Dahlia Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi has scooped a world-class award.
The winners of the 2018 World Spa & Wellness Awards were announced in a glamorous awards ceremony in London on February 25. The World Spa & Wellness Awards, a black-tie event held at the Tobacco Dock events venue in East London, honours hotels and resort spas, and wellness destinations, around the world.
The 2018 World Spa & Wellness Awards from our region were:
Resort Spa of the Year: Middle East & Africa – Sponsored by Elemis Hilltop Spa at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Hotel Spa of the Year: Middle East & Africa – Sponsored by Spatec Dahlia Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, UAE
“On April 2nd we hosted our 7th Career Clinic on the closing day of the Islamic Fashion & Design Council’s Pret-a-Cover Buyers Lane event, which took place over six days at the immaculate City Walk Dubai. We joined forces with the IFDC to bring together a panel knowledgable and influential women to discuss all things fashion in the region, including representatives from Harper’s Bazaar and The College of Fashion Design Dubai.
Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet hosted our morning upstairs in their stunning‘Table Talk’ venue – a culinary school turned perfect event space. The session opened and was led by our guest moderator Rabia Zargarpur, world class fashion entrepreneur, designer and creator of the Modest Fashion concept, who introduced our panel of speakers: Safiya Abdalla, fashion designer of Dulce by Safiya; Emily Baxter Deputy Editor of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Dr Monica Gallant, President and CEO of the College of Fashion Design Dubai.
Each of our speakers answered a curated selection of questions ranging from starting up your own label and fashion business, to education, design, and working for the big industry game players. Emily shared her story and experience in having worked for over 10 years for leading fashion magazines, while Monica emphasised the importance of education and refining the necessary skills it takes for a fashion entrepreneur to get started. Safiya shared her own story and struggles with starting up a one-woman run business from the bottom up, whilst juggling motherhood to three young children and expat life in Dubai.
Other important areas addressed were the impact social media and influencer marketing has had and how one manages to keep their brand and image on social as authentic as possible, whilst overcoming some of the fashion misconceptions in the region.
Fashion has definitely seen a major shift in the GCC over the last few years, moving away from being known as purely high end ‘fashion consumers’ to giving rise to some of the industry’s fashion game changers. Rabia Zargarpur is an example of such, becoming one of the first designers to showcase Modest Fashion ready-to-wear looks on mainstream runways and fashion shows.
A stand out take home message for all our guests would have to be that no designer ‘made it’ straight out of fashion school; brands like Tom Ford and Valentino all began at the bottom, working for others and building their story, and did not become successful overnight. The other key message was that there is no such thing as perfection – trial and error are key in all aspects of career and life, and if you don’t try you’ll never know!
The panel wrapped up at 11am and all guests enjoyed an hour long opportunity to network with each other and the speakers after the talk, with business cards and contacts exchanged at all levels. As always, the energy that built in the room was infectious and the advice shared invaluable.”
Our next Career Clinic will be held in collaboration with Mompreneurs ME at Life N One, Jumeirah, on April 23rd. To register your interest, email us at events@hopscotch.ae.
Gabrielle Chanel’s ambition was to allow women’s bodies a sense of freedom. When she set out to create the 2.55 handbag in February 1955, a date which lent its name to the visionary accessory, she came up with a deliberately practical design, worn across the body like a hunter’s or soldier’s bag. Years later, Karl Lagerfeld conjured up the Classic bag, inspired by the 2.55. It adds CHANEL’s emblematic double C to the clasp and entwines leather into the chain strap.
For Spring‑Summer 2018, the handbag comes beaded in checked tweed, giving a new texture to the bag.
TVU Networks, the global technology and innovation leader in live IP video solutions, will demonstrate its answer to Media 4.0, the new TVU MediaMind platform, during theNAB Show next week from April 9-12 in Booth C1707.
With developments such as AI, big data, IoT, and cloud computing, all businesses are undergoing rapid changes to their business models that also hold the possibility of a significant upside inefficiency. Industry 4.0* is a term coined to describe how these technologies can combine to produce a ‘smart factory,’ capable of making decisions and performing autonomously. This follows on the back of earlier breakthroughs, including: 1) mechanization powered by steam and water 2) mass production powered by electricity and 3) computerized automation.
Currently, the video industry is experiencing its own sea change in the way video content is produced, distributed and consumed. Referred to as Media 4.0 or as ‘Enabled Media’ by TVU Networks, this evolution enables the customization of video per the specific requirements and tastes of individual consumers and its distribution through an automated process. AI engines recognize video content and automate its creation and distribution to cell phones, streaming to the Internet, television and social media channels.
“Media 4.0 is about enabling the mass production of content for individual audiences through the automation of video production and distribution,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “This helps media companies looking to produce more content without increasing their expenditures. Instead of creating content manually, technology can enable the tailoring of that raw video to viewers on specific social media platforms, cell phones, streaming channels, and TV. Archived footage can be repurposed as an asset complete with searchable metadata. Media companies can’t earn revenue from material that’s never broadcasted.”
TVU MediaMind consists of TVU Contribution Automation, TVU AI Engine, TVU Real-Time Search Engine, TVU Workflow Engine and TVU Producer Pro. From the start of the video production process, all video is immediately indexed based on its metadata by TVU MediaMind’s AI real-time search engine. Using an entirely cloud-based model complete with voice and object recognition, live and pre-produced video clips are located and indexed down to the exact frame and can be shared instantly. MediaMind automates the ability for different production groups to find the content. With cloud-based TVU Producer Pro, different content can be cost-effectively created for different platforms or even audience groups.
Existing TVU customers can quickly utilize the benefits of TVU MediaMind, such as a real-time search engine for all of their media assets. The TVU AI Engine can be enabled with tens of thousands of TVU Transceivers deployed around the world.
“TVU MediaMind creates a new story-centric workflow, as opposed to a program-centric one, that removes the barriers involved in video production and how the video is shared with different production groups,” explained Shen. “It opens the floodgates for how programs are produced and distributed, removing barriers from the social media, digital and broadcast programming departments and creating one centralized search engine for all raw materials, live or recorded, that feeds all channels. And it helps media companies better target their audiences with appropriate programs.”
TVU Networks has over 2,500 customers in more than 85 countries. The TVU Networks family of IP transmission and live production solutions gives broadcasters and organizations a powerful and reliable workflow to distribute live video content to broadcast online and mobile platforms. TVU has become a critical part of the operations of many major media companies. The TVU Networks suite of solutions has been used to acquire, transmit, produce, manage and distribute professional-quality live IP HD footage as an integral part of the news, sports, and major global events. For more information about TVU Networks solutions, please visit www.tvunetworks.com.
*Industry 4.0 refers to the automation, digitalization, and networking of design, production, information, communication and management processes.
About TVU Networks®
TVU Networks® is the global technology and innovation leader in live IP video solutions. TVU’s solutions help transform broadcasters’ SDI-based operations – which include acquisition, transmission, routing, distribution, and management – to an IP-based infrastructure. TVU® serves customers of all sizes in more than 85 countries from industries that include news broadcast, web streaming, law enforcement, sports, corporate and government. In broadcast markets around the world including the USA, China, and other major economic powers, TVU® is the dominant market leader with a large majority of all news broadcast stations using its IP video solutions. Using its proprietary IS+ technology, TVU’s uplink solutions use any combination of cellular, satellite, microwave, Wi-Fi and Ethernet IP connections to deliver live HD video from practically any location.
TVU Contact:Robin Hoffman
Pipeline Communications
(917) 763-8069
robinhoffman@pipecomm.com
SOURCE TVU Networks
6 million EU residents will travel to the GCC over next three years
Additional routes, low airfares and increasing mid-market hotels driving growth
ATM participants interested in doing business with Europe increased 147% between 2016 and 2017
Arrivals from Europe to the GCC will increase 17% over the period 2018 to 2020, driven by extra flights, routes, competitive fares, and the rising number of mid-market hotels throughout the region, according to the latest data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2018, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25.
According to Arabian Travel Market’s research partner, Colliers International, as many as 24.6 million EU residents will travel to the GCC between now and 2020, an additional four million travellers when compared to figures for 2015 – 2017.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to be the preferred GCC destinations for European visitors, together they are on track to welcome 81% of the projected business and leisure travellers. The UAE is expected to receive 14.5 million, Saudi Arabia 5.4 million, Oman 2.21 million, Bahrain 1.72 million and Kuwait 738,000, by 2020.
Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “Historically, Europe and the GCC have enjoyed excellent travel and tourism links. Building on this, over the next three years, EU arrivals to the GCC will increase and we will see this in both the leisure and business segments.
“While European tourists have previously travelled to the GCC for its luxury resorts, the growing numbers of millennial travelers, middle-class tourists and corporate travellers on a budget, are slowly changing traditional market trends, as is the growth in affordable, mid-market hotels combined with an increase in low-cost flights.”
Besides Emirates’ new route to Stansted airport in the UK, flydubai is scheduled to start flying to Krakow in Poland this month, further extending the carrier’s Eastern and Central European network, to 24 destinations, including Belgrade, Bratislava, Bucharest, Prague, Skopje, Sarajevo and Sofia.
Furthermore, GCC hotel developers have turned their attention to quality mid-market properties with Dubai and Riyadh now home to a collection of four-star hotels flagged by names such as Aloft, Centro and Studio M. This growth will continue with a 19.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast in four-star development between 2018 and 2020.
In terms of the outbound market potential, this year ATM welcomes more than 100 European exhibitors to the show, with names such as Atout France, Hard Rock Hotel London, the Slovenian Tourist Board, Tourist Office of Spain, Austrian National Tourist Office and Czech Tourism Authority participating.
Figures from ATM 2017 show the number of delegates, exhibitors and attendees interested in doing business with Europe increased by 147% between the 2017 edition and the previous year, with the number of delegates arriving from Europe, up by 8%.
Colliers data indicates GCC travel to Europe will grow 36% over the next three years, with a forecasted 8.5 million GCC residents projected to visit Europe. While part of this growth can be attributed to the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s large expatriate populations, GCC nationals are no strangers to European destinations, its culture, history, as well as its retail and luxury hospitality offerings.
Press added: “Travel to Europe will continue to be dominated by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together will account for 93% of GCC arrivals to the continent. Germany, Italy, the UK, Austria and Switzerland have historically been the top European destinations for GCC nationals to visit.
“In the UK, the Brexit announcement has weakened the British Pound providing an additional incentive for Gulf tourists, while travel to Switzerland is dominated by GCC residents’ growing interest in medical tourism aided by the relaxation of tourist visa requirements.”
Looking further ahead, ATM 2018 will examine the impact of Brexit on the relationship between the UK and GCC during the Global Stage panel debate Going Solo. The discussion will attempt to address the many unanswered questions about inbound and outbound tourism in a post Brexit-Britain, specifically covering potential changes to aviation rules and other regulatory and economic challenges that could occur.
About Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2017 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, agreeing deals worth US$2.5bn over the four days. The 24th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24-year history. Arabian Travel Market now in it’s 25th year will take place from Sunday, 22nd April – Wednesday, 25th April 2018 www.arabiantravelmarketwtm
Raising the sought-after Trademark Hotel Collection flag at nine new U.S. destinations, hospitality giant Wyndham Hotel Group is ushering in more of its soft brand’s unique hospitality flair coast to coast. The latest additions in New York City, California, Ohio, Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska and Vermont more than double the brand’s U.S. portfolio to 15 hotels and more than 2,000 rooms.
Launched last year, Trademark is a collection of upper-midscale-and-above hotels with fiercely independent spirit and individuality. It’s the first soft brand geared to independent hoteliers with landmark three- and four-star hotels designed for everyday travelers seeking unique accommodations. Globally, nearly 70 hotels currently don the Trademark banner.
“Trademark offers entrepreneurial hoteliers a unique opportunity to tap into a hospitality mega-network without sacrificing their hotels’ distinct character and authenticity, which draws travelers through their doors,” said Chip Ohlsson, executive vice president and Chief Development Officer, North America. “The surge of owners joining the Trademark family is testament to their desire to be part of something greater, as well as to Wyndham’s steadfast commitment and track record of delivering for its owners.”
Demand for soft-branded hotels continues gaining momentum in 2018. According to STR, last year’s soft branded occupancies topped 66 to 70 percent – the highest in occupancies – compared to 62 to 67 percent for hard brands and 63 percent for independent properties.
The newest Trademark additions offer everything from downtown city escapes to mountain adventures, while delivering authentic experiences at affordable price points.
Ravel Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Long Island City, N.Y.:
Guests discover the chic side of New York City’s Queens borough at this 113-room hotel featuring a variety of al fresco experiences. Ravel’s Penthouse 808, an eclectic indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and lounge, features Hawaiian- and Asian-inspired fare from executive Chef Seth Levine and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Additionally, guests can sip on 15 draught beers and imaginative cocktails at the hotel’s elevated beer garden sprawled across a welcoming green lawn, as well as take a dip in its Profundo pool club, opening in May 2018.
Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Sacramento, Cali.:
Adorned with aero-inspired décor reflective of nearby McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, sits in the heart of McClellan Park. History meets luxury at this 112-room hotel with easy access to Old Sacramento, a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District, featuring museums, railroad excursions and Sacramento River boat tours.
Mulberry Life Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Moreno Valley, Cali.:
Soon to be “Xola, A Trademark Collection Hotel,” this 140-room boutique hotel in California’s Moreno Valley integrates wellness into every guest touchpoint – like soothing eucalyptus bed linens and allergen-free plush pillows.
Aksarben Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Omaha, Neb.:
Boasting Omaha’s most beautiful sunlit-atrium, the 186 all-suite boutique hotel flexes to host special events or business meetings up to 150 people. Visitors can explore the unique shops, galleries and restaurants of Omaha’s Old Market district and sports fans can catch a University of Omaha team playing at TD Ameritrade Park of Baxter Arena.
Quail Hollow Resort, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Painesville, Ohio:
Guests at this Ohio gem enjoy easy access to two championship golf courses, Ohio’s growing wine region and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland. The resort’s 21 versatile meeting rooms can host up to 80 conference guests or 350 banquet guests.
The Bertram Inn & Conference Center, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Aurora, Ohio:
Accommodating up to 1,500 guests for special events, this long-standing Ohio destination is Aurora’s go-to hotel for guests hosting big occasions or simply enjoying the state’s charming countryside.
Zermatt Utah, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Midway, Utah:
Guests breathe in pure-mountain air at this inviting village resort near Park City, Utah, featuring traditional, Swiss-style architecture and décor, 308 rooms and a multitude of recreational activities. This mountain oasis is near the area’s top attractions including Utah Olympic Park, Park City ski slopes and blue-ribbon fly fishing.
Richmond Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
Close to downtown Baton Rouge and just an hour from New Orleans, Richmond Inn & Suites, this all-suite hotel is a prime location for business travelers seeking quick commutes. Designed for extended stay travelers, its 145-spacious suites feature separate living areas, fully-equipped kitchens and complimentary WiFi.
A Trademark Collection Hotel in Burlington, Vermont:
Formerly the Italian Bove Restaurant on Pearl Street in Burlington, Vermont, the 70-year, family run business will be transformed into a 76-room Trademark hotel. Owned by Rick Bove Jr., the hotel is planning to open in 2019.
Trademark hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group. Named a best hotel rewards program for the past three consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report, Wyndham Rewards offers members a generous points earning structure along with a flat, free night redemption rate—the first of its kind for a major rewards program. Learn more at www.wyndhamrewards.com.
About The Trademark Hotel Collection
Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, The Trademark Hotel Collection® is a portfolio of nearly 70 upper-midscale-and-above hotels across the U.S. and Europe, each with fiercely independent spirit and individuality. Launched in 2017, Trademark is the first soft brand geared to three- and four-star independent hotel owners and is designed for travelers seeking distinctive accommodations, yet lacking the budget for today’s existing luxury soft-branded offerings. Reservations and information are available by visiting www.wyndhamhotels.com/trademark.
About Wyndham Hotel Group
Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company based on number of hotels, is one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide. Driving the democratization of travel, Wyndham Hotel Group is elevating the experience of the everyday traveler. As both a leading hotel brand franchisor and hotel management services provider, the company’s global network consists of approximately 8,400 hotels and over 728,200 rooms in 80 countries under the following brands: The Trademark Hotel Collection®, Dolce Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Grand®, Dazzler® Hotels, Esplendor® Boutique Hotels, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Garden® Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham®, Wingate by Wyndham®,Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham®, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham®, Ramada®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge®, Knights Inn® and AmericInn®. The Wyndham Rewards® program, named a best hotel rewards program for the past three years by U.S. News and World Report, offers 55 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at more than 30,000 hotels, condos and homes globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
A new report from InsureMyTrip ranks the most popular international destinations state by state. The data shows twenty-six states favor trips to the Caribbean, while other states prefer visiting the United Kingdom, Mexico or Italy. Results are based on all travel insurance purchases for international trips booked in 2017.
Summary:
Caribbean islands (like Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Maarten) dominate the rankings in over half of US states.
New York, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut report the highest percentage of trips to Italy.
Travel insurance customers from Hawaii pick Japan as a favorite destination.
Exotic destinations like Thailand and Israel gain popularity.
The list shows the top five international destinations state by state.
US STATE
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Alabama
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Italy
Alaska
United Kingdom
Mexico
Canada
Thailand
Germany
Arizona
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
The Caribbean
Canada
Arkansas
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
France
California
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Canada
Colorado
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
The Caribbean
France
Connecticut
Italy
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Mexico
France
District of Columbia
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Mexico
Spain
Delaware
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Spain
Mexico
Bermuda
Florida
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Mexico
Spain
Georgia
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Hawaii
Japan
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Italy
Idaho
Mexico
United Kingdom
The Caribbean
France
Spain
Illinois
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Indiana
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Iowa
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Kansas
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
France
Germany
Kentucky
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Louisiana
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Maine
Italy
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Mexico
France
Maryland
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Mexico
Massachusetts
United Kingdom
The Caribbean
Italy
Mexico
France
Michigan
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
Spain
Minnesota
Mexico
Italy
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Germany
Mississippi
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Canada
Italy
Missouri
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Montana
United Kingdom
Mexico
Italy
Australia
France
Nebraska
Mexico
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Nevada
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
New Hampshire
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Mexico
France
New Jersey
The Caribbean
Italy
Mexico
United Kingdom
Israel
New Mexico
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Spain
New York
Italy
The Caribbean
Mexico
Israel
United Kingdom
North Carolina
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Mexico
Bahamas
North Dakota
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Australia
Ohio
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Oklahoma
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Oregon
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Pennsylvania
The Caribbean
Italy
Mexico
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Rhode Island
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Mexico
Ireland
South Carolina
The Caribbean
Bahamas
Italy
Mexico
United Kingdom
South Dakota
Mexico
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
Tennessee
The Caribbean
Mexico
Bahamas
United Kingdom
Italy
Texas
Mexico
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Utah
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Vermont
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Mexico
The Caribbean
Virginia
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Mexico
Bahamas
Washington
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
France
West Virginia
The Caribbean
Bahamas
United Kingdom
Ireland
Mexico
Wisconsin
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
Germany
United Kingdom
Wyoming
Mexico
Italy
Canada
The Caribbean
Israel
Data source: All InsureMyTrip travel insurance purchases in 2017 for trips outside the US.Travel Insurance for International Trips
According to InsureMyTrip, 70 percent of customers choose a comprehensive travel insurance policy for trips abroad. This policy provides a variety of benefits including medical coverage, emergency travel services, baggage protection, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
To schedule an interview with an expert or to request specific research data, please contact news@insuremytrip.com.
About InsureMyTrip
It’s simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise.
SOURCE InsureMyTrip
Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced that it will be the official airline partner of CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018.
The unique cultural event brings together global leaders from the fields of arts, media, public policy and technology to discuss the role of culture in building bridges and promoting positive change in society. It will be held in Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat from April 8 – 12.
CultureSummit Abu Dhabi Steering Committee member HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said: “As the world’s first high-level summit of leaders across the arts, technology and policy, convening figures from every corner of the world is no small feat. It wouldn’t be possible without the support and global reach of Etihad Airways, which in this case truly lives up to its mission of ‘Bringing the World Together.'”
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said: “With the recent opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, in addition to a number of major events held throughout the year, Abu Dhabi is quickly establishing itself as a vibrant hub for the arts and culture. The CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018, which is set to welcome approximately 500 participants from 80 countries, is a unique opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi to the world, and Etihad Airways is honoured to play a role in bringing the world together for this inspiring event.”
The theme for the CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018 is “Unexpected Collaborations: Forging New Connections Between Heritage and Innovation, Near and Far, Creativity and Purpose.” The programme will consist of workshops, presentations, and performances by leading industry and culture figures from the UAE and across the globe.
The US dollar index fell against most other major currencies as escalating trade tensions between China and the US weighed on the market, amid weaker-than-expected March jobs report.
In late New York trading on Friday, the euro rose to $1.2285 from $1.2236 in the previous session, and the British pound increased to $1.4085 from $1.4001 in the previous session, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Australian dollar was down to $0.7670 from $0.7682.
The US dollar bought 106.87 Japanese yen, lower than 107.44 Japanese yen of the previous session. The US dollar fell to 0.9587 Swiss franc from 0.9635 Swiss franc, and it climbed to 1.2778 Canadian dollars from 1.2761 Canadian dollars.
US President Donald Trump had threatened to slap tariffs on $100 billion of imports from China, ratcheting up trade tensions and plunging economic growth into uncertainty.
China will fight “at any cost” and take “comprehensive countermeasures” if the US continues its unilateral, protectionist practices, a spokesperson with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.
The moves came after both sides earlier this week unveiled a list of products worth $50 billion imported from the other side that will be subject to higher tariffs.
The disappointing nonfarm jobs report also dented investor sentiment. US total nonfarm payroll employment edged up by 103,000 in March, way below market consensus of an increase of 193,000 jobs, the US Labor Department said on Friday. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1 per cent in March.
“Given the Fed’s fear of the Phillip’s curve, March’s modest employment growth is likely to be hailed as good news among the denizens of the Eccles building after February’s outsized gain. Yields are down about 3bp along the entire curve, suggesting the traders are considering the possibility of both a slower pace of tightening and a lower cycle high for fed funds,” said Chris Low, chief economist at FTN Financial.
Investors also paid close attention to the latest speech of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who said on Friday that the central bank will likely need to keep raising interest rates to keep inflation under control.
The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, decreased 0.39 per cent at 90.106 in late trading.
Today, in celebration of National Tomato Day, Hellmann’s is making ketchup history by launching its first ketchup ever available to retailers nationwide, Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey. Hellmann’s, America’s favorite* mayonnaise brand, believes that real, simple ingredients are all you need to make delicious food, which is why Hellmann’s is thrilled to offer its new ketchup made with only six ingredients.
Hellmann’s has reimagined the way ketchup is made by asking what should be in ketchup, and what should not. The result is unsurprisingly simple, a recipe that calls for only six ingredients – tomato puree, honey instead of high fructose corn syrup, white wine vinegar, spices, onion powder and salt. New Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup has no artificial ingredients or preservatives and uses non-GMO sourced ingredients. The result is a rich and flavorful ketchup, that doesn’t compromise on taste.
“Over time, food has continued to evolve and it’s time for ketchup to evolve too,” says Russel Lilly, Marketing Director of Hellmann’s. “We saw this as an opportunity to elevate an American staple by stripping it down to only the most essential ingredients. We’re giving people a choice when it comes to feeding themselves and their families with a brand they know and trust.”
Free Ketchup (and frites) Today Only!
To celebrate National Tomato Day, Hellmann’s is teaming-up with Pommes Frites, a New York City authentic Belgian fry shop, to offer fans a first taste of the new Hellmann’s Ketchup. Today, April 6, from 12pm – 3pm, Pommes Frites will give away free orders of frites paired with Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey while supplies last. Enjoy free frites on Hellmann’s today!
Grab A Bottle Today
Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey will be available at retailers nationwide in the condiment aisle. It’s available in 14 oz., 20 oz. and 32 oz. bottles; and it will be at retail west of the Rocky Mountains as Best Foods.
For more information, recipes and tips, visit www.Hellmanns.com or www.BestFoods.com.
Other important areas addressed were the impact social media and influencer marketing has had and how one manages to keep their brand and image on social as authentic as possible, whilst overcoming some of the fashion misconceptions in the region.
Fashion has definitely seen a major shift in the GCC over the last few years, moving away from being known as purely high end ‘fashion consumers’ to giving rise to some of the industry’s fashion game changers. Rabia Zargarpur is an example of such, becoming one of the first designers to showcase Modest Fashion ready-to-wear looks on mainstream runways and fashion shows.
A stand out take home message for all our guests would have to be that no designer ‘made it’ straight out of fashion school; brands like Tom Ford and Valentino all began at the bottom, working for others and building their story, and did not become successful overnight. The other key message was that there is no such thing as perfection – trial and error are key in all aspects of career and life, and if you don’t try you’ll never know!
The panel wrapped up at 11am and all guests enjoyed an hour long opportunity to network with each other and the speakers after the talk, with business cards and contacts exchanged at all levels. As always, the energy that built in the room was infectious and the advice shared invaluable.”
Our next Career Clinic will be held in collaboration with Mompreneurs ME at Life N One, Jumeirah, on April 23rd. To register your interest, email us at events@hopscotch.ae. 
