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Al Bawaba
13 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Ghaith Al Ghaith receives the Executive Leadership for the Middle East & Africa accolade at the 2025 Airline Strategy Awards
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, has been awarded the Executive Leadership for the Middle East & Africa accolade at the 2025 Airline Strategy Awards in London last Airline Strategy Awards, now in their 21st edition, are globally recognised for celebrating excellence in airline leadership and strategic innovation. Organised by FlightGlobal in partnership with Korn Ferry, the awards are judged by an independent panel of respected industry year's award recognises Ghaith Al Ghaith's strategic leadership and longstanding contribution to the aviation industry in the Middle East and Africa. Since the airline's inception in 2008, he has led the transformation of flydubai into one of the region's most dynamic carriers, building a network of more than 135 destinations across 58 countries, more than 100 of which were underserved markets that previously did not have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE Al Ghaith's leadership, the airline has emerged as a key contributor to the aviation sector, playing a strategic role in supporting Dubai's ambitious economic vision and its position as a global aviation on the award, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: 'it is an honour to receive this award on behalf of the entire flydubai team, whose hard work and dedication have made this achievement possible. This recognition reflects not only our collective efforts but also the visionary leadership and world-class infrastructure of Dubai and the UAE, which have laid the foundation for innovation, growth and long-term success.''Since our launch, our mission has been to enable free flows of trade and tourism and to open up underserved markets. Today, we continue to reach new heights across our fleet, network, workforce and performance. I'm proud of how far we've come and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to grow and evolve, contributing to Dubai's aviation hub along the way. It has been an exceptional journey and I look forward to the next chapter in our success story,' added Al 2024, flydubai achieved its strongest-ever financial performance, reporting a profit of AED 2.5 billion on revenues of AED 12.8 billion, carrying 15.4 million passengers, an 11% compared to 2023. These results reflect Ghaith's ability to steer the airline to new heights, navigating challenges such as supply chain disruptions and broader geopolitical tensions, all while maintaining agility, its commitment to operational efficiency and challenging has also led a growing workforce representing more than 140 nationalities, while further investing in the airline's training programmes and inhouse capabilities. These include the opening of the airline's new Flight Training centre, the launch of the Ab Initio Pilot Training programme, and the groundbreaking of the Aircraft Maintenance continues to invest in its offering, with a major cabin retrofit across its Boeing 737 fleet and plans to add 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to support long-term growth. Its growing partnership network of more than 36 interline and codeshare agreements, which includes Emirates, Air Canada and United Airlines, has expanded its global connectivity, with over 22 million passengers benefitting from its partnership with Emirates alone. Recent enhancements to the passenger experience include its dedicated Business Class check-in area and lounge at Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB), along with its newly refurbished Travel Shop in Dubai and ongoing retrofit programme to refresh its cabins on its fleet of Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft. These ongoing investments demonstrate the airline's unwavering commitment to innovation and providing an enhanced customer experience.
Al Bawaba
a day ago
- Al Bawaba
Inovat wins FAB forward Fintech Challenge, run by First Abu Dhabi Bank and Mastercard
'Inovat', a digital solution that offers a seamless, fully digital value-added tax (VAT) refund experience for travellers to save them money on shopping abroad, has emerged as the winner of the second edition of the FAB forward Fintech Challenge. This collaborative initiative between Mastercard and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) aims to foster fintech innovation in the the tagline 'Drive the future of banking', the competition invited later-stage fintech startups to submit their pioneering solutions to pressing financial challenges across three categories – 'Hyper-personalized Experiences', 'Blockchain-Powered Business' and 'Beyond Banking'. The competition witnessed a strong uptake with over 135 entries received.A panel of experts from Mastercard and FAB evaluated the submissions based on innovation and novelty, market potential, business model and revenue potential, product fit, growth strategy, financial health as well as team and execution. Five selected finalists – Inovat, Crayon Data, Fiskl, Nuclei and Uome – presented their ideas at a pitch day. 'Inovat' was adjudged winner for its innovative fully digital solution that tackles a real traveller pain point through strategic collaboration with banks and airlines. Their solution not only saves customers money abroad but could also enhance FAB's digital engagement winner was announced at an award ceremony hosted at the FAB headquarters in Abu winner, 'Inovat' received a host of benefits, including the opportunity to work on a proof of concept with FAB, exposure to banking leaders, venture capital and potential investment partners as well as a cash prize of $100, FAB forward Fintech Challenge is a core initiative of the long-term collaboration between First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Mastercard, reflecting a shared commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation in the UAE's financial sector. By bringing together FAB's deep regional expertise and Mastercard's global technology leadership, the programme provides fintech startups with access to mentorship, real-world validation, and opportunities to collaborate with leading financial institutions. With a focus on customer-centric innovation and next-generation financial services, the Challenge underscores the importance of collaboration between established industry leaders and emerging fintechs in building a more dynamic and inclusive digital economy for the UAE and beyond.
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Shaileen Jiwa Appointed as New General Manager of Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel
Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, managed by Accor, has announced the appointment of Shaileen Jiwa as its new General Manager, effective June 2025. With more than two decades of global hospitality experience and a strong track record in operational excellence and people-centric leadership, Shaileen will lead the hotel's next growth chapter as one of Dubai's most iconic heritage Sawkins, Vice President Operations, IMET, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems at Accor, commented: 'We are delighted to welcome Shaileen to this landmark property. Her rich international experience and dedication to excellence make her the perfect fit to lead the Queen Elizabeth 2 into its next phase. As we continue to reimagine this iconic ship for today's travellers, her leadership will be instrumental in shaping guest experiences that honour the vessel's storied past while embracing its future potential.'Saeed Al Bannai, Executive Director of Corporate Support Services at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, added: 'The Queen Elizabeth 2 is a maritime treasure and a cultural symbol of Dubai's commitment to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. We are confident that under Shaileen's leadership, the QE2 will continue to flourish as a premier destination for travellers, events, and cultural exchange. We warmly welcome her and look forward to the ship's continued success.'Prior to joining the Queen Elizabeth 2, Shaileen was General Manager at MGallery Gem Forest Nairobi. Her career spans senior leadership roles at world-class properties, including Tribe and Trademark Hotels in Nairobi, the iconic Drake Hotel, and Canada's first Canopy by Hilton in Toronto. She is known for her dynamic leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to create unforgettable guest experiences, earning her a reputation for achieving results and fostering high-performing, inclusive her new role, Shaileen will oversee all operations of the Queen Elizabeth 2, a legendary ocean liner turned floating hotel that continues to welcome guests from around the world and reinforces its position as a leading hospitality, heritage, and events destination in Dubai. Shaileen Jiwa, General Manager of Queen Elizabeth 2, said: 'It is an honour and privilege to take the helm of this historic property. The Queen Elizabeth 2 is more than a hotel, it's a destination with a legacy, a story, and global recognition. I look forward to working with an exceptional team to deliver memorable experiences, foster a culture of excellence, and continue building on the ship's remarkable heritage while shaping its future.'
