Feast on Friday Brunch at La Maison Restaurant in Royal Central Hotel The Palm

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Feast on Friday Brunch at La Maison Restaurant in Royal Central Hotel The Palm

Fridays are family days and Royal Central Hotel The Palm offers the most lavish brunch at the La Maison restaurant. Feast on a sumptuous brunch spread with relaxing views of the Arabian Gulf and superb weather. On offer are an extensive selection of dishes from diverse culinary cultures along with live cooking stations and a dedicated corner for children.

Mohamed Hassan, General Manager of Royal Central Hotel The Palm, said, “Nothing is more enjoyable than sharing quality time with your family and friends over great food followed by a leisurely afternoon. Our Friday Brunch 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 equally fabulous and allows you to have a unique experience with both indoor and outdoor dining options available couple with live entertainment for a hugely enjoyable afternoon with your family or friends”.

Friday Brunch When: Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm Where: At La Maison restaurant in Royal Central Hotel The Palm with indoor and outdoor dining options. Price:

  • AED 260 per person including free flow of house beverages
  • Children below 5 years dine free and those between 5 to 11 years enjoy 50% discount.
  • Live entertainment and dedicated Kids Corner

*Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT

For reservations: Call +971 4 873 9300 or email Fb.rc@central-hotels.com

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

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

About Royal Central Hotel The Palm The stunning Royal Central Hotel The Palm is a place where fantasy lives up to reality. The 5-star hotel features 207 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites, each beautifully designed to intuitively meet the needs of discerning travelers. Set in the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Royal Central Hotel offers an array of recreational activities from water sports to an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym and health spa, along with exciting dining options. Guests have access to one of the best private beaches in the city while enjoying unhindered views of the world-famous architectural landmarks such as Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab as they unwind and relax in a beautiful setting. It is also the best spot to watch the city’s spectacular fireworks. Book your stay at Royal Central Hotel The Palm via +971 4 873 9300.

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

2XL Furniture & Home Décor Eyes Greater Market Share

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2XL Furniture & Home Décor Eyes Greater Market Share
The GCC’s interior design market continues to surge in value and, according to industry reports, is now worth almost $18 billion a year. The UAE is leading the boom, with the interior and fit-out market expected to register 15 to 20 % growth by the end of this year as the country gears up for Expo 2020. Looking at the overall interiors market, the residential sector is the largest and 2XL Furniture & Home Décor is one of the leading brands in the UAE. Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL, said, “The furniture and interiors market is consistently growing and so are we. 2XL Furniture & Home Décor is positioned as one of the leading luxury brands in the UAE. We serve a niche segment of the market catering to premium buyers. The latest range of products in our stores is absolutely stunning and will help us to gain greater market share.” Speaking about the expansion of the brand Amit said, “2XL Furniture & Home Décor is not just a luxury retail store for home furnishings but a concept brand. Paramount to our strategy is to provide our buyers an exceptional customer journey. So far, we have got 9 showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Al Ain commanding sizable share of the UAE market and we have chalked out strong expansion plans. In addition, we are increasing focus on e-commerce to drive greater growth in the long term.” 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

Royal Central Hotel The Palm Offers a Unique Beach Location for Team-Building Events

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Royal Central Hotel The Palm Offers a Unique Beach Location for Team-Building Events
With a beautiful coastal location overlooking the scenic Arabian Gulf, Royal Central Hotel The Palm offers the ideal beach setting for team-building activities and other private events. Here you can strengthen your team bonds with unique team building programs at the beach including outdoor games, water sports, yoga sessions, dancing classes and other fun beach activities. Mohamed Hassan, General Manager of Royal Central Hotel The Palm, said, “The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and we have a whole lot of options available for both corporate and private groups to create exciting team building events. The relaxing atmosphere against the picturesque backdrop of The Palm shoreline, away from the hustle bustle of the city sets the scene for an unforgettable experience with a whole lot of fun and delicious food.” DIP & DINE Ø  WEEKDAYS (SUNDAY TO THURSDAY) AED 200 per person including Beach Access + a Dining Voucher worth AED 100, redeemable at any of the hotel’s F&B outlets Ø  WEEKENDS (FRIDAY AND SATURDAY) AED 300 per person including Beach Access + Brunch or a Dining Voucher worth AED 200, redeemable at any of the hotel’s F&B outlets. For Team-Building Activities A customized team building plan can be developed working with the hotel’s professional partners and associates. Rates for those will be based on the selected options and additional to beach access and food. Where: The beach at Royal Central Hotel The Palm *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT For reservations: Call +971 4 873 9300 or email Fb.rc@central-hotels.com Follow us on: @RoyalCentralAE @LaMaisonMediterranean #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  About Royal Central Hotel The Palm The stunning Royal Central Hotel The Palm is a place where fantasy lives up to reality. The 5-star hotel features 207 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites, each beautifully designed to intuitively meet the needs of discerning travelers. Set in the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Royal Central Hotel offers an array of recreational activities from water sports to an outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym and health spa, along with exciting dining options. Guests have access to one of the best private beaches in the city while enjoying unhindered views of the world-famous architectural landmarks such as Atlantis The Palm and Burj Al Arab as they unwind and relax in a beautiful setting. It is also the best spot to watch the city’s spectacular fireworks. Book your stay at Royal Central Hotel The Palm via +971 4 873 9300. 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  

Prop Up Your Rooms with Beautiful Accessories from 2XL Furniture & Home Décor

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Prop Up Your Rooms with Beautiful Accessories from 2XL Furniture & Home Décor
The right mix of accessories can make a huge difference to a home. From basic to fantastic, 2XL Furniture & Home Décor offers a superb range of decorative items to prop up your rooms. Whether you are giving your home a make-over or simply refreshing a corner, there is plenty to break the monotony of spaces with an exciting choice of accessories. Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL, said, “The addition of new vases, sculptures, metallic light fixtures, candles, cushions, rugs or wallpapers can totally transform the vibe in a room. We have a fabulous new range of gold and antique finish accessories that would make any space stand out while adding a sparkle to your celebrations. Moreover, these neutral toned objects fit into any colour scheme with ease.” According to experts when it comes to accessories grouping similar objects together makes more impact than scattering them out. What is also important is to combine objects of varying size and shapes to avoid a cluttered look. The latest collection of accessories at 2XL Furniture & Home Décor includes the following items:

From left to right: Octo Lantern with Bells: AED 519; Round Scallop Table: AED 531; Medium Round Tea Can: AED 265.

 

From left to right: Polyresin, Metal & Crystal Human Art 2: AED 139; Polyresin & Metal Human Art 3: AED 230; Wall Clock Antique: AED 293.

From left to right: Pendant Lamp Gold: AED 1,539; Flower Vase Gold: AED 119 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  

The Power Lunch at La Cruise Restaurant in Canal Central Hotel Business Bay

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The Power Lunch at La Cruise Restaurant in Canal Central Hotel Business Bay
Impress your business associates and clients with a delicious business lunch buffet at La Cruise Restaurant in the 5-star Canal Central Hotel Business Bay. A convenient location overlooking the Dubai Canal, impeccable service, flawless cuisine and a relaxed setting makes La Cruise the ideal option for a scrumptious executive lunch. Here you can discuss business over lunch or simply catch up with your clients in a casual atmosphere. Shady Dawad, General Manager of Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, said, “We are surrounded by offices and what makes us a fantastic choice is the superb quality of food at a very nominal price. Moreover, the restaurant’s beautiful ambience with a well spread out layout and natural day light coupled with relaxing Dubai Canal views, with the iconic Burj Khalifa in the background, makes La Cruise a very special venue. Here you can have a great conversation or discuss business without having to bother about the place being too noisy or crowded.” The Power Lunch Where: La Cruise Restaurant at the Canal Central Hotel Business Bay When: Sunday to Thursday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm Price: AED 90 net per person Group Offer: 1 person dines FREE when you book a group of 10 people or more *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT For reservations: Call +971 4 873 2100 or email Fb.cc@central-hotels.com Follow Us on @CanalCentralAE #CanalCentralAE #CentralHotelsAE #StayFresh #LaCruiseUAE 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 About Canal Central Hotel Business Bay If you are looking for the magical allure of the iconic Burj Khalifa then Canal Central Hotel Business Bay is the place to be. It is only a few minutes away from The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. Equipped with the finest amenities, each of Canal Central’s 280 spacious rooms and suites offer spectacular views of the Dubai Canal or Burj Khalifa. Completing the experience are a hand-picked selection of dining outlets, flexible meeting spaces, state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa, a stunning infinity swimming pool and salon. Book your stay Canal Central Hotel via +971 4 873 2100. 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 5667355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

Emirates makes Home Check-in easier this festive season

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Emirates makes Home Check-in easier this festive season

As the busiest days of the travel calendar approach, travellers can ‘fly better’ with Emirates as well as enjoy a stress-free experience even before boarding their flight during the festive period with Home Check-in. With convenience in mind, customers in Dubai booking their travel across any class with Emirates can now take advantage of Home Check-in for just AED 250 for up to seven pieces of luggage. The rate of AED 25 will be charged for every additional piece of luggage.

Customers can book the service on emirates.com 12-48 hours before departure. Home Check-in agents will come to a customer’s home, hotel or office anywhere in Dubai to complete the security check, conduct check-in formalities and issue boarding passes, weigh their luggage, and tag and transport the bags to be delivered straight to their flight. This will leave customers travelling during the busy December period free to make their way to the airport at their convenience, skipping the check-in desks so they can go straight to Passport Control. The Home Check-in offer is part of an extensive range of luggage handling services already available for Emirates flights in Dubai, which include concierge services that handle customer luggage at the airport stationed at departures and arrivals, preferred rates for pre-paid excess baggage, as well as a bag wrapping service at departures. Emirates also offers Home Delivery service in arrival at Dubai where luggage is retrieved, cleared at customs and delivered to customers for a hassle free travel experience. In addition a luggage storage facility for customers who wish to leave their bags at the airport well before departure is available.

First of the new metro trains arrive in Dubai

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First of the new metro trains arrive in Dubai

HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the first of the new Dubai metro trains had arrived in Dubai. The train had been transported to the Metro Depot at Rashidiya. The manufacturer will continue supplying the remaining trains in batches, and the last one is expected to arrive by the end of October 2019. “RTA will carry the test-run of the first train destined for Route 2020 on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. It will start with the static tests of all operating systems of the train. In the following stage, RTA will embark on dynamic tests, which involve testing the performance of systems while in motion, such as motors, brakes and control systems,” noted Al Tayer. 50 trains will be supplied; 15 to serve Expo 2020 and 35 to enhance the service level of the Dubai metro. Several improvements were introduced to the interior design of the new metro carriages to make more room for riders and increase the intake of carriages. Changes include dedicating the last carriage for women and children and leaving part of the first carriage for the gold class. Other carriages will be of silver class. Seat distribution will be transversal in the gold class, and longitudinal in the silver class as well as women & children’s carriage. This seats’ configuration will increase the capacity of each train from 643 riders to 696 riders. “Additions enhancements include revamping the designs of handles & lighting, using cutting-edge digital signage (VBSD), and an illuminated dynamic map for the metro route & stations. They also include using LED power-saving lighting system and modifying the design of the luggage compartment to make it usable for standing commuters. Improvements also include the distribution of seats on both sides of the train and widening the gangway between carriages. The new carriages are customised to serve “People of Determination’ and the smooth boarding and alighting of riders as well. The exterior design of trains will remain unchanged to maintain the design identity of Dubai metro and its familiar colours to the public,” said Al Tayer.

Dfc marathon man reaches halfway point in challenge to run 30 marathons in 30 days

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Dfc marathon man reaches halfway point in challenge to run 30 marathons in 30 days
Dubai-based extreme athlete Marcus Smith took Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) into his stride, literally, by pledging to run 30 marathons in 30 days. Friday, 9 November marks day 15 of DFC and the halfway point of Smith’s herculean marathon challenge. This means he has pounded enough pavements to have completed a whopping 633 kilometers.
The mammoth task takes the DFC ambassador around four hours a day from when he sets off at 5am from his Satwa home. Smith plots his own routes, and his runs have taken him to finishing points across the city from Palm Jumeirah to Hamdan Sports Centre and Dubai Festival City to Arabian Ranches. He charts his progress daily on his blog and Instagram and has expressed delight at the number of runners who join him for stretches of his daily journey. Smith, who launched performance company Innerfight and Paleo food provider, Smith St Paleo, is a former professional rugby player who retired from the sport in 2010. He competes in CrossFit, cycling, running, extreme endurance events and challenges. He is also a motivational speaker, fitness coach and entrepreneur.

5 Factors That Made SDC18 an Event to Remember

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5 Factors That Made SDC18 an Event to Remember
The Samsung Developer Conference 2018 (SDC18) is officially a wrap, and what an event it was! Featuring over 5,000 attendees, roughly 60 technical sessions, and a total of 35 booths, the fifth edition of Samsung’s showcase of technologies designed to empower developers and creators to build the software and services of tomorrow transformed San Francisco’s Moscone West convention center into a crossroads ‘Where Now Meets Next’. The exciting AI, IoT and mobile advancements unveiled during the two-day event—encompassing, Bixby, SmartThings, UX/UI design and more—will enable partners and developers to create seamlessly connected, intelligent experiences across software, services and devices. The resulting innovations will have the power to change the lives of consumers around the world—ultimately making connected living a reality for more people. In case you missed it, here’s a rundown of five factors that made SDC18 unforgettable.

#1 Announcements of Exciting Developer Tools

Day one of SDC18 began with a flurry of exciting announcements revealing advancements that will enable partners and developers to unlock the power of AI in their products and services, and demonstrate the true value of connected living to their customers. Keynote speakers including DJ Koh, President and CEO and Head of Samsung Electronics’ IT and Mobile Communications Division, explained how new additions such as the Bixby Developer Studio and the new and improved SmartThings Developer Workspace will strengthen the world’s most powerful technology ecosystem, and help the company foster an ecosystem of open innovation that spans every aspect of people’s lives. The speakers also offered a first look at Samsung’s new One UI, as well as the company’s highly anticipated Infinity Flex Display. The former features an intuitive interface that makes interactions with your device more natural, and makes it easier to focus on tasks at hand. The latter features a revolutionary foldable design that lays the foundation for an entirely new kind of mobile experience. After introducing the exciting new developer tools and resources, the speakers encouraged attendees to experience them for themselves in the exhibition zone.

#2 Expert Insights

Day two of SDC18 kicked off with a bang as Samsung employees and leading lights of the worlds of gaming, film and mobile technology discussed technologies that could dictate the future of their respective fields.

(From left) Sarah Bond, Head of Xbox/Microsoft; Thomas Ko, VP at Samsung Electronics; Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games; John Hanke, CEO of Niantic.

The conference’s Spotlight Session was led by a presentation on Samsung’s latest gaming and AR innovations and partnerships, followed by a panel discussion on the future of gaming that featured Sarah Bond, Head of Xbox/Microsoft, as well as John Hanke, CEO of Niantic, and Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games.

(Clockwise from top left) Marc Mathieu, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics America; Dag Kittlaus, CEO of Viv Labs; Sally Jeong, VP at Samsung Electronics; Nobutaka “Nobu” Ide, CEO of Wacom.

Other keynote speakers headlining day two included Nobutaka “Nobu” Ide, CEO of Wacom, and Spike Jonze, director of the AI-inspired film “Her”. Mr. Ide led a captivating presentation that examined how Samsung’s S Pen is reshaping the ways in which consumers interact with their device to get things done. Mr. Jonze sat down for a fireside chat on the intersection of AI and humanity, and described why he, as an artist, believes that developers should prioritize maintaining the human element when developing AI technology.

#3 A Firsthand Look at Samsung’s Latest Innovations

Samsung packed the conference center with a wide range of exhibits that offered attendees all they needed to know about innovations including SmartThings and Bixby, as well as Samsung’s mobile services, Smart TVs, Tizen, and more. The interactive exhibits allowed attendees to experience the company’s latest mobile, display and home technologies, and spotlighted innovative ways that partners have utilized them to build dynamic solutions. Featured technologies in the mobile section included devices such as Samsung DeX and the Galaxy Watch, as well as apps and services such as Samsung Pay and Samsung Health.   Other sections of the booth showcased Samsung’s Smart TV services and digital appliances, and highlighted exciting ways to develop IoT, Smart TV and wearable services using the Tizen OS. Visitors to the Tizen section were offered in-depth introductions to TizenRT and the Tizen TV and Tizen .NET SDKs, including rundowns of available APIs, SDK tools and resources.

#4 Fun and Interactive Activities

Each SDC features a full slate of engaging sessions that demonstrate innovative ways for developers to build apps and services utilizing Samsung’s latest technologies. This year’s sessions slate placed Bixby, SmartThings and Samsung’s new foldable UX center stage. Samsung and industry experts answered participants’ every question through fun and informative lectures, panels and discussions.   But the interactive fun didn’t stop there, as SDC18 also included exciting competitions, giveaways and challenges that made the entire experience that much more memorable. The Bixby Developer Showcase was one such example. In the lead up to SDC18, Samsung challenged developers to come up with first-class Bixby experiences, for the most dynamic submissions. On the second day of SDC18, the competition’s finalists presented their Bixby Capsules, which demonstrate the AI technology’s incredible potential. Competitions like this demonstrate exciting ways that Samsung and developers are making Bixby better. Each SDC also features a wide array of workshops and activities that allow attendees to get up close and personal with Samsung’s latest innovations. This year, the interactive workshops were held within the confines of the Code Lab, located at the center of the conference hall. Covering the ins and outs of developing for Bixby, SmartThings, Samsung DeX and more, these in-depth workshops offered attendees the opportunity to hone their coding skills with the aid of Samsung’s experienced instructors. Notable examples included workshops demonstrating how to create a Bixby Capsule for a service, as well as how to build SmartThings apps with TizenRT.

#5 A Peek at Life-changing Projects

Some of the most inspiring exhibits included at this year’s event spotlighted Samsung initiatives that are affecting change in communities that many attendees call home. The exhibits demonstrated interesting ways that Samsung technologies are being used to create life-changing solutions. One of the most attention-grabbing examples was the booth for Rehago, an innovative training system (created through Samsung Germany’s “Life’s a Pitch” startup competition) that helps hemiplegic stroke patients during recovery.   Other standouts included the exhibits for Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program, which encourages students to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to develop solutions to issues affecting their communities; Project Pontis, which enables Samsung Smart TV users with physical limitations to control their TV via brain waves; and uSound, an app that helps detect the risk of hearing loss and improves quality of life through communication and education for those affected by it. And thus concludes another successful Samsung Developer Conference. For more information on the topics and innovations that were discussed at the event, be sure to check out Samsung Newsroom’s recap of SDC18’s keynote speeches. And don’t forget to check back here for more updates on Samsung’s latest AI, IoT and developer innovations.

Emirates gears up for its largest presence ever at Bahrain International Airshow

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Emirates gears up for its largest presence ever at Bahrain International Airshow

Emirates is set for its largest participation yet at the 2018 edition of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIA) taking place from 14-16 November. This is the first time the airline will showcase its 100th A380, which is emblazoned with the HH Sheikh Zayed decal as a tribute to the late founding father of the UAE.

The aircraft on display will allow both trade visitors and the general public to explore all the features on this latest generation double-decker, including Emirates’ refreshed OnBoard Lounge. The Emirates Flight Training Academy, which was inaugurated one year ago at the Dubai Airshow, will also participate at this year’s Bahrain Airshow with an Embraer Phenom 100EV jet on display, one of the Academy’s twin-engine training aircraft. The Emirates Flight Training Academy is a state-of-the-art facility that was developed by Emirates to meet the global aviation industry’s requirement for skilled commercial pilots. The Academy provides advanced learning technologies and training aircraft that provide opportunities for training cadets to develop and sharpen their flying knowledge and skills. Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Emirates said: “The Bahrain International Airshow is an important event for the aviation and aerospace community, both regionally and on an international level. The Emirates A380 and Phenom 100EV being showcased during the Airshow demonstrate our commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain and highlight Emirates’ contribution to the growth and development of aviation in the region.” Anticipated to be popular with aviation enthusiasts as well as the general public visiting the Bahrain International Airshow, the Emirates A380 will feature 14 luxurious First Class suites, 76 flatbed seats in Business Class and 429 spacious seats in Economy Class, as well a refreshed Emirates’ OnBoard Lounge. Since the new OnBoard Lounge went into service in August 2017, it has wowed customers with more seating options, mood lighting, modern finishes, and other technological features. Emirates is the largest operator of the A380, flying this popular aircraft to 50 destinations around the world. Recently, the airline launched new scheduled A380 services to Hamburg and Osaka. The airline currently has 105 A380s in service and has a further 57 on order. Emirates has been flying to Bahrain since 2000 and serves the Kingdom with four daily flights, and has deployed its iconic A380 to the Kingdom on a number of occasions.

Royal Central Hotel The Palm Lays Out a Feast of Flavours with Daily Theme Nights

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Royal Central Hotel The Palm Lays Out a Feast of Flavours with Daily Theme Nights
A wealth of gastronomic delights awaits diners at the newly-opened Royal Central Hotel The Palm. Whatever your taste or style, there is a restaurant, developed by Dynamic Operator, to suit any occasion and palate, creating a true culinary voyage. All that remains is the selection of venue – La Maison, the all-day-dining International cuisine restaurant with al fresco sea view seating option and weekly themed nights; Ya Bahr offering outstanding Lebanese Seafood in beautiful coastal-themed surroundings as well as a splendid shisha terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf; Choi specialising in contemporary Japanese cuisine with scenic rooftop lounge offering uninterrupted views of Atlantis The Palm; and Hush Beach – a Hawaiian Themed Beach Bar with mesmerizing palm views. No matter what you crave an unforgettable dining experience is guaranteed with exciting promotions and fabulous live entertainment every day of the week. Here’s what is on offer: MEXICAN NIGHT At La Maison Restaurant A sumptuous buffet of authentic Mexican favourites designed to spice up your taste buds. From sizzling fajitas to the best of Latin-American dishes! Every Sunday I 7:00pm – 10:00pm Live Entertainment AED 120* inclusive of soft drinks AED 220* inclusive of alcoholic house beverages Kids below 5 years dine free and those between 5 and 12 years enjoy 50% discount *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT  ASIAN NIGHT At La Maison Restaurant Indulge in a wide selection of rich Asian delicacies from China, Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and India. The lavish buffet reflects the colourful diversity of local flavours and cultures from the region. Every Monday I 7:00pm – 10:00pm Live Entertainment AED 120* inclusive of soft drinks AED 220* inclusive of alcoholic house beverages Kids below 5 years dine free and those between 5 and 12 years enjoy 50% discount *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT BRITISH NIGHT At La Maison Restaurant Enjoy a sumptuous buffet of traditional English delights from grilled short ribs, roasts, steaks, kidney pie and fish & chips basket to name just a few temptations, along with live cooking stations. Round off the dinner with a variety of delectable desserts. Every Tuesday I 7:00pm – 10:00pm Live Entertainment AED 120* inclusive of soft drinks AED 220* inclusive of alcoholic house beverages Kids below 5 years dine free and those between 5 and 12 years enjoy 50% discount *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT SEAFOOD NIGHT At La Maison Restaurant Dive into the deep sea with a lavish Seafood Buffet featuring an exquisite selection of freshly prepared signature seafood specialties accompanied with a variety of salads, soups and desserts. Every Wednesday I 7:00pm – 10:00pm Live Entertainment AED 120* inclusive of soft drinks AED 220* inclusive of alcoholic house beverages Kids below 5 years dine free and those between 5 and 12 years enjoy 50% discount *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT ITALIAN NIGHT At La Maison Restaurant Join us for traditional Italian delights including a wide selection of appetizers, main courses, live cooking stations and desserts in a beautiful Italian setting. Every Thursday I 7:00pm – 10:00pm Live Entertainment AED 120* inclusive of soft drinks AED 220* inclusive of alcoholic house beverages Kids below 5 years dine free and those between 5 and 12 years enjoy 50% discount *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT ARABIAN NIGHT At La Maison Restaurant Savor an extravagant Arabian themed buffet featuring a variety of authentic Arabic delicacies including cold and hot mezzeh, grills, main dishes and desserts. Every Friday I 7:00pm – 10:00pm Live Entertainment with Belly Dancer AED 120* inclusive of soft drinks AED 220* inclusive of alcoholic house beverages Kids below 5 years dine free and those between 5 and 12 years enjoy 50% discount *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT INTERNATIONAL NIGHT At La Maison Restaurant A sumptuous international buffet featuring the world on a plate with an array of traditional and contemporary dishes to suit every palate. Experience a rendezvous of the senses and a celebration of the finest flavors as we take you on a culinary journey around the globe. Every Saturday I 7:00pm – 10:00pm Live Entertainment AED 120* inclusive of soft drinks AED 220* inclusive of alcoholic house beverages Kids below 5 years dine free and those between 5 and 12 years enjoy 50% discount *Prices are excluding 10% service charge, 7% Municipality fees & 5% VAT For reservations: Call +971 4 873 9300 or email Fb.rc@central-hotels.com  Follow us on @RoyalCentralAE @YaBahrUAE @LaMaison @ChoiUAE #RoyalCentralAE #CentralHotels #StayFresh #YaBahr #LaMaison #Choi 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

Amazon Announces Launch of Amazon Music for Mexico, Bringing Tens of Millions of Songs for Ad-Free and On-Demand Streaming to Customers

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Amazon Announces Launch of Amazon Music for Mexico, Bringing Tens of Millions of Songs for Ad-Free and On-Demand Streaming to Customers
Amazon Mexico announced today the launch of Amazon Music, Amazon’s music streaming service offering customers a variety of ways to listen to and discover music, from chart-topping releases by today’s top artists including Natalia Lafourcade, Ariana Grande, Reik, Calvin Harris, J Balvin, and Shakira, as well as an immense selection of locally-curated playlists and stations, both completely ad-free and on-demand, and specially curated for music listeners in Mexico. With Amazon Music, streaming music is easier and more fun than ever before, with the added ability for listeners to use their voice to request music through using innovative voice features, powered by Amazon Alexa as it arrives for customers this month. Learn more at amazon.com.mx/music. “With today’s launch in Mexico, we’re bringing our customers an incredible selection of music including hand-curated global and local content created for music lovers in Mexico,” stated Federico Pedersen, Head of Music for Mexico. “Soon millions of songs will be paired with a brand-new way of listening to music through voice on Alexa, delivering a host of brand-new ways to ask for music. We can’t wait for customers to begin their listening experience with Amazon Music.” With Amazon Music now available for customers in Mexico, music listeners will be able to choose from a variety of options for music streaming featuring a dynamic selection of hand-curated playlists and personalized stations covering top international, and regional genres. For the ultimate selection in music streaming, listeners can subscribe to the Amazon Music premium tier, Amazon Music Unlimited, and have access to more than 50 million songs and thousands of playlists and stations at a variety of subscription tiers. Amazon Music Unlimited includes a wide selection of popular and emerging artists from the region, and thousands of hand-curated playlists and stations including “Mexicanísimo,” a hand-curated playlist presenting Regional Mexicana acts; “Hecho en México,” which offers a mix of modern and classic songs by Vicente Fernández, José Alfredo Jiménez and more; “#LoQueSuena,” a playlist updated weekly with new music trending in Mexico; and “Fuego Latino,” one of the most popular global playlists on Amazon Music, highlighting today’s hottest songs in Latin music. With Prime Music, every new and existing Amazon Prime member will automatically be able to listen to more than two million songs and hundreds of hand-curated playlists and stations for up to 40 hours of monthly playback, at no additional cost to their Prime membership. With Prime Music, listeners will now have access to choose from a variety of hand-curated playlists including “Corazón Partido,” with songs by Mon Laferte and Sin Bandera, to “Reggaetón y ya,” including hit tracks by Maluma, Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee, and classic grupera acts on “Y Que Toque La Banda.” On Amazon Music, searching for the perfect song by scrolling through a visual interface is no longer required, as music listeners will soon be able to discover new favorites and easily return to popular playlists, albums and more with the launch of Amazon Alexa this month. Customers in Mexico will join the tens of millions of Amazon Music listeners in more than 40 countries around the world who have the ability to use natural language commands to listen to music, including simply asking Alexa to play the latest single or album from their favorite artist, or to easily find playlists and stations based on a variety of moods and genres, anywhere they go. Amazon Music is available in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android, on Mac, PC, Fire TV Stick Basic Edition and any Web Browser, and on the recently announced Amazon Echo family of devices when they begin to ship this month in Mexico. Alexa will soon be available in the Amazon Music app in iOS and Android, making it easy for customers to just ask for music in a variety of ways on the go, including:
  • Home from work and want to unwind? Try asking for music by mood, including, “Alexa, play relaxing music.”
  • Looking for the latest album by a certain artist? Ask, “Alexa, play the latest album by Camilla Cabello,” and Alexa will play Camilla.
  • Hear a song on the radio that you want to play again? Request, “Alexa, play ‘Circo Soledad’ by Arjona.”
  • Looking for music from a specific genre and era? Ask, “Alexa, play rock music from the 70s” or, “Alexa, play pop music from the 2000s.”
  • In the mood for a curated playlist? Ask, “Alexa, play a Cumbia playlist” or, “Alexa, play a Reggaetón playlist.”
  • Not sure what you want to play? Just say, “Alexa, play music” to hear a station based on your personal listening habits.
Starting today, eligible customers who are not already Prime members can try Prime Music with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. For even more music, eligible customers can also sign up for a free, three-month trial of Amazon Music Unlimited for a limited time before choosing from three plan options. Customers can sign up for the Amazon Music Unlimited Individual Plan at MXN$99/month, or MXN$990/year for Prime members only; the Family Plan, which allows up to six members of a household to share a subscription for just MXN$149/month, or MXN$1,490/year for Prime members only; or the exclusive Single Device Plan, offering full access to Amazon Music Unlimited at MXN$39/month on one Echo device. Visit amazon.com.mx/music to learn more about the variety of features and price plans available on Amazon Music in Mexico. About Amazon Music Amazon Music reimagines music listening by enabling customers to unlock millions of songs and thousands of curated playlists and stations with their voice. Amazon Music provides unlimited access to new releases and classic hits across iOS and Android mobile devices, Fire tablets and the Fire TV Stick Basic Edition, PC, Mac, Echo, and more. With Amazon Music, Prime members have access to ad-free listening of more than two million songs at no additional cost to their membership. Listeners can also enjoy the premium subscription service, Amazon Music Unlimited, which provides access to over 50 million songs and the latest new releases. Engaging with music has never been more natural, simple, and fun. For more information, visit amazon.com.mx/music or download the Amazon Music app. About Amazon Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews. Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

Visa Collaborates with Billtrust to Help Launch Business Payments Network and Redefine Digital B2B Payments

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Visa Collaborates with Billtrust to Help Launch Business Payments Network and Redefine Digital B2B Payments
Billtrust today announced that they are collaborating on Billtrust’s Business Payments Network (BPN), which is designed to streamline the delivery of electronic B2B payments to suppliers. As a unique supplier-driven B2B payments network, BPN provides a transparent registry of suppliers who accept digital payments, giving buyers and financial institutions the necessary access to automate what has historically been a complex process. BPN makes it easier than ever to harness the increased efficiencies, greater security and lower costs associated with processing digital payments, without needing to make significant changes to existing infrastructure. “As businesses evolve, digital payments will play an increasingly important role in B2B commerce,” said Kevin Phalen, global head, Visa Business Solutions. “Collaborating with Billtrust on the Business Payments Network will allow us to improve the experience for suppliers on the receiving end of the payment, while enabling our financial institution clients to streamline the B2B payments process for their corporate customers and provide a better way for buyers and suppliers to realize the benefits that digital payments provide.” Recent estimates show that paper checks still represent roughly 51% of U.S. B2B payment volumes1. The ubiquity of check acceptance in the U.S. has been a key reason it has remained the leading form of payment despite its many disadvantages. Buyers and suppliers have already recognized the advantages of digitizing payments, including less manual touch, improved fraud controls and enhanced reconciliation. However, the current lack of connectivity between existing B2B payment platforms remains the largest barrier to adoption. Suppliers simply don’t have the systems and processes in place to accept the increasingly complex forms of payment that buyers and their financial institutions want to send. BPN is designed to address current industry challenges by:
  • Providing a connected platform for suppliers, buyers, financial institutions, and accounts payable and accounts receivable software providers
  • Publishing an online directory that contains a full view of participating suppliers and their payment acceptance preferences
  • Providing financial institutions and corporate buyers with ability to deliver digital payments directly to the suppliers’ acceptance platforms
  • Enabling complex financial and payment data to seamlessly come together at scale while delivering streamlined reconciliation to suppliers and buyers
“Today, suppliers have to balance their own payment preferences with the preferences of their customers’ accounts payable departments – and those two preferences don’t always sync up,” said Flint Lane, CEO of Billtrust. “BPN is designed to close the loop on the electronic payment cycle in a more transparent and secure way to more closely replicate the way consumers today pay and get paid, quickly, simply and seamlessly. Creating this type of customer experience in the B2B space is extremely important to us and the industry.” “With estimates showing the U.S. B2B payments market in the range of $24 trillion annually2, streamlining efficiencies by adopting innovations such as virtual card payments and other digital payment types can lead to billions of dollars saved,” said Roger Williams, SVP of Commercial Card at Commerce Bank. “Our corporate customers are looking for a solution that can intelligently handle their evolving B2B payments needs and preferences, while reducing costs and risks associated with paper-based processes. We are excited that Visa and Billtrust are working together to address these industry wide challenges.” “There is a great deal of momentum now building around the digitalization of corporate financial processes to improve cash cycle control and performance, leading to reduced cost and risk, along with gaining more strategic insight using captured transaction data as an analytic base,” said Steve Murphy, research director, Mercator Advisory Group. “This often starts with paper replacement through electronic information exchange, ultimately leading to an environment where buyers and suppliers can make, receive and settle payments in a streamlined and transparent manner. It is often easier said than done. This collaboration between Visa and Billtrust, using a digital platform and business network approach, is great way for companies to accelerate their financial process modernization via a supplier-centric approach.” In 2017, Visa and Billtrust announced a strategic relationship intended to support growth in B2B payments through the integration of Billtrust’s Virtual Card Capture and Visa’s Straight Through Processing solution. Billtrust’s BPN will further the multipronged strategy Visa and Billtrust are pursuing to reduce friction and streamline payment processes and reconciliation for financial institutions, corporate buyers and B2B suppliers. For further information about BPN, please visit paywithbpn.com and stop by Visa’s booth 1517 and Billtrust’s booth 1602 at AFP in Chicago, November 4-7, 2018. 1. Source: 2016 AFP Electronic Payments Survey. 2. Source: Visa Commercial Consumption Expenditure Index, 2015. About Visa Inc. Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network – enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and a driving force behind the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit AboutVisa,https://usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/blog.htmland @VisaNews. About Billtrust Billtrust accelerates cash flow by automating credit decisioning and monitoring, invoice delivery, payment capture, cash application, and collections. Billtrust customers improve operational efficiency across the credit-to-cash spectrum via a flexible and integrated cloud-based solution set. Finance executives and A/R specialists love and recommend Billtrust for the remarkable cost savings, ease-of-use, process efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction rates. For more information, visit, www.Billtrust.com.

CFO Strategies Forum MENA, organised by Naseba in Dubai | Economist Dubai

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CFO Strategies Forum MENA, organised by Naseba in Dubai | Economist Dubai

Portal and Portal+ Shipping Now

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Portal and Portal+ Shipping Now
Portal and Portal+ are new video-calling devices that make it easier to stay connected with your closest friends and family, and you can buy them in the US starting today. You can purchase Portal for $199 USD and Portal+ for $349 USD from portal.facebook.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com as well as Amazon Books and Best Buy stores nationwide. Just in time for the holidays, you can also get $100 USD off any two devices — this means a bundle of two Portal devices is just $298 USD. Both models are designed to make video chats feel less like a call and more like you’re actually in the same room. Portal improves video calling with a 10-inch 1280 x 800 display. For more flexibility, you can also opt for a 15-inch 1920 x 1080 pivoting display with Portal+.
Portal and Portal+ Product Features
  • Powered by AI, Portal’s Smart Camera stays with the action and automatically pans and zooms to keep everyone in view, and Smart Sound enhances the voice of whoever is talking, no matter where they move.
  • Make calls to and from Messenger on your smartphone or tablet. Portal supports group calls of up to seven people at the same time.
  • Make hands-free voice calls by saying “Hey Portal” and stating who you’d like to call. Portal also has Amazon Alexa built-in, so you can ask a question, set a timer, add items to your shopping list, control your smart home, and more.
  • Simple tools give you control over what you’re sharing, including the “Camera and Microphone Off” button to disable the camera and microphone, camera lens cover and the ability to set up a four- to 12-digit passcode.
  • Experience shared activities like listening to music together or watching some of your favorite shows. We’ve partnered with Spotify Premium, Pandora, and iHeartRadio, as well as Facebook Watch, Food Network, and Newsy — with more on the way, including CNN.
  • Story Time brings bedtime stories to life using augmented reality effects to transform your face and voice into the story’s characters before your loved one’s very eyes.
  • Superframe can display photos and videos, provide birthday reminders, and show you when your closest contacts are available to connect.
Privacy, Security and Data Policy We also want to be up front about Portal’s privacy practices and data policy, which we’ve described in more detail in this post.
  • Facebook does not listen to, view or keep the contents of your Portal video calls, so this information cannot be used for advertising. In addition, Portal video calls are encrypted, so your calls are secure.
  • When you use Portal, we process the same kinds of information as when you use Facebook Products on your other devices. Some of this information, including the fact that you logged into your account or how often you use a feature or app, may be used to inform the ads you see across Facebook. For example, if you make lots of video calls, you might see some ads related to video calling.
  • Like other voice-enabled devices, Portal’s microphone sends voice commands to Facebook after hearing, “Hey Portal.” You can delete your Portal’s voice history in your Facebook Activity Log. We don’t use Portal voice commands to target ads.
  • Smart Camera and Smart Sound use AI technology that runs locally on Portal, not on Facebook servers. Portal’s camera doesn’t identify who you are.
Visit portal.facebook.com for more information or to purchase a Portal or Portal+ today.

Etihad Airways today launched a brand new video in its Model Diary series at the China International Import Expo

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Etihad Airways today launched a brand new video in its Model Diary series at the China International Import Expo
Etihad Airways today launched a brand new video in its Model Diary series at the China International Import Expo, profiling iconic Chinese fashion model Xiaowen Ju during her recent trip to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Based in New York City, the world-renowned model developed the new video as part of Etihad Airways’ ongoing ‘Runway to Runway’ series, which supports and showcases the global fashion industry.

 • New video launch features Chinese model Xiaowen Ju as part of Etihad Airways’ ‘Runway to Runway’ campaign

Marking her first-ever trip to Abu Dhabi, Xiaowen introduces viewers to key sights throughout the city, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is the largest art museum in the region and has successfully bridged the gap between Eastern and Western arts since its opening in November 2017.

Another instantly recognisable tourist attraction featured in the video is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, voted the world’s second most iconic building for two consecutive years in a TripAdvisor survey.

During her tour of Abu Dhabi, Xiaowen Ju went on to visit Saadiyat Beach Club, a premium tourist destination set in the island’s conservation zone, home to a stunning array of wildlife and natural beauty. She also took part in an Etihad Aviation Training session using the airline’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways Vice President of Guest Experiences and Delivery, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Xiaowen Ju, whose creativity and enthusiasm has been an inspiration to us all. We are proud to have facilitated her first trip to Abu Dhabi and, through our destination management division Hala, had the privilege of introducing her to Abu Dhabi’s most iconic destinations and tourism sites – from pristine beaches to enthralling cultural and culinary experiences. We hope Xiaowen has enjoyed her time in Abu Dhabi as much as we have enjoyed hosting her.”

Etihad Airways’ participation at the China International Import Expo comes amid significant growth in travel and tourism from the Chinese market, with 2017 seeing a 60 per cent increase in visitors to Abu Dhabi on the previous year.

The Xiaowen Model Diary video represents the first major piece of content in Mandarin, purpose-made for Etihad Airways’ social media channels across Weibo, YouKu, WeChat and Tencent.

To watch the video: https://youtu.be/QNR3nQ6uuJc

Michael O’Neill to Retire as Chairman of Citi’s Board of Directors Director John C. Dugan Selected as Next Chairman

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Michael O’Neill to Retire as Chairman of Citi’s Board of Directors Director John C. Dugan Selected as Next Chairman
Citi’s Board of Directors today announced that Chairman Michael O’Neill will retire on January 1, 2019 and the Board has selected John C. Dugan to succeed Mr. O’Neill as Chairman on that date. Mr. O’Neill joined the Board in 2009 and has served as Citi’s Chairman since April 2012. Mr. Dugan joined the Board in October 2017. Chairman O’Neill said, “While it is hard to overstate the progress Citi has made since I joined the Board in 2009, the true value of Citi’s restructuring and enhanced focus is only just beginning to emerge. I’m confident John will do an exceptional job in advising management and leading our outstanding Board. With more than thirty years of banking experience – as a trusted counselor, regulator, policymaker, and director – John brings to the table a unique array of skills that will complement CEO Mike Corbat’s background and expertise. The Board has seen this firsthand over the last three years during John’s service to Citi, first as Board counsel and most recently as a Director. He has developed a deep understanding of Citi and has constructively engaged on a broad range of business and regulatory matters, which led the Board to this decision. “Under Mike Corbat’s leadership, and through his partnership with John and the Board, I’m confident Citi will continue to improve its returns and realize further benefits from its investments and much improved execution,” Chairman O’Neill concluded. Mr. Dugan said, “Citi has made tremendous progress in recent years, both in terms of executing its strategy and generating sustainable growth. I am confident in Mike Corbat and his team’s ability to continue to improve returns for its shareholders while maintaining Citi’s commitment to safety and soundness. I look forward to working closely with Mike and his team to ensure Citi succeeds in this highly dynamic time for the banking industry.” Citi CEO Michael Corbat said, “Citi has undergone significant structural and cultural changes in recent years to become an indisputably strong and stable institution. Chairman O’Neill’s leadership and counsel were invaluable throughout that transformation. Mike’s tenure as Chairman reflects the results of his unrelenting focus on improving shareholder returns, ethics and culture, strong governance, and enhancing both the expertise and the diversity of our Board. “Citi is deeply committed to maintaining strong corporate governance standards, and Citi and our shareholders have been well served by having an independent chairman. Over the last several years, I have enjoyed working with John, whose deep knowledge of the banking industry has served us well, and I am looking forward to working with him in the years to come,” Mr. Corbat concluded. Before his current service as a Citi Director, Mr. Dugan was a partner for nearly seven years at Covington & Burling LLP, where he had previously advised on financial institution regulatory matters from 1993 to 2005. In his most recent role, he chaired Covington’s Financial Institutions Group, where he counseled a broad range of financial services firms and provided independent advice to boards of directors, including Citi’s Board, which he advised from 2015 until he retired from Covington in September 2017. From 2005 to 2010, Mr. Dugan served as Comptroller of the Currency, heading the agency that supervised over 1,500 national banks and federal branches of foreign banks, which together held nearly two-thirds of the assets of the U.S. commercial banking system. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Mr. Dugan previously served at the U.S. Department of the Treasury from 1989 to 1993, where he was appointed Assistant Secretary for Domestic Finance and had extensive responsibility for policy initiatives involving banks and financial institutions. From 1985 to 1989, Mr. Dugan was Counsel and Minority General Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1977 and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1981. Following Mr. O’Neill’s retirement, the Citi Board will consist of 16 directors.

SDC18 Keynotes Reveal a Roadmap Toward a ‘Connected Living’ Future

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SDC18 Keynotes Reveal a Roadmap Toward a ‘Connected Living’ Future
The Samsung Developer Conference (SDC18) has officially begun, and San Francisco’s Moscone West convention center is buzzing with excitement about Samsung’s latest AI, IoT and mobile innovations. Over the course of the conference’s jam-packed keynote event, Samsung and tech industry leaders revealed exciting enhancements to Bixby, SmartThings, UI/UX design and more, that will foster unified experiences across devices, software and services. By offering developers the tools they need to enrich our lives with more intelligent experiences, the advancements introduced at SDC18 will help make connected living a reality for more people. In case you missed it, check out the highlights of the keynote event below.

Anticipation builds as SDC18 attendees await the beginning of the conference’s keynote event.

DJ Koh, Samsung Electronics’ President and CEO and of Head of IT and Mobile Communications Division, kicked off the conference by discussing how Samsung’s leadership in AI, IoT, and groundbreaking technologies like 5G has helped bring about “a new era of discovery and invention. A time not just of connected thinking, but of connected living.”

Eui-Suk Chung, Samsung’s EVP and Head of Software and Artificial Intelligence, shed some light on Samsung’s intelligence strategy, and how Bixby’s evolution into a scalable intelligence platform will empower people to do more with their devices. He also described how Samsung is expanding Bixby by incorporating support for more devices and languages, and opening the platform up to third-party services. In addition, Mr. Chung announced the launch of the Bixby Marketplace, which will offer partners and developers a new way to market their services to millions of Samsung device users. As he explained, “This is your opportunity. The largest device ecosystem in the world, at your fingertips, ready for your best ideas.”

Dag Kittlaus, CEO of Viv Labs, announced the release of the Bixby Developer Studio, the most comprehensive and powerful intelligent assistant toolset ever made, and introduced Samsung’s new Dynamic Program Generation technology.

Next, Mr. Kittlaus welcomed the CTO of Viv Labs, Adam Cheyer, to the stage for a demonstration of the Bixby Developer Studio. Before walking attendees through the ins and outs of the Studio’s developer tools, Mr. Cheyer described why he finds this announcement particularly exciting: “What we are introducing today, for the first time, promotes a new developer paradigm where an AI and a human developer work together collaboratively, each doing what they do best.”

Samsung’s VP of Engineering, Dr. Jaeyeon Jung, described how the company is enriching SmartThings with new partnerships and devices, such as SmartThings Wifi and the SmartThings Button, to make staying connected at home simple. As she explained, “This consistent and seamless SmartThings experience across multiple devices takes home automation to the next level.”

Magnus Ekenheim, SmartThings’ VP of Engineering, elaborated on Samsung’s efforts to make IoT less fragmented and less complicated, “to help developers create new IoT devices and services, and bring them to market faster.” He also announced a slew of new developer resources, including Works with SmartThings and the redesigned SmartThings Developer Workspace, which enable partners and developers to deliver world-class IoT experiences to their customers.

Dr. Jung returned to the stage to discuss ways that developers can utilize the latest addition to the Samsung ecosystem, Galaxy Home, to “bring the Intelligence of Things to life” for consumers. She explained how Galaxy Home’s combination of premium sound and Bixby and SmartThings support enables it to serve as a gateway for controlling smart devices, and emphasized the incredible opportunity that this powerful combo offers developers. “Any idea can become part of the Galaxy Home” she said.

Over the course of his jam-packed presentation, Pedro Freitas, Samsung’s Director of Smart TV Service Business, announced the launches of Samsung’s Voice Media Control API, which enables TV partners to leverage Bixby to offer consumers more control over their favorite content, as well as the new TV Plus Channel Management System (TV Plus CMS), an update to the TV Plus service that launched in 2016. He also revealed that Samsung will be opening up Ambient Mode to developers very soon; outlined how Samsung Smart TVs’ SmartThings Dashboard feature allows users to easily monitor and control their connected devices and appliances; and discussed optimizing IoT devices with Tizen RT.

Samsung’s Senior Designer of UX Design, Jee Won Lee, walked the crowd through a very special demonstration of the company’s new One UI, which features a simple yet compelling design that makes interactions with your mobile device more natural, and makes it easier to focus on tasks at hand. She followed that up with the announcement that the One UI will be available to developers in select markets beginning in November via Samsung’s official beta testing program.

Anticipation builds as Samsung’s Director of Product Marketing, Hassan Anjum, recounts some of the groundbreaking innovations that have led to Samsung’s latest breakthrough in mobile screen technology.

Justin Denison, Samsung’s SVP of Mobile Product Marketing, introduced Samsung’s vision for the next generation of mobile displays: the Infinity Flex Display. Its foldable design offers users the best of both worlds: a compact smartphone that unfolds to reveal a large, immersive display for multitasking and viewing content.

Glen Murphy, Director and Head of Android UX at Google, discussed his company’s deep partnership with Samsung before announcing that Android is officially adding support for the Infinity Flex Display’s foldable form factor.

After the event, SDC18 attendees get a closer look at Samsung’s newest developer tools and technologies.

Emirates gives travellers a taste of home this Thanksgiving

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Emirates gives travellers a taste of home this Thanksgiving

Emirates is firing up its ovens for Thanksgiving celebrations on board and on the ground. The airline will offer customers special holiday menus across all classes on flights between Dubai and the US and in the respective airport lounges.

The Thanksgiving menu will be available to customers travelling between Dubai and the US from November 22 to 25. First and Business Class passengers can choose from appetisers including: a smoked duck salad, served with poached fig, pickled beetroot, green beans, plum chutney and hazelnuts; a creamy cauliflower soup; a pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkins seeds and chives; or a smoked ocean trout with crème fraîche, cocktail onions and caper berries. Customers in First and Business Class can enjoy a Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey served with chestnut stuffing, cranberry jus lié, mashed potatoes or pumpkin mash. For dessert, passengers can choose a pumpkin tart with whipped cream, caramel fudge, chocolate quenelle and pistachios. On routes with the Emirates A380 aircraft, customers will also get a taste of Thanksgiving in the iconic onboard lounge with limited edition pumpkin cupcakes. Travellers in Economy Class to the US will also be able to indulge in a tasty, roasted turkey served with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and roasted pumpkin in maple syrup prepared by Emirates’ award-winning chefs. Emirates leaves no stone unturned with its wide beverage selection on board to complement the celebrations. Customers can look forward to some of the finest wines and champagnes served in the skies, to enjoy with their Thanksgiving meals. In addition, Emirates has a refreshed spirits offering across all classes with a range of premium brands. Spirits on board are served on a complimentary basis across all classes and routes and include a range of whiskeys, cognacs, gins, vodka and flavoured liqueurs amongst others. The spirits offering includes a mix of niche, hand-crafted brands as well as popular and well-loved spirits such as Hennessy cognacs, including the exclusive Hennessy Paradis in First Class, which pairs well with Emirates’ pumpkin tart. Thanksgiving celebrations kick off in Emirates’ airport lounges in the US this week. From November 8 – 22, Emirates lounges in New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) will serve authentic Thanksgiving meals from turkey dishes to delicious mini pumpkin pies. Customers travelling out of any of the seven lounges in Dubai on Thanksgiving Day, 22nd November, will also be treated to the special menu. Thanksgiving is the latest of Emirates’ global celebrations offering customers seasonal menus in addition to its regionally inspired cuisine. Each year, the airline serves special menus for festivities around the world including Diwali, Lunar New Year, Oktoberfest, and Eid.

Thanksgiving Feast at the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

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Thanksgiving Feast at the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

It is time once again to gather family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. Indulge in the ultimate Thanksgiving dining experience with your loved ones at the Loumi restaurant in the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai on 22nd November from7pm to 11.30pm. Savour a sumptuous buffet of traditional favourites and international specialties with live turkey carving station and wide selection of delectable desserts.

Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “As always we have a memorable culinary experience awaiting guests. Our chefs have crafted an elaborate family feast with a variety of flavours to celebrate the occasion.”

Special Thanksgiving Dinner

  • Day & Date: Thursday, 22nd November 2018
  • Time: From 7pm to 11.30pm
  • Venue: Loumi Restaurant
  • Prices:

–       AED 175 per adult with soft drink package –       AED 195 per adult with 10 house beverages –       AED 99 per child between 5 to 12 years old, below 5 years dine for free. 

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

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