Tag Archives: UAE

LuLu Opens New Hypermarket in Riyadh, KSA

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – 13th December 2021: As part of the global expansion initiatives of LuLu Group opened its latest LuLu Hypermarket in Riyadh. The 24th Lulu Hypermarket in was officially inaugurated by Adnan M. Al-Sharqi, Deputy – Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), in the presence of Majed M. Alghanim, H.E. Ausaf Sayeed, Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of LuLu Group and other officials.

New Store reflects millennial trends in demand for healthy food and variety

Located on Ali Ibn Abi Talib Branch Road in Riaydh, the Hypermarket has a total built-up area of 150,000 sq. feet is home to a wide variety of globally sourced products, such as food, fashion, and lifestyle, from grocery essentials to fresh food, health and beauty variety, home needs, gadgets, and much more. Its product range is backed up by the Group’s own food sourcing and manufacturing facilities across 22 countries, which ensures well-stocked warehouses and uninterrupted food supply at the most competitive prices.

“As Saudi Arabia is set to grow and diversify its economy for Vision 2030, we will continue to be put our expansion plans and business investments afoot for creating business and trade synergy across the country. Highest gratitude to the visionary leadership for continuous growth and long-term reforms”, said Yusuff Ali.

s Saudi Arabia is set to grow and diversify its economy for Vision 2030

“We are proud of the way LuLu has grown its store dynamics to reflect the millennial customer’s wants. Today, there is a greater emphasis on global variety and good health. People want to know how their food is grown and prepared – by presenting a selection that embraces healthy trends, freshness, organic sources and tapping an extensive imported product range alongside our platform for produce “Proudly Grown in KSA”, I believe LuLu ticks all the boxes, ” added Yusuffali.

In the midst of the pandemic, LuLu has played a very crucial role and ensured uninterrupted supply of food and non-food products, while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, health and safety of both its customers and employees. Enhanced sanitisation programmes and social distancing norms are being adhered as per industry protocols.

Also present on the occasion were Shehim Mohamed, Lulu Saudi Director, Hatim Contractor, Regional Director of Lulu Riyadh and other senior officials.

Image Source: LuLu Group Official Site https://www.lulugroupinternational.com/

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

RewirEd Summit with Youth, Skills and Future of Work as top theme on its agenda

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 12th December 2021: RewirEd, the global education platform, hosted by Dubai Cares, in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai and in close coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), has officially kicked off the RewirEd Summit (12-14 Dec) today at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Accenture, Microsoft, UNICEF and Dubai Cares New Global Learning Platform for Young People

The three-day summit, which was held as part of Expo 2020 Knowledge and Learning Week, is set to provide a platform to spark conversation among global education stakeholders in an effort to generate new ideas on how to tackle the future of education.

The first day of the Summit saw the participation of more than 1,500 in-person attendees from 60 countries from around the world, focusing on topics around how and why education systems need to change to provide young people with better opportunities.

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares urges global leaders to act now, to ensure education equips children and young people all over the world with the skills they need to tackle future challenges

At the opening of the RewirEd Summit, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Despite everything that has overshadowed these last two years, and the hardships that are still endured worldwide as a result of myriad challenges, medical, social and economic… education is still a central priority of every government, every community and every family on Earth. This tells us something. It inspires us to action. It also impels us to deliver concrete outcomes: a legacy manifested in commitments and key findings that will inform the next round of reflection and revision, and the next after that. Use the next three days to build and deliver that legacy. Imagine the possibilities… if we take all that we have learnt, and put it in service of the wonders we have yet to discover.”

H.E. Jakaya Kikwete Chair of the Board of Directors of Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and former President of Tanzania said: “Equity is core to our mission. In most partner countries, we help to bring gender equality through education. GPE has put gender at the heart of our strategy and we have hard wired this into all our operations. We help governments to identify barriers that affect boys and girls differently, close gender gaps and shut down stereotypes in communities. We are providing countries with capital to drive change. None of this is possible if we do not have the right data to help governments make decisions. The right solution is impact at scale, one that can reach all children and one that is affordable and has equity at its core.”

Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, said: “Youth must work alongside their governments, communities and private sector as full-fledged partners as well as beneficiaries. Accountability: education is a fundamental human right, a public responsibility. We need to look at youth to ensure that every young person is empowered and that no person is left behind. We must move to concrete commitment and dedicated resources and deliver action.”

Speaking at the opening plenary of the Summit, H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, said: “We are at a tipping point of humanity. We may not see it, but we are there. And if education does not deliver on its promise to equip children and young people all over the world with the skills they need to tackle future challenges, then we will be known as the generation who did nothing when we could do everything. We have the means, we are all here, and we must act now.”

UNESCO releases Global Education Monitoring Report 2021/2022 at RewirEd Summit

On his side, Bob Moritz, Global Chairman, PwC, said: “A new combination of bringing people together to drive the agenda is needed. It is the role of the business community in this regard. Business has the responsibility to think about what jobs we have today but also what the future board looks like tomorrow. It is clear that the changes we have seen, that digital skills, digital IQ is paramount to any future world. This is the ability to create and innovate and adapt to a technology driven world; it’s the skills needed to lead in this new world. ESG is going to be fundamental to the world as we think about the planet, societal challenges, equity and good governance and prosperity. These skills are going to be baked into every job.”

The first day of the Summit saw the participation of prominent global education leaders driving the discussion, including The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, the U.N.’s Special Envoy for Global Education and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF; Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education; Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum; and Alan Jope Unilever’s CEO.

The Summit also hosted high-level thematic opening session titled: Youth, Skills & the Future of Work, hosted by Restless Development Youth Researchers, which reflected on the learnings and recommendations coming out of their Global Youth Survey, in conversation with H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, UAE along with three global leaders, as well as youth advocates and activists.

The day proceeded with a host of high-level panels and breakout sessions by distinguished speakers and participants throughout the summit’s first day.

New Global Learning Platform for Young People Launched

The first day of the Summit marked the launch of the Passport to Earning (P2E) platform. Unveiled by Accenture, Microsoft, UNICEF, and Dubai Cares, operating under the Generation Unlimited partnership, P2E is a new global digital learning platform for young people, providing 15 to 24-year-olds across the world with free, certified education and skills training – with content spanning across digital, foundational, role-based and technical skills. All certifications gained will support future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities made available on the platform.

UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report Released

Also announced at the summit was UNESCO’s Annual Global Education Monitoring Report, which called for increased efforts to guarantee free, publicly funded access to a year of pre-primary and 12 years of primary and secondary education for all children. The report also urged all countries to establish quality standards across all state and non-state education institutions to build a coherent education system for all learners.

Continuing the focus on pressing youth topics, refugee students presented on the imperative for higher education for refugees at the Emerging models of Higher Education in Conflict session, with the speakers discussing the urgent action needed to ensure 15 per cent refugee enrolment in higher education by 2030.

Adapting New Paths to Greater Learning

Noteworthy sessions also included The Great Debate: Universal Secondary Education For All vs Alternative Pathways, which focused on whether other education models are better placed to serve young people in countries where large numbers of youth do not have access to secondary education, as well as a session on Transforming Education: A Route to Helping Young People Adapt to Climate Change, which drew on research findings from Uganda, showcasing the impact of climate disruptions on young people’s livelihoods, and the need for radical changes in education as a route to greater climate resilience and effective adaptation to the climate crisis.

With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to be felt around the world, the RewirEd Summit presents a timely opportunity for the world community to write a new chapter in education history. The outcomes of the summit’s keynotes, discussions and breakout sessions are set to help drive a new wave of innovation as the education community addresses the urgent need for a shift in education globally.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

France’s ‘Art de Vivre, a dream to share’: exploring the art of living

DUBAI, 7 November 2021 – It is known in France as art de vivre, meaning the ‘art of living’ – a movement or philosophy that celebrates the finer things in life, and visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai can experience this at a temporary exhibition at the France Pavilion, from 8 November until 6 December.

It is known in France as art de vivre, meaning the ‘art of living’ – a movement or philosophy that celebrates the finer things in life

The immersive exhibition, presented by Chalhoub Group, features beautiful tableware: a marriage between luxury and elegance, with an array of items that are often used in everyday life, but with a twist: beautiful goblets, vases, plates, teapots, and cutlery.

The pavilion’s concept store, Tanagra, features three famous houses: Baccarat, Bernardaud and Christofle, all participating in an immersive show that combines prestigious works, to illustrate the process of French creation and savoir-faire (loosely translated as ‘tact’ or knowing how to act in a particular situation), while exploring how modernity is redefining the French tradition of tableware.

immersive show that combines prestigious works, to illustrate the process of French creation

Since 1830, Christofle – a Parisian goldsmith – has been creating exceptional tableware, refined jewellery and home accessories. Baccarat has been operating since 1764 on the instruction of King Louis XV – an illustrious crystal factory that has become a symbol of art de vivre. Bernardaud’s factory has its origins in 1863, and uses three essential elements in the manufacture of porcelain: kaolin, fresh water and forests.

Patrick Chalhoub, President of the Chalhoub Group said: “This temporary exhibition will be experienced as an enchanting pause, during which French traditions will blend with the innovation and technology of our modern world. ‘Once upon a time’ will welcome us into a world full of allure where ancestral know-how and boundless creativity meet… drawing inspiration from the past whilst celebrating the future to fully live [in] the present moment.”

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

EMAAR Properties Report Highest Ever Quarterly Sales

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – August X, 2021: Global property developer Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM: EMAAR) recorded robust performance in the first half of 2021, led by record property sales of AED 16.842 billion (US$ 4.585 billion). This represents a 229 per cent increase compared to the first-half 2020 property sales of AED 5.120 billion (US$ 1.394 billion). The remarkable performance was a result of Emaar’s concerted focus on sales of under-construction projects and the successful launch of properties both in the UAE and international markets.

record property sales of AED 16.842 billion (US$ 4.585 billion). This represents a 229 per cent increase compared to the first-half 2020 property sales of AED 5.120 billion (US$ 1.394 billion)

Led by robust performance of the property development business as well as mall and hospitality businesses, Emaar achieved revenue of AED 12.5 billion (US$ 3.403 billion) during the first half of 2021, 52 per cent higher than the H1 2020 revenue of AED 8.220 billion (US$ 2.238 billion). H1 2021 net profit stood at AED 1.560 billion (US$ 425 million) compared to AED 1.698 billion (US$ 462 million) in H1 2020, which included an exceptional income of AED 982 million (US$ 267 million), primarily relating to the sale of Emaar’s District Cooling business.

During the second quarter of the year (April to June 2021), Emaar recorded revenue of AED 6.507 billion (US$ 1.772 billion) which is 125 per cent higher than the same period last year and 9 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2021 (January to March). Net profit for Q2 2021 at AED 903 million (US$ 246 million) is 37 per cent higher than Q1 2021.

Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, said, “Our performance in the second quarter demonstrates our continued resilience and ability to anticipate and ‘future-proof’ the business. Looking to the future, I am very optimistic about the remainder of the year as we maintain our focus on meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations, delivering long-term, sustainable results across our business units, and collectively strengthening our organisation. This will ensure we continue to anticipate and meet customers’ rapidly evolving property and lifestyle demands, while improving the lives of residents and visitors alike.”

Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, said, “Our performance in the second quarter demonstrates our continued resilience and ability to anticipate and ‘future-proof’ the business

Dubai continues to lead the way as a global hub for trade, financial services, logistics, travel, and hospitality, with emerging sectors such as technology, green energy, healthcare and education witnessing growth. The region continues to attract a large community of skilled professionals and investors who, in turn, invest in the region’s continuous growth potential, as reflected in Emaar’s record sales for Q2 2021.

Emaar has handed over more than 77,000 residential units in Dubai and international markets since 2002, with more than 25,700 units currently under development in the UAE and 11,000 units in global markets. Setting new benchmarks in design, build quality and innovation, Emaar consistently offers premium experiences and lifestyle opportunities across market segments, and its properties continue to remain sought-after by investors at home as well as abroad.

Emaar Development

Emaar Development PJSC (DFM: EMAARDEV), the UAE build-to-sell property development business, majority-owned by Emaar Properties, achieved its highest quarterly property sales on record of AED 7.942 billion (US$ 2.162 billion) during the second quarter (April-June) of 2021, recording over 21X growth over Q2 2020 property sales. In the first half of 2021, Emaar Development achieved property sales of AED 13.825 billion (US$ 3.764 billion), a growth of 328 per cent over H1 2020 property sales of AED 3.230 billion (US$ 879 million).

Supported by robust property sales, Emaar Development has achieved H1 2021 revenue of AED 7.755 billion (US$ 2.111 billion) and net profit of AED 1.512 billion (US$ 412 million), representing a growth of 61 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

If you’re looking to get rid of this beard, maybe this is not the right angle for your gifting

Emaar International

In H1 2021, Emaar’s international businesses reported property sales of AED 2.993 billion (US$ 815 million), 59 per cent higher compared to the same period last year, led by operations in Egypt and India. Underpinned by successful incremental deliveries of projects in Egypt and India, Emaar’s international businesses recorded revenues of AED 1.749 billion (US$ 476 million), contributing 14 per cent to Emaar’s total revenue

Emaar Malls

Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), the shopping malls and retail giant, recorded revenue of AED 2.048 billion (US$ 558 million) in H1 2021, 23 per cent higher than the same period last year, backed by significant recovery of tenants’ retail sales. Overall net profit for the first half of 2021 amounted to AED 622 million (US$ 169 million), delivering strong growth in profitability of 80 per cent compared to net profit of AED 345 million (US$ 94 million) during the same period last year.

Revenue for Q2 2021 increased by 27 per cent to AED 1.147 billion (US$ 312 million), compared to the Q1 2021 revenue of AED 901 million (US$ 245 million). Emaar Malls’ assets maintained strong occupancy levels at approximately 91 per cent.

Emaar Malls’ e-commerce fashion and lifestyle platform, Namshi, a wholly owned subsidiary, recorded sales of AED 427 million (US$ 116 million) for Q2 2021, an increase of 65 per cent compared to Q1 2021. With the addition of over 240 new brands earlier this year, combined with exceptional demand during Ramadan and Eid, Namshi delivered impressive revenue for the first half of 2021 of AED 685 million (US$ 186 million). Namshi’s strong performance is credited to its persistent growth in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other GCC countries, along with its launch in Qatar in early 2021.

Emaar Hospitality, Leisure & Entertainment

The hospitality, leisure, entertainment and commercial leasing businesses of Emaar recorded revenue of AED 948 million (US$ 258 million) during H1 2021, 14 per cent higher than the same period last year. Hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group, including its managed hotels, achieved average occupancy levels of 63 per cent despite challenging market conditions and limited global travel.

Underlining the diversification of revenue streams, Emaar’s recurring revenue businesses of malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and commercial leasing, together, achieved revenue of AED 2.996 billion (US$ 816 million), contributing 24 per cent to Emaar’s H1 2021 revenue.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

Tech pioneer Terminus partners with Expo 2020 and signs long-term lease at District 2020

DUBAI, 2 July 2020 – Terminus Technologies, a China-based leader in smart technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics has been named Expo 2020 Dubai’s latest Premier Partner and has signed a long-term lease at District 2020 as part of the innovation ecosystem that will evolve after the event.

Leading robotics specialist links with Expo 2020 to enrich the visitor experience

As Expo 2020 Dubai’s Official Robotics Partner, Terminus will deploy more than 150 programmable robots – including Opti, one of the Expo 2020 mascots – to interact with visitors during the six-month event.

Fitted with features such as multi-touch displays, 5G network capability, AI-driven object mapping and object detection, the robots will perform a variety of tasks such as greeting visitors, performing in special displays, and providing visitor assistance, as well as helping with food and beverage delivery and hospitality services.

Terminus, a specialist in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), will set up its first headquarters outside of China, as well as a research and development centre, at District 2020, the human-centric smart city that will repurpose post Expo more than 80 per cent of the site’s built environment. An innovation ecosystem and community with a mandate to support the UAE’s advance towards an innovation-driven economy, District 2020 will also bolster industry and technology growth in the region.

Interactive robots to greet millions of visitors and assist in hospitality at Expo 2020

The commitment reflects Dubai’s position as a global hub for business, innovation and partnership and further supports the UAE’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This multi-trillion dollar mega-infrastructure development is set to link China with high-traffic trade routes across Europe and Asia, with the UAE as a critical connecting point.

Mohammed AlHashmi, Chief Technology Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 will be an unparalleled platform to showcase the capabilities of innovative technology and, as a pioneer in robotics and AI-enabled IoT applications, Terminus is a valuable new partner. Our collaboration will demonstrate the potential of robotics, while also establishing the foundation for District 2020 as a centre for technology innovation.”

By setting up its Middle East operations in the UAE, Terminus becomes the latest global corporation to join District 2020.

Nadimeh Mehra, Vice President, District 2020, said: “As a pioneer in advanced, future-defining technologies, Terminus will bring significant value to the diverse ecosystem we are curating at District 2020 and will contribute to our mission to support the UAE’s strategy to become a pioneer in AI. This is an important collaboration as we share the vision of creating a human-centric smart community that will inspire other global innovation hubs.”

signs long-term lease at District 2020 in line with the UAE’s innovation economy

Victor Ai, Founder and CEO, Terminus Technologies, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as an incredible hub of innovation for the world, and District 2020 will act as an example for global smart city development. Terminus is working with both to redefine the concept of future cities with our leading Robotics, AI and IoT technology. Together with other technology-focused partners, we have the opportunity to further explore the area of smart spaces. This is precisely the reason why we are so excited.”

The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 has been postponed by a year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will now run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, when it will bring together the brightest minds and greatest ideas from around the globe, helping to generate new and exciting solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.