Daily Archives: April 24, 2025

Technologies

Qashio and Visa bring UAE travel leaders together to drive the future of spend management

Dubai, UAE – 24th April, 2025 – Qashio, the UAE’s leading spend management platform, partnered with Visa to host an exclusive event bringing together the UAE’s top travel decision-makers for a dynamic exchange of insights and industry trends. The event welcomed senior executives from across the regional travel ecosystem, including online travel agencies, destination management companies, and leading luxury hospitality brands.

Guests heard keynote speeches from Brendan Noonan, former senior executive at Emirates and Qatar Airways, who emphasised the urgent need for operational agility and secure financial flows in aviation. Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa’s SVP and Group Country Manager for GCC, spoke about Visa’s role in building frictionless, secure digital payment infrastructure alongside partners such as Qashio.  

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Business & Investments

US$22 billion on the table – Are GCC utilities ready to seize the opportunity?

  • Energy transition and rising demand driving urgent need for cost reform
  • New report outlines pathway to unlock billions in long-term value

Dubai, UAE, 24 April, 2025: The GCC utilities sector has the potential to reduce operational costs by 15% to 30%, which could generate up to US$22 billion in savings over the next decade. This can be achieved through a mix of short-term tactical actions and long-term changes to how utilities operate.

The analysis was part of a new report by Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, which outlines how utilities in GCC could break free from outdated assumptions and adopt leading practices to enable effective transformation. 

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Sharjah Children Reading Festival

SCRF 2025: Human feelings and creativity cannot be replicated by AI, eminent Arab writers

The distinguished panel at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival underscored the power of the human mind in communication and creation, and felt that AI can only play an assistive role


Sharjah, April 24, 2025  

Eminent writers and thinkers from the Arabian region analysed the power of the written word that flows unfiltered from creative minds and the role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of writing at a cultural dialogue session titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Rise of New Writers?” on the opening day of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2025 (SCRF).

Prof Sumaya Al Madeed, a professor of Computer Science and researcher from Qatar University, noted that “AI lacks feelings and experiences that humans have” but it can be used in a conscious and responsible way to be an assistant tool. She pointed out that in her university, students have to disclose if they use AI for completing assignments. She narrated a particular occasion when she gave AI her child’s picture and asked it to create a suitable poem for a birthday but how it could not create an authentic one that comes from the heart. She however felt AI had its uses in functioning as a private tutor for a student or to help train autistic children in a positive way.

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Business & Investments

NAMA set to launch ‘Financial Literacy Programme’ to equip 200 women with tools for lifelong financial independence

The Programme will be held in Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah, and Al Madam, with four themed sessions per location.

  • Mariam Al Hammadi: NAMA believes that true women empowerment starts with creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and prosperity on both professional and personal levels

Sharjah, April 24, 2025,

In support of enhancing women’s financial knowledge and boosting their financial management skillsets, NAMA Women Advancement Establishment is set to launch the ‘Financial Literacy Programme’. Running from April 28 to May 22 in Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah City and Al Mudam, the initiative aims to equip more than 200 women with the tools and confidence to make informed financial decisions and achieve lasting economic security.

NAMA’s expert-led initiative aims to provide the participants with the skillsets to reinforce their professional careers, achieve financial independence, build wealth and boost financial security. By providing actionable advice and strategies to enhance career and business confidence, the programme will cover essential  topics such as financial goals, budgeting expenditure & spending, borrowing and debt management amongst others.

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Hotels & Hosppitality

The Ascott Limited brings The Crest Collection to the United Arab Emirates

The Ascott Limited is bringing its hospitality brand The Crest Collection to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time with the signing of the 539 rooms and suites, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection, on the iconic Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.

UAE, Dubai, 24 April 2025 – The Ascott Limited, a global hospitality operator today announced the signing of Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection, on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, which is set to open in Q1 of 2027. This milestone marks the UAE debut of The Crest Collection, The Ascott Limited’s global portfolio of bespoke properties that celebrate the history and heritage of each destination through distinctive architecture and culturally rich hospitality experiences.

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