Get the ‘X Factor’ for Your Home with A/W 2018 Collection from 2XL Furniture & Home Décor

The festive season is around the corner and it is time to dress your home incorporating the latest interior design trends. 2XL Furniture & Home Décor has just unveiled its spectacular autumn-winter living room collection. Individuality, ingenuity and creativity are the hallmarks of this gorgeous line designed to make every celebration special.

Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL, said, “Vintage style of furniture in retro tones is definitely in. There is a strong focus on self-expressive colours such as burgundy and blue. When it comes to the soft sofas, armchairs, and ottomans, we are seeing a trend for rich and luxurious expressions in velvet. Therefore, our designers this season have composed unique ambiances combining luxurious sofas with exquisite glass and metal accessories.  In keeping with the mood, the distinctive lustre of gold is everywhere”.

 A/W 2018 Top Colours

Tobby 3-Seat Sofa: AED 5,538 Tobby Armchair: AED 1,778

 Be Bold with Blue A timeless classic, navy blue is set to be huge this autumn winter in interior design. The sophisticated dark blue tone is perfect for both a traditional design style and for those looking to achieve a modern look. The blue and white combination used here by designers at 2XL Furniture & Home Decor introduces warmth to the room without dominating it. Working with a limited monochrome palette punctuated by contrasting accessories they have created a striking design scheme.

Get the Look: Stick to just two main colours. Create a sense of intrigue by painting the wall in a dramatic dark blue shade and team it up with abstract artwork. A cluster of white background frames gives a nod to nostalgia and makes a great wall display. If you are worried about the blue colour overwhelming the space bring in a large glass chandelier that will offset the dark tones and will turn into a spectacular centerpiece.

Hive 3-Seat Burgundy Sofa: AED 5,227 Hive Burgundy Armchair: AED 3,297

Burgundy is Beautiful These luscious burgundy sofas draped in velvet from 2XL Furniture & Home Décor are not only comfortable but fit a variety of styles and settings. Combining timeless classicism with contemporary touches, the designers at 2XL make a tasteful statement. Burgundy with beige or gold is a match made in heaven. It gives a sophisticated feel without being overwhelming.

Get the Look: Elegant yet cozy and simple with a stunning texture. These beautiful pieces make a big impact when styled with the right accessories. The pendant lights will definitely be a topic for conversation during any evening. These hanging lights are a work of art that can totally transform a room. Throw in some brass finishes and you’re bang on trend! 

Scottsdale Velvet Armchair in Green: AED 2,096

Wow with Velvet Rubbing your hand over a silky-smooth velvet fabric is always a wonderful feeling yet most people struggle to incorporate velvet in their homes. However, this season it is really big on the design scene. According to 2XL Furniture & Home Décor design team “There are many ways of bringing velvet into your home. A velvet armchair can instantly add glamour to a living space without being overbearing. Try pairing a velvet armchair against a bold colour wall or a graphic wall paper. Another way to introduce the fabric to your interior are cushions with velvet covers. The trick is to go for furniture sporting simple and sculptural shapes upholstered in velvet. The mix of different textures and materials too tones down the richness of the fabric. Always keep an eye on colours that collaborate rather than clash.”

From left to right: Medium Round Tea Can: AED 265, Flower Marble Base: AED 209 and Ball Small Gold: AED 62

Add a Sparkle Infuse glamour in your living and dining spaces with metallic accents. 2XL Furniture & Home Décor has a wide range of accessories to brighten up your rooms this season. Amit said “Gold or brass toned furniture or center tables can add personality to any interior style. At the same time a colourful interior can be toned down with natural elements like wood and metal. You can either go for statement pieces of furniture or smaller decorative items to perk up coffee tables. Both gold and copper provide a warming, sophisticated glow that can be easily incorporated into interior schemes to add an element of understated, cool luxury.”

From left to right: Chandelier Brass / Amber: AED 1,831; Tealight Holder: AED 77 and Oval Light Glass Cloche: AED 160

Light it Up Whether you are looking to create an intimate and intense mood or a relaxed and casual setting, lighting has a huge impact on aesthetics and functionality. Amit stressed, “Illumination is a crucial element in all design schemes and the secret lies in details. Balance of light in a room can be changed to create different moods. For a living room central chandelier and table lamps are a good option to provide vintage glamour and elegance. As a rule, darker rooms require more ambient lighting as dark colours absorb more light. To add glamour in a room with low ceiling, select a style that is wider than it is tall for best effect. Pendant lights suspended from the top over a centre table such as the ones in the latest collection at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor are a great way to make a statement.”

For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

About 2XL Furniture & Home Décor UAE based 2XL Furniture & Home Décor is a retailer of luxury home furnishings since 2000.

The retailer currently has 9 showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Al Ain. The 2XL product range includes exclusive bedroom, living and dining room furniture as well as exquisitely crafted décor items, unique gifting ideas, plush rugs and gorgeous wall art, divine bed and bath linen, eye-catching tableware, and a fun, functional kitchenware range.

The 2XL range is very classic and French-inspired. Each retail item has been carefully chosen exclusively for 2XL and denotes a lifestyle that is regal, sophisticated and of a finer taste. We have something to suit every home setting – from ornate gold-plated bedroom settings to the more subdued Parisian hues of shabby chic, quirky contemporary inspirations to more ethnic Eastern-inspired décor ideas.

For more information or to shop online please visit www.2xlme.com Connect and tag us on @2xlfurniture #2XLfurniture

CFO Strategies Forum MENA Puts the Spotlight on Prioritizing Financial Innovation and Digitalisation

CFO Strategies Forum MENA, organised by Naseba, opened today in Dubai bringing together leading industry experts to discuss the latest trends in the financial sector steering the region’s continuous growth. The key focus of the conference was the evolving roles in the C-suite and the opportunities technology and globalisation are bringing to the corporate finance function against a backdrop of rapidly changing business environment and technological advances. The intensive two-day program was designed to facilitate discussion, promote innovative thinking and provide attendees with actionable strategies to fuel the development of their companies. Some of the prominent speakers at the forum included David Allen, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on productivity and author of international best-selling book on time management ‘Getting Things Done’; and Ramses Gallego, professor in cybersecurity at IE Business School – Strategist & Evangelist, Symantec. Opening the conference, Sophie Le Ray, CEO of Naseba, said, “Current trends and global developments have made the role of CFOs far more complex and challenging with new responsibilities that demand new skills in addition to strong leadership and business acumen. Change management is a key priority in organisations and CFOs are leading the pack being the strategists and catalysts of change. This necessitates the prioritization of financial innovation and digitalization”. The Middle East and Africa region is on the verge of a massive digital disruption. Pressure is mounting on institutions to accelerate the adoption and digitalisation of processes. The forecasted efficiency and productivity gains from the adoption of new technologies are enormous. Nicholas Watson, Managing Director of Naseba said, “Digitalization and globalisation have permanently changed the financial sector and its operating environment. Digitalisation cannot simply be an add-on feature, it needs to underpin an organisation’s entire business model to achieve a new level of performance and engagement. What is critical is how businesses are responding to the rapidly changing macroeconomic environment and how CFO’s can drive corporate culture, restructuring and consolidation. Businesses need to collaborate in a digital ecosystem with industry leading partnerships and innovative initiatives that help them to overcome challenges and embrace digital change.” David Allen shared some valuable techniques for greater executive creativity and strategy with the delegates. Speaking on how high performers can get more productive and the critical opportunity that exists for improvement, he stressed, “It is not time management which is the main issue. It all about space, that is, how do we get more room to think more strategically, more creatively and more innovatively? How can we be more present in the critical conversations and critical situations that we find ourselves in?” Key speakers at the Fintech Summit included · Chris Fernandez, Founder and CEO, blockgemini · Werner Flaig, Group Chief Financial Officer, Easa Saleh Al Gurg · Ankur Shah, CFO, Careem · Massimiliano Leopardi: CFO, Sadara · Tariq Sanad: CFO, Fetchr! · Kartik Thakrar, Finance Head – GCC, Aster About Naseba Naseba creates growth opportunities, connecting people, partners and ideas. Focused on deal facilitation, it helps clients: raise capital, close sales, enter new markets, secure partners and educate workforces. Naseba’s goal is to create opportunity and add economic value at every stage of its client’s journey. It does this through three key areas: investor services, commercial services and leadership services. Since 2002, Naseba has facilitated more than a billion dollars’ worth of deals and has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms in liquid growth markets. Naseba is a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles – Equality Means Business, produced and disseminated by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the United Nations Global Compact. For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

Enjoy the Ultimate Romantic Candlelit Dinner by the Beach at Royal Central Hotel The Palm

Celebrating a special occasion or on a honeymoon? Sweep your loved one off their feet with the most romantic dinner by the beach at Royal Central Hotel The Palm. The hotel offers a picturesque setting for an unforgettable evening overlooking the Palm.

Watch the beautiful sunset on the shores of the Arabian Gulf giving way to the shimmering candle light that adorns your private table. Be treated like royalty with Royal Central Hotel The Palm’s impeccable service and personal butler.  The hotel’s chefs will take you on a gastronomic voyage with a customized menu of the finest specialties tailored to your preferences. End your evening on a sweet note with the most extravagant and delectable desserts.

Mohamed Hassan, General Manager of Royal Central Hotel The Palm, said, “Our romantic candlelit dinner by the beach is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime. The weather is beautiful and Royal Central’s exceptional location on the shores of The Palm allows us to deliver a unique experience. Couples can enjoy breathtaking views with an indulgent and intimate dinner.”

Romantic Candlelit Dinner for Two by the Beach At Royal Central Hotel The Palm Price: AED 999 per couple 3-course set menu (a choice of three menus) plus beverages Available daily from 6pm to 11pm Price is inclusive of 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT

For table reservations please call: Call +971 4 873 9300 or email fb.rc@central-hotels.com

Follow us on: @RoyalCentralAE #RoyalCentralAE #CentralHotels #StayFresh

About Central Hotels Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE as the primary market for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations in the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Beach Central The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai.

For more information visit www.central-hotels.com

For Media Contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

Make a Sophisticated Style Statement With Splendid Sofa Sets at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor

Living rooms need to be both stylish and functional. Make a sleek and sophisticated style statement with the stunning range of sofa sets at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor. These are not only luxurious but also very comfortable and easy to maintain. Use of rich fabrics and exquisite accessories anchor the arrangements for a perfect balance. Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL, said, “Whether your personal style leans towards the traditional, the contemporary or a blend of the two, at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor we have the perfect piece waiting for you. Our latest range of sofas – be it classic or modern – reflects elegance and comfort. With a palette of soothing neutrals and rich textures you can create beautiful living rooms perfect for relaxation and entertainment.” Here’s what’s on offer:  Henrieta 4-Seater Beige Sofa: AED 8,396 Henrieta Beige Armchair: AED 3,496 Viviane Cream Side Table: AED 3,010 Viviane Cream Coffee Table: AED 5,315 Beige is Beautiful When it comes to living room designs, beige is the new black. Varying shades of cream and ivory with strategic pops of gold and perfect maroon tones on the pillows creates a spectacular setting. The striking walls complement the opulent couch while adding a sense of space. Enrich the palette with striking accessories that enhance the overall look and add a final touch of glamour with a stunning chandelier.  Anastasia 4-Seater Cream Sofa: AED 4,978 Anastasia Cream Armchair: AED 1,833 Hector Etagere LtChm: AED 1,644  Calm and Collected Let the sophistication of silver and grey with a hint of black add instant impact to your living room. Ivory couch with matching arm chairs looks stunning against a backdrop of patterned accent wall in a darker shade with matching cushions. The soft hues beautifully contrast with the black lampshade. Abundance of white décor makes the room feel spacious yet cozy with the sunlight beaming in. The focal point of the setting are the silver chandeliers that echo the patterns on the wall and cushions and look striking against the mirrors in the backdrop. For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com About 2XL Furniture & Home Décor UAE based 2XL Furniture & Home Décor is a retailer of luxury home furnishings since 2000. The retailer currently has 9 showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Al Ain. The 2XL product range includes exclusive bedroom, living and dining room furniture as well as exquisitely crafted décor items, unique gifting ideas, plush rugs and gorgeous wall art, divine bed and bath linen, eye-catching tableware, and a fun, functional kitchenware range. The 2XL range is very classic and French-inspired. Each retail item has been carefully chosen exclusively for 2XL and denotes a lifestyle that is regal, sophisticated and of a finer taste. We have something to suit every home setting – from ornate gold-plated bedroom settings to the more subdued Parisian hues of shabby chic, quirky contemporary inspirations to more ethnic Eastern-inspired décor ideas. For more information or to shop online please visit www.2xlme.com Connect and tag us on @2xlfurniture #2XLfurniture  

MENA CFO Awards Recognise the Best in Finance Across the Public and Private Sectors

Over 200 top finance professionals gathered at the MENA CFO Awards organised as part of the CFO Strategies Forum MENA by Naseba. On the occasion, the Middle East and Africa region’s leading chief financial officers and their teams were honoured for their work in driving digital change in the CFO role. Celebrating excellence, the prestigious annual awards spanned six categories and recognised the most successful financial leaders across the public and private sectors. Yuvraj Narayan, Group CFO of DP World, was declared the winner of the coveted MENA CFO of the Year award while Nidal Al Khatib, Group CFO Al Hail Holding, won the trophy for the Revolutionary CFO of the Year. Commending the winners, Sophie Le Ray, CEO of Naseba, said, “The scale of transformation sweeping the financial landscape is incredible. Technological innovation, regulatory reforms, digitalisation and cyber security challenges are redefining the business environment. MENA CFO Awards, recognise and celebrate outstanding leaders in the industry who are successfully managing this disruption and leading their organisations into the new era.” Change management and digital native CFOs is a key priority in organisations, espeically as CFOs are the ‘co-pilots’ with the CEO for decision making. Winners of 2018 MENA CFO Awards include:
  • MENA CFO of the Year: Yuvraj Narayan, CFO DP World
  • Revolutionary CFO of the Year: Nidal Al Khatib, Group CFO Al Hail Holding
  • Finance Team of the Year: Public SectorTelecommunications Regulatory Authority, Saud Abdulaziz Al Doseri
  • Finance Team of the Year: PrivateSectorKuwait International Bank, Firoz Ali Hussain
  • Emerging CFO of the Year: Ather Mobeen: Finance Manager Kirnaf Finance
  • Finance Professional of the year: Subhas Chandra, CFO at Diyar Al Muharraq (Kuwait Finance House Group)
  • Woman in Finance: Latifa Al Sabhan, Chief Financial Officer at Arab National Bank
About Naseba Naseba creates growth opportunities, connecting people, partners and ideas. Focused on deal facilitation, it helps clients: raise capital, close sales, enter new markets, secure partners and educate workforces. Naseba’s goal is to create opportunity and add economic value at every stage of its client’s journey. It does this through three key areas: investor services, commercial services and leadership services. Since 2002, Naseba has facilitated more than a billion dollars’ worth of deals and has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms in liquid growth markets. Naseba is a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles – Equality Means Business, produced and disseminated by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the United Nations Global Compact. For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com  

Samsung Reveals Spotlight Session Headliners on Day Two of the Samsung Developer Conference

Spike Jonze to discuss the intersection between AI and humanity, following conversations with Epic Games, Microsoft Xbox, Niantic, Viv Labs and Wacom

Samsung Electronics today revealed the keynote speakers and topics taking the stage on day two of the Samsung Developer Conference. The November 8 session will spotlight Samsung collaborators Epic Games, Microsoft/Xbox, and Niantic discussing the future of gaming, and digital pen technology with Wacom. In addition, it will feature a fireside chat on the intersection of AI and humanity, through the lens of Hollywood films and real life applications with filmmaker Spike Jonze and Viv CEO Dag Kittlaus, hosted by Marc Mathieu, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics America. “I’m looking forward to talking to Marc, Dag and the developers about where we want to head with this opportunity and responsibility,” said Spike Jonze. “See you there.”

Additional Speakers and Topics

  • Yoon C. Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Content and Services at Samsung Electronics America, will host the spotlight session and set the stage with opening remarks.
  • Sarah Bond, Head of Global Gaming Partnerships and Development, Microsoft/Xbox, andThomas Ko, Vice President of the Service Management Group at Samsung, will discuss the potential of new technologies on the future of gaming.
  • Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, producer of smash hit game ‘Fortnite’, and John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, maker of the blockbuster ‘Pokemon Go’ will join the panel with Thomas Ko to discuss what they see in the future as mobile technologies and mobile game experiences evolve at a rapid pace to bring new and better experience to gamers and how game developers must prepare to help build that future.
  • Nobutaka (Nobu) Ide, President and CEO of Wacom will join Sally Joeng, Vice President of the Framework R&D Group at Samsung, to examine how the Samsung S Pen is reshaping the ways in which consumers interact with their device to get things done.
For more information about Samsung Developer Conference 2018, please visit http://sdc.developer.samsung.com/. Further information can also be found on Twitter (@samsung_dev) and using the hashtag #SDC18. About Samsung Developer Conference SDC brings together thousands of developers and creators to explore today’s tech and visualize what’s possible in the future. The two-day conference will feature exciting keynote announcements, technical sessions and valuable networking time. Plus, Samsung product teams and technology partners will showcase the latest tech advances and tools.

Rotana highlights six upcoming hotels at World Travel Market London to stress global expansion plans

Engaging its stakeholders, customers, and partners on a global platform, Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, showcased its wide-ranging collection of modern and sophisticated hotels at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2018 held from the 5-7 November, 2018. Marking its 12th consecutive year of successful participation at the leading global event for the travel industry, Rotana showcased its eight newly opened hotels in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for this year, as well as its incredible pipeline that comprises of six upcoming properties scheduled for opening by the end of this year and 2019 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and the UAE. The company also highlighted the figures reflecting steady growth in the UK room nights at its properties in the UAE market. At Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi, UK room nights grew by 13% between 2017 and 2018. During the same period, Rotana also increased its percentage share of UK visitor room nights compared to the city from 21.4% to 29.4%. Similarly, in Dubai, UK room nights at Rotana properties witnessed a year-on-year increase of 4.6%. Guy Hutchinson, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said: “As a strategic gathering of experts, industry stakeholders and professionals in the travel, tourism and hospitality businesses, the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2018 offered Rotana an excellent global platform to highlight its milestones, growing portfolio of world-class offerings, and robust expansion plans. Following a year of sustained performance across growth indicators and continued expansion, we are gearing up for a more promising 2019, which will be complemented by the opening of our six new hotels in key markets. We remain committed to continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences, leveraging the insights gained from this event and building on the success of our strong portfolio of hotels.” To cement its pre-eminent position in the UAE’s hospitality market, Rotana opened four properties in 2018. The company reached a new milestone when it opened its flagship property Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, a luxurious five-star hotel that features 327 rooms and suites, in addition to 13 private beach villas, in Abu Dhabi. The Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, which opened in March added another 315 keys to the company’s inventory in the capital city. Further strengthening its foothold in Dubai’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector, Rotana continued its expansion in the emirate with the opening of the modern, architecturally-striking five-star hotel Al Bandar Rotana (190 keys), the hotel apartment complex Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana (90 keys). In addition, Rotana opened 189-room Centro Salama in Jeddah and 156-room Centro Olaya under the brand ‘Centro by Rotana’ in September and October, 2018. In line with its long-term growth strategy, Rotana opened three new Global Sales offices in Paris, Milan and Amsterdam in July to drive business from these key markets. Complementing the company’s existing offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, Russia, the UAE, and the United Kingdom, the new offices are already helping Rotana grow its client base in those markets. Saudi Arabia continues to remain Rotana’s key focus market for expansion, with two properties are scheduled to open in different cities of the Kingdom in the first and second quarters of 2019. As part of its plans to tap new markets, the company will launch two new properties in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in addition to opening hotels in Iraq and the UAE with the aim of further deepening its presence in these markets. In a true testimony of the company’s achievements in its pursuit of service excellence, Rotana has been recognized at key local and international award ceremonies. In 2018 alone, Rotana won 19 awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East, the Business Traveller Middle East & UK Awards, and Gulf Business Awards 2018. Rotana’s impressive pipeline includes six hotels set to be launched from the Q1 2019 through to Q4 2019: Centro Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia – opening Q1 2019 Offering an impressive location, this Centro hotel sits on the Al Khobar Corniche and boasts unobstructed views of the sea. Featuring 247 rooms and suites, Centro Corniche’s amenities are specifically geared to the needs of the travelling executive including well-appointed meeting rooms, three dining outlets, gymnasium and swimming pool. Johari Rotana, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania – opening Q1 2019 Set to be Rotana’s first property in East Africa, Dar Es Salaam Rotana will be located in the MNF Square in the Tanzanian capital Dar Es Salaam. The luxurious hotel will feature 256 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, along with a fantastic culinary, business and wellness offering. Bosmal Arjaan by Rotana, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – opening Q1 2019 Strategically located at the Bosmal City Centre complex in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, Sarajevo, Bosmal Arjaan by Rotanawill be the second tallest residential tower in the Balkans region. Managed under the ‘Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana’ brand, the property will feature 130 two and three-bedroom units, in addition to a gymnasium, two indoor pools, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and multiple treatment rooms. Dana Rayhaan by Rotana, Dammam, Saudi Arabia – opening Q2 2019 The first Rotana property to open in Dammam under the Rayhaan brandDana Rayhaan by Rotana will be conveniently located next to the city’s main cultural attractions, including the heritage city, and only minutes away from King Fahd International Airport. The hotel will feature 285 rooms and suites, and a modern design that compliments the values of Arabian culture. Al Jaddaf Rotana, Dubai – opening Q2 2019 Al Jaddaf Rotana will be located in the developing hub of Al Jaddaf, home to Dubai’s cultural village. The luxury hotel will feature 338 rooms and suites, along with an array of food and beverage establishments. Slemani Rotana, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq – opening Q4 2019 Slemani Rotana will be conveniently located in the bustling heart of Sulaymaniyah city. Complete with 240 modern rooms and suites, business centre, fitness facilities, five meeting rooms and a choice of four dining outlets, Slemani Rotana will provide premium hospitality and impeccable service.

Centrica forms strategic partnership with Microsoft to transform field operations with Dynamics 365 and AI

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Centrica, the leading international energy and services firm with well-known customer brands British Gas, Dyno and Direct Energy, has formed a strategic partnership with Microsoft designed to transform the way its 12,000-strong team of British Gas engineers serve customers across the UK. The agreement is at the heart of the Centrica purpose to “provide energy and services to satisfy the changing needs of their customers”. Microsoft is working in close partnership with Centrica’s UK consumer division, implementing an integrated end-to-end software and services solution based on Microsoft Dynamics 365. The new system will provide intelligent automation of planning and dispatch, reducing time-intensive manual processes and existing legacy systems. Centrica employees will be provided with real time and actionable insight, ensuring customers can be kept up to date with accurate and timely information. The new system is underpinned by the latest artificial intelligence technology from the Microsoft Azure cloud platform and Microsoft 365 applications such as Power BI, Logic App, Flow and PowerApps. Matthew Bateman, Managing Director for Field Operations at British Gas, said: “Just over a year ago we announced that Centrica had transitioned to Microsoft Azure, a move at the heart of our digital transformation ambitions. This announcement marks the next stage on that journey – building cutting-edge intelligence into the way we run our field operations to improve the service we deliver for our customers in their homes. “If a boiler or home appliance breaks down, a customer wants us to fix their issue quickly and to know when an engineer will be there. Working with Microsoft, we will develop a seamless digital journey for our customers, offering more flexibility and reliability for engineer appointments.” “Microsoft is proud to deepen its relationship with Centrica. It is a great example of how a large organisation can build advanced intelligence into its operations to transform processes and empower employees to make better decisions,” said Cindy Rose, Chief Executive of Microsoft UK. “Most importantly, we look forward to seeing how our technology will help the millions of Centrica customers across the country receive an ever greater service.”

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‘Brunch 2. Wow’ at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

Fridays are family days. Add a special touch to your weekend and experience a memorable and personalised brunch every Friday from 12noon to 4pm at Loumi restaurant in Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Indulge in an elaborate buffet featuring a wide variety of dishes from multiple cuisines around the world accompanied with enticing beverages, live cooking stations and a lavish spread of desserts. Adding spice to your experience will be the superb entertainment by a resident band that will keep you singing and dancing all afternoon. While you enjoy a relaxed brunch, young ones can enjoy the fun-filled kid’s corner, or everyone can go for a swim in the hotel’s beautiful outdoor pool as the brunch offers free pool access to all diners. Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “Our Friday ‘Brunch 2. Wow’ is truly special and features an irresistible variety of international dishes and delectable desserts drawn from the world’s most popular cuisines. The setting is fabulous and allows you to have a unique experience combining a lavish meal with outdoor fun for a hugely enjoyable afternoon with your family or friends.” Brunch 2. Wow
  • Day & Date:Every Friday
  • Time:From 12noon to 4:00pm
  • Venue:Loumi restaurant
  • Special:Kid’s corner, band entertainment and free pool access
  • Brunch Packages:
–       AED 199 with unlimited soft beverage package per adult –       AED 249 with unlimited house beverage package per adult –       AED 349 with sparkling wine package per adult –       AED 99 for kids between 5 and 12 years old. Below 5 years old dine for free –       Above prices are subject to 5% VAT For bookings please call 04 702 8888 or email: dining.mahd@millenniumhotels.com For hotel marketing contact: Sheryl Aquiatan Assistant Marketing Manager Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Mob: 00971 56 506 0983 Tel: 00971 4 702 8888 sheryl.aquiatan@millenniumhotels.com  For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class. Currently operating 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture. With the motto “More than Meets the Eye”, Millennium & Copthorne is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com

Hiperdist Partners with Palo Alto Networks for Distribution Across North Africa

Regional distributor Hiperdist, headquartered in Dubai, has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with Palo Alto Networks for the North Africa region. Making the announcement, Santosh Sansare, General Manager of Hiperdist stated, “We are glad to partner with Palo Alto Networks, one of the leading names in global cybersecurity. Palo Alto is an invaluable addition to our steadily growing portfolio of partners. This agreement takes forward our commitment to offer the most advanced solutions to our customers that effectively address their evolving IT needs.” Hiperdist is a leading technology distributor and solution provider spanning multiple markets and application segments. It is now positioning strongly in the Middle East, especially the UAE market, in addition to expanding further in Africa. Santosh stressed, “We have been at the forefront of the latest advancements and have made major inroads in the arena working with brands offering the most innovative products. We are confident our association with Palo Alto will help us sharpen our competitive edge and will enable us to deliver cutting-edge security solutions to protect businesses across the region.” Hiperdist has recently made a significant investment in its new owned facility in Dubai that has been designed to facilitate and leverage the company’s growth and expansion while providing greater support to its global network with a broader geographic coverage in the MEA region. Santosh said, “The market is changing and the opportunities for us going forward are huge. We are witnessing excellent growth driven by innovation across all our main markets. Looking ahead, there is going to be more rapid development of innovative solutions globally and more sophisticated end-users to drive superior results. Therefore, inventive technology is at the heart of our multi-faceted business approach. Our strategy is to focus on ‘new innovative brands’ or ‘innovative quarter’ from established brands. We want to enable them in the Middle East and Africa distributing more innovative products into more markets.” For more information about Hiperdist please visit http://www.hiperdistuae.com Connect with Hiperdist on: Facebook @hiperdistuae Twitter @HiperdistUAE Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiperdist-uae/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHanZQWIdpXsiOj2aIQLEjw About Hiperdist Hiperdist is one of the fastest growing IT solutions distributors in the UAE. With a wide collage of IT brands such as Acer, Asus, Avaya, Canon, Galaxy, G.Skill, HPE, HP, Lenovo, PLDS, Ring, Seasonic, Super Micro, Synology, Tandberg Data, Vertiv, ViewSonic and Zotac, the organization’s key differentiator is a relentless focus on innovative, custom-made solutions for their partners. The company’s holding group, UNIDIST, houses other Hiperdist entities in Middle East and Africa region. With a market penetration supported by 23 local entities and 4 logistic hubs throughout EMEA, UNIDIST provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for all categories of IT products including computing, Printing & Imaging, Consumables, Energy, Software and Infrastructure Solutions.  For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com