Chalhoub Group, LVMH, EMAAR Malls Management (L.L.C), Majid Al Futtaim Properties LLC, and Aldar Properties PJSC join forces to create “Unity For Change ” (pronounced UFQ in Arabic, meaning horizon and symbolizing the future), a pionneering partnership among prominent retailers and real estate developers in the Emirates. This alliance is dedicated to defining and achieving sustainability targets.The first partnership of its kind in the Middle East retail sector, between the five leading industry players, focuses on energy efficiency, clean energy, eco-design, water, and waste management, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and achieving each of the parties’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.This initiative reflects how to reduce the carbon and biodiversity footprints of the retail sector, with all entities intending to negotiate and execute a formal agreement within the next year.The cooperation specifically aims to enhance understanding and management of energy consumption across the entities’ properties, tenant stores, and landlords’ common areas, while also developing a comprehensive eco-design checklist, polling resources for clean energy purchases to optimize energy consumption, cooperating in chilled water management and air conditioning to enhance efficiency, as well as other initiatives. Additionally, there will be concerted efforts to research green concrete usage to achieve recycling objectives.Patrick Chalhoub, Group President at Chalhoub Group, commented: “In 2022, the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) validated our short-term carbon reduction goals. Achieving these targets requires collaborative efforts and I firmly believe in the power of collective action towards a common goal. We are pleased to collaborate with our partners to enhance our sustainability impact, setting clear objectives for both malls and retail operations. This first of its kind agreement marks the beginning of future partnerships aimed at ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for all.”Antoine Arnault, LVMH Image & Environment, said: “Our 5,600 stores around the world create experiences for our customers that we strive to make as exceptional and as unforgettable as possible. The excellence of our stores extends to their environmental performance. To do so, we need to collaborate with landlords. After having signed a first partnership with Hang Lung in China in 2022, LVMH is proud to sign this second agreement with local partners in the United Arab Emirates. In the context of COP28, this agreement highlights our strong commitment to fighting climate change.”An Emaar Malls Management spokesperson said: "Our participation in this sustainability taskforce further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility in the retail sector. We are focusing on fostering sustainable practices, emphasising the importance of energy efficiency, eco-responsible design, and responsible use of resources. This collaboration is another component of our strategic plan to seamlessly integrate sustainable solutions into our business operations, demonstrating our commitment to cultivating a sustainable future for our communities and stakeholders."Ahmed El Shamy, Chief Executive Officer Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “This partnership enhances and accelerates our existing efforts to reach our ambitious target to produce more energy and water than we consume, reaching Net Positive by 2040. We are proud to be a part of this shared commitment, aiming to set a new global standard in sustainable practices and achievements as it relates to retail landlord and tenant collaboration.”Faisal Falaknaz, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar, said: “A key part of Aldar’s science-aligned net zero plan is to decarbonize our retail spaces and other commercial assets. This involves us actively engaging our supply chain and tenants to support their own transition to net zero. The partnership we have announced today provides a framework for Aldar to work closely with an important group of fellow industry leaders who share our commitment to creating environmentally friendly retail spaces that benefit developers, tenants, and our customers.”The joint sectoral partnership between the five parties highlights their commitment to working as a collective unit towards their ambitious goals, and marks a testament to each of their commitments to enhancing their sustainable practices and set a new standard for environmental stewardship in the Middle East’s retail sector.

Al Ramz Corporation PJSC (ALRAMZ:UH), a leading financial services provider in the UAE, announced today the appointment of Yazan Abdeen as chief executive of its asset management business.Yazan will spearhead Al Ramz's distinguished asset management division, a foundational component of the Group. This boasts an impressive track record and manages a robust portfolio of assets under management. With a comprehensive value proposition that includes fund management, discretionary portfolio management, and tailored family business services, Al Ramz continues to solidify its leadership position in the industry, catering to a growing clientele.Yazan boasts an extensive track record in asset management, having accumulated over twenty years of expertise in the MENA capital markets. He has served in key roles such as CEO of Abu Dhabi Investment Management, Head of MENA Capital Markets at SEDCO Capital, and Fund Manager at ING Investment Management Middle East. Notably, Yazan was instrumental in launching and managing the first MENA equities long/short hedge fund in the Middle East. Yazan has been recognized for his contributions and awarded prestigious titles, including Saudi Asset Manager of the Year, Top-Performing MENA Fund, and Best MENA Fund Launch. He has also been listed multiple times on the MENAFM Power 50 Fund Managers.Bottom of FormMohamad Al Mortada Al Dandashi, Group Managing Director at Al Ramz, stated: "As Al Ramz progresses in its growth trajectory, we are pleased to welcome Yazan Abdeen to our team. Yazan’s experience and strategic insight support our growth goals. We believe that under his leadership, we can address the challenges and opportunities as we continue our development and expansion."Yazan Abdeen, Chief Executive of Asset Management at Al Ramz said: "As I take on the role of chief executive of Al Ramz Asset Management, I recognize the importance of our strategic direction. We aim to partner for growth, invest for value, lead through innovation, succeed through discipline and grow with trust. Our vision includes embracing innovation and intelligence into our business including quantitative offering and digital solutions through the use of advanced technologies as well as expanding our track record to capitalize on market opportunities.Al Ramz Corporation PJSC's appointment of Yazan as the CEO of Asset Management reflects its dedication to enhancing its asset management capabilities and serving its clients effectively. This decision aligns with the Group’s vision for growth in the evolving financial sector.

 Agthia Group PJSC, one of the region’s leading food and beverage companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft UAE, offering scope to revolutionise everything from customer service to production, procurement, and employee engagement, and marking a significant milestone in Agthia's journey to become a regional digital leader in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry. The MoU focusses on:Revolutionizing Customer Experience with AI: One of the key initiatives under the MOU is the early adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in the UAE, the implementation of which into Agthia’s Water Home Delivery Contact Center is already improving our services to and interactions with customers.Establishing Smart Retail Stores: Agthia will also aim to leverage MS Dynamics Retail and POS solutions to establish smart and best-in-class digital stores, starting with our healthy snacks and coffee brand Abu Auf prior to scaling across the group.Enhancing Employee Engagement and Learning: Agthia has commenced the deployment of Microsoft Viva to improve employee experience, engagement, and continuous learning, helping to further strengthen the Group’s reputation as an innovative and engaging workplace.Alan Smith, Group Chief Executive Officer of Agthia commented, "Our work with Microsoft will play a pivotal role in Agthia’s ongoing digital transformation, utilizing new tools to navigate the digital landscape and identify opportunities for market expansion, operational excellence and commercial success, while accelerating innovation and responsible, sustainable business practices throughout the FMCG value chain”.Vanderlei Santos, Chief Digital Officer of Agthia added, "We are delighted to embark on this transformative journey with Microsoft that enables us to offer our customers a truly personalized experience, and we look forward to providing unparalleled value to our customers and employees, leveraging Microsoft’s experience and comprehensive suite of technologies. Consistent with our five-year growth strategy, this underlines our commitment to becoming a consumer data-driven organization through accelerating our digital agenda.”

ADMO, the joint venture between Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC (ADX: ALPHADHABI) and Monterock International Limited, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire rapidly growing luxury lifestyle group, CE LA VI. This strategic move signifies ADMO’s accelerated efforts in building a diverse portfolio of luxury, lifestyle, F&B, and entertainment brands, significantly expanding its global lifestyle presence to the east. CE LA VI, which translates to “This is Life” in French, first opened its doors in Southeast Asia. Drawing inspiration from the region’s rich artistic heritage, the brand is deeply rooted in the artistic influences of Southeast Asia’s art, carvings, paintings, and temples. It has expanded over the years and now has a presence in gateway cities such as Singapore, Dubai, Tokyo, and Taipei, with its unique multi-concept dining and entertainment offerings in iconic venues continuing to attract guests from across the world who seek spectacular and unforgettable experiences. In 2022, ADMO was unveiled, aiming to curate a portfolio of premier luxury and lifestyle brands, with the acquisition of Nammos Group. Both entities remain committed to exploring global investment opportunities, with ambitions to establish a leading platform of lifestyle, luxury, hospitality, and entertainment projects. Petros Stathis, Vice Chairman, ADMO, said: “This acquisition is not just a strategic move to expand globally, but a bold statement of our vision and pace to identify and invest in brands that have a distinct market presence and transform them into world leading brands. ADMO is proceeding with utmost speed and enthusiasm, forging a robust platform of luxury, lifestyle, F&B, and entertainment brands. This acquisition not only expands ADMO’s global lifestyle presence to the east but also underscores our focus on building and nurturing a portfolio of world-dominating lifestyle brands. CE LA VI, with its unique brand essence and significant presence in key global markets, is a testament to our commitment and a valuable addition to our ever-evolving portfolio.” This acquisition aligns with the UAE’s national tourism strategy, aiming to attract 40 million hotel guests by 2031 and secure Dh100 billion in tourism investments. As ADMO’s latest deal, it underscores the venture’s commitment to scaling its platform and integrating new brands. At the heart of CE LA VI’s offerings are its Restaurants, Asian culinary havens that are among the region’s premier dining destinations. Complementing the dining experiences at the Restaurants are CE LA VI’s Skybars, epitomes of luxury and indulgence that treat visitors to breathtaking views and exotic Asian flavors, and Club Lounges, which are renowned for emanating the energy of both resident and internationally acclaimed DJs. These lounges have also become synonymous with marquee events such as electrifying Grand Prix Nights organized around Formula 1 races in their vicinity and festive New Year’s Eve parties heralding new beginnings. These offerings bear testament to CE LA VI’s commitment to curating experiences that are eagerly anticipated and remembered long after the last song fades.

Dubai Internet City, a member of TECOM Group PJSC, is returning to GITEX Global 2023 as Innovation Partner for the world’s largest tech event. GITEX Global 2023, due to be held on 16-20 October at Dubai World Trade Centre, will unite inventors, academia, researchers, and developers from around the world across 10 co-located events addressing themes including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, mobility, and future urbanism.With a strong focus on emerging tech trends and innovation, Dubai Internet City’s pavilion at GITEX Global 2023 will be a hub for the world’s brightest minds using technology including AI and augmented reality to solve the world’s most complex problems. As a founding member of Dubai’s thriving digital sector, Dubai Internet City has supported regional economic diversification efforts and strengthened the local knowledge-based economy for over two decades by attracting top industry investors and innovators to Dubai. Commenting on behalf of Dubai Internet City, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President – Commercial at TECOM Group, said: “Mitigating barriers to innovation and promoting collaborative research and development can pave the way for technology-based solutions that help to safeguard future global economic growth.“As a vanguard of tech innovation in the region, Dubai fosters business-friendly regulation and strategic support through programmes like Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and Dubai Digital Strategy, helping to unite world-leading technology leaders for profoundly impactful breakthroughs. Dubai Internet City is a prime custodian of Dubai’s vision to nurture collaborative innovation that uses technology to address the most critical trends reshaping global society and economy. Our ecosystem will continue to connect the world’s biggest tech brands with the industry’s most ambitious innovators.”A journey through AIAttendees can expect to engage with experts and innovators based within Dubai Internet City through networking opportunities and live demonstrations of the latest tech offerings from the district.Additionally, visitors to Dubai Internet City’s stand at GITEX Global 2023 will be invited to take on an AI-powered programmed robotic arm to compete in a high-stakes interactive checkers game. The interactive experience will be presented as global tech enthusiasts continue to explore how AI stacks up against human intelligence. For an immersive experience, guests will also be guided to a ‘secret door’ inviting them into a world brought to life by actors and performers from Dubai Internet City. Dubai Internet City’s pavilion will be located at Concourse 2 of Dubai World Trade Centre. The GITEX Global Media Centre, presented in collaboration with TECOM Group, will be open to journalists and content creators attending the exhibition. Visit the GITEX Global website to register for the event.Dubai Internet City, the largest leading tech hubs in the region, is part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts that include Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial City and Dubai Design District (d3).

Freelancers and professionals within Dubai Media City’s vibrant ecosystem are officially invited to be part of something extraordinary and literally leave an indelible imprint on the city’s iconic Media City Amphitheatre.Dubai Media City, a dynamic cornerstone of TECOM Group PJSC and the epicentre of content creation in the Middle East, has launched an exhilarating competition to spotlight the most talented design champions within its community by taking over the Dubai institution as an exciting 2023/24 events season beckons.The creative ecosystem is on the hunt for visuals that not only dazzle the senses, but also champion sustainability and the beauty of green spaces. The winning artwork will be installed across Media City Amphitheatre – right at the heart of Dubai’s thriving media community – as the 15,000-seat venue space gears up for a sensational line-up of live concerts, exciting festivals, enlightening workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions in the coming months.But that's not all – this competition goes beyond artistry and is about making an impact on globally meaningful trends. The winning design at Media City Amphitheatre is required to shine a bright spotlight on sustainability and environmental awareness as global climate awareness grows and Dubai prepares to host of the prestigious United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP 28) from 30 November to 12 December.To secure the winning entry, design ninjas within Dubai Media City’s ecosystem must craft original, awe-inspiring pieces that raise awareness about environmental sustainability and the wonder of green spaces. The submission should align with UAE's cultural guidelines, and be emailed in PDF format, along with its creator’s full name, company details, and phone number, to info@dmc.ae. The final date to submit entries is Friday, 6 October 2023.The winning entry will be selected by a jury panel comprising Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City at TECOM Group PJSC; Jon Barber, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at TECOM Group; Thea Skelton, Director of Dubai Lynx Festival; and Sahar Rafique, Managing Director of NordStella.“Dubai Media City, home to the world's most creative minds in the media and content sectors, is uniquely positioned to tell an engaging story of the need for environmental sustainability,” says Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City at TECOM Group PJSC.“Our community is brimming with talented creatives, and we’re inviting them to join us in driving forward the global mission to make the world a greener place by creating engaging, memorable designs that strengthen Dubai’s efforts towards greater climate awareness and eco-consciousness. The winning design from this competition will be a visionary visual treat that transforms Media City Amphitheatre into a platform that highlights our planet’s environmental needs for now and the future.”Media City Amphitheatre draws thousands of people from around the world every year as the region’s leading destination for exclusive stand-up shows, electrifying live concerts, and unforgettable festivals. Renowned artists like Eric Clapton, Amr Diab, and Jennifer Lopez graced the stage during the 2022/23 events season, when the RedFestDXB and Chill Out festivals also made triumphant returns.Established in 2000 by TECOM Group, Dubai Media City enables the UAE and the region’s creative economy by providing a platform dedicated to high-quality media and content production. It is the address of global media organisations such as CNN, and Thomson Reuters, and the BBC.Dubai Media City is among TECOM Group’s portfolio of 10 business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, and Dubai Design District (d3).