Times Internet expands its leading cricket distribution positions in North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia regions, by acquiring the exclusive rights to broadcast India’s home bilateral series from September 2023 through March 2028.In North America, Willow TV’s position across the United States and Canada will be further strengthened. Alongside the BCCI rights, Willow also distributes more than 10 other boards and tournaments, making Willow the leading cricket destination in North America.In the Middle East, Times Internet has developed a strong position, now holding the rights to distribute the IPL alongside the BCCI rights, giving any cricket fan a year-round calendar of the highest quality cricket offerings in the region. Times partnered with Noon, Etisalat, and Cricbuzz to distribute the IPL in 2023, and will look to establish its distribution partnerships in the Middle East region further.In Southeast Asia, this is Cricbuzz’s first rights package in the market, and the rights will be distributed on its own platforms as well as other distribution partnerships. Commenting on the occasion, Satyan Gajwani, Vice Chairman of Times Internet: “We are proud to partner with [PITCH or VIACOM], as well as the BCCI again. Willow TV has a longstanding position as the home of cricket in the U.S.. With our foray into the Middle East, I’m confident that Cricbuzz and The Times of India Group will be able to bring a best-in-class consumer viewing experience to more cricket fans around the world.”Willow TV is the only 24x7 cricket channel available in the U.S. and offers several hundred days of live match competition each year. Willow also operates the world’s leading portal for live Internet streaming of all Cricket events at www.willow.tv and on the Willow TV app.Cricbuzz is the global leader in cricket news and content. Cricbuzz offers news, live information, historical data, opinion, video and audio content on international cricket and premier T20 and domestic cricket tournaments.Times Internet is the largest Indian internet network and the digital venture of The Times of India Group, India's largest media and entertainment group. Times Internet reaches over 580 million unique visitors monthly across news, entertainment, sports, local, e-commerce, classifieds, startup investments, local partnerships, and more.

Boutique Group, a hospitality company fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, merging the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's culture and heritage with contemporary elegance to develop historic and cultural places into ultra-luxury boutique hotels, has signed an MoU with Sommet Education, a leading international network of hospitality management and culinary arts schools. Sommet Education encompasses prestigious institutions such as Swiss originated hospitality business schools Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, together with culinary and pastry arts school École Ducasse.Boutique Group is a one-of-a-kind hospitality company developed to deliver a unique ultra-luxury Saudi experience that contributes to the local economy and enhances the Kingdom’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination in line with the Vision 2030. The collaboration between Boutique Group and Sommet Education will focus on three main areas: training programs, recruitment, and internships.Sommet Education will support Boutique Group through customized and bespoke training pathways, enabling Boutique Group employees to benefit from Sommet Education's vast experience in crafting hospitality programs, tailored to the talent development of the company’s employees.As Boutique Group continues to recruit talent, locally and internationally, Sommet Education has the opportunity to play a significant role through its established network to ensure that the unique talents from its Hospitality schools join the Boutique Group’s team.Boutique Group will offer internship programs for students, providing them with invaluable hands-on training and experience. In turn this will help to establish a talent network, ensuring a flow of passionate individuals who are familiar with the company's ethos and standards.CEO of Boutique Group Mark De Cocinis, and CEO of Sommet Education Benoît-Etienne Domenget met in Abu Dhabi at the Future Hospitality Summit and Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference 2023, to sign the MoU on September 26th, 2023. Boutique Group is a platinum sponsor of FHS & AHIC 2023, an international platform where the world’s most influential hospitality investment decision makers connect, exchange knowledge and explore new partnerships, making the venue a fitting place to solidify the agreement.Mark De Cocinis, CEO, Boutique Group, said: “Partnering with Sommet Education was a natural next step for us. Their commitment to delivering top-tier hospitality management and culinary arts schooling directly aligns with our goals of cultivating industry professionals and fuels my enthusiasm for fostering Saudi talents. Through innovative training, we aim to nurture possibility and inspire the visionaries who will drive our industry forward.”Sommet Education is a leading international network of hospitality management and culinary arts schools offering the highest quality of education and training, aligning with industry best practices and standards. It is the only education group with two in the Top 5 globally-ranked institutions for hospitality education and by employer reputation (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, said: "We are excited about our collaboration with novel pioneers, Boutique Group, as it enhances our potential to revolutionize how hospitality professionals are developed. We spark new heights of greatness for generations of leaders via collaborative programs that combine our recognized expertise.”Signing the MoU confirms the expansion of an already fruitful partnership. Boutique Group previously engaged the educational institution to deliver Medh’Yaf – a hospitality immersion program that focused on the luxury hospitality landscape, techniques to develop and bring to life cultural heritage, and how to deliver the ultra-luxury experience, to more than 70 of their employees.

WILD (Women in Leadership Deliver) the GCC-based female networking platform, has signed a significant MoU that forms a new partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Network Saudi Arabia to drive forward SDG5 gender equality in the Kingdom, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.Since its launch in KSA in 2022, WILD has made a positive impact across the female leadership space in the Kingdom. Establishing its foundation in the UAE in 2018, WILD has cemented itself as a credible and popular platform for female leadership, across industries. Through this groundbreaking new alliance, WILD and the UNGC, KSA are joining forces to amplify the voices of women leaders, drive transformative change, and champion the advancement of women across the region. The partnership aims to create a powerful platform where women can connect, inspire, and support each other on their leadership journeys.As part of the partnership, WILD will actively contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality and women's empowerment. Through targeted programs and initiatives, WILD and the UNGC, KSA will work hand in hand to ensure that women have equal opportunities to thrive in leadership positions, contribute to decision-making processes, and shape the future.Saudi Arabia has made tremendous progress in empowering its working women. As the nation diversifies its economy, gender equality is a core component of this diversification and huge trajectory of the growth anticipated.Women in KSA are leading the way across multiple sectors. The technology industry has a higher female participation rate than other regions globally. Saudi women over ranked European women standing at 28% compared to 17.5% in Europe. Entrepreneurship is of huge interest to those looking to start up their own ventures and KSA is ranked the 3rd highest of women holding entrepreneurship roles globally."We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Network Saudi Arabia," said Emma Burdett, Founder and CEO of WILD. "This collaboration represents a bold step forward in our mission to empower women leaders worldwide. Together, we will break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all."The WILD vision and mission is set to influence many lives over the coming years through its female leadership community, leadership programs, events and initiatives. WILD will be utilizing Saudi talent in alignment with the vision requirements and to be relevant to local needs. "As a Saudi female leader, I appreciate the direction and the realization efforts of Saudi Vision 2030 to empower Saudi women. Moreover, I understand that the journey isn’t easy; and it doesn’t begin/stop at landing a senior role, but it's a combination of little and major steps with so many conversations in between that women need to realize and be prepared for. For that, I’m glad to announce the partnership between UN Global Compact Saudi Arabia and WILD to deliver a range of organizational programs that will help businesses identify the gap of female leadership, create the right governance and culture for growing female leadership, and bridge local and global networks to share success stories and best practices.” said Maryam Telmesani, Board Chair of Global Compact Network Saudi Arabia.

The media should place a greater emphasis on climate action, especially by utilising the art of storytelling, to inspire positive change and shape a sustainable future, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) told delegates on the second day of the Arab Media Forum.In her call to regional media, Sheikha Shamma, who is also a business leader, entrepreneur and author, said: “The media serves as the bridge that connects us all, and my message to media professionals today is to prioritise climate activism and environmental reporting for a better future.”In the session titled ‘Media and Sustainability’, Sheikha Shamma emphasised that the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators had conducted studies and recognised a significant gap in climate change coverage within Arab media. It was found that Arab media should play a more active role in addressing climate change, with a particular emphasis on storytelling, she noted.Sheikha Shamma explained that in response to this identified gap, the 'Climate Tribe' platform was introduced. The platform is specifically designed to showcase the stories of remarkable individuals who are making a difference in the field of climate action.She said that the digital platform features videos and narratives about climate heroes who are making a positive impact. She also mentioned that the platform is scheduled to be launched in Arabic, and extended an invitation to share stories related to climate action, both from the UAE and beyond, to be featured on the platform.Sheikha Shamma said that studies indicate that young people are less inclined to engage with stories that have a gloomy and bleak tone, primarily because these narratives predominantly emphasise negative elements. Instead, stories should focus on climate action and solutions, emphasising that each individual can make a tangible difference. “We all need to take responsibility for the environment,” she remarked.During the session, Sheikha Shamma took the occasion to announce the launch of an environmental lexicon that seeks to help people understand the terminology related to climate change. She emphasised the importance of a bilingual lexicon, particularly in light of the UAE's hosting of the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 28), and encouraged the sharing of words related to the environment to enrich this resource, underlining that addressing climate issues is a shared responsibility that demands collective effort.Sheikha Shamma also discussed the objectives of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators, a think tank and accelerator committed to aiding the country's shift towards a green economy. She also elaborated on the UICCA’s launch of the UAE Carbon Alliance, a coalition of partners dedicated to advance the development of a carbon market ecosystem.When asked about the origins of her passion for the environment, she said that her love for nature began in her childhood. She said that despite her great-grandfather, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, being told that planting trees in this land wouldn't work, “he went ahead and did it anyway”. “We are now reaping the rewards of his vision, living in the paradise we see today. I consider it my duty to carry forward his legacy, and together, we can achieve the seemingly impossible task of transitioning to a green economy.”

Dubai Media Inc (DMI) has announced a comprehensive development plan for its news, television and digital sectors. This was revealed at a press conference held by DMI at the 21st Arab Media Forum in Dubai. The plan seeks to enhance DMI’s professional, human, technical and infrastructure capabilities. DMI CEO Mohammed Al Mulla said: DMI’s new initiatives align with the vision and directives of Ahmed bin Mohammed for the positive transformation of the media sector in the UAE and the region“The new plan places the highest importance on investing in human resources, empowering young media professionals, and enhancing their role in development”Dubai Media Academy DMI has announced the launch of the Dubai Media Academy aimed at fostering skills of young media professionals and guiding them towards fulfilling media careers. Dubai Media Studios for Creative Production aims to support emerging talent and content creatorsDMI will launch a dedicated events company to organise popular art and music programmes.In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, to further develop the media sector in Dubai and support the growth of the media and creative sectors in the Arab world, DMI has revealed details of a comprehensive plan to realise its new strategy.Details of such initiatives that form part of the plan were revealed at the press conference. To be implemented in the coming months, the plan seeks to enhance DMI’s professional, human, technical and infrastructure capabilities.His Excellency Mohammed Al Mulla, CEO of DMI, said at the press meet that the initiatives align with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed for the positive transformation of the media sector in the UAE and the region. The new plan places the highest importance on investing in human resources, empowering young media professionals, and enhancing their role in development.The new initiatives seek to enhance the next generation’s participation in shaping the media of the future and giving them more influential leadership roles. He highlighted DMI’s commitment to disseminating high-quality content about Dubai globally, while preserving local and Arab values.The new plan will encompass all media platforms as part of the organisation’s commitment to fostering the production of high-quality content and raising Dubai's stature as the region’s preeminent economic and media hub. The strategy also envisages transforming DMI into a leader in Arab content production and a pioneer in deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media.The CEO said that the Dubai Media Academy will foster skills and guide the youth towards fulfilling media careers. The Academy is poised to open new educational avenues and promote academic and professional training. Apart from preparing graduates for tomorrow’s media industry, the Academy seeks to raise standards of academic expertise and specialised media research in the UAE.DMI also announced the launch of several other strategic initiatives to revitalise the media landscape in Dubai, including the establishment of the Dubai Media Studios for Creative Production, which aims to support emerging talent and content creators and foster collaboration and job creation in the creative sector.The company is also launching a dedicated events company to organise popular art and music programmes that will be broadcast regionally, with the aim of enhancing creativity and cultural appreciation in society.Salem Belyouha, Chief Content Officer of DMI, said: “The next phase of DMI’s growth will see it increasingly focusing on developing creative content This effort is being driven by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed’s vision to establish Dubai as a major hub for content production in the Arab world.Belyouha said DMI’s plan has placed a special focus on developing economy-related content, which will support Dubai's growth as a major global financial and economic centre. The drive to enhance the quality of economy-related content supports the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan to establish the emirate as the best city to live, work and visit and the objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate Dubai's position as one of the world’s top three cities, he added.Khadija Al Marzouqi, Director of Digital Media at DMI, said the organisation’s digital capabilities are being enhanced to diversify content streams in a way that reflects Dubai's cultural and social diversity and its emergence as a global metropolis. As part of this objective, DMI seeks to attract distinguished Emirati and Arab media personalities and position Dubai TV as a preferred channel for regional audiences with varied high-quality programming.Sarah Al Jarman, General Manager of TV Channels and Radio at DMI, highlighted the organisation’s plans to introduce new media personalities to its television channels. Sama Dubai TV will continue to enhance its coverage of local affairs and the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, by developing a variety of new programmes.DMI’s new plan seeks to develop a deep pool of Emirati and Arab media talent in line with the organisation’s new goals. Dubai TV aims to serve as a global window to discover Dubai’s achievements and architectural landmarks. The channel aims to establish itself as a preferred source for television programming among regional audiences.Ahmed Abdullah, the Senior Programmes Manager at Dubai TV, stated that the new programmes will feature renowned Emirati and Arab media personalities, with the objective of establishing Dubai TV as the best option for viewers seeking diverse content.Saud Al Derbi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan newspaper, highlighted DMI’s holistic development vision aimed at revitalising Dubai’s news media and enhancing its competitiveness. He highlighted DMI’s plan to feature prominent writers from the Arab world, especially economic analysts and commentators.  Reem Al Marri, Director of the News Centre at DMI said the organisation’s new plan seeks to transform Dubai’s news media sector with a focus on ensuring balanced and comprehensive reporting to solidify DMI’s reputation as a credible source of news and raising Dubai's stature in the global news media landscape.Emarat Al Youm newspaper will continue to focus on local affairs in its unique style, with a versatile approach towards covering topics that touch people's lives. The newspaper seeks to convey an accurate image of Dubai’s developments across economic, cultural, art and sports sectors.Mona Busamra, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm newspaper, spoke about the exciting phase of transformation in Dubai’s news media sector. She emphasised DMI’s commitment to providing high-quality journalistic content and enriching its content with the contributions of eminent Arab writers and creatives.Reem Alieh, Director of Brand Management, DMI, said the organisation’s transformation will be reflected in a revitalised corporate brand identity. This branding overhaul is part of a concerted effort to present a multifaceted, dynamic image that is aligned with the innovation and technological advancement taking place within the media landscape of Dubai.

 Financial professionals share a sense of optimism about digital transformation including artificial intelligence (AI). The Digital Horizons survey – which garnered 1,074 responses from the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA) members across the globe - saw a range of key organisational benefits in adopting digital technologies including flexibility/adaptability, quality of products and services, sustainability performance, transparency, and regulatory compliance (72%). Fazeela Gopalani, Head of ACCA Middle East, said, "Our members in the Middle East have always been forward-thinking and adaptable. This report demonstrates their readiness to embrace AI and other digital technologies. It's an exciting time for the accounting profession in our region."However, the report also noted that financial professionals still see the main benefit of technology as offering efficiency/process improvements: 52% ranked efficiency, internal process optimisation or cost savings in their top three objectives when adopting new technology. Only 18% included competition-related reasons, such as responding to customer demands, enhancing market insights, introducing 24/7 capabilities, or maintaining competitive advantage. Cost remains the top challenge when adopting technology, but organisational culture also remains a critical factor in successful adoption. The survey did see a more mixed response to how technology supports personal objectives. Productivity (cited by 85% of respondents), collaboration (76%), and career development (65%) were all strong but fears over job security were apparent, and only 30% saying technology was supportive in that respect. The impact on career development was notably positive, with many roundtable discussions revolving around access to learning and more flexible opportunities. The ACCA members show a high level of trust in artificial intelligence (AI). 70% agreed with the statement ‘AI can increase the amount of time I have to focus on business-critical tasks’ – only 9% disagreed, with 15% neutral. They were less sure of the idea of AI performing business critical tasks (50% agreeing, 21% and 22% disagreeing or neutral) but even so the numbers reflected a sense of optimism. Although just under one-fifth report the implementation of AI within their organisation, and another 8% are trialling initiatives, there are clearly great aspirations and a considerable opportunity to leverage these new capabilities. Gopalani added, "Accounting professionals all over the world need to think beyond mere efficiency gains. We should strive to gain a deeper understanding of the value of AI, adapting our skills and practices to fully harness its potential."

Kaspersky released a new report on mobile cyberthreat dynamics in Q2 2023, which indicates that threats for mobile devices are growing. While users increasingly rely on their mobile devices to share personal data and connect to corporate networks, the number of mobile threats detects particularly in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region increased by 5% in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022. All these threats were blocked by Kaspersky mobile solutions.Threat statistics in the report come from Kaspersky solutions running on Android devices. This mobile OS holds a dominant market share in the Middle East, Africa and Turkiye. Apple devices are not immune to cyberthreats (with the Triangulation attack uncovered by Kaspersky as the most recent example), but are difficult to monitor due to OS specifics.Among the most prevalent mobile threats that were detected in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa region are adware and mobile banking threats. In Q2 there was a significant rise in adware detects in the region compared to Q2 2022: 94% in Nigeria, 49% in Turkiye, 27% in South Africa, 39% in Kenya, 6% in the Middle East. Banking trojans, which are used to hunt for data related to online banking and e-payment systems, are another concerning threat for mobile users. Specifically, Turkiye saw twofold increase (102%) in Trojan-Banker detects in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022.For a more detailed analysis of these threats read the report by Kaspersky.“With the growing adoption of smartphones and mobile banking in the Middle East, Turkiye, Africa region, cybercriminals are likely to further increase their targeting of mobile devices. We can expect a surge in phishing attacks, mobile malware, and malicious apps disguised as legitimate financial services. Cybercriminals will continue to exploit social engineering tactics, such as SMS phishing and voice phishing, to trick mobile users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious content. Individuals and organizations in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa should prioritize mobile cybersecurity measures, including robust antivirus software, regular updates, user education, and vigilance against social engineering tactics to safeguard their mobile devices and sensitive data,” comments Anton Kivva, Malware Analyst Team Lead at Kaspersky.To protect yourself from mobile threats, Kaspersky recommends:Download apps only from official stores like Apple AppStore, Google Play or Amazon Appstore. Apps from these markets are not 100% failsafe, but at least they get checked by the moderators and there is some filtration system — not every app can get onto these stores. It’s worth looking through user reviews of an apps to see if there is any negative feedback on its functionality.Check the permissions of apps that you use and think carefully before permitting an app, especially when it comes to high-risk permissions such as Accessibility Services.A reliable mobile security solution like Kaspersky Premium can help you to detect malicious apps and adware before they start behaving badly on your device.Update your operating system and important apps as updates become available. Many safety issues can be solved by installing updated versions of software.Kaspersky calls on the mobile industry to enhance cyber protection at all levels, including security for users, by providing tailored cybersecurity services. Kaspersky Consumer Business Alliances enable companies to offer their customers complete cybersecurity portfolios by backing them with Kaspersky's global support and expertise.

Mahmoud Lamei, CEO of City Farm, said that his company actually began its work in supplying products into the American market since 2021, and at that time it achieved annual sales amounting to $28 million, rising to $35 million in 2022, which prompted it to increase its targets for the current year, in light of the remarkable demand for the products. He explained that the company works in the field of exporting Egyptian agricultural products to various American markets, and has a strong presence in the states of New York, New Jersey, Florida, Chicago, Texas, and Michigan. Lamei pointed out that the company supplies several agricultural products to American markets, most notably molokhia, okra, taro, green beans, spinach, falafel, green beans, and grape leaves, in addition to bottled juices and peas. He confirmed that Arab and Egyptian customers represent the largest percentage of sales in the famous commercial chains in the United States, while there is a demand from some other nationalities to buy goods that are considered popular in Egypt, such as falafel, molokhiya, and peas.He noted that the company is in the process of conducting an ambitious expansion plan aimed at establishing a presence in the European and Gulf markets in the coming period based on the quality of the Egyptian product, in addition to exploiting its remarkable presence in the American market. He explained that his company has subsidiary arms in the Egyptian market. It has agricultural lands with an area of ??120 acres in Menoufia Governorate, which are cultivated with several agricultural crops in order to secure the raw material needed for export, while it is strongly studying to increase that area by purchasing lands ready for reclamation and cultivating them later to raise production capacity. He stated that the company is open to adding any famous Egyptian goods or products that wish to be present in foreign markets. For example, pickles and dried fruits are exported, in addition to some famous brands of snacks, tahini, and hummus, in addition to spices and hot drinks. Lamei said that the total production capacity exported from Egypt is approximately 1,300 tons annually, and work is ongoing to increase that quantity, in line with the government’s policy to increase the value and quantity of exports as they are an important source of foreign currency. He stated that the company relies on the ports of Alexandria and Damietta to export products to America, which are received in the ports of New York, New Jersey, and Florida. He explained that City Farm's total investments amount to $250 million, represented by annual sales and transportation assets . He added that the company has a separate brand for canned juices that it manufactures for others in one of the specialized factories in Sadat City, and that it is considering establishing a factory to provide this service in light of the increasing demand for products abroad. It is worth noting that the latest data issued by the American authorities showed an increase in Egyptian exports of food industries to about $345 million during the year 2022, led by shellfish, vegetables, and dried fruits, especially strawberries. He stressed that Egyptian companies have export opportunities available in the American market, especially citrus fruits, juices, olive oil, and artichokes. The American market is considered one of the most important importing markets for Egyptian food products, as the American market occupied second place in the ranking of the most important countries importing Egyptian manufactured foods in 2022 out of total Egyptian exports, which amounted to 4.2 billion dollars in the same year. He believed that the increase in the volume of exports comes from the expansion of the export of crops with an export surplus, especially vegetables and fruits, and promotion in foreign markets with a move towards markets in Africa, the East and South Asia region, and some Latin American countries. He stressed that the economic development plan touched on this matter, and this is due to the importance of expanding agricultural exports and the hard currency it will provide for the state in one of the sectors that characterize Egypt, while the expansion of exports opens new horizons and increases the provision of direct or indirect job opportunities.

Amsterdam: SkyTeam has welcomed Evgenia Starkova as Head of Marketing and Sustainability, a newly-created position that strengthens the global airline alliance’s commitment to delivering a more seamless, integrated and responsible journey. Starkova will lead a team of 12 and oversee Customer Experience, Sustainability, Loyalty, Business Development and Commercial Partnerships. Starkova brings more than two decades of strategic, multi-national experience to SkyTeam gained across biotech, fintech and medical not-for-profit organizations. She joins the alliance from CCV Group in Arnhem, the Netherlands, where she was Head of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability.Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO said: “We are delighted to have Evgenia’s energy, enthusiasm and strategic expertise on board as we work to transform SkyTeam through 2027, placing an even greater focus on greener travel and customer excellence.” Evgenia Starkova, said: “My experience of managing change and transition has shown me just how rewarding strategic turnarounds can be. I am inspired by the passion of the people here at SkyTeam and excited to work in an industry that connects people and cultures across the world.” Born in Russia, Starkova has lived and studied around the world and holds a Master’s degree in International Communication Management from De Haagse Hogeschool. 

Dubai: Hilton, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) West Asia, Winnow, and ne’ma The National Food Loss and Waste initiative, has launched a first-of-its-kind Green Breakfast initiative. The launch follows the success of Hilton’s Green Ramadan campaign, which saw a 61 per cent reduction in post-consumer food waste across the brand’s properties in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.Hilton’s Green Breakfast aims to significantly reduce food waste across breakfast operations in 13 UAE-based hotels, effectively providing a blueprint for food waste management across the local hospitality industry. The pilot project kicked off in August with the installation of production and plate waste systems across participating hotels, where baseline data was recorded and will be updated through November 2023. Hilton, ne’ma, and Winnow are working on the ground to develop best practices for the entire industry to follow.FAO and UNEP studies have revealed that one third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, accounting for eight to ten per cent of global carbon emissions and totalling a one trillion dollar problem. The group’s breakfast campaign aims to tackle these challenges in line with the United Nations’ Sustainability Goal 12.3, which commits to halving food waste at the consumer level by 2030. The activity falls under the Recipe of Change initiative led by UNEP West Asia with the support of the GO4SDGs initiative, and ne’ma - The National Food Loss and Waste initiative which is a collaboration of The Presidential Court, Emirates Foundation, and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.By proactively tracking and measuring food waste, as well as implementing interventions or nudges that direct consumer choices, Hilton will be contributing to the global food index via UNEP and will also be supporting food waste reduction targets in the UAE through collaboration with ne’ma.Hilton continues to prioritise food waste reduction as part of its ongoing ESG ‘Travel with Purpose’ initiatives, which bring responsible tourism to the forefront of the group’s hotel operations. Breakfast provides a unique opportunity to address food waste concerns, as it is the one unifying F&B experience in all hotels that also contributes the most to food waste around the world. With Hilton serving an estimated one billion breakfasts per year – and the 13 UAE-based properties serving 1.8 million in the same period – the first meal of the day allows for the most guest interaction and education.Emma Banks, Vice President, F&B Strategy & Development, Hilton, EMEA, said: “As a leading international hospitality brand, Hilton shoulders a responsibility to improve the industry and its approach to responsible tourism. Hilton Green Breakfast is the latest pioneering initiative launched by the group, which will see the foundations laid for effective food waste management across local and regional hotel F&B operations. The campaign also serves to support Hilton’s ongoing commitment to creating a global food waste reduction programme, with the market-leading pilot initiative driving closed-loop operations ahead of Hilton’s participation in COP28.”Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne’ma National Steering Committee Secretary General, commented: “The UAE is experiencing remarkable growth, and with that comes an ever-increasing demand for resources, including food. To ensure a sustainable future, we must confront the issue of food waste head-on, which is why bold initiatives such as Hilton’s Green Breakfast are so crucial, and we are proud to play our part by helping to implement these kinds of innovative solutions that foster awareness. By collaborating with our partners and the community, Emirates Foundation and ne’ma are committed to reducing food waste, promoting responsible consumption, and inspiring a culture of sustainability in the UAE and beyond. I applaud Hilton, as a global hospitality leader, for showing the industry the way forward and tackling head-on a multifaceted problem with significant environmental, economic, and social consequences.”Marc Zornes, CEO, Winnow added: "Through our collaboration with Hilton on the Green Breakfast initiative, we're taking tangible steps towards addressing the global food waste challenge. The results from Hilton's Green Ramadan were commendable, and we're optimistic about making an even greater impact as gear up for COP28. Together, we're setting standards for the hospitality industry to drive meaningful change." Participating hotels include Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, Conrad Dubai, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, and DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai - Business Bay.

Abu Dhabi: His Excellency Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Suhail Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports, will present the UAE’s national sports strategy at the Sport Industry Forum 2023 in Abu Dhabi next week.In an exclusive session for the Sport Industry Forum, more than 200 senior attendees will learn more about the strategy and how it impacts sport, community, health and education in the UAE.Other highlights include an onstage Q&A with former Manchester United F.C. legend Dwight Yorke and a rare and unique opportunity for attendees to see the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and F.A. Cup trophies, which will be on display at the Forum on day two.Officially supported by the Department of Community Development and the Convention & Exhibition Bureau - Abu Dhabi, the Sport Industry Forum takes place on 4-5 October at The WB Abu Dhabi by Hilton on Yas Island.This year the event will be held alongside the NBA Abu Dhabi Games. CEOs of both teams, Cynt Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks and Ethan Casson of the Minnesota Timberwolves will share leadership lessons from their time leading major sports organizations.Other speakers at the Forum include His Excellency Mohammed Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Student Wellbeing Sector at Emirates Schools Establishment; Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre; and Shaima Alhusseini, CEO of Saudi Sports for All Federation.To register for the forum please visit www.sportindustryseries.com/register_

The renowned global sportswear brand New Balance announces its collaboration with the Saudi cultural icon, Amy Roko, as its new brand ambassador. In joining New Balance, Amy will work closely with New Balance to foster the engagement of women and empower them through various initiatives.New Balance recognizes Amy Roko as a prominent figure leading change in the region as she fearlessly challenges societal rules and norms. Through her influential presence on various digital platforms, she has initiated thought-provoking conversations on important topics, such as gender equality, self-expression, and breaking stereotypes.With her unique sense of humor, authenticity, and relatability, Amy has connected with women from all backgrounds, empowering them to embrace their individuality and break societal expectations. By freely discussing sensitive issues and advocating for inclusivity, she has created a safe space for dialogue and has become a role model for countless women seeking inspiration and the confidence to pursue their dreams. Through her visionary outlook and determination, Amy will represent the region's consumers who crave change and embrace a futuristic perspective as she perfectly aligns with New Balance's ethos of fearless independence. She embodies the brand's spirit and will serve as a compelling ambassador, encouraging women to express themselves authentically and confidently.In her role as New Balance's ambassador, Amy will be the face of various local campaigns, with a particular focus on showcasing some of the brand's classic kicks such as the 550 and 530. Through these campaigns, Amy aims to amplify New Balance's message of self-expression, encouraging women to break barriers, redefine standards, and embrace their unique style.The partnership between New Balance and Amy Roko represents a powerful union that seeks to revolutionize the sportswear industry by challenging the norms and inspiring women to embrace their potential. Together, they aim to create a future where women are celebrated, empowered, and given the platform to drive change.

Interbrand, a leading brand consultancy, has announced the promotion of Héctor Saracho to the position of Executive Director Strategy. He has been serving as Head of Strategy for six years. With his promotion, Saracho will assume strategic leadership responsibilities for Interbrand across Iberia, the Middle East, and Latin America. He will report directly to Nancy Villanueva, the CEO of Interbrand, for these regions.Nancy Villanueva, the CEO, stated: “Interbrand is currently at an exciting strategic juncture. The practice of branding is undergoing a redefinition due to a highly volatile landscape, which demands that brands adopt new approaches to management. This compels us to strengthen our service offerings to provide a comprehensive response to our clients’ evolving needs, and Héctor is an indispensable part of this mission. In his new role, Héctor will be responsible for enhancing our renewed strategic methodology, known as Interbrand Thinking, which assists brands in addressing consumer needs by liberating them from industry constraints and expanding into new realms and sources of growth.”Héctor Saracho, the newly appointed Executive Director Strategy, remarked: “It is an honor to continue growing within Interbrand and to contribute to the vision of a globally expanding strategic consultancy. From my new position, I will continue to champion innovation in branding, something that has always been a hallmark of this company, while simultaneously supporting the growth of our clients. “Throughout his professional journey, Saracho has strategically worked with major brands spanning various sectors. His extensive career has unfolded within different organisations with a global presence, initially based in London at UBS Investment Bank and Millward Brown (WPP), and later in Madrid at Young & Rubicam (WPP) and What If. Prior to joining Interbrand in 2017, he held the position of Head of Strategy and New Business at the digital consultancy Genetsis.

Based on the book 'Going Viral' by Prof. Balram Bhargava of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), The Vaccine War narrates the intriguing development of India's indigenous vaccine called Covaxin with all the internal as well as external challenges encountered during its making...Publicised as India's first bioscience film, producer- director Vivek Agnihotri and team deserve a huge applause for putting the spotlight on our unsung heroes - the scientists at ICMR and National Institute of Virology (NIV), who toiled day and night for months to combat the formidable enemy called Corona. The fact that majority of these scientists were women also makes it a pertinent subject of women power. The film is a must see only for that...Vivek Agnihotri's political leanings are well known and no surprises, he layers his script with an elaborate sub-plot of an almost evil journalist (Raima Sen) plotting against the desi vaccine on orders of the foreign pharma conglomerates hell bent on arm twisting India. While a particular obscure media portal has indeed been indicted of spreading fake news, there were ten other major media channels promoting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative at that time. The Vaccine War forgets this and instead paints the whole media as anti-establishment. In the climax, they are actually equated to terrorists, which is seriously not done!! Assuredly, the casting is perfect and Nana Patekar and Pallavi Joshi, appearing together after three decades since Trishagni (1989), are truly outstanding. Girija Oak and Sapthami Gowda pitch in sincere performances. It is interesting as well as ironic to watch the extremely pretty Raima Sen in such a vicious role and boy, does she nail it. Kudos!! The Vaccine War soars and roars till the time it stays true to its source content of how Covaxin was developed in record time and ended up saving countless lives across the globe. The minute it switches gears to the toolkit narrative, it somehow withers and dithers...Nevertheless, this is a relevant film of our time which leaves us with a positive message that India CAN do it. Covaxin, Chandrayaan, G20... we have seen it happen in last few years. Three cheers to that!! Ratings on some key aspects* : 1. Acting : 4.5/5 2. Direction : 4/53. Music : 3.5/5 4. Story, Screenplay and Dialogue : 3/55. Cinematography : 3/56. Editing : 3/5 7. Costume Design : 3/58. Special Effects and VFX : 3.5/59. Action : NA10. Production Quality : 3.5/5#SNRating for #TheVaccineWar : 3 & 1/2 stars out of 5. - Sumeet NadkarniLiked the review?Click on the link below and like the #SNRatings page to subscribe to honest and unbiased reviews of all latest movies : https://m.facebook.com/SNRatingsYou can also follow us on Twitter handle : @sumu76in* - The overall film rating is not a simple average of all ratings on key aspects but a weighted average of the ratings where some crucial aspects (like direction, acting, story and screenplay etc) are assigned more weightage than others. #TheVaccineWar #Docudrama #HindiMovie #BollywoodFilm #VivekAgnihotri #PallaviJoshi #NanaPatekar #RaimaSen #GirijaOak #BollywoodReview #Filmreview #TheatricalRelease #OTTRelease #Hotstar #SNRatings#SNRatings barometer:1 star = Poor1 & 1/2 star = Below average/ Avoidable2 stars = Average2 & 1/2 stars = Above average/ Risk it3 stars = Good enough/ Endurable3 & 1/2 stars = Definitely worth a watch4 stars = Very good5 stars = Masterpiece/ Outstanding. 

Hollywood writers have ended their strike after almost five months. “The WGA reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on a new three-year Minimum Basic Agreement. On September 26th, the Negotiating Committee, the WGAW Board and WGAE Council all voted unanimously to recommend the agreement. It will now go to both guilds’ memberships for a ratification vote. Eligible voters will be able to vote from October 2nd through October 9th, and will receive ballot and ratification materials when the vote opens,” stated The Writers Guild of America (WGA) in a statement.There is a separate dispute involving actors, who are concurrently participating in the strike. The agreement may offer a potential solution to end their strike, as the WGA deal seeks to address the same concerns.“The WGAW Board and WGAE Council also voted to lift the restraining order and end the strike as of 12:01 am PT/3:01 am ET on Wednesday, September 27th. This allows writers to return to work during the ratification process, but does not affect the membership’s right to make a final determination on contract approval,” the statement added.The writers began their strike on May 2. On July 13, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members also joined, resulting in the lengthiest strike to impact Hollywood in many decades. Their strike primarily revolved around disputes concerning compensation and the integration of AI within the industry. Kevin Klowden, an economist at Milken Institute, estimated that the strike has cost the US economy almost $5 billion.

The ANDY Awards, renowned for recognizing exceptional campaigns that push creative boundaries to achieve groundbreaking work, has announced that Ali Rez, Chief Creative Officer at IMPACT BBDO, will assume the role of SWANA Chair for the 2023-2024 Regional Competition.This competition is unique in its approach, as it eliminates rigid categories, allowing ideas to transcend boundaries from all corners of the globe.Ali Rez stands as the most awarded creative leader in the Middle East. He currently oversees creative output for the IMPACT BBDO Group across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. In a historic achievement, he became the first jury president from the Middle East at the Cannes Lions and, in 2023, secured the Middle East's first Best-in-Show for Bravery at the ANDY Awards.Ali Rez shares his thoughts on the honour, stating: "It's an honor to serve as the SWANA chair alongside an incredible panel of jurors, all dedicated to recognizing the paramount principle in our industry: the big idea."The Regional Chairs for all areas have been announced and include:  AFRICA: Steve Babaeko, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, X3M Ideas  APAC: Tara Ford, Chief Creative Officer, The Monkeys  EUROPE: Richard Brim, Chief Creative Officer, adamandeveDDB  GREATER CHINA: Alice Chou, Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Creative Taiwan  LATAM: Joaco Cubria, Partner & Chief Creative Officer, GUT  SWANA: Ali Rez, Chief Creative Officer of IMPACT BBDOTiffany Rolfe, Global Chair and Global Chief Creative Officer of RGA, will lead the Global Jury for her second year as Chair.The ANDY Awards Regional Competition serves as the crucial first step in a two-part vetting process. Initially, entries are reviewed free of charge by a jury representing creative leaders from the region. These jurors delve into the cultural context to assess whether the work has the potential to make a big impact and be shortlisted. Shortlisted works then have the opportunity to compete in the Global Competition in the new year.

In our ongoing series focused on gaining insights into the virtual influencer landscape in the Middle East region, Adgully recently interviewed Barbara Soltysinska, Co-founder & CEO of indaHash. indaHash is a social media marketing app that connects more than 120,000 influencers with global brands. As a leading figure in the marketing landscape, So?tysi?ska delves into the transformative world of virtual influencers and AI-driven avatars. She shares her perspectives on the impact of these digital entities on advertising and marketing in the UAE. Barbara explores the unique opportunities they offer compared to traditional marketing approaches, sheds light on successful campaigns, addresses cultural sensitivities and ethical considerations, and offers a glimpse into the future of this dynamic industry. Excerpts:How do you see virtual influencers and AI-driven avatars reshaping the advertising and marketing landscape in the UAE? What unique opportunities do they offer compared to traditional marketing approaches?Virtual influencers and AI-driven avatars remain a fresh addition to the marketing and advertising realm in the Middle East. Currently, virtual influencers in the UAE serve more as intriguing entities rather than dominant influencers, particularly when considering their follower count, engagement rates, and overall activity. For instance, the most recognizable Meta Kira boasts under 4k followers. Compared to globally recognized computer-generated influencers, there's substantial room for growth in the Middle East. Also, talking about virtual influencers, it is more challenging to define where they should belong. There is a pretty recognizable profile of @iamxalara, which defines itself as being based in Istanbul, but was created by a UAE-based company. This niche presents exciting opportunities for artists, NFT creators, and brands alike.Given the UAE's recent influx of NFT enterprises, many of which are eager to craft their own metaverses, I anticipate a significant expansion in this domain within the region. With only 35 Instagram-verified profiles of this kind worldwide, it's evident that the arena isn't oversaturated yet. In the past, creating virtual influencers was a costly and time-consuming endeavor for companies and creators. However, thanks to the rapid advancement and widespread adoption of AI content generation, companies like Midjouney, the landscape has undergone significant transformation.The biggest opportunity lies in brands that can own their influencers. What is very interesting is that a lot of top virtual influencers come from Brazil and the top one who has over 6.4M belongs to Magalu, one of top brazilian retailers.Let me name some opportunities lying in virtual influencers:-> Brand Safety - Virtual influencers, as controlled entities, provide a protective barrier against potential controversies that could harm a brand's reputation.-> Consistent Branding - Virtual influencers can be customized in terms of their actions, speech, and appearance to ensure they consistently align with the brand's ideals. Look at the example of Barbie!-> 24/7 Engagement: Virtual influencers ensure round-the-clock interaction with audiences, maximizing reach across time zones and guaranteeing uninterrupted delivery of marketing messages.-> Cost-efficiency: Despite an initial investment, virtual influencers can be more economical in the long run, eliminating costs like travel and accommodation.-> Digital Integration: They easily blend into platforms like video games, VR, and AR, growing sectors in the UAE.-> Narrative Innovation: Virtual influencers resonate with the UAE's tech-forward trajectory, interweaving traditional Emirati culture with a vision of the future.Can you share examples of successful campaigns or initiatives that have leveraged virtual influencers or AI-driven avatars in the UAE? What were the key factors contributing to their success?NooNoouri, a virtual influencer, was featured in Harper’s Bazaar Arabia's July 2018 edition. For this, she was dressed in a Zuhair Murad dress and posed against Dubai's Burj Khalifa backdrop. This campaign marked her debut in the magazine, specifically in Mohammed Sultan's Best Dressed List. It's significant to note that high-fashion brands were exploring the virtual influencer space as early as 2018. This initiative successfully merged high fashion with emerging digital trends. Another more recent collaboration is Meta Kira attending the launch of the NFT shop in the Mall of Emirates, thereby reaching the niche of people interested in the space. At the end of the day, reaching the right audience with the right message is most important, regardless of whether the influencer is virtual or not.In a region known for its diverse culture and values, how do virtual influencers and AI avatars adapt to local sensitivities and preferences? What strategies should marketers employ to ensure cultural relevance and authenticity?The definition of authenticity for virtual influencers is different. It is more about transparency and making audiences aware that they are interacting with a virtual entity and not a real person. The challenge lies in ensuring this transparency without diminishing the influencer's appeal. The rest of the rules, such as delivering the right message, producing quality content, reaching the right audience at the best possible time, and maintaining the right frequency, remain the same for the entire influencer marketing space.What are the key challenges and ethical considerations associated with using virtual influencers and AI avatars in advertising and marketing, and how are these being addressed in the UAE?I believe that just as brand collaborations must be disclosed, the fact that an influencer is virtual should also be clearly indicated. A more significant concern, in my opinion, especially on platforms like TikTok, is the use of deepfakes. They pose a serious danger and should always be prominently labeled.With the rapid advancements in AI and technology, what trends do you anticipate in the evolution of virtual influencers and AI-driven avatars in the UAE's advertising and marketing industry over the next few years? How should businesses prepare for these changes?I believe each of us might have our own avatar to use in a virtual world, interacting with a community of people who also use their avatars. If this occurs, the adoption of virtual influencers will likely accelerate, further blurring the line between offline and online experiences. Businesses should investigate and consider how they can adapt to their needs in this new space, stay curious, and experiment. This isn't a short-term fashion or fleeting trend; it represents a major and profound shift that's on the horizon. Whether they like this change or not, it is happening.

Some of the world’s best squash players descended on Dubai this month for the inaugural Flipper Devices Camp of Champions, a high-performance training camp designed to attract the top professionals from across the globe to the emirate.The camp, organised by The Flying DAF Squash Academy with the support of Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Squash Association, was divided into two phases at the J-Club, at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with the objective of positioning Dubai as a global base for the sport.The first phase was led by former Men’s World No2 Rodney Martin and included an impressive line-up consisting of current Women’s World No1 Nouran Goharl, World No5 Amanda Sobhy, and Men’s World No6 Marwan El Shorbagy. Phase two, meanwhile, hosted reigning world champion and No4-ranked Mostafa Assal, as well as No11 Karim Gawad and World No12 Youssef Soliman.“Since we launched the academy year, the response has been phenomenal,” said Kanzy El Dafrawy, CEO and Founder of The Flying DAF, and a former World No21. “Our vision is not just to make an impact and grow locally, but also globally. The Flipper Devices camp in Dubai is the first step towards making the city the world’s ultimate squash hub; a home for top-level professional squash players from around the globe.“Dubai is the perfect place for athletes to be based, considering they have access to the best equipment, sources, and training programmes – complemented by the emirate’s geographical location, which makes it very easy to travel to tournaments worldwide.”Al Dafrawy added: “Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the J-Club have been extremely supportive to us throughout this camp, giving us a space where we can run local and global events, and ultimately leverage this camp by offering a high-end and luxurious stay to our professional athletes.”H. E. Mohammed Mubarak Al Mutaiwei, President of UAE Squash Association, commented: “I express my appreciation for the distinguished presence of Champions of the game within the UAE, particularly in the emirate of Dubai.“My sincere gratitude to DAF Academy for their exceptional initiative in hosting one of the most formidable international camps in the sport of squash. This gathering, showcasing the pinnacle of talent within the sport, underscores their firm commitment to improve the sport.“We recognise the endorsement of all clubs and academies throughout the UAE that are dedicated to furthering the Federation's mission and elevating the country's standing at both regional and global levels.”Squash is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, played in more than 185 countries. There are more than 1,500 courts accessible in the UAE.

With AI playing an increasingly transformational role across our lives, Mastercard and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Dubai have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster talent in the region and advance AI innovation globally.This partnership will empower the next generation of RIT graduates to become leaders in AI and advance both parties’ strategic alliances in the region. Drawing on its deep technical knowledge and its applications in the industry, Mastercard will host guest lectures and workshops for students and over time co-develop an AI-focused curriculum. RIT students will also have the unique opportunity to visit Mastercard’s latest AI Centre in Dubai, connect with industry leaders and prepare for careers in AI.“Today’s students have the opportunity to embrace the possibilities that AI unlocks – they will drive the next wave of innovation in AI to solve real world problems,” said Ajay Bhalla, president, Cyber & Intelligence at Mastercard. “Together with RIT, we are pleased to prepare future leaders to transform customer experiences, reshape industries and build trust in the digital ecosystem using the power of AI.”This MoU signing follows Mastercard’s latest partnership with the UAE government and the launch of its Advanced AI and Cyber Technology Centre in Dubai. In addition to developing AI-powered solutions to fight financial crime, the Centre is focused on securing the digital ecosystem and driving inclusive growth through strategic partnerships.“RIT Dubai shares Mastercard’s commitment to technological innovation,” said Dr Yousef Al Assaf, President, RIT Dubai. “Our collaboration with Mastercard enables us to provide real-world experiences to our students, preparing them to embrace and lead the next phase of digital advancement.”Mastercard has a history of innovation in AI, most significantly in its efforts to enhance cybersecurity and protect the digital ecosystem. RIT Dubai is a global campus of the esteemed Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, one of the world’s leading technology-focused universities. Mastercard has invested in the UAE for more than 35 years, supporting the region's commitment to digital transformation.The partnership also builds on Mastercard’s commitment to doing well by doing good and fostering opportunities for individuals who want a growing career with impact. In collaboration with RIT, Mastercard will help develop the next wave of AI talent to accelerate innovation and deliver even greater value to our partners.

Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in February 2023, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open proudly returns for its second edition in 2024, reaffirming its status as a premier tournament on the global tennis calendar. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and IMG today announced the event is set to take centre stage once again from 3 to 11 February 2024, at the iconic Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi.The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly earned its place among the most prestigious tournaments in women's tennis. The event's significance lies not only in its impressive $900,000 prize fund but also in the coveted ranking points at stake. With 28 players in the singles draw and 16 formidable teams in the doubles draw, this tournament will showcase exceptional talent and fierce competition.Hosted in partnership with Mubadala and presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the WTA 500 signifies a remarkable convergence of sports excellence and entertainment. The tournament spans nine exciting days, taking tennis enthusiasts on a journey from the opening qualifiers to the thrilling finals on Sunday 11 February 2024. In the heart of Abu Dhabi, the 2024 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will serve as an unrivalled showcase of tennis prowess.Nigel Gupta, Director of Tennis Events at IMG and the Tournament Director at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, commented: “Our vision for this event goes beyond tennis. We are dedicated to curating an exceptional experience that aims to transcend the boundaries of sport, uniting fans and athletes alike in the spirit of excellence. With the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, we are looking to create a lasting legacy for tennis, fostering a deeper connection between the community and the sport we all love.”Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, added: “We’re delighted to see the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open return to the calendar next season, which will officially kick-off the exciting Middle Eastern portion of the 2024 calendar. The event is known for its excellent organization, passionate fans, dedication to women’s professional tennis and is truly becoming a favourite among WTA players, who always feels welcome in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”As the event becomes a fixture in Abu Dhabi's sporting calendar, it continues to exemplify the Emirate's commitment to hosting world-class sporting events. The impact extends far beyond the court, as the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open inspires young sporting generations and unites the tennis community.Beyond the on-court action, the Fan Village promises an immersive experience for fans of all ages. Attendees can meet their favourite players during special appearances, partake in family-friendly entertainment, participate in contests to win exclusive prizes, and indulge in a delectable array of offerings from various food venues. With kids' tickets starting at an affordable AED 50 and adult tickets at AED 95, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open reinforces that it truly is an event ‘for all’. Tennis fans can witness world-class matches at competitive prices and enjoy outstanding entertainment, making it an ideal outing for families and sports enthusiasts alike.The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is more than a tournament; it's an experience, a celebration of tennis, and a source of inspiration for future generations of athletes and fans. To be the very first to gain access to tickets, subscribe now at www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com. Subscribing will give tennis fans first dibs on the best seats in the house and the first opportunity to purchase tickets.  

VMLY&R Commerce, a global end-to-end “Creative Commerce Company”, has appointed Toseef Butt as Regional Commerce Director and Head of CaaS and Leanne Bird as Global Program Partnerships Lead.The company is known for serving demand from clients for data-driven e-commerce and performance services, talent and technology, in support of business sales growth and brand building through commerce. The agency is taking inspiration around Commerce as a Service (CaaS) to strategically package its bespoke digital commerce offerings and end-to-end managed-services across DTC, retail media, Amazon & marketplaces, digital-shelf, content and commerce advisory.  For this it has appointed Toseef Butt as Regional Commerce Director and Head of CaaS for MENA region. A seasoned digital commerce and retail media specialist with a 14-year track record in both the UK and Dubai. Butt will be accountable for growing the digital commerce sales across all channels. He is known for his expertise in data-led, consumer-centric strategies, and has a depth of knowledge across the region’s retail media providers, and focus on the delivery of precision, efficacy of measurement and optimisation to grow client’s businesses.Among his recent accolades, Butt architected the successful local D2C performance media launch for renowned brands like H&M, Mothercare, Victoria’s Secret, and Huawei. The second appointment is of Leanne Bird as Global Program Partnerships Lead. She has more than 15 years experience on the tech and agency side in delivering operational excellence across a range of clients to create integrated functional effectiveness and orchestrate business development through a team of agency and partner experts. As a highly commercial and operationally focused professional, she is responsible for setting up and structuring the ‘Commerce as a Service’ global team. Leanne Bird will bridge the gap between VMLY&R Commerce and key agency partners like Amazon, Stripe, Google, Meta to develop drive training, accreditation across the agency’s talent, and to continue the co-creation of class leading and value adding innovations with key WPP partners. She will be based in Sea Containers in London.

A striking 92 percent of senior marketing professionals in an Ogilvy survey concur that employing B2B influencers for hyper-targeted marketing or personalized messaging constitutes an effective strategy for elevating brand consideration and customer acquisition. Nearly half (49 percent) believe that influencers help their brands attain a more credible, believable, and trusted opinion than they could achieve independently. Notably, four in ten respondents noted that influencer campaigns have resulted in improved leads or sales.The latest report by Ogilvy, titled 'Influencing Business: The Global Emergence of B2B Influencer Marketing,' offers a worldwide perspective, having surveyed marketing leaders spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.Approximately 75 percent of respondents are already incorporating B2B influencer marketing into their strategies, with a remarkable 93 percent planning to intensify their utilization of influencers in the near future.The report sheds light on both the commonalities and distinctions in the functioning of business influence across various cultures and global regions. In collaboration with Opinium Research, LinkedIn, and Onalytica, the report draws insights from a survey conducted by Opinium, which involved 550 senior marketing professionals across 11 countries, providing a clear picture of the extent to which influencer marketing is currently employed.Furthermore, the report encompasses a series of in-depth interviews with Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) from prominent organizations such as LinkedIn, Dell, EY, IBM, Boots, and Ben & Jerry's.Rahul Titus, the Global Head of Influence at Ogilvy, emphasized the evolution and exponential growth of the influencer marketing landscape. Titus noted that the Creator Economy is projected to reach $500 billion by 2027, and with the ongoing evolution of eCommerce, both entrepreneurs and businesses are harnessing the potential of influencers to not only boost sales but also launch new ventures. He highlighted the crucial role of carefully chosen influencer partnerships in how businesses consume, validate, and act upon information. However, Titus also pointed out that not enough brands are forging the deep, meaningful, and intricate relationships with influencers that their audience demands.The report underscores that while the use of influencers in consumer communications often calls for trendsetters and tastemakers, the B2B sector requires credible expertise firmly grounded in established experience, contributing to professional opinions.Looking at platforms, beyond LinkedIn, 50 percent of B2B marketing teams regard YouTube as the next most significant platform for influencer campaigns, closely trailed by Facebook (48 percent) and Instagram (46 percent). Other platforms such as WhatsApp (14 percent), Reddit (seven percent), and Telegram (nine percent) exhibit untapped potential for engaging professional audiences when utilized effectively.The report emphasizes the importance of selecting the right influencer, ensuring alignment of their voice and values with the brand's, and investing in cultivating robust, meaningful, long-term relationships. Additionally, the report points out that employees can also serve as valuable influencers, representing an underutilized marketing resource.Notably, interviewees featured in the report emphasized the value that influencers bring to B2B marketing due to their credibility.Saad Abdullah, General Manager of Marketing at Al-Futtaim Toyota and Lexus in the UAE, stressed the brand's responsibility to leverage the right voices capable of making an impact, delivering results, and shaping the future of influence.The report also delves into regional campaigns, illustrating how the evolution of influence in the Middle East aligns with global trends while incorporating unique characteristics influenced by culture, language, and technology. For example, Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in terms of interest and appetite for B2B communications, with 100 percent of surveyed businesses employing some form of B2B influence in their communications and marketing strategies. The UAE closely follows, with 96 percent. The report cites an example of an education campaign launched by Ogilvy and GEMS Education to promote understanding and positive impact among GEMS school students before exams. This campaign involved 26 unique influencers and leveraged a local psychology clinic, adding credibility and enabling deeper conversations with a wider audience.

Dubai: DMCC – the world’s flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – and the global crypto exchange Bybit have announced the launch of a USD 100,000 hackathon to further the development of the thriving Web3 ecosystem in Dubai.Announced during an event held exclusively for DMCC Crypto Centre members, the hackathon will take place in Dubai on 22 November 2023 and is the latest milestone between DMCC and Bybit since both sides announced a strategic partnership in June to accelerate the mass adoption of crypto and web3 in Dubai.With a total prize pool worth USD 100,000, the hackathon is specifically geared towards fostering crypto innovation in Web3 and will be the first of this scale in the MENA region. During the final stage, up to 10 teams will compete to develop creative technical solutions to a range of challenges within the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), gaming and information security.Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC said: “Dubai is fast consolidating its position as the most important Web3 hub in the region, and the DMCC-Bybit hackathon is the perfect testament of this in action. As Dubai continues its transition into an innovation-driven and knowledge-based economy, furthering the development of Web3 technologies is vital. This will be the largest hackathon of its kind in the region, pioneering the latest technical innovation in areas such as AI and gaming. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Bybit as we look to boost our Web3 community at DMCC Crypto Centre.”Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit added: “Tapping into the high levels of Web3 innovation taking place in Dubai is a key pillar of our strategy as we continue growing our global market share. This partnership with DMCC is enabling us to do exactly that, so we are excited to host the largest hackathons that this region has seen and further build our symbiotic relationship with the DMCC Crypto Centre.”This year in June, DMCC partnered with Bybit to provide financial support totalling AED 500,000 (USD 136,000) for new crypto businesses looking to set up at DMCC Crypto Centre. In turn, Bybit became the listing partner for the Crypto Centre, with the company providing dedicated support for crypto firms looking to list digital assets on one of the top global exchanges. Headquartered in Dubai, Bybit is the world’s third most visited crypto exchange with over 15 million users.With over 550 members, DMCC Crypto Centre is a comprehensive ecosystem for companies that develop Web3 and blockchain technologies, and associated value-added services, providing everything that crypto businesses and entrepreneurs need to set up and scale their operations.Hackathons are competitive technology and coding events in which individuals or teams try to accomplish a goal or number of tasks. Applications for the DMCC Crypto Centre-Bybit Hackathon can be made via https://i.bybit.com/IabbYaT.

CNN Academy Abu Dhabi welcomed its third cohort of students on Friday 22nd September, leading with a climate reporting masterclass from Chief Climate Correspondent, Bill Weir moderated by Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi, and Anchor. The interactive session, hosted at the Yas Creative Hub, explored how to engage audiences, the importance of science, informing people about solutions to environmental challenges, and looking ahead to COP 28. It marked the beginning of a 12-week journalism training course, which will have an emphasis on climate storytelling and provide unrivalled access to experts from the world’s leading news organisation. To date, 46 participants have been trained through CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, including 22 Emiratis.The latest group of 30 participants for CNN Academy Abu Dhabi includes 16 Emiratis and 14 UAE residents from 12 different countries, including Egypt, France, India and Syria. They will join weekly live workshops from CNN Abu Dhabi staff plus weekly masterclasses delivered by professionals around the world. These will be hosted at The Community Hub, part of twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, which is adjacent to the CNN bureau.The Academicians will have access to extensive media technology facilities, equipment, infrastructure and student liaison support from the creative lab, part of the talent development division of Creative Media Authority and Abu Dhabi’s content champion. Digital learning will also take place via the custom-built CNN Academy hub, which features a wealth of learning resources created by CNN’s global anchors, reporters, production, and technical teams. The extensive course will equip the aspiring journalists and content creators with valuable media industry skills.The programme will culminate in the second annual CNN Academy Newsroom Simulation. This will be held this year against the backdrop of COP 28, from December 3rd to 10th, where the participants from the CNN Academy Abu Dhabi group will also be joined by participants from other CNN Academy programmes taking place across the globe.Becky Anderson, Anchor & Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi, said: “With COP 28 almost upon us, and during a year in which we have seen some incredibly dramatic and alarming climate stories, there could scarcely be a more important moment to bring climate storytelling into focus. CNN’s Climate Unit has been on the frontline of so many of these stories, so to have Bill Weir address this group was a fantastic opportunity. He is a consummate storyteller, with deep knowledge of the science behind the climate crisis as well as first-hand experience of reporting in extreme environments and the devastating aftermath of climate-related disasters. It was the perfect way to begin our 12-week CNN Academy training, and I’m sure it will have been as inspiring for our Academicians as it was for me.”Alia AlZaabi, Finance Student, Zayed University said “Day one at CNN Academy Abu Dhabi felt like a 'right place, right time' moment. As the UAE preps to host COP 28, I'm not just learning to tell a story; I'm learning to tell the story of the greatest existential crisis of our time. We went beyond creating catchy content and into ethical journalism and its role in creating informed communities. This not only meets but also exceeds the expectations I had walking in.”

Everdome, the Dubai-based interplanetary metaverse project, has announced its first landing on their digitally reimagined Mars, as they take as their 500,000-strong community and partners, including OKX, Pierre Gasly and Alfa Romeo F1 Team, to their new web3 civilization on the Red Planet.Since its inception in early 2022, Everdome has been steadily building a metaverse project promising immersive hyper-reality experiences in visuals and storytelling.This Mars landing follows on from their first rocket launch experience at the end of 2022, and represents the completion of the first layer of their metaverse destination.The heart of the Everdome story is a journey from a near-future spaceport, located in the United Arab Emirates at the picturesque Hatta mountains, from where their web3 pioneers will embark first to their interplanetary spaceship ‘’Everdome Cycler’’ and then onwards to a new outpost for humanity on Mars. The Mars landing stage will see Everdome landholders and NFT holders complete their journey to Mars by taking part in a descent to the Martian surface in the ‘’Everdome Phoenix;’’ rockets, which detach from the ‘’Everdome Cycler’’orbiting Mars.They will first land at Jezero Spaceport, before enjoying some majestic Mars scenery as they ride across the planet’s surface on the Mars Magnetic Rail, heading for Everdome City. Everdome’s city on Mars is placed in Jezero Crater, a location chosen by NASA for its contemporary space missions. Once arriving in Everdome city, the pioneering Evernauts will now be able to experience the city headquarters, including first looks at their AI powered heart of the city, the Tree of Life.The city includes various land plots in six distinct districts, all offering specific possibilities for related brands, businesses, personalities and individuals to engage with old and new audiences alike in immersive experiences previously impossible in the confines of web2.This Mars landing is the culmination of months of creation and development, and represents the completion of Everdome’s first stage of their live metaverse interplanetary experience. More information on the Mars landing, and the Everdome project can be found here.Everdome CEO Jeremy Lopez said: ‘’Our first landing on Mars represents a huge milestone for our project, marking the beta launch of our extraordinary metaverse experience. Now we work to improve metaverse accessibility and increase engagement to reach wider audiences.’’Scheduled for October 28th 2023, this pioneering interplanetary metaverse experience is just the start for Everdome, as they work on a series of products aimed to increase the accessibility and adoption of metaverse and web3 technology.

Confluent, Inc. (NASDAQ:CFLT), the data streaming pioneer, today announced Data Streaming for AI, an initiative to accelerate organizations’ development of real-time AI applications. To help companies unlock the full potential of AI with the freshest contextual data from across their business, Confluent is expanding partnerships with leading companies in the AI and vector database space, including MongoDB, Pinecone, Rockset, Weaviate, and Zilliz. It is also demonstrating product innovations that incorporate the latest advances in AI into its platform, with capabilities like a generative AI-powered assistant that helps generate code and answer questions about the data streaming environment. “Data streaming is foundational technology for the future of AI,” said Jay Kreps, CEO and Cofounder, Confluent. “Continuously enriched, trustworthy data streams are key to building next-gen AI applications that are accurate and have the rich, real-time context modern use cases demand. We want to make it easier for every company to build powerful AI applications and are leveraging our expansive ecosystem of partners and data streaming expertise to help achieve that.” Build a real-time data foundation for modern AI with Confluent The Confluent Data Streaming for AI initiative aims to help organizations quickly build and scale next-generation AI applications with a shared source of real-time truth for all operational and analytical data, no matter where it lives.Expanded partnerships Connect with Confluent Technology Partners: Confluent is partnering with MongoDB, Pinecone, Rockset, Weaviate, and Zilliz to provide real-time contextual data from anywhere for their vector databases. Vector databases are especially important as they can store, index, and augment large data sets in formats that AI technologies like LLMs require. Through these integrations, Confluent Cloud’s fully managed data streams can now be accessed directly within these partners’ platforms, making it even easier to use real-time data for AI-powered applications. This is just the start as Confluent looks to extend its partnerships in the AI space with the Connect with Confluent program.Public Cloud Partners: Confluent is building on its strategic partnership agreements with Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure to develop integrations, proof of concepts (POCs), and go-to-market efforts specifically around AI. For example, Confluent plans to leverage Google Cloud’s generative AI capabilities to improve business insights and operational efficiencies for retail and financial services customers. And, with Azure Open AI and Azure Data Platform, Confluent is planning to create a Copilot Solution Template that enables AI assistants to perform business transactions and provide real-time updates, benefiting industries such as airlines and transportation.Services Partners: Confluent is launching POC-ready architectures with Allata and iLink span Confluent’s technology and cloud partners to offer tailored solutions for vertical use cases. Developing, testing, deploying, and tuning these AI applications requires a specific skill set. These partners deliver that to alleviate the guesswork around building real-time AI applications, drastically speeding up time to value. Product innovationsConfluent AI Assistant: To help teams get contextual answers they need to speed up engineering innovations on Confluent, the Confluent AI Assistant turns natural language inputs—like “What was my most expensive environment last month?” or “Give me an API request to produce messages to my orders topic”—into helpful suggestions and accurate code that’s specific to their deployment. This is made possible by combining publicly available information, such as Confluent documentation, with contextual customer information to provide specific, timely responses. It will be available to Confluent Cloud customers in 2024. AI for Apache Flink® SQL: Over the next several months, Confluent will announce a series of updates to its newly announced Flink service for Confluent Cloud that bring AI capabilities into Flink SQL. On the main stage of Current, the data streaming industry event, Confluent will demo how Flink can make OpenAI API calls directly within Flink SQL. This unlocks endless use cases, such as rating the sentiment of product reviews or summarizing vendors’ item descriptions. It will help alleviate the complexities of stream processing, accelerating time to insight. 

The Board of Directors at the ENTERTAINER has announced the return of Donna Benton as a shareholder and the company's new Chief Executive Officer, effective today. Donna, who founded the ENTERTAINER in 2001, will lead a dynamic new growth strategy.Recognizing the exciting challenges ahead, the Board is confident that Donna's return will steer the company back to its illustrious position. With a vision to surpass previous achievements, the ENTERTAINER is poised to offer consumers unparalleled benefits, driving increased footfall and spend for the merchants.Donna Benton brings with her not only a renewed sense of purpose but also a wealth of experience and a strategic vision to reinvigorate the company and position it as an industry leader once again. Her strategy includes a simplified, highly attractive 2-for-1 offers, valid annually from January through December.Hisham Alrayes, Chairman of the Board, expressed his confidence in Donna’s appointment, stating: "We are pleased to have Donna back as a shareholder and as our new CEO for the ENTERTAINER. With her broad and unique expertise, we believe will be extremely valuable for the company."Donna Benton expressed her deep attachment to the organization, saying: "Returning to a company that I love, knowing that it needs me, is a decision driven by both passion and a sense of responsibility. There is an indescribable attachment to the organization, a deep-rooted affection that stems from memories, relationships, and shared experiences I have had within the 17 years of owning and operating it."Donna Benton originally founded the ENTERTAINER and played a pivotal role in its success before her departure in 2018. Her return marks a significant milestone in the company's journey, and her unique vision will accelerate the company’s growth once again.

Magnite, the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company, today announced an expanded suite of measurement partners across EMEA. AudienceProject, Digiseg, Happydemics, and Innovid are among the providers Magnite is working with to equip buyers and sellers with the appropriate tools to streamline omnichannel measurement activation.As TV consumption shifts from linear to digital, measurement is key to enabling connected television (CTV) to achieve its full potential. Magnite is building a portfolio of partnerships with technologies designed to help buyers and sellers solve for fragmentation as the industry reevaluates how to optimise across all screens. Magnite’s relationships with these measurement providers help buyers and sellers across EMEA access solutions to help inform business decisions.“The importance of measurement across all formats will help advertisers better understand the performance ROI of their ad campaigns, helping them to improve outcomes and ultimately unlocking more ad budgets that will go to publishers,,” said David Snocken, VP, Strategic Partnerships at Magnite. “We believe that having access to a wide variety of measurement tools is crucial to fuel advertising’s growth. Magnite is intent on working with trusted partners who can help simplify measurement activation and facilitate more transparent programmatic transactions between buyers and sellers.”“At AudienceProject, we want to help advertisers allocate their ad budgets more efficiently with cookieless and privacy-safe cross-media measurement,” said Martyn Bentley, Commercial Director, UK at AudienceProject. “Our platform empowers advertisers to make confident marketing decisions and reach their audience more effectively based on independent, comprehensive cross-media measurement. We value our partnership with Magnite, delivering for their clients and innovating for the future.”“Digiseg is one of the largest independent data providers in the world, founded on the principle to segment the entire internet,” said Søren H. Diensen, CEO at Digiseg. “Our core audiences help advertisers evaluate campaigns and websites and can also be used to target online advertising. Working with Magnite allows us to provide quality measurement solutions across their client base.” “Happydemics strives to provide the advertising market with a seamless, unique measurement methodology based on campaign exposure, across all media such as CTV,” said Virginie Chesnais, CMO at Happydemics. “Working with Magnite allows us to deliver future-proofed KPIs for advertisers to drive brand lift, and better invest in increasingly saturated markets.”“As the TV video mix continues to diversify, CTV is taking an increasingly larger role. Understanding streaming’s ability to drive incremental reach above and beyond linear has become a top priority for advertisers,” said Andrew Longworth, VP of Advanced TV at Innovid. “By working with Magnite, we’re helping to ensure that advertisers and publishers in the UK and Germany have access to independent, real-time measurement across linear and CTV to inform optimisations that maximize campaign reach.”

Dubai: Global omnichannel media agency Assembly announced that, following a competitive pitch, Assembly MENA has been awarded the prestigious Virgin Mobile UAE media account, reinforcing its position as a leader in the market.Virgin Mobile sought an agency able to deliver omnichannel solutions with market-leading data and technology capabilities. Assembly MENA's duties include managing Virgin Mobile's digital activation journey, encompassing paid & organic media channels, building a bespoke affiliate network, data & analytics, enhancing user experiences, implementing performance creative and consulting on CRM."We are excited and proud to have won the Virgin Mobile account," said Faisal Dean, CEO of Assembly MENA. "This partnership showcases our commitment to collaborating with our clients as business partners, providing market-leading activations touching all stages of the customer journey. With our strengths in Data, Talent & Tech, we are confident in delivering exceptional value to find the change that fuels growth for Virgin Mobile.""Assembly MENA has demonstrated their ability to effectively navigate the complexities of the advertising landscape. We are excited about this partnership, and we are looking forward to working together with them in elevating our brand, engaging with our customers in innovative and impactful ways and unlocking new avenues of success." said Rob Beswick, Managing Director at Virgin Mobile UAEAssembly MENA's partnership with Virgin Mobile UAE marks another milestone for the agency, as it continues to expand its portfolio of industry-leading clients across the world. With a focus on delivering innovative and results-driven campaigns, Assembly MENA remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving advertising landscape.

Dubai: Jumeirah Group, the luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has announced the appointment of Joanne Behrens as Senior Vice President of Architecture & Spatial Design. The appointment is a pivotal step in the Group’s commitment to evolving the Jumeirah brand with a guest-centric design approach, blending creativity, lifestyle, and local elements across its physical spaces.With almost two decades of architectural and design expertise in the luxury hospitality sector, Behrens will spearhead the evolution of Jumeirah’s design ethos to align with the brand’s new expression of luxury hospitality. With capital assigned to grow its portfolio globally, as well as refine its existing properties, Behrens will play a central role in elevating Jumeirah’s brand vision across all new projects, renovations, and conversions, including Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Dubai, Jumeirah Le Richemond Geneva and Jumeirah Red Sea.Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “Since the creation of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah over two decades ago, Jumeirah has consistently broken boundaries and created the exceptional. Our hotels offer immersive experiences, connecting the most discerning travellers, cultures and communities. As we enter a new era for the Jumeirah brand, we are taking the opportunity to evolve our business and our entire value proposition, with a very human-centric approach. This new role forms an essential part of our vision for Jumeirah to shine brilliantly, with a refined position among the highest echelons of luxury hospitality operators.”Behrens brings an impressive track record, having collaborated with world-renowned designers and artists to conceive and deliver distinctive designs, fashioning the guest experience with captivating and unique spaces. She has held senior positions with renowned luxury brands, including most recently Rosewood Hotel Group, where she was Vice President of Design & Project Services for the Americas.Central to the evolution of the Jumeirah brand is a commitment to embrace tangible, scalable and practical sustainable solutions for the hospitality industry. As part of this commitment, Behrens will work closely with Jumeirah Group’s Sustainability Committee to uphold sustainable and inclusive design practices across its portfolio.

Dubai: Ghaf Labs, a boutique consultancy and advisory firm specializing in web3 ventures, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Sui Foundation, a Blockchain Foundation that supports the growth and proliferation of the Sui blockchain protocol (“Sui”) and associated ecosystem. Sui is a first-of-its-kind Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform designed from the bottom up to make digital asset ownership fast, private, secure, and accessible to everyone. This strategic alliance is aimed at driving Sui Foundation's expansion within the UAE and the MENA region, fostering the growth of web3 adoption.Established in 2019, Ghaf Capital Partners, a private investment firm, has solidified its position as a pioneering player in the web3 investment space, boasting an impressive portfolio of 75 portfolio companies. The team's extensive business background and strong web2 exposure have uniquely positioned them to navigate the dynamic landscapes of both traditional and blockchain-based industries.In response to the growing demand from companies seeking exposure in the MENA region, Ghaf Capital introduced Ghaf Labs, a boutique advisory and consultancy service dedicated to web3 ventures. The Labs' philosophy is centered around providing personalized attention to a select number of clients each year, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met with utmost precision and care. Additionally, Ghaf Labs ensures that its clients do not compete with one another, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual growth.As part of this groundbreaking partnership, Sui Foundation will be supported holistically through Ghaf's expertise and market insights. With ambitious plans to expand its ecosystem in the UAE, Sui Foundation aims to tap into the region through a series of direct objectives, such as university partnerships, discussions with regulators, organizing regional hackathons and supporting local web3 projects.Sui Foundation shall kick off its presence in the region by participating in some of the most prominent web3 summits in the UAE for Q4 2023, such as, Future Blockchain Summit, World Blockchain Summit and Global Blockchain Congress.Sui Foundation will also host a monthly meet up in Dubai called “Sui Connect” which will act as an enabler for community building while fostering local ecosystem stimulation.Sui's innovative approach to web3 technologies leverages Sui Move, a dialect of the programming language originally developed at Facebook to power the Diem blockchain. Sui Move is specially tailored to address the challenges that traditional EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) poses for blockchain engineers in the development web3 enterprises.Sui’s remarkable speed and efficiency, coupled with its ability to store data, processes, and assets securely on the blockchain, offer a robust and user-friendly solution for enterprises venturing into the web3 realm."We are delighted to partner with Sui Foundation on their journey to become the leading choice for web3 partnerships," said Sheikh Al Mualla bin Ahmed Al Mualla, Co-founder of Ghaf Labs. "Their team's commitment to excellence and groundbreaking innovations aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering the growth of web3 technologies in the MENA region,” Said Feras Al Sadek, Co-founder of Ghaf Labs.Greg Siourounis, Managing Director at Sui Foundation, also expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "Together with Ghaf Labs, we are poised to ignite an era of transformative advancements in web3 technologies in the MENA region and beyond, bringing Sui’s state-of-the-art blockchain-based technologies to bear addressing real world challenges that have not been solved by traditional centralized networks. We believe our shared vision will pave the way for building a global decentralized web3 ecosystem based on the most advanced technologies and inclusive of all people.”This partnership marks a significant milestone for both Ghaf Labs and Sui Foundation as they join forces to drive web3 adoption and innovation within the UAE and beyond.With Ghaf Lab's vast experience and Sui Foundation's support of cutting-edge technologies, the collaboration promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities and spearhead the next generation of web3 advancements.

Charity organization Gulf for Good, in collaboration with BackLite Media, has revealed the faces and remarkable stories of five UAE residents participating in its upcoming charity challenges in Namibia and Tanzania.The ‘Champions of Change’ campaign is a celebration of the spirit and determination of Gulf for Good's challengers, whose photos and stories now grace the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road, showcasing their unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.The campaign underscores Gulf for Good's core values of empowerment, unity, and transformation. Each billboard tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and challenges that the charity’s supporters have embraced to raise funds for education, healthcare, and welfare projects benefiting underprivileged children around the world.Taking center stage on Sheikh Zayed Road, the campaign’s billboards are prominently displayed at two key locations—one near exit 50 on the way from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi and another close to the Gold and Diamond Park.Katherine Kearsey, Chairwoman at Gulf for Good, expressed her enthusiasm about the campaign, stating: "As a charity that thrives on pushing limits and creating meaningful change, we are excited to partner with BackLite Media to bring the stories of our challengers to the heart of Dubai. These billboards will not only inspire passersby, but also remind everyone that small actions can lead to monumental change."“We warmly invite everyone to drive by and witness the inspiring stories of these everyday heroes, who are contributing to the betterment of communities and children’s lives worldwide,” Katherine concluded.Gulf for Good is on a mission to inspire more UAE residents to participate in its challenges. Participation not only promises thrilling experiences but also guarantees individuals a coveted spot on these renowned billboards, creating a truly unique and memorable connection with the community.Gulf for Good's upcoming challenges will transport participants to the captivating landscapes of Namibia from November 4th to 10th, 2023. This enchanting journey takes challengers through one of the country's most iconic regions, a place teeming with breathtaking vistas, thrilling encounters with untamed wildlife, and the allure of uncharted territories waiting to be explored.In another thrilling chapter of its mission, Gulf for Good’s challengers are set to conquer the majestic heights of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, from February 17th to 25th, 2024. Renowned worldwide as one of the most formidable mountain treks, Kilimanjaro promises an exhilarating adventure that remains a flagship expedition in Gulf for Good's repertoire.Since its inception in 2001, Gulf for Good has organized more than 100 challenges, raising over USD 5 million for 63 projects in 30 countries, thereby impacting over 33,300 children in need.

On September 22nd, 2023, ABC unveiled its brand new 'Shop-in-Shop' concept, promising a dynamic and immersive retail experience for all fashion enthusiasts. The unveiling of the concept store took place in the presence of prominent fashion influencers, local media outlets, as well as our valued ABC customers! The event was a roaring hit, packed with trend-setters and tastemakers, drumming up excitement for the upcoming Fall/Winter collection launch. At the newly renovated women’s department store at ABC Dbayeh L2, a new fashion destination has been curated where all your favourite brands can be found, grouped together seamlessly in one place. Each renowned brand will take over a space within the ‘Shop-in-Shop’, offering shoppers an intimate and engaging environment that captures the unique essence of any individual. Customers can freely explore brands like Pinko, Liu jo, Patrizia Pepe, Chiara Ferragni, Versace Jeans Couture, and Just Cavalli in a fresh new space designed exclusively for style-seekers to delight in the latest fashion trends and looks.Amidst this exciting debut, the ABC Department Store also presented an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated NOW Fall/Winter Collection! This line embodies the spirit of the present moment, celebrating life, vibrancy, and individuality. The NOW collection exudes boldness, brightness, and a daring palette of colours that radiate energy. These captivating pieces combine attitude with elegance, whereby customers make a striking statement while remaining sophisticatedly chic.

Recently, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, decided to give Facebook a makeover by changing its logo’s color The social media giant claims that this transformation is all about giving Facebook's iconic blue color a more confident expression.Meta has incorporated a more confident expression of Facebook's core blue color to make it more visually accessible in the Facebook app and provide a stronger contrast for the "f" to stand apart. The brand has also redesigned the wordmark and logo to create a consistent treatment using Facebook Sans, their custom typeface.In addition to the logo, Facebook has also revealed a new color palette. Blue remains the foundation color, but the brand has added a range of secondary blues to create a stronger distinction for Facebook. However, if you’re expecting a brand-new look for Facebook, you’ll be highly disappointed. The new design and logo have made people confused, everyone is discussing the design details, color palettes, and contrast ratios, as they are not as such noticeable.  To sum it up, Meta's logo changes are far more than a surface-level makeover. They reflect a strategic approach to branding and marketing. In a blog post, Meta also hinted that Facebook's design will continue to evolve in the future to meet people's needs and make it easier to explore and connect around audiences' interests.

San Jose, Calif:  Broadcom Inc. announced today that the District Court of Munich, Germany, ruled that Netflix is infringing a Broadcom patent related to HEVC/H.265 video coding. The court issued an injunction requiring Netflix to cease and desist all further infringement in Germany.Since 2018, Netflix and Broadcom have been engaged in a wide-ranging patent dispute whereby Broadcom has accused Netflix of infringing numerous U.S., German, and Dutch patents through its provision of its video streaming service. The European patent at issue in this ruling, EP 2 575 366 (“‘366 Patent”), covers key features of digital video processing often used in HEVC/H.265 video coding. The court, on September 19, 2023, ruled that Netflix is infringing the ‘366 Patent through its transmission of HEVC video, which Netflix employs to provide Ultra HD content to its users. The resulting court-ordered injunction prohibits Netflix from providing certain video streaming services utilizing Broadcom’s patented technology.“Netflix has built a robust video streaming business that relies on Broadcom’s patented technology to deliver content to its users, and Broadcom is pleased to see this recognized by the German court,” said Mark Terrano, vice president and general manager of Broadcom’s Intellectual Property and Licensing Division.

In this interview with Adgully, Nindi Dev Sharma, the Head Of Growth - Gaming & Technology at Stream Shreek, shares insights into her remarkable career journey and the highs and lows she's encountered as a successful woman in the advertising and gaming sectors. Discover her thoughts on women in the industry, the growth of gaming in the MENA region, and the transformative power of AI in gaming. Plus, get a glimpse of the latest trends shaping the Middle East gaming landscape and the exciting future of the industry. Excerpts:Kindly share your career journey? What highs & lows have you encountered professionally, being a successful woman?In my career journey spanning over 15 years, I bring a wealth of experience in business management, marketing strategy, and communications, with a strong focus on the retail, FMCG, and energy sectors. My expertise encompasses areas such as media relations, consumer campaigns, social media, digital strategy, strategic partnerships, internal communications, crisis management, and public affairs. I've had the privilege of occupying key roles at renowned companies such as Megasoft Pvt. Ltd, Accenture, IBM, Monster.com-India.Throughout my career, I've been immersed in the vibrant realm of marketing and advertising, where creativity and strategy come together. Over the years, I've taken on diverse roles, such as devising marketing strategies, introducing brands and products, and establishing brand identities, both within established organizations, agencies, and startups with a wide range of offerings. These experiences have granted me an in-depth insight into the industry's transformation.Highs & Lows:The highlights of my career have included the privilege of working for exceptional companies led by visionary leaders.Looking back on my experiences, the pinnacle of my career as a woman in advertising/marketing has been observing the transformative influence of the campaigns I've been a part of. These initiatives not only defied conventions but also empowered women by spotlighting their strength and liberating from conventional roles. In contrast, my position at Stream Shreek deviates significantly from the traditional agency role. Notably, the gaming realm exhibits a disproportionate ratio of women in leadership positions compared to their male counterparts. Despite this, the current landscape presents an exhilarating opportunity to break new ground and occupy an invigorating space.Reflecting on the less favorable aspects of my journey in marketing/advertising, I view these instances as essential lessons. It became evident that when one finds oneself in an environment where objectives are misaligned, the opportunity for personal growth and success becomes constrained. This has prompted me to approach my choices regarding industry and agency associations with heightened mindfulness, ensuring that alignment is a central criterion for my decision-making.What inspired you to be a part of Stream Shreek, a popular game streamers platform in the MENA region?I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the gaming industry. My journey led me to LPSBrands in Dubai, a reputable and well-established branding and digital agency, where I spent over a decade. During my time there, I witnessed the inception of the gaming vertical, now known as STREAM SHREEK. It was during a conversation with Mr. Aasim Shaikh, the Managing Director of the group, that we discussed a collaboration. Without any hesitation, I embraced the role.Being a part of the gaming industry in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region is incredibly exciting. It outpaces the combined size of the music and entertainment industries. Major brands are actively seeking ways to engage with this audience, and through our platform, we have created the largest marketplace for Arabic-speaking streamers, all conveniently accessible in one place. We ensure that streamers are fairly compensated for their collaborations and campaigns.Being an expert in business management, marketing management as well as communication, what is your take on women in the industry? Do you feel there is any bias in the industry?I am fortunate to have enjoyed positive interactions collaborating with my male colleagues, counterparts and leaders in the advertising field. I've had the privilege of partnering with remarkable leaders and trailblazers within the industry who have graciously assumed mentorship roles for me. These experiences have profoundly contributed to my professional journey. Our collective dedication to cultivating a more inclusive sector has the potential to cultivate groundbreaking ideas and inspire creativity.Hence, fair share of credit to them.I must emphasize that in the UAE, the government strongly supports women empowerment. To be honest, I haven't observed any gender bias against women in this region. I take pride in making this statement.You have recently joined Stream Shreek, what is your take on the growth of the gaming sector in MENA?My involvement in the gaming industry is an ongoing journey filled with learning and growth. At Stream Shreek we are always striving to progress, aiming to connect our brands with an untapped audience by exploring the world of gaming. Currently, as more mainstream brands begin to venture into this space, we are not only focused on educating the brands about the operational aspects and how they can engage effectively, but we are also dedicated to developing Stream Shreek as the leading marketplace for Arabic-speaking streamers. Our goal is to become a comprehensive gaming strategy agency, providing a one-stop solution for brands. Just as in gaming, it's about fresh ideas, creative narratives, and creating an immersive experience for people. These elements blend seamlessly with advertising. By combining gaming elements, interactive storytelling, and virtual reality, I've been able to design advertisements that capture people's attention in innovative ways. This collaboration across different industries has enhanced my creative work, resulting in ads that stand out from the usual onesWhat would be your advice to women starting in the advertising/gaming sectors? What hardships can they face that men may not encounter?For women embarking on their journey in the industry, I would emphasize the significance of having confidence in your capabilities. Remember that knowledge holds tremendous power. It's perfectly acceptable not to attain perfection immediately; what truly matters is continuously educating oneself and applying that knowledge through market insights. Don't hesitate to voice your opinions, share your concepts, and actively pursue mentorship. Build a circle of colleagues and networks who provide unwavering support, magnify your voice, and foster your advancement. Embrace challenges as chances for personal and professional growth, recognizing that stumbling is part of the process—what truly counts is the determination to press ahead and progress.It's Ok to fall.Gaming is a sector traditionally dominated by men. Being a woman, how did you make your place?I consider myself lucky to have been presented with an opportunity to join Stream Shreek, the gaming division of LPS Brands, in the Middle East. These are genuinely thrilling times.That being said, entering the gaming industry as a woman brings forth a unique set of challenges, considering its historical male-dominated nature. Nevertheless, by actively engaging in gaming communities, advocating for diversity, and showcasing expertise, women have the potential to carve out their own niche. Participating in online forums, sharing insights, and collaborating on projects can play a pivotal role in dismantling obstacles and contributing to a more inclusive gaming landscape.Notably, within both the gaming sphere and specifically in the MENA region, there has been a notable surge in the presence of women in the gaming community. Remarkably, women make up 20% of the gamers within this community. With governmental backing for events like the Dubai Esports Festival and the initiation of various other events, there has been a substantial upswing in these statistics, and this trend is poised for continued growth.How will AI change the dynamics of the gaming industry?AI will change the gaming industry by personalizing experiences, creating realistic characters and content, improving graphics, analyzing player behaviour, enhancing testing and quality assurance, and offering virtual assistants and streaming enhancements. It will make games more engaging and efficient to develop.What are the latest trends you have witnessed in the gaming industry in the Middle East region?The gaming industry in the Middle East is rapidly growing and evolving, with a number of new trends emerging in recent years. These trends are being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of mobile gaming, the growth of e-sports, and the investment of government and private entities in the region's gaming ecosystem.Here are some of the latest trends I have witnessed in the gaming industry in the Middle East region:• Mobile gaming is the dominant platform. Mobile gaming accounts for the majority of the gaming market in the Middle East, with over 60% of gamers playing on their smartphones or tablets. This is due to the high penetration of smartphones in the region, as well as the growing availability of affordable and high-quality mobile games.• E-sports is gaining popularity. E-sports is a rapidly growing segment of the gaming industry in the Middle East, with millions of viewers and fans across the region. There are now a number of professional esports leagues and tournaments held in the Middle East, and the region has produced some of the world's top e-sports players and teams.• Investment is increasing. Governments and private entities in the Middle East are investing heavily in the gaming industry. This investment is being used to support the development of local game studios, attract foreign game companies to the region, and build esports infrastructure.• The rise of indie games. Indie games are becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East, as gamers are looking for new and innovative gaming experiences. There are a number of talented indie game developers in the region, who are producing high-quality games that are being enjoyed by gamers around the world.• The growth of cloud gaming. Cloud gaming is a new technology that allows gamers to play high-end games without having to purchase expensive gaming hardware. Cloud gaming is still in its early stages of development in the Middle East, but it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, as the region's internet infrastructure continues to improve.In addition to these trends, I am also witnessing a growing interest in new technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the Middle East gaming industry. A number of game developers in the region are experimenting with these technologies, and I believe that VR and AR will play a major role in the future of gaming in the Middle East.Overall, the gaming industry in the Middle East is booming, with a number of exciting trends emerging. I am excited to see how the industry continues to develop in the coming years.What according to you will be the future of gaming in the coming years?  The future of gaming will be more immersive, social, and accessible, thanks to new technologies like VR, AR, cloud gaming, and AI. Indie games will also play a major role, as gamers look for new and innovative gaming experiences.

ClearPier, one of the world’s leading performance advertising technology companies, is acquiring UAE-based Media Quest Group for $35M. The deal is the latest in Clearpier’s strategic sequence of acquisitions, beginning with its May 2022 acquisition of advertising technology company, PubPlus for $60M, followed by Cygobel for $40M and Hang My Ads, for $35 million, both in Q4 2022.The company has persistently expanded its data- and tech-driven performance marketing capabilities to serve clients globally – and with the MQuest acquisition, it further strengthens its offering in not only North America but also across GCC and Europe. With the addition of MQuest, the company now operates in 17 countries, with more regions onboarding every quarter.“Our vision has remained clear, as has our journey to powerfully serve our clients with the absolute best end-to-end tech driven performance marketing solutions. We’ve done this and will continue to do this through the right unique strategic acquisitions, which, frankly, is ahead of our market. Us being out in front, if not ahead, benefits our clients greatly,” said Sunil Abraham, ClearPier CEO. “At the same time, we are excited to welcome the founders of MQuest in our journey to build a best-in-class performance marketing company for our clients. John Rowe, chairman of MQuest Group, brings years of experience in high-growth businesses including in public companies, such as National World PLC. His knowledge will be critical in working alongside ClearPier founders in defining the governance framework required to continue the aggressive growth of ClearPier in a sustainable manner.”MQuest Group, a pioneering enterprise in the data-centric marketing industry, has built its reputation on the foundation of an innovative customer acquisition engine that bridges the gap between advertisers and consumers exhibiting high purchase intent. Established fewer than three years ago, the company is the brainchild of accomplished industry veterans with diverse backgrounds spanning decades, with expertise in digital media, start-up ventures, and revenue optimization. Their leadership has positioned MQuest Group at the forefront of successful customer acquisition and strategic marketing solutions.“It has been a fantastic achievement by everyone in MQuest Group to develop the business to $40M revenue in fewer than three years,” said John Rowe, MQuest’s UAE-based Chairman. “It’s clear that to accelerate this growth further we need the support that being part of the ClearPier group will bring us, and we are delighted to be joining a business that shares a similar culture and vision of the future as ours.”MQuest will remain an independent company within the ClearPier Group, run by the current MQuest board.

Nardello & Co., the global investigations firm, announced today the appointment of new leadership to oversee its growing EMEA practice. Corporate intelligence veteran Chris Morgan Jones has joined the firm as Regional Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Sara Shaltony has returned to the firm as Associate Managing Director, Head of Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Morgan Jones will be based in London and Shaltony in Dubai.Morgan Jones’s and Shaltony’s arrival underscores a period of sustained growth for Nardello & Co. that includes launching its Singapore office in July and adding multiple senior hires across its U.S. offices, including former federal prosecutor Wendy Wu in Los Angeles. The firm, which will mark 20 years in business in October, has grown by more than 30 percent in the past three years, with women at the firm comprising 50% of senior leadership roles.Morgan Jones brings more than three decades of experience leading investigations involving complex disputes, fraud, cybersecurity, asset tracing and reputational issues. As head of Nardello & Co.’s EMEA region, Morgan Jones will oversee a team of investigators that includes recent hires Jenna Burton and Daria Plakhova-Freshville, who advise law firms, banks, governments, private equity firms, hedge funds and emerging companies, among others. Morgan Jones is also the author of four acclaimed novels that have been published internationally. He received his B.A., with honors, from St. Catherine’s College, Oxford.Shaltony arrives from a global business intelligence firm, where she led the MENA practice and was head of the Dubai office. Originally from the UAE, she has focused on the MENA region for nearly a decade, advising clients on the reputational and regulatory risks of conducting business in MENA, multi-jurisdictional due diligence issues, asset tracing and other business intelligence matters.Earlier in her career, Shaltony was an analyst at Nardello & Co., where she handled complex, cross-jurisdiction investigations in MENA and Europe. She received her B.A. from Concordia University.“Corporate leaders, financial institutions and governments regard Nardello & Co. as the preeminent advisors for issues that threaten their security, business lines and reputations,” Morgan Jones said. “I am excited to take the helm in EMEA during this period of expansive growth and look forward to helping clients conduct their global business with confidence.”“Chris and Sara’s proven leadership and deep regional expertise position them to lead the charge of our teams in Europe and the Middle East, where we are strategically growing,” said Dan Nardello, Chairman and CEO of Nardello & Co. “As the firm prepares to mark 20 years in business in October, we remain focused on providing the very best talent to service our clients’ needs around the world.”

Dubai: To augment its presence and market share in the competitive wealth segment, Citi has recently released “Hidden Riches,” a digital docu-series featuring four individuals who live truly rich lives on their own terms. The featured individuals include Samar, a commercial-photographer-turned-social-advocate who now uses his art to draw attention to the issues and voices of the underprivileged, and Dr. Mariam, a visionary doctor who skillfully integrates art with therapy to guide patients on a journey of healing and self-discovery in the Metaverse.As the demand for investment services rises in Asia, Asia Pacific is quickly becoming a key market for Citi’s global wealth ambition, with the UAE being one of the critical wealth centers that the bank is focusing on. While there’s ample wealth to be invested, Citi has discovered that the UAE’s affluent have very different definitions of wealth compared to previous generations. <img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\8eecf8c29e634fc0d31b7ff4e3b258f4.png' class='content_image'>Given the affluent’s changing views about investing and saving, Citi has sought to attain greater insight into these shifts and how to advertise its products more effectively. With that in mind, the bank has launched Hidden Riches, which is an evolution of the overarching “There’s More to Wealth,” theme that Citigold campaigns are run on. Hidden Riches brings to life real examples of individuals talking about their own definitions of wealth, acknowledging that wealth can indeed transcend material riches. “Through this campaign, we hope to convey the message that we’re here to help our clients grow and protect their wealth, whatever it means to them,” said Ali Hurbas, Head of Data & Analytics, Marketing, and Digital Sales.<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\da24e324dc699105867f9d39944ca571.png' class='content_image'>According to Hurbas, authenticity and relatability are important for the target clients of its wealth business. “Affluent individuals are time-pressed and may be unresponsive to marketing messages, so it is essential for us to offer something unique and relatable to capture their attention,” he elaborated. Therefore, the campaign places emphasis on how Citigold goes above and beyond to understand clients’ goals and aspirations to help grow and protect their wealth. “As a first-of-its-kind campaign to launch in the UAE region, it was important for us to ensure that Citi’s wealth management proposition is demonstrated authentically and accurately,” added Hurbas. “Hidden Riches sheds light on how individuals in the UAE are redefining the meaning of wealth and living a life that balances wealth and purpose.” <img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\3161fe3f466d84857b6ae123e3ffc27c.png' class='content_image'>The campaign has launched on various social and digital channels following an integrated and targeted approach. You can watch the docu-series here- Hidden Riches - Inspiring Success Stories In UAE | Citibank UAE

AVPN, the largest network of social investors active in Asia, today announced that the 2024 edition of its AVPN Global Conference, themed “One Asia, One Future” will take place in host city Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 23 to 25 April. It will be organised in partnership with Abu Dhabi. The Conference is AVPN’s annual flagship event, and brings together the world’s leading investors, funders, philanthropists, policymakers, and Limited Partners to drive capital towards impact in the region. Each year, a different conference location is selected to ensure AVPN continues to be representative and inclusive of the rich and diverse social impact sector across all of Asia. The event builds on the success of the 2023 edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which saw over 1,300 attendees from more than 40 markets engage in the global discourse, and the launch of various frameworks, papers and initiatives, including a USD 3 million fund focused on youth mental wellbeing. The three-and-a-half-day 2024 Conference in Abu Dhabi will convene more than 1,500 social investors around the world and include various plenaries and sessions featuring a prolific lineup of industry speakers, impact live showcases, workshops, masterclasses, and other activities. Past years’ lineups have included experts from organisations such as BlackRock, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, KKR, Temasek Foundation, and Piramal Foundation.Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN said, “Based on current progress, Asia as a region will require another 42 years to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The urgency to scale up investments to address the food, energy, social, and environmental challenges in Asia is at an increasingly critical level. The social investor ecosystem needs to go straight to the heart of our region’s most pressing issues, and the AVPN Global Conference is the leading platform to facilitate meaningful action across the region through the “Continuum of Capital”.

With the spotlight on Doha as the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to host an A1 International Horticultural Exhibition, Qatar Airways Holidays is thrilled to launch flight-and-hotel packages with complimentary access to Expo 2023 Doha. Travelers can expect to venture into the future of sustainability and innovation, while also enjoying Qatar's year-round sunshine—making it the ideal family getaway. With unbeatable package pricing, transform your Expo 2023 Doha experience into an unforgettable adventure. Expo 2023 Doha, which is expected to attract an estimated 3 million visitors from around the globe, will take place in the picturesque Al Bidda Park, overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. The six-month event will run from 2 October 2023 to 28 March 2024 and offer visitors rich experiences, from beautiful gardens and thought-provoking talks, to arts and cuisine. The landmark event promises to provide captivating insights into combating desertification in ways that promise to pique the interest of young and old alike.By choosing an all-inclusive package through Qatar Airways Holidays, travelers will not only secure their flights and accommodations but also gain complimentary access to the immersive world of Expo 2023 Doha. Highlights of these packages are:Return flights, hotel accommodation, and complimentary Expo entry.The chance for Privilege Club members to collect both Avios and Qpoints on these curated packages.Members from select countries have the flexibility to book packages using Cash + Avios.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "Expo 2023 Doha is set to be a hub of cultural, environmental, and technological marvels. As the Official Strategic Partner, Qatar Airways is committed to facilitating a seamless travel experience for international guests, showcasing Qatar’s signature hospitality."For travelers seeking a premium journey, Qatar Airways Holidays offers a range of packages that go beyond standard options. Whether you prefer the comfort of a 4-star hotel or the opulence of a 5-star resort, the variety of packages have something to suit every preference. Delve into captivating scenery and stimulating dialogues and experience a world of culinary and artistic diversity in Qatar, all without breaking the bank. Reserve your Expo travel package today at qatarairways.com/expo and be a part of this transformative global event.

In the midst of an era defined by transformative change, the looming threat of climate change to our planet’s future remains a constant concern. As the global movement toward carbon neutrality gains momentum, the Middle East’s role and responsibilities as a major world energy producer have naturally become a central focus of this discussion. A growing number of Gulf nations have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by around mid-century, with the last few years seeing the advent of multiple carbon-cutting legislations.These efforts to reduce the impact of carbon emissions across the Middle East are driving many companies to reshape their century-old operational paradigms. Amid the automotive industry’s collective efforts toward a carbon-neutral future, Toyota has positioned itself as a driving force for sustainable mobility both globally and within the region.With the Middle Eastern market’s ever-growing demand for electrified vehicles and sustainable solutions, Toyota aims to make significant strides toward its CO2 reduction goals and bolster worldwide electrified vehicle[1] sales. This strategic pursuit aligns with the company’s overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.At the heart of Toyota’s regional efforts is the company’s multi-pathway approach, which considers each region’s unique situations and realities. This strategy considers various factors, such as usage needs, economic circumstances, energy sources, and infrastructure readiness. Through these considerations, Toyota can efficiently and holistically contribute to the carbon neutrality objectives of every country in which it operates through a range of practical solutions.Toyota offers customized solutions for different regions using various vehicle powertrains, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This approach also includes enhancing the efficiency of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, as evident in the 2021 Land Cruiser 300 series.This multi-pathway approach has been instrumental in achieving widespread regional adoption of Toyota’s electrified vehicles. The company’s journey in the Middle East began in 2010 with the introduction of its first electrified vehicle, the Lexus LS HEV. Building upon this milestone, Toyota continued to make strides in the hybrid electric domain, most notably with the launch of the Toyota Prius in 2016.One remarkable example of this adoption is observable in Dubai, where most taxis now consist of Toyota HEVs. Efforts to boost HEV sales and improve ICE efficiency have also been underway in Saudi Arabia, where Toyota successfully met the country’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, while achieving a 27% increase in average fuel economy from 2016 to 2022.Toyota currently offers a range of over 10 Toyota and Lexus electrified vehicle models, making it the largest lineup of its kind in the region. This HEV selection ranges from compact, reliable, and economical models like the Corolla to mid-sized vehicles like the Camry and SUVs like the Highlander. In addition, customers can choose from other Toyota models, such as the C-HR, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Innova, and Crown. At the same time, Lexus sets new sustainability standards in the luxury segment with HEV variants of the Lexus ES, LS, NX, and RX models.Toyota’s commitment to introducing diverse green mobility technologies in the Middle East is also evident. The Mirai, hydrogen-powered FCEV, represents Toyota’s ambitions for a hydrogen-based society. The region’s potential as a global clean hydrogen producer has attracted attention, with Saudi Arabia targeting the production of 2.9 million tons of hydrogen per year by 2030, the UAE aiming for 1.4 million tons by 2031, and Oman targeting one million tons by 2030.In 2017, Al-Futtaim Motors, Toyota’s distributor in UAE, built the region’s first hydrogen refueling station (HRS), and in 2019, Saudi Aramco and Air Products inaugurated Saudi Arabia’s first station. Introduction of the Mirai not only represent another facet of Toyota’s Middle Eastern carbon neutrality support efforts but also demonstrate its interest in aiding the long-term development of a hydrogen energy industry.Beyond the aforementioned hydrogen production targets, recent progress on this front adds weight to the industry’s promise. In early 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy signed eight agreements to initiate hydrogen mobility pilot projects involving vehicles, buses, trains, and other applications, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hydrogen adoption. In UAE, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) plans a high-speed HRS in Masdar City this year, timed with COP28.Oman is also getting its first station through a partnership between Shell Oman and Oman Airports. 15 Mirai vehicles, acquired from Saud Bahwan Automotive, Toyota’s distributor in Oman, will also be provided to Oman Airports for corporate use as per a previous agreement. Set to launch in 2024, the project will contribute to Oman’s Vision 2040 decarbonization and energy transition efforts. Product initiatives aside, Toyota actively engages in regional efforts and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. One notable endeavor is its participation in FLEET (Fuel Lubricants Efficient Engine Technology), an R&D Consortium launched by the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. To further FLEET’s vision for improved economic and environmental competitiveness in transportation, Toyota will continue to actively contribute to fuel-cell technology, hydrogen engines, and hydrogen-based e-fuels in its research projects. Toyota believes these initiatives will help unlock the hydrogen potential of the Middle East.With an ever-growing range of products, cutting-edge technologies, and dedicated involvement in local initiatives, Toyota leads the way in creating a greener, more carbon-neutral regional transportation ecosystem. Driven by its multi-pathway approach, Toyota’s dedication to innovation and sustainability positions it at the forefront of shaping an environmentally friendly future of mobility.

Al-Futtaim IKEA has dropped prices on over 30% of its most beloved products without compromising on the quality or design, setting IKEA apart from competition, said a company release. This includes products from different home furnishing categories such as the iconic STRANDMON wing chair for your cosy corner, TROFAST for your child’s toy storage and KALLAX shelving unit to display your favourites to mention a few. This is available across the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.As a brand deeply dedicated to its customers and their way of life, Al-Futtaim IKEA aspires to enhance affordability, ensuring that those previously unable to access IKEA can now afford the wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products.Al-Futtaim IKEA recognises the pressing need to provide relief and elevate the quality of life at home with affordable alternatives as the cost of essential items and commodities continues to rise throughout the region. As customers adapt their lifestyles and shopping behaviours to suit the new market conditions, the Swedish retailer aims to extend its affordability initiative. It firmly believes that creating a functional home should not be considered a luxury for anyone. By dropping its prices, Al-Futtaim IKEA aspires to enable more individuals to access the tools they need to transform their living spaces into comfortable homes.Vinod Jayan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim IKEA UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Oman, commented, "Al-Futtaim IKEA has always been committed to enhancing lives at home. Given the prevailing economic circumstances, we remain firm in our mission and are intensifying our efforts to ensure that we contribute to creating a better everyday life for the many people at affordable prices. To support our vision, we have dropped the prices of over 2500+ products across the UAE, Qatar and Oman maintaining our commitment to affordability and quality. As a family-owned business, we recognise our significant role in ensuring that more people can access the products and services they require. We aim to offer a seamless IKEA experience, making our products available to customers at affordable prices.’’Elevating Everyday Living with Our Diverse Home SolutionsAt Al-Futtaim IKEA, customers can find solutions designed to enhance every aspect of home living. From innovative storage and organisation solutions to cosy living room seating, bedroom furniture that promotes relaxation, efficient office storage to boost productivity, and a vast selection of kitchen accessories to elevate culinary experiences. Customers can also discover an extensive range of children's storage solutions that combine functionality with playfulness. With a wide selection spanning these categories and more, Al-Futtaim IKEA is dedicated to making homes not only functional but also inspiring and a delightful place to live in.Customers can discover these and numerous other inspiring solutions by exploring IKEA's latest inspirational handbook, accessible both in-store and digitally via the IKEA website. This handbook is filled with an extensive range of inspiring products, innovative approaches, creative ideas, and practical tips, all designed to assist you in decluttering, reorganising and taking charge of your living space and lifestyle.

Jellyfish, a marketing performance company for the platform world, has announced its partnership with Neom, the new urban area planned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Neom, the upcoming urban estate, is designed as a cutting-edge industrial powerhouse and innovation in urban living, with numerous regions and centres including ‘linear smart city- The Line’. The project has been funded by USD 500 billion from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi. Jellyfish has been appointed to drive its performance marketing, including PPC, paid social and programmatic display.As the new advertising company, Jellyfish will help promote the new urban area, which is being built in Saudi’s north-western Tabuk province.This mega project, with a planned area of 26,500km, lies to the north of the Red Sea, east of Egypt and south of Jordan. Neon project, with the deadline of 2025 for its first phase, will include a floating industrial complex, a global trade hub, tourist resorts and homes for more than nine million people. The project has been opened to global, regional and local investors or partners.Shanil Jagatia, MD MENA at Jellyfish, said that he was delighted to win NEOM as an esteemed client following a competitive tendering process and multi-agency pitch.    He said: “As a new breed of marketing performance company we know that success demands a creative, multi-platform mindset and we are here to help progressive, innovative brands thrive by navigating, connecting and harnessing the platforms that drive growth. It would be hard to name a more exciting, ambitious project to be working on.”Eyad Zarea, Global Digital Lead at NEOM, said: “We were impressed with Jellyfish’s agile, collaborative and future-facing approach. It felt like the perfect fit for NEOM, as a place for all people from across the globe to make their mark in creative and innovative ways.” Jellyfish works with a number of clients in the MENA region, such as L’Oréal, Sony, Coty, Emirates, and Majid Al Futtaim.

 Seventy-five percent of the more than 570 executives recently surveyed by Bain & Company said AI has already met or exceeded their expectations. According to Bain’s fourth annual Global Technology Report released today, the current generation of AI tools and models could help companies speed up 20% of worker tasks without loss in quality.While the ease of access to large language model (LLM) application programming interfaces (APIs) has made it relatively easy to demonstrate new AI-powered products, Bain’s survey found that 89% of software companies are already using AI to differentiate their products—15 percentage points higher than other sectors. Early adopters of AI are already seeing results and productivity gains as companies explore new ways to use AI for their businesses, Bain found.“Innovation is happening quickly, and we are still in early days,” said David Crawford, global head of Bain’s Technology practice. “Three out of four software companies we surveyed believe that early movers will have a sustained advantage that will not level off. Software leaders expect the technology to generate significant opportunities to increase topline growth and customer retention. Our research shows that, in this fast-moving environment, companies that take a wait-and-see approach in terms of AI are at risk of being left behind.”Oliver Bittner, partner and head of Enterprise Technology & Digital practice at Bain & Company Middle East, said: “With AI transforming nearly every industry worldwide, the Middle East is making significant investments, particularly at a time when the region is accelerating rapidly. These innovative technologies, if employed correctly, can not only change the way we work and live but also present challenges that could disrupt industries in the future. This highlights the need for careful planning to ensure the AI is being utilized effectively.”Software companies also need to address how the adoption of generative AI by their customersand competitors can impact their core business. Many customer concerns around data protection and access, personally identifiable information, audit trails, prompt grounding with proprietary data, and integration with other machine learning (ML) and automation technologies are served in platform layers, beyond the LLM. The report highlighted that this is the area that software companies can differentiate themselves, leveraging established positions in customer architectures.Generative AI talent implicationsAs customers introduce AI into their own processes, job roles are expected to change. Engineering and sales and marketing are among the functions most likely to benefit from AI over the next 18 months. Companies will need more engineering talent for AI and ML, particularly with experience building or integrating LLMs.Generative AI will change the way companies market and sell their products and services as it enables significant automation across every step of the customer life cycle. In particular, demand and lead generation, digital self-service sales, customer success, and other support activities all have the potential to benefit from the types of automation that generative AI enables.When it comes to investor appetite, Bain’s report showed that most investors agree that AI will have a significant effect on the tech sector. In fact, investors’ enthusiasm for AI is high, with AI and ML investments leading venture growth in the first half of 2023. However, most investors think that the evolution of the competitive landscape remains to be seen.To avoid disruption risks, investors must consider both disruption potential and structural barriers in the market. They must also consider whether or not companies own proprietary data could enrich generative AI applications.“Top funds are not waiting to see how generative AI changes this space. They are biasing toward action to capitalize on the potential of their incumbent software assets,” said Crawford.Investor perspectives: A buyers’ market is coming for tech assetsInvestor sentiment on the broader tech sector, on the other hand, has been lackluster since the third quarter of 2022. With deal volumes and exit values down, a growing backlog of deals, including more than $700 billion of tech assets purchased between 2018 and 2021, has led to longer hold times of tech portfolio companies.In 2023, nearly half of tech portfolio companies have been held for more than four years, and for the first time since 2012, more than 40% of tech portfolio companies are being held for more than four years. This backlog of long-held portfolio assets is growing more quickly than the record level of dry powder that is holding steady, which will create a buyer’s market when activity picks up.Investors reward tech companies differently based on a company’s context and point in the life cycle, according to Bain. Some investors are attracted to young, disruptive companies based on their growth potential. As companies and their markets mature, investors expect a mix of growth and returns. Mature companies with a proven track record in stable markets can expect slower growth while their investors are closely focused on profitability.To maximize value, investor relations strategies of tech companies should change over time as markets mature. Understanding the role between market maturity, investor expectations, and sources of total shareholder returns are essential to deliver shareholder value at every step of the journey.Post-globalization: Tech manufacturers diversify supply chains and R&D locationsIn another chapter of the tech report, Bain predicts that the global footprint of the technology value chain is likely to look very different, a decade from now. Macroeconomic shocks in the last few years have prompted tech manufacturers to build resilience into their supply chains, primarily by expanding their geographic footprints to new locations in Asia, Europe, and North America, creating more flexibility within their talent pools. This initially led companies to align their supply chains processes, but now these businesses are safeguarding critical business aspects and are getting closer to end markets through diversifying R&D, talent, and innovation hubs.Some of the other topics discussed in this year’s report include AI and cybersecurity, digital innovation, and intelligent edge.Brahaim Laaidi, a partner at Bain & Company Middle East, said: “At a time where technology is constantly at our fingertips, Bain & Company’s latest annual Global Technology Report shows the impact of these innovative tools on our daily lives and how they are shaping our business practices. There is no doubt that technology will continue to advance, and we can anticipate the introduction of new technologies in the near future. Therefore, it is important for businesses to not only stay one step ahead and be prepared to embrace these tools but also understand how they will impact their day-to-day operations.”

Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has signed three agreements with a group of leading banks. The move comes as part of the ADCCI’s commitment to supporting economic growth in Abu Dhabi and enhancing the investment climate by collaborating with various local and international entities.ADCCI signed agreements with the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank, and Wio Bank, during an official ceremony, which was held at ADCCI’s building and attended by His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of ADCCI; Dr Amer Al Ameri, Head of Private Banking at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, and Jamal Al Awadhi, Chief Operating Officer at Wio Bank.The agreements aim to facilitate the access of ADCCI’s members, entrepreneurs, and investors in the UAE and overseas unique and comprehensive banking services in the UAE and Abu Dhabi. They also aim to introduce members and investors to a range of services, promotional packages, and financing assistance programmes, and educate them about the necessary procedures to leverage these valuable services, to drive the growth of their business.His Excellency Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADCCI, said: “We, at the Abu Dhabi Chamber, are committed to fostering stronger collaborations with various public and private sector entities across diverse fields to achieve mutual goals, enhance the competitiveness of the business community, and drive economic development. We are aware of the role of the banking sector as a vital instrument to attract foreign investments and a fundamental pillar for enhancing the business environment and improving its diversity and competitiveness.“Today, we are proud to sign MoUs with the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Maryah Community Bank, and Wio Bank. These MoUs will play a key role in advancing the business community in thee and activating its effective role. They will also provide opportunities for enterprises of all types and sizes to contribute to shaping the national economic landscape. This comes in line with our wise leadership’s vision to elevate the leading position of the emirate of Abu Dhabi at the local and global levels.”His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of ADCCI, said: “This step solidifies the chamber's commitment to building partnerships with both local and international partners. This is one of the most prominent factors for driving economic development and supporting prosperity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.“The Abu Dhabi Chamber realises that banking assistance programmes and services play a pivotal role in supporting businesses and projects, attracting investments, and driving economic diversification. The banking sector serves as a key player in driving the growth of the business community and enhancing economic stability. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of these collaborations, and their support to our efforts by providing innovative solutions and the necessary facilitations to make Abu Dhabi the first choice in the Middle East and North Africa region for doing business by 2025.”Under the terms of the agreement between ADCCI and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, the two parties aim to introduce the chamber’s members to the bank’s services targeted at investors, and drive more participation in ADCCI events and initiatives. The two entities will support the growth of investment in the private sector and provide the required advice and information to investors and the Chamber’s visiting delegations.Dr Amer Al Ameri, Head of Private Banking at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, said: “The signing of the MoU is a strategic step that comes as part of the bank’s plan to contribute to the growth of the economic sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Through our ongoing partnership with the Abu Dhabi Chamber, we reaffirm our commitment to developing a dynamic business ecosystem that bolsters the growth of our financial and economic sectors.“We look forward to leveraging our joint efforts to benefit our valued customers and stakeholders and ensure their easy access to the Chamber’s rich resources and opportunities. The Bank puts a major focus on channelling these efforts towards serving our customers and partners in a manner that meets their requirements and aspirations.”The agreement between ADCCI and Al Maryah Community Bank aims to facilitate the processes of managing and financing projects for members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber. Al Maryah Community Bank will provide investors with innovative banking services to develop their projects and manage their finances effectively and safely, including bank account opening services. The bank will also provide other services including online and mobile banking, savings and current accounts, Wages Protection System (WPS), overdrafts, loans, and trade finance, among others.Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, said: “We are very proud to partner with the Abu Dhabi Chamber to serve and develop the Emirati community, particularly local entities in Abu Dhabi. At Al Maryah Community Bank, our mission centres on enabling entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and support them with their banking and investment requirements through providing a range of smart, innovative, efficient and digital financial solutions.“Our joint efforts reflect our commitment to promoting the development of local enterprises in Abu Dhabi. We are confident that our seamless, simple and integrated digital banking solutions will pave the way for the growth and success of businesses in Abu Dhabi and the UAE community.”Under the terms of the agreement between ADCCI and Wio Bank, chamber members will benefit from a distinguished package of banking services and benefits delivered through the integrated financial platform of its kind in the region. The two parties will collaborate to host exhibitions, conferences and workshops that focus on topics of interest to both sides. They will also organise initiatives and projects focused on fostering entrepreneurship and further improving the investment climate within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.Jamal Al Awadhi, Chief Operating Officer at Wio Bank, said: “We reaffirm our commitment to this solid partnership with the Abu Dhabi Chamber, which will support us to provide unparalleled banking services to the thriving business community in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In line with Wio Bank’s mission, we aim to empower emerging businesses by providing them with access to a comprehensive range of banking services. We support entrepreneurs in their daily operational activities and empower them to achieve their ambitions of expanding their businesses by reducing transaction costs and benefitting from a comprehensive package of competitive banking services.”Through the signed agreements ADCCI will introduce its members and partners to the distinguished service packages and banking solutions provided by the banks. This will support them in developing their businesses and enhancing their commercial and investment activities, contributing to driving sustainable economic development in Abu Dhabi.