Dubai: TRKKN MENA, the leading analytics, marketing & cloud consultancy part of Omnicom Media Group (OMG), is now a Premier Partner on the Google Cloud Platform, leveraging its expertise both locally and across Europe to provide data and marketing analytics solutions to their clients. This underscores TRKKN MENA's commitment to delivering seamless, end to end customer experiences from the Google Marketing Platform (GMP) to Google Cloud solutions. In doing so, they help their clients derive and apply invaluable customer insights, under-pinned by data, which lead to increased marketing efficiency and ROI. As a Premier Partner, TRKKN MENA joins an elite group of technology firms recognized for their exceptional performance, customer success, and expertise in utilizing Google Cloud products and services. This milestone, which involved technical interviews and assessments, validates TRKKN MENA's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of technical proficiency, customer satisfaction, and product expertise within the Google Cloud ecosystem.TRKKN MENA is recognized for offering marketers in the region enhanced technical expertise, thanks to the deep knowledge and proficiency in Google Cloud technologies of its team of certified experts. This means its clients get tailored solutions that meet their specific business needs and challenges. TRKKN MENA will now enjoy priority access to Google Cloud resources, support, and training, enabling faster resolution of issues and continuous improvement of services. They also enjoy early access to new Google Cloud products, features, and updates, allowing clients to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the latest advancements in cloud technology to drive business innovation. Premier Partners procure a seamless and hassle-free experience for clients, from the initial consultation and deployment to ongoing management and optimization, thanks to end-to-end support throughout the cloud journey.TRKKN is leveraging its successful track record with the Premier Partner status in Europe to offer competitive rates for GCP in MENA. With these, marketers eager to embrace the next big thing can, for example, explore the benefits of the cloud on their digital marketing maturity and the return on their online investments. The consolidation of data across multiple touch points into GCP allows customers to gain a more holistic view and gather invaluable insights into customer journeys. It also helps leverage the built-in ML tools to enable advanced customer segmentation, improve marketing efficiency and personalize customer journeys.“Achieving Premier Partner status on the Google Cloud Platform is a testament of TRKKN MENA's unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer success. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment, Working hand in hand with the Google MENA cloud team, we empower businesses in the MENA region with cutting-edge cloud solutions that boost efficiency and drive digital transformation,” declared Vimal Badiani, managing director of TRKKN MENA. “It’s by being best-in-class ourselves that we can propel our clients in that same position in their own industry by deploying cutting-edge marketing and tech solutions. This latest certification by Google is more than a seal of approval, it’s the beacon that guides the choice of a GCP partner.”

Against the backdrop of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Whiteshield announces the release of the Global Labour Resilience Index (GLRI) 2024. As the world confronts the profound challenges of global warming and the urgency of transitioning to a sustainable future, the impact on labour markets looms large. The direct consequences of climate change, including displacement, migration, and fluctuations in both physical and mental well-being, have become increasingly pervasive. In response, legislative and policy frameworks are adapting towards green sustainability, emphasizing the critical necessity for robust, inclusive labour markets. This imperative theme is thoroughly explored within the pages of GLRI 2024. The GLRI 2024 provides insights to strengthen labour markets, preparing them to endure climate change challenges and leverage the prospects of a sustainable, green future. To balance environmental needs with labour market dynamics, policymakers must adopt a holistic strategy, integrating climate and labour policies for a smooth and equitable transition to a green economy. Key actions include strengthening social protection transfers, including provisions for unemployment benefits, disability allowances, child support, and pensions, and investing in education, training, and reskilling to equip the workforce for green jobs while addressing the potential broadening of inequalities. This report sheds light on the nations leading in labour market resilience during this era of the green transition. Countries not only must foster labour markets capable of withstanding temporary shocks but also must possess the capacity to navigate structural trends. Labour market resilience, the ability to face and recover from disruptions to the labour market, is a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable labour markets. The GLRI 2024 quantifies this resilience through both Structural and Cyclical pillars. The most labour-resilient countries in the report are predominantly European, with Switzerland securing the top position. Singapore stands as the only non-European country among the leading nations. In the Middle East, the green transition is crucial for economic diversification, innovation, and trade. The UAE showcases the highest labour resilience among Arab countries, while Saudi Arabia is catching up by diversifying its economy and enhancing workforce skills.China and India face significant challenges and opportunities. China must ensure a sufficient supply of green skills to meet job demand and protect workers during the transition, while India's extensive shift toward sustainability requires a policy framework for green jobs and an equitable transition.The GLRI 2024 highlights several policy implications for labour markets during the green transition. As this development induces structural changes in the economy, targeted policies and effective institutions should be a catalyst to “green” the labour market. The importance of effective institutions cannot be overstated as they can foster better policy choices leading to higher labour market resilience and better environmental performance. However, while good policies and quality institutions are prevalent in high-income countries, resource-poor countries have yet to build strong institutions to seize emerging green opportunities.Policymakers must also consider strengthening economic fundamentals for labour markets to capitalize on emerging green opportunities. Macroeconomic stability, trade resilience, and governance structures enable workers and firms to adapt quickly to changes brought about by greening the economy.Furthermore, policies should aim to curb the widening of inequalities during the green transition and mitigate potential risks associated with it. Investing in education and training is vital for a sustainable future. Public policy should work with the private sector to establish a “green skill agenda” for re-skilling and upskilling of workers and target the youth, who will be tasked to lead the green transition.Fadi Farra, Senior Managing Partner at Whiteshield, said: “We are delighted to launch the 2024 edition of Whiteshield’s Global Labour Resilience Index, continuing our commitment to contribute essential knowledge to the ongoing discourse on sustainability. Based on extensive research, this report identifies the most labour-resilient countries, emphasizing the critical role resilient labour markets play in shaping environmental performance for a sustainable and adaptable future.”Raed Safadi, Whiteshield’s Chief Economist, said: “The GLRI 2024 underscores the need for targeted policies and effective institutions to catalyze the 'greening' of the labour market amid structural changes in the global economy. Acting in anticipation can improve outcomes and this is where the different metrics of the Global Labour Resilience Index (GLRI) offer help in monitoring performance, benchmarking developments, and drawing lessons of experience on the existing policies and institutions within each of the 136 countries included in the study.”

From a passive consumer of space technology, the Middle East is morphing into a major producer, reveals Euroconsult, a leading space sector consultancy, in its new white paper, "Beyond the Stars: The Middle East's Space Ecosystem on the Move." The report reveals a stunning vision of the future. It predicts a meteoric rise for the region's space industry, projected to soar to a staggering $75 billion by 2032, dwarfing its current size and reshaping the global space landscape.Fueling this growth is a potent mix of economic ambitions, strategic foresight, and technological innovation. As Steve Bochinger, lead contributor to the white paper, puts it, "The Middle East's ascent is unprecedented, propelled by a trifecta of diversification, vision, and cutting-edge tech."This momentum is already evident. The global space economy, already a behemoth at $509 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $759 billion by 2030, and the Middle East is poised to contribute significantly to this surge. "Our research paints a picture of a region on the cusp of explosive growth, ready to rewrite the global space narrative," adds Bochinger.Localization of space technologies is a top priority, driving ambitions across diverse sectors. Economic diversification, national defense, and even soft power through space exploration projects are all areas where space capabilities are seen as playing a crucial role.Pacôme Revillon, CEO of Euroconsult, highlights the importance of collaboration in powering this transformation: "Partnerships between nations, public entities, and private players are not just catalysts for growth; they hold the key to securing the Middle East's position as a global space leader.""Beyond the Stars" dives deeper into this exciting story, exploring the specific market segments driving growth, the investment landscape, the talent pool, and the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It paints a compelling picture of a region not just catching up in the space race, but poised to lead the charge into a new era of space exploration and utilization.Photo by NASA on Unsplash

The 2023 edition of Dubai Sports World (DSW) - Dubai’s largest and most diverse indoor summer sports destination - has concluded its largest edition to date, setting new records with its larger-than-ever array of sports offering and cutting-edge fitness facilities for all age groups throughout the summer. Celebrating its 13th edition this year, Dubai Sports World returned with an unparalleled selection of sports fun spread across an expansive 300,000 square feet featuring over 40 courts and pitches at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Complemented by a multitude of new fitness facilities, the event spanned three months, from 01 June to 10 September, and was organised by DWTC in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and in support of the UAE leadership's commitment to fostering a healthier and more fitness-oriented lifestyle. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2023 EDITION This year, participants took part in a plethora of sports, fitness classes, academic coaching, and an exciting range of activities for all ages. DSW offered the perfect haven for sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said: "Dubai Sports World has become an essential event in the city’s annual sporting calendar, creating a positive impact on sports, physical fitness, and community participation. The 2023 edition has set new standards for success - from the number of events and participants to the diversity of sports and activities on offer, and the involvement of leading sporting academies.” “At Dubai Sports Council, in close collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre and government entities, we have worked tirelessly to make Dubai Sports World inclusive and accessible – a place for people of all ages, all abilities and from all walks of life. For this edition, we welcomed seniors from the Thukher Club and hosted cleaning engineers from Dubai Municipality and the hardworking personnel of delivery companies in Dubai. The participants enjoyed a positive sporting experience - fostering wellbeing and happiness while strengthening community bonds. It’s also a small way in which we can convey our appreciation for the invaluable services they provide to our city and its community members." Featuring new facilities for the season, such as pickleball courts, a 300m running track, a dedicated gym equipped with top-of-the-line Matrix cardio and strength training equipment, and a private fitness studio with daily pay-as-you-go classes spanning HIIT, Martial Arts, Zumba, and Yoga, the 2023 Dubai Sports World truly delivered the ultimate summer escape. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “We are extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished with the 13th edition of Dubai Sports World. We’ve not only achieved substantial growth in the number of participants, sports offered, fitness challenges and venue space but also had various initiatives that brought the local community together. Our mission complements the Dubai Government’s agenda to empower all community segments from all fitness levels and age groups including the children, the elderly, and people of determination to lead a healthy lifestyle, while promoting the Emirate as a fitness destination. We thank all our partners, sponsors, and participants who made this edition a huge success. We have big plans for next year and are looking forward to a bigger and better edition of Dubai Sports World in 2024." EXPANDED FACILITIES In 2023, DSW’s comprehensive offering encompassed over 40 courts and pitches, including 17 badminton courts, 8 table tennis tables, 6 football pitches, 3 basketball courts, 2 padel courts, 2 tennis courts, 2 volleyball courts, 1 cricket pitch, and 2 pickleball courts. INCLUSIVE EVENTS FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES The 2023 edition of DSW was a catalyst for promoting an active and wholesome lifestyle across all segments of the community, including the elderly, children, and People of Determination.  DSW collaborated with various organisations such as the Community Development Authority, the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, and the Dubai Police, among others, to make sports activities more accessible to everyone. This included days for the elderly, providing them with the opportunity to participate in their favourite sports and activities throughout the event, and in partnership with the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, DSW offered courts and pitches for people with Down Syndrome to play their favourite sports alongside their companions each week throughout the event. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The 2023 edition also saw DSW host a ground-breaking community event for delivery drivers, the first of its kind, as part of the ‘Sports Summer’ initiative launched by Dubai Sports Council. The event brought together more than 450 delivery workers from prominent companies - Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem, Noon, Noon Food, and Now - uniting them in sportsmanship and camaraderie. The event included organising fun sports and entertainment competitions in five different games: tug of war, football, volleyball, badminton, and cricket. In a first for DSW, the year saw the debut of the HYROX event in Dubai, combining running with functional workout stations. With divisions catering to all skill levels, HYROX promoted inclusivity, teamwork, and personal accomplishment. Other initiatives featured local community fun events, such as the Zumba Masterclass, World Yoga Day, and Balance and Control Challenge, which introduced unique physical trials namely "Balancing Act," "No Touch Stand Up," and "Low Boat Pose Challenge." These enjoyable contests not only tested participants' physical prowess but also fostered a sense of achievement and unity. SPORTS ACADEMIES To break new ground at DSW in tuition and coaching, Dubai Sports World this year also partnered with 12 renowned sports academies, providing children aged 4 to 14 with exceptional skills training and endless fun throughout the summer. Children were able to try out the various academies that train at DSW throughout the summer, which included Real Madrid Academy, Star Football Academy, Soccer Kids Academy, IFA Sports Academy, Irish Football Academy, MVP, Star Basketball Academy, Professional Sports Academy, Deepika Sports Academy, Star Badminton Academy, Tennis 360 and American Middle-Eastern Dance Conservatory. "Dubai Sports World has consistently provided an exceptional opportunity for kids to actively participate and thrive during summer. Our summer camp, featured Accredited Coach Education Program (ACEP) qualified coaches and emphasised the vital role of basketball in children's development, nurturing teamwork skills, and improving their fitness levels,” Anees Makrous Co-Founder of Star Basketball Academy commented. On keeping the community active during summer period, Gwen Tan-Sproule, Founder and CEO of Tennis 360 said: "The variety of sports & facilities at Dubai Sports World is truly exceptional and a lifesaver in summer! The Dubai Sports World team is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience by continuously improving and upgrading their facility. This commitment provides us with the platform to deliver well-structured and progressive tennis programs for both children and adults. Our fruitful collaboration with Dubai Sports World over the past 12 years has made a significant impact by involving everyone in tennis and fostering awareness among diverse age groups in the community, inspiring everyone to remain active throughout the summer season." Sriyani Deepika, General Manager and Head Coach at Deepika Sports Academy said: "At Deepika Sports Academy, badminton transcends mere sport; it's a vehicle for nurturing relationships and instilling core values like teamwork, respect, and resilience. Beyond imparting the fundamentals of badminton, our summer camps are crafted to boost self-esteem through interactive learning experiences. We are grateful to have joined with Dubai Sports World in its 13th edition as this collaboration has played a pivotal role in amplifying the reach and impact of this wonderful sport." 

Rangan Banerjee, Director of the Indian Institute Of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi) - India’s leading technical education and research institution – said that the institution’s first international campus is expected to open in Abu Dhabi in 2024, further enhancing the UAE-India distinguished relations and joint cooperation, especially in the field of higher education.On the sidelines of the Emirates News Agency’s (WAM) visit to IIT Delhi’s campus, coinciding with the convening of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Rangan noted that the institution signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) the with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and India’s Ministry of Education this past June during the visit of Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi to the UAE.He stressed that the IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi reflects the shared vision of the two countries in focusing on areas of educational excellence, innovation, knowledge exchange and investment in human capital.Rangan explained that the institution will handle all academic matters in its new Abu Dhabi branch, including curriculums, labs, and research initiatives, in addition to participating in infrastructure planning, especially digital infrastructure, in cooperation with partners in ADEK and other relevant entities.The Director of IIT-Delhi stated that the Abu Dhabi branch will provide an added value to the research and innovation sector in the emirate, adding that it will benefit from cooperation opportunities with institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and Technology Innovation Institute (TII) to provide integrated programmes and advanced research.He further said that some of the areas targeted by the institute's branch in Abu Dhabi in the first phase include computer science, artificial intelligence, energy and sustainability, health care, in addition to research programmes.

Dubai – Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has participated in GITEX Africa to engage with startups, incubators, and accelerators seeking to collaborate with the emirate to access global markets.As part of its participation in the exhibition, the chamber held more than 50 meetings with digital startups, multinational companies, and other businesses interested in benefiting from the emirate's advanced digital economy ecosystem and establishing their presence in Dubai.Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, delivered a keynote speech during the event about the benefits of setting up a business in Dubai and the role of the chamber in enhancing the emirate’s digital economy. Al Gergawi also contributed to an insightful panel discussion on key strategies to build a robust and resilient startup ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth.The chamber’s participation in GITEX Africa supported its goals of attracting high-potential tech companies, international businesses, and investments to the emirate and provided a platform to promote the upcoming Expand North Star event, which will be hosted in Dubai this October.   Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy aims to position the emirate as one of the world’s most agile and diversified technology-enabled digital hubs. The chamber plays an instrumental role in cementing Dubai’s digital leadership by attracting top global companies and talent within the sector and ensuring they can thrive in the emirate.Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy consistently works to amplify the success of Dubai’s digital ecosystem through various initiatives designed to attract startups and unicorns to the emirate. The launch of the Expand North Star Summit, an international event aimed at showcasing Dubai’s competitive advantages to digital companies while connecting venture capital investors with Dubai’s digital leaders, further builds on this success.The GITEX Africa exhibition was the first GITEX event to be held outside Dubai. Hosted in Morocco, the African continent’s largest all-inclusive tech event connected leading global tech companies, governments, SMEs, start-ups, coders, investors, and academia, to accelerate, collaborate, and explore new opportunities.Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global leader in digital economy, attract specialised talent, leading companies and new investments and create a stimulating environment that supports the growth of digital companies. The Chamber was established by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

American Express Saudi Arabia (AESA) today announced that Mr. Fahad bin Mubarak Al Guthami has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer to lead the next phase of the company’s growth in the Kingdom.As AESA’s new CEO, Mr. Al Guthami is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for further expanding the company’s presence in Saudi Arabia by building on its strong position in commercial payments and the premium consumer segment. In addition to providing strategic leadership and oversight for the company’s day-to-day operations, he is also at the helm of AESA’s ongoing efforts to drive product innovation and digitization.Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Fahad bin Mubarak Al Guthami, Chief Executive Officer of American Express Saudi Arabia, said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to the role of CEO at American Express Saudi Arabia; a company that has a strong brand, standout values and brilliant people. I look forward to continuing to work with the team to continue to deliver value and innovative products for our customers, as well as drive growth for our business.”Mr. Al Guthami has led a distinguished career at American Express Saudi Arabia for more than 16 years. He has held several strategic positions with progressing responsibilities including Chief Operating Officer. As CEO of AESA, Mr. Al Guthami will leverage partnerships to strengthen the position of AESA in the Saudi marketplace.Prior to joining AESA, Mr. Al Guthami served as CEO of several companies in Saudi Arabia, and Executive Advisor to the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of several companies listed on the Saudi stock market.