South Korea’s Hyundai, the renowned automotive manufacturer, has recently announced a temporary suspension of its advertising activities on a popular digital platform, following an unsettling discovery. The decision came swiftly after one of Hyundai's sponsored posts surfaced adjacent to content featuring antisemitic and pro-Nazi sentiments.In a formal statement provided to several media outlets, Hyundai confirmed the pause in its advertising campaign, asserting, "We have paused our ads on [Platform X] and are in direct communication with its management regarding brand safety protocols to address this concerning issue."The development gained traction after freelance journalist Nancy Levine Stearns shared a disconcerting screenshot revealing a Hyundai advertisement prominently displayed alongside content promoting Holocaust denial and espousing antisemitic rhetoric. Levine, known for her insightful coverage on brand safety matters, brought attention to the issue through her platform, notably highlighting the severity of the situation.Hyundai Motor America responded promptly to Levine's revelation, reaching out to address the concerning placement of their advertisement on an account known for disseminating content aligned with pro-Hitler sentiments and antisemitic ideologies.Hyundai's move echoes a growing trend among prominent companies, with concerns mounting over the presence of antisemitic content on X. This follows owner Elon Musk's public embrace of an antisemitic theory favored by white supremacists in 2023.X has since suspended the antisemitic account responsible for the controversial post. Joe Benarroch, head of business operations at X, confirmed that the account's bio also contained antisemitic tropes.Benarroch clarified that Hyundai had been running a Corporate level account on X, focusing on climate change ads targeting policy makers. He explained that the company's ad agency had not activated Brand Safety settings, leading to the ad being displayed alongside the offensive content.While X has taken action against some offending accounts, reports suggest that numerous others still exist. An analysis by NBC News identified 150 verified premium accounts that have shared or amplified pro-Nazi content.In response to criticism, X News labeled the reports as "gotcha articles," alleging that NBC failed to disclose the full extent of its research.This latest controversy underscores ongoing challenges faced by social media platforms in combating hate speech and misinformation. Elon Musk, who has previously faced backlash for his comments on X regarding Jewish communities, has acknowledged the issue but defended the platform's stance on antisemitism.

Netflix kicked off 2024 with a bang, exceeding analyst predictions and boasting its best first quarter since the pandemic surge.  Subscriber growth surpassed expectations, adding 9.33 million customers compared to the projected 4.84 million. Revenue increased 15% to $9.33 billion, exceeding analyst estimates. Earnings per share grew to $5.28, beating analyst projections. This stellar performance is attributed to a combination of factors:Hit Programming: A steady stream of original shows, including "Fool Me Once," "Griselda," "The Gentleman," and "Love is Blind," kept viewers glued to their screens.Password Sharing Crackdown: Netflix's efforts to curb unauthorized account sharing resulted in a significant influx of paying customers. Millions who were previously freeloading are now contributing to the revenue stream.Global Expansion: New subscribers joined Netflix from all corners of the globe, with particular strength in North America.Looking Forward:Continued Growth Projected: Netflix forecasts sales growth of roughly 16% in Q2. New subscriber numbers will likely dip seasonally.Shifting Metrics: Starting in Q1 2025, Netflix will move away from reporting paid quarterly memberships and revenue per subscriber, focusing instead on traditional measures like sales and profit. Valuation Concerns: Some analysts express caution, citing the high market valuation compared to current financials and the temporary boost from password sharing clampdown.New Initiatives:Ad-Supported Tier: To attract cost-conscious viewers, Netflix introduced a cheaper option with advertisements. This tier is gaining traction, with 40% of new customers opting-in (though still a small portion compared to giants like YouTube).Live Programming: Netflix is venturing into live events, including stand-up comedy, wrestling, and an upcoming boxing match. Despite concerns, Netflix's recent performance has impressed even skeptical analysts. The company's diverse content offerings, subscriber growth strategies, and new revenue streams suggest a promising future.

In the realm of cryptocurrency, few events generate as much anticipation and discussion as the Bitcoin halving. Marking a pivotal moment in Bitcoin's monetary policy, the halving is an event that occurs approximately every four years and has significant implications for the digital currency's supply, mining ecosystem, and price dynamics. Understanding the Halving:At the core of the Bitcoin halving is a mechanism programmed into the cryptocurrency's protocol that governs its issuance rate. Unlike traditional fiat currencies, where central banks have the authority to adjust the money supply as they see fit, Bitcoin operates on a predetermined and transparent monetary policy. When Bitcoin was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, its protocol specified that the total supply of bitcoins would be capped at 21 million. To ensure scarcity and mimic the scarcity properties of precious metals like gold, Bitcoin's issuance rate decreases over time through a process known as "halving." How Does It Work?Every 210,000 blocks mined, which typically takes around four years, the block reward that miners receive for validating transactions on the Bitcoin network is halved. Initially set at 50 bitcoins per block when Bitcoin was first mined in 2009, the reward is reduced by half in each halving event. The most recent halving occurred in May 2020, reducing the block reward from 12.5 bitcoins to 6.25 bitcoins per block. This process will continue until the total supply of 21 million bitcoins is reached, which is projected to happen around the year 2140. Reactions from Web3 IndustryAs the fourth Bitcoin halving approaches, anticipation and speculation reverberate throughout the digital asset landscape. Scheduled to reduce block rewards from 6.25 Bitcoin to 3.125 Bitcoin, this event holds significant implications for the crypto market. Reactions from key figures in the Web3 industry shed light on potential outcomes and strategies in response to this momentous occasion. Manhar Garegrat, Country Head India & Global Partnerships at Liminal Custody Solutions<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\65739bd7a75f692069df6c37c502904a.png' class='content_image'>Garegrat emphasizes the nuanced effects of the Bitcoin halving, highlighting its potential to trigger heightened market volatility and increased trading activity. He suggests that the event's impact extends beyond immediate price fluctuations, potentially influencing investor sentiment and the emergence of new financial products in the crypto market. Additionally, Garegrat underscores the critical role of custody services in safeguarding digital assets during periods of amplified volatility, emphasizing the importance of advanced security measures to mitigate cyber threats. Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, India's second-longest-running digital asset exchange<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\a9d75f7ccc59119f9b265ed2b93f0ab7.png' class='content_image'>Thakral offers a holistic perspective on the Bitcoin halving, drawing on historical precedent to forecast potential market dynamics. While acknowledging the possibility of short-term corrections, Thakral remains optimistic about Bitcoin's long-term trajectory, citing previous cycles that led to new all-time highs. He highlights the growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin, exemplified by recent ETF approvals, as a sign of broader adoption and resilience within the crypto ecosystem. Jyotsna Hirdyani, South Asia Head at Bitget<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\196e0f8d6358cb078ae1802f334d5a31.png' class='content_image'>Hirdyani delves into the fundamental significance of the Bitcoin halving, emphasizing its role in maintaining the cryptocurrency's scarcity narrative. She observes a strategic depletion of miner-held Bitcoin ahead of the halving, indicating preparations for potential market shifts. Despite short-term uncertainties, Hirdyani remains bullish on Bitcoin's prospects, buoyed by historical trends and growing institutional interest. She underscores the importance of considering macroeconomic factors while acknowledging the potential for Bitcoin to reach new all-time highs within the next 10-18 months. The reactions from Manhar Garegrat, Shivam Thakral, and Jyotsna Hirdyani reflect a mix of caution, optimism, and strategic foresight within the Web3 industry as the Bitcoin halving approaches. While uncertainties persist, the consensus remains optimistic about Bitcoin's long-term potential to reshape the financial landscape and drive further adoption in the years to come. As the crypto market braces for potential volatility, stakeholders are poised to navigate the evolving landscape with resilience and adaptability, leveraging insights from past halving events to inform future strategies and investments.pic credit: unsplash.com

ProjectX, a brand-tech company that is part of Abdul Latif Jameel, and focused on enabling brands to drive growth and achieve better results through technology, has announced a strategic representation with mFilterIt, an ad fraud prevention and brand safety solutions company.Through this collaboration, ProjectX will leverage mFilterIt’s tech capabilities to innovate comprehensive ad tech solutions that safeguard the digital landscape for its brands. This includes ad traffic validation, brand protection suite, global e-commerce intelligence, Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), Value-added Services (VAS), and anti-fraud solutions. Additionally, ProjectX will actively promote mFilterIt’s innovative suite of tools and services to brands in the MENA region with whom it works. This collaboration will encourage further trust, innovation, and transparency in the digital landscape across various industries. Ramzi Dargham, CEO of ProjectX said: “ProjectX combines the right methodology and technology needed to build and transform brands for future success. We provide tailored advisory services, including growth-focused strategies and tech stack recommendations based on a data-first approach. Through our collaboration with mFilterIt, we look forward to creating a transparent digital ecosystem for the MENA region’s clients.”Amit Relan, CEO of mFilterIt, said: “As we witness the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world, it becomes imperative to fortify our defenses against potential threats. Our agreed representation by ProjectX represents a significant step towards creating a more secure and transparent digital ecosystem. Together, we aim to empower businesses and protect their online assets, fostering a climate of trust and reliability.” With its focus on protecting the digital integrity of enterprises across platforms, mFilterIt empowers brands across industry domains, Telcos, and VAS aggregators by building customer trust and transparency with the help of its proprietary AI/ML-based technology. The organization, along with the parent group works with more than 600 clients across 75 countries.

In a move signaling its commitment to pioneering out-of-home (OOH) advertising solutions on a global scale, Branded Cities, North America's leading OOH media company, has inked a significant agreement with The MediaVantage to oversee its revenue business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.The collaboration between Branded Cities and The MediaVantage marks a watershed moment for OOH advertising in the MENA region, promising innovative marketing strategies and enhanced exposure opportunities for brands and agencies.Branded Cities, renowned for its digital and iconic OOH media assets in key North American cities, such as the NASDAQ Tower and Midtown Financial screens in New York's Times Square, Hollywood Lights and The Moxy in Los Angeles, the Metro Center in Washington DC, and Yonge & Dundas in Toronto, now extends its reach into the dynamic MENA market.With a portfolio boasting extensive coverage across the US and Canada, Branded Cities combines highly engaged viewership with modernistic physical sites, offering unparalleled exposure for brands and maximizing advertising investments.Manoj Khimji, Managing Director of The MediaVantage, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Securing the Branded Cities contract strengthens our position as market leaders in providing top-tier worldwide media options. With the world’s attention being drawn to renowned OOH advertising destinations, there’s never been a better time for these locations to exhibit their services to a worldwide audience."Branded Cities has previously demonstrated its prowess in hosting major events, notably being selected to livestream Expo 2020’s opening ceremony and featuring MENA brands across its portfolio in recent years.Moreover, in 2023, Branded Cities collaborated with Ocean Outdoor in the UK to launch The United, a groundbreaking initiative enabling brands to livestream simultaneously across iconic locations including London’s Piccadilly Lights, the NASDAQ Tower and Midtown Financial screens in Times Square, and The Moxy in Los Angeles.This strategic partnership between Branded Cities and The MediaVantage heralds a new era of OOH advertising innovation in the MENA region, offering brands unparalleled opportunities to engage with audiences on a global scale.

PubMatic, an independent technology company delivering a digital advertising supply chain, has announced a partnership with Virgin Media to enable advertisers to reach UK audiences at scale through ad-funded TV content.With 15 FAST channels currently available, and more to launch later this year, Virgin Media is set to further expand its video offering throughout 2024. This growth trajectory will provide PubMatic with increased scale, strengthening its position in the CTV and broader video ecosystem.One of only a few sell-side technology providers selected by Virgin Media to help the company navigate the evolving FAST landscape and scale their advertising offering, PubMatic brings a wealth of experience in supply path optimisation (SPO) and private marketplace deals (PMPs). The company will help Virgin Media scale its FAST offering and enhance its monetisation strategies through its partnerships with brands and agencies, and advertising solutions.David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, commented: “This is an important step forward for Virgin Media as we continue to expand and evolve our TV services and the commercialisation of our FAST offering. Employing PubMatic’s advertising solutions, we’re now able to deliver enhanced advertising experiences for our customers, while maximising engagement and value for advertisers.”Hitesh Bhatt, Senior Director, CTV/OTT, EMEA at PubMatic, added: “We are delighted to partner with Virgin Media, meeting the demand for transparent and premium-quality supply inventory. By facilitating the connection between programmatic buyers and high-value FAST inventory, we look forward to driving value for advertisers and viewers alike.”

As regional brands compete fiercely to earn a coveted spot on users’ smartphones, new research from AppsFlyer has revealed that the country’s mobile marketers would be wise to concentrate their efforts in and around the Holy Month.In analysing key mobile app trends through Ramadan, and comparing these to the weeks leading up to the Holy Month, AppsFlyer’s research showed that in the Middle East, non-organic instals (NOIs) — those driven by marketing campaigns — of mobile apps were up by 27% this year, which is even more pronounced than the 21% spike observed during Ramadan 2023.“We have been analysing mobile app behaviours through the Holy Month for several years now and the ‘Ramadan Effect’ is abundantly apparent. During this time, consumers have limited time to reach physical shopping destinations before iftar and mobile shopping sees a surge as a result. Marketers can leverage this behaviour by creating targeted campaigns that offer deals on essential Ramadan items and increase engagement by creating content that highlights the significance of Ramadan and how their products can enhance the experience. By creating targeted e-commerce campaigns, brands can drive sales and revenue during this period,” said Sue Azari, Industry Lead - eCommerce, AppsFlyer.UAE Leads Surge in App Installs while Finance Apps Skyrocket by 384% During Ramadan in the Middle EastIn its YoY comparison, AppsFlyer found that the UAE in particular drove this positive trend, with NOIs in the country surging an incredible 164% this Ramadan. As in previous years, AppsFlyer’s researchers analysed trends in specific app categories including finance, food delivery, and eCommerce (shopping). This year, the performance of finance apps was especially impressive with the category showing a 384% spike in total instals compared to Ramadan last year. “In the Middle East, through the Holy Month this year, we saw a significant surge in financial app adoption, signalling a shift towards sophisticated investment trends. As competition intensifies, companies must innovate to stay ahead in the app industry,” said Otávio Tranchesi, Industry Lead - Finance, at AppsFlyer.Remarketing conversions — app spending driven by campaigns that aim to re-engage users that have already downloaded an organisation’s app — was also well pronounced for financial apps for which this metric grew a staggering 39%. Similarly, food delivery apps resonated well with UAE consumers, recording a 169% spike this Ramadan in NOI, while the eCommerce category also showed respectable 27% increases.Capitalizing on Ramadan Effect by Embracing Customer Retention StrategiesAzari was quick to emphasise the need for UAE brands that have benefitted from the Ramadan Effect to now work diligently to consolidate their gains. Just this year, AppsFlyer showed that UAE consumers are easily disenchanted by the mobile applications offered by brands, with the majority (56.44%) of Android apps being uninstalled within just a month of being downloaded.“Companies must solidify their gains by retaining the hard-won customers through continuous engagement efforts. This will mean delivering outstanding customer experiences to reinforce the current user base and extending marketing and engagement strategies across email, SMS, and push notifications. Personalising experiences will also be key to enhancing engagement, fostering loyalty, and generating increased value for customers,” said Azari.

Bitget, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has released insights on the growth recorded in Middle East and North African regions since its launch in November 2023. With over 2.5M users from the region, Bitget has now reached 25M users worldwide.Last year, Bitget announced its expansion into the Middle East region with plans to establish its regional hub in the UAE and hire 60 employees as part of its global scaling strategy. In the last six months, Bitget has grown its MENA trading volumes over 500% from its initial launch, aiming to bring in more localized solutions for its users.Sam A Spiers, Regional Director for Bitget MENA, states: “Bitget will strengthen its operations in the MENA region, leveraging the region's high adoption rates and crypto-friendly landscape. We are exploring blockchain and crypto projects to support home-ground projects for listing and providing more exposure to middle-eastern founders and products.”In February 2024, Bitget Research released a Bitcoin Halving report that highlighted over 80% of MENA investors considered the halving to have a significant price impact, while the recent Bitcoin’s bull run to renew its all-time high value was anticipated by 88% of investors — more than in any other region.There is higher optimism in comparison to the survey’s other regional participants, as MENA investors were the most willing to increase their crypto holdings, with 82% reporting affirmatively. In contrast, the global average didn’t exceed 70%.As part of its focus on the MENA region, Bitget has Arabic lingual support for its website and mobile application. Bitget users in the Middle East also benefit from zero fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies through Bitget P2P, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for traders. This week Bitget partnered up with OnRamp, the leading crypto payment solution provider allowing its users to buy and sell crypto using various local currencies, including AED and other fiat currencies.“With the MENA region representing a significant share of the global crypto transaction volume in 2023, it is poised to grow exponentially in the years to come. Bitget has already begun exploring license applications to operate in target Middle East markets. It's our priority to obtain operating licenses and support our users with a secure WEB3 platform.” Gracy Chen, Managing Director of Bitget.Bitget has been expanding its operational reach globally in recent months, including registering as a VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) in Poland and obtaining similar crypto registration in Lithuania. The new expansion plan in the Middle East complements Bitget’s launch in Türkiye, which now features full localization, including its Turkish website Bitgettr.com featuring tailored services for users in Türkiye.Bitget's growth plans consist of creating a seamless ecosystem of crypto products for users locally by personalising the platform offerings. Bitget recently launched a Ramadan campaign to celebrate the holy month with its users. Not just this, Bitget also offers 0 fees for buying Bitcoin and Ethereum on spot trading along with free bank transfers.

MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with Parrot Analytics, the leading content valuation and global entertainment analytics firm.Through this collaboration, Parrot Analytics has broadened its scope and deepened its insights into the Arabic-speaking entertainment market. By working with MBC RESEARCH, the company has significantly expanded its database, enriching it with an approximate 1,500 Arabic titles.With the onset of Ramadan season earlier this month, Parrot Analytics further expanded its offerings, incorporating 106 new series and programmes, thus ensuring comprehensive coverage of all MENA content across all platforms during the crucial month of Ramadan.The inclusion of an Arabic-language library not only enhances the global entertainment metrics of the US-headquartered Parrot Analytics but also underscores MBC GROUP’s pivotal role and commitment to bridging local and regional content from the MENA with international analytics expertise.Amit Devani, Director of Insights EMEA at Parrot Analytics, commented: “We are delighted to be renewing our partnership with MBC GROUP as we continue to build on our Arabic-language content valuation and analytics offering in the region and globally.“MBC RESEARCH have been an asset to this partnership, offering us access to their programming titles and genres, which we utilize to measure their impact amongst viewers. Content valuation is a key asset for any major broadcast network looking to measure and assess its current offerings and shape its content going forward. I look forward to us continuing to work together to provide the very best insights on what audiences want in the years to come.”As the largest and leading company in the MENA, MBC GROUP has spent over three decades developing premium and diverse offerings, which today include over 17 leading satellite TV channels, three FM radio stations, MBC STUDIOS, and Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic-streaming platform. Owing to its investment in highly attractive Arabic-language programming, MBC GROUP has continuously and successfully consolidated its position as the number one broadcasting organization across the region.Leila Mezher, Senior Manager for Research and Market Intelligence at MBC GROUP, stated: “Our data-driven approach to programming allows us to understand and anticipate the needs of our audiences, ensuring that MBC GROUP continues to lead in innovation, engagement, and diverse storytelling. Parrot Analytics allows us to truly understand what works, what doesn’t, what we need to create more of, and what new ideas audiences are looking for.”Ziad Skaff, Director of Group Research and Audience Intelligence at MBC GROUP, added: “Audience intelligence is of utmost importance to us, and our partnership with Parrot Analytics offers us the precise content valuation insights and analytics needed. MBC RESEARCH has also played a significant role in knowledge-sharing by helping build Parrot Analytics’ library of Arabic-language content for both regional and international markets.”LEADING PREMIUM DRAMAMBC GROUP has delivered market-leading drama series that resonate at top-tier levels within key MENA markets. Parrot Analytics has been working with MBC since 2020 to help measure the unique success of these titles. They include the following: Rashash (2021): Peaking as the 10th most in-demand Arabic TV title in KSA of all time, the thriller drama found itself among the top 0.1% of all titles tracked across all platforms in demand within the region. Stiletto (2022): The adaptation of the Turkish title, “Ufak Tefek” not only reached a peak domestic demand ranking of Number One but remains in the Top 100 two years later.The Giza Killer (2023): This Shahid Original reigned as the Number One show in Egypt throughout its release cycle, while also making waves in European markets with its riveting true-crime storyline.

In a strategic maneuver aimed at consolidating its presence in the Middle East, Interbrand, the world-renowned brand consulting firm, proudly announces the appointment of Claudine Tass as Client Director for the region.With over two decades of extensive experience in brand development, Tass brings a wealth of expertise from both agency and client-side roles. Her appointment sets the stage for a more dynamic partnership with Interbrand's premier clients.Based in Riyadh, Tass will spearhead Interbrand's regional initiatives, demonstrating the firm's commitment to nurturing and advancing the brand narratives of some of the most influential companies in the Middle East. Her recruitment comes at a pivotal moment as Interbrand celebrates over a decade of shaping the brand landscapes of industry giants such as stc, AlHilal, anb, SPL, Al Rajhi Bank, NBK, and Dubai Holding, among others.Nancy Villanueva, CEO of Interbrand Middle East, remarked, "Claudine’s induction reflects a continued commitment from Interbrand to the thriving Middle Eastern markets. It’s a testament to our ongoing dedication to guiding brands and building relationships through their transformative journeys towards unprecedented growth. The region’s dynamic market landscape is one of the most exhilarating globally, and we are thrilled to co-create futures brimming with potential."Originally from Lebanon, Tass embarked on her career as a Graphic Designer following her academic tenure at Notre Dame University-Louaize. Her journey through advertising and branding has been characterized by significant contributions to brand management within leading entities, including NEOM, Soudah Development, and Saudi Artisanal Company, in Saudi Arabia since 2015.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced a collaboration with leading global media and entertainment company Warner Bros. Discovery on a documentary film that sheds light on the vital importance of combating the impact of climate change on coral reefs.Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals, set to air on Discovery linear on Earth Day (22 April 2024) reveals how RSG is putting environmental stewardship and regeneration at the heart of responsible development."At Red Sea Global, we are inspired by nature and led by science. Our destinations are home to some of the most stunning corals anywhere in the world. They are also among the most resilient, but even Red Sea coral is not invincible. Our scientists are using innovative techniques to protect, nourish, and restore our corals, while also transferring knowledge to support coral reefs worldwide.“In 'Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals’, we aim to spotlight the beauty and vulnerability of these underwater wonders and emphasize the importance of global collaboration in preserving our oceans,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global.The film follows the remarkable journey of Saudi Arabian free diver Salma Shaker as she explores the groundbreaking coral research conducted by scientists at Red Sea Global and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The film transcends borders, even taking viewers to the reefs in Mexico, offering a compelling narrative on the challenges facing coral reefs worldwide.The heart of the film lies in the exploration of undiscovered reefs along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline. Red Sea Global aims to unravel the mysteries of this unexplored territory, showcasing its unique biodiversity and its crucial role in supporting the global ecosystem. The documentary also delves into the potential benefits of coral research in the Red Sea for ecosystems globally.Kerrie McEvoy, Director, Head of Factual Channels, Discovery Networks EMEA at Warner Bros Discovery, said: “Warner Bros. Discovery is proud to partner with Red Sea Global on Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals. As a company, we believe in the power of storytelling to entertain and inspire change, and this film exemplifies that commitment.”The film features insights from a diverse group of experts to provide a comprehensive view of the current state of reefs globally, their significance in the ecosystem, and the ongoing efforts to protect them.A first exclusive look of the film was shown during a side event to COP28 in Dubai, hosted by Red Sea Global, where a teaser was played for guests. It will air on Discovery Channel across the US, Europe, Turkey, The Middle East, Africa, and Asia.In 2023, The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests, with two of its hotels now open, and a third – Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve – now taking bookings. The Red Sea International Airport (RSI) has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023 and is preparing to welcome its first international flight this month, marking the start of a new twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International. Desert Rock and Shebara resorts will welcome first guests this year, with the hub island, Shura, opening in 2025 with 11 additional hotels.The destination was designed to be off-grid, and to date, five solar farms comprising 760,000 solar panels are built and operational, along with one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities at 1300 MWh. Moreover, the organization has grown more than five million plants, shrubs and trees, as well as an additional one million mangroves against an ambitious target of 50 million by 2030.A second destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, located further south will open in the coming weeks. AMAALA remains on track to welcome first guests in 2025, when the first eight resorts complete as part of Triple Bay phase one, along with Corallium and the iconic Yacht Club.

In the final quarter of 2023, the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the UAE witnessed a tentative recovery, with consumption increasing by less than 0.5% in both regions, according to the latest NIQ Retail Spend Barometer from NielsenIQ. The observed sluggishness can be attributed to heightened price sensitivity among consumers and evolving preferences. However, amidst these challenges, the e-commerce sector emerged as a beacon of growth, reporting impressive consumption rates throughout the quarter and the past three years.During Q4 2023, E-commerce FMCG categories experienced a notable reduction in prices, with decreases of approximately 3% in the UAE and 5% in KSA. This price adjustment significantly stimulated consumption through online channels, leading to a remarkable increase of 28% in the UAE and 16% in KSA.While UAE saw a modest increase of 2.3% in FMCG consumption through Modern Trade channels, there was a simultaneous decline in overall FMCG consumption by 3% in the same period. In KSA, consumption reduction stood at 0.9%, accompanied by a marginal downturn in growth by 0.2%.Price fluctuations played a pivotal role in shaping consumption patterns, notably within the Baby Care category in KSA and the Personal Care category in the UAE. A substantial proportion of FMCG categories in both regions experienced price increases of up to 10%, with promotional sales witnessing a significant rise in KSA, reaching 42%, while stabilizing at 33% in the UAE compared to the previous year.Commenting on these trends, Andrey Dvoychenkov, NielsenIQ APP General Manager, highlighted the resilience and dynamism of the e-commerce sector, attributing its growth to evolving consumer preferences for convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. Dvoychenkov emphasized the significance of recognizing and capitalizing on these trends to reinforce market presence and capitalize on sector expansion.In contrast, Traditional Trade (TT) outlets in both regions experienced average price increases of 2.1% and 1.9% in KSA and UAE, respectively, in the last three months of 2023. Snacking emerged as the category with the highest price increase, influencing consumption dynamics differently in KSA and the UAE.Furthermore, in the Technology and Durables (T&D) sector, both regions witnessed consistent full-year growth in 2023, with increases of 5% in KSA and 4% in the UAE. Notably, advances in the Telecom and Small Domestic Appliances categories were the primary drivers of growth in both regions.Dvoychenkov concluded by advocating for an omnichannel strategy in both FMCG and T&D sectors, emphasizing the importance of convenience and product selection in influencing consumer behavior and market success.

Cegid, a European leader in cloud management solutions for professionals in the Finance (treasury, tax, ERP), Human Resources (payroll, talent management), Accountancy, Retail and Entrepreneurship sectors, is to launch a new Point of Delivery (PoD) in Dubai for retailers based in the Middle East.Cegid is strategically extending its global footprint by investing in the Middle East—a move that not only underscores its commitment but also positions the company as an industry pioneer in the region. By situating its newest PoD in Dubai, Cegid is poised to play a significant role in the fashion and luxury market of the Middle East, which is projected to flourish, reaching an impressive €30-€35 billion as per insights by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Cegid's investment in the region’s infrastructure is a testament to its confidence in the market evolution and its dedication to not just meeting but exceeding the needs and expectations of its customers.Cegid customers operating across the Middle East, including Clarins, as well as leading regional retailers that include Abu Issa, Ahmed Seddiqi & Son, Al Malki, L’azurde and Asia Jewellers are set to benefit from this strategic investment.The PoD will help customers comply with local laws and regulations concerning data privacy and localisation across the Middle East. It will also future-proof against upcoming ‘Executive Regulations’ which are expected to add further layers to the UAE’s consumer rights protection in e-commerce transactions and tougher consumer data protection offering guarantees on how and where customer data can be used.“Considering the number of retailers we support in the region and our growing customer base, opening our newest PoD in Dubai was the logical next step. We are confident that this investment will not only empower our current clients but will also serve as a cornerstone for the anticipated annual onboarding of 15-20 new client brands,” said Driss Iziki, MEA Director for Cegid. “The new PoD will ensure that as we grow our customer base in this region, we can elevate customer experiences and unlock greater value and efficiency for the retailers we work with.”With this expansion, Cegid's global infrastructure now features five international PoDs, with the Dubai facility joining the ranks alongside existing locations in China, Singapore, the United States, and Ireland. Alongside these developments, it's noteworthy that more than 700 retail customers of Cegid are already hosted in the cloud, reaping the benefits of enhanced performance thanks to the global network.

IEC Telecom, a leader in global satellite communications solutions, announces its participation in the upcoming Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) 2024. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this event serves as a critical platform for discussing sustainable humanitarian responses to global challenges. In 2023, natural disasters led to a staggering $250 billion in global losses, highlighting the urgent need for robust and responsive communication systems. With geopolitical tensions on the rise, the role of satellite communications (satcom) in humanitarian efforts has become increasingly critical. Satcom technologies are essential for enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and expanding the reach of humanitarian services, particularly in isolated and conflict-affected regions. Satcom enables more effective coordination of humanitarian missions, directly contributing to increased operational efficiency and the possibility to optimise costs. This efficiency is crucial in mobilizing resources swiftly and effectively, where every minute can save lives. Additionally, the safety of humanitarian staff is of utmost importance, and satcom plays a pivotal role by providing reliable communication lines, essential for emergency responses and routine operations alike.  Moreover, satellite technology expands the scope of humanitarian services, making it possible to reach the most remote areas. This expansion ensures that support and aid can be delivered to underserved populations, which might otherwise be inaccessible due to geographical barriers or infrastructure damage. Nabil Ben Soussia, CCO at IEC Telecom Group, commenting on the importance of satcom in humanitarian contexts said, "As we witness a surge in global emergencies, the demand for robust and effective communication tools has never been more critical. At IEC Telecom, we are dedicated to equipping humanitarian missions with advanced satellite communication solutions that enhance operational capacities, ensure safety, and extend reach to save more lives." Attendees of DIHAD 2024 will have the opportunity to explore the latest innovations from Thuraya, a mobile satellite services subsidiary of Yahsat, portfolio at the IEC Telecom stand, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing humanitarian aid efforts globally.

Swisslog, a leading provider of best-in-class intralogistics warehouse automation and software, has announced that Walmart will install a Swisslog automation solution within its Robinson, TX, facility to enable seamless material flow and increase uptime. Walmart is planning to break ground on the milk processing facility later this year with the facility scheduled to open in 2026.  This is the third Walmart milk processing facility to deploy Swisslog’s automated storage and retrieval solution (ASRS) featuring SynQ software and Vectura cranes. The company worked with Swisslog to open its first milk processing facility in Fort Wayne, IN, in 2018. This facility served as a blueprint for its second facility in Valdosta, GA expected to open in 2025, as well as for the just announced Texas facility.  According to Walmart, the ASRS continues the company’s commitment to building a more resilient and transparent supply chain to deliver high-quality products. It also will bolster the company’s capacity to meet consumer demand for milk. The products from the facility will serve more than 750 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs throughout the South including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and parts of Arkansas and Mississippi. Designed by Swisslog’s automation experts, the ASRS brings together five Vectura pallet stacker cranes with KUKA palletizing and de-palletizing robots, a ProMove pallet conveyor system, as well as a conveyor system for small loads. The automation solution operates on synchronized intelligence from Swisslog’s SynQ software, which provides warehouse management, material flow and automation control system functionality in a single, modular platform. “We are honored that Walmart continues to put their trust in our automation solutions and our people behind those solutions,” said Sean Wallingford, president, and CEO of Swisslog Americas. “This has been a very collaborative relationship as our two teams work together to create value for Walmart and ensure our automation solutions and software enable the company and its farmers to bring fresh, transparently sourced dairy to market.” SynQ management software not only optimizes the flow of the equipment to increase efficiency and accuracy of the operation, it also orchestrates the operation of multiple sub-systems. It equips warehouse automation and IT systems with synchronized intelligence of people, processes and machines to boost the efficiency and productivity of warehouse processes and adapt to changing market requirements. SynQ provides sophisticated inventory management and material flow capabilities that enable real-time inventory tracking and management of items to ensure freshness, quality and transparency of the food supply chain.  This project also includes Swisslog’s IT Managed Services, which puts in place experts to proactively manage the IT systems and software required to keep the equipment running at peak performance. The higher-level 24/7 support allows Walmart to free up internal resources from routine IT system administration, while also enabling data-driven proactive maintenance that helps reduce unplanned downtime. 

Edelman has appointed Marie Claire Maalouf as the new EMEA Chief Creative Officer, following the departure of Mattias Ronge and Stefan Ronge. Maalouf, who previously served as the Middle East Chief Creative Officer at Edelman, will lead the agency's creative output across 13 markets in EMEA, including brand marketing, digital, influencer and entertainment, and will be based in the UAE.Throughout her career, Maalouf has been recognized for her work on impactful campaigns, such as 'Despair No More' for Tena, which aimed to redefine menopause for women in the Middle East. She has received numerous awards for her creative work, including Cannes Lions, The One Show, Caples, Clio Awards, LIA Awards, Dubai Lynx, D&AD, ANDYs, Warc, and Effies.Judy John, Edelman Global Chief Creative Officer, expressed her excitement for Maalouf's appointment, stating that she is confident that Maalouf's leadership will elevate the agency's work in the EMEA region.Maalouf expressed her enthusiasm for joining Edelman, stating that she was inspired by the agency's mission to build actionable brands through trust and the opportunity to work with a team of passionate creatives.AJ Hesselink, EMEA Chief Executive, expressed gratitude towards the outgoing co-chief creative officers and welcomed Maalouf's appointment, stating that she has already made a significant impact on the agency's ability to win new clients and produce important work.

Global home appliance corporation Hisense launched its ‘BEYOND GLORY’ UEFA EURO 2024™ campaign today with the ‘signing’ of Germany’s World Cup winning goalkeeper and captain of Bundesliga’s FC Bayern Munich, Manuel Neuer.The German international, a FIFA World Cup winner alongside his 11 Bundesliga crowns, joins Hisense as its official campaign Ambassador. The ‘BEYOND GLORY’ campaign celebrates the relentless pursuit of excellence shared by professional footballers aiming for EURO honors and Hisense’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the home appliance industry.Just as goalkeepers like Manuel stand as the last line of defense, Hisense serves as the reliable force behind the scenes, consistently delivering cutting-edge technology and unparalleled quality.Five-time International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) ‘World's Best Goalkeeper’ award winner, Manuel Neuer said, “I am delighted to support the Hisense ‘BEYOND GLORY’ UEFA EURO 2024™ campaign as an ambassador. I am also very much looking forward to the EURO’s as the ultimate challenge for the elite of Europe’s footballers.”The campaign also highlights Hisense’s aim to push its own boundaries, challenging itself with a long-term technological vision in aspiring to ambitious goals and an unwavering commitment to pioneering technology with unparalleled quality in the pursuit of improving everyday life.As an official partner of UEFA EURO 2024™ and the pioneer in display technology, Hisense aims to deliver the perfect game-watching experience and smart-life experiences through its cutting-edge TV products and home appliances.Bob Wang, General Manager of Hisense International Marketing Department, remarked, “We are honored to welcome Manuel as our UEFA EURO 2024™ brand ambassador and believe he is the ideal representative for our new campaign. A goalkeeper is relied on by his team to be aways there and be totally dependable in helping ensure their success. At Hisense, we strive for a similar aim in our commitment to succeed in improving the lives of our customers with innovative dependable technology.”“This marks the third consecutive UEFA EURO that Hisense has sponsored the event which provides a tremendous opportunity to continue to connect the Hisense brand with consumers around the world.“As a company we continuously aim to enhance the quality and experience of everyday living. Working with Manuel, we are looking forward to providing fans around the world with an unparalleled experience of UEFA EURO 2024™.”

Lebanon has introduced the world's first artificial intelligence designed to perform presidential duties for the country. The nation had been without a sitting President for the last two years and following thirteen failed attempts of the Lebanese parliament to elect one, AnNahar Newspaper in Lebanon built and launched a fully functioning AI version.The new AI President of Lebanon has been created by training Large Language Models on 90 years of impartial journalism from AnNahar since the 1930s. It analyzes not only the historical data provided through the pages of AnNahar but also current events, and formulates answers for all political, legal and government questions. By tapping into this vast knowledge base, the AI President has a deep understanding of Lebanon's past, as well as an unbiased perspective on the challenges that the country faces today. The new AI President was launched in a live broadcast as an interview by Nayla Tueni, the editor-in-chief of AnNahar Newspaper, where she asked the President pertinent questions about the current state of the country, and what would the best ways forward be. The Newspaper has also converted its print edition into one that completely focuses on the new President’s guidance on topics ranging from the economy to the environment.The AI President will be accessible to all through a dedicated site – OurPresident.ai and will answer questions related to Lebanon and its politics. It is understood that government officials will also be using the tool to help build directives.Nayla Tueni commented on the campaign, “As Lebanese people, and especially AnNahar, we refuse to sit back and allow things to go on as they have. To not have a President for this long is unacceptable and has impacted the country negatively. If the parliament will not do its job to elect a President, then the people will bring to Lebanon a President.”

Almonds Ai, a B2B loyalty and channel partner engagement solutions company, has opened a new office in Dubai as part of its global expansion plan.The company announced that the Dubai expansion aligns perfectly with Almonds Ai's vision to cater to the evolving needs of businesses across diverse sectors. By leveraging the opportunities presented in the vibrant Dubai market, Almonds Ai aims to foster stronger relationships with existing clients while forging new partnerships to drive mutual growth and success.The opening of the Dubai office underscores Almonds Ai's commitment to global expansion and its ability to attract top-tier industry partners. This strategic move will further strengthen the company's position as a leading provider of transformative B2B loyalty and channel engagement solutions, empowering enterprises worldwide to drive sustainable growth and success.The new Dubai office will allow the company to collaborate more closely with regional clients, providing localized expertise and seamless support to elevate their channel sales and marketing initiatives.The company also secured funding from prominent Dubai-based anchor investors. The funding will be used primarily to fulfill regional resource requirements & technology enhancement. The anchor investment from prominent Dubai-based investors underscores Almonds Ai's commitment to global expansion and its ability to attract top-tier industry partners."At Almonds Ai, we are tirelessly innovating to cater to our client's evolving needs and to deliver on our brand promise of 'Happier Channel Partners, Healthier Bottom Line. Our new Dubai office will enable us to better serve the unique needs of enterprises in this dynamic region, delivering transformative AI-powered loyalty and channel engagement solutions to help them thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape," said Abhinav Jain & Apurv Modi, Co-Founders of Almonds Ai jointly said.

Prosek Partners, an independent marketing and communications agency for financial and professional services, has expanded its international operations with the opening of its first office in the Middle East. The office, located in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, will serve as Prosek’s regional hub as the firm looks to serve existing and prospective clients across the Gulf and wider MENA region.To lead the Middle East office and operations, Prosek has hired Diana Estupinan as Managing Director and Head of MENA. Diana joins from Instinctif Partners, where she served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Client Officer for the Middle East. She has extensive experience delivering high-impact, integrated PR and IR programs for financial services and capital markets clients, as well as leading operational growth strategies, including establishing Instinctif’s office in Saudi. At Prosek, Diana will be responsible for developing integrated communications and investor relations programs for local and international clients in the Middle East, as well as leading the firm’s business development, hiring and growth strategy in the region.“As the regional hub for institutional finance, Abu Dhabi is a logical next step in our global expansion plan,” said Jennifer Prosek, Managing Partner. “Since meeting Diana, I knew she was the perfect fit for us. Her entrepreneurial spirit, can-do attitude and industry know-how are exactly what we look for in our people. Her international experience combined with a deep local network and intimate understanding of the Middle Eastern market make her the ideal candidate to spearhead our growth in the region.”Diana will work closely with the firm’s London office, which boasts one of the largest financial services communications teams in the UK, to ensure a unified strategy across EMEA. Diana Estupinan, Managing Director and Head of MENA, said: “I’m delighted to join Prosek Partners and drive the firm’s growth and operations in the Middle East. The firm’s extensive client list of global financial and professional services firms is unrivalled, and the opportunity to build sophisticated communications strategies to support their growth in the region is vast. As one of the preeminent financial centres in the Middle East, ADGM is a prime location to serve these clients, and I look forward to getting started.”  Currently advising more than $66 trillion in client assets globally, Prosek Partners serves clients across financial and professional services, including M&A advisory, asset and wealth management, commercial and retail banking, investment banking, legal, financial technology, venture capital, insurance, cryptocurrency and more.Diana began her career at communications firm Hill+Knowlton in the UAE. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Franklin University in Lugano, Switzerland and a BSc in Government and Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

In this exclusive interview with Adgully Middle East, Slava Bogdan, the CEO and co-founder of Flowwow, offers invaluable insights into the phenomenon of post-Ramadan sales surges, particularly within the dynamic landscape of the e-commerce sector.Under Slava Bogdan, Flowwow has emerged as a transformative force in the global marketplace, seamlessly blending the global reach of technology with the intimacy of local connections to redefine the art of gift-giving. Founded in 2014 by Slava Bogdan alongside Andrey Makeev and Artem Gambitski, Flowwow has transcended conventional boundaries, revolutionizing the $30-billion online gifting market. With a presence in 30 countries, including vibrant markets such as the UAE, Spain, Turkey, and the UK, Flowwow boasts a diverse array of over 14,000 local brands from 1,000 cities, facilitating heartfelt connections across the globe.Driven by a mission to infuse joy into the lives of people worldwide, Flowwow empowers individuals to surprise their loved ones with a curated selection of flowers, confectionery, and artisanal treasures from local artisans, fostering personalized experiences that resonate deeply.Slava Bogdan offers insights into the phenomenon of post-Ramadan sales surges, particularly within the dynamic landscape of the e-commerce sector. He delves into the intricacies of consumer behaviour, market trends, and the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of commerce. Excerpts:What product categories experience the biggest sales surge post-Ramadan in the UAE's e-commerce boom, and why?A new study by Flowwow, a gifting marketplace for local brands, and Admitad, an affiliate marketing platform, has revealed that Ramadan traditions are fueling a surge in online shopping across the MENA region and motivate people to buy more. The UAE is leading with an average order value (AOV) of 102 USD during Ramadan this yearDuring the Ramadan period, the Flowwow’s data shows that sales of the florist’s original bouquets have surged by 220% from 2023 to 2024. In March 2024, the company's experts observed a 36% uptick in custom-designed cakes, a 26% rise in personalized bento cakes, and a 15% increase in chocolate-covered strawberries featuring customized designs. The turnover of the “confectionery” category for the first three months of 2024 is already half of the total turnover for 2023. Additionally, there's a noticeable increase in the frequency of orders for cosmetics and fragrances from local brands, including handmade varieties. Certain categories of goods and services have also experienced significant spikes in popularity compared to non-Ramadan periods. Hotels have seen a remarkable increase of 56%, followed by airplane tickets (+40%), flowers and souvenirs (+37%), electronics (+30%), and food delivery (+26%). Additionally, there has been a notable surge in the purchase of sporting goods (+21%).Admitad experts made a comparison with last year's activity and revealed that users are making 15% more purchases during Ramadan 2024. Interestingly, although the number of purchases has increased, the total amount spent has remained relatively stable. This suggests that shoppers during Ramadan 2024 are making smaller, more frequent orders, resulting in an overall increase in sales volume. People aren't just buying more online; they're also making smaller, more thoughtful purchases that truly capture the spirit of Ramadan. How can the UAE e-commerce businesses leverage customer data and buying habits from Ramadan to personalize post-Ramadan marketing campaigns and encourage repeat purchases?By effectively leveraging customer data and tailoring post-Ramadan marketing efforts based on Ramadan buying habits, UAE e-commerce businesses can enhance customer engagement, drive repeat purchases, and foster long-term loyalty among their customer base. We can also argue that the era of generalized marketing campaigns is over, and e-commerce players must differentiate themselves by offering customers what they genuinely want.For instance, to craft a special gift idea for the holy month, Flowwow used a data-driven approach and tapped into insights drawn from consumer studies conducted during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. From the open studies and surveys, we found out that 83% of people seek spiritual inspiration, 78% showing interest in gift ideas and how-to videos with a surge in "Ramadan games". While 91% of shoppers prefer the content that promotes community and togetherness across both Facebook and Instagram during Ramadan and Eid. The consumer insights confirmed our suspicions: there is a growing reluctance towards cliché gifts during Ramadan celebrations. It moved us towards offering people something truly unique and meaningful, reflecting the core Ramadan values. So, combining social media insights with the increased interest in games and gift ideas, we decided to introduce the "Ramadan Moments" card game, infused with local artistry. This gift idea was designed to foster meaningful interactions within families and uphold the values of unity and togetherness during this holy period. What’s also significant to consider: all of our promotional activities were consistent and aligned with one core strategy, contributing to brand recognition, trust-building, audience engagement, and long-term success in the competitive landscape. The database of those who interacted with the game can be further turned into the database of loyal customers. If you manage to connect with the audience during your Ramadan campaign, do not miss an opportunity to foster your client-to-business relationship. Personalise the next offering, use digital marketing instruments like Facebook Ads to keep customers updated on what you're offering. It will build deeper associations and connections that could turn your customer into a repeat one. For instance, at Flowwow we usually use a look-alike audience to find our target client.Did the UAE's e-commerce infrastructure face any specific challenges in handling the Ramadan surge in online orders? How can businesses adapt their logistics strategy to ensure smooth delivery during such peak periods? That’s a good question for us, as despite our rapid growth into a global marketplace with 3,000,000 orders per year and operations in over 30 countries, we have maintained a remarkable 98% customer satisfaction rate without expanding our team. On International Women’s Day alone, Flowwow processed 250,000 orders (compared to the average volume of 10,000 per day), ensuring quality service with just 1.6% disputes from the massive count.So, during Ramadan and Eid Al Fite sales peaks, our first and foremost goal is to sustain customers’ trust, keep up with the increased flow of orders and maximise overall customers’ experience.To make it happen, our IT, customer support, and operations teams have developed a flexible system that allows us to scale and manage services efficiently, particularly during peak periods. A well-structured support service combined with big data analysis helps us win over customers and uphold our brand's reputation even during high sales periods. Here are also some tips that help us go through the festive periods:1. We adapt all product features before the holiday so that during the holiday, we can provide a comfortable user experience. Additionally, our support team handles all IT bugs so that they can be implemented into operation.2. We conduct an analysis of expected traffic and build processes around it, involving the support and IT teams.3. Since we are a marketplace, it is important for us to inform our sellers, so we tell them about the expected growth so that they can prepare.During the post-Ramadan boom, do UAE consumers tend to favour local or international e-commerce retailers? What strategies can both local and global businesses adopt to attract customers in this competitive landscape?As Ramadan seamlessly blends tradition with modern shopping practices, we're seeing a surge in online gift purchases. This trend is fueled by both the convenience of online shopping and the growing desire to support local businesses. During Ramadan 2024, Flowwow is observing a remarkable uptick in the popularity of local and personalized gifts. The company’s experts report that in March 2024 alone, the number of online gift purchases from local brands in the UAE increased by 65% compared to the same period last year and by 84% compared to non-festive periods. The growing trend towards authenticity highlights a shift towards supporting local businesses and embracing individuality in gift-giving choices. Local makers often have a deeper understanding of multicultural preferences, offering unique options that resonate with people's needs. Given UAE’s diverse population, strong cultural tradition of gift-giving, and the increasing impact of digital technologies, the country’s online gifting market presents significant growth prospects and is predicted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19-20% from 2024 to 2028.

Cartoon Network MENA has announced their collaboration between its hit cartoon Teen Titans GO! and Reform Social & Grill. This one-of-a-kind partnership will bring a co-branded kids menu and fun filled activities for kids at Reform Social & Grill throughout the month of April, from the 15th to the 15th of May. During this exciting partnership, the kids' menu will be transformed into a Teen Titans GO! extravaganza. Kids will be able to envision themselves as their favorite characters, immersing themselves in the exciting world of Teen Titans GO! Every Friday will be a blast for young fans of the show as Reform Social & Grill will host special screening sessions of the cartoon series. Kids can also enjoy face painting activities where they can become their favorite Teen Titans GO! characters, including Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven. The kids menu will transform into dishes themed as Teen Titans GO! such as Robins Titan Shaped Chicken Nuggets, Cyborgs Perfect Angus Beef Burger, Starfire’s Cheese with Mac and many more.? Every Friday from the 19th of April to the 10th of May, there will be special screening sessions starting from 5pm where parents can leave their kids to watch the exciting new episodes of Teen Titans GO! "Teen Titans GO!" is a hilarious, animated series that follows the adventures of five young superheroes: Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven. The show offers a comedic take on the classic Teen Titans characters as they navigate life and save the day, all while dealing with the everyday challenges of being teenagers."We are thrilled to partner with Reform Social & Grill to bring the beloved characters of Teen Titans GO! closer to our fans in such a fun and engaging way," said Aya Hammad - Marketing, PR & Digital Manager Warner Bros Discovery Kids Networks in MENA.  Gates Hospitality CEO Naim Maadad said: "We are delighted to team up with Cartoon Network MENA and Teen Titans GO! for this exciting collaboration. Our co-branded kids menu and special activities will create an entertaining experience for families visiting Reform Social and Grill." 

Al Seer Group LLC, based in the UAE, has announced plans to offer 900,000,000 shares, equivalent to a 25% stake, of Dubai's renowned supermarket chain, Spinneys Holding, in an upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO is scheduled to open for subscription on April 23, with listing on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) set for May 9, as per the company's statement.The offer price range, denominated in UAE dirhams, will be disclosed before the commencement of the offer period. Emirates NBD Bank has been appointed as the lead receiving bank for the IPO, while Rothschild & Co Middle East Limited will serve as the independent financial adviser.Retail investors will be allotted 5% of the shares, totaling 45 million, in the initial tranche. Each retail subscriber will be guaranteed a minimum allocation of 2,000 shares. The remaining 855 million shares will be allocated for professional investors and institutions in the second tranche.Spinneys Holding operates 75 high-end grocery retail supermarkets under the brands 'Spinneys,' 'Waitrose,' and 'Al Fair' across the UAE and Oman. Moreover, with plans to open its first store in Saudi Arabia in the first half of 2024, the company aims to expand its footprint in the region.This IPO marks the second listing on the DFM this year, following the successful $429 million IPO of Parkin last month. Parkin, responsible for overseeing public parking operations in the emirate, witnessed a record-breaking debut, being oversubscribed 165 times and attracting $71 billion in demand.

 G42, the leading UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology holding company, and Microsoft today announced a $1.5 billion strategic investment by Microsoft in G42. The investment will strengthen the two companies' collaboration on bringing the latest Microsoft AI technologies and skilling initiatives to the UAE and other countries around the world. As part of this expanded partnership Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join the G42 Board of Directors. This expanded collaboration will empower organizations of all sizes in new markets to harness the benefits of AI and the cloud while ensuring they are adopting AI that adheres to world-leading standards in safety and security.Building on the two organizations' long-standing collaboration in AI and digital transformation initiatives, Microsoft's investment deepens the reciprocal commitment to this strategic partnership. G42 will run its AI applications and services on Microsoft Azure and partner to deliver advanced AI solutions to global public sector clients and large enterprises. G42 and Microsoft will also work together to bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, providing these nations with equitable access to services to address important governmental and business concerns while ensuring the highest standards of security and privacy.  H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of G42, said: "Microsoft's investment in G42 marks a pivotal moment in our company's journey of growth and innovation, signifying a strategic alignment of vision and execution between the two organizations. This partnership is a testament to the shared values and aspirations for progress, fostering greater cooperation and synergy globally." The partnership will also support the development of a skilled and diverse AI workforce and talent pool that will drive innovation and competitiveness for the UAE and broader region with the investment of $1B in a development fund for developers. "Our two companies will work together not only in the UAE, but to bring AI and digital infrastructure and services to underserved nations," said Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President. "We will combine world-class technology with world-leading standards for safe, trusted, and responsible AI, in close coordination with the governments of both the UAE and the United States."  The commercial partnership is backed by assurances to both governments through a first of its kind agreement to apply world-class best practices to ensure the secure, trusted, and responsible development and deployment of AI. Microsoft and G42 will work closely and elevate the security and compliance framework of their joint international infrastructure. Both companies will move forward with a commitment to comply with US and international trade, security, responsible AI, and business integrity laws and regulations. The work on these topics is governed by a detailed Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement (IGAA) between G42 and Microsoft that was developed in close consultation with both the UAE and US governments. Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer of G42, said: "Through Microsoft's strategic investment, we are advancing our mission to deliver cutting-edge AI technologies at scale. This partnership significantly enhances our international market presence, combining G42's unique AI capabilities with Microsoft's robust global infrastructure. Together, we are not only expanding our operational horizons but also setting new industry standards for innovation." Samer Abu-Ltaif, Microsoft Corporate Vice President and President, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: "Our investment in G42 stands as a testament to the thriving and dynamic tech landscape in the UAE and the broader region. This strategic partnership is well-positioned to ignite opportunities for our customers and partners, accelerate innovation, and fuel economic growth. With G42, we will introduce cutting-edge technologies that will empower countries and markets to advance their digital agendas by harnessing the power of Cloud and AI." The collaboration between G42 and Microsoft has expanded through several milestones over the last year. This includes a joint plan announced in April 2023 to develop AI solutions tailored for the public sector and industry, leveraging Microsoft's extensive partner ecosystem and cloud capabilities. In September 2023, the companies entered into an agreement to introduce sovereign cloud offerings and collaborate on unlocking the potential of advanced AI capabilities on the Azure public cloud platform. Lastly, in November 2023, Microsoft announced the availability of G42's Jais Arabic Large Language Model on the new Azure AI Cloud Model-as-a-Service offering. 

Dentsu MENA today announced that it has received its regional headquarters license from the Ministry of Investment and Ministry of Commerce in theKingdom, reinforcing its commitment toward Vision 2030, driving the transformation program, and supporting ambitious local talentAs one of the region’s largest media and advertising networks, dentsu already supports many of the government’s vision realisation programs, government ministries and portfolio of investment companies to bring the Saudi Vision 2030 to life for global audiences through a suite of integrated marketing solutions from media to creative and customer experience management. André Andrade, CEO of dentsu EMEA, said: “Opening a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia is a strategic decision that demonstrates dentsu’s commitment to the Kingdom, our support of its transformation and confidence in its economic future. As we accelerate toward 2030 and beyond, we are fully committed to working with and supporting our stakeholders with the next phase of their transformation agendas.” Tarek Daouk, CEO of dentsu MENA, added: “I am delighted that dentsu MENA has inaugurated its new regional headquarters in Riyadh, and that we are the first of the major advertising holding companies to do so. We want to set the standard and help to build the regional headquarters ecosystem for the media and advertising industry. After more than fifteen years operating in the Kingdom, this is a natural step in our evolution where we aim to continue building longstanding, trusted and mutually beneficialrelationships with our clients, partners and people in Saudi Arabia.” With a rapidly expanding workforce of employees in Saudi Arabia, dentsu aims to become a significant contributor to talent development in the Kingdom. Fostering partnerships with the likes of Prince Sultan University, dentsu will expand its staff numbers over the next three years by recruiting Saudi graduates, with a particular focus on female talent, with the deployment of early careers recruitment programs, internshipand learning and development curriculums designed to accelerate gender diversity in leadership roles. Dentsu has also opened a new flagship office in Riyadh at Business Gate, from which it will service a growing portfolio of local and multinational clients in the Kingdom, building on its existing presence in Riyadh and additional office in Jeddah.

This week on Ag Talk, we're thrilled to introduce Marie Claire Maalouf, whose roles range from "Mommy" to "Creative Leader" and beyond. Yet, she resonates most with being called "A Student of Life." As the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) at Edelman, Marie Claire, affectionately known as MC among colleagues, has made a lasting impact on the creative landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.In the years 2022 and 2023, her contributions led to the acquisition of over 100 awards, including prestigious accolades like the D&AD Yellow Pencil, one of the two Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and the sole Grand Lia in Health for the MENA region. Her portfolio is recognized by esteemed platforms such as The One Show, Cannes Lions, D&AD, and many more.Marie-Claire's influence goes beyond her professional endeavours; she has also served as a juror for prominent award shows like Cannes Lions, New York Festival, and D&AD. In an exclusive interview with Adgully Middle East, Marie Claire Maalouf, CCO of Edelman, explores her creative journey, her pivotal role at Edelman, and the unique opportunities and challenges encountered within the MEA creative sphere, where tradition intertwines with innovation to pave the way forward.Can you share with us your journey in the creative industry, particularly how you transitioned into your role as Chief Creative Officer at Edelman?Since day one, it has been a rollercoaster of embracing change, pushing boundaries, and constantly seeking out opportunities to make a real impact, to produce creative work that not only stands out but also stands for something. That’s why I see my transition from advertising to CCO at Edelman as a natural next step in my journey. It came from my broader understanding of the world of communication and a desire to leverage creativity beyond advertising, into realms where strategies intersect with public relations, digital innovation, and the ever-evolving media landscape. It doesn’t hurt when you truly believe in what Edelman does at the core: harnessing creativity to build trust—trust between brands and their audiences, between institutions and the public—trust that begets action, and action that begets trust, and so on and on...What unique challenges and opportunities do you encounter working in the creative field within the MEA region, considering its cultural diversity and rapidly evolving market?The cultural diversity here is not just a backdrop; it's the main act. It’s both the challenge and the opportunity. But if I had to pinpoint one specific challenge, it would be not falling into the trap of catering to everyone at the same time for the sake of inclusivity or out of fear of alienation. This is when we lose all the flavour and nuances and end up talking to no one. Once we overcome that challenge, opportunities present themselves. Just dive deep into the diversity, respect it, learn from it, and use it to create work where different cultures overlap, making work that bridges gaps, builds trust, and fosters connections. Once you’re at that level, you’re no longer just speaking to the MEA; you’re speaking for it, championing ideas that matter, that provoke thought, and, ultimately, drive change.How do you approach integrating traditional cultural elements into modern creative campaigns, especially in a region like the MEA where tradition holds significant importance?Tradition holds significant importance in the MEA region, but so does innovation. I’d say that one of the oldest traditions in the region is to keep moving forward. Tradition and modernity aren't mutually exclusive in creative work. I’d argue that the more understanding of the culture the work has, the more relevant and creative it can be. It is about striking a balance, diving deep into cultural stories, symbols, and values that resonate, then twisting them with contemporary insights or technologies to create something fresh yet familiar. The trick is not just to decorate with tradition but to embed it into the work, making it relevant to today’s audience.As a creative leader, you have contributed substantially in bringing the most coveted awards of the industry to the MENA region. In 2022/2023, you have helped win more than 100 awards. Could you highlight some of the most memorable campaigns you've worked on, and what made them successful in the context of the region?I’d start with the "Despair No More," which is rooted in the culture and the language. While we as a society were moving away from the stigmatization of menopause, the language was lacking, which hindered our progress as a society. So, we took it upon us to change the name of menopause in Arabic from the derogatory term “Age of Despair” to “Age of Renewal”.And then there is the work we’ve done for Annahar, the bold and brave Lebanese newspaper, which was contextual in its nature. Every single piece was a reaction from Annahar to a current relevant situation, a will to take a stand and challenge the status quo.In a constantly changing media landscape, what strategies do you employ to ensure your creative work remains innovative and relevant to your target audience?We simply listen. We listen to our audience and then we involve them in the work. We don’t talk at them; we work with them. A good example of that would be our GenZ lab that we have recently initiated in KSA for the region.What role do you believe storytelling plays in effective communication, particularly when it comes to connecting with audiences in the Middle East?Human beings are storytellers or seekers by nature. From the first cave drawings to the latest meme someone is posting at the moment you’re reading this, there is a story, a will to tell and share a story. But to truly connect with our audiences today, we have to learn when to be the storytellers and when to set the ground for people to tell their story or even ours. Today, brands do not have 100% control over their own story. Anyone with an internet connection can contribute to that story and even take it to a different place. This is where trust and action become important. If we act on the stories we’re telling, our audiences will trust it, act on it, and continue to tell it.You have been working for many social causes as well as helping women all around. What are your views about women's empowerment in the Middle Eastern region? What does the future look like?The region is steadily catching up with the rest of the world in that regard; we’re not where we want to be yet, but at least we’re moving. Even on a global level, we’re still far from an ideal situation. We’ve had our waves of 'first female X'... The future would be a place where we are no longer celebrating firsts, no longer having to prove our worth but are recognized for who we are and what we bring to the table. Empowerment today means action; what was enough five years ago is now the bare minimum. Now, there is progress and momentum is building up, and by looking at the younger generations, it seems we’re heading in the right direction; so now is the time to work harder. We can't just coast to where we want to be.

DHL has unveiled a revolutionary campaign in partnership with Horizon FCB Dubai, demonstrating the seemingly impossible feat of sending parcels back in time. This industry-first initiative showcases DHL's unparalleled speed, reliability, and innovative prowess.The campaign centers around a heartwarming story featuring a grandfather in Tokyo sending his granddaughter's birthday gift on January 26th, only for it to miraculously arrive in Los Angeles on January 25th – her actual birthday. Leveraging DHL's expertise and the International Date Line, the parcel transcends time, delivering joy and surprise in a way previously thought unimaginable.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RmIKgRsgBdY?si=NlCtcazNgNjVkDKO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>Mohamed Bareche, Executive Creative Director at Horizon FCB Dubai, emphasized the monumental effort behind the campaign, involving meticulous coordination across continents and the synchronization of production crews to ensure flawless execution.Colin Smith, Creative Director at Horizon FCB Dubai, highlighted how the narrative of a birthday gift underscores DHL's reliability and speed, showcasing its ability to positively impact daily life.Reham Mufleh, Managing Director at Horizon FCB Dubai, praised the campaign's demonstration of DHL's commitment to innovation, emphasizing the power of transcending time to deliver emotions.With the tagline "Delivered yesterday," DHL reinforces its position as a leader in innovation and customer service, showcasing how the impossible becomes possible with its expansive network and dedication to exceeding expectations.This campaign not only builds brand love but also leaves a lasting impression, reminding audiences that with DHL, yesterday's dreams can become today's reality.

9Yards Communications has emerged victorious as the integrated marcoms agency of choice for Shekh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC). Furthermore, this partnership marks a significant milestone in the reimagining and shaping of the brand, narrative, and vision of one of the UAE’s most respected medical institutions for serious and complex health care.As a result, 9Yards will now provide SSMC with a comprehensive suite of marcoms services, including strategic communications, creative and advertising, PR, digital marketing, and multi-media production.Expressing his delight at the SSMC-9Yards partnership, Hussam Almulhem, CEO of 9Yards Communications, said: "We are thrilled to be appointed as SSMC’s agency of choice and this win underscores the time, effort, and dedication of our talented team in delivering an exceptional response to the client’s brief. We now look forward to taking SSMC's already significant brand presence to the next level.”

Memac Ogilvy announced today that it has been selected by Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls, as its new strategic and creative agency of record in the GCC. As Majid Al Futtaim’s strategic partner, Memac Ogilvy will ideate and develop creative campaigns and content across all media and manage the retail giant’s social media engagements across malls in their respective markets, specifically UAE, Bahrain and Oman.The agency will be responsible for driving improved online engagement and conversion on social media, ensuring a wholistic approach to their creative campaigns across the portfolio of 24 outlets, including City Centre malls and the flagship luxury destination, Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Memac Ogilvy was awarded the business after an extended and competitive pitch process.Hadi Ballout, Managing Director, Advertising – UAE, Memac Ogilvy, said: “Coming out of a long-standing business relationship, the Majid Al Futtaim team is looking forward to a fresh start with a new agency, as we further build brand equity through a seamless alignment of all marketing communication collateral.“During the pitch process, our client was particularly impressed with our strategic and creative approach to City Centre's new brand campaign, which aims to roll out later this year, as well as with the agency’s impressive social media and channel management credentials.” Ghassan Maraqa, CEO MENA, Memac Ogilvy, added: “Majid Al Futtaim is an iconic UAE brand, that in just under 30 years has become the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. “We are honored to partner with their shopping malls division, as they continue to innovate and expand, and look forward to an active relationship, where our dynamic and agile approach will create campaigns to drive revenue and overall business growth.”

YallaHub has partnered with Lapochka to use artificial intelligence in product development. The partnership leverages YallaHub's expertise in streamlining brand market entry. YallaHub's comprehensive QAAS platform offers Lapochka a full suite of services to support its potential expansion into the UAE market. These services include import management, warehousing, fulfillment, logistics solutions, payment gateway integration, customer service support, access to major marketplaces, marketing tools, and even last-mile delivery.Lapochka has recently launched a unique AI-generated lemonade, marking a groundbreaking achievement. It represents the first time a neural network has been used to develop a beverage flavor in the country. The AI, supervised by AI specialists, analyzed consumer preferences, sales data, and product reviews to craft a one-of-a-kind recipe that embodies Lapochka's commitment to natural ingredients. The eye-catching can design, featuring a "robot-apple" concept, was also created by a neural network called Midjourney."We are constantly seeking methods to surprise and delight our customers with unique and innovative products," said Lapochka CEO Anton Balyklov. "This AI-created beverage allows us to introduce consumers of all ages to the latest technologies in a fun and delicious way. Partnering with YallaHub empowers us to potentially expand our reach and share this exciting innovation with a wider audience in the MENA region."This partnership between YallaHub and Lapochka signifies a mutual commitment to pushing the boundaries within the beverage industry. With its focus on natural ingredients and refreshing taste, this AI-designed beverage perfectly fits the booming UAE beverage market, projected to reach $23.2 billion by 2025. By combining Lapochka's expertise in AI-powered product development with YallaHub's established presence in the MENA region, this collaboration can potentially revolutionize the consumer experience for beverage enthusiasts across the region. By the end of 2024, the brand plans to establish itself in major UAE marketplaces, delivery services, and the HORECA segment, targeting sales of around 100,000 cans per year."The UAE has a thriving beverage market, with consumers increasingly turning to online platforms for their purchases," said Leo Dovbenko, CEO of YallaHub. "This partnership with Lapochka highlights our commitment to transforming the MENA F&B industry by providing brands with the tools and resources they need to succeed."With per capita spending on food and beverages in the UAE projected to reach over $17,000 by 2025, this partnership is well-positioned to capitalize on the market's continued growth.

Today TikTok has announced the launch of the first-ever TikTok Ad Awards in the METAP region. The awards program is designed to celebrate the brands and agencies leading the way on TikTok with their creative and high-performing campaigns, as well as embracing the unique nature of TikTok and delivering exceptional advertising experiences.The Awards will showcase some of the most inspiring advertising campaigns that have brought authenticity, creativity and joy to the platform while achieving groundbreaking results. The initiative aims to acknowledge exceptional talent and innovation within the region.The TikTok Ad Awards is now open for submissions from brands and agencies based in the METAP region, encompassing Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, South Africa and Pakistan. The program features six main categories that encompass various aspects of successful TikTok campaigns.  It’s the Creative for me: Focuses on the idea and its strategy, and celebrates the brands and agencies that dared to push the boundaries of creativity with campaigns that were built TikTok-first, and showcased impactful results.  Community Core: Celebrates the best use of Creators and the community. Shows how creators can use their unique voices and content styles seamlessly within your campaign idea.  Bougie on a Budget: This category is for campaigns with the most creative use of modest production budgets and resources through both paid and organic content with community management to create maximum impact.  Sound On Please!: Celebrates campaigns that use sound as an entry-point to their creative idea. There are so many different types of sound, different uses of sound, and likewise different creative approaches to sound on TikTok.  The Trendsetter: Reimagine advertising through TikTok, showcasing your innovation and ability to captivate audiences and drive bold effective ideas through the unique utilization of ad products with a measurable impact on the platform.  The People's Choice: Chosen through a voting by the guests of the ceremony. The highest accolade - The Greatest Of All Time (The G.O.A.T) - will be presented to the best overall campaign that excels in creativity, achieves its media objectives and demonstrates effectiveness. This award aims to recognize campaigns that really tapped into TikTok's community, creativity and trends to inspire joy and create cultural moments. All applications submitted under any of the six main categories will be automatically considered for the G.O.A.T.Brands and agencies can find all the program details and submit their entries at https://tiktok-ad-awards.evessiocloud.com/ . The deadline for entry submission is September 6, 2024, giving participants ample time to prepare and showcase their creativity, authenticity, and impact. The winners will be revealed in November."We are thrilled to launch the TikTok Ad Awards METAP to recognize and celebrate the outstanding creativity showcased by brands and agencies on our platform across the region," said Shadi Kandil, General Manager, Global Business Solutions, Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Central and South Asia - TikTok. "This awards program aims to highlight the campaigns that push boundaries, captivate audiences, and drive meaningful impact. We can't wait to see the exceptional submissions from the METAP markets."

Eastern Fortune Investments LLC (EFI), led by Harry Gill, announces the elevation of Prabhpreet Singh Gill, also known as Harry Gill, to the role of chairman of Pay10, marking a significant milestone in the organization's legacy of innovation and leadership in the fintech landscape.EFI, a next-generation hybrid family office and holding company, spearheads a diverse portfolio and fosters fintech growth across MENA and South Asia. Headquartered in Dubai at the Opus by Omniyat in Business Bay, EFI provides strategic guidance and invests in cutting-edge solutions, aligning with the UAE's 2024-2030 Economic and Digital Vision.Under Harry Gill's leadership, Pay10, initially an e-payment solution in India, has expanded globally from its Dubai headquarters in the Ubora Tower. Pay10 prioritizes local payment schemes and methods, aligning with each country's vision and agenda to support financial inclusion.Pay10, a flagship venture of EFI, champions an inclusive e-payment ecosystem, emphasizing financial inclusion and digital transformation for merchants and individuals. Gill's strategic leadership has positioned Pay10 as a frontrunner in reshaping the global financial services industry.Driven by innovation and customer-centricity, Gill's leadership has propelled Pay10 from a startup to a leading fintech powerhouse. His dedication to excellence has earned acclaim as he reshapes banking and financial services with transformative technologies.Harry Gill's vision for EFI extends beyond innovation; it encompasses progress and positive change in the financial landscape. EFI's fintech portfolio empowers individuals and businesses worldwide, reflecting Gill's commitment to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.Gill emphasizes EFI's dedication to fostering innovation, nurturing creativity, and driving meaningful impact in finance. As chairman of EFI and Pay10, he leads a team dedicated to building legacies of innovation, progress, and positive change.

The Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2024, which concluded its 34th edition last night, Saturday, has been hailed a major success in revitalizing the retail sector and commercial activity across the emirate's markets.The 37-day extravaganza delivered unparalleled shopping experiences to Sharjah’s residents and visitors, encompassing a wide range of malls, commercial centers, and entertainment destinations across various cities and regions in the emirate.The festival's alluring offers, promotions, and substantial discounts were complemented by a series of entertainment programmes and activities, spreading festive cheer and fun-filled ambience throughout the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year’s festival exceeded sales volume expectations, generating approximately AED 400 million and achieving a growth rate of 25 percent.The Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2024 successfully drew visitors and families from within and outside the emirate, offering them massive discounts, that go up to 75 percent off, across a wide variety of products and merchandise presented by exhibitors, including both local and international brands.The festival witnessed during Eid Al Fitr a strong momentum and a huge influx of visitors, who flocked to the major shopping centers and various participating destinations and were lured by the diverse entertainment programmes and festive shopping experiences.Attendees eagerly engaged in raffle draws held throughout the festival’s pavilions, where they won valuable prizes and shopping vouchers, worth up to AED 1 million, presented by the Sharjah Chamber in collaboration with the participating shopping centers.Furthermore, an extensive range of lucrative offers was showcased within the festival, encompassing destinations, hotels, and distinguished tourist attractions.HE Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, director-general of SCCI, emphasised the Chamber's commitment to helping the Sharjah Ramadan Festival achieve tremendous success. This success has further cemented the festival’s leading position as one of the foremost commercial and entertainment events in the region.He underscored the SCCI’s sponsorship of shopping promotions as part of its strategy to stimulate and diversify the emirate's economy, promote innovative branding practices, and bolster support for local businesses and entrepreneurs.For his part, Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, noted that the robust visitor turnout and the satisfaction expressed by participating centers and retail outlets across the emirate indicate the tangible outcomes manifested in the record-breaking sales achieved by the festival. This achievement serves as a catalyst for the chamber’s intensified efforts to uphold the event's stature and enrich its capacity and allure to attract Sharjah’s visitors and residents.Meanwhile, Ibrahim Rashid Al-Jarwan, director of economic relations and marketing at SCCI, and general coordinator of the festival, attributed the festival’s tremendous success to the collaborative efforts and partnerships with strategic partners, major sponsors, governmental entities, and the private sector.Crediting the efforts and contributions of participating businesses, local and international brands, as well as local productive families, in achieving fruitful outcomes, Al-Jarwan asserted that such coordination efforts allowed shopping centers and markets to offer diverse and rich entertainment programs, including traditional heritage-inspired activities catering to various segments of visitors across diverse cities and regions of the emirate.The Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2024, which ran from March 8th to April 13th, successfully drew a massive crowd from the emirate’s residents and visitors, who enjoyed the event’s engaging activities and its captivating surprises, including purchase vouchers and special offers in the world of shopping.The festival committee and shopping centers allocated purchase vouchers totaling approximately one million dirhams, distributed in two installments.The first installment, distributed during Ramadan, included a variety of prizes and purchase vouchers for the public and shoppers, amounting to around AED 350,000, sponsored by the Sharjah Chamber in collaboration with Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, whereas the second installment, distributed during the Eid al-Fitr, amounted to AED 650,000.Under the festival umbrella, enticing offers attracted shoppers and facilitated the procurement of Ramadan and Eid essentials at competitive prices.Notably, the 'Ramadan Nights' exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah, a cornerstone event of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival, attracted a substantial audience of shoppers.Similarly, the “Souq Al Freej" market, an integral component of the festival, showcased a diverse array of promotional offers on local products and brands, featuring the entrepreneurial endeavors of local producers alongside retail establishments, complemented by an array of entertainment and heritage activities.

Momentus Digital, India’s leading Unified Media Advertising Partner, expands its global management with the addition of Sandeep Sabharwal as VP for Global Expansion based in Dubai, UAE. Momentus Digital is a Unified Media Advertising Partner designed to provide a full extent of audiences through Native, Programmatic, Search, Display, and Gaming audience channels. The newly launched Programmatic DSP, Velocity+, empowers advertisers by offering the ability to target premium and brand-safe inventory. They specialize in a vertical where advertisers work with them on Brand Engagement or Performance Marketing. Their brand engagement strategy focuses on delivering the right audience through the right channel at the right time. In his new role as Vice President of Global Expansion at Momentus Digital, Sandeep is at the forefront of driving strategic initiatives to propel the company's global growth trajectory. Leveraging his wealth of experience, he assumes a pivotal role in expanding the company's reach across diverse markets, positioning it for unparalleled success. Sandeep is a dynamic professional with three decades of experience. In the last 18 years, he has worked in the digital media industry with organizations such as SVG Media, GroupM, Quasar Media, and others. Prior to joining Momentus Digital, Sandeep was a part of Httpool digital, where he served as Regional Partner Director and was spearheading the business relationship for platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Snapchat in India and select SEA markets. His expertise encompasses strategic business development, partnership management, team building and global expansion initiatives. "I am thrilled to join Momentus Digital, their innovative approach to digital media, coupled with their commitment to driving global growth, aligns perfectly with my professional aspirations. I am excited to collaborate with this talented team to expand our reach across diverse markets, driving meaningful impact and shaping the future of the digital landscape. Together, we will unlock new opportunities and achieve unprecedented success. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making a lasting impact,” said Sandeep Sabharwal. As Sandeep joins as VP, Global expansion, we look forward to building strong relationships with our clients and helping them achieve success in this dynamic and exciting market, Ms. Arooshi Dharamdasani CEO of Momentus Digital. With an unwavering track record of success and an innate passion for driving innovation in the digital landscape, Sandeep continues to be at the forefront of shaping the future of digital marketing and advertising, making indelible contributions to the industry.

Following a thrilling final match of the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup 2024 in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night, Al-Hilal FC was named the champions of the tournament, beating the opposing team Al-Ittihad FC by 4-1 at Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium.The two-day competition received over 60,000 spectators in total. The success of the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup sees Abu Dhabi emerge once again as a leading tourist destination, positioning itself as a hub for major local and international sporting and entertainment events.The hosting bid of the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup was led by Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand for the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This was the first time the tournament had been hosted in the region, outside of Saudi Arabia.H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Hazam Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of UAE Football Association, stated that this season the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup has added to Abu Dhabi’s proven track record of success in organizing major sporting events. “The tournament was very well received by the public and media,” he said.Al Dhaheri added: “We congratulate Al-Hilal on their win and would like to thank everyone who contributed to perfecting the details of this event. We also applaud the DCT Abu Dhabi’s significant role in making the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup one to remember.”In addition, Al Hilal’s captain Salem Al Dawsari commented: "Of course, the whole team is very happy with the result in the final and to be able to take the cup back to Saudi Arabia, so that even more of the fans there can see it and enjoy that victory. To play the final in Abu Dhabi was a great privilege at a fantastic venue, and we thank all the travelling fans for joining us on that journey.”The tournament featured football legends Cristiano Rolando and Karim Benzema, alongside regional talent Salem Al Dawsari and Abderrazak Hamdallah.The Diriyah Saudi Super cup was the latest international sports and entertainment tournament added to Abu Dhabi’s jam-packed calendar, complimenting annual events from the NBA Abu Dhabi Games powered by ADQ to the F1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Veolia, the benchmark company for ecological transformation, has released a special podcast series titled Women for Climate, highlighting the contribution of three incredible women at the forefront of climate action.The three-part podcast series aims to raise awareness on this year’s theme of International Women’s Day, Investing in Women, at a time when gender equality remains one of the greatest challenges in modern societies. It aims to spur meaningful action in support of those at the frontline of battling the crippling effects of climate change as well as the pioneers of gender equality around the world.Featuring Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, the UAE’s Permanent Representative at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Amani Al Moajil, CEO at ENOVA Saudi Arabia, and Rana Hajirasouli, CEO and founder of The Surpluss, the Women for Climate podcast also aligned with Veolia’s annual Yes WEDO Week, which marks International Women’s Day on March 8 every year. All the episodes were hosted by Nadine Zidani, sustainability and climate activist and founder of Mena Impact.Commenting on the podcast, Zineb Chaoudri, Director of Communications, Veolia Near & Middle East, said: “As the benchmark company for ecological transformation, Veolia is a pioneer in translating gender equity and diversity policies into successful on-ground initiatives spanning fields which is significant for a company with a high proportion of traditionally male technical professions, to help secure an inclusive and sustainable future for all. The Women for Climate podcast is our tribute to female empowerment around the world and our humble effort to improve the representation of women in climate decisions and environmental initiatives.”The podcast series features three separate interviews with three public figures from different backgrounds with different stories and divergent vision, but all united as passionate advocates of gender equality, especially in the climate and environment sector.The full recording of all three episodes of the podcast is now available on YouTube at Veolia Near & Middle East channel.

Diriyah Company will introduce its new visionary and lifestyle destination – Diriyah Square – to global industry leaders participating at the World Retail Congress in Paris from 16-18 April. Located on the outskirts of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the new retail hub will host over 400 new retail outlets and more than 100 restaurants and cafes at the heart of the historic Diriyah development area incorporating 300-year-old traditional architectural concepts and design.Diriyah Square will mark a new milestone in the evolution of retail and become an international focal point that connects the world’s finest retail brands with local artisan goods. It aims to fuse culture, leisure, and entertainment to bring communities closer together by creating shared moments of relaxation and enjoyment.The unveiling of what Diriyah Square has to offer the global retail industry will provide potential partners with an insight into The City of Earth’s dynamic approach to retail. From world-class dining experiences to luxury fashion boutiques, Diriyah Square will welcome visitors with its array of amenities and attractions just a few kilometers from the vibrant capital city of Riyadh.As part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Diriyah Square is poised to become a hub of commerce, culture, and entertainment. The project's emphasis on sustainability, community engagement, and cultural preservation underscores its commitment to creating a truly immersive and inclusive retail environment. Group CEO of Diriyah Company, Jerry Inzerillo said: "Diriyah Square is more than just a shopping destination—it is a symbol of Saudi Arabia's commitment to driving economic growth and fostering creativity and innovation.That is why we are so excited to invite investors and stakeholders from around the world to join us in this exciting journey, and to be a part of shaping the future of retail. With its pedestrian-centric design, direct access to Wadi Hanifah, and close vicinity to the breathtaking At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, the district will be a world-leading lifestyle destination.”Diriyah Company is a dynamic mixed-use developer redefining urban planning to transform Diriyah, “The City of Earth”, into a thriving capital of culture, entertainment, education, and the arts. Diriyah links the Kingdom’s past, present and future introducing visitors to the charm and generosity of Najdi culture as well as the symbol of inspiration for generations of creatives, innovators, entrepreneurs, and educators to come.

Calleo, a Market Intelligence and full-service Marketing Agency, which is retained to provide marketing support to Stanchion, is proud to announce that it has been engaged by Stanchion to be involved in creating a new modern identity, brand and website.Stanchion, founded in Cape Town 23 years ago, has developed into a global business with offices on five continents.  Stanchion sought a new brand identity and logo to reflect not only its shift in focus to be a product-led company that is pioneering payment fabric technology, but to build on its trusted role of powering payments change, bridging the gap between traditional finance infrastructure and modern fintech for clients and also to reflect the dynamic change in the payment’s world in recent years.Calleo provides a range of marketing support and market intelligence services to Stanchion. “It is not every day that the team gets to work end to end on a full project of this scale, which transforms the identity, logo and website. It has been a highly exciting project for our team to be involved in,” says Andrew Dean, Managing Director at Calleo. Modern, Innovative, Leading-edgeThe bold new logo in blue, orange and white encapsulates the rapid evolution in the payment’s world, including payment methods and the way customers interact with their cards and wallets. “While our previous branding paid tribute to chip-based payment cards, our new logo reflects our modern PayTech role as an enabler of digital innovation and customer experiences, adding value to financial institutions that operate within the confines of legacy systems,” says Stanchion CEO, Steven Kirrage. “Our leading-edge products extend the life of existing investments such as Card Issuing platforms, Card Management Systems (CMS) and Processing/Switching platforms.” Wisdom, energy and precision Stanchion prides itself on delivering excellent service to its clients, underscored by decades of skill, experience and knowledge in the PayTech space as it has grown and evolved, guiding customers through digital transformation. A deep blue – to represent Stanchion’s rich depth of expertise, wisdom and stability – has been added to the company’s traditional vibrant orange and white, which depict the energy, optimism, precision and clarity long associated with the brand. “The Stanchion team believes this modern look better reflects today’s world and our place in it. The subtle placement of nodes within the logo links to our commitment to delivering agile innovation to our clients and underscoring the ongoing and efficient management of our products and services,” says Kirrage. 

Sandsoft, the mobile-first game developer, publisher, and investor powered by world-leading games industry talent, has today announced the full-time appointments of Norah AlQuaydhib and Reham Yeshar, who join following their success in Sandsoft’s Press Start internship program. Aligned with Vision 2030, and delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, Press Start provides the opportunity for a diverse mix of entry-level game developers to design a mobile game from the ground up while receiving support from Sandsoft’s team of games industry experts. Norah and Reham’s excellence in the program led to the offer of two full-time game development roles within the Riyadh Studio to create innovative, accessible core social games for players across the world.  Yahsir Qureshi, VP Head of Studio, Sandsoft, commented: “The entire Sandsoft team was incredibly impressed with the fresh perspectives provided by Norah and Reham. As the games industry in the Middle East continues to expand, it’s hugely important to give up-and-coming talent from a range of backgrounds the opportunity to grow professionally. At Sandsoft, we're committed to building a diverse team with 29% of our workforce being female, above the industry average. Whilst there's still more to do in this area, we're proud to nurture local and diverse talent, and I look forward to seeing Norah and Reham's continued growth.” Norah AlQuaydhib, Junior Game programmer, Sandsoft, added:  “I’ve loved working at Sandsoft for the past six months. Sharing an office with experienced gaming leaders has provided a great learning experience, and I can’t wait to discover even more.”Reham Yeshar, Junior Game Artist, Sandsoft, commented: “The Press Start program provided a great opportunity to work with like-minded developers eager to grow in their careers. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Sandsoft, and I’m excited to be involved. ” In March 2024, Sandsoft announced a Joint Venture with NetEase Games to publish games within the MENA region. To learn more about careers at Sandsoft

WE Communications, a leading independent global communications agency, today announced new regional leadership appointments that showcase the agency’s continued commitment to driving overall growth across the EMEA region, which had double-digit growth last year. Daniel Blank has been elevated to head of integrated marketing, EMEA, and Jasmin Athwal to head of growth and business development, EMEA.“WE’s EMEA region has experienced strong performance over the past few years, and our business is ready for additional cross-regional leadership that will continue our positive trajectory,” said Kass Sells, WE’s CEO of international. “Daniel and Jasmin have proven track records of driving results and will be an unstoppable pair when it comes to leading WE into this next chapter.”Under his new remit, Blank will be responsible for driving the agency’s creative and digital work across all EMEA markets. He will manage a team of more than 35 specialists spanning client capabilities that include insights and analytics, creative concepting, design, social media, paid media and content production. Prior to this, Blank served as deputy managing director of WE’s Germany office for six years. Throughout his career of more than 25 years, he has partnered with many multinational brands across the technology, healthcare, consumer products and sustainability sectors.“Clients today rightfully expect seamlessly integrated campaigns and 360-degree digital servicing from their agency partners,” said Sells. “By bringing together a cross-regional team, WE will further increase its creative diversity, quality and scalability for the brands with which we partner.”Athwal is charged with leading new business and marketing, including the development and implementation of a growth strategy across WE’s German, U.K. and South African operations that fuels cross-regional collaboration and integration. She will collaborate closely with local market leadership to drive client acquisition across WE’s key sectors of health, technology and consumer. Athwal most recently was senior director, technology at WE, where she provided counsel to B2B executive leaders on strategic communications and media relations, supporting the growth of WE’s largest clients in the EMEA region.WE’s EMEA Region experienced more than 14% growth in the last calendar year and represents clients that include Forest Stewardship Council, Honeywell and Microsoft.Athwal is based in London, and Blank is based in Munich. Both will continue to report to Sells.

In a landmark announcement recently made at Google Cloud Next, WPP and Google Cloud unveiled a transformative collaboration set to redefine the landscape of marketing. This groundbreaking partnership integrates Google’s cutting-edge Gemini models with WPP Open, WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system utilized by over 35,000 professionals and esteemed clients such as The Coca-Cola Company, L’Oréal, and Nestlé.Combining Google's unparalleled expertise in data analytics, generative AI technology, and cybersecurity with WPP's comprehensive marketing capabilities and global creative prowess, this alliance aims to usher in a new era of marketing efficiency and effectiveness.Central to this collaboration is the utilization of Google Cloud's advanced gen AI tools alongside WPP's proprietary marketing and advertising data. This integration empowers WPP’s clients to craft brand- and product-specific content utilizing gen AI, gain profound insights into target audiences, accurately forecast content effectiveness, and optimize campaigns through ongoing adaptive processes.Drawing from WPP’s extensive experience in serving enterprise clients, WPP Open seamlessly integrates with any client, partner, or technology vendor to deliver optimized and automated marketing capabilities.The inaugural phase of this dynamic partnership focuses on developing four innovative use cases:• Enhanced Creativity with WPP Open Creative Studio: Integrating Google's Gemini 1.5 Pro technology into Creative Studio enables the development of richer and more dynamic user interfaces. By leveraging a brand's content and guidelines, including color palette, fonts, voice, and past campaigns, this integration facilitates the creation of highly creative and on-brand content.• Smarter Content Optimization: Upgrades to WPP's AI Performance Brain™, powered by Gemini 1.5 Pro, enhance the system's ability to predict content performance even before campaign activation. This advancement delivers faster and more accurate predictions, offering superior recommendations to improve content and potentially freeing up substantial resources for reinvestment.• AI Narration: Pioneering real-time streaming capabilities for video description and narration, WPP utilizes Gemini 1.5 Pro to automate customizable video narration scripts, enhancing video creation efficiency and personalization.• Hyper-Realistic Product Representation: Leveraging gen AI, WPP revolutionizes product representation by creating detailed 3D product images that adhere to brand guidelines and incorporate product design elements, ideal for marketing and advertising.Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer at WPP, said: "This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in marketing innovation. Our integration of Gemini 1.5 Pro into WPP Open has significantly accelerated our gen AI innovation and enables us to do things we could only dream of a few months ago. With Gemini models, we're not only able to enhance traditional marketing tasks but also to integrate the end-to-end marketing process for continuous, adaptive optimisation. I believe this will be a game-changer for our clients and the marketing industry at large.”Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said: “AI has the potential to unlock new levels of effectiveness for marketers, whether it is optimising campaigns, automating repetitive tasks like brand descriptions, or sparking entirely new ideas. This partnership brings the power of Google Cloud’s gen AI capabilities together with WPP’s marketing domain expertise to help our mutual customers create better campaigns that resonate with consumers in a deeper way.”The move forms part of WPP’s ongoing annual investment of £250 million in AI, data and technology, and its strategy to capitalise on its lead in the space by partnering with AI experts like Google.

Kartik Chandrasekhar, a seasoned industry leader, has transitioned to a new role as Chief Commercial Officer - Asia, ANZ, Middle East, and Africa at Kellanova, a US-headquartered multinational corporation formerly known as the Kellogg Company.Chandrasekhar, known for his distinguished tenure at Unilever, where he held various pivotal positions over the span of more than two decades, has decided to take on this new challenge after departing from Unilever earlier this year. His departure marked the end of a remarkable journey with the company, where he ascended from a management trainee to head critical divisions such as oral care and skin cleansing for D&E markets, and served as a global brand lead for Pepsodent.Reflecting on his time at Unilever, Chandrasekhar had expressed profound gratitude while leaving his earlier organization, stating: "Unilever welcomed me as a trainee and gave me the opportunity to become the marketer and business leader I am today." He went on to highlight the honor he felt in leading globally renowned brands under Unilever's umbrella, including Ponds, Pepsodent, Signal, Knorr, Pears, and Lifebuoy.Chandrasekhar's extensive experience and strategic acumen are expected to bring a fresh perspective to Kellanova's operations across the vast territories of Asia, ANZ, Middle East, and Africa. With a track record of steering iconic brands to success, his appointment signals Kellanova's commitment to driving growth and innovation in key markets.Outside the boardroom, Chandrasekhar is known for his active lifestyle and passion for activities such as swimming, running, and reading. He resides in Singapore with his wife and two children.

In this interview with Adgully Middle East, Talal Thabet, CEO Haltia.AI, paints a picture of how Haltia.AI and similar technologies will transform the way we interact with technology, offering personalized experiences that enhance productivity, well-being, and human connection. This interview provides a deep dive into this AI startup’s vision, technology, and impact on the future of AI interaction, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of personal AI experiences.How is Haltia.AI redefining personal AI experiences in the UAE, considering the unique cultural landscape and user needs?Haltia.AI recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in crafting a personal AI experience. Moreover, Haltia.AI champions member empowerment and respects the spirit of self-sovereignty, in alignment with the cypherpunk principles of our co-founder and CTO, Arto Bendiken. Here's how we address this in the UAE:On-device processing: Member data stays entirely on their devices, maximizing control and privacy. I see privacy as equal to dignity. This aligns well with the cultural emphasis of the region.Multilingual capabilities: Catering to the region's diverse languages, Haltia.AI will incorporate advanced language processing for seamless interaction in Arabic and other prominent languages.Culturally-aware knowledge base development: We're building an AI with a knowledge base that acknowledges local customs, etiquette, and sensitivities relevant to the UAE and regional context.Member-controlled persona development: The AI personalizes the companion's interaction style based on the member’s usage which offers more formal or respectful speech patterns to align with cultural preferences.Can you elaborate on how Haltia.AI goes beyond basic automation and truly personalizes the user experience with adaptive intelligence?Firstly, at Haltia.AI we do not have “users”. We have “members”. “Users” are for social media and drug dealers. When a service is free, a user and their data become the product. To answer your question, Haltia.AI's core strength lies in its Adaptive Personal AI technology. Here's how it personalizes the experience:Learning from member interactions: The AI continuously learns from member behaviour, preferences, and communication patterns.Predictive capabilities: Based on learned patterns, Haltia.AI anticipates member needs and proactively suggests actions or information.Contextual awareness: The AI understands the context of member queries and tailors responses accordingly, providing more relevant and helpful information.Evolving knowledge base: As members interact with the AI, the knowledge base personalizes itself to their specific interests and needs.With the constant evolution of AI, how is Haltia.AI ensuring its technology stays adaptable and relevant in the long run?We are committed to continuous innovation at Haltia.AI:Dedicated R&D team: Our team actively researches advancements in AI, focusing on areas like real-time knowledge capture and large language model optimization for mobile devices. A team that has already published several prominent papers and will continue to do so.Open architecture: Our technology is designed to be adaptable and integrate with future AI developments, and consequently, can be customized for both the public and the private sectors too.Collaboration with developers: We offer developer kits, fostering a community that builds upon our core technology, accelerating innovation.As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, how is Haltia.AI addressing potential ethical concerns around user privacy and bias? Should AI be regulated? What are your thoughts especially in the backdrop of the recent AI law passed by the EU?At Haltia.AI, ethical considerations and user privacy are paramount. We are one of the few startups that has a dedicated Ethicist on our payroll who directs our compass towards the ethical values that are essential to us as a brand. In addition, we have nine cypherpunks on our advisory board that are all privacy advocates who are happy to ring the alarm should they find that we have not lived up to our brand promise of unbreachable privacy. This direction and keen desire to maintain privacy is because we believe in empowering members with complete control over their data. That's why our core innovation lies in on-device processing.Data never leaves the device: Unlike traditional AI assistants, Haltia.AI processes all information entirely on your smartphone or device. This eliminates the risk of data breaches entirely, as your data never travels to the cloud.Focus on member control: Members have complete autonomy over what information they share with the AI and how it's used.Bias detection and mitigation: We actively address potential biases in our AI by employing diverse datasets and rigorous testing methodologies. We're fortunate to have a senior AI ethicist on our team, leading these efforts and ensuring responsible development.Industry standards and best practices: While we may not advocate for heavy-handed regulation, we believe in responsible AI development and support industry standards that promote user privacy and mitigate bias. The EU's AI Act highlights some valuable considerations in this regard.By prioritizing on-device processing, member control, and leading with an AI ethics expert, Haltia.AI offers a future of AI interaction built on trust and transparency.Does Haltia.AI have ambitions to expand its reach beyond the UAE and cater to a global audience? If so, how will it adapt to diverse cultural contexts?Global presence is an obvious part of our vision. Here's how we'll adapt:Multilingual support: We'll offer extensive language processing capabilities to serve users globally from launch.Culturally-aware knowledge base development: We'll work with local partners and experts to tailor the knowledge base to specific regional contexts.Customizable member interfaces: The UI will be adaptable to accommodate different cultural preferences for design and interaction.Working with the enterprise sector clients that have a similar geographic canvas to roll out the service across their footprint.How will Haltia.AI and similar technologies transform the way we interact with technology in the coming years?Personal AI companions like Haltia.AI will change human behaviour and create a new era of human-tech interaction:More intuitive and natural interaction: We'll move away from keyword searches and towards a more conversational way of interacting with technology.Increased efficiency and productivity: AI will anticipate needs and handle routine tasks, freeing up human time for more creative endeavours.Personalized experiences: Technology will adapt to individual members, providing a more seamless and enriching experience, whether at work or in a member’s private life.Haltia.AI and similar companions, not just assistants, will evolve into the companions that provide assistance, guidance, advice, coaching, promotion, motivation, and dare I say, allow the members to feel supported, loved, and cared for. Human behavior will undergo a transformation, with stress levels decreasing, and instances of overwork and burnout diminishing. Consequently, society will witness greater unity and tolerance among individuals, as Haltia.AI democratizes intelligence just as the internet democratized information.

EaseMyTrip.ae is offering deals on flights and hotels for last-minute travelers during the EID holidays.  EaseMyTrip offers savings of up to AED 600 on combined flight and hotel bookings, allowing travelers to get a steal deal this Eid without overspending. In addition, travelers can enjoy savings of up to AED 500 on one-way and round-trip flight tickets to popular destinations like India, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and other international destinations.  Additionally, EaseMyTrip has a perfect staycation offer on hotels in and around UAE, with a 10% discount with a maximum savings of AED 100. All these amazing offers will be valid from April 5th to April 14th, 2024 providing a limited window to secure these fantastic deals. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip.ae, said: “The UAE is gearing up for peak travel with over 3.6 million guests expected to pass through Dubai alone this fortnight. As International travel destinations grow in popularity, EaseMyTrip.ae has got all the last-minute travelers covered with compelling deals on our website. Owing to common travel patterns, where last-minute bookings are becoming increasingly popular, we encourage travellers to celebrate Eid at their desired destination without worrying about exceeding their budget. We are committed to creating an unforgettable experience at an exceptional value for our customers.”

Carrefour, which Majid Al Futtaim owns the exclusive rights to operate in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has introduced this year’s Eid campaign, “Sweeten your Eid with great deals.” Between April 3 and 16, the brand will be offering discounts of up to 68 per cent, making Eid Al Fitr more affordable for customers by providing them with diverse offers available in-store and on the Carrefour app.The two-week-long mega sale will witness promotions across a variety of categories ranging from locally sourced fruits and vegetables, festive desserts, dates, and nuts, to toys, kitchenware, and appliances.Laurent Hausknecht, Regional Director of Gulf at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, commented: “Eid is a joyous occasion for communities across the Kingdom of Bahrain, and at Majid Al Futtaim, we are dedicated to making it even more special for our customers. Carrefour is proud to offer unbeatable value on a range of products, ensuring our customers can enjoy their favourite items at affordable prices. From exclusive discounts to special promotions, we are committed to providing added convenience and accessibility, making every shopping experience during Eid a memorable one. At Majid Al Futtaim, we believe in creating great moments for everyone, everyday, and our Eid offers at Carrefour are a testament to that commitment.”Customers can also win 10 BD gift vouchers through an in-store competition and 30 BD MyCLUB points via an Instagram competition. On the Carrefour app, customers will be provided with a special promo code for discounts on their purchases. Additionally, there will be weekly discounts of 10 per cent on various categories for MyCLUB members, along with instant discounts on leaflet items.

VideoMost Research, an R&D division of Dubai-based VideoMost company, group video communications software developer, has received the US patent for its innovative video compression technology based on the sketch concept, neural networks and machine learning.According to Cisco market analytics over 80% of all global internet traffic is attributed to video. More than 90% of the content volume shared by users on social networks is video, 87% of marketers use video in their ad campaigns, and 95% of video messages are retained by the viewers. Global video traffic is constantly growing and video occupies a major share of content in all kinds of data transmission and storage systems.Video compression software (video codecs) is widely used globally for video streaming, conferencing, messaging, social networking, video surveillance, digital television, file storage, online advertising and other applications. Where it concerns standard algorithms for compressing and decompressing (codec) video, the compression happens on the content provider’s side (e.g. YouTube servers), while end-users’ machines handle the decompressing. The primary criteria for codec efficiency are the compression factor (rate), video quality, and required computing power (processor cycles). Hundreds of scientific, government and commercial organizations around the world have been improving these parameters for decades, including Google, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Adobe, Cisco and other manufacturers of communication software and equipment, as well as telecom operators in Europe, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and other countries.Video codecs became so hot that Hollywood shot a popular television series “Silicon Valley” with detailed story of a CA-based video codec startup Pied Piper that chronicles its struggles while facing competition from larger entities, including patent wars. It premiered on HBO in 2014 and concluded in 2019, running for a total of 53 episodes. The series was nominated for numerous accolades, including 5 consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations.There are dozens of big players on the global video codecs market with different products. Most of these codecs, including all the ITU-T standards, are protected by hundreds of patents, combined in several patent pulls.During the last 50 years, video compression factor (rate) has increased by only about 40% each ten years. This is too slow and market calls for a new video compression technology with dramatically higher efficiency factor. It is a global challenge, and new technology is required to save costs on building expensive networks and telecom infrastructure, including optical cables, cell towers, frequency spectrum, servers and storage.VideoMost Research shifts the Claude Shannon Rate-distortion theory paradigm and offers fundamentally new concept of video coding based on sketch-video forming, neural networks and machine learning (ML). The new patented method increases video compression factor by about 3 times, not 40%, against the existing modern standards like H.265, VP9 and AV1, with the same video quality.The VideoMost ML codec transforms incoming original video stream in the encoder into a sketch-video that consumes significantly less resources, and when decoded it restores video using a trained neural network. This “sketch focused” and ML-based innovative approach to encoding and decoding video data has been patented by VideoMost Research in the USA and other countries.VideoMost ML Codec delivers significant reduction of video bitrate and storage costs and enables effective high quality video streaming via narrowband mobile communication channels. VideoMost claims that its video compression tech is robust to sudden disruptions in connectivity. When bandwidth is suddenly restricted, the video wouldn’t freeze. VideoMost also said its approach is hardware-agnostic. ML-powered video codec enables more efficient streaming. Even minor improvements in video compression could save on bandwidth costs and deliver higher resolutions and framerates of content being streamed.There are lots of applications to use the technology in B2B and B2C markets, including video portals, compact video storage, video conferencing, p2p and group calling apps, streaming platforms, game playing and cyber sport, movies and TV shows, news and clips, hosting data storage, and more.VideoMost is looking for strategic and tech-savvy financial partners and venture capital to help further fund the ML codec development, improvement and distribution.Given the high listener engagement with podcasts, how can advertisers leverage this not just to generate brand awareness but also drive targeted conversions and sales?What is the importance of creating native advertising experiences for podcast listeners? How can companies ensure their podcast ads are authentic and integrate seamlessly into the podcast's content and tone?With traditional metrics like downloads potentially misleading, what innovative measurement strategies are emerging to accurately gauge the true impact of podcast advertising campaigns? How can advertisers move beyond download numbers to measure the true effectiveness of podcast ads?Podcast listeners are diverse. How can advertisers strategically choose podcasts to reach their ideal customer base and maximize their return on investment (ROI)? What is the importance of audience targeting in podcast advertising for maximizing ROI?How have startups like Blue Apron and Casper utilized podcast advertising to become household names?What are the projected trends for podcast advertising revenue according to recent studies, and what factors contribute to its growth?  What advantages does podcast advertising offer over traditional forms of marketing, particularly in terms of audience engagement and trust?  Can you outline the steps for businesses interested in getting started with podcast advertising, including considerations for ad creation, placement, and tracking results?

Alinma Bank, renowned for its commitment to the national economy, and Mindshare MENA, a leading marketing agency, have orchestrated a remarkable surge in social media followers while drastically reducing costs.Alinma Bank, established in 2006 by royal decree, has consistently championed the economic landscape of the region, empowering individuals and businesses alike to achieve their financial goals.Teaming up with the innovative minds at Aleph and Wise.blue, Alinma Bank achieved a monumental feat, slashing its average Cost-per-Follower (CPF) by a staggering 70%. This achievement not only underscores the bank's commitment to innovation but also positions it as a beacon of Shariah-compliant banking and financial services in the region.Mohammed Ahmed Almuharib, Head of Digital Marketing at Alinma Bank, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, "After X’s depreciation of the follower objective led to a sharp increase in cost per follower, Wise.blue’s automation tool helped to significantly reduce it. Collaborating with Wise.blue has proven effective in maneuvering through these recent changes."The journey to success wasn't without its challenges. When faced with the discontinuation of 'Promoted Accounts' ads on social media platform ???? in August 2023, the teams at Alinma Bank and Mindshare MENA remained undeterred. Their objective was clear: to enhance user engagement and foster a vibrant community while optimizing CPF.With meticulous tracking of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as CPF and Cost-per-Click (CPC), Alinma Bank and Mindshare MENA have not only surpassed their goals but have set a new standard for effective social media marketing in the financial sector.As Alinma Bank continues its journey of innovation and excellence, this collaboration serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and forward-thinking approaches in achieving unparalleled success.

Ford Motor Company’s International Markets Group President, Kay Hart, inaugurated the new impressive state-of-the-art Premier Motors’ Ford & Lincoln showrooms and service center in Al Ain.The opening was attended by His Excellency Dr Tariq Humaid Al Tayer, Director; Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Managing Director; Ashok Khanna, Chief Executive Officer; Helal Hanei Omar, Senior Vice President, Ford & Lincoln Sales; Mona Hasan Sadoun, Vice President, Customer Experience & Marketing, Al Tayer Motors, and Ravi Ravichandran, President, Ford Middle East.The showrooms are part of the official Al Ain Ford and Lincoln distributor Premier Motors’ massive 157,000 square feet 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) facility on Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Awwal St in Al Ain.“It is a pleasure to welcome Kay to this facility, which is designed to provide world-class automotive ownership experiences for our customers in Al Ain and delight them with the top-notch vehicle line-up from one of the world’s most celebrated automotive brands,” said Ashok Khanna. “In addition to providing distinctive vehicles, Al Ain customers now have access to Ford’s best-in-class service experience, which is based on maintaining an always-on relationship and an ever-improving user experience.”Kay Hart said: “Our distributor partner, Al Tayer Motors, is fully committed to delivering an exceptional automotive experience for our customers. The new Ford and Lincoln state-of-the-art facility reflects our shared dedication to providing the very best service both in Al Ain, and right across the UAE.“The opening of this facility is further testament to the continued vital role played by the UAE, Gulf, and wider Middle East in Ford International Markets Group’s growth strategy. With this region’s incredible transformation set to continue, Ford remains laser-focused on delivering quality must-have products, services and experiences for our customers.”The showrooms, meticulously planned and designed as per the latest international Ford Signature and Lincoln Vitrine guidelines, have dedicated areas for displaying approved pre-owned cars. They are equipped with new vehicle configuration areas, as well as branded goods and accessories displays. Specially designated celebration bays for customers taking delivery of their vehicles help make the beginning of new journeys memorable, as customers drive away with their new vehicles. In readiness to display electric vehicles (EV), the new showrooms have the necessary infrastructure to charge EVs.The Ford showroom has 16 vehicles on display. All new vehicles are available with five years or 100,000 kilometres warranty and service contract. In addition, the showroom also has five Ford Approved vehicles. Each vehicle undergoes a comprehensive 164-point check-up and comes with a two-year service contract and warranty as well as a 15-day exchange promise.The Lincoln showroom has four new vehicles as well as two Lincoln Certified vehicles displayed. All new vehicles are available with five years or 100,000 kilometres warranty and service contract. Each vehicle undergoes a comprehensive 200-point premium inspection and is available with a two-year service contract, Lincoln Certified warranty, Lincoln history guarantee as well as a 15-day exchange promise.The 62,000-plus square-feet service facility includes a service centre with 16 service bays for Ford & Lincoln, and a body shop with 13 dedicated service bays. The Spare Parts centre covers an area of over 8,400 square feet and is stocked with all necessary parts to meet be able to assist the service centre with their requirements.

STARZPLAY, a leading regional video-on-demand service, has announced a multi-year partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation.This strategic agreement grants STARZPLAY exclusive broadcast rights to all UFC content throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Additionally, the partnership will see the launch of a dedicated 24/7 UFC channel, STARZPLAY Sports UFC.Through this partnership, fight fans in the MENA region will gain unprecedented access to UFC content, including:  Live Event Streaming: Witness the electrifying intensity of live UFC fights directly through the STARZPLAY app.  Localized Content: Enjoy Arabic-language programming, such as UFC Countdown and UFC Connected, providing deeper insights and analysis.  On-Demand Library: Explore a vast library of past fights, documentaries, and original UFC programming on-demand.“The MENA region is a critical market for UFC,” said David Shaw, UFC Executive Vice President, Head of International and Content. “We’ve had incredible success hosting live events with our partners at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This partnership with STARZPLAY allows us to further expand our reach and provide unparalleled content access to our ever-growing fan base in the Middle East and North Africa.”“UFC has a longstanding relationship with Abu Dhabi, our home city,” said Andy Warkman, STARZPLAY Head of Sport. “We are thrilled to become the exclusive home of UFC in the MENA region. UFC boasts a massive fanbase here, and STARZPLAY is committed to delivering unparalleled coverage, localized specifically for our regional audience. The launch of our dedicated STARZPLAY Sports UFC channel and comprehensive on-demand UFC content hub exemplifies our dedication to showcasing world-class sports tailored for MENA viewers.”The newly launched STARZPLAY Sports UFC channel and its extensive UFC content library will be available on the STARZPLAY app, accessible on Smart TVs, mobile platforms, and the STARZPLAY website. Further details regarding launch dates will be announced soon.

WebEngage, a full stack Retention Operating System, has announced a significant bolstering of its data science and AI practice with the acqui-hiring of the talented data scientists from Propellor.ai. This strategic move is aimed at leveraging the billions of data points in the WebEngage CDP to enable clients with comprehensive best-in-class verticalized analytics and AI-driven solutions as predictive segmentation, recommendations and persona building.WebEngage is intensifying its focus on demonstrating deeper value delivery and ROI from the engagement via a data-enabled Retention Consulting practice. Despite billions of data points and powerful engagement capabilities, the adoption of the platform has room to grow substantially. Unlike acquisition-first advertising platforms like Google and Facebook which have matured over the last couple of decades, the retention and user engagement space is still relatively new and talent supply in the ecosystem is in nascent stages."Unlike productivity SaaS, WebEngage is uniquely placed to make a 20-40% impact on a customer’s revenue and profit metrics. Marketers across the world use ~ 20% of their retention tech stacks, limiting the ROI and impact they draw from it. We saw a clear need to deepen our advisory interventions to help move the needle for them. The exceptional team of Data Scientists will now supercharge how we leverage our customers’ data to deliver value. We’re calling this skin-in-the-game consulting because we only win if our customers win," said Avlesh Singh, Co-founder & CEO, WebEngage.Abhijat Shukla, the 20 year veteran data professional and the founder of Propellor, says: “I’m excited to find such a vast playground to deploy all the skills and lessons with me and my team on delivering deep insights in easily consumable ways that can enable effective decision making. Data-hungry customers are in for a treat.”Karthik Reddy, Managing Partner at Blume Ventures, an investor with WebEngage, says: "WebEngage has a tradition of accelerating product sophistication, driven by their customers' needs. As an investor, we are proud to see this enhanced approach to a data and advisory practice. This can be orbit-shifting in terms of utilization of data for even better retention for the client's customers. Propellor now means an even more impactful WebEngage inside more global consumer marketing teams.”The acquisition of this seasoned team of data scientists underscores WebEngage's dedication to staying at the forefront of MarTech innovation. Alongside a series of product innovations, the layer of service model innovation is expected to be a game-changer in how marketers and business leaders perceive martech solutions: becoming revenue drivers instead of cost centers. The erstwhile customer success manager role at WebEngage is morphing into an analytics-first growth consultant who can interpret funnels and cohorts and talk the language of RoAS and Control Group uplifts.As WebEngage deepens its data and consulting practice, clients can expect substantially enhanced quality of insights and see the compounded effect of new campaigns across channels delivering ROI and contribution to revenue.

Tesla has made a surprising about-face, cancelling its plans for a long-awaited affordable electric car and instead pouring resources into developing self-driving robotaxis, according to a Reuters report. Now the future of electric mobility just got a whole lot more interesting!The scrapped vehicle, often referred to as the "Model 2," was intended to be a $25,000 entry point for budget-conscious consumers and a key driver of Tesla's growth into the mass market. However, the company now cites fierce competition from established Chinese automakers offering a range of affordable EVs as the reason for abandoning the project.This strategic shift marks a significant change of course for Tesla. CEO Elon Musk has long championed the idea of an affordable electric car, even calling it a core mission of the company. His original "master plan" envisioned using profits from luxury models to finance the development of a "low cost family car."Despite Musk's repeated promises, the affordable car project has faced numerous delays. In January, Reuters reported on Tesla's plans to begin production in the latter half of 2025, only to be contradicted by this recent announcement.While details remain murky, Tesla seems to be betting big on robotaxis, a technology with the potential to revolutionize transportation. However, this path is fraught with challenges. Regulatory approval and the complexity of autonomous driving technology pose significant hurdles. Furthermore, Tesla faces competition in the robotaxi space as well.This news comes amidst a period of scrutiny for Tesla. Musk's involvement in various ventures like SpaceX and Twitter has raised questions about his focus on Tesla. Additionally, the company's ambitious sales targets seem less achievable without the affordable car to drive volume.Tesla's stock price initially dipped on the news but recovered somewhat after Musk refuted the report on social media. He even announced an upcoming "Tesla Robotaxi unveil" on August 8, further emphasizing the company's new direction.