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

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

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

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

 A/W 2018 Top Colours

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scottsdale Velvet Armchair in Green: AED 2,096

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.central-hotels.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Speakers and Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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‘Brunch 2. Wow’ at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

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

Hiperdist Partners with Palo Alto Networks for Distribution Across North Africa

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

2XL Furniture & Home Décor Triumphs as the ‘Best Home Store’ at InsideOut Readers’ Choice Awards 2018

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2XL Furniture & Home Décor Triumphs as the ‘Best Home Store’ at InsideOut Readers’ Choice Awards 2018

2XL Furniture & Home Décor has been announced the winner of the ‘Best Home Store’ at InsideOut Readers’ Choice Awards 2018. The retail chain outperformed over 10 leading international and regional home furniture brands to win the prestigious title in the category. The annual awards recognize the best in business and is the only accolade in the UAE’s interiors industry that is voted entirely by the customers. This year more than 25,000 individual votes were cast for 271 brands and retailers across 13 categories in a hotly-contested competition.

Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL, said, “We are very proud of this achievement which is testament of our exceptional quality and excellence. Winning this award is a great honour and hugely gratifying as it has been bestowed by our clients and therefore extremely coveted. Our customers are at the heart of our brand. This recognition also proves the continued hard work and dedication of our team members who ensure a unique store experience for our valued customers.”

2XL Furniture & Home Décor offers a wide range of luxe-style products from furniture to ornamental accents across the brand’s nine showrooms across the emirates.

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

Flag raised high at Emirates Group to mark Flag Day

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Flag raised high at Emirates Group to mark Flag Day

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, today hoisted the UAE flag as a formal dedication at Emirates Group Headquarters building to mark UAE Flag Day. Over 500 Emirates Group staff gathered to participate in the flag raising ceremony this morning.

Commenting on the significance of Flag Day in the UAE, His Highness said: “Together with other organisations across the UAE, we are proud to honour the UAE flag, our national symbol of unity, and the ideals that it stands for. It is an occasion to look back on the progress that we have made so far, and also reinforce our shared commitment and aspirations to accomplish greater things together in the future. The Emirates Group, like the UAE, is comprised of people from many backgrounds who are united by our shared values, ideals, and the motivation to continually seek progress. Our diversity and willingness to embrace the best ideas and people from all around the world ultimately makes us stronger. Today, we also pay tribute to the legacy of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of our nation whose vision continues to live on today.” Along with raising the flag, Emirates Group Headquarters atrium will also be decked out with an artistic interpretation of the UAE flag through an installation made entirely of rope. The uniquely created installation was designed by Emirates’ in house design team and will be made from 12,000 metres of red, white, green and black coloured rope all intersecting to form the UAE flag. UAE Flag Day is held to mark the anniversary of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming the President of the UAE in 2004. The day is celebrated across the UAE by both public and private companies as well as federal departments and ministries.

ETISALAT SPONSORS 3RD ‘EMIRATI WOMEN – FUTURE IS NOW’ CONFERENCE

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ETISALAT SPONSORS 3RD ‘EMIRATI WOMEN – FUTURE IS NOW’ CONFERENCE
Etisalat today announced its sponsorship of the ‘Emirati Women – Future is Now’ 2018 conference and exhibition on 1 st November in Abu Dhabi. Now on its third year, the event will be held under the theme ‘Emirati Women…Future Vision on the Course of Zayed’, which coincides with the Year of Zayed. It follows the UAE’s annual celebration of Emirati Women’s Day on August 28. Sultan Al Dhaheri, General Manager, Etisalat Abu Dhabi, said: “Etisalat is delighted to be sponsoring the third edition of ‘Emirati Women – Future is Now’ conference, which highlights the significant strides the UAE has made in enhancing the influence of Emirati women across all sectors and their contribution to our society. “As a strong supporter of women in all areas, we at Etisalat are proud to be a main sponsor of this conference, in line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership who actively supports equal opportunities for women in the country’s development. It is a key element of Etisalat’s corporate social responsibility strategy to support women in developing their capabilities and pursuing their aspirations so they will continue to be a driving force in building a better and brighter future for this country.” The event will include sessions, panel discussions, and success stories focusing on gender balance in five main areas: lifestyle, health, education, business, women’s empowerment and sustainable development. It is being organised by the Aman Service-General Command of Abu Dhabi Police, Positive Cancer Foundation, Asaad Shaab Volunteering Group, and Dar Al Asalah Media Group.

JAYBIRD ANNOUNCES INDUSTRY-LEADING 14-HOUR BATTERY TARAH PRO WIRELESS SPORT HEADPHONES

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JAYBIRD ANNOUNCES INDUSTRY-LEADING 14-HOUR BATTERY TARAH PRO WIRELESS SPORT HEADPHONES
Jaybird, the leader in sport headphones for runners, announced today Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless Sport Headphones – industry leading 14 hours of battery life, extremely durable, adventure-proof compact wireless headphones. Equipped with unique features geared towards athletes, they provide a secure custom-fit and uncompromising sound, with new Personalized EQ functionality through the Jaybird app. Tarah Pro is the first in Jaybird’s Pro Series: a new line of pinnacle-level wireless sport headphones for endurance athletes.

Tweet now: @Jaybirdsport introduces 14-hour wireless headphones: Tarah Pro wireless sport headphones built for the most epic adventures. #PowerYourPassion https://jaybird.co/TarahPro

“Designed with insights from some of the world’s best endurance athletes, we are extremely excited to announce Tarah Pro, the first wireless headphone in Jaybird’s Pro Series,” said Jamie Parker, CEO of Jaybird. “We’ve set the bar in the category with 14 hours of battery life, but I must say that I’m equally excited about the never-before-seen features bringing new benefits for runners and fitness enthusiasts, including Switch Fit for a quick transition between over- and under-ear fit, the non-stick sport cord introducing reflectivity and the new Personalized EQ in the Jaybird app.” Tarah Pro delivers an industry-leading battery life of 14 hours to accompany athletes on some of their longest runs. A quick five minute charge gives you two full hours of play time so there’s no excuse to get out and run with your favorite tunes. And, the new Magnetic Snap Lock feature automatically pauses your music when the earbuds are snapped together, securing them around your neck. The music automatically restarts where you left off when you put the buds back in your ear, preserving battery life. Featuring a lightweight design, Tarah Pro is waterproof (IPX7) and sweatproof, meaning they can handle any inclement weather you encounter: rain, snow, or even accidental submersion down to one meter for up to 30 minutes. Jaybird rigorously tested Jaybird Tarah Pro in all sweat conditions and used double hydrophobic nano coating on the buds so you can train as hard as you want. Everything about Tarah Pro was designed to ensure maximum water- and sweat-proofing, including the use of the USB-compatible proprietary charger. Since everyone trains differently, Jaybird’s Switch Fit allows runners and athletes to easily rotate between over-ear fit for a secure, sports-specific usage and under-ear for more relaxed situations on the fly, while the buds remain in-ear. The non-stick reflective fabric cord helps with visibility, allowing you to train when it’s dark out with extra visibility. And, with the new Speed Cinch cord management system, it’s super easy to adjust the length of the cable quickly. Tarah Pro comes with three different sizes of our combined silicone ear tips/fins for a customized comfortable, secure fit. The latest version of the Jaybird app allows users to unlock totally new functionality with Tarah Pro. Now Jaybird is making it even easier for people to get the perfect personalized sound. As part of the simple set up process, the Jaybird app will run users through a quick hearing test in order to create a personalized EQ setting based on Jaybird’s proprietary algorithms. The test will help you set your ideal sound profile, meaning a unique, personalized music experience with uncompromised sound quality. This is all in addition to Jaybird’s standard EQ and Spotify® integration which allows you to create and share playlists within the app. Availability Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless Sport Headphones are expected to be available for order exclusively at jaybirdsport.com today and in select stores in November 2018 for a suggested retail price of $159.99. The wireless headphones will be available in three color combinations: Black/Flash, Mineral Blue/Jade. The third color, Titanium/Glacier, is available exclusively at jaybirdsport.com and Best Buy. For more information, please visit jaybirdsport.com. The Jaybird app is free and available through the iOS® and Android™ app stores. Use of the app’s Spotify® functionality requires a Spotify® Premium account. About Jaybird Established in 2006, Jaybird is a pioneer in sports Bluetooth® wireless headphones for runners, outdoor athletes, and fitness enthusiasts – designed for athletes, built for adventure. Developed in close collaboration with our team of professional athletes, Jaybird earbuds feature secure comfort-fit and incredible, customizable sound in an adventure-proof, compact form factor. Jaybird has established itself as the brand for active people who love to power their passion with their favorite audio content, from music to podcasts, all without wires. For more information, please visit www.jaybirdsport.com or #PowerYourPassion with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Jaybird is a brand of Logitech International, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. Logitech is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Jaybird, the Jaybird logo, and other marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Jaybird and its products, visit the company’s website at http://www.jaybirdsport.com.

2XL Furniture & Home Décor Triumphs as the ‘Best Home Store’ at InsideOut Readers’ Choice Awards 2018

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2XL Furniture & Home Décor Triumphs as the ‘Best Home Store’ at InsideOut Readers’ Choice Awards 2018
2XL Furniture & Home Décor has been announced the winner of the ‘Best Home Store’ at InsideOut Readers’ Choice Awards 2018. The retail chain outperformed over 10 leading international and regional home furniture brands to win the prestigious title in the category. The annual awards recognize the best in business and is the only accolade in the UAE’s interiors industry that is voted entirely by the customers. This year more than 25,000 individual votes were cast for 271 brands and retailers across 13 categories in a hotly-contested competition. Amit Yadav, Head of Marketing at 2XL, said, “We are very proud of this achievement which is testament of our exceptional quality and excellence. Winning this award is a great honour and hugely gratifying as it has been bestowed by our clients and therefore extremely coveted. Our customers are at the heart of our brand. This recognition also proves the continued hard work and dedication of our team members who ensure a unique store experience for our valued customers.” 2XL Furniture & Home Décor offers a wide range of luxe-style products from furniture to ornamental accents across the brand’s nine showrooms across the emirates. -ENDS- 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

Inside the World of Samsung Exynos Processors

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Inside the World of Samsung Exynos Processors
  Let’s say you want to share funny moments in your life with your friends. You open a live streaming app and start broadcasting what you see via the smartphone camera. But have you ever wondered what happens in the backstage of your phone? The answer lies in a tiny chip in your smartphone – the mobile processor. Engineered with precision, Exynos provides the foundation for Samsung’s cutting-edge mobile innovations and features. Just like thousands of mini robots working in perfect synchronicity, the processor seamlessly controls almost all mobile capabilities, whether it’s operating the camera, processing images or transmitting data. With industry-leading features, the processor offers the best-in-class smartphone experience:
  • Unmatched Performance: Exynos’ central processing unit (CPU) offers ultimate computing power to enable smartphones complete tasks quickly and efficiently.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Featuring advanced AI capabilities1, Exynos enhances our photos and helps organize our day.
  • Seamless Connectivity: Exynos’ modem supports diverse mobile broadband, including 5G NR2, for smooth downloading, streaming and browsing.
  • Next-Level Gaming: Equipped with a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU), Exynos brings console-like gaming to smartphones.
  • Capture Every Detail: Shoot like a master photographer with Exynos’ image signal processor (ISP) which automatically adjusts camera settings.
  • Vibrant Videos: Record 4K UHD video and watch back in more than 1 billion colors.3
  • Immersive Display: High-resolution display turns your smartphone screen into an immersive experience.
1AI capabilities are supported by the Exynos 9810 and Exynos 9610. 25G NR is supported by the Exynos Modem 5100. 34K UHD videowith 10-bit color is supported by the Exynos 9810.

Microsoft unveils new Azure Cloud Collaboration Center

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Microsoft unveils new Azure Cloud Collaboration Center

As more businesses around the world adopt Azure — including 95 percent of the Fortune 500 — Microsoft has introduced a powerful new solution to enhance the performance and security of its cloud.

The Azure Cloud Collaboration Center (CCC) is a new, state-of-the-art, 8,000-square-foot facility on Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington corporate campus. The centralized workspace allows engineering teams to come together to resolve operational issues and unexpected events that could impact customers. The first facility of its kind among major cloud providers, the CCC features a dramatic, 1,600-square-foot video wall that displays the real-time status of Azure, from internal processes and network infrastructure to the health status of customer services. At a glance, engineers can identify potential issues before they become problems — and quickly triage incidents when problems do occur. “A high priority for us in building this space was to enable faster problem resolution and proactive work to strengthen the Azure platform for our customers,” says Jason Zander, executive vice president for Azure.
A photo of an employee hackathon at the Cloud Collaboration Center.
The Cloud Collaboration Center hosted a hackathon for Microsoft employees.
He notes that the CCC was purpose-built for collaboration. Dynamic, customizable workspaces can be reconfigured for small or large groups. Cutting-edge visualization and Skype technology enable experts to be pulled into discussions, no matter where they are in the world. In addition, anything on the video wall can be viewed on a desktop for closer analysis and correlation of information. “The CCC provides a flexible workspace for engineers to spot potential problems and troubleshoot them in real time,” Zander says. “Having this kind of collaborative space to push forward the Azure platform and resolve incidents has proven to be invaluable. It’s allowed us to provide customers with new levels of responsiveness, security and efficiency.” Case in point: The CCC played a big part in the effort to make Azure compliant with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the user privacy law that went into effect May 25. With 140 distinct Azure services, “The law had enormous implications for us,” says Lindsay Berg, director of product marketing for Azure. “It affected literally every aspect of how we run Azure.” She notes one regulation dictating that, at a customer’s request, all their personal data must be immediately, verifiably removed from all systems. “That meant we had to go through every one of our 140 services for every way we touch customer data, so we can provide or delete it on request,” she says. “We had to ensure that it could be done, was verifiable, and could be audited.” It was a weeks-long effort involving Microsoft engineering teams around the globe, and it was driven through the CCC. Azure ended up GDPR compliant on schedule. “Without the CCC, it would have been harder to meet the deadline,” says Berg. “Our engineers say it made an enormous difference to have this collaborative space.” Zander thinks this could be a template for the company moving forward. Already the space is hosting global hackathons, like a recent three-day Azure Support Hackathon. The event brought together 200 Azure program managers and engineers as well as Microsoft Customer Support Services (CSS) engineers. The goal: To foster a bigger, better community of employees working to improve Azure customers’ support experiences. “These Hackathons are vital in increasing the resiliency of the Microsoft cloud,” he says. “They allow the Azure support teams to work directly with the engineers to improve tooling and the customer experience. That kind of effort wasn’t possible before.”
A photo of Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion map, a projection of a world map onto the surface of an icosahedron.
The Dymaxion map, by Buckminster Fuller, is featured at the CCC entrance to symbolize Microsoft’s commitment to customers around the world, and the global presence of Azure.
Guided tours for Azure customers The CCC’s engineering workspace opened in November 2017, internal tours of the customer space began last spring and guided customer tours kicked off in July. Since then, 70 different customer groups have received an inside look at the Microsoft cloud through the second-floor Customer Experience Suite. One of those customers was Volkswagen AG, who recently announced that they are building the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud with the help of Microsoft, the largest dedicated cloud of its kind in the auto industry. Says Heiko Huettel, head of Connected Car at Volkswagen, who attended the tour, “We were impressed by the innovation and scale in the Azure Cloud Collaboration Center.” Customers like Volkswagen who visit the CCC can get up close and personal with the technology that powers Azure datacenters. Windowed displays showcase innovative chips and server racks, created in collaboration with the open source communities. Statistics pepper the displays, highlighting the global reach and scale of the Microsoft cloud: over 100 datacenters in 140 countries and all continents except Antarctica; a growing number of regions — now 54, more than any other cloud provider; and currently, Microsoft hosts more than 200 cloud services for more than 1 billion customers. “We’ve seen case after case of companies that have transformed their businesses with digital services made possible by IoT and the Microsoft cloud,” says Zander. “With the CCC, our hope is to inspire customers with a vision of what they can do with cloud computing.”
A photo of a wall-size video display at the Cloud Collaboration Center.
Visitors to the CCC experience an interactive tour that illustrates how Microsoft manages its cloud infrastructure at hyper-scale.
Visitors also learn about Marea, the 4,000-mile-long subsea cable between Virginia and Spain that Microsoft built with Facebook and Telxius. Dubbed “the future of subsea cables,” Marea offers connection speeds 16 million times faster than the average home internet. Customers with sustainability goals will find resonance with Microsoft’s focus on renewable energy. The company has been 100 percent carbon neutral since 2012, and is the largest corporate purchaser of solar energy in the U.S. By 2020, 60 percent of the energy in its datacenters will be from renewable resources. The tour culminates in a visit to the viewing gallery, called the Skybox, where customers get a 30,000-foot view of the CCC in operation. They look down on engineers collaborating, and the video wall streaming the massive amounts of data generated by Azure every second — on the status of Azure services, Microsoft infrastructure and network processes, and even customer health like tweets and support tickets (filtered for confidentiality). Hitoshi Momma, vice president of the Digital Solutions Business Unit for Fujitsu Limited, who recently toured the facility, said, “We were so excited when we visited the Azure Cloud Collaboration Center, which demonstrated the Azure datacenter as the ‘world’s computer’ in an innovative way.” According to Anja Ziegler, the Azure principal program manager for the CCC who has worked with a number of customers on their journey through the facility, “When customers see the video wall, it’s an ‘ah-ha’ moment for them. It shows the incredible complexity of managing cloud services at global scale. The CCC makes Azure real to customers in under an hour.” Top photo:  A visitor gets a look at the Open Platform Compute wall, which showcases IoT devices that use open source data transfer standards for industrial automation.  

Organizing workshop on Health, Safety and Works Continuity for driving centres

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Organizing workshop on Health, Safety and Works Continuity for driving centres

The Monitoring and Enforcement Department along with the Quality, Health and Safety Office at RTA’s Licensing Agency have held a workshop about health, safety and works continuity for driving centres in Dubai. Driving Centers in attendance included Dubai Driving Center, Al Ahli Driving Center, Emirates Driving Institute, Belhasa Driving Center, Galadari Motor Driving Center and Dubai International Driving Center as well as Emirates Transport.

“RTA is keen to enhance the performance of Health & Safety and Business Continuity in all business units and workplaces of service providers such as driving centres and external parties that have common business with the RTA like the Emirates Transport,” said Moosa Al Raeesi, Director of Monitoring and Enforcement at RTA’s Licensing Agency.

“Issues discussed in the workshop included risk management, disaster management, response to accidents, investigation, and measurement of business disruption along with its cumulative effects. The Workshop also stressed the importance of reporting accidents sustained by vehicles of driving institutes along with associated injuries, and investigations ought to be carried out by Centers to avoid offences.”

“The workshop discussed procedures of entering accident details in RTA’s internal system and the reporting of accidents by driving centers. Such a step will enhance the cooperation and maintain the image of Dubai in traffic safety and accidents management,” added Al Raeesi.

A presentation explaining the procedures of data entry and the reporting of serious accidents in the internal system of the RTA.

Attendees praised the lecture and benefits achieved. They also hailed the cooperation of the Monitoring and Enforcement Department and the procedures of reporting accidents in RTA’s internal system. They also commended RTA’s continuous efforts to improve monitoring & enforcement measures in collaboration with the operating driving centres for the safety of all.

New iPad Pro with all-screen design is most advanced, powerful iPad ever

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New iPad Pro with all-screen design is most advanced, powerful iPad ever
Apple today introduced the new iPad Pro with all-screen design and next-generation performance, marking the biggest change to iPad ever. The all-new design pushes 11-inch and 12.9-inch Liquid Retina displays to the edges of iPad Pro and integrates Face ID to securely unlock iPad with just a glance.1 The A12X Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine in iPad Pro outperforms most PC laptops and offers a new USB-C connector, Gigabit-class LTE, and up to 1TB of storage to enable powerful new mobile workflows.2 With over a million apps designed to take advantage of the large Multi-Touch display, including next-generation apps like Photoshop CC on iPad (coming 2019), the new iPad Pro will push what users can do on a computer further than ever before.
A second-generation Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to iPad Pro and wirelessly charges at the same time. A new touch sensor built onto Apple Pencil detects taps, introducing an entirely new way to interact within apps. The new Smart Keyboard Folio features a streamlined design that’s adjustable for added versatility. The new iPad Pro, Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio are available to order starting today and in stores starting Wednesday, November 7.

All-New, All-Screen Designs

iPad Pro features the world’s most advanced display — a stunning, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with rounded corners that follow the curves of iPad Pro’s unibody enclosure. With precision-milled glass, advanced pixel masking, sub-pixel antialiasing and a new backlight design, the new Liquid Retina display in iPad Pro is Apple’s brightest and most color accurate iPad display, featuring wide color support, True Tone and anti-reflective coating for a natural, accurate viewing experience indoors and out. ProMotion technology automatically adjusts the display refresh rate up to 120Hz for ultra-smooth scrolling and incredible responsiveness on iPad Pro.
Rotating iPad Pro adjusting content to the orientation of the viewer.
The display of iPad Pro easily adjusts content to the orientation of the viewer.
The new 11-inch iPad Pro packs a bigger display with more pixels in the same footprint as the 10.5-inch model, yet still weighs just one pound. The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro places the largest display of any iPad into a more portable package — a massive 25 percent reduction in volume.3 Both models are just 5.9 mm thin — the thinnest iPad design ever — making iPad Pro now even easier to take with you.
Side profile of iPad Pro.
The new iPad Pro is just 5.9 mm thin — the thinnest iPad design ever.

A12X Bionic and Next-Generation Neural Engine

Built specifically for iPad Pro, the A12X Bionic is the smartest and most powerful chip in a tablet, making even the most demanding computing tasks like editing photos or creating 3D models faster and more responsive. Built on industry-leading seven-nanometer technology, the powerful eight-core A12X Bionic features four performance cores and four efficiency cores for up to 35 percent faster single-core performance and a new performance controller for simultaneous use of all eight cores for an up to 90 percent boost during multi-threaded tasks.3 A seven-core, Apple-designed GPU delivers up to twice the graphics performance for incredibly rich and immersive AR experiences and console-quality graphics. On iPad Pro, the breakthrough performance and capability lasts all day thanks to great 10-hour battery life.4
iPad Pro showing AR experience on screen.
Built specifically for iPad Pro, the A12X Bionic is the smartest and most powerful chip in a tablet.
Apple’s next-generation Neural Engine is built for advanced machine learning in everything from photography to AR, completing up to 5 trillion operations per second. This enables fast Face ID, faster plane detection for AR apps and other new features that use real-time machine learning. The Neural Engine is designed to deliver improved performance for Core ML tasks, empowering developers to build apps and new iPad workflows that utilize this highly efficient machine learning engine.
iPad Pro.
Next-generation apps take advantage of the power and large display of iPad Pro.

Face ID Comes to iPad

Face ID, the most secure facial authentication system in any tablet or computer, comes to iPad for the first time. Designed to work while holding iPad Pro in any position or while seated using the new Smart Keyboard Folio, Face ID takes advantage of the TrueDepth camera system to accurately map and recognize the face to securely unlock iPad Pro, enable Apple Pay in apps and online and allow users to easily gain access to secure apps. The TrueDepth Camera on iPad Pro also enables Animoji and Memoji.
iPad Pro showing Apple Pay screen.
Face ID, the most secure facial authentication system in any tablet or computer, comes to iPad.

Best Device for AR

Advanced cameras and sensors and improved four-speaker audio combine with the power of A12X Bionic to turn iPad Pro, with its large viewfinder, into the best device ever for AR. With support for the next generation of AR apps, a new world of AR experiences is possible on iPad, such as measuring the reflection on real-world objects, navigating buildings in 3D and exploring entire universes. Adobe’s Project Aero (coming 2019) will enable creators to design experiences that take AR on iPad even further.
 
 
Advanced cameras and sensors, improved four-speaker audio, powerful chip and a large viewfinder turn iPad Pro into the best device ever for AR.

New Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio

The new Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio, available for purchase separately, give iPad Pro users new levels of precision and productivity. The second-generation Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to iPad Pro for pairing and wireless charging. It becomes even more powerful and intuitive as users can select just the right tool or brush with a simple double tap on Apple Pencil within apps like Notes. Powerful apps from leading developers like Adobe, Autodesk and Procreate also give users the power to be even more creative than ever before.
User drawing on iPad Pro with Apple Pencil.
iPad Pro gives users the ability to be even more creative and productive.
The new Smart Keyboard Folio protects both the front and back of iPad Pro in a simple, thin and light design encompassing a full-size keyboard that never needs to be charged or paired. Easily adjustable for lap or desk use, the new Smart Keyboard Folio is perfect for getting thoughts down and multitasking.
iPad with Smart Keyboard Folio.
The new Smart Keyboard Folio features a streamlined design that’s adjustable for added versatility.

New Power and Possibilities with USB-C

A new USB-C connector replaces the Lightning connector in support of the powerful ways iPad Pro is used. Incredibly versatile, USB-C offers power for charging, supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 for high-bandwidth data transfers up to twice the speed to and from cameras and musical instruments, and drives external displays up to 5K. With USB-C, iPad Pro can even be used to charge an iPhone.
A new USB-C connector and up to 1TB of storage enable powerful new workflows on iPad Pro.

iOS 12 on iPad Pro

iOS 12 brings new gestures to iPad that are already familiar to iPhone X and iPhone XS users including tap to wake and swiping to go home, access Control Center and for multitasking. The new Shortcuts app helps iPad users link together powerful, yet simple automated workflows for photo editing, video editing and file and asset management. Improvements to Photo import and support for native RAW image editing give photographers more efficient ways to work and multitask on iPad Pro.
Group FaceTime now makes it easy to connect with groups of friends or colleagues at the same time. Participants can be added at any time, join later if the conversation is still active and choose to join using video or audio from an iPhone, iPad or Mac. With new Animoji and customizable Memoji, users can take advantage of the large screen on iPad to add more personality to photos and videos in Messages and FaceTime.
Group FaceTime makes it easy to connect with groups of friends or colleagues at the same time.
Pricing and Availability
  • The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available in silver and space gray finishes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB configurations as well as a new 1TB option. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at AED 3,199 for the Wi-Fi model and AED 3,799 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at AED 3,999 for the Wi-Fi model and AED 4,599 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model from apple.com and Apple Store locations, and is also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary).
  • The new iPad Pro models, Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio are available to order starting today from apple.com with availability starting Wednesday, November 7, in the US and more than 40 additional countries and regions, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE and UK. Later this year, the new iPad Pro models will be available in Colombia, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, India, Israel, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Macedonia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, with other countries and regions to follow.
  • The second generation Apple Pencil for the new iPad Pro will be available for AED 529. The new Smart Keyboard Folio for the new iPad Pro is available in space gray for AED 729 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and AED 799 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with layouts for over 30 languages, including simplified Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
  • A new Smart Folio for iPad Pro, in a protective, polyurethane folio design, will be available in a variety of colors for AED 339 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and AED 419 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro at apple.com and Apple Store locations.
  • A wide assortment of Apple-designed USB-C accessories including adapters and cables also support iPad Pro and are available at apple.com and Apple Store locations, including a new USB-C to SD Card Reader and USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter.
  • With Apple GiveBack, customers can trade in their eligible device for an Apple Store Gift Card or partial refund on their purchase. If their device isn’t eligible for credit, Apple will recycle it for free.
  • Every customer who buys iPad Pro from Apple can enjoy free Personal Setup in-store or online, and receive guidance on how to customize their iPad Pro, set up email, find new apps from the App Store and more.
  • Anyone who wants to learn more or go further with iPad Pro or iOS 12 can sign up for free Today at Apple sessions at apple.com/today.

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1 The displays have rounded corners. When measured as a rectangle, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch screen is 12.9 inches diagonally and the iPad Pro 11-inch screen is 11 inches diagonally. Actual viewable area is less. 2 iPad Pro is faster than 92 percent of all portable PCs sold between June 2017-June 2018. (NPD US data) 3 As compared to the previous iPad Pro model. 4 Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results may vary.

Foundation Slab Marks Milestone for Dubai’s AYKON City

Agency News
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Foundation Slab Marks Milestone for Dubai’s AYKON City
DAMAC Properties announced the completion of the raft foundation for tower C of AYKON City, its 4 million square feet development centrally located between Sheikh Zayed Rd and the Dubai Water Canal. The setting of the foundation slab, the second one at the development, saw over 288,600 cubic feet of concrete poured within a 30-hour period, and requiring more than 1,500 metric tons of steel. “The foundation work presented a complex challenge for the project management team as the site is in the middle of a busy metropolitan.” said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President at DAMAC. “To ensure that the setting of the raft did not disturb the flow of traffic in the area, the team orchestrated the job across several shifts, ensuring to complete the feat within 30 hours.” In adherence to best standards, the slab required concrete to be poured in a temperature-controlled environment. With the successful completion of the foundation, construction can now begin on the main columns and core walls, accelerating the pace at which the tower will rise to complement the existing skyline. Slated for completion in 2021, the multi-tower AYKON City community, centred in the heart of Dubai, consists of residences with ample lifestyle facilities, serviced apartments, a hotel property and office spaces. It also offers stunning views of the popular Dubai Water Canal, rated as one of the top attractions in the city. The promenade of Dubai Canal is the ideal place for residents and visitors to relax, and indulge in world-class experiences, owing to the scenic pedestrian tracks, waterways and bridges, as well as restaurants and stores that dot the area.
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