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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emirates gives travellers a taste of home this Thanksgiving

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

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

Thanksgiving Feast at the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

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

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

Special Thanksgiving Dinner

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

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

For bookings please call 04 702 8888 or email: dining.mahd@millenniumhotels.com

For hotel marketing contact: Sheryl Aquiatan Assistant Marketing Manager Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Mob: 00971 56 506 0983 Tel: 00971 4 702 8888 sheryl.aquiatan@millenniumhotels.com

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

Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class.

Currently operating 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture.

With the motto “More than Meets the Eye”, Millennium & Copthorne is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction.

For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com

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

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

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

 A/W 2018 Top Colours

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scottsdale Velvet Armchair in Green: AED 2,096

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.central-hotels.com

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

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

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

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

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