TAF – The Art Fest International: A Global Celebration.

 Dubai, UAE – February 14-16, 2025

TAF – The Art Fest International is set to take Dubai by storm from February 14 to 16, 2025. This global art extravaganza promises a transformative experience, bringing together artists from around the world to showcase their creations. TAF is not just another art fair—it is an interactive, dynamic celebration of creativity, culture, and connection.

A Premier Art Fair Debuts in Dubai

Art Fest International, a new and exciting global art fair, is making its debut in Dubai, featuring a powerful mix of contemporary, emerging, and master artists from across the world. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s dynamic art scene, this inaugural edition promises to be an unmissable celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Dubai Sparks Global Conversation on Mental Health on World Meditation Day 2024

 Dubai, UAE – January 30,2025 –

In a city renowned for innovation and holistic living, Dubai played host to a groundbreaking mental well-being event on World Meditation Day, on 21-Dec-2024 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Saturday evening. Organized by the Wellness and Wisdom Center LLC, the two-hour event brought together global thought leaders, mental health professionals, and wellness enthusiasts, to spark a dialogue on resilience, mindfulness, and innovative approaches to holistic well-being.

The highlight of the event was an advanced resilience training session led by Dr. Ishan Shivanand, a globally recognized mental health innovator. “Mental health is a birthright. Addressing mental health challenges has become furthermore critical,” said Dr. Shivanand. “This event underscores a higher mission to make mental resilience tools accessible to all while fostering a culture of holistic wellness.”

e& champions ethical supply chains with CIPS certification

Global certification underscores e&’s leadership in driving transparency and accountability across procurement operations

Abu Dhabi, UAE; Jan 13, 2025: e&, a leading global technology group, has been awarded the prestigious certification in Corporate Ethical Procurement and Supply from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). This milestone reflects e&’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of ethics in procurement and supply chain management.

Obaid Bokisha, Group Chief Operations Officer at e& ,Saeed Al Zarouni, Group Chief Procurement Officer, e& and Sam Achampong, Regional Director of CIPS,

All procurement and supply management professionals at e& completed a comprehensive training programme on ethical procurement, which included rigorous assessments on critical areas such as fraud prevention, corruption and bribery, environmental responsibility, and legal and social accountability.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi names Ahmed Al Ali as new General Manager of Kalimat Group

 Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, has appointed Ahmed Al Ali to be the new General Manager of Kalimat Group, the innovative Arabic language publishing house she founded and leads as CEO.

At a meeting with the Kalimat Group team, Sheikha Bodour the Founder and CEO, shared her vision for the future of Arabic publishing and praised their dedication to the company mission of enriching the region’s literary culture. She underscored the importance of nurturing talent and creativity within the organisation and expressed faith in the team’s ability to reach even greater milestones.

Building on this, Sheikha Bodour announced the appointment of Ahmed Al Ali, a respected editor, poet, and translator, to the role of General Manager.

Clupea Coaching Café’s “Kickstart 2025” Empowers Attendees to Align Ambitions with Purpose

 Abu Dhabi, UAE – January 5, 2025: The Clupea Coaching Café’s Kickstart 2025 event, held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Maison Gâteau in Abu Dhabi, was an empowering gathering designed to help attendees awaken their ambitions and turn their dreams into actionable goals. With an engaging blend of workshops, expert coaching, and networking opportunities, the event set the tone for a transformative year ahead.

The event’s centerpiece was an exclusive session led by Dr. Hatem Goucha, renowned executive coach and author of the highly anticipated book, “Become Who You Are Meant to Be,” set to launch later this month. Dr. Goucha’s session was a thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery and purpose-driven living. Attendees gained invaluable insights into aligning their personal and professional goals with their core values, leaving with a renewed sense of clarity and direction.

MEPRA Awards 2024: Showcasing Excellence in PR Strategy and Innovation

 Dubai, United Arab Emirates – November 29, 2024: Honoring the standout achievements in PR and communications over the past year; the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) hosted its 16th award edition on November 28, 2024. Attended by over 550 guests, the event gathered 62 top agencies and professionals to contend for esteemed titles across 53 competitive categories, celebrating excellence and transformative impact in the industry.

Emirates NBD celebrates 53rd Eid Al Etihad across the UAE

 The Group commemorates Eid Al Etihad with employee ceremonies and celebrations across its offices in the UAE

Dubai, UAE, 29 November 2024: Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region marked the occasion of Eid Al Etihad across its branches and offices in the country.

The celebrations highlighted the spirit of unity that brings together the diverse communities in the UAE and recognised the strength of the national security, knowledge and prosperity of the nation.  

Sharjah Stamp Exhibition Launches at Sharjah Mega Mall

 Celebrating Culture and Knowledge –Sharjah Stamp Exhibition Launches at Sharjah Mega Mall

The 14th edition of the Sharjah Stamp Exhibition kicked off yesterday at Sharjah Mega Mall, and will continue from November 20 to 24, 2024, in celebration of culture and knowledge.

This year’s event, organised by the Emirates Philatelic Association in partnership with Mega Mall Sharjah, promises to be a wonderful gathering of stamp and coin enthusiasts from across the GCC and beyond, all sharing a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage of philately. The five-day event will welcome 92 competing entries across 7 different categories with participants from 14 countries, namely the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Australia.

Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri welcomes Bill Gates to the UAE

Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri welcomes Bill Gates to the UAE for the unveiling of an agricultural innovation project update, one year on from joint US$200 million investment

Dubai, UAE – 21 November 2024 – Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, Head of International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, yesterday welcomed Bill Gates, Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the UAE for the unveiling of a project update one year on from the announcement of the Gates Foundation and UAE Partnership on agriculture innovation and food system transformation in response to climate change. 

Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurates Rumi exhibition at House of Wisdom, showcasing priceless artefacts and manuscripts

 The “Rumi: 750 Years of Absence… Eight Centuries of Presence” exhibition runs until February 14, 2025, offering an insightful journey through Rumi’s life and philosophy.

Sharjah, November 18, 2024

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, inaugurated the “Rumi: 750 Years of Absence… Eight Centuries of Presence” exhibition, which will run until February 14, 2025, at the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah.

Upon arrival, His Highness was received by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah; His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office; His Excellency Abdulrahman Bin Mohamed Al Owais Minister of Health and Prevention; His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE; His Excellency Mohammad Ahmad Al Murr, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, in addition to officials, diplomats and media representatives.

Celebrating Korea’s National Day in Abu Dhabi: Cultural Exchange and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

On September 10, 2024, a grand celebration of Korea’s National Foundation Day was held at the St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi, marking the 4,357th anniversary of Korea’s founding. Hosted by the Korean Embassy, the event was attended by 58 ambassadors, including representatives from the EU, USA, Japan, and UAE, with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance of the UAE, in attendance.

Dubai expat shines as 2nd runner-up at Miss Universe Nepal 2024

 A Journey of Strength, Perseverance, and Dreams: Akshita’s Road to Miss Universe Nepal 2024

Date: Dubai, UAE; September 12, 2024

Born and raised in Dubai, Akshita’s life has been shaped by resilience and determination. From a young age, she was raised by her single mother, who taught her to overcome adversity with strength and courage. When her father left at 22 months old, Akshita and her mother faced challenges head-on, drawing inspiration from the story of Lord Ganesha, who overcame a mighty demon with wisdom and bravery. Akshita learned to conquer fear, believing that true beauty lies in one’s thoughts and inner strength.

In 2023, at the age of 19, Akshita surprised us all when she confidently declared her intention to apply for Miss Universe Nepal 2024. It was an unexpected announcement, especially from someone who, until then, had never been particularly concerned with outer beauty or physical fitness. We laughed, affectionately teasing her for her laid-back attitude toward working out.

Majid Al Futtaim Launches Aaouda Returnship Programme

 

• Majid Al Futtaim’s Aaouda Programme will empower Emirati women by providing mentoring, skills workshops, and networking opportunities to pave their way back into the workforce.
• Programme launched ahead of the Ru’Ya Careers Fair.

Dubai, UAE – September 12, 2024: Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, launched the Aaouda Returnship Programme with the aim of encouraging female UAE Nationals back into the workplace after extended career breaks.

A milestone in Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to empowering women in the private sector, the Aaouda Returnship Programme will provide Emirati women the foundation, guidance and flexibility needed to achieve their career aspirations while maintaining their personal responsibilities. The programme aims to create career opportunities tailored to support those who would like to re-enter the workforce after an extended career break and is in line with Majid Al Futtaim’s collaboration with the UAE’s NAFIS Programme, which focuses on efforts to bring more UAE Nationals into private sector roles.  

Union Coop to Open Branch in Dubai’s Rukan Community in Dubai Land

 The Cooperative signs agreement with Continental Investments LMD LLC to open its first branch in a residential complex in Dubai

Dubai, UAE:

Union Coop has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Continental Investments LMD LLC to establish its first branch in the Rukan residential community, located in Wadi Al Safa within Dubai Land, behind Arabian Ranches. This agreement aligns with Union Coop’s expansion plans and strategies, aiming to introduce new projects that delight shareholders and shoppers while meeting the needs of all community segments in Dubai.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, and Mr. Hamad Al Abbar, Managing Partner of LMD, at Union Coop’s headquarters in Al Warqa City Mall, in the presence of several dignitaries from both sides.

The objective of the agreement is to enhance collaboration between the two parties to create the first Union Coop branch in a residential complex, spanning approx. 21,000 sq. ft. This branch will provide retail stores and a variety of food and non-food items at competitive prices to the residents of the Rukan community, along with offering numerous purchasing options at discounted rates.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Dirwaza Curatorial Lab Launch Arts Apprenticeship Program

 Abu Dhabi, September 2, 2024 — The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has launched an annual Arts Apprenticeship program in collaboration with Dirwaza Curatorial Lab, an Abu Dhabi-based creative incubator and projects partner, founded by Munira Al Sayegh. The program is designed for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and similar chronic conditions. The apprenticeship spans two months and four participants will be selected from across the UAE, to be trained by the Dirwaza Curatorial Lab team      on curatorial thinking and research . The aim is to develop curatorial skills, from ideating to storytelling and planning for an exhibition, while simultaneously raising awareness about MS.

Munira Al Sayegh, Founder of Dirwaza Curatorial Lab

SGMB Director General Allay reviews final preparations at Expo Centre Sharjah

 IGCF 2024 set to welcome over 250 global communication experts and leaders on 4-5 September

Sharjah, September 02, 2024

During his visit to Expo Centre Sharjah to oversee the final preparations for the 13th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024), scheduled for 4-5 September, His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), highlighted the forum’s pivotal role in reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a preferred destination for hosting and organising international events. He also engaged in discussions with the directors of SGMB and the event organisers to review the latest developments and ensure all preparations are on track.

Women entrepreneurs celebrating the Emirati Women’s Day at Senses Center

 Empowering Emirati Women Entrepreneurs: Senses Center Celebrates Achievements on Emirati Women’s Day

Dubai, UAE – August 30, 2024 – The Senses Center, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hashar Al Maktoum hosted a landmark event in honor of Emirati Women’s Day, dedicated to celebrating and empowering Emirati women entrepreneurs. Taking place on Friday, August 30, 2024, this event at the Senses Center offered a platform for inspiration, recognition, and community building among women entrepreneurs in the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The event focused on highlighting the remarkable achievements of Emirati women entrepreneurs, whose success serves as a powerful source of inspiration and empowerment for women across the UAE and the MENA region. By achieving significant milestones, Emirati women entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate that ambition, innovation, and determination can lead to extraordinary success, breaking down barriers and challenging traditional norms. Their stories inspire other women to pursue their own entrepreneurial aspirations, fostering a culture of resilience and confidence that drives collective progress.

3,000 individuals embraced Islam during the first half of 2024

 

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, represented by the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture, has announced impressive statistics for the first half of 2024. Over 3,000 residents and visitors embraced Islam, reflecting a significant growth in interest in the religion and the efforts made to introduce individuals to its teachings.

In this context, Dr. Omar Mohammed Al-Khateeb, Executive Director of the Islamic Affairs Sector, stated: “The embrace of Islam by over 3,000 individuals signifies the success of our efforts in promoting the message of tolerance and understanding that our noble religion conveys. These figures are not mere statistics; they represent a genuine transformation in people’s lives and their desire to adopt values of peace and love.”

World Humanitarian Day… A celebration or a Eulogy?

 Opinion Piece by Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of The Big Heart Foundation

Sharjah, August 18, 2024

In the aftermath of the Canal Hotel attack in Baghdad, where 22 humanitarian workers, including the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq, tragically lost their lives, the UN General Assembly designated August 19 as World Humanitarian Day. It honours those who have sacrificed in the service of humanity and underscores the critical need for enhanced protection and legal safeguards for humanitarian workers. Despite these efforts, the escalating number of casualties among humanitarian personnel has reached a critical threshold, necessitating an urgent and resolute international response.

Acclaimed survivalist, UN goodwill ambassador, and philanthropic content creator to inspire IGCF 2024 audience with their journeys

 

Bear Grylls, Maya Ghazal, and Zachery Dereniowski to lead inspirational talks on communication and positive impact

• IGCF 2024 will host Bear Grylls, the mountaineer and explorer who transitioned from a life of adventure to entrepreneurship and humanitarian work.
• Maya Ghazal is the world’s first female Syrian refugee pilot, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and recipient of the Princess Diana Award.
• Zachery Dereniowski: The inspirational figure who turned social media into platforms for spreading kindness and positivity.

Sharjah, August 19, 2024

The 13th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), will bring together three inspirational speakers whose transformative visions and journeys have made a global impact. Scheduled for September 4-5 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, the event will feature inspiring talks by renowned survivalist, adventurer, and explorer, Bear Grylls; the world’s first female Syrian refugee to earn a pilot’s licence and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Maya Ghazal; and humanitarian content creator celebrated for his impactful social media presence, Zachery Dereniowski, better known as MD Motivator.