The top team from Alpha Destination Management will be attending the World Travel Market in London, led by the company’s CEO Mr. Ghassan Aridi from 5th to 7th November 2018. He will be accompanied by Mr. Samir Hamadeh, General Manager, and Ms. Zeina Al Sayegh, Product Manager – UK Market, for Alpha.
Elaborating on the significance of WTM London, Mr. Hamadeh, said, “Western European countries led by the UK and Germany rank among leading markets into our destination. Demand for overseas holidays for the region from these countries continues to be strong. At the same time outbound tourism for the UAE from developing markets in central and eastern Europe is forecast to grow. At Alpha we are well placed to capitalise on these growth opportunities being a well-established brand among the top tour operators in the UK and the rest of the continent. Commanding 40% market share from the UK, Alpha enjoys a pivotal position in the tourism sector
Giving details of the existing and upcoming business deals lined up at the show, Mr. Hamadeh, revealed, “WTM, where we have been exhibiting for the last 21 years, offers us the perfect platform to connect and conduct business with our valuable partners. Last year we signed some very significant contracts during the exhibition with leading companies such as Destinology, Hayes & Jarvis, Travelopia Group, If Only, and Winged Boots. This year, we will be formalising a major agreement with ‘On the Beach’, the 5th largest Tour Operator in the UK, operating 1.5 million British tourists into the Mediterranean region every year, and Dubai will be their first long haul destination. Their expectation in three years is to be among the top three tour operators to the UAE from the UK.
Mr. Hamadeh further added, “In addition to this we are scheduled to sign a major commitment deal during the fair, adding an additional 50,000 room nights in the next 3 years into one of the UAE’s northern emirates. This is a commitment towards the destination by one of the leading tour operators in the UK. Further details will be announced during the fair.”
Dubai is among the top four most visited cities in the world and the best performer in the MENA region. With Expo 2020 on the horizon, the GCC represents high growth potential for the travel industry worldwide. Mr. Hamadeh stated, “Dubai’s tourism offerings have evolved in response to market demand, increasing the emirate’s attractiveness among target visitor segments across key guest markets and UK is among the top three source countries for Dubai. The various visa initiatives have further fuelled growth by not only easing access into the city, but also introducing our amazing destination to new source markets around the globe”.
Speaking about the expectations of tourists from the UK, Mr. Hamadeh, added, “Travellers from the UK are looking for greater value and unique experiences. The more the destination creates attractions and tailors its product to cater to UK tourists, the better conversion it can expect. Dubai is moving away from being a city you must visit, to a city you must experience. Our approach to UK has to be different than other markets and key to that is coming up with new ideas to grow stop over business. In order to support Dubai’s goal to attract 20 million visitors annually by 2020 and maintain a stable momentum of growth, there is need for new packages and offers with added-value to entice transit passengers to stay for least one night rather than simply pass by. At Alpha we are also focusing on promoting Dubai’s strong calendar of events to excite more travellers to come over”.
WTM London is the leading global event for the travel industry, registering more than 50,000 participants in 2017, including 10,500 buyers conducting business worth over US$4.02 billion. Organisers are predicting a record year for 2018, boosted by a strong contingent of exhibitors from the Middle East region. WTM London will add seven regionally-focused Inspiration Zones to the show this year – UK & Ireland, Europe & Mediterranean, Middle East & North Africa, Asia, International and Africa – to make the event more focused on specific destinations.
VISIT Alpha Destination Management on the Dubai Stand ME300, South Hall Booth#15bhttps://london.wtm.com/en/Exhibitors/5059172/Alpha-Tours
#AlphaTours #AlphaToursDubai #AlphaDMC #AlphaToursAe #Dubai #VisitDubai #Dxb #MyDubai #ilovedubai #travelgram #DubaiTourism #Travel #Tours #WTM
About Alpha Destination Management
Founded in 1996, by Mr. Ghassan Aridi and his partners, Alpha Destination Management is the leading destination management company and a pioneer in the tourism sector in the Arabian Gulf. Over the last two decades, the company has established itself as one of the most credible and reputed brands not only in the Gulf region but also in the international tourism industry. Controlling a significant market share of the lucrative tourism sector in the GCC, Alpha Destination Management is a market leader in the region with the largest annual turnover and wide network of international partners offering the highest levels of service and innovative and exciting experiences. Our extensive global and local knowledge and network, outstanding expertise and sound reputation is the key to success for us and all our partners.
For more information about Alpha Destination Management visit http://www.alphatoursdubai.comOr call +971 4 701 9111For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comwww.evops-pr.com
If You Don’t Believe in Yourself, No One Else Will
Says Dubai Based Media Personality Sheron Nanayakkara in an Exclusive Interview with Economist Dubai.
Sheron , tell us about Yourself.
A simple girl from Sri Lanka with big dreams, aren’t we all? I moved to Dubai in 2011 with high hopes and crazy life experiences and Dubai didn’t disappoint me. My experience has always been on TV and Radio and this is something I’m passionate about. Joined Radio as a trainer presenter straight out of School and TV followed a couple of years after. Moving to Dubai was a leap of faith, and before I knew it, I was working in Real Estate as a Leasing Manager. I thoroughly enjoyed it but I always knew I had more in store for me.
You were born on?
23rd Aug
Your Zodiac Sign?
I am a Taurus
How easy it is for a Sri Lankan national like you to mix with diverse cultures and grow in UAE?
I grew up in Sri Lanka and was educated in English, I have never felt like the language was a barrier at all and I absolutely love meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. That in itself is an experience.
If you’re looking for a place where you can meet the whole world, it’s Dubai.
Your favorite food in UAE? and Restaurant?
I’m an Island girl so I do love my seafood. A restaurant that I don’t fail to visit at least once a month is Sea World on Sheikh Zayed Road. Their grilled garlic and butter Sea Bass is out of this world.
Are you a Reader more or a web surfer?
Definitely a Web Surfer. Although I just finished reading a book about Alcatraz , I’m always on my phone, reading one thing or another.
How did Radio in Dubai happen in your life?
Radio in Dubai was a dream come true for me. I’m at my happiest behind the mic, and even though I loved my job in Real Estate, I always felt like something was missing. I was over the moon to get that phone call from Heart FM 107.1 saying they’d want me to join their team. And now I one of the Hosts of the breakfast show with two other presenters.
Do you love modelling?
I got into modeling at the age of 20, but didn’t really push it through, Radio was always number one. I have just started modeling again here in Dubai, and Yes, I love it.
Tell us about your family?
We are 3 daughters in the family, my dad was in Tourism all his life and he passed on the reigns to my older sister who is a National Tour Guide. Youngest sister works for Kuwait Airways. My mom has always been the spine of the family and I always say that if I can be half the woman she is, when I’m her age, I’d have won in life.
As a traveler, where would you like to resurface again and again?
America. I did a 10 days tour to LA, Vegas, San Francisco and a drive through the coast back to LA, and it’s the best trip I’ve done so far. Can’t wait to go back and explore the rest of the country.
Any new destinations explored recently?
I did Cambodia earlier this year, visiting Angkor Wat Temple was in my bucket list, and I ticked it off. A must visit.
What can one find inside your wardrobe as far as your dressing is concerned?
You will always find a yellow top, yellow dress, yellow skirt. Always I have been told that yellow looks great on my skin tone and I love wearing the color.
Sheron , Your views on Dubai.
Dubai is a whole new world. Once you get used to the Dubai lifestyle it’s extremely hard to go back to your previous one. Dubai is a land of opportunities, since I moved here, Dubai has opened up so many doors that I didn’t even know existed. But I will also say that it’s not for everyone. Moving away from home is a tough decision as it is, and moving to a city as fast paced as Dubai is a whole another level. It’s not for the faint hearted and only for the thick skinned.
What would be your reaction if you are made a host of a TV show?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on TV and if I was given the opportunity to do it in Dubai, I would snatch it without a batting my eyelids
Which celebrity would you like to meet in Dubai over coffee?
I can name a few I would love to meet, but since its “Dubai”, I would love to have a chat with H.H Sheikh Mohammed himself. One can only dream.
If you are made the goodwill ambassador what is the first thing you will do to improve certain things in people’s lives?
I would focus my efforts on helping young women to realize their strength, their talents and pushing them to be the best version of themselves, to be strong, independent women. We don’t realize that sometimes, it’s a friendly face or it’s as simple as saying “ I believe in you” for someone good to be great. So many children are deprived of an education and amongst them, we have creators, innovators and world leaders just waiting for that right opportunity.
Do you love cars or mobikes?
I’d go with cars purely for the reason that my hair will be intact after the ride (laughs).
Are you passionate about animals?
Yes , I do love animals and birds. I did have a cat for a short period
Your message to Your audience?
I wouldn’t say this is for my audience only but anyone in general: Follow your dreams, and believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Speak up for what you believe in, and don’t ever let anyone tell you, you’re not good enough.
As told to our Senior Correspondent Amit KakkarWrite to: amit.kakkar@economistdubai.com
Ring, a leader in neighborhood security, today announced that it has partnered with PRO TECHnology, a leading provider of exceptional innovative IT solutions in the Gulf region at GITEX 2018. This partnership will help Ring foray and expand its reach across the regional market offering residential real estate developers & homeowners Ring’s innovative home security products and solutions.
“Ring believes in keeping homes and communities safe rather than just comfortable, and we hope to change the way homeowners view security by keeping an eye on their family and property, even when they can’t. Ring re-imagined the doorbell so consumers could respond – using a smartphone – to someone at their front door from anyplace, anytime while simplifying the technology with the combination of App, Cloud and Security hardware. PRO TECHnology has been providing technology-driven business solutions in the region for over 20 years and in that time, has succeeded in garnering an unparalleled regional presence. We look forward to working with PRO TECHnology to address the home security needs by extending Ring’s reach and making our home security solutions more readily available to homeowners in the UAE,” said Mohammad Meraj Hoda, Vice President of Business Development – Middle East and Africa at Ring.
Ring has evolved as a leading brand in the home security space represented by 18,000 plus stores across North America, and Ring’s products globally have been hailed as a dependable second set of eyes and ears to deter would-be thieves from entering homes and communities. Following a pilot program with the Los Angeles Police Department in the US, within six months it was proven that Ring’s Video Doorbell which provides a live view of any doorway and includes adjustable motion sensors and night vision, was able to reduce crime in a Los Angeles neighborhood by over 55%. The goal is to bring the same convenience and security to the UAE neighbourhoods.
PRO TECHnology will act as a value added reseller for Ring’s latest suite of smart home security products such as Ring Video Doorbell 2 that helps you communicate with visitors from anywhere; Ring Video Doorbell Pro which in addition to the features of the Video Doorbell 2 has improved motion detection features; Video Doorbell Elite which requires professional installation with power over ethernet offering the most reliable connection in home security; Ring Floodlight Cam, the first motion-activated security camera with two-way audio, HD video, built-in floodlights and a siren; and the new Ring Spotlight Cam Battery, a long-lasting battery-powered powered HD camera with two-way audio and a siren; the Spotlight Cam Wired with two-way talk and a siren solution. PRO TECHnology will also focus on residential real estate projects where Ring be great value addition to home owners and communities by keeping the safer neighborhood.
“PRO TECHnology has a long history in offering sophisticated IT solutions to our clients and one of our main expertise is security and CCTV applications and we are constantly looking at introducing innovative solutions to build that portfolio. When we were introduced to the state-of-the-art Ring products and solutions, we knew we had found the best home security provider,” said Jamal H. Maraqa, Managing Director, PRO TECHnology. “The awareness and demand for smart home security devices, such as smart doorbells that keep families, neighborhoods and communities safe are growing and therefore we believe that our partnership with Ring is a perfect fit. We see exciting new possibilities in this partnership with Ring across the Gullf region and it will help PRO TECHnology to better address our customer’s needs in today’s environment of ever-increasing demand for home security solutions.”
– Ends –About Ring
Ring’s mission is to reduce crime in neighborhoods and empower consumers by creating a Ring of Security around homes and communities with its suite of smart home security products: Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Chime Pro, Ring Video doorbell Elite, Ring Floodlight Cam, Ring Spotlight Cam Wired and Ring Spotlight Cam Battery. With these security devices, Ring has created the neighborhood watch for the digital age and continues to keep homes around the world safe. For more information, visit www.ring.com. With Ring, you’re always home.
About PRO TECHnology
Headquartered in Dubai, PRO TECHnology continues to evolve, embrace and gain its significant reputation as a leading IT solution provider in MENA region. The company today, has unparalleled regional presence. Since its establishment in 1998, the company incessantly introduced to the region a well selected range of unique products, an array of vertical solutions, and implemented sophisticated and high-end applications.
With the efficiency of a goal-oriented team, and the continued trust of renowned vendors, partners and clients, PRO TECHnology remains to stay at the helm of IT standards and affirms its thrust tap to provide technological professionalism.
Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced two new automotive solution brands — Samsung Exynos Auto and Samsung ISOCELL Auto – to bring cutting-edge application processor and image sensor technology solutions to the road.
“Samsung’s new automotive brand solutions, Exynos Auto and ISOCELL Auto, bring Samsung’s market-proven technologies to automotive applications with enhanced features and durability required by the market,” said Kenny Han, vice president of Samsung’s Device Solutions Division. “With fast telecommunication, accurate sensing and powerful processing capabilities, Samsung’s Auto-branded solutions will enable new driving experiences to next-generation smart vehicles.”
Exynos Auto Logo (top) and ISOCELL Auto Logo
Samsung’s Exynos processors have been recognized for their performance and stability since its brand launched in 2011. On top of the powerful yet efficient qualities of Exynos’ mobile versions, Exynos Auto meets industry requirements for harsher environments, allowing automotive manufacturers to develop cutting-edge applications such as infotainment, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and telematics.
Processors provided by Exynos Auto are sorted into three sub-categories: Exynos Auto V series for advanced in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems; Exynos Auto A series for ADAS; and Exynos Auto T series for telematics solutions.
Samsung’s ISOCELL image sensors have brought innovative imaging technologies to mobile products since 2017 and the new automotive lineup will help bring the power of sight to cars. Built on the company’s innovative pixel isolation technology, ISOCELL, the sensors provide greater visibility of the road and surroundings even in low-light environments, while enabling more precise identification of objects. This allows, for example, vehicles to perceive road conditions or potential hazards even when driving through tunnels or other high-contrast environments.
Samsung’s Exynos Auto and ISOCELL Auto products will be demonstrated at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfburg, Germany, from October 16 to 18 at Hall 1.
For more information please visit the below sites;
– Exynos Auto: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/exynos/application/automotive/
– ISOCELL Auto: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/image-sensor/automotive-image-sensor/
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transitioning from first proof-of-concept deployments into a new growth phase that is expected, according to industry analysts, to deploy 1 trillion devices by 2035.1 What is driving these lofty projections are the incredible business benefits that will be achieved with data-driven IoT initiatives such as edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), predictive maintenance and autonomous systems. The more data that is collected, the more valuable the data becomes. However, this model may not be realized unless the industry can collaborate on more open and scalable methods to securely provision devices and their data to the cloud.
To answer these challenges, Intel is teaming up with Arm* to provide solutions to securely onboard2 both Intel and Arm IoT devices to any application or cloud framework.
First, let me walk you through the traditional manual onboarding process for IoT devices, which has multiple challenges. It typically takes more than 20 minutes per device and involves coordination among installation technicians, IT network/security operations and operational technology teams. The device identity and network access credentials are either painstakingly preloaded into the device at manufacturing or configured in the field from a standard image using insecure human processes. Compounding the security issues are the proliferation of cloud-specific provisioning methods without a consistent hardware-protected device identity model. For IoT to scale to a trillion devices in less than two decades, this process must be faster, safer and more flexible.
Now, the solution: Last October, Intel® Secure Device Onboard was launched as the first solution that enabled a “late binding” approach to provisioning, where customers could dynamically discover their target cloud platform for provisioning seconds after the device is powered on in the field. The collaboration with Arm aims to extend this capability from Intel devices to include the Arm devices that commonly are deployed together by customers. This strategic collaboration of two major ecosystems is designed to provide the industry with a more flexible provisioning method that can be natively enabled in devices.
So how does it work? Watch the prototype video below that shows how Intel and Arm devices can be credentialed and provisioned in seconds to join any cloud application framework.
As a result, customers should be able to choose their onboarding systems of record without being locked into a single cloud provider’s provisioning method or a single device architecture. Flexibility can be built in before the device is purchased to onboard into any cloud ecosystem. Device management systems such as Pelion*, cloud/on-premise IoT platforms and connected partner ecosystems all benefit from increased variety of devices, lower cost and faster deployment. Device suppliers can simplify manufacturing to a single SKU that can be provisioned with customer-specific credentials in the field rather than in the factory, dramatically reducing cost while decreasing time to market.
“Intel and Arm are simplifying one of IoT’s most complex and challenging barriers with regard to streamlining the manufacturing and security deployment workflows for IoT. This is an ROI win for the customer, who will be able to deploy both Intel- and Arm-based devices at a lower cost and with less friction between IT and OT, while at the same time retaining flexibility over their data and cloud partner choice until the deployment phase,” said Michela Menting, director, ABI Research.
Learn more about the solution at IoT Solution World Congress’s smart building customer case study presentation and view the joint demo that is nominated for top TestBed award. You may also attend the technical presentation at Arm TechCon that will showcase the Pelion Device Management zero-touch experience. Intel and Arm are seeking customer and ecosystem feedback on the prototypes and expect to engage pilot customers later this year. Contact iotonboarding@intel.com for more information on the pilot programs.
Intel’s collaboration with Arm allows us to progress a joint vision of “any device, any cloud” to span multiple device architectures. As we enter this accelerated growth phase for IoT, we will continue to collaborate with technology vendors to provide customers the protections they need. On behalf of the entire Intel team, I thank our industry partners and customers for their ongoing support.
Lorie Wigle is vice president of Software and Services Group and general manager of Internet of Things Security at Intel Corporation.1Trillion devices by 2035- source ARM white paper https://community.arm.com/cfs-file/__key/telligent-evolution-components-attachments/01-1996-00-00-00-01-30-09/Arm-_2D00_-The-route-to-a-trillion-devices-_2D00_-June-2017.pdf2From out-of-box to securely streaming data to an IoT PlatformIntel technologies’ features and benefits depend on system configuration and may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Performance varies depending on system configuration. No computer system can be absolutely secure. Check with your system manufacturer or retailer or learn more at https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/internet-of-things/secure-device-onboard.html.Intel, the Intel logo, and Intel® Secure Device Onboard are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries
Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today will host a financial analyst meeting with investors and financial analysts at its Adobe MAX Creativity Conference.
At today’s meeting in Los Angeles, Adobe’s executive team will discuss the company’s expanded growth opportunities and strategies across each of its major businesses. As part of its presentation, Adobe will outline numerous growth drivers and show research data that the company’s total addressable market has expanded from approximately $83 billion in 2020 to approximately $108 billion by 2021.
Adobe is reaffirming its current Q4 fiscal year 2018 revenue and earnings per share targets. The company is also providing preliminary growth targets for fiscal year 2019. These targets do not reflect Adobe’s planned acquisition of Marketo, which the company expects to close during Q4 fiscal year 2018.
“Our strategy of empowering people to create and transforming how businesses compete is leading to larger addressable market opportunities and the potential for accelerated revenue and earnings growth,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO, Adobe. “Our 2019 growth targets reflect our continued momentum and market leadership.”
Adobe Provides Preliminary FY2019 Growth Targets
At today’s financial analyst meeting, Adobe is providing preliminary growth targets for its fiscal year 2019, which are summarized in the table below.
Total Adobe revenue1
Approximately 20 percent year-over-year growth
Digital Media segment revenue
Approximately 20 percent year-over-year growth
Digital Experience segment revenue
Approximately 20 percent year-over-year growth
Digital Media annualized recurring revenue (“ARR”)
Approximately $1.4 billion of net new ARR
Digital Experience subscription bookings2
Approximately 25 percent year-over-year growth
1
Revenue targets were set based on Sept. 2018 foreign exchange (“FX”) rates, which for current planning purposes are assumed to be constant during fiscal year 2019
2
Includes annualized subscription value of SaaS, managed service and term offerings under contract for Adobe Analytics Cloud, Adobe Marketing Cloud and Magento Commerce Cloud
Adobe expects to report Q4 fiscal year 2018 financial results and provide fiscal year 2019 revenue and earnings per share targets on Dec. 13, 2018. These results and targets are expected to include the impact of the acquisition of Marketo.
Adobe Reaffirms Q4 Revenue and Earnings Targets
As part of its meeting today, Adobe is affirming it is on track to achieve Q4 fiscal year 2018 revenue of $2.42 billion. The Company also stated it is on track to achieve its Q4 earnings per share targets of $1.42 on a GAAP-basis, and $1.87 on a non-GAAP basis, as well as meet other financial metrics it targeted for the quarter. These targets do not reflect the impact of Adobe’s pending acquisition of Marketo.
A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share targets is provided later in this press release.
Adobe to Webcast Financial Analyst Meeting
Adobe will webcast its meeting with financial analysts and investors in attendance at Adobe MAX beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Time today. People can access the webcast and slides from this event from the Adobe Investor Relations webpage at http://www.adobe.com/ADBE. The live video webcast will last approximately three hours and will be archived on Adobe’s website for approximately 45 days. There will be no phone dial-in capability.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those related to business momentum and strategy, market expansion, the closing of the Marketo acquisition, revenue, earnings, annualized recurring revenue, bookings, operating cash flow, non-operating other expense, GAAP and non-GAAP tax rate, GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share and share count, all of which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: failure to develop, acquire, market and offer products and services that meet customer requirements, failure to compete effectively, introduction of new technology, complex sales cycles, risks related to the timing of revenue recognition from our subscription offerings, fluctuations in subscription renewal rates, risks associated with cyber-attacks, potential interruptions or delays in hosted services provided by us or third parties, information security and privacy, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of past or future acquisitions, changes in accounting principles and tax regulations, uncertainty in the financial markets and economic conditions in the countries where we operate, and other various risks associated with being a multinational corporation.
For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, please refer to Adobe’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year 2017 ended Dec. 1, 2017, and Adobe’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q issued in fiscal year 2018.
Adobe assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update these forward-looking statements.
About Adobe
Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.
As part of our ongoing efforts to prevent people from misusing Facebook during elections, we’re broadening our policies against voter suppression — action that is designed to deter or prevent people from voting. These updates were designed to address new types of abuse that we’re seeing online.
We already prohibit offers to buy or sell votes as well as misrepresentations about the dates, locations, times and qualifications for casting a ballot. We have been removing this type of content since 2016. Here is an example:
Last month, we extended this policy further and are now banning misrepresentations about how to vote, such as claims that you can vote by text message, and statements about whether a vote will be counted. (e.g. “If you voted in the primary, your vote in the general election won’t count.”) We’ve also recently introduced a new reporting option on Facebook so that people can let us know if they see voting information that may be incorrect, and have set up dedicated reporting channels for state election authorities so that they can do the same.
People can now let us know if they see “incorrect voting info” on Facebook
We recognize that some posts that are reported to us may require additional review. For example, we’re unable to verify every claim about the conditions of polling places around the world (e.g. “Elementary School Flooded, Polling Location Closed”). In these cases, we will send content to our third-party fact-checkers for review. Content that is rated false will be ranked lower in News Feed, and accompanied by additional information written by our fact-checkers (what we call, Related Articles) on the same subject.
Expanding our policy is just one of the steps we’re taking to strengthen the integrity of elections around the world. We’re also getting better at detecting and removing fake accounts and increasing transparency across political and issue ads on the platform. You can read more from our CEO Mark Zuckerberg about our work on elections here.
Today, Amazon introduced the all-new reimagined Kindle Paperwhite, featuring a thinner and lighter design, sleek flush-front display, and waterproofing so you can read comfortably anywhere. It also comes with Audible so you can switch seamlessly between reading and listening to professionally narrated performances from the world’s largest selection of audiobooks. And with so much great content, the all-new Kindle Paperwhite comes with twice the storage so you can hold more large files like audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and comics. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite still includes features customers love about Kindle like a glare-free display and battery life measured in weeks. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is available for pre-order today for just £119.99 at www.amazon.co.uk/kindlepaperwhite and will start shipping on 7th November.
“Customers love the Kindle Paperwhite, and we’re excited to bring premium features—like a thinner and lighter flush-front design, additional storage, waterproofing, and Audible—to our most popular Kindle,” said Eric Saarnio, Head of Amazon Devices, Europe. “With the all-new Kindle Paperwhite, it’s never been easier to get lost in the author’s story no matter where you go.”
Sleek, modern design
The all-new Kindle Paperwhite features a sleek, flush-front design and a back made of soft, grippable material so it rests easily in your hand. It is the thinnest and lightest Kindle Paperwhite yet, measuring 8.18mm thick and weighing 182g—less than half the weight of many paperback books—so extended reading sessions are even more comfortable.
The six-inch, high resolution 300 ppi display features crisp, printed-quality text that reads like real paper. It also includes five LEDs and an adjustable front light for a uniform, glare-free display in any setting—even direct sunlight.
The first waterproof Kindle Paperwhite
The most popular Kindle is now waterproof so you can read in even more places. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is designed to withstand getting splashed at the beach or dropped in the bath tub, or pool. It’s IPX8 rated to protect against immersion in up to two metres of fresh water for up to 60 minutes.
2x the storage
The all-new Kindle Paperwhite comes with twice the storage so you can keep more content on your device. Available in 8 GB, which is twice the storage as the previous generation and can hold thousands of titles, and 32 GB for storing even more content with large file sizes, like audiobooks, comics, newspapers, magazines, and more.
Plus Audible
With Bluetooth built-in, listen to your favourite Audible book and switch seamlessly between reading and listening so you never lose your place. Access the Audible store directly on the all-new Kindle Paperwhite and find your next favourite from a library of over 300,000 professionally performed audio programmes, including Audible books, original audio productions, and exclusive content. Just connect your all-new Kindle Paperwhite to a Bluetooth-enabled device, like speakers or headphones, and dive into a story.
Even more personalisation
Kindle includes a variety of ways to tailor your experience so you can read your book your way. Today, we’re introducing even more personalisation features, including:
An updated home—The new home experience makes it easier to find your next read based on your reading history, including books from Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading. You can also view fun facts and tips so you can get the most out of your device.
Easily personalise your reading—Now save multiple reading settings, selecting the font, boldness level, and orientation settings you prefer all from the main menu and quickly switch between those settings.
Starting tomorrow, the updated home experience, as well as the ability to quickly save and access reading settings, will be delivered as a free, over-the-air update to Kindle Paperwhite Gen 6 (released in 2013) and newer devices.
The features readers love about Kindle
By design, Kindle devices are purpose-built for reading so you can lose yourself in a book. Unlike tablets and phones, a Kindle has no glare, even in bright sunlight, and won’t distract you with social media, emails, text messages, or notifications. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite includes features that have made the Kindle family the best devices for reading, enhancing the experience beyond a print book:
Whispersync and Whispersync for Voice—Saves and synchronises your last page read, bookmarks, and annotations from your Kindle eBooks and Audible books across all of your Amazon devices and Kindle apps, so you can always pick up where you left off on any device, whether you’re reading or listening.
Goodreads—Kindle is integrated with the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations, with over 50 million members, 1.3 billion books added, and 47 million book reviews.
X-Ray—Explore the “Bones of the Book”—see all of the passages across a book that mention relevant ideas, fictional characters, historical figures, places, or topics of interest.
Word Wise—Available on many popular English language titles, Word Wise makes it easier to enjoy and quickly understand more challenging books. Short and simple definitions automatically appear above difficult words, so you can keep reading with fewer interruptions.
Family Library—With Kindle and Kindle reading apps, you can access not only your own books, but also books from the Amazon account of a spouse or partner.
Smart Lookup—Integrates a full dictionary definition with other reference information via X-Ray and Wikipedia.
World’s Best eBook Store
Kindle e-readers come with instant access to the Kindle Store, which includes:
World’s best selection—Millions of books, newspapers and magazines, including the latest best sellers, and programmes like Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited, both of which continue to grow.
Kindle exclusives—Over one million books are exclusive to the Kindle Store.
Amazon First Reads—Early access to an editorially curated list of six new books one month before they officially publish. Every month, customers can choose one Kindle book from our editors’ picks for £0.99 and also shop print editions for £3.99 or less.
Pricing and Availability
The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is £119.99 for the 8 GB model and £149.99 for the 32 GB model. The 32 GB with free cellular connectivity is £219.99. All are available today for pre-order and will begin shipping to customers on 7th November. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite will also be available in stores and online at Argos, Dixons, John Lewis & Partners, littlewoods.com, Tesco and very.co.uk.
Customers can also purchase a cover with a thin design that snaps perfectly onto the all-new Kindle Paperwhite. The cover opens like a book, automatically waking the device when opened and putting it to sleep when closed. Choose from three materials in a variety of colours: a premium leather cover for £49.99 in rustic tan; leather covers, all £34.99 in black, merlot, red, and indigo purple; and water-safe fabric covers, all £24.99 in charcoal black, yellow, and blue. Customers can learn more at www.amazon.co.uk/kindlepaperwhite.
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.
First Air France KLM credit card to be offered in the United States
NEW YORK, NY – October 16, 2018 – Today, Air France-KLM and Bank of America launched the new Air France KLM World Elite Mastercardâ to reward loyal Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and SkyTeam members. It is the first and only Air France-KLM co-branded credit card available in North America.
The new card will allow customers to gain Miles and XP (Experience Points), the reward currency for Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue Loyalty Program. The launch follows a recent global update to Flying Blue, which commenced in April 2018. The enhanced program enables more flexible spending of Miles and a more simplified, personalized membership level qualification.
“We are excited to launch this new card to reward our loyal customers in the United States. The U.S. is a major market for Air France-KLM with growing demand for our flights and services from 14 American airports to Amsterdam, Paris, and beyond,” said Stephane Ormand, vice president and general manager USA at Air France-KLM. “Flyers in the U.S. have many choices. It is our priority to delight and reward our frequent fliers. Especially following the enhancements to our Flying Blue program, this card will allow us to provide customers more flexible, accessible reward tickets and provide services designed to make trips more enjoyable.”
The Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard offers the following features:
Earn three Miles for every $1 spent on purchases made directly with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and SkyTeam member airlines.
Earn 1.5 Miles for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.
Earn 25,000 bonus Miles after the cardholder makes $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of their account opening.
Earn 60 XP (Experience Points) upon account opening for the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® (limited to one time per Flying Blue member). 60 XP bring new cardholders 60 percent closer to achieving Silver status.
Receive a benefit of 5,000 anniversary Miles after spending at least $50 on purchases within the card anniversary year.
Plus, receive 20 XP every year on the account anniversary and the opportunity to earn an additional 40 XP after spending at least $15k on purchases within the card anniversary year (totaling up to 60 XP).
“We’re particularly proud to offer the competitive rate of three Miles per dollar spent not only with Air France or KLM but with any of our SkyTeam partners,” said Ormand. “Thanks to our partners, this card gives our loyal customers the unique ability to get more benefits when they fly to over 1,000 destinations within the SkyTeam network.”
“This partnership will deepen the relationship we have with our Bank of America clients who choose to fly Air France-KLM,” said Michael Simpson, co-brand and affinity card executive at Bank of America. “Partnerships like this ensure we are providing loyal clients with card programs that meet their financial needs.”
“Customer experience has never been more important for travelers, and Air France KLM has always kept this top priority, delivering a streamlined customer journey from booking to take-off,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, EVP Merchants & Acceptance for Mastercard. “We are pleased to partner with them and Bank of America to deliver a cardholder value proposition that reflects this longstanding commitment, with rewards and offerings that meet and exceed their customers’ needs.”
The Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard is open for applications effective immediately. To apply or receive more information about the card, including rates, fees, costs and benefits associated with the credit card, visit go.bofa.com/AirFranceKLMcard
For more information about Flying Blue Loyalty Program, go to: https://www.flyingblue.us/en
Flying Blue: leading loyalty program
Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM group’s loyalty program, has 15 million members and 39 airline partners and more than 100 non-airline partners. The more members travel, the more their loyalty is rewarded. With Flying Blue, customers can access the many services specially designed to make their trip even more enjoyable. At www.airfrance.com and www.klm.com, members can check their account, book tickets directly or request missing Miles to be added to their account. At www.flyingblue.com, customers can access a complete presentation of the Flying Blue program, detailing the benefits of the different Explorer, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels explained through videos and tutorials. They can also check out all the ways to earn or spend Miles and the complete list of all the program’s partners’ offers in the “Flying Blue Store” section.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,400 retail financial centers, including more than 1,700 lending centers, more than 1,900 Merrill Edge investment centers and more than 1,300 business centers; approximately 16,100 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 36 million active users, including 25 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
Mastercard Communications Contact
Sarah Ely
sarah.ely@mastercard.com
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, today witnessed how du is providing the catalyst for the UAE digital transformation at GITEX 2017. He was received by du’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fahad Al Hassawi, and Chief Operating Officer, Farid Faraidooni, and other representatives of the company’s senior management.
Under the theme of ’10 times more’, du is showcasing how it is going beyond connectivity to mirror the Dubai 10X initiative as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide the catalyst for digital transformation in the UAE.
RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has launched “Al Yamama” initiative where DTC’s taxis will be fitted with smart cameras. These cameras will monitor the movement of the taxi driver and objects in the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
DTC unveiled the initiative at GITEX 2018 as part of RTA’s participation in the event that attracts a large number of visitors, traders and business leaders who are keen to keep abreast of the latest technologies. The project is a pioneering step aimed to enhance the credentials of Dubai as the smartest and happiest city in the world.
“The launch of Al Yamama initiative is a quantum shift in harnessing artificial intelligence in the taxi transit service. Al Yamama will enhance the traffic safety through providing accurate information about taxi accidents, maintaining monitoring 24/7, and providing detailed information and reports about the condition of RTA’s assets and facilities,” said Dr Yousef Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation.
“Al Yamama reads billboards and directional signage on streets and identifies prime locations for placing new billboards. It also sends continuous updates about geographical information as well as new areas and roads in Dubai,” he added.
“Through this initiative, Dubai Taxi Corporation is aspiring to achieve its strategic goals, i.e. smart mobility and people happiness,” concluded Al Ali.
The October 8, 2018 issue of Bloomberg Businessweek incorrectly reports that Apple found “malicious chips” in servers on its network in 2015. As Apple has repeatedly explained to Bloomberg reporters and editors over the past 12 months, there is no truth to these claims.
Apple provided Bloomberg Businessweek with the following statement before their story was published:
Over the course of the past year, Bloomberg has contacted us multiple times with claims, sometimes vague and sometimes elaborate, of an alleged security incident at Apple. Each time, we have conducted rigorous internal investigations based on their inquiries and each time we have found absolutely no evidence to support any of them. We have repeatedly and consistently offered factual responses, on the record, refuting virtually every aspect of Bloomberg’s story relating to Apple.
On this we can be very clear: Apple has never found malicious chips, “hardware manipulations” or vulnerabilities purposely planted in any server. Apple never had any contact with the FBI or any other agency about such an incident. We are not aware of any investigation by the FBI, nor are our contacts in law enforcement.
In response to Bloomberg’s latest version of the narrative, we present the following facts: Siri and Topsy never shared servers; Siri has never been deployed on servers sold to us by Super Micro; and Topsy data was limited to approximately 2,000 Super Micro servers, not 7,000. None of those servers have ever been found to hold malicious chips.
As a matter of practice, before servers are put into production at Apple they are inspected for security vulnerabilities and we update all firmware and software with the latest protections. We did not uncover any unusual vulnerabilities in the servers we purchased from Super Micro when we updated the firmware and software according to our standard procedures.
We are deeply disappointed that in their dealings with us, Bloomberg’s reporters have not been open to the possibility that they or their sources might be wrong or misinformed. Our best guess is that they are confusing their story with a previously-reported 2016 incident in which we discovered an infected driver on a single Super Micro server in one of our labs. That one-time event was determined to be accidental and not a targeted attack against Apple.
While there has been no claim that customer data was involved, we take these allegations seriously and we want users to know that we do everything possible to safeguard the personal information they entrust to us. We also want them to know that what Bloomberg is reporting about Apple is inaccurate.
Apple has always believed in being transparent about the ways we handle and protect data. If there were ever such an event as Bloomberg News has claimed, we would be forthcoming about it and we would work closely with law enforcement. Apple engineers conduct regular and rigorous security screenings to ensure that our systems are safe. We know that security is an endless race and that’s why we constantly fortify our systems against increasingly sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals who want to steal our data.
The published Businessweek story also claims that Apple “reported the incident to the FBI but kept details about what it had detected tightly held, even internally.” In November 2017, after we had first been presented with this allegation, we provided the following information to Bloomberg as part of a lengthy and detailed, on-the-record response. It first addresses their reporters’ unsubstantiated claims about a supposed internal investigation:
Despite numerous discussions across multiple teams and organizations, no one at Apple has ever heard of this investigation. Businessweek has refused to provide us with any information to track down the supposed proceedings or findings. Nor have they demonstrated any understanding of the standard procedures which were supposedly circumvented.
No one from Apple ever reached out to the FBI about anything like this, and we have never heard from the FBI about an investigation of this kind — much less tried to restrict it.
In an appearance this morning on Bloomberg Television, reporter Jordan Robertson made further claims about the supposed discovery of malicious chips, saying, “In Apple’s case, our understanding is it was a random spot check of some problematic servers that led to this detection.”
As we have previously informed Bloomberg, this is completely untrue. Apple has never found malicious chips in our servers.
Finally, in response to questions we have received from other news organizations since Businessweek published its story, we are not under any kind of gag order or other confidentiality obligations.
Bahrain: Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the soft opening of Swiss-Belresidences Juffair. The hotel welcomed its first guest on 1st October 2018.
The stunning property is centrally located in the heart of the dynamic Juffair disrict – a popular hub for dining and shopping venues – and is merely 17 minutes away from Bahrain International Airport. In close proximity are Juffair Mall and the Grand Mosque.
Making the announcement, Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “We are delighted to open our second hotel in Bahrain which also marks the debut of our lifestyle brand ‘Swiss-Belresidences’ in the Kingdom. We look forward to a long-term partnership with our valued owners and associates and are committed to delivering strong commercial success.”
Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: “We are very excited to grow our presence in Bahrain and other parts of GCC. We are confident Swiss-Belresidences Juffair will enhance our offering in Bahrain with its distinctive concept and high-end facilities and is well equipped to meet the growing demand for quality upper midscale accommodation in the country. It has been designed to give business and leisure travellers a compelling experience in the heart of the city.”
Swiss-Belresidences Juffair is an upper midscale hotel-apartment complex boasting 129 spacious (1, 2 and 3-bedroom) apartments and penthouse with superb amenities. Designed in modern and contemporary style the complex features an array of leisure and entertainment facilities for families ranging from a business lounge to a fabulous spa and health club, an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, cinema and a games room for all ages.
Bahrain welcomed a total of 12.7 million tourists in 2017 and is targeting 15.2 million visitors in 2018. Continued investment in tourism infrastructure with solid increase in arrivals, particularly from the region, is contributing to this massive growth in Bahrain’s tourism sector. Tourism investment is set to rise further with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) forecasting total foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector to increase from the current $300 million to $500 million in the next few years. As part of these developments, Bahrain International Airport is undergoing a US $1.1 billion modernisation programme, set to increase passenger capacity from nine to 14 million per year by 2020. Other infrastructure investment projects include the development of fabulous shopping malls such as Dilmunia Mall and the Marassi Galleria shopping complex, to join the recently-opened US $159 million Avenues Mall at Bahrain Bay.
For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.comFor media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comwww.evops-pr.comAbout Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 150* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-belhotel.com*Numbers may fluctuate
The Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai has got a whole lot of spell-binding activities lined up for Halloween. Halloween-themed meals, haunting ambiance and trick or treat activities are some of the ingredients being combined for a chilling Halloween celebration. The team will dress in the scariest costume to make the celebrations more thrilling.
Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “Halloween is a time for a fun-filled family outing. Our restaurants will wear the terror look this Halloween – not just in terms of decoration but also in their innovatively created themed menus. We encourage guests to dress their devilish best and enjoy an evening full of gothic experiences on 1st & 2nd November 2018. In addition, we have other exciting events such as the Halloween pool party on 9th November 2018.”
Apart from ghostly gastronomy, there are exciting surprises and prizes to be won including gifts for the best Halloween costumes. There are also Trick or Treat corners for kids to enjoy some sinister activities.
BIGGLES PUBHalloween Night
Thursday 1st November 2018
Special a la carte pub menu with Halloween cocktail. In true Halloween spirit, the atmosphere will be filled with squeals of delight and shrieks of fear.Highlights:
Order a main course from the Halloween menu and get the Halloween cocktail for free
Band performance at the terrace
Terms & conditions applyCACTUS JACKSHalloween Night
Thursday 1st November 2018, from 7pm to 2:30amEnjoy your favourite dishes from our a la carte menu paired with Halloween inspired cocktails.Highlights:
Special Halloween cocktails for AED 30
Halloween Performances by DJ and resident band
Best Halloween costume competition
Halloween special menu from the Chef is available
Terms & conditions applyLOUMI RESTAURANTHalloween Night
Thursday 1st November 2018 from 7pm to 11:30pm
Special international buffet with welcome Halloween mocktail & cocktail of the night.
AED 165 per adult for non-alcoholic beverages
AED 195 per adult for unlimited alcoholic house beverages
AED 82 per child between ages of 5 to 12 years old
Children below 5 years dine for free
Chocolates and candies giveaways for the young ones
Trick or Treat activities
The best scary costume will win a special prize – Brunch for 2 in Loumi
Terms & conditions applyLOUMI RESTAURANTHalloween Brunch
Friday 2nd November 2018 from 12noon to 4pm
Sumptuous international spread with welcome Halloween mocktail and cocktail.
AED 199 per adult for non-alcoholic beverages
AED 249 per adult for unlimited alcoholic house beverages
AED 99 per child between ages of 5 to 12 years old
Children below 5 years dine for free
Chocolates and candies giveaways for the young ones
Trick or Treat activities
The best scary costume will win a special prize of brunch for 2 in Loumi
Terms & conditions applyOASIS POOL & BARPost Halloween Pool Party
Friday 9th November 2018 from 3pm to 10pmJoin the Halloween horror withspooky decorations, water slides for kids, floaters,rain showers, live cooking stations, food stalls and cocktail bar.
Spend minimum AED 25 on beverage and get free entrance with pool access
Hops at a special price of AED 25 per bottle and AED 30 per pint
Entertainment by DJ and resident band
Best Halloween costume competition
Open to all guests and families
Terms & conditions apply
For inquiry or reservations, call 04 702 8888 or email dining.mahd@millenniumhotels.comFor 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.comFor media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comwww.evops-pr.comMillennium 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
Financial technology (fintech) heavyweights will return to Dubai on 30th October 2018 on board the Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid for the third annual Fintech Summit, organised by leading regional deal facilitation company Naseba.
With the Middle East’s financial landscape rapidly evolving owing to emerging and disruptive technologies and drive towards digitalization, this year’s conference will once again provide a unified platform for banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) decision makers to share the cutting-edge developments and innovations in the industry.
Held under the banner theme of ‘Enterprise Grade. Real World. Now’ the Fintech Summit will bring together an influential line-up of high-profile speakers alongside leading solutions providers.
Sandeep Chauhan, EVP, Global Head, Operations and Technology, Mashreq Bank, said, “Fintech is gaining momentum across the region, with governments and private sector companies adopting next generation technology in their eagerness to support sustainable economic development and establish a competitive advantage. The UAE, and Dubai in particular, is accelerating investment and implementation in support of the National Innovation Strategy set out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has expressed his vision to make the UAE a global leader in innovation. Against this background, today’s BFSI C-suite need to be ahead of the curve when it comes to implementation”.
According to industry reports 82% of financial services companies plan to increase fintech partnerships in the coming three to five years, with an expectation of 20% ROI on their innovation projects. The global banking industry will spend US$519 billion on technology this year, an increase of 4.1% on 2017 spend, with legacy system updates and next-generation back office solutions leading investment.
Recent research by Gartner put a figure of US$155 billion on MENA region IT spending in 2018, with banking and securities firms leading spending growth in the last 12 months (+3.6%), followed by insurance (+2.9%); and making significant investment into analytics, blockchain, artificial intelligence and software applications.
At the same time according to a survey by Ernst & Young banks were primed to invest anywhere from US$5-20 million for digital initiatives and the BFSI sector in the Middle East is turning its attention to digital transformation, with Emirates NBD alone committing AED 1 billion (US$272.3 million) over the next three years.
Key speakers at the Fintech Summit include Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore; Nasir Zubairi, CEO, Luxemburg House Of Financial Technology; Peter Smith, Managing Director, Policy and Strategy, Dubai Financial Services Authority; Nick Lee, Authorisation Director, BFSI, Abu Dhabi Global Markets; Abdul Malik Al Sheikh, Senior Advisor, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority; Max Liu, Co-Founder & CEO, EMQ.
To learn more about the Fintech Summit please contact Amir Abdin on amirabdin@naseba.comFor registrations please visit https://goo.gl/xK6wTMAbout 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.comwww.evops-pr.com
With outstanding meeting facilities for both medium and small gatherings, the First Central Hotel Suites is the perfect address for corporate and social events. The hotel has recently added two new meeting rooms and to complement these has now launched fantastic meeting packages.
Wael El Behi, General Manager of First Central Hotel Suites, said, “Events, be it business meetings or social gatherings are all about experiences. A great venue is the first step to a successful event. First Central Hotel Suites offers extremely flexible and dynamic spaces for meetings with outstanding facilities including state-of-the-art technology and superb connectivity. Equally convenient is the location of our hotel in the heart of Dubai. The special meeting packages have been carefully designed to offer our clients great value with exceptional quality of product and service.”
The various meeting packages bundle together a range of business amenities with an all-inclusive price. These include comfortable meeting spaces for up to 30 people, Wi-Fi, flip chart, audio-visual equipment, exciting coffee breaks, snacks and meal options. Rates start from AED 100 per person and are subject to hotel’s booking terms and conditions.Daily Delegate Package 1 – AED 100: Morning coffee break, set menu or buffet lunch* & meeting space
Daily Delegate Package2 – AED 120: Morning coffee break, set menu or buffet lunch*, afternoon coffee break & meeting space
Daily Delegate Package 3 – AED 140: Welcome coffee break, morning coffee break, set menu or buffet lunch*, afternoon coffee break & meeting space
Daily Delegate Package 4 – AED 160: Buffet breakfast, set menu or buffet lunch*, afternoon coffee break & meeting space
Terms & Conditions Apply
Prices are inclusive of 7% municipality fee, 10% service charge and 5% VAT.
Meeting room amenities: choice of set-up, mineral water, mints, large TV screen for presentation, Internet access, flipchart, pads and pencil, markers, signage and parking space for attendees.
All packages are based on a minimum 10 persons. If the number of attendees is less than 10 persons there will be a room rental charge plus the selected Daily Delegate package (per day @AED 800 & 1/2 day @ AED 400)
Less than 15 persons a 3-course set menu is served for lunch and more than 15 persons a buffet lunch will be served.
Other meeting packages are also available upon request.
For inquiries & reservations:
Call: +971 4 454 4900 or email reservations.fc@central-hotels.comwww.firstcentraldubai.comFollow Us on@FirstCentralAE#FirstCentalAE #CentralHotels #StayFreshFirst Central Hotel Suites
First Central Hotel Suites is superbly located within easy reach of the emirate’s key business and leisure hubs. In close proximity to the hotel are Dubai Internet City Metro Station, Dubai Media City, Dubai Marina, Montgomerie, Emirates Golf Club, and Mall of the Emirates. The deluxe hotel features 524 spacious and modern apartments equipped with top-notch facilities combined with award-winning hospitality. Book your stay at First Central Hotel Suites via +971 4 454 4900 or www.firstcentraldubai.comAbout 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 and Turkey as the primary markets 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, Novotel The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai, as well as Valley Central Bursa, and Valley Central Trabzon in Turkey.
For more information visit www.central-hotels.comFor Media Contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comwww.evops-pr.com
Internationally acclaimed humanitarian leader, ambassador of peace and founder of Art of Living Foundation (AOL) and International Association for Human Values (IAHV), Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will visit Dubai to impart a unique two-day meditation masterclass. Announced today by Mr. Vipul, Consul General of India, ‘Unveiling Infinity’ will be held on 16th and 17th November 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Over 6,000 participants from UAE, GCC and other countries in the region will undertake three meditation sessions, spread over two days. The techniques imparted will help them let go of deep seated emotional issues and frustrations, and gain a better perspective on their thoughts. The sessions will include powerful breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and simple yet effective practical wisdom for daily living. They will have a rare opportunity to learn directly from Gurudev, one of the foremost experts in meditation in the world.
With followers and volunteers across 156 countries and through myriad programs and initiatives of the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values, Gurudev has touched the lives of more than 370 million people worldwide.
Announcing ‘Unveiling Infinity’, Mr. Vipul, Consul General of India said, “We are very fortunate to welcome one of the most well-known global spiritual leaders of our time. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an institution and his influence has touched millions irrespective of nationality, caste and creed. UAE residents will soon have an amazing opportunity to be with the great master as he shares his wisdom with them first hand. ‘Unveiling Infinity’ will further help the UAE residents take steps towards greater peace and contentment, making this world a happier place”.
As per the statement issued by Fujairah Government: “The Emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates welcomes His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and is pleased to host the yoga celebration. This is because of Fujairah’s belief in the deep-rooted Emirati values of tolerance and respect for cultural diversity, which are reflected in the nation’s lifestyle which promotes peace and anti-extremism. We hope that all our efforts are directed towards the successful organization of this event which promotes the UAE’s work in achieving harmony and strengthening close connections between different cultures” .
“Art of Living Foundation’s message of peace and wellness is spread by 35,000 instructors across 12,000 of its centres the world over, through practical steps that include breathing techniques, yoga and social initiatives. It has also conducted powerful empowerment and rehabilitation programs, benefiting hundreds of thousands in prisons, war zones, refugee camps and even in remote militancy-infested jungles”, said Mr. Vinay Kapoor, Member of the Executive Committee, Unveiling Infinity Event.
“Gurudev’s self-development programs have helped hundreds of millions around the globe experience stress relief and a state of calm and well-being. ‘Unveiling Infinity’ aims to create self-awareness and drain out negative energies that interfere with our contentment. This meditation masterclass will provide guiding tools for happier living. We are confident that these two days will be life-altering for many people as they turn to their inner selves for peace and happiness,” added Mr. Kapoor.
Commenting on the vision and impact of IAHV, Mr. Dharmendra Patel, Project Manager, Unveiling Infinity Event, COO, International Association for Human Values, said, “The language, culture and geography may differ across borders but Gurudev’s overarching message remains the same: that the world is one family, and that diverse cultures and traditions are rooted in the same human values of love, compassion, peace, and non-violence.”
He added: “International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and its sister organization, the Art of Living are conducting numerous workshops in the Middle East to help people cope with trauma caused by conflict and war. Comprehensive programs including evidence-based breathing techniques, deep relaxation, cognitive processes and physical exercises have been imparted to many, at high-risk and vulnerable people as part of different projects and initiatives.”
Talking about Gurudev and the Art of Living Foundation’s impact, Mr. Jagdish Gupta, Member of the Executive Committee, Unveiling Infinity Event, said: “In this day and age, when the world is rife with conflict and stress, there is a dire need to find peace within ourselves. We need to empower ourselves with the knowledge and skills to master the art of happiness and contentment, so that together we can build an outer world without violence and an inner world filled with happiness.”
Participation fees for Unveiling Infinity has been set at AED 1000, AED 3,000.
For detailed information, please log on to www.gurudev.ae.
Hiperdist has announced the launch of its fully owned state-of-the-art facilities at Boulevard Plaza Tower – 1 in Emaar Square in Downtown Dubai. The move is aimed at supporting the company’s growth and expansion in high-growth markets across the Middle East & Africa as well as to strengthen its pivotal position in Dubai.
To celebrate the occasion, the company organised ‘UNVEIL 2018’ a select launch hosted at the exclusive BVLGARI Luxury Resort Dubai this week for its top clients and vendors that included the region’s most prominent technology leaders.
Playing the emcee during the dazzling evening was the acclaimed international TV & Events Presenter Rania Ali who is a regular at high-profile government ceremonies and conferences. The guests were entertained by Asia’s finest mentalist Mr. Deepak Rao, who was especially flown in for the event, and thrilled the guests with his famous ‘extra sensory perception’ show.
Hiperdist is an established value-added distributor for some of the biggest global brands and is well-positioned in the Middle East and Africa as a leading technology distributor and solution provider. Dr. Antoine Kareh, CEO of the CIS Group, of which Hiperdist is a part, stated, “We are delighted to launch our new premises in Emaar Square, Dubai’s most prestigious address that has been equipped with the finest facilities and cutting-edge technology, and supported by a highly specialised and experienced team.
Mr. Santosh Sansare, General Manager of Hiperdist, added, “Our new facilities will give us a definite competitive edge and will allow us to meet the demands of the new technology while accelerating our planned expansion. It will also add tremendous value for our vendors and partners and provide them a fantastic platform.”
Hiperdist has made an investment of US$ 2.5 million in its latest office facilities and conference center. In addition to fantastic offices and meeting rooms, it is equipped with a state-of-the-art training space and hosts a solution center for DEMOs, proof of concept services, as well as to deliver sales and technical trainings to its channel partners.
Hiperdist is at the forefront of the latest advances in technology and has made major inroads in the arena working with brands offering the most innovative products. Some of the top brands that Hiperdist currently has in its portfolio include Canon, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, Avaya, Vertiv, ViewSonic, Synology, Zotac and G.Skill. In addition, at a group level, the company has had long, outstanding relationships with Oracle, Cisco, NetApp and VMware to name a few.
About CIS Group
With a footprint in over 30 countries, serving over 1000 corporate customers and 5000 resellers, CIS Group has proven to be a leading technology provider in the Middle East and Africa since its foundation in 1980. The group launched UNIDIST (the holding company that houses the group’s distribution business) in 1992 which quickly established itself as one of the top information technology distributor and supply chain solution provider across the 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. The local and regional entities in UNIDIST’s distribution channel include Hiperdist, Superdist, Levant Distribution, Interdist Alliances, Hiperdist Alliances, IT4Africa and Hiperdist Information Technology Trading.
For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comwww.evops-pr.com
Getting to the gym can be a challenge for most people but Canal Central Hotel Business Bay has a plan to get its team and guests moving. As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge the hotel will motivate people to join in the month-long activities.
Shady Dawad, General Manager of Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, said, “We are very excited to be part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, organized under the kind patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council for Dubai Government, that is aimed at making Dubai the most active city in the world. It is a wonderful initiative to motivate people to exercise every day for 30 minutes. We have a fantastic gym at the Canal Central Hotel equipped with world-class facilities. Throughout the month we will be organising various stimulating activities to entice people to incorporate exercise in their daily lifestyle. By doing so the goal is to make everyone feel stronger and healthier.
In 2017 nearly 1 million people from Government, corporate, schools, universities and the public had joined in Dubai Fitness Challenge and committed to getting their daily #Dubai30x30. This year the participation is expected to be much higher.
For more information:
Call 04-873-2100 or Email info.cc@central-hotels.com
Canal Central Hotel Business Bay is a beautiful hotel strategically located in the vibrant Business Bay district only a few minutes away from The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa as well as Dubai’s other key business hubs and commercial centres such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai Design District, and Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The stunning hotel reflects the neighbourhood’s energy and excitement serving as a gateway to the destination. Complementing its fabulous business facilities are outstanding leisure options where guests can take a dip in the pool, work out at the Gym or enjoy a relaxing treatment at Wellness Valley Spa. Equally enticing are its uniquely selected restaurants and bars providing exceptional dining and lounging experiences.
Follow Us on@CanalCentralAE#CanalCentralAE #CentralHotelsAE #StayFreshAbout 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 markets for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations within 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 Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Novotel The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay and Island Central in Dubai.
For more information visit www.central-hotels.comFor Media Contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 5667355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comwww.evops-pr.com
Last month, we extended this policy further and are now banning misrepresentations about how to vote, such as claims that you can vote by text message, and statements about whether a vote will be counted. (e.g. “If you voted in the primary, your vote in the general election won’t count.”) We’ve also recently introduced a new reporting option on Facebook so that people can let us know if they see voting information that may be incorrect, and have set up dedicated reporting channels for state election authorities so that they can do the same.
People can now let us know if they see “incorrect voting info” on Facebook
We recognize that some posts that are reported to us may require additional review. For example, we’re unable to verify every claim about the conditions of polling places around the world (e.g. “Elementary School Flooded, Polling Location Closed”). In these cases, we will send content to our third-party fact-checkers for review. Content that is rated false will be ranked lower in News Feed, and accompanied by additional information written by our fact-checkers (what we call, Related Articles) on the same subject.
Expanding our policy is just one of the steps we’re taking to strengthen the integrity of elections around the world. We’re also getting better at detecting and removing fake accounts and increasing transparency across political and issue ads on the platform. You can read more from our CEO Mark Zuckerberg about our work on elections here. 
