UAE Balloon to launch 1st edition of Abraham Balloon Festival
The UAE Balloon Team is set to launch the first edition of the Abraham Balloon Festival during the period from 5th to 10th May, 2022, featuring wide international participation…reports Asian Lite News
Captain Pilot Abdulaziz Nasser Al Mansoori, UAE Balloon Team President, expressed his happiness for organising and launching the first edition of the Abraham Balloon Festival, which embodies the aspirations of youth in the region’s countries to live in peace, in line with the Abraham Accords.
UAE Balloon to launch 1st edition of Abraham Balloon Festival
He stressed the importance of launching this festival, which will attract a large number visitors from across the region and the world to showcase the projects and achievements of Middle Eastern countries in various scientific and cultural fields and build bridges of communication between countries of the world.
Al Mansoori added that the festival will include a wide range of heritage, cultural and scientific activities organised by countries from the Middle East and the USA, and will host several regional and international personalities to promote peace, tolerance and coexistence between different cultures of the world.
Emirates NBD Group, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mastercard introduce exclusive card programmes to power Expo experience
The limited-edition cards are designed to enhance the Expo 2020 Dubai experience for both residents and visitors from across the globe…reports Asian Lite News
As a Premier Partner and the Official Banking Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates NBD Group, a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) region, has joined hands with Mastercard, the Official Payment Technology Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, to create two exclusive new card programmes: Emirates NBD Expo Mastercard Prepaid Card and the Emirates Islamic Expo Mastercard Credit Card.
Emirates NBD Group, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mastercard introduce exclusive card programmes to power Expo experience
The limited-edition cards are designed to enhance the Expo 2020 Dubai experience for both residents and visitors from across the globe, while also elevating their time spent in the UAE with memorable and Priceless possibilities to discover year-round. Both cards are underpinned by Mastercard’s secure technology and will be equipped with contactless capabilities for touch-free and seamless transactions.
Emirates NBD Expo Mastercard Prepaid Card
The Emirates NBD Expo Mastercard Prepaid Card is a digital-first offering, issued via a dedicated mobile App, Joyn from Emirates NBD. The product is available to both UAE residents and international visitors for use while in the UAE and provides a fully digital payments experience. The benefits will merge a specially curated selection of offers from Emirates NBD’s Bon Appétit, LiveWell and Good Times programmes, as well as offers from Mastercard’s Priceless Platform, creating a rewarding experience that opens opportunities across the UAE like no other.
With 25 million visits expected at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Emirates NBD Expo Mastercard Prepaid Card will power Expo and the wider UAE experience for tourists and residents, providing access to privileges, deals and discounts of up to 50% at more than 2,000 shopping, dining, wellness, and entertainment touchpoints, as well as access to exclusive Expo-related offers. The reloadable card will provide an enhanced customer experience with personalized offers, while also enabling international visitors to spend in the local UAE Dirham currency.
Cardholders will be able to use the cards to make online purchases as well as contactless in-store payments by adding their card to their preferred digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay). Customers will also have the option to receive a linked physical card if needed.
Suvo Sarkar, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Emirates NBD, said: “As a Premier Partner and the Official Banking Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates NBD is delighted to partner with Mastercard to amplify the Expo experience for millions of visitors. With our position as the country’s preferred bank and frontrunner in the region’s banking sector, the breadth and scale of our partnerships with merchants in the UAE is unparalleled and provides tremendous value to cardholders, especially for international visitors to the UAE during Expo 2020 Dubai. In addition to delivering a fast, intuitive, reliable and seamless payment process, the Emirates NBD Expo Mastercard Prepaid Card empowers cardholders to try new and exciting offerings, making it a quintessential card to enjoy all this first-of-its-kind event in our region has to offer.”
Emirates Islamic Expo Mastercard Credit Card
As the Official Islamic Banking Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates Islamic, part of the Emirates NBD Group, along with Mastercard and Expo 2020 Dubai, have unveiled an exclusive, limited-edition free-for-life co-branded Mastercard World Credit Card, that rewards UAE residents with exclusive privileges during the iconic event.
The Emirates Islamic Expo Mastercard Credit Card offers exceptional value with a wide range of benefits across key Expo partners. Cardholders can earn up to three Emirates Islamic SmartMiles for every AED 1 spent* as well as gain U By Emaar Gold Tier Status, 50% cashback on their first Expo 2020 Dubai ticket transaction, and access to exclusive travel, hotels and lifestyle privileges offered by Mastercard. Other benefits include 10% cashback on fuel, complimentary valet parking service at the Expo 2020 Dubai site, complimentary golf sessions, exclusive dining offers, and access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. Customers can enjoy the flexibility to instantly redeem their Emirates Islamic SmartMiles for flights, hotels, and retail transactions anywhere in the world. Emirates Islamic SmartMiles can also be exchanged with multiple partner loyalty programmes.
Additionally, to celebrate this exclusive launch, customers can earn AED 200/- statement credit* and up to 5,500* Upoints as a welcome bonus, when they apply for the card. Members will be able to add their credit cards to mobile wallets, enabling secure payments on the go.
Wasim Saifi, Deputy CEO – Consumer Banking and Wealth Management, Emirates Islamic, said: “As the official Islamic Banking Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, we are proud to offer UAE residents a limited-edition Expo 2020 Credit Card that not only brings them exceptional value but also pays tribute to this exciting and memorable event in our nation’s history. At Emirates Islamic, we have always innovated to offer genuine value to our customers. We are delighted to deliver a truly unique credit card that helps our customers make the most of this first-of-its-kind experience in our region that will unfold a new world of possibilities for many years to come.”
KHALID ELGIBALI, DIVISION PRESIDENT, MENA, MASTERCARD: “The world’s biggest cultural gathering calls for world-class payment solutions for Expo 2020 Dubai guests and enthusiasts. We are delighted to collaborate with Emirates NBD and Emirates Islamic to bring to consumers from across the globe innovative offerings and connect cardholders to priceless experiences. As the Official Payment Technology Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Mastercard is committed to harnessing the power of technology as we join Expo 2020 Dubai and its partners in the making of a new world.”
Mukhtar Safi, Deputy CEO & CFO at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Our global celebration is all about innovation, collaboration and inspiration, so we are delighted that through our partnerships with Emirates NBD Group and Mastercard, more Expo 2020 visitors will be encouraged to try new and exciting curated offerings – seamlessly.”
The MG Motor Black Edition model confidently displays a sleek, stylish black exterior look, that evidently makes it stand apart from other models in the range…reports Asian Lite News
MG Motor has revealed a new special edition of its popular seven-seater SUV the MG RX8 in the Middle East this September. The MG RX8 Black Edition introduces a bolder, more assertive look to the range, with a raft of all-black interior and exterior style changes in comparison to other RX8 models. Customers can now purchase the car from the MG distributor in their area.
MG_RX8_Black_Edition_Front Grill
The Black Edition model confidently displays a sleek, stylish black exterior look, that evidently makes it to stand apart from other models in the range. The bold new look is supplemented by black side mirror covers, side mouldings, door handles and roof rails, and rounded off by the Black Edition badge and black chrome finish exhaust and bumper at the rear. The MG RX8 is also powered by an electric side-step that is triggered when you open the door to ensure stepping in and out of your car is convenient. Stunning midnight black 20” alloy wheels further elevate the limited edition RX8’s style.
Naturally, the black theme extends to the cabin. The interior of the spacious seven-seater MG RX8 Black Edition is clad in high quality all-black leather, provided by German company ‘Bader’, one of the leading premium leather suppliers in the motoring industry. The highest trim (LUX) comes with ventilated seats to ensure passengers experience nothing but the best comfort. The MG RX8 is robust and spacious, its ample wheelbase and large third-row space clearly sets itself apart from the competition in its segment.With MG’s newest model, customers can embody who they are by doing what they love without any compromise.
TOM LEE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MG MOTOR, MIDDLE EAST: “The MG RX8 is a 7-seater flagship that continues to play a leading role as customer’s favourite MG model ever-since its introduction to the region. We continue to work very hard with our partners to deliver the best and most exceptional MG products our customers deserve, and that caters to their needs here in the region. We are confident that with an exclusive special edition from the MG RX8 – in an all-black trim with 13 unique upgrades – customers will experience individuality, exclusivity as well as uniqueness in this special edition.”
MG’s seven-seater SUV, the RX8 is a flagship model that is extremely well equipped and spacious. A truly capable 4×4, the RX8 offers a real-time 4×4 Torque on Demand (TOD) System, as well as an advanced 4WD system with six different driving modes. The RX8 is powered by an efficient 220HP 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that features Net Blue Technology and develops maximum torque of 360Nm. It is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift gear change. The car also offers a wireless phone charging and smartphone connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto enable to a 10-inch colour touch-screen. The car offers a ‘theatre-style’ seating design that incorporates a shallow front-to-rear gradient that means passengers in the third-row benefit from an exceptional view with unrivalled 884mm of legroom (the largest third-row space in its class).
MG_RX8_Black_Edition_Interior
The MG RX8 Black Edition is now available for sale across the Middle East. This comes at an extremely exciting time for the brand in the region, where it has seen sales rocket over the past couple of years.
The car will be available in one trim at $28,900. Prices vary per market and customers are advised to contact their local MG distributor to check stock availability.
Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE visits The Sustainable City
A delegation headed by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, visited The Sustainable City (TSC), the Middle East’s first fully operational sustainable community…reports Asian Lite News
The ministerial delegation toured the agricultural farms, biodomes that produce around 1 million saplings every year, Sanad Village, the largest rehabilitation and education center for people of determination, and SEE Institute, the positive-energy building which will produce 150% of its energy requirements.
Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE visits The Sustainable City
The delegates lauded TSC’s efforts to comply with the highest standards of environmental sustainability through an integrated and socially inclusive approach while leading sustainable development in the region. They also discussed ways to foster sustainability, raise environmental awareness and accelerate the fight against climate change.
HIS EXCELLENCY DR. AL NUAIMI: “TSC is a prototype of a sustainable community that promotes environment-friendly production and consumption practices in line with the UAE’s drive to achieve sustainability across the board and combat climate change to build a better future for the current and next generations.”
The visit was a major step in strengthening the partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and TSC.
The delegation, including top ministry officials, was welcomed by Eng. Faris Saeed, Chairman of Diamond Developers, and his team.
Thanking the ministerial delegation, Eng. Faris Saeed said: “We are grateful to His Excellency and his delegation for the visit and appreciation. The support from the authorities strengthens our journey of building low-carbon and climate-resilient communities.”
Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE visits The Sustainable City
TSC, which considers the three pillars of sustainability – social, environmental and economic – is globally known for its future-proof sustainable solutions. After receiving worldwide recognition for its successful self-sufficient model, Diamond Developers has launched a second TSC project in the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah. The UAE-based company also has plans to announce more sustainable cities in the region and beyond.
AVEVA and Aramco Plan to Partner to Realize Key Sustainability Goals through Digitalization…reports Asian Lite News
Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, and AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, have announced their intention to form a strategic alliance. Focused on driving sustainability in the region through digital transformation, the partnership will help enable AVEVA to establish their largest digital hub, with an R&D capability, in the Middle East, headquartered in Saudi Arabia. This partnership will represent a significant investment for AVEVA which is also looking to create up to 300 high skill new jobs in the Kingdom by 2030.
Ahmad Al-Sa’adi, Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Aramco
This transformative and groundbreaking partnership is designed to foster a working relationship between the two companies in the deployment of various digital technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Management. AVEVA and Aramco aim to work together to unlock the benefits of these technologies in line with the Kingdom’s move towards industrial sustainability. One of the key focus areas of the partnership would be to utilize digital technologies to support the development and implementation of blue hydrogen and decarbonization facilities in Saudi Arabia in line with the Kingdom’s energy transition strategy. Another area in which the companies intend to work together is in the implementation of cutting-edge predictive analytics technology across Aramco’s operating facilities. This would be one of the largest deployments of such technology in the region and the main goal is to further improve the reliability, performance, and safety of Aramco’s operation.
A key offering for customers in the region through this new hub is intended to be AVEVA’s trademark Digital Twin technology which combines asset design and predictive analytics in order to create a fully integrated, real-time data visualization center that reveals functional insights, unlocks efficiencies, and identifies new pathways to optimize performance. The new hub, through its R&D capability, would contribute to enriching Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy by incorporating world-class research at prominent universities across the Kingdom.
AHMAD AL-SA’ADI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TECHNICAL SERVICES, ARAMCO: “One of the key pillars for realizing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is Digital Transformation. Digital technologies have the potential to accelerate the transformation of the industrial sector and drive it towards more efficient and sustainable operations. Establishing partnerships with leaders in industrial digital software, such as AVEVA, is one of the main elements in our digital transformation strategy and we believe will help us realize our mission of leveraging digital solutions to deliver tomorrow’s energy more sustainably, efficiently, and safely. The regional hub that would be established by AVEVA would contribute to Aramco’s ‘In Kingdom Total Value Add’ (IKTVA) program goals and will facilitate Saudi Arabia’s path to realizing the benefits of a digital economy.”
AVEVA’s CEO Peter Herweck also commented, “AVEVA is proud to be working with Aramco towards an agreement to facilitate its digital transformation journey. Through this partnership, the vision of our companies is to play a fundamental role in industrial sector decarbonization within Saudi Arabia and the delivery of its sustainable goals, bringing capabilities to optimize every aspect of the value chain with sophisticated imaging, data analytics, and deep-learning technologies that this initiative would bring. Through this initiative, AVEVA aims to contribute to creating job opportunities in the Kingdom and throughout the Middle East region.”
A modern and innovative sedan, the K8 combines sportiness and performance with a progressive and sleek exterior design…reports Asian Lite News
Kia Corporation has today announced the arrival of the K8 to the Middle East region, the first model to arrive following the rebirth of the Kia brand and one that exemplifies the automaker’s new purpose and ambitions for the future.
The K8 represents a new model name for Kia and is the first to show the brand’s new design identity as well as the contemporary new Kia logo. The official launch of the K8 in the Middle East region will take place on September 15, 2021. Aside from Korea, the car will be mainly sold in the GCC with KSA being the focus market.
Kia K8 Exterior
With a focus on modern, premium quality and dynamic performance, the K8 moves forward in the sports sedan space and will build on the success of the K7(known as Cadenza in some markets), continuing Kia’s rise towards excellence in the segment later this year.
A modern and innovative sedan, the K8 combines sportiness and performance with a progressive and sleek exterior design.
“Being Kia’s flagship sedan in the MEA region and a representation of our new brand direction, the K8’s launch is a hugely significant moment,” commented Yaser Shabsogh, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Middle East and Africa. “This is the first model to showcase Kia’s latest design identity and new logo, but this is only scratching the surface of what this model is capable of. Every inch of the K8 has been designed to excite, from the striking design to the sophisticated technology and sublime performance.”
Exterior design: embodying an exciting new future
Taking on an all-new name and the first model to be launched following Kia’s recent rebrand, the K8 has been designed with the future in mind.
Kia K8 Interior
At the front sits a new signature frameless ‘tiger nose’ grille that gives the K8 presence and authority. The frameless grille, which is integrated within the front bumper to give a clean yet expansive look, features an intricate diamond lattice designed to express the movement of light. The front lamps include a turn signal that resembles a star could.
Symbolically pointing the way forward – and sitting proudly at the very front of the K8, just above the reimagined ‘tiger nose’ grille – is Kia’s contemporary new logo that expresses ‘symmetry’, ‘rhythm’ and ‘rising’ elements, embodying Kia’s confidence and renewed commitment to customers.
The elongated K8 (5,015mm) features a sporty side profile with a dynamic character line that runs the length of the sedan and takes inspiration from yachts sailing across calm waters. A chrome finish runs along the DLO (Daylight Opening) line and the bottom of the doors, and finishes its journey at the rear lamp – adding confidence and gracefulness to the side of the sports sedan.
Kia K8 Exterior
Completing the progressive yet elegant front and side profile is a dynamic and muscular rear-end that re-interprets the sedan of today as a modern ‘fastback’ passenger car. Strong, dropping shoulders add to the drama of the K8 at the rear, while a clean tailored spoiler beautifully finishes the sporty, low roofline.
Running below the spoiler lip is a futuristic-looking horizontal taillight that carries across the jewel patterned arrangements from the front and side and connects the K8’s next-generation LED rear light clusters.
The 3D vertical clusters hug the corners of the K8, emphasizing clean, angular lines at the rear and further adding depth and width to the rear of the car.
The Kia’s new logo and first-ever K8 badge sit at the rear just below the horizontal light dash.
Kia K8 Interior
All-new car, all-new name
The introduction of an all-new model name – the K8 – is part of Kia’s brand transition and represents the premium space in which the new sports sedan will occupy.
The K8 will offer a comfortable yet high-performance driving experience that will complement the simple, ergonomic ‘first class’ interior. The new model signals an upward journey in design, technology and modernity, delivering a class-leading package that redefines the meaning of sports sedan.
The architecture of Israel’s pavilion is an inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries…reports Asian Lite News
The Israeli pavilion, produced by AVS, a company headed by Malki Shem-Tov, and designed by Knafo Klimor Architects, is 15 meters (M) high and 1,550 square meters (SQM) built up area.
The architecture draws its inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. The pavilion adopts the shape of sand dunes and shaded Middle Eastern streets. These dunes are framed by seven LED screen gates at 15M high using 630SQM LED panels, creating a significant open space for people to gather, discuss and share ideas. The Israeli pavilion plot area comprises a built indoor area of 765SQM with an additional outer shaded area of 828SQM. The Dune surface area is 986SQM.
360 Degree Room
The dunes sit on a raft foundation, the pavilion has a steel structure prepared in the workshop in Dubai and assembled on-site using dry connections and multiple, approved, cladding materials for the finish. The dune floor is formed using a thin layer of concrete on top of a trapezoidal steel paneled structure to create the dune’s unique geometry, this is then topped with sand-colored, recycled rubber.
David Knafo, Managing Director of Knafo Kilmore architects said: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”
The pavilion, spearheaded by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses many unique and smart elements. The LED screen wall can be used by the visitor as a game engagement with people in Israel, as well as have certain control over the live presented content. These LED screens are also the cladding material of the seven gates inner walls. The LED screens will be presenting a variety of images and videos showcasing varied and timely content, such as; reducing world hunger, protecting nature, energy for everyone, water conservation and adaptation for arid countries, health technologies and cyber security. The dune level is also equipped with virtual reality binoculars, allowing visitors to experience the landscape of Israel.
On top of the dune, there is a large, illuminated, feature sign, 15m long and 5m high, using an aluminium structure with a translucent front cover and LED lighting fixtures inside. The sign is formed from letters in “Aravrit”, a font invented by the typographer, Liron Lavi Turkenich. Aravit is a hybrid of two local scripts, combining Hebrew and Arabic characters. Each letter is composed of Arabic on the upper half and Hebrew on the lower half. The meaning of the sign text in both languages is the same, “Towards Tomorrow”.
Seven Gates of the Israel Pavilion
In the main hall inside the pavilion, a 360-degree immersive show on 250SQM of screen, will present the Israeli innovation for a better future. The challenges of our time in medicine and healthcare, in food production and agriculture, in communication and space and in many other critical aspects of human life.
The pavilion creates a microcosm, with a temperate microclimate achieved using shading and sprinklers. The pavilion is designed to be demolished after the expo ends and except for the concrete floor, all the construction material and elements will be recycled.
DAVID KNAFO, MD, KNAFO KILMORE ARCHITECTS: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”
Elazar Cohen, Commissioner General of the Israel Pavilion said: “Our Pavilion reflects the Israeli spirit, which has made us who we are. We are composed of various peoples and cultures. We may walk different paths but we all share today’s same great challenges. We are looking to connect our minds and solves these challenges together.”
This open space overlooking Expo Park is a place to connect minds and find solutions to today’s human issues. The Israeli pavilion echoes the urgent need to reinvent our future by sharing technology achievements, scientific invention and novel ideas for the benefit of all.
Women entrepreneurs lead the way in digital presence
An80% of women entrepreneurs across the Middle East and Africa have a digital business presence according to MasterCard MEA SME Confidence Index…reports Asian Lite News
Despite the gender gap and social challenges, entrepreneurial women across the world and in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are leading the way in tapping into the power of the digital economy to succeed and grow. In new research by Mastercard, women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) believe there are huge benefits of a cash-free economy to their businesses.
According to the inaugural Mastercard MEA SME Confidence Index, 81% of the region’s women entrepreneurs have a digital presence for their businesses, compared to 68% of their male counterparts. In terms of the digital footprint of the region’s women entrepreneurs, social media (71%) leads the way, followed by a company website (57%). In the Middle East and North Africa, more women entrepreneurs had a website (71%) than a social media presence (55%).
Women entrepreneurs lead the way in digital presence
These findings are aligned with Mastercard’s global commitment to connect 25 million women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025, as part of its goal to build a more sustainable and inclusive world.
“The Mastercard MEA SME Confidence Index revealed that over 80% of women entrepreneurs have digital readiness for their business compared to their male counterparts but yet so few have access to funding for their business growth. Globally, women-owned businesses are well represented in the entrepreneurship space, yet it is estimated* that they only access between 2 and 10% of commercial bank finance. This reflects the huge potential SME women entrepreneurs have when we accelerate their access to financial and digital tools which will enable greater gender parity in the business ecosystem,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.
From presence to payments, digital and cash-free economy leads
According to the Mastercard survey, confidence levels around digital transactions are high with 30% of women entrepreneurs in MEA experiencing no challenges in accepting more payments digitally versus cash payments-especially mobile payments (62%), online payments (57%), and card payments (45%).
In Southern Africa, this confidence is further elevated with two-thirds (67%) seeing no challenges to accepting more payments digitally.
Growing confidence levels in digital as a business imperative, is tied to a deeper understanding and wider recognition among SMEs of the advantages that result from a growing digital economy. When asked about the biggest benefits of a cash-free economy to their businesses, women entrepreneurs highlighted the increased efficiency of transactions across multiple channels (60%) and the ease of not handling or processing cash (60%).
They also appreciated having a more convenient way of paying suppliers and employees (59%), faster access to revenues (55%), less potential for fraud (53%) and access to new business growth opportunities (50%).
Women entrepreneurs are innovative risk-takers
In the 2020 Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), evidence already emerged of how women business owners have reacted to a new world of work with renewed confidence and adaptability, tapping into new business opportunities or realigning their business models to cater to new consumer behavior and local or global needs.
Despite challenges around funding, support and attention, Uganda, Botswana, and Ghana were ranked as the world’s three leading economies having the most women business owners (WBO) as a percentage of total business owners in the 2020 MIWE.
The report also mentioned high regard for risk taking, innovativeness, individuality, and creativity in entrepreneurship prevalent in Nigeria and Angola. Growing the contribution of women entrepreneurs is a positive sign, as almost half of the female entrepreneurs (48.7%) around the world report being driven by a desire to contribute to the greater societal good.
In addition to empowering women-led businesses everywhere with digital payments acceptance tools, Mastercard is also advancing social progress through financial literacy training to encourage the growth of entrepreneurship among women:
• Sarah Beydoun, owner of a social impact fashion business in Lebanon, was one of the women entrepreneurs featured in the award-winning Mastercard documentary FIVE – just one of the technology company’s initiatives to encourage by collaborating with inspiring entrepreneurs who are making a positive change.
• Through its partnership with Junior Achievement South Africa, Mastercard has empowered over 3,000 women to gain entrepreneurial skills, start their own ventures and create new jobs.
• The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth awarded a seed funding grant to The Omaness Skinfood Company, which will empower 10,000 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria to run their own skinfood merchant businesses.
The Saudi delegation is chaired by the Saudi ambassador to the Netherlands and permanent representative to the OPCW, Ziyad Al-Attiyah….reports Asian Lite News
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has stressed the importance of making the Middle East a region free from weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons.
A delegation from Saudi Arabia is taking part in the 97th session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) being held between July 6-9 in the Hague, Netherlands, the Arab News reported.
The Saudi delegation is chaired by the Saudi ambassador to the Netherlands and permanent representative to the OPCW, Ziyad Al-Attiyah.
In a speech, Al-Attiyah has urged the need to strengthen cooperation to ban these weapons and prevent their proliferation.
Al-Attiyah also highlighted the Kingdom’s close adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention as it strongly believes in the conventions’ objectives and its role in promoting international peace and security, according to the report.
He also reiterated the Kingdom’s condemnation of the use of chemical weapons or toxic chemicals used as weapons, in any place, by any side and under any circumstances.
He also welcomed the second report of the investigation and identification team on the use of chemicals in Syria, it was reported.
Meanwhile, Iran has confirmed that its position on the country’s 2015 nuclear deal and the removal of sanctions will not change even after the new government under President-elect Ebrahim Raisi takes over next month.
“The government of Raisi will also be committed to it (potential agreement) because adherence to the commitments and promises is always a principle for the Islamic republic,” Xinhua news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh as saying to reporters on Tuesday.
Progress has been made in the nuclear talks in the Austrian capital of Vienna and it is acknowledged by all parties to the negotiation, Khatibzadeh added.
However, there are still important issues that largely need to be decided by other parties, especially the US, as the finalization of the agreement on the revival of the landmark nuclear deal, officially referred to as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), “depends on the political will and tough decisions of other parties involved”, he noted.
Both sides further discussed the efforts made to strengthen the security and stability in the region…reports Asian Lite News
Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman met with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in Neom where they discussed developments in the Middle East.
Both sides further discussed the efforts made to strengthen the security and stability in the region, state news agency SPA reported.
Last month, the UK minister of state for Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly met the Saudi Arabian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir, in Riyadh.
According to Arab News report, the pair reviewed bilateral relations between the the Kingdom and the UK, and developments of common interest on the regional and international levels.
The reception was attended by the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, the director general of the European Administration, Sultan bin Khuzaim, and the British ambassador to the Kingdom, Neil Crompton.
A week before that, Saudi Arabian foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had met UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in London.
Prince Faisal and Secretary Raab discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in Palestine, the Arab News reported.
Dominic Raab
The two officials also discussed strengthening coordination and cooperation on regional and global issues of common interest.
The meeting was attended by Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan, the Kingdom’s ambassador to the UK.
Earlier, UK had welcomed Kingdom’s wide-ranging initiative to bring peace to Yemen and to end the country’s six-year war.
Foreign Secretary Raab had called for a nationwide cease-fire and action to ease humanitarian access restriction.
“The Houthis must now match the steps toward peace and an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people,” said Raab.
The new initiative calls for a nationwide cease-fire supervised by the United Nations, the reopening of Sanaa airport, and new talks to reach a political resolution to the conflict.
