Saturday, September 21, 2024

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

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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
—Ends— 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

Fintech Summit by Naseba Highlights the Massive Opportunities Driving Fintech’s Growth in MENA Region as Investment in Sector Continues to Soar

Fintech Summit, organised by leading regional deal facilitation company Naseba, brought together the Middle East and Africa region’s most prominent Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) institutions, technology providers and funders to share the latest trends and disruptive developments transforming the industry. Innovations in the field of RegTech, blockchain, robotics, AI and digital-only banking are fuelling fintech’s rapid growth in the region.

The panelists from different verticals of the financial services sphere, exchanged their views on fintech’s power to disrupt the financial sector across the MENA region with innovative solutions. Digitalisation of financial services is still the greatest opportunity for fintech with banks being the largest investors. Changes in customer preferences and technological advances have pushed large banks to take a lead in digitalisation in the region followed by Islamic finance. A great example is Emirates NBD that increased its investments in digitalization to 1billion over the last three years.

Urging to unleash the potential of fintech wide across the banking and financial services industry, Naseba’s Production Director Naveen Bharadwaj said: “To evolve with customers’ preferred trends, stay ahead of competition and achieve a cashless economy, all major banks and financial institutions are placing huge strategic bets on blockchain, robotics, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics under the umbrella of Fintech. Naseba is very proud to continue helping the region’s fintech transformation and bridge the ecosystem through our Enterprise Fintech Summit.”

Max Liu, Co-founder and CEO of EMQ said, “The whole payments ecosystem is undergoing significant transformation with the rise of local and cross-border cashless payments underpinned by a tech-savvy population. For this reason, enterprises will increasingly require a settlement network that streamlines cross-border payments that are low-cost, secure, and real-time.”

Quoting on the regional BFSI ecosystem, Emre Karter, MD Treasury and Trade Solution at Citibank, said, “To stay relevant to clients, major banks are enhancing payments, liquidity management, and lending, through deployment of new technologies like AI, machine learning, Blockchain and better usage of big data. The most successful banks will be those that improve agility and reduce costs by using collaboration to bring various components together and build the strongest ecosystem.”

With a significant amount of capital waiting to be deployed, investment in finech is expected to remain strong. According to industry forecasts, the Middle East and North Africa region’s financial technology market is predicted to grow by 270 per cent achieving a growth of approximately $125 million a year to reach $2.5 billion in 2022. The Mena fintech market is currently worth $2bn but increased annual investment will boost the number of fintech start-ups from six in 2005 to around 250 by 2020. The market’s largest segment is Digital Payments with a total transaction value of US$41,447m in 2018. Total transaction value is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2018-2022) of 12.8% resulting in the total amount of US$67,004m by 2022.

Four countries account for almost 75 per cent of all start-ups in the MENA region – the UAE, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. The UAE is the centre of the new frontier with a combination of accelerators, rising investments and cross-industry partnerships. High smartphone penetration, young and tech-savvy people and the government’s support are all turning the region into an attractive hub for fintech. Alongside that, initiatives like Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) FinTech Hive, whose start-ups raised over $10 million in funding in 2017, are significantly disrupting the fintech ecosystem in the region.

Key speakers at the Fintech Summit included Nasir Zubairi, CEO, Luxemburg House Of Financial Technology; Peter Smith, Managing Director, Policy and Strategy, Dubai Financial Services Authority; Nick Lee, Authorisation Director, BFSI, Abu Dhabi Global Markets; Abdul Malik Al Sheikh, Senior Advisor, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority; Max Liu, Co-Founder & CEO, EMQ. 

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

Fintech Summit in Dubai to Unlock the Benefits of Blockchain

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Blockchain will be a key focus at the 3rd annual Fintech Summit being held in Dubai on 30th October 2018 on board the Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid. Organised by leading regional deal facilitation company Naseba, the conference will bring together over 200 leading Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) decision makers (CEOs, COOs, CIOs, CTOs and CDOs) to discuss the latest trends and disruptive tech such as RegTech, blockchain, robotics, AI and digital only banking. Blockchain adoption is accelerating globally and is set to go mainstream becoming a built-in part of technology and business process solutions. The technology has the potential to reshape processes that are defined inside finance, primarily because of its cost and control benefits. Even more interesting is Blockchain’s impact on broader business processes that intersect with finance such as supply chain management. Commenting on the Middle East landscape, Christopher Fernandez, CEO and Co-Founder of Block Gemini said, “Blockchain is going to play a key role in the success of financial companies in the near future. The world banking sector will save up to $20 billion by 2022 through implementing blockchain. The GCC banks have already started using blockchain in remittance, trade finance, Islamic banking, and soon we are going to see a lot of applications and services on blockchain. We are very excited that the agenda issues facing BFSI decision makers are fast reaching a decision crunch point, and the Fintech Summit is a proven catalyst in supporting action and facilitating effective partnerships and deals.” Fintech Summit will offer participants the perfect platform to explore the wealth of opportunities that blockchain holds while learning about the best practices and innovative ideas to apply the technology and benefit from it. During the course of the day will be held strategic blockchain workshops related to different industries including BFSI, Logistics, Government Authority, Food Productions, Luxury Goods and Healthcare In addition, the most prominent speakers will express their opinion on some of the pressing issues in terms of financial technology while sharing their vision on how the evolving technologies will transform our future. Key speakers at the Fintech Summit include Nasir Zubairi, CEO, Luxemburg House Of Financial Technology; Peter Smith, Managing Director, Policy and Strategy, Dubai Financial Services Authority; Nick Lee, Authorisation Director, BFSI, Abu Dhabi Global Markets; Abdul Malik Al Sheikh, Senior Advisor, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority; Max Liu, Co-Founder & CEO, EMQ. To learn more about the Fintech Summit please contact Amir Abdin on amirabdin@naseba.com For registrations please visit https://goo.gl/xK6wTM 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  

Feast on Lebanese Seafood at Ya Bahr Now Open at Royal Central Hotel The Palm

Craving for tables filled with delicious Lebanese seafood, refreshing mezzeh and delectable desserts? Newly opened, Ya Bahr restaurant at Royal Central Hotel The Palm takes you on a rendezvous of senses with a unique dining experience in a rustic setting with a modern feel – where every bite has a story to tell. Developed by Dynamic Operator, Ya Bahr is the perfect place for seafood lovers that reinterprets traditional Lebanese flavours with a modern twist. Zaid Al Hachem, Group Director, Dynamic Operator, stated, “Ya Bahr is a laid-back and lively coastal style Lebanese Seafood Eatery where our chefs flirt with exotic and authentic flavours to produce extraordinary dishes. On the menu are lavish, soul-satisfying Lebanese seafood served in a beautiful ambience with great views and vibes including live music.” Mohamed Hassan, General Manager of the Royal Central Hotel The Palm, said, “We are delighted to announce the opening of Ya Bahr restaurant at The Royal Central Hotel The Palm. We are confident it will establish itself as one of the finest Lebanese seafood outlets in the UAE offering a wide range of Lebanese dishes combined with outstanding hospitality.” Ya Bahr invites diners to ‘feast, share, laugh – and repeat!’ Here is a place where you can dip the homemade warm bread in puddles of flavours or tuck into sizzling seafood as you enjoy the laughter and music with your family and friends. Explaining the concept behind the restaurant’s name, Zaid said, “The name is inspired from Ya Bahr which is counted as the Mediterranean cuisine that is a hybrid of local, Ottoman, Levant (the areas of Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria) and Persian as well as other cuisines from cultures that influenced the area through the centuries. Its base ingredients include olive oil, garlic, onions, lots of greens, veggies, grains and of course a variety of seafood!” Ya Bahr offers both indoor and alfresco dining overlooking the beautiful Palm Jumeirah extending into the Arabian Gulf. The outdoor seating is ideal for both romantic candlelight dinner as well as groups. The restaurant also serves a variety of flavored shishas. Mohamed said, “Our laid-back terrace offers diners wide spaces under the sailors’ shades surrounded by palm trees and stunning views of the ocean. It lends itself to stimulating conversations – held beneath the simmering sun or soothing moon light – over drinks, shisha and mouth-watering food. Take in the beauty of the sea during day time or with live music every evening. This is the kind of experience you will want to re-live over and over again.” Ya Bahr is open for Lunch and Dinner from 1.00pm till 1.00am For reservations: Call +971 4 873 9300 or email fb.rc@central-hotels.com  Follow Us on @RoyalCentralAE @YaBahrUAE #CanalCentalAE #CentralHotels #YaBahrUAE #DynamicOperator 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  

FINTECH SUMMIT 2018 TO BRING TOGETHER WORLD’S LEADING SOLUTION PROVIDERS AND BFSI EXPERTS

The leading financial technology experts and solution providers for Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sectors will come together at the 3rd annual Fintech Summit 2018 being held in Dubai on 30th October 2018 on board the Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid. Organised by Naseba, the Fintech Summit is the only enterprise-grade financial technology focused event in the Middle East. This year, under the theme ‘Enterprise Grade. Real World. Now.’, more than 20 high profile speakers will lead the day packed with presentations, panel discussions, tech talks and round tables. The vendor line-up for Fintech Summit 2018 includes gold sponsors Block Gemini, Nucleus Software, Etisalat and Status Today, with 63 Moons, EMQ, Orange Business Services, Maveric Systems, Novabase, IT Max Global, HCL Technologies, Akamai Technologies and LuxTag the silver sponsors. Guardsquare, Goonhilly, Panamax and BSC are the bronze sponsors. Rounding off the list are discovery sponsor, Ewally; Networking sponsor, Huawei Technologies; knowledge sponsor, IE Business School; and strategic partner, New Economies. Daragh O’ Byrne, VP, Nucleus Software said: “As sponsor of the Fintech Summit, we will be interacting with and supporting corporate leaders who have the foresight and desire to innovate and implement next generation system solutions that will propel their business. We live in incredibly exciting times and we are thrilled to be part of the discussion. Digitization is transforming entire industries, but with all the hype around digitization it should be seen as a destination rather than a part of a wider journey. The transformation is ongoing – what’s next? What’s Beyond Digital?” Nasir Zubairi, CEO, Luxemburg House of Financial Technology, stressed, “This era of digital transformation is a wake-up call for many enterprises where legacy systems have ruled for decades and technological innovation has historically been at a much slower pace. It’s a different world in 2018, and with the BFSI industry ultimately a customer-centric one, it’s important to be on the same page as the 21st-century mobile consumer and to meet their expectations of service.” He further added, “Leaders must learn to understand the long-term pay-off of fintech investment and be ready to make both a knowledge and capital commitment. John F Kennedy once said: ‘For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.’ The Fintech Summit is an opportunity to discuss and move to redefine the consumer experience in the region and is a catalyst for growth”. More than 200 delegates are expected to participate in the Fintech Summit representing leading names from the Middle East’s BFSI industry. These include top executives from Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Citi, ABN Amro, HSBC, RAKBANK, Finance House, Dubai Insurance, Oman Insurance, Watania, Abu Dhabi Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange and UAE Exchange to name a few. At government regulatory level, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and UAE Security and Commodities Authority will lend their unique perspective to the discussions. To sponsor or attend the Fintech Summit as a buyer, please follow this link to submit your information. About Fintech Summit The FINTECH SUMMIT brings together BFSI decision makers that want to win in their industry by digitising processes, securing critical assets, analysing data and making tactical decisions. Naseba has been working with the BFSI industry since 2003, and has recognised the tremendous shift in business models and consumer attitudes driven by technology. The summit is a culmination of this experience and will deliver actionable solutions to business, strategic, and technological needs of BFSI enterprises. While the MENA region remains a technologically sophisticated BFSI market, many financial organisations are still missing the digital innovations that are radically changing business models and redefining customer experiences. The summit will facilitate knowledge sharing, high-level networking, and most importantly, pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings between BFSI leaders and top-tier solution providers who are ready to transform the digital future of BFSI enterprises in the region. 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

HITEC Dubai 2018: Mideast largest hospitality technology exhibition set

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B2B exhibition will give Middle East buyers access to the world’s leading technology solution providers and experts in the hospitality sector
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will be the destination partner for HITEC Dubai 2018 – the world’s largest Hospitality Technology Exhibition and Conference brand. Co-produced by Hospitality Financialand Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, the two-day trade show will be held on Dec. 5-6, 2018 at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai.
The annual business-to-business (B2B) exhibition will give Middle East buyers, currently worth over $75 billion, access to the world’s leading technology solution providers and experts in the hospitality sector. Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said: “Dubai has an image of doing things big, bigger and biggest. Dubai has emerged as one of the fastest growing smart cities in the world. With such visionary leaders Dubai will soon become the smartest city of the world. With Expo2020 and such a huge influx of tourist, the hospitality industry will take the center stage in positioning Dubai as the smartest city. HITEC Dubai gives an opportunity for regional hospitality buyers to introduce latest technologies into their organizations.” According to recent industry reports, Dubai attracted $21.66 billion worth of foreign direct investment in high-end technology transfers in three years. This consequently earned the emirate the top rank globally in 2018 in the share of FDI in technology transfers like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
HITEC Dubai will feature three key areas including exhibition, technology theaters and a high-power conference. Naveen Bharadwaj, Production Director of Naseba and HITEC Dubai, stressed, “Middle East continues to make huge investments in the hospitality industry given mega events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and the increase in tourists. A large portion of this is being spent on technology products and services that optimize internal processes, enhance guest experience and increase profitability. HITEC Dubai will address the needs of the industry by introducing top level regional stakeholders with leading technology providers from across the world. We are glad that DTCM is endorsing the show again.” HITEC Dubai’s Advisory Council Chairperson Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “Over the last decade technology has led to drastic transformation in the hospitality sector globally as well as regionally which has boosted competitiveness and efficiency while creating new opportunities. Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence is continuously giving greater choice in every aspect of travel turning customers into DIY travellers who plan, manage and book travel online. HITEC Dubai will the perfect platform to see what lies ahead how the latest innovations and technological advancements are changing our industry.” — SG

Dubai to host region’s largest hospitality technology event

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Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will be the destination partner for Hitec Dubai 2018 – the world’s largest hospitality Technology Exhibition and Conference brand. Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, the two-day trade show will be held on December 5 and 6 at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai. The annual business-to-business (B2B) exhibition will give Middle East buyers, currently worth over $75 billion, access to the world’s leading technology solution providers and experts in the hospitality sector. Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said: “Dubai has an image of doing things big, bigger and biggest. Dubai has emerged as one of the fastest growing smart cities in the world. With such visionary leaders, Dubai will soon become the smartest city in the world. With Expo 2020 and such a huge influx of tourist, the hospitality industry will take centre stage in positioning Dubai as the smartest city. Hitec Dubai gives an opportunity for regional hospitality buyers to introduce latest technologies into their organizations.” According to recent industry reports, Dubai attracted $21.66 billion worth of foreign direct investment in high-end technology transfers in three years. This consequently earned the emirate the top rank globally in 2018 in the share of FDI in technology transfers like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. HITEC Dubai will feature three key areas including exhibition, technology theatres and a high-power conference. Naveen Bharadwaj, production director of Naseba and Hitec Dubai, said: “The Middle East continues to make huge investments in the hospitality industry given mega events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and the increase in tourists. A large portion of this is being spent on technology products and services that optimize internal processes, enhance guest experience and increase profitability. Hitec Dubai will address the needs of the industry by introducing top level regional stakeholders with leading technology providers from across the world. We are glad that DTCM is endorsing the show again.” Hitec Dubai’s Advisory Council chairperson, Laurent A. Voivenel, senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “Over the last decade technology has led to a drastic transformation in the hospitality sector globally as well as regionally which has boosted competitiveness and efficiency while creating new opportunities. Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence is continuously giving greater choice in every aspect of travel turning customers into DIY travellers who plan, manage and book travel online. Hitec Dubai will the perfect platform to see what lies ahead how the latest innovations and technological advancements are changing our industry.” – TradeArabia News Service
 

HITEC Dubai 2018 to Take Place 5-6 December

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Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will be the destination partner for HITEC Dubai 2018.

Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, the two-day trade show will be held on 5 and 6 December 2018 at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai.

The annual B2B exhibition will give Middle East buyers, currently worth over USD 75 billion, access to the world’s leading technology solution providers and experts in the hospitality sector.

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will be the destination partner for HITEC Dubai 2018. Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, the two-day trade show will be held on 5 and 6 December 2018 at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai. The annual B2B exhibition will give Middle East buyers, currently worth over USD 75 billion, access to the world’s leading technology solution providers and experts in the hospitality sector. Click to enlarge.

Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said, “Dubai has an image of doing things big, bigger and biggest. Dubai has emerged as one of the fastest growing smart cities in the world. With such visionary leaders Dubai will soon become the smartest city of the world. With Expo2020 and such a huge influx of tourist, hospitality industry will take the centerstage in positioning Dubai as the smartest city. HITEC Dubai gives an opportunity for regional hospitality buyers to introduce latest technologies into their organizations.”

According to recent industry reports, Dubai attracted $21.66 billion worth of foreign direct investment in high-end technology transfers in three years. This consequently earned the Emirate the top rank globally in 2018 in the share of FDI in technology transfers like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

HITEC Dubai will feature three key areas including exhibition, technology theaters and a high-power conference.

 Naveen Bharadwaj, Production Director of Naseba and HITEC Dubai, said, “Middle East continues to make huge investments in the hospitality industry given mega events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and the increase in tourists. A large portion of this is being spent on technology products and services that optimize internal processes, enhance guest experience and increase profitability. HITEC Dubai will address the needs of the industry by introducing top level regional stakeholders with leading technology providers from across the world. We are glad that DTCM is endorsing the show again.”

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Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad Offers 15% Discount to All Guests on Spa Treatments

Looking for a relaxing escape? The Spa at the Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad is a luxurious urban getaway offering an array of indulgent spa and beauty treatments. And now enjoy 15% discount on all spa treatments during your stay at the Babylon Warwick Hotel. Additionally, purchase any of the spa treatments and get free beauty or skincare products.

Mr. Emad Al Obeidi, General Manager of Babylon Warwick Hotel, said, “Upon entering the spa, you will find yourself transported to a world of peace and calm. It is a place where you can experience the ultimate relaxation and restoration. Working on tired nerves and muscles, our highly skilled therapists melt away your stress and pamper your senses using luxurious products and healing techniques. Our special spa promotions allow our customers to get the best value for their money while enjoying invigorating treatments.”

Inspired by some of the world’s greatest wellness traditions, the Babylon Warwick Spa is a full-service premier spa. Here you can dive into a journey of rejuvenating treatments designed to restore and revive mind, body and spirit in a secluded location. On the menu are a wide selection of massage treatments from around the world from Babylon Signature Massage to Balinese, Swedish, Thai and Indian massage. Available also is deep tissue massage, foot and hand reflexology, sports massage, pregnancy massage and hot stone therapy. Those in a hurry can opt for express treatments.

With state-of-the-art facilities and skilled therapists, the spa is aspired to meet the modern-day expectations while continuing to offer the time-tested cultural healing philosophies, techniques and traditions. In addition to outstanding massage therapy rooms on site are a Turkish Hammam, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, steam, Jacuzzi, gymnasium and sports courts.

For reservations calls +964 772 696 7939 Or email vtodorova@warwickhotels.com

About Babylon Warwick Hotel Discover the luxurious Babylon Warwick Hotel in Baghdad. The beautiful 5-star property is conveniently located beside the green zone, next to the historic Tigris River and is only 30 minutes’ drive from the Baghdad International Airport. It offers shopping enthusiasts easy access to the souks and bazars of downtown Baghdad, whilst many of the cities’ top attractions are also only a short drive away. Babylon Warwick Hotel’s overall security profile has been enhanced with the presence of both the local police and contracted International Private Security Company to ensure not that only the hotel benefits from the additional security, but the area in general.

The hotel boasts 279 newly refurbished guestrooms and suites equipped with the finest amenities with most offering panoramic views of the Tigris River or city vistas. Babylon Warwick Hotel is a tranquil retreat in the midst of the bustling city with a wide range of facilities. When it comes to recreation facilities guests are spoilt for choice with superb tennis courts, full-service Babylon Spa, temperature controlled in-door and outdoor Olympic sized swimming pools, well-equipped fitness Centre, kids’ play facilities and four exceptional dining venues. On site are also extensive business facilities including over 1300 sqm of flexible event spaces (choice of meeting rooms and a magnificent ballroom), executive lounge and business Centre. For more information visit https://warwickhotels.com/babylon-hotel/

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

EVOPS Marketing and PR Named as the Media Agency for HITEC Dubai

DUBAI – EVOPS Marketing and PR has been appointed as the communications agency for HITEC Dubai endorsed by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Naseba, the two-day trade show will be held on December 5 and 6, 2018 at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai. EVOPS was awarded the HITEC account following a competitive pitch. Key attributes of selection included strong media network, innovative approach and focus on performance. Mr. Michel Noblet, Chairman of EVOPS DMCC said, “We are very excited to work on this prestigious trade show which is the Middle East’s largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference. We would like to thank the organisers of HITEC for giving us this wonderful opportunity. At EVOPS we complement the strengths of the HITEC team and understand their requirements.” Nicholas Watson, Managing Director of Naseba, stated, “EVOPS has a well-established reputation and demonstrated a passion for our business combined with great expertise and creativity. Working closely with the HITEC team, through the various stages of the event, the agency will provide strategic media guidance to drive continued awareness about the exhibition and conference.” One of the main objectives of communication is to leverage HITEC’s reach among the target audiences in the Middle East. Ms. Hina Bakht, Managing Director of EVOPS Marketing & PR, said, “We look forward to developing the communications strategy for HITEC in the region. We are confident our digital expertise and compelling PR campaigns will drive measurable results to support the brand’s business objectives with great effectiveness.” For more information or to register for HITEC Dubai 2018 visit https://www.hitec-dubai.com/ Call Amir Abdin on +971 44 55 7920 or Rouf Hyder Beigh +971 44 55 79 32 ABOUT HFTP Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global non-profit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industry’s problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the world’s only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry. ABOUT NASEBA Naseba offers global business facilitation services. The company creates growth opportunities by bringing together people, partners and ideas. It helps clients raise capital, enter new markets, secure partners, close sales 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 inception in 2002, Naseba has facilitated deals totalling billions of dollars for its clients. The company has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms and is an expert in growth markets. About EVOPS Marketing & PR EVOPS Marketing & PR is equipped with the latest technology and digital capability to provide businesses with the most comprehensive and innovative marketing solutions and strategies. With an integrated 360° marketing approach, the agency offers its high-profile clients bespoke, seamless and personalized service in an era of fast-paced, real-time smart marketing. Included in its services are marketing strategy consultancy, PR, social media, advertising, creative design, website and mobile app development, and events management. For more information visit www.evops-pr.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