Author: Neel Achary

UAE hits new heights in wellness real estate

Keturah founder says government vision and national mandates have made human wellbeing a development priority 

Dubai, UAE, May 14: Dubai luxury developer Keturah has welcomed a new global report showing the UAE as one of the world’s fastest-growing wellness real estate markets, saying the findings reflect a fundamental shift in how the industry must think and build.

 The study, released earlier this week by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), reveal that wellness real estate now represents over 12% of all construction in the UAE, where the market grew from $3.3 billion to $14.6 billion between 2017 and 2025.

 With the global market projected to more than double from $876 billion in 2025 to $1.8 trillion by 2030, the report says over 555,000 wellness-focused residential units now in the pipeline across the UAE and Saudi Arabia alone.

 Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, said today: “The UAE‘s growth in this sector is the direct result of government vision and national mandates that have made human wellbeing a development priority, and policy will continue to shape the market.”

 He says the GWI, the leading research organization for the global wellness industry, is fully justified in defining wellness real estate as a response to, and a correction of, past “unwell” development.

 “For too long the industry built environments that looked impressive, but took little account of the health and quality of life of the people living in them,” said Talal. “Those days are over. It is no longer just about energy ratings or green certifications. The social, physical, mental and community dimensions of how people actually live create a far more meaningful standard today.”

 Two Keturah projects under development in Dubai are built around these principles. The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort is the Middle East’s first fully wellness-certified resort. Located on the shores of Dubai Creek, adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, it comprises 12 water front mansions, 193 apartments, a five-star boutique hotel, standalone wellness centre and private marina.

 Meanwhile, Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community at Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, is a 540-home development of low-rise apartments, townhouses and villas designed around nature, natural light and the science of daily wellbeing.

 The GWI report highlights nature, culture and heritage as important assets in wellness real estate. “In fact, they are what give a development its soul,” says Talal. “A community rooted in its landscape and its identity is one that residents feel proud to live in. Without that, you simply have a building.”

 “Another key takeaway is that wellness real estate must serve all members of a community, not just its buyers, and this is something built into our culture at Keturah. Wellness real estate has to work for everyone, and that responsibility starts at home. Developers who genuinely care about the wellbeing of their own employees set a standard that runs through everything they build.”

 Based on a review of over 300 independent studies, the GWI says wellness-focused residential properties at the middle and upper ends of the market command a price premium of 10-25%. “Wellness real estate sells at stronger prices, attracts buyers who are in it for the long term, and holds its value,” says Talal. “The market is rewarding developers who made this commitment early.”

 Looking ahead, he sees demographic change as the industry’s next great opportunity. “Older residents, younger buyers, and changing family needs each bring new possibilities. The developers who pay attention to those shifts now will be the ones setting the pace in years to come.” The new GWI research was presented at the Global Wellness Summit’s Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium in New York City on Tuesday.

Steaming Hot Pots & Comfort Classics Take Over Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

Visakhapatnam, May 14: This May, Red Bowl at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach will serve up a comforting culinary experience with the Hot & Pot Food Festival, featuring warm, soulful, and flavour-forward dishes from 15th May to 24th May.

Inspired by the universal appeal of soulful meals served fresh and hot, the festival will showcase an assortment of steaming delicacies ranging from soups and slow-cooked curries to hot pots and freshly prepared specialties. Focused on rich flavours and satisfying dining experiences, the festival aims to offer guests an inviting setting to enjoy comforting meals during the dinner hours.

The specially curated à la carte menu will feature a selection of dishes including Nasu Dengaku, Tori Teriyaki and Goong Pad Prik, highlighting preparations that are best enjoyed, warm and freshly served. Bringing together diverse flavours and comforting favourites, the festival reflects the essence of relaxed and indulgent dining.

Through experiences such as the Hot & Pot Food Festival, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach continues to curate distinctive culinary experiences that bring together flavour, hospitality, and thoughtfully designed dining concepts for its guests.

·         Venue: Red Bowl, Novotel Visakhapatnam

·         Festival Dates: 15th May – 24th May 2026

·         Timings: Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM || 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

·         Service Style: À la carte

Child Care Aware of Missouri’s Beth Ann Lang Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Nonprofit’s Deputy CEO Lang brings more than three decades of early childhood experience to her role.

(St. Louis, Mo., May 14, 2026) Beth Ann Lang, Deputy CEO at Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), recently celebrated her 25^th anniversary with the nonprofit. Her responsibilities include overseeing all programs and services administered by CCAMO, as well as positioning the organization for sustainable growth through strategic planning.

During her tenure, Lang has provided oversight and guidance on projects related to the early childhood workforce. She has served as the organization’s Chief Program Officer since 2017. When she joined CCAMO in 2001, Lang was the inaugural Director of the TEACH Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship, a statewide program aimed at increasing the quality of child care through education, compensation, and commitment.

Among Lang’s notable achievements are launching the TEACH Early Childhood Missouri CDA Project in 2019 and supporting St. Louis County legislation to fund WAGE$, a salary supplement program for child care educators. She serves on the TEACH Early Childhood National Advisory Committee and the Council for Professional Recognition’s State Partners Roundtable, where she represents Missouri at the national level.

“Beth Ann’s leadership has shaped every facet of our work, from elevating the early childhood workforce to strengthening the programs families rely on every day,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “For 25 years, she has been a tireless champion for educators, continuously helping move our organization and state toward higher quality, greater equity, and better outcomes for children.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

The Overlooked Opportunity to Engage the Next Generation After an Insurance Payout

Empathy and LIMRA joint research shows the claims experience is a powerful — yet underused — engine of long‑term growth for the industry

NEW YORK – May 14, 2026 – Empathy, the technology company transforming how the world plans for and navigates life’s hardest moments, and LIMRA, today announced new research examining how the life insurance claims experience shapes long-term customer relationships. The findings reveal a critical disconnect: while insurers have invested meaningfully in operational improvements, they are missing the opportunity to turn one of the most meaningful customer moments into lasting loyalty.

U.S. life insurers pay out almost $100 billion in death benefits each year, yet fewer than one in ten beneficiaries go on to become customers themselves. The Empathy and LIMRA research uncovered this gap is not due to a lack of beneficiary engagement, but rather a lack of relevant, human-centered support aligned with what beneficiaries are actually experiencing during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. While the industry has optimized for operational efficiency and a smooth claims process, these efforts often fall short of addressing beneficiaries’ emotional and practical needs, resulting in a transactional experience that fails to build long-term and generational loyalty.

“What this research makes clear is that the claims moment is not just an operational milestone or well-executed transaction, it’s a relationship-defining experience,” said Ohad Gutman, Chief Business Officer at Empathy. “When the beneficiary is handled with clarity, empathy, and meaningful support, it can lead to long-term loyalty. When it’s treated as a transaction, that opportunity is lost.”

Key Findings from the Research

The study surfaces several critical insights into what drives and limits long-term engagement following a claim:

The claims experience performs well operationally, but falls short as a relationship moment

• 91% of beneficiaries report being satisfied with their claims experience

• Core elements like communication (87%), clarity (85%), and timeliness (83%) are rated highly

• Yet according to LIMRA, fewer than 1 in 10 beneficiaries go on to become customers, highlighting a disconnect between satisfaction and long-term loyalty 

Perception after the claim is the strongest predictor of future business

• Post-claim perception is the #1 driver of both recommendation and purchase intent

• Among less satisfied beneficiaries, 71% say a better experience would have increased purchase intent, while 78% say it would have increased their likelihood of recommending the carrier

A major “delivery gap” exists between the support beneficiaries want and what they receive

• 84% say dedicated support such as a specific person to guide them, grief or financial resources, or tools to help manage the process, would make the insurer more appealing

  • Financial education: 65% want it, only 25% receive it

  • Grief resources: 68% want it, only 35% receive it

  • Emotional wellness programs: 81% want it; 24% receive it

  • Assistance with probate: 81% want it; 17% receive it

  • Well-being check-ins: 76% want it;  43% receive it

Beneficiaries are highly open to ongoing engagement

• 96% are open to post-claim communication across channels

• Most prefer personalized, practical guidance and not generic outreach

A Shift From Transaction to Relationship

The research reframes the claims experience as a pivotal moment in the customer lifecycle, not the end of a transaction but the beginning of a relationship.

“This research shows that beneficiaries are not inherently disengaged – they are highly open to continued interaction,” said Lai-Sahn Hackett, Corporate Vice President at LIMRA. “It underscores an opportunity for insurers to rethink how the claims experience contributes to ongoing engagement and business outcomes.”

The findings highlight that beneficiaries are not disengaging by default, they are responding to the experience they receive. While insurers have made meaningful progress on operational efficiency, the research shows that emotional and practical support during and after the claim is what ultimately shapes long-term outcomes.

Technology and Support as the Next Frontier

As expectations evolve, the industry is beginning to shift toward more holistic, support-driven models of care. Solutions that combine digital tools with human guidance can help carriers extend support beyond the payout and better meet beneficiary needs.

To read the full report and its findings, visit empathy.com/resources/research/generational-loyalty-blueprint. 

IPV announces 16 exits from 2025 with 41 Percent IRR amid ongoing liquidity crunch

 “Our focus has always been on identifying and supporting businesses with the potential to scale and deliver strong returns,” said Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO of IPV. IPV-backed startups are being acquired by category leaders like Amazon, Lenskart, and Nodwin Gaming, and global MNCs, validating the quality and strategic value of IPV’s portfolio at exit. Generating exits is not a one-time event for us; it is a repeatable process built on disciplined investing, active portfolio stewardship, and a strong network. The 16 exits this fiscal year reflect the compounding effect of years of consistent effort.”

“In India, exits don’t happen by chance; they are engineered. That’s the muscle IPV has built. What distinguishes IPV’s portfolio is not just the number of exits, but the quality of the companies and the breadth of strategic outcomes we have been able to facilitate,” said Ankur Mittal, Co-founder of IPV. “From strategic acquirers choosing our portfolio companies to institutional funds backing our consumer and deep-tech portfolio, these are not opportunistic transactions. They reflect the strength of the businesses our founders have built and our ability to connect them with the right partners at the right time. We are committed to delivering both growth and liquidity, because our investors deserve both.”

“Our role does not end at writing the cheque, we work alongside our founders through every stage, helping them structure partnerships, navigate secondary transactions, and connect with the right strategic acquirers,” said Mitesh Shah, Co-founder of IPV. “The exit outcomes this year are the product of years of relationship building and proactive portfolio management. At IPV, a good exit is not a coincidence, it is engineered through consistent effort, strong networks.”

CREDAI Shifts NATCON 2026 from Amsterdam to India in Line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Appeal

In Line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Appeal, CREDAI Shifts NATCON 2026 from Amsterdam to India

Move reflects the real estate sector’s commitment to national priorities, economic self-reliance, and contributing to India’s economic resilience

New Delhi, May 14: In a strong endorsement of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to prioritise national interest amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia — including reducing non-essential foreign travel, conserving fuel and foreign exchange, and promoting domestic spending — the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has decided to shift the 23rd edition of its flagship convention, NATCON 2026, from Amsterdam to India.

The decision has been taken in the spirit of national solidarity and in alignment with the larger sentiment of standing firmly with the nation and the vision articulated by Hon’ble Prime Minister. At a time when India is moving forward with confidence, self-belief, and a renewed spirit of national pride, CREDAI believes that institutions representing key sectors of the economy must also reflect the same commitment towards the country and its priorities.

CREDAI will shortly identify and announce the Indian host destination for NATCON 2026 along with revised programme details. The decision reflects CREDAI’s commitment to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of placing “Nation First” and supporting India’s economic resilience during a period of global uncertainty. By hosting the country’s largest real estate sector’s convention in India, CREDAI aims to ensure that the economic and tourism benefits associated with an event of this scale directly contribute to the domestic economy, hospitality sector, local businesses, and allied industries.

CREDAI NATCON witnesses’ participation from over 1,000 leading developers, investors, policymakers, architects, consultants, and industry stakeholders from across the country. Traditionally hosted at an international destination every year, NATCON serves as CREDAI’s flagship annual platform for dialogue on real estate, urban infrastructure, construction technologies, sustainable development, smart cities, and India’s evolving growth story.

This year, however, CREDAI has chosen to align the event with the broader national sentiment and the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call to strengthen domestic economic activity and encourage spending within the country. The move is also expected to boost domestic tourism, create opportunities for Indian hospitality and event industries, and showcase India’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and urban development capabilities on a national platform.

Commenting on the decision, Mr. Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI, said, “At a time when the Hon’ble Prime Minister has called upon citizens and industries to act responsibly and prioritise national interest amid the evolving geopolitical situation, CREDAI believes it is important for the real estate sector, as one of the country’s largest employment-generating industries, to align with this vision and demonstrate collective responsibility during this important time for the nation. While preparations for NATCON had been underway for over six months and the industry was fully prepared to travel to Amsterdam this August, CREDAI felt it was important to take cognisance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s appeal and the prevailing national sentiment. By deciding to host NATCON in India this year, we are supporting domestic economic activity while also reinforcing our commitment to the nation’s growth and economic resilience.

He further added, “The industry is currently navigating significant challenges, including rising construction costs driven by escalating prices of cement, steel, and other critical raw materials, along with persistent labour shortages impacting project execution across markets. In this environment, it becomes even more important for all sectors to collectively contribute towards strengthening the domestic economy in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s appeal.”

As an industry deeply linked to employment generation, infrastructure development, and economic growth, CREDAI remains committed to contributing meaningfully towards India’s long-term development and self-reliance goals.

Milind Soman Becomes Brand Ambassador for Tasty Nibbles Ahead of National Expansion

New Delhi,  May 13: Tasty Nibbles, the consumer brand of HIC-ABF Special Foods  has announced Milind Soman as its brand ambassador while outlining the company’s plans  to accelerate pan-India growth, especially in the health-focused convenience food segment. The event marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth journey as it sets its sights on  pan-India expansion, with a strategic focus on its flagship category – canned tuna.  

“At Tasty Nibbles, we have always believed that the future of food lies at the intersection of  health, convenience, and trust. With Milind Soman coming on board, we are taking a  significant step towards making tuna a part of everyday Indian diets. India is still at a very  early stage in tuna consumption, and this presents a massive opportunity for us to introduce  a clean, high-quality protein option to millions of households,” said Cherian Kurian,  managing director, Tasty Nibbles at the company’s brand ambassador announcement event  in New Delhi. The event was also attended by Sunil P Krishnan, vice-president (sales) and  Manoj TP, senior manager – key accounts, along with distributors, key industry stakeholders and representatives from e-commerce, and quick-commerce platforms. 

“Despite being a globally popular protein source, the per capita consumption of tuna in India  remains significantly low. With a population of over 1.4 billion, the category presents a  substantial opportunity for growth if effectively introduced and adopted”, Cherian said. 

“I have always believed that good health starts with what we eat every day. Tuna is one of the  simplest and most effective sources of lean protein, and what I like about Tasty Nibbles is how  they make it accessible, convenient, and easy to include in daily meals. I’m excited to be part  of a journey that encourages people to make smarter, healthier food choices,” said Milind  Soman. 

Known for his fitness-driven lifestyle and credibility in the health and wellness space, Milind Soman embodies the values that Tasty Nibbles aims to promote through its tuna range. Through this initiative, the brand aims to position tuna as more than just a source of protein.  Packed with high-quality protein, rich in Omega-3, and loaded with essential vitamins, tuna is  also carb-free, low in fat, and a convenient addition to the everyday diet of health-conscious  consumers. The brand also showcased the convenience of its canned tuna, highlighting it as  a cleaned, cooked, and ready-to-eat product with soft, thornless white meat, suitable for quick  and versatile usage across salads, sandwiches, rolls, and more. 

With this announcement and campaign launch, Tasty Nibbles aims to redefine tuna  consumption in India, transforming it from a niche offering into a regular, accessible, and  healthy choice for modern lifestyles.