Robyn Abou Chedid is an executive coach, consumer behaviour specialist, personal brand strategist to executives, and founder of Guided Agency.
Born in Australia to Lebanese parents who fled the civil war, she moved to Dubai 10 years ago and worked in digital marketing.
After more than 16 years in marketing across several regions, she decided to use her experience and specialist knowledge to help professionals and corporate leaders.
Ms Abou Chedid, 35, lives on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah with her fiancee and their puppy, Biscuit.
Where did money feature growing up?
My dad was an economist, my mum was in marketing, but when they came to Australia, their degrees weren’t recognised so they had to start from scratch.
They started several businesses — delis and cafes — and when businesses didn’t go well, they started new businesses. Everything was poured into love and giving us a safe environment.
Both then re-studied; my dad was actually in university with me, doing accounting. Mum went into French teaching and translating.
My father was also an athlete, represented Lebanon in basketball, so put discipline into our personalities, to be strong, do our best and reach our full potential. Education was at the forefront.
What did you take from that?
Whatever my parents were going through, they always created this mindset of abundance; money comes and goes and the more work you put in … money’s just a result of what you’re doing, it is not something that you go chasing.
And if you wanted more things, you need to save.
How did you first earn?
Through my parents, in the cafe. My dad would give us A$2 (Dh5.11) here, A$5 there, maybe A$10. Then I was a receptionist at a doctor’s clinic at 15.
What was your early financial outlook?
I got a scholarship and the university would say: “Do you want it to go towards your fees or do you want cash?”
I took the money every year and put it towards travel. The driver was to experience other cultures and people.
I had a couple of jobs (to cover my fees). I worked at a beauty salon.
I would prioritise what I wanted and then did what I needed to achieve that. I needed to travel longer, so got a second job at a florist working weekends.
Why the UAE?
To live overseas. In Australia, you save to travel, then come back and you have got “the holiday blues”.
I wanted to live somewhere I don’t get that feeling. Everyone mentioned Dubai, because I also have a Lebanese background, and I met a gentleman at an agency, also Lebanese Australian.
He said: “Your career growth will accelerate by 200 per cent of what you were doing in Australia.”
So, I took that opportunity.
What influenced your career route?
I was very interested in consumer behaviour. My uncle worked for L’Oreal in Europe. They ran a campaign where they put a shampoo bottle on the shelf, attached a teddy bear and sales went up because mothers were emotionally drawn to give it to their children.
Initially, I wanted to be a physiotherapist to Kobe Bryant, but literally 10 minutes before the close of university applications, I took everything off physiotherapy and went for marketing.
Money buys you freedom but, at the same time, it is not what makes me whole
Robyn Abou Chedid,
founder of Guided Agency
How did Guided happen?
I am fortunate throughout my career to have had great leadership … individuals that accelerated my career, in terms of mentorship.
I was on a mission to bring these individuals and C-levels to the forefront, because I want people to find and hear them … no one really understood what personal branding was, especially in this region.
I was at Emaar for a few years and saved up to start my own business. I have always had that entrepreneurial mindset, doing things on the side, personal training women, a spray tanning business, then I started Guided … two weeks before Covid hit.
I’m now under the umbrella of one of the top recruiting agencies here.
What is your spending outlook?
I am more conscious of saving, but I still spend. If I want something, I just learn to make more.
I don’t necessarily restrict myself, but I’m a lot more mature in my spends and don’t have credit cards.
I’m living on the Palm and our rent has gone up by Dh100,000, so we are going to move.
I would pay if it is worth the lifestyle and was reasonably priced — there is an emotional side to money, not just transactional, but that is stupid money.
And saving?
I have learnt to diversify. Back home, I used to put it in high-interest savings accounts, but here I used to hoard cash and realised that is actually not a good thing, even though it got me through Covid.
Now I am looking at investing into property in Dubai and Australia.
I put travel at the forefront during my 20s, loving life; now I have hit my 30s, I am exploring property, shares.
I would like to have entered the property market earlier, but everyone says that.
What is your best investment?
Travel. That changed my mindset in terms of interpersonal skills and how I talk with people. It made me more patient, understand cultures.
Now I apply that in business; especially in this region, it is invaluable. I learnt to slow down, to enjoy my surroundings and to communicate better.
The other thing would be having my own business, taking that step into the unknown, even though there is a tactic behind it.
How do you see money?
It buys you freedom, because that is how the world operates, but at the same time it is not what makes me whole.
I always wanted to earn enough so I am able to support anyone that needs help. Enough to still be happy in my every day and be able to also give back.
I was earning a lot and then Covid hit. I had a dip that put me on the back seat a little, but also thinking: “That’s okay, I can do it again.”
It was a case of shuffling of priorities. I never felt less of a person, although money does give you confidence.
Any big expenses on the horizon?
We are getting married in four months, doing a destination wedding in Bali as everyone else’s affordability is a big factor too and Dubai is expensive for people to travel into, especially now from Australia.
We looked at the numbers, the minimum we need to be putting away so that we are not in debt because we would like to clear the wedding costs prior.
I am definitely a lot smarter (with money). We can always be wiser, but it is an evolving thing.
Are you materialistic?
I value everything that I have but everything’s replaceable.
If I had an abundance of money right now, my first thing would be to buy airline tickets.
As you get older and earn more … I like to stay in nice hotels and eat in nice restaurants. Travel is a necessity, but for a lot of people it’s a luxury.
Where are you heading financially?
I have a retirement fund back home. I don’t necessarily need to stop working, have that need to put my feet up at a certain age; it is just finding balance.
I feel content, the job is always giving back, but I don’t want what I am doing to consume me. So, if I can find smarter, wiser ways of making money work for me, I am definitely interested.
Brief scores:
Toss: Northern Warriors, elected to field first
Bengal Tigers 130-1 (10 ov)
Roy 60 not out, Rutherford 47 not out
Northern Warriors 94-7 (10 ov)
Simmons 44; Yamin 4-4
The Way It Was: My Life with Frank Sinatra by Eliot Weisman and Jennifer Valoppi
Hachette Books
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
PROFILE BOX:
Company/date started: 2015
Founder/CEO: Rami Salman, Rishav Jalan, Ayush Chordia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Technology, Sales, Voice, Artificial Intelligence
Size: (employees/revenue) 10/ 100,000 downloads
Stage: 1 ($800,000)
Investors: Eight first-round investors including, Beco Capital, 500 Startups, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Hala Fadel, Odin Financial Services, Dubai Angel Investors, Womena, Arzan VC
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
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more from Janine di Giovanni
Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Episode list:
Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery
Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges
Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic
Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks
Ep5: Travel and tourism
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The biog
Name: Capt Shadia Khasif
Position: Head of the Criminal Registration Department at Hatta police
Family: Five sons and three daughters
The first female investigator in Hatta.
Role Model: Father
She believes that there is a solution to every problem
Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
How%20champions%20are%20made
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EDiet%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%0D%3Cbr%3E7am%20-%20Protein%20shake%20with%20oats%20and%20fruits%0D%3Cbr%3E10am%20-%205-6%20egg%20whites%0D%3Cbr%3E1pm%20-%20White%20rice%20or%20chapati%20(Indian%20bread)%20with%20chicken%0D%3Cbr%3E4pm%20-%20Dry%20fruits%20%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%20-%20Pre%20workout%20meal%20%E2%80%93%20grilled%20fish%20or%20chicken%20with%20veggies%20and%20fruits%0D%3Cbr%3E8.30pm%20to%20midnight%20workout%0D%3Cbr%3E12.30am%20%E2%80%93%20Protein%20shake%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20intake%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204000-4500%20calories%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESaidu%E2%80%99s%20weight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20110%20kg%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStats%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Biceps%2019%20inches.%20Forearms%2018%20inches%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SCORES
Yorkshire Vikings 144-1 in 12.5 overs
(Tom Kohler 72 not out, Harry Broook 42 not out)
bt Hobart Hurricanes 140-7 in 20 overs
(Caleb Jewell 38, Sean Willis 35, Karl Carver 2-29, Josh Shaw 2-39)
Schedule:
Friday, January 12: Six fourball matches
Saturday, January 13: Six foursome (alternate shot) matches
Sunday, January 14: 12 singles
MATCH INFO
BRIGHTON 0
MANCHESTER UNITED 3
McTominay 44'
Mata 73'
Pogba 80'
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
