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Dubai gears up to host ATM 2024

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) – the premier global event in travel and tourism – will serve as a pivotal gathering for hospitality stakeholders from May 6 to 9…reports Asian Lite News

The upcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a premier global event in travel and tourism, will serve as a pivotal gathering for hospitality stakeholders from 6th to 9th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

According to data from Deloitte, Dubai is leading the regional hospitality markets with a strong outlook for 2024. The city now offers more hotel rooms than major capitals such as London, New York City and Bangkok, and as of this month, Dubai has a hotel room capacity of over 150,000.

Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) showed that the city welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors during 2023, with the average length of stay also increasing. According to Deloitte, occupancy peaked at 88% in February.

“As the hospitality landscape in the GCC region continues to evolve, the data paints a compelling picture of growth and opportunity. ATM 2024 will feature a wide range of hospitality brands from around the world, and we are pleased to report that there has been a 21% increase in exhibition space dedicated to hotel brands this year, demonstrating strong interest and demand,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

More than 100 of the world’s leading travel technology companies will be exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024.

ATM 2024’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56% bigger than last year with 33% more exhibitors participating this year, thanks to unprecedented demand from companies looking to showcase their innovations in front of a global audience.

Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Future Stage – formerly known as the Travel Tech Stage – will host over a hundred expert speakers from across the global travel and tourism industry, plus a diverse selection of cutting-edge innovations designed to improve efficiency and profitability within the sector. Delegates will explore how advanced tech can be leveraged to drive improvements across a range of segments, including payment, professional development, accessibility, sustainability and more.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to introduce the ATM Future Stage, which will harness the ever-increasing levels of innovation our industry is witnessing while building on the long-standing success of our Travel Tech offering.”

The global travel technology market was valued at $9.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $21 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. The ATM Future Stage will host a selection of presentations and sessions designed to highlight opportunities within this space.

These include; Navigating the Future: A Futurist’s Prediction, Strategic Capabilities and Implications of AI within Business, Putting the Traveller First with AI and Unlocking the Value of Travel: Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Traveler Journeys, which will be held in association with Amadeus.

This year’s show will see the return of the ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, which will be held in association with Intelak. The third edition of the competition will see a number of the region’s most promising startups take to the Future Stage to showcase a range of innovative and potentially industry-changing solutions in front of expert judges.

Several Travel Tech exhibitors also plan to get involved in other areas of ATM 2024. Tech giant Huawei, for instance, will sponsor this year’s Capitalising on China’s Predicted Tourism Surge summit on the ATM Global Stage.

“With an exciting combination of ambitious startups and well-established brands, this year’s Travel Tech space is perfectly aligned with ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’,” added Curtis.

ATM 2024 will also feature a ‘Best Use of Technology’ award at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibitors will be evaluated on how and to what extent they have embraced and deployed technology on their stands.

In line with its theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, the 31st edition of ATM will once again host policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from across the Middle East and beyond, encouraging them to forge new relationships, exchange knowledge and identify innovations that can reshape the future of global travel and tourism. From startups to established brands, the upcoming show will highlight how innovators enhance customer experiences, drive efficiencies, and accelerate progress towards a net-zero future for the industry.

More than 40,000 travel trade professionals, including 30,000 visitors, attended the 30th edition of ATM in May 2023, setting a new show record. The exhibition attracted more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 155 countries, providing a global platform for the unveiling of ATM’s net-zero pledge.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.

ALSO READ-Hamdan lauds Dubai’s resilience

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Initiatives launched to mitigate impact of severe weather in Dubai

The Crown Prince of Dubai directed the establishment of a committee to urgently review all requests from Emirati citizens affected by the heavy rains…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said that guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate is always prepared to respond effectively to any challenge.

Highlighting Dubai’s robust crisis response mechanisms, he said that Dubai’s readiness is further strengthened by the strong support of the government and the community.

Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of initiatives and measures to urgently mitigate the impact of the severe weather in Dubai, which were formulated at a recent meeting he held with heads of government entities.

The meeting, attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, evaluated the progress of efforts to ease the repercussions of the extreme weather in the emirate.

Guided by the directives of Sheikh Hamdan, and under the oversight of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, Dubai Government’s on-ground teams, supported by community volunteers, have been actively working on urgent solutions to challenges, informed by a detailed assessment of the situation in affected areas.

The Crown Prince of Dubai directed the establishment of a committee to urgently review all requests from Emirati citizens affected by the heavy rains. The committee will determine the most appropriate measures to address these requests, prioritising the repair and rehabilitation of the homes of affected citizens.

Sheikh Hamdan also directed the Dubai Land Department and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to coordinate with property developers to expedite the restoration of normalcy in all communities managed by the developers. All residential management companies and real estate developers will offer the following services at no additional charges: alternative housing for residents affected by the weather; distribution of food within affected communities; comprehensive pest control services; enhanced security to ensure safety of residents; assistance with returning to residential properties, including interior cleaning services; monitoring and documenting damages caused by the rains during the insurance coverage period; and assistance in assessing potential risks to properties.

Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai is determined to support all those affected by the adverse weather conditions, adding that he will personally monitor the progress of response measures. He emphasised that on-ground teams will provide effective support to all citizens and residents.

Sheikh Hamdan also directed the formation of a committee to support affected people, chaired by Omar Bushahab, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment. Members of the committee also include Dubai’s Community Development Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, and the Department of Economy and Tourism. The committee is tasked with receiving and promptly addressing requests from citizens affected by the recent rains, ensuring that their concerns and needs are handled efficiently and effectively.

Sheikh Hamdan commended the Department of Economy and Tourism for collaborating with the private sector and hotels in Dubai to provide temporary accommodation for citizens affected by the extreme weather until their homes are repaired. He stressed the importance of offering immediate accommodation for all affected citizens during the repair period. The well-being of citizens remains the top priority of the Dubai government, he stressed.

He also directed Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department with monitoring and providing humanitarian support to people in need. He also instructed the Community Development Authority to activate the ‘Jood’ platform to receive contributions from the private sector to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by the extreme weather in the emirate.

ALSO READ-Dubai to develop plan for tackling weather emergencies

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Dubai to develop plan for tackling weather emergencies

The directive came during a meeting His Highness held with heads of Dubai Government entities….reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has directed heads of Dubai Government entities to develop a comprehensive proactive plan to further enhance Dubai’s preparedness for dealing with unexpected weather conditions.

The directive came during a meeting His Highness held with heads of Dubai Government entities.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the rapid progress achieved in restoring normalcy across Dubai following the severe weather conditions.

He stated that the challenges Dubai encountered in recent days provide an opportunity for the emirate to enhance its emergency response systems and create a new mechanism backed by proactive plans to manage various scenarios.

Sheikh Hamdan said he is closely monitoring the situation along with government entities to address the challenges that emergency response teams faced following the extreme weather.

He further said that Dubai, guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, seeks to continuously learn from past experiences and develop proactive plans to deal with all challenges. Adverse weather conditions have offered an opportunity for further improvement in the emirate’s crisis readiness plans, he added. The safety of every citizen, resident and visitor continues to be the Dubai Government’s highest priority.

The meeting was attended by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Director-General of the Office of the Crown Prince of Dubai; Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Major General Talal Humaid Belhoul, Director-General of Dubai State Security; Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar, and Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Dawood Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality; Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense; and Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed about the efforts of government entities to ensure the seamless delivery of services to members of the community.

ALSO READ: Pavegen plans to plant 1000 mangrove trees in UAE

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Atlantis Dubai Pioneers Inclusive Tourism Practices

IBCCES awards the CAC™ designation to organisations that complete a training and review process to understand better and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and other persons of determination…reports Asian Lite News

Following the successful certification of Atlantis Aquaventure in 2023, Atlantis Dubai announced that Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal have also earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification marks the first resort destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to achieve this status. It reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences to guests with diverse needs and ensuring an inclusive environment.

“We are incredibly proud to become the first resort destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation,” said Kelly Timmins, Director of Marine Animal Operations and Sustainability at Atlantis Dubai. “Partnering with IBCCES is part of our long-term Corporate Social Responsibility strategy under the Atlantis Atlas Project, with initiatives focused on supporting people and the planet on our journey to becoming a sustainable tourism business. We look forward to welcoming all guests to Atlantis Dubai for an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

IBCCES awards the CAC™ designation to organisations that complete a training and review process to understand better and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and other persons of determination. This designation ensures that at least 80 percent (an IBCCES minimum requirement) of colleagues are trained in autism and sensory awareness and are fully equipped to provide service to people on the autism spectrum. In collaboration with IBCCES, Atlantis Dubai staff underwent extensive training to understand the range of potential guest needs. More than 90 percent of guest-facing colleagues across both resorts took training in Autism & Sensory Awareness (ASA). In addition, the Learning & Development team developed a Weekly Briefing Topic on Autism and Sensory Awareness, which an additional 1,500 colleagues completed across Atlantis Dubai.

In addition to training, further achievements include:

The Atlantis Dubai website hosts an accessibility tab that provides guests with downloadable sensory guides. Outlined for rooms and restaurants at Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, as well as experiences across Atlantis Aquaventure, these guides provide a sensory rating, allowing people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to pre-plan their visit to the destination. 

Allocated quiet zones are available across both resorts in case people need a moment of respite from sensory stimulation. Locations include the concierge lounge, outdoor cabanas, Imperial Club lounge, and the Explorers Club underwater theatre at Atlantis, The Palm, and the Royal Club lounge, outdoor cabanas, Royal Majlis banquet lounge, and the Explorers Club lounge at Atlantis The Royal.

By completing the CAC™ programme, Atlantis Dubai is helping to lead the way as part of a broader Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) initiative for Dubai to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere. In just one year, the city has already reached the halfway point, and this significant milestone, achieved under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscores Dubai’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility for all travellers.

“Atlantis Dubai is at the forefront of revolutionizing accessibility standards within the hospitality industry. Their pioneering initiatives at Aquaventure Waterpark, coupled with securing this designation for Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, demonstrate a profound dedication to inclusivity. And we wholeheartedly commend their tireless efforts,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “This collective commitment across the industry is propelling Dubai towards its goal of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™, reshaping the tourism landscape to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully embrace, savour, and craft cherished memories in this extraordinary city.”

During World Autism Month this April, Atlantis Dubai invites persons of determination to participate in the destination’s complimentary access programme for Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Two complimentary tickets to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium are available for a person of determination and one caregiver by presenting a valid ID Card at the ticketing plaza. Two accompanying guests will also receive 50 per cent off admission tickets.

Guests can also inquire and make special requests through a form on the Atlantis Dubai website before their destination visit at www.atlantis.com/dubai/about/accessibility.

ALSO READ-Dubai SME expands role in driving SME growth

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Dubai SME expands role in driving SME growth

Throughout 2023, Dubai SME facilitated the establishment of 2,937 new businesses and extended essential support services to 1,186 Emirati entrepreneurs….reports Asian Lite News

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), a vital player in the small and medium enterprise (SME) landscape of the emirate, has significantly bolstered its support for entrepreneurial ventures, reaching a milestone value of AED233.4 million in incentives and services in 2023. This growth aligns with the ambitious objectives set forth in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to double Dubai’s economy by 2033 and elevate its global business and tourism standing.

Throughout 2023, Dubai SME facilitated the establishment of 2,937 new businesses and extended essential support services to 1,186 Emirati entrepreneurs. Notably, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SME, a flagship initiative, injected AED11.8 million into 16 projects, underscoring its pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurial endeavors. The Business Incubation Department at Hamdan Innovation Incubator (HI2) supported 46 Emirati tech entrepreneurs, emphasizing the sector’s crucial role in fostering innovation and economic growth.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, reiterated the organization’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He highlighted Dubai SME’s dedication to providing both financial and technical support to Emirati entrepreneurs, essential for the emirate’s economic diversification and SME sector growth.

Since its inception in 2002, Dubai SME has been a catalyst for SME development, supporting over 16,000 national companies and benefiting more than 50,000 entrepreneurs. By 2023, its cumulative support surpassed AED1.5 billion, marking a significant contribution to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The year 2023 witnessed key milestones, including the adoption of a future model aligned with the D33 Agenda. This strategic move aims to establish 27,000 new Emirati businesses, support 8,000 entrepreneurs, and create 86,000 job opportunities by 2033, in line with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision.

Dubai SME’s initiatives span a wide spectrum, from talent identification to ongoing business support. The certified incubator network, comprising 17 accredited entities, plays a pivotal role in nurturing innovative ideas into profitable ventures. Notably, six incubators operate within educational institutions, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among students.

The focus on Hatta underscores Dubai SME’s commitment to empowering youth in underserved regions. Tasheel, a new business facilitation center, provides smart services for young entrepreneurs, facilitating business setup and growth. Workshops and training programs tailored to Hatta’s economic landscape equip participants with essential skills and knowledge.

In Q4 2023, Dubai SME launched the Supply Chain Readiness Programme, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local SME suppliers according to global standards. Additionally, initiatives like the Digital Suppliers Hub aim to integrate SMEs into local supply chains, fostering competitiveness and sustainability.

Dubai SME’s collaborations extend internationally, with initiatives like iAccel Gulf Business Incubator LLC and partnerships with entities like the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. Participation in events like Gulfood and Global Village showcases Emirati entrepreneurs on global platforms, enhancing their visibility and market access.

Through initiatives like Expand North Star 2023, Dubai SME continues to forge strategic alliances and empower startups with the resources they need to thrive in Dubai’s vibrant business ecosystem. These efforts underscore Dubai SME’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth in the emirate.

ALSO READ: World Bank raises UAE’s real GDP growth forecast

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Dubai Health UAE News

Salman Khan’s Being Strong, Danube Dubai to take fitness to next level

Diamondz, a luxurious project by Danube Properties Dubai, becomes the first destination in the Middle East to launch a gym with Salman Khan’s Being Strong Fitness Equipment…reports Asian Lite News

Danube Properties, the fastest-growing private real estate developer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), becomes the first to launch a gym designed using Salman Khan’s ‘Being Strong Fitness Equipment’ range. Situated within its latest iconic 65-storeyed skyscraper named Diamondz at Jumeirah Lake Tower in Dubai, UAE; this cutting-edge facility is set to revolutionise the fitness experience for customers keen to enjoy a healthy lifestyle by following a quality fitness regime. Diamondz by Danube is slated to be launched in Dubai on April 18.

Danube Properties becomes the first developer to partner with Salman Khan’s Being Strong; realising the importance of accessible state-of-the-art gymnasiums to work out and lead a healthy lifestyle in the fast-paced environment like Dubai. This isn’t just another gym that many developers provide, Being Strong will offer top-of-the-class equipment which is also used by Salman Khan and will be available exclusively only for the residents of Diamondz by Danube.

Moreover, this association with Salman Khan marks a significant step. There’s nothing short of perfection than partnering with Being Strong, a reputed gym equipment leader, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of fitness amenities within luxury real estate developments in Dubai.

Apartments in Diamondz come fully furnished with more than 40+ facilities and amenities that offer a great lifestyle in addition to health and lifestyle amenities including a health club, swimming pools, jogging track, sports arena, working space, business centre, meeting place, tennis court, barbecue area, jogging track, doctors on call including a gym with Being Strong fitness equipment by Salman Khan exclusively for residents which is otherwise a paid for facility.

Earlier this year, Danube Properties launched Bayz101, the tallest tower under the portfolio in the thriving district of Business Bay with spectacular views of the Dubai Skyline. And are back with Diamondz within just three months. The launch of Diamondz comes a few weeks after the sell-out of Bayz101 within two months of its launch. This reflects the vibrancy of Dubai’s real estate market where demand continues to outpace supply, encouraging us to launch projects in quick succession.

ALSO READ: World Bank raises UAE’s real GDP growth forecast

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Arab News Business Dubai

Forbes Ranking : PNC Menon becomes richest Omani Citizen

PNC Menon

Under the visionary leadership of PNC Menon, Sobha Realty has gained a distinguished position in the luxury property market across the region by setting new standards of quality and craftsmanship…reports Asian Lite News

PNC Menon, the Founder and Chairman of Sobha Group and a prominent figure in the real estate sector, has climbed up the Forbes Global Ranking to become the richest Omani Citizen. This achievement highlights his leadership and pioneering role in the Middle Eastern real estate sector, marking a significant milestone for Oman’s thriving property market.

Under the visionary leadership of PNC Menon, Sobha Realty has gained a distinguished position in the luxury property market across the region by setting new standards of quality and craftsmanship. The achievement is a testament to his long-standing expertise and commitment, which serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals to explore the possibilities in the Middle East’s dynamic business landscape.

Furthermore, the milestone achievement is anticipated to set forth a new era of success for PNC Menon, which further underscores his unwavering commitment to excellence in the industry.

ALSO READ : Trade cautiously!

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Arab News Dubai Technology

DEWA’s Commitment to Customer Experience, Sustainability, and Service Excellence

DEWA Head office

DEWA provides many digital services and smart tools to help customers better understand and manage their electricity and water consumption…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience through the adoption of digital solutions and AI across its services and operations. With a focus on providing proactive, advanced, and seamlessly integrated digital services, DEWA aims to surpass customer expectations. Additionally, DEWA is deeply committed to sustainability, actively working to reduce its carbon footprint. To ensure service excellence, DEWA implements the ‘Services 360’ policy, which involves analyzing and measuring service maturity levels over a three-year plan (2023-2025), aligning with the master plan of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai Government.

Implementing the ‘Services 360’ approach has led to tangible results: service automation reached 100%, self-services that do not require physical presence reached 100%, digital adoption of DEWA’s services reached 99.2%, customer happiness reached 98.3%, and service quality reached 95%. In 2023, DEWA’s digital services achieved savings of AED 470 million for customers and AED 35 million for DEWA, in addition to avoiding 41,470 tonnes of carbon emissions.

“In line with our ongoing efforts to serve customers and make them happier, we are keen to provide innovative digital services that allow customers to conduct their transactions anytime, anywhere. This saves their time and efforts and supports DEWA’s strategy for sustainability and environmental protection by reducing the consumption of natural resources. DEWA has achieved notable success in implementing the ‘Services 360’ approach. In the first phase of the implementation, 15 out of 22 services met all standards, exceeding 300% of the targets of the first phase for 2023. The ‘Services 360’ policy provides a roadmap and work plan for government departments in Dubai to provide seamless, proactive, and integrated services that focus on the customers, meet their needs, and enhance their experience in receiving the services, supporting the ‘one government’ concept,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Digital services and smart tools

DEWA provides many digital services and smart tools to help customers better understand and manage their electricity and water consumption. DEWA’s ‘Smart Living’ dashboard enables customers to monitor their daily, monthly, and yearly consumption; ‘My Sustainable Living Programme’ allows them to compare their consumption with similar highly efficient homes and provides customised tips to manage their consumption efficiently; ‘Away Mode’ allows customers to receive consumption reports when they are not at home; and the ‘Consumption Assessment Tool’ provides a detailed report after filling out the consumption assessment. In addition, DEWA provides a wide range of special offers and discounts to its customers through the DEWA Store, in collaboration with many public and private sector companies. The offers encourage customers to adopt a smart and sustainable lifestyle and help transform their houses into smart homes.

‘Services 360’ policy

The ‘Services 360’ policy focuses on eight main principles that unify work streams in providing services across government entities. The principles include a digital-first experience based on the provision of digital and real-time services, as well as adopting a digital identity (UAE Pass) as a unified entry system, while providing full support to the customer. They also include proactive services that enhance communication with customers to anticipate their needs for the services and respond accordingly, ultimately reducing the efforts made by the customers. Additionally, the policy entails an integrated data and services system that minimises data requirements from the customer and facilitates services by connecting databases among government entities, as well as unified and customised channels built based on the customer’s preference and made available 24/7.

ALSO READ: Dubai explores empowering private sector for digital transformation

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Danube Group opens mosque in Dubai Studio City

Named after the Danube Group Founder Rizwan Sajan’s late father, Danube Mosque for Askerali Sajan was inaugurated by Sajan’s mother…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai-based Danube Group opened a new mosque in Dubai Studio City in memory of founder’s late father Askerali Sajan.

Designed in modern and state-of-the-art architecture, the mosque was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder, and Chairman of Danube Group, at a ceremony that was attended by key people from the Government of Dubai, residents from across different cultures, and media personnel.

Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group; Adel Sajan, Managing Director at Danube Group; Azhar Sajan, Director of Casa Milano; Sahil Sajan, Director of Milano and other senior officials attended the opening ceremony and also offered prayers along with hundreds of worshippers at the newly-opened mosque – Danube Mosque for Askerali Sajan.

Located in Al Hebiah Second near Glitz by the Danube in Dubai Studio City, the mosque has been named after Mr. Rizwan Sajan’s late father Askerali Sajan and it was inaugurated by his mother Gulbanu Askerali Sajan.

“We all owe a lot to our parents. And this mosque is a small effort to reward our beloved father and mother who have always been a guide and support for us. We request attendees to always remember them in their prayers and pray for my father’s soul and good health for my mother,” Rizwan Sajan said after the inauguration of the mosque.

Following the opening, hundreds of worshippers – both men and women – offered Taraweeh prayers and prayed to Almighty God to accept the efforts and prayers of the Sajan family and bless the worshippers.

Spread over 3,445 square meters, the mosque can accommodate more than 750 men and women worshippers, providing an opportunity to thousands of residents around the fast-growing Dubai Studio City and areas in its vicinity to offer prayers five times a day. The mosque has also dedicated parking for around 50 vehicles for the worshippers coming for prayers.

The contract to build the Danube Mosque for Askerali Sajan was awarded to Prestige Construction LLC., which has already completed numerous commercial, retail, residential, educational, and healthcare infrastructure projects in the UAE.

“We are very pleased that the mosque has been delivered in time as promised by the contractor. We wanted to open it in the holy month of Ramadan and are excited that the mosque has been opened on the 27th of Ramadan – one of the most auspicious days of the holy month. Let’s all pray and seek the blessings of the Almighty in this most-awaited month of the Hijri calendar. May Almighty allow us to do much more deeds,” Rizwan Sajan said.

The Group has also been contributing to numerous charity initiatives launched by the government. Earlier in March this year, the Danube Group announced an AED 10 million contribution to the Mothers’ Endowment Campaign. Earlier, it also contributed to the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ fund in 2023, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), and numerous others.

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Dubai explores empowering private sector for digital transformation

The objective was to gather the participants’ perspectives and recommendations on how to create an incubating and stimulating environment to support companies’ growth…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, recently organised a networking event with representatives of companies within the digital sector.

The session discussed strategies to empower companies to support Dubai’s digital transformation and maximise the contribution of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, to the emirate’s economic growth.

During the event, which was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, along with Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, a survey was conducted.

The objective was to gather the participants’ perspectives and recommendations on how to create an incubating and stimulating environment to support companies’ growth.

Survey participants affirmed that Dubai offers an advanced work infrastructure for companies across different digital economy sectors. They highlighted the emirate’s ongoing efforts in bolstering international competitiveness and positioning Dubai as an ideal hub for skilled professionals in cutting-edge technologies.

Additionally, they emphasised the importance of initiatives and programmes offered by the Chamber to support companies operating in this sector, particularly in fostering meaningful dialogue between the public and private sectors to address the challenges of advancing the digital economy.

Survey participants also emphasised the necessity of expanding digital knowledge exchange platforms for the private sector. They highlighted the significance of providing support and tailored services to startups, and small and medium-sized companies to enable them to keep up with modern technological advancements, thereby boosting growth, innovative capabilities, and competitive potential.

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy said, “We are keen to regularly engage with the private sector to enhance its contribution towards strengthening Dubai’s status as a global hub for digital economy and a key player in the global digital ecosystem, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Transparent conversations are essential to amplifying the success of Dubai’s digital ecosystem and positioning the emirate as one of the most diversified and agile technology-enabled digital hubs in the world.”

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is committed to driving the success of Dubai’s digital ecosystem and accelerating the emirate’s transformation into one of the world’s leading digital economies in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

ALSO READ-Eid Al Fitr: Dubai unveils action plan to manage public hygiene