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Calling all tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs! Pitch for up to $500,000 of investment at the first ever ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition

Dubai, UAE – Up to fifteen start-ups from across the tourism and hospitality sector will be given the opportunity to pitch for up to half a million dollar of funding, thanks to a brand-new competition that will take place at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.

Taking place on the Travel Tech Stage at Arabian Travel Market 2022, the inaugural competition will give up to 15 start-ups from travel and transportation, hospitality tech, and experiences and attractions the opportunity to pitch to industry judges and investors

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market, which will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 9-12 May 2022, said: “The ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition offers an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs from across the industry to pitch their business plans in front of our expert judges, not to mention a global audience of industry professionals and investors.

“In addition to pitching for up to $500,000 of investment at ATM 2022, the winning start-up will be given the chance to compete for a further $500,000 of funding on Tim Draper’s hugely popular television show, Meet the Drapers.”

The inaugural ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition, which will take place on the ATM Travel Tech Stage on Tuesday 10 May 2022, will see 15 start-ups go head-to-head. Spanning the segments of travel and transportation, hospitality tech, and experiences and attractions, each pitch will last for five minutes and will be followed by a five-minute Q&A session with ATM’s panel of industry judges.

“The ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition offers an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs from across the industry to pitch their business

The overall winner will receive a minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum of $500,000 investment, a DASC Certificate and the chance to appear on Tim Draper’s TV show, Meet the Drapers, where they compete for another $500,000 while gaining access to a crowdfunding network of 12 million viewers. A further two runners up will receive the DASC Certificate only.

“The aim of the ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition is to help intensify the race to a sustainable future for travel and tourism,” said Curtis. “In conjunction with AladdinB2B and Draper Associates, we will showcase technologies and innovations from the brightest minds in travel, transportation, hospitality, experiences and attractions.”

In addition to a place in the competition, each finalist will have the opportunity to invest in a pod located in ATM 2022’s start-up area; access to a booking and matchmaking platform powered by AladdinB2B and Draper VC, which can be used to arrange meetings with prospective investors; and global exposure through ATM Travel Tech’s various marketing platforms.

The competition’s panel of expert judges will also be on hand share their extensive start-up experience, offering tips on the most effective fundraising methods, the biggest challenges faced by new ventures, and the best channels to reach investors.

Each finalist will have the opportunity to invest in a pod located in ATM 2022’s start-up area; access to a booking and matchmaking platform powered by AladdinB2B and Draper VC

“Any start-ups that are interested in taking part can visit the ATM Travel Tech page to find out more about this exciting competition,” Curtis added.

Now in its 29th year and working in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – formerly the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) – ATM show highlights in 2022 will include, among others, destination summits focused on the key source markets of Saudi Arabia and India.

Previously called Travel Forward, the revamped and rebranded ATM Travel Tech event will take place on the ATM Travel Tech Stage, hosting seminars, debates and presentations as well as the inaugural ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition.

The dedicated ARIVALDubai@ATM forum, meanwhile, will cover current and future trends for tour operators and attractions, focusing on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership and executive-level connections.
ATM will once again play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week, a festival of events dedicated to enabling travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

The UAE remains one of the most Covid-secure countries on the planet, with consistently low case rates and robust measures to ensure tourists’ safety at every stage of their visit. Like its neighbouring emirates, Dubai is committed to maintaining the highest hygiene and safety standards. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has endorsed its pandemic management, awarding the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp.

In line with the UAE government’s forward-thinking transition to a four-and-a-half-day, Monday-to-Friday workweek, this year’s edition of ATM will commence on Monday 9 May.
For more news about ATM, please visit: https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/
If you’d like to learn more about ATM, visit wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

Innovation and technology took centre stage at the Inaugural Future Health Summit

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 January 2022: Senior government healthcare officials, CEOs and visionaries from around the world, attended the inaugural Future Health Summit last night, Tuesday 25 January, to hear from a range of experts on the future of the healthcare and laboratory industries.

Healthcare industry experts last night underscored the need for healthcare reform, efficiencies in healthcare spending, and utilising the transformative power of the digital era

The invitation-only, in-person summit, organised by the MENA region’s leading exhibitions for the healthcare industry, Arab Health and Medlab Middle East, addressed some of the most critical issues impacting the global healthcare industry and the barriers and opportunities for securing sustainable healthcare for all.

Open remarks were made by H.E Dr Amin Hussain Al Ameeri, Asst. Undersecretary of Health Regulation Sector, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. Lord Stephen Carter, Baron Carter of Barnes, CEO Informa, welcomed guests and underscored the importance of the healthcare industry coming together to discuss and debate the way forward. He said:

“First and foremost, it is a testament to the discipline, the professionalism, and the dedication of the authorities in the UAE to make this a safe place for people to meet, to trade, to learn, and to transact. What we are seeing at Arab Health and Medlab Middle East is a showcase at the beginning of the year for the rest of the world as we begin to see ourselves move on from the pandemic.

Arab Health and Medlab Middle East, addressed some of the most critical issues impacting the global healthcare industry and the barriers and opportunities for securing sustainable healthcare for all.

“We hope that as we move from pandemic to endemic, as we learn to live alongside a change in circumstance and everything that goes with it, we can share those learnings.

“If we’ve learned nothing over the last two years, we’ve learned that sustainability and innovations are now centre stage for countries, for companies and industrial sectors. And I know of no topics that are more important for the markets we serve.”

One of the highlights of the evening was a panel discussion focused on sustainability, innovation, and the future of healthcare.

Moderated by Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director, Dubai Science Park with panellists included; Dr Alaa Murabit, Medical Doctor, Global Security Strategist, Women’s Rights Advocate and United Nations High-Level Commissioner on Health, Employment & Economic Growth; Dr Sameh El-Saharty, Program Leader for Human Development, GCC Country Department, The World Bank; and Veronica Beneitez Piñero, Deputy Head of Unit, Transition and Business, European Commission.

It has been an advocacy of the healthcare community to urge and usher in universal healthcare as a shared understanding that health care is a fundamental human right.

The group explored the innovative concepts in securing sustainable healthcare, addressing healthcare reform, gaining efficiencies in healthcare spending, and capitalising on the transformative power of the digital era.

Discussing the actions required to strengthen health financing systems, especially for lower-income countries, Dr Alaa said: “It has been an advocacy of the healthcare community to urge and usher in universal healthcare as a shared understanding that health care is a fundamental human right. What we have seen the most clearly in countries that are accountable for the percentage of financing that they put into health care and hold themselves accountable to that number have done best. Nigeria is a good example of this.”

One of the key learning from the panel discussion was the importance of recognising health system should not be looked upon in silo, as every government department has a role to play.

According to Dr Saameh, only 20% of healthcare outcomes result from healthcare delivery systems. He said: “Clinics and hospitals contribute only 20% of health outcomes surprisingly 80% are due to socio-economic, behavioural, and environmental factors.

“I think there is a role for different sectors to play in terms of improving health outcomes. Road safety, banning smoking and adding taxes to tobacco products, healthy eating in schools for children, these are the roles of many different government departments, but they need to come together for the benefit of the healthcare sector.”

As part of the evening, a range of cutting-edge technologies was showcased by leading innovators within the healthcare and laboratory sector. They included insights from Ionut Taranu, Head of Marketing and Healthcare Consulting, Roche Middle East, who underscored the importance of developing strong partnerships. He was joined by Dr Bernd Onesorge, President EMEA, Siemens Healthcare, who outlined the latest innovations in healthcare, while Damian Halloran, VP Infectious Disease, Emerging Markets, Rapid Diagnostics, Abbot Laboratories, outlined the future of rapid diagnostics.

Arab Health and Medlab Middle East continue until tomorrow, 27 January, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Medlab Middle East delves into the global preparedness of the next pandemic

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 January 2022: Entering the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with more than 355 million confirmed cases, this year, Medlab Middle East Congress hosted a special track entitled COVID-19 updates, which opened under the theme ‘Are we prepared for the next pandemic?’.

Medlab Middle East hosts a special track to determine the global preparedness of the next pandemic

The track brought together global experts and leading voices in SARS-CoV-2 virology, immunology, vaccines, clinical care, therapeutic guidelines, and trials.

The speakers included Dr Mohammed Yousef Karim, Division Chief of Hematopathology, Sidra Medicine; Dr Gehad Eltayeb ElGhazali, Consultant Physician and Service Lead Immunologist, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City; Dr Jehad Saleh Abdalla, Consultant Infectious Diseases, Rahba Hospital; and her H.E Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson UAE Health sector, and Executive Director, ADPHC.

Key topics included the immunology of COVID-19 – the mechanisms, clinical outcomes, diagnostics, and other perspectives, as well as further developments and research on COVID 19 vaccines, new variants and the skills, tools and technologies required to combat future outbreaks.

The track also included the latest science on COVID-19, reviewing different types of tests, vaccines, ongoing research – in addition to deliberations on how lab professionals continue to provide lab services and support.

To date, there have been more than 355 million confirmed cases of COVID-19

Rejoy Penacerrada, Conference Director for Informa Markets, said: “Medlab Middle East developed this dedicated track specifically to enable laboratory professionals to evaluate COVID-19 management strategies in the lab by identifying the latest updates in diagnostic testings, discussing post-COVID-19 preventive measures and appraising research and development on vaccines, all vital components in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.”

According to the Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 tests can detect either SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or antibodies that your body makes after getting COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated. A viral test, including rapid tests and laboratory tests, tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, use samples from the nose or mouth. In contrast, “antibody” or “serology” tests may tell you if you have had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

This year, the Medlab Middle East Exhibition showcases affordable and high-performance COVID-19 testing solutions from across the globe, with more than 400 exhibitors and 38 exhibiting countries, including ten country pavilions giving a truly international representation of COVID-19 management solutions from across the world.

For example, UAE-based Gulf Med FZCO is at Medlab Middle East to highlight the BioGX pixel 16 real-time PCR testing platform, which can run 16 individual patient samples in approximately 45 minutes. Similarly, ThermoFisher Scientific are at Medlab Middle East to promote the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System, which enables all the necessary steps for digital PCR – compartmentalising, thermal cycling, and data acquisition – to be conducted on a single instrument. It also allows for 95% of the sample to be analysed, delivering more accurate data to help researchers find the information they are seeking.

Medlab Middle East continues until 27 January 2022

Meanwhile, Chinese-based Wondfo is highlighting a clinical management solution for COVID-19 patients, looking at the inflammatory response, bacterial co-infections, cardiac damage and coagulopathy, helping healthcare professionals make clinical decisions and evaluate after treatment.

Seegene Inc, the Korean manufacturer of in vitro diagnostic products, showcased their latest all-in-one solution for molecular testing. The fully automated system on the show, the STARlet-AIOS, can determine the exact cause of various ailments, from a dry cough and fever to headaches and pneumonia.

According to Bassam Bibi, Divisional Vice President, Abbott Rapid Diagnostics, a highlight for him this year at Medlab Middle East is self-test rapid diagnostic antigen, he said: “We have created a vending machine, which is being shown for the first time here at Medlab that provides rapid self-tests. The role of rapid diagnostics is becoming more and more important, which is something we have recognised, and are showcasing this year.”

Medlab Middle East continues today, focusing on Clinical Microbiology and Clinical Chemistry as they return to the conference schedule. Keys sessions include Protein Markers & Proteomics, and Point of Care Testing & Hot Topics in Clinical Chemistry.

As part of Informa’s commitment to providing the highest hygiene and safety levels, the 2022 edition of Medlab Middle East will again take place under the protocols introduced via the company’s Informa AllSecure health and safety mandate. The enhanced measures include 35 guidelines covering all aspects of cleaning and hygiene, social distancing measures, and the use of PPE, screening, and a track and trace in conjunction with local authorities.

A virtual showcase of Medlab Middle East will continue until 28 February.

For more information, please visit http://www.medlabme.com.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

Gulfood 2022 to supercharge global food agenda in driving a better future for the food sector

DUBAI, 20 January, 2022: Gulfood 2022 will power considerable trends and techniques currently disrupting the international food industry agenda with its stated mandate of connecting, creating, and changing the future for the better.

The 27th edition of the world’s largest annual F&B sourcing event, which will span 21 Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) halls, will underscore UAE’s status at the forefront of sector change and leading role in tackling global issues with the launch of Gulfood Zero Waste, a global campaign in partnership with restaurants and hotels driving the zero waste initiative globally.

Gulfood Zero Waste Campaign Underscores UAE’s Commitment to Tackle Global Issues with Goal to Foster Sector Movement

Running from 13 – 17 February, the landmark show will be the global sector’s undisputed transformation powerbroker, where major global challenges, trends and change drivers will be examined, including e-commerce; technology, sustainability and disruptive cellular agriculture bio-innovation – the production of animal sourced foods from cell culture methods; emerging slow and plant-based food trends. The show will be a precursor to the much-anticipated Food For Future Summit and Global Agtech Innovation Expo taking place from 23 – 24 February at EXPO 2020’s Dubai Exhibitions Center – part of the EXPO 2020 Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods Week.

INSPIRING GLOBAL CHANGE

Latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (UN-FAO) indicates that one third of the world’s food is wasted, equating to 1.3 billion tonnes annually at a cost of USD1 trillion. Beyond the detrimental environmental impact, wastage also translates to the loss of nutrients and resources (water, land, labour, energy, and cost) invested in food production.

Gulfood Zero Waste will light the way in addressing this major global issue, with chefs from 30 UAE restaurants, cafes, and dark kitchens focusing on sustainable practices using local produce via off-site workshops and masterclasses.

The initiative also provides a platform for impact-driven, homegrown companies, including a partnership with The Waste Lab, which is implementing solutions to repurpose food, such as compost, with societal and economic benefits. The Gulfood 2022 onsite Zero Waste Mega Impact will aim to collect 1,000kg of food wastage to produce 400kg of compost, equating to a CO2e emissions saving of 1,000kg.

Gulfood Zero Waste will light the way in addressing this major global issue, with chefs from 30 UAE restaurants, cafes, and dark kitchens focusing on sustainable practices using local produce via off-site workshops and masterclasses.

The innovative campaign will culminate in an award ceremony recognising zero waste-leading restaurants.

“Gulfood 2022 will underscore UAE’spivotal role in driving global F&B sector change for the better with a deep-dive into the trends and techniques set to transform the industry for good. The Gulfood Zero Waste is a global initiative with the goal of sparking dialogue and movement among policy-makers, industry leaders and communities to take a pro-active approach to adopting zero-waste initiatives, which can help end the discrepancies between food waste and hunger while playing a part in addressing climate change,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Events, DWTC.

“The campaign is yet another example of UAE’s desire and leadership to power industry development for the good of all. In addition, this influential gathering will host over 4,000 exhibiting companies, a host of high-calibre speakers from 120 countries, and more than 100 award-winning chefs, including Michelin Star and ‘World’s Best’ winners, business leaders and government policy-makers under one roof.”

AN ALL-ACTION POWERBROKER

Gulfood 2022 will propel sector conversations from agenda to action and facilitate innovative start-ups, spark the emergence of food tech solutions, empower young industry professionals and women within the sector’s research and development, and spur e-commerce.

“Gulfood 2022 will build on the event’s unequivocal reputation as an industry trend springboard and a global sourcing powerhouse to inspire industry-wide transformation for the good of the entire eco-system, from raw material producers to policy-makers and consumers,” explained LohMirmand.

“Gulfood 2022 will underscore UAE’spivotal role in driving global F&B sector change for the better with a deep-dive into the trends and techniques set to transform the industry for good.

“This is a time when Dubai is, via Expo 2020, presenting to the world, a whole new future with the grandstanding of epoch-making transformations. Gulfood 2022 takes its cue from this inspiring vision with a more profound concept to provoke a stronger collective impact on the industry’s future.”

TOMORROW’S FOOD FUTURE TODAY

Driving creativity and change, Gulfood 2022 will shape the future of food. In another industry first, this year’s event will feature theGulfood E-commerce Platform, an exclusive networking and conference agenda powering the increasingly growing role of the digital marketplace in the food supply chain.

SMEs will pitch to leading e-commerce and food delivery partners on ways retailers can boost their digital presence and hear from sector leaders, including Sebastian Wussler, the German entrepreneur behind Hoodly, an online store building application that helps with their set-up and e-commerce business process monitoring in less than five minutes. Other sector pioneers who will be providing invaluable insight include Nikola Cabarkapa, VP of Brand Partnerships and MFC of grocery delivery app Instashop and Yesuprabhakar Yarlagadda, Vice President – Grocery, of the Middle East’s homegrown online marketplace, Noon.

Also new for 2022, theGulfood Top Table will take culinary experiences to new heights with a live, star-studded line-up of award-winning chefs and food influencers. Industry media personnel, disruptors and global trendsetters will be coming together in a masterclass extravaganza. More than 70 chefs from 50 restaurants will create in excess of 1,000 creative dishes across the five days. Featured chefs include:Antonio Bachour, the 2018 World’s Best Pastry Chef, often described as a “confection master”; 2-star Michellin chefTom Aikens;Nick Alvis, from renowned homegrown restaurant, Folly; top Emirati chefsKhaled Al Saadi, co-founder of FAE Café, andFaisal Naser, founder of Lento; and Dubai-based Syrian culinary aceMohamad Orfali.

Gulfood Inspire, meanwhile, a host of speakers take to the stage, including F&B business leaders, ministers, policy-makers, retail heads, technologists, agriculturists, analysts and futurists providing unmissable insights, industry knowledge and industry pathways.

Gulfood Global Changemakers, the future-focused start-up programme will see 30-40 embryo ventures pitch innovative ideas and food tech solutions to renowned venture capitalists and investors. The contenders will also hear from Dennis Levine, the controversial author, corporate consultant, and former managing director at the iconic Wall Street investment banking firm Drexel Burnham Lambert, who was a major player in mergers and acquisitions throughout the 1980s.

MORE POWER TO THE YOUTH

Gulfood YouthX in partnership Hilton and Dubai College of Tourism is a first-of-its-kind platform to empower the most promising aspiring chefs, featuring a massive mentorship & scholarship programme. With the first edition focusing on aspiring Emirati chefs, participants will get to interact with Kasdi Dahari, Executive Chef, Hilton Palm Jumeirah and a team of young chefs that went on to win seven Gold Medals in the 2021 Chefs’ Table Competition.

The winning chefs in the YouthX contest will land a career-changing hands-on learning experience in one of Hilton Europe’s dining destinations, while the runner-up will secure a 25% scholarship for Dubai College of Tourism’s Culinary Arts Programme.

MARKET RESPONSE

The new Gulfood approach has won an enthusiastic response from exhibitors who have praised its forward-thinking strategy. Among the expanded 2022 exhibitor line-up are new pavilions from the Norwegian seafood industry, Uruguay, Panama, and Uzbekistan who will be joined by newcomers including: Australia’s ABW Foods, Invest NSW and Austrade; Colombia’s Cartagena Chamber of Commerce; Uruguay’s Cooperativa Nacional De Productores De Leche, Estancias del Lago S.R.L. and Instituto Nacional De Carnes; Switzerland’s Fenaco and MK Merchants SA; Panama’s ProPanama, South Africa’s RFG Foods Pty Ltd., and Hong Kong’s Vitasoy.

“Time and again, Gulfood has addressed our industry’s pressing challenges and enabled us to focus minds on solutions,” commented Simon Penfold, Sales Director – Ingredients and Food Service – Middle East at Fonterra. “This year, organisers have taken this concept to a whole new level by directly addressing key industry issues through new events, such as Gulfood YouthX and Gulfood Zero Waste. It has set the benchmark in moving from discussion to action and thrown down a challenge to the industry to accept the baton and implement at pace.”

Jean-Philip Habib, Business Development Manager, Arrow Juice Factory, is eagerly anticipating the insights from Gulfood Inspire. “Our industry is increasingly subject to regulation, impacting everything from packaging to waste disposal and the chance to hear first-hand from the policy-makers of what we may face in the future will be incredibly useful and aid the industry in planning,” he said.

Gulfood 2022 will be held under stringent safety and hygiene protocols. DWTC has proved its capability to curate the safest face-to-face business environment and deliver world-class events with the highest safety protocols.

With product sampling and handling a vital interaction at the global F&B event, DWTC’s proven protocols have been further intensified for Gulfood 2022 under strict guidance and coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Municipality to ensure the safest possible business conditions. Wearing of masks is mandatory, with social distancing in place to ensure the wellbeing of all delegates. Onsite registration will not be available; registration must be completed in advance via http://www.gulfood.com.

More information on the event safety guidelines can be found here https://www.gulfood.com/useful-info/safety-guidelines

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

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