global campaign against smoking, is being attributed to several factors, including the increasing number of hookah users in the Asia Pacific region. The reasons cited as manifold, which include the region’s growing spending power, a strong desire among individuals to indulge in the luxurious lifestyle associated with hookah, and the presence of a significant millennial population that is inclined towards exploring such experiences.

“With studies showing that people with strong social and support networks have a greater sense of belonging, and ultimately improved wellbeing, you can see why its appeal will continue to grow,” says Ronan Barry, Chief Legal & Corporate Officer at Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the world’s leading shisha company.

AIR claims to be the leader in the global shisha industry, owning 47 percent of the market, consistently outperforming competitors and growing at 3 times the market rate over the last 10 years, which the company attributes to heavy investment in innovation, product, and user experience, putting the consumer at the centre of it all.

Here is the full interview with Ronan Barry:

Arabian Post: How do you reconcile growing health concerns about smoking with the company’s business model?

Ronan Barry: Being health aware is, of course, of great importance. There is a lack of clarity around the differences between cigarettes, vaping, and shisha. All too often they are thrown into the same category which is misleading for people as they are not the same. When it comes to people’s health, it is important that people have the accurate information.

While many things are not risk free, where when and how shisha is consumed sets it apart from cigarettes and vaping. This is because shisha is inhaled by heating the product, not burning it (like cigarettes), therefore the composition of shisha cloud is mainly water vapour and glycerol. Furthermore, laboratory analyses have shown that the aerosol produced by a typical shisha product contained significantly fewer toxicants compared to cigarette smoke. The levels of toxicants from a one-hour shisha session were over 90% lower than those from a single cigarette.

It is also important to remember that unlike cigarettes or vaping, which are used compulsively, shisha is used much more occasionally with a heritage of bringing people together socially.

In a continued mission to find new ways for people to have a cleaner shisha experience, AIR is innovating and investing heavily in new products which will take the shisha market into new territory. We now offer tobacco and charcoal free options, which eliminates charcoal smoke while improving the traditional shisha experience users have come to enjoy.

AP: What is the basis for the assessment that the global shisha market will grow from USD 19 billion to USD 23 billion in the next three years?

RB: These figures are based on studies from Bain, FMI (Future Market Insights) and our own internal estimates. They show that the size of the shisha category was at USD 19 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to USD 23 billion in 2026. That growth is no surprise when you consider that shisha is a deeply held social tradition going back centuries which represents hospitality, respect, and a shared experience. With studies showing that people with strong social and support networks have a greater sense of belonging, and ultimately improved wellbeing, you can see why its appeal will continue to grow. While the US, Middle East and Africa are currently dominant markets, it is expected to grow in Asia-Pacific and Europe over the coming years.

AP: Who are AIR’s main competitors? In terms of innovation, how does the company score over its competitors?

RB: We are the leading business in the shisha market, with a 47% share, we believe we are unique in our quality and scale of the shisha products we offer.

We have consistently outperformed our competitors, growing at three times the market rate due to our heavy investment in innovation, product, and user experience, with a strong focus on putting the consumer at the centre of it all. Our latest example is the launch of OOKA, the world’s first charcoal-free, pod-based shisha device, making it the cleanest tobacco inhalation product on the market.

AP: Considering that shisha smoking is essentially a part of Arab culture, how does a company like AIR with apparently non-Arab roots find acceptance from Arab customers.

RB: Al Fakher, a brand of AIR has a strong Jordanian heritage, and shisha smoking is indeed deeply rooted in Arab culture, and it is a significant part of the daily lives of many people. It is not only a means of relaxation and entertainment but also a social activity that brings people together. Millions of people gather to enjoy shisha as they bond over conversations with friends and form lasting relationships. This shared experience is a ritual of deep importance to many diverse communities around the world.

It is by respecting these time-honoured social customs of shisha smoking and bringing them together with the latest innovations that we have gained acceptance and approval of Arab customers for our products, as seen by our expansion in markets such as Saudi Arabia. This strategy not only demonstrates our reverence for the cultural heritage and values of our customers but also offers them an elevated and enriched shisha experience.

AP: Does the company have a view on the possible growth of shisha market and its correlation to the expansion of Arab and Muslim ethnicity in the European continent?

RB: We believe the shisha market is on track to grow significantly in the coming years. Part of that is due to product innovation, which will combine centuries of tradition with cutting edge technology.

Looking at Europe in particular, it is true that the growth of communities with Arab and Muslim heritage has contributed to the rise in shisha use across the continent. However, there is evidence which shows an embracing of shisha culture among the wider European population as more people recognise the enjoyment of the product as part of in-person socialising. Indeed, we’re seeing entrepreneurs capitalising on the growth of shisha and building their own businesses in countries like Germany, Spain, and Czechia. Native Europeans are accepting of new cultures and rituals, and this very much demonstrates that shisha is now also a symbol of integration.

AP: Is shisha smoking finding fans in non-traditional native communities, such as in the West and Asia?

RB: In short: yes, the shisha tobacco market is experiencing growth in various regions worldwide. The United States, India, East Asia, and Europe are all witnessing an upward trend in this market, with the Asia Pacific region being particularly notable as a growth market.

This can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing number of hookah users in the Asia Pacific region. This rise in users can be attributed to a combination of factors such as the region’s growing spending power, a strong desire among individuals to indulge in the luxurious lifestyle associated with hookah, and the presence of a significant millennial population that is inclined towards exploring such experiences.

AP: Can you provide a brief history of the company and its associated businesses?

RB: Founded in 1999, AIR Global has a mission to revolutionise the shisha and inhalation industry. By seamlessly integrating centuries of tradition with cutting-edge innovation, AIR’s goal is to minimise harm and maximise enjoyment for millions across the globe. AIR has grown its customer base from 20 countries in 2006, to over 100 today. We are headquartered in Dubai (UAE), with factories in Ajman (UAE) and Poland and offices in US, UK, UAE, KSA, India, Poland, and Germany. This year we have launched OOKA, the world’s first charcoal-free, pod-based shisha device, a milestone for the business and for the sector.

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India Has Potential To Kickstart Gold Mining In A Big Way

The Arabian Post Network — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 10:19:48 +0000

By Arjavi Indraneesh

New policies relating to the mining sector have the potential to kickstart gold mining in India in a big way, according to an assessment of the World Gold Council has concluded.

India has a long history of mining gold, but at a low level: the 2020 gold mine production was just 1.6 tonnes. This has largely been attributed to legacy processes, including lack of incentives of investments in the area. But a series of measures taken by the government to address these issues through regulatory changes in recent years such as the 2019 National Mineral Policy and early amendments to the longstanding Mines and Minerals Act could make a big difference, the council feels.

Gold mining in India dates back to the first millennium BC and throughout the twentieth century was dominated by the Kolar Gold Field, near Bangalore. The field is hosted within the Kolar Greenstone Belt, a 3-6km wide by 80 km long band of greenstone geology – a terrain similar to that which hosts many of the world’s most significant gold discoveries. The belt predominantly lies along the southeast edge of the state of Karnataka, but also under parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

The Kolar Gold Field was closed in 2001, having produced more than 800 tonnes of gold during its 120-year history. During its first two decades of operation (1884-1904) the average grade of the ore produced from the shallow underground working was an impressive 45gm per tonne, while over its total life span the average ore grade was 15g per tonne. By comparison, gold grades from South Africa’s prolific Witwatersrand Basin averaged around 9g/t over a similar time frame.

In subsequent years, gold was primarily extracted from three mines within the East Kolar region: Champion, Mysore and Nundydoorg. By the late 1990s, however, mining had become uneconomic due to reducing grades and increasing costs, and the Kolar operations were finally abandoned in 2001. By this point production had reportedly reached a depth of 3,200m, which is one of the deepest gold mines in the world, while workings stretched along a 7.3km strike and included 100 shafts and 1,400km of underground development.

The other significant gold producer in India has been the Hutti Gold Mine, located in the Raichur district of Karnataka. The operation initially entered production in 1902, although it subsequently closed in 1918 because of a paucity of funds due to World War I. Since its restart in 1947, it has produced 84t of gold till 2020 and is currently the only significant gold producer in India. Gold mining production declined marginally to 1.6t in 2020 as the mine closed in April of that year due to Covid-19.

Historically, gold has also been produced from other deposits, including as a by-product of domestic copper production, although these additional sources have produced limited volumes. The main source of India’s gold from other deposits is Birla Copper’s smelter at Dahej in Gujarat, which processes domestic and imported copper concentrate. The plant has an installed gold capacity of 15t per year, although output was below this level in 2020 at 6t.

According to data published by the Ministry of Mines, India’s current defined gold reserves total 70.1t. The majority of these reserves are located in the state of Karnataka and account for 88 percent of the total; a further 12 percent are situated in Andhra Pradesh and an insignificant amount are found in Jharkhand.

There has been limited investment in gold exploration over the past 15 years, particularly from the private sector. As of March 2018, only 11 gold mining leases were in place across the whole of India. In 2019 mining activity was in progress in only four of these permit areas, three of which – Hutti, Uti and Hira-Buddinni – are located in Karnataka and are operated by Hutti Gold Mines. The fourth active mine is Kunderkocha in Jharkhand, and is operated by Manmohan Industries. Production from the Kunderkocha mine is trivial, with output of just 3kg in the financial year 2018-19.There are a couple of nascent projects that should reach fruition in the coming years, particularly if government measures are successful in simplifying onerous processes for the sector.

As these new projects enter production Indian gold output will increase, albeit from a very low base. Deccan Gold Mines had been expecting to bring its flagship Ganajur Main project in Karnataka into production in late 2020. However, this project has been delayed several times over recent years and ongoing permitting issues may cause further delays to its start date.

Over the longer term, however, a number of deposits have been identified by private companies and the Geological Survey of India, and these may be developed in the future. In recent years the government has proposed and implemented various policy changes designed to help develop the gold mining sector.

In May 2020 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced measures to enhance private investment in the Indian mineral sector as part of the Self-Reliant India Movement. Including the introduction of a seamless exploration, mining and production regime; 500 mining blocks that are to be offered through an open and transparent e-auction process and the abolition of any distinction between captive and non-captive mining blocks, which will allow for the transfer of mining leases. These steps are expected to help pave the way for a more transparent auction of 500 mining blocks of various minerals, including gold, and will help facilitate a more seamless transfer of leases. (IPA Service)

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RBI response to online fraud too inadequate

The Arabian Post Network — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 20:38:10 +0000

By Arjavi Indraneesh

It is a no-brainer that when there is an increase in digital payments, a proportionate rise in fraud is a given. But India’s payment digitisation programme has gone ahead without a requisite improvement in the infrastructure for fraud detection and prevention.

Over the past five years, the volume of digital payments has grown by a factor of 10 and an additional growth of 10 times in three years has been targetted. This is expected to be driven by a shift from high value, low volume, high cost transactions to low value, high volume, low cost transactions, ultimately leading to a decline in cash transactions.

The Reserve Bank of India has gone on an overdrive, publicising its ombudsman role in dealing with complaints of bank customers, and it is imperative that these should include complaints of online fraud. But there has neither been a rejig of the RBI grievance redressal system nor the creation of an appropriate mechanism to deal with the problem.

The RBI has been airing TV commercials featuring members of the Indian cricket team, highlighting what it claims as the proactive approach of the banking ombudsman in dealing with customer complaints. The ad, for instance, describes the ombudsman’s role as similar to the third umpire in cricket and holds out big hope for customers.

A Bengaluru-based IT professional, who took the promise to heart, was, however, in for a rude shock when a complaint to the ombudsman about the diversionary tactics adopted by his bank, which happens to be Standard Chartered, in relation to an online fraud amounting to about a lakh of rupees, committed using his debit card by fraudsters based in Ukraine, notorious as one of the global capitals of online payment fraud, failed to yield any response from the RBI mechanism. The case has been pending since February this year and the bank keeps asking for extension to time for further investigations.

Making it even more insulting, a member of the bank’s so-called fraud detection team told the complainant that his complaint to ombudsman would only end up with the bank and that he need not expect anything to come out of it, so does the man claim. According to him, the bank has been asking for repeated extension of time to resolve the issue on the pretext that the investigation was still continuing. They expect to achieve during another extension what they could not do for eight months. The man claims that this is merely delaying tactics and he does not seem to be much off the way.

Irrespective of what the RBI has been trying to project, the typical response by the bank gives away the lackadaisical manner with which the banks, particularly foreign banks operating in India, treat communications from the ombudsman. Perhaps, there is no point in blaming them as the phenomenal increase in the number of frauds has not drawn an adequate response from the RBI to suitably amend the terms of reference of the ombudsman to include banking frauds as well.

The terms do not even find a mention of the term online fraud and include only sweeping generalisations about the financial services provided by the bank and ‘breach of a contract, statutory obligation, industry code or principles of good banking practice’. It is common knowledge that the contract between the bank and the customer at the time of opening the account is heavily loaded in favour of the bank as opposed to the interests of the customer.

So, more often than not, the banks manage to get away by laying the blame on the customers. When it is an issue between the individual customer and the bank, it ends up as an unequal fight between an individual and the clout of an institution and invariably the dice falls in favour of the bank. In view of this, the ombudsman ends up being a mute spectator.

Under the RBI rules, the liability of the customers to card fraud is limited and the banks are to be held responsible if the fraud occurred due to negligence on its part or a third party. Early this year, the Kerala High Court ruled that banks cannot be absolved of liability for unauthorised withdrawals from their customers’ accounts and that SMS alerts cannot be the basis to determine the liability of a customer, for there would be account holders who may not be in the habit of checking SMS alerts regularly.

But the banks continue to disregard these strictures and continue to put their customer victims to disadvantage. The situation is so bad that a panel of the RBI itself has recommended that there is urgent need to put in place a mechanism for resolving online frauds.

The Committee on Deepening of Digital Payments has, in fact, recommended the institution of ‘a next generation grievance redressal mechanism’ which will ensure speedier response to complaints. The committee observes that as digital payments become ubiquitous, and grow in volume, the number of disputes is likely to grow as well and can easily overwhelm the payment system. It is not possible to rely on face-to-face, call centres, or email to handle these disputes, it points out.

The committee has, therefore, recommended an online dispute resolution system, which is fast and fair and also includes all parties to the transaction.

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