Ray Tinston credits his time working in the UK army and a five-year stint as a chef for his project management skills.
The two careers helped to improve his discipline, dedication and focus, the 52-year-old from Yorkshire says.
Mr Tinston, who has lived in the UAE for 15 years, says he is now leveraging those skills as director of events at UAE developer Arada.
Married and a father of four, he lives in Mira, a community within Reem in Dubai. He has twin girls under the age of three, a daughter who’s at university in the UK and a son who works in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Have you always worked in the events industry?
My background is in events management, but I've always worked for traditional venue managers. Just before the pandemic, I was offered an opportunity with Arada, which is a community developer.
I had a sense that the events market was taking a bit of a turn. People tend to work for the same three or four organisers. That's not what I wanted from my career.
Prior to that, I was running my own business, travelling a lot and using Dubai as a base. My wife wanted to start a family and said it was likely to happen only if I was in the country.
What does your job entail?
We manage the venues where we host events. We host international events such as the Olympic qualifiers for the World Skateboard Championship.
We also sponsor UAE cycling and athletes, so we have a very broad remit. We do more than 1,000 activations in a year. We also manage a cycling track in Sharjah.
I also head a business called ManBat, which is an initiative where we partner with UAE farmers. It started during the pandemic as farmers’ markets, but we now have a retail shop in Sharjah with a hydroponic farm, which we use for education and to grow fresh produce for our community, Aljada.
We expanded into food service last year, which supplies caterers and hotels.
Did wealth feature in your childhood?
One side of my family is wealthy, but humble. My mother comes from a wealthy family, but they were always very honest and hardworking. They made sure my mother made her bed and had a very normal lifestyle. She passed it on to me.
We were lucky that we had a driver, cook and cleaner, but I still had to make my own bed and cook for myself and the family.
It was very important to my parents that I was grounded. It's been a good lesson.
The other side of my family are more working class, but very similar ethos, simple, humble and hardworking.
It's the same thing with my children. They are hardworking and dedicated. They don't always make their beds, but they try.
How did you first earn?
I finished school and wasn't sure what to do. My family and school counsellors wanted me to study law, but I wanted to go to the navy. However, I ended up going to the military instead.
I came out not quite sure what I wanted to do with my career. I wasn't ready for university. So, I trained as a chef in my first job. I was 20 years old.
I did quite well as a chef. I got paid probably the equivalent at the time of about £100 ($126) a month, with accommodation included, like most hospitality careers. It was pocket money. I spent around five years doing it.
To go from the military to being a chef, there were similarities, discipline, for instance. I liked the operations, planning and it made me a good project manager. I just didn't realise it then.
It formed a lot of my behaviours for my whole career. I'm quite disciplined, dedicated and focused. It was a good place for me to start.
Any financial setbacks?
I’m quite disciplined and a saver. I'm very careful with money. My financial difficulty was when my first wife and I parted company in 2012.
We got divorced in Dubai, but she went back to the UK. She had trouble managing money and got herself into debt. My issues were to deal with the large pile of debt that she left behind and simultaneously raise two kids.
The only way I could do that was because I was working with a government entity then.
I was responsible for her debts and reached out to the 14 banks that she'd secured credit cards from. I had to go through a negotiated plan to repay the debt and it took me nine years to repay.
I had to consolidate the debt a few times. I don't like taking loans but had to do so to pay off the bigger debts.
Fortunately, in my career, you're able to earn good bonuses and so those went towards it. It was one of the reasons I went into business so that I could generate significant income to settle this debt.
It's strange to be doing this in your 40s when I was working towards retirement. It was one of the hardest things I had to go through.
What it taught me was that you have the ability to generate more revenue than you think. If anything untoward happened, I now have the strength to start over again, no matter what the circumstances are.
How do you grow your wealth?
We have some property in the family. I'm looking to invest in more UK property this year.
The rest of it is hard work, bonuses and commissions. I take lump sums of cash and put it back into property for estate building purposes.
Banks aren’t paying good interest rates anywhere in the world, so the only way to make a difference is either investing in real estate or commodities
Ray Tinston,
director of events, Arada
Banks aren’t paying good interest rates anywhere in the world, so the only way to make a difference is either investing in real estate or commodities.
I'm a very, very strict saver. I am mindful that one of my older children is still in university, so I still have a lot of outgoings.
I've got young kids, but my wife has a well-paid job in communications and public relations. So, there's two high earners in the family.
Have you been wise with money?
Yes. Where I might have been a little foolish is maybe some investments that I made early on that haven’t yielded anything.
I have a plot of land on the coast, for example, which I bought with my first bonus. I never bothered to develop it. If I had developed it at the time, it would have been cheaper. But I wasn't in a position to do it. If I develop it now, the development costs are so high that there'd only be a marginal return.
What has been your best investment?
My wisest investment has been on my education. I thought there was a gap in my education and decided to pursue a doctorate during the pandemic.
I studied artificial intelligence and behavioural science language and how it’s applied to tourism marketing.
It’s paying dividends already. It’s opened so many doors for me and helped to increase my earnings.
Usually, my investments are on my children’s education or improving people's lives around me. It was the first time in many years that I've made a selfish decision.
That investment has been good for my kids, my team and my peers because I've inspired them to study, too.
Do you have any cherished purchases?
I bought a gold tie pin many years ago using my entire second paycheque.
I still have it. It's probably worth a lot of money now, but describes me well. I'm quite sentimental.
Any financial advice for your younger self?
Yes, buy and build property with every penny you have before you get married.
I'd invest in buying more land, building and borrowing, pouring money to set myself up.
Do you have any key financial milestones?
I bought my first properties very early. I'm very proud of investments I made in my thirties.
My only regret is I didn't hold on to them.
What are your financial goals?
My wife and I are trying to set up an estate, which we can put into trust for the kids.
I would like to semi-retire, probably by 62. I don’t want to fully retire.
But I would like to have estates or family estates set up.
I would have retired probably at the age of 45 had I not divorced.
What luxuries are important to you?
Time. I think you're a wealthy person if you have time, time to spend with your family and have leisure.
How do you feel about money?
I’m not fixated on money. I’m more interested in what money can do to bring you the things that you want. Money is a tool – not the goal.
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Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
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Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt
Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels
The specs: McLaren 600LT
Price, base: Dh914,000
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm
Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km
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RESULTS
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Lexus LX700h specs
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Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
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Date started: March 2016
Founder: Hasib Khan
Based: Dubai
Employees: 40
Amount raised (to date): $3.25m – $750,000 seed funding in 2017 and a Seed round of $2.5m last year. Raised $1.3m from Eureeca investors in January 2021 as part of a Series A round with a $5m target.
Closing the loophole on sugary drinks
As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.
The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed:
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
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- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
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7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m; Winner: AF Ashras, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Ahmed Al Mehairbi.
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Day 1 at Mount Maunganui
England 241-4
Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28
New Zealand
Yet to bat
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Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Sunday, kick-off 7pm (UAE)
How to watch: Live on BeIN Sports 11HD
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Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
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Tewellah by Nawal Zoghbi is out now.
Uefa Champions League last 16 draw
Juventus v Tottenham Hotspur
Basel v Manchester City
Sevilla v Manchester United
Porto v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain
Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma
Chelsea v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Besiktas
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
