
Royal Thai Consul General explores business opportunities in Sri City
Highlighting the presence of Thai firm Rockworth in Sri City, Bodgan George, Assistant Vice President (Business Development) provided an overview of the integrated business city's key features. He also elaborated on the state's industrial policy and its robust manufacturing ecosystem.
Highlighting the significance of the visit in enhancing India–Thailand business ties, Sri City MD Dr Ravindra Sannareddy expressed hope that it would inspire more Thai companies to consider India as an investment destination. He mentioned that Sri City is well-positioned to play a meaningful role in deepening the economic partnership between the two nations. Appreciating Sri City's rapid growth and world-class infrastructure, Aribarg viewed it as an emerging hub for global investments. He felt that its integrated setup, pro-investor environment, and robust policy backing would attract more Thai manufacturers. 'There are lots of potentials for Thai business in Sri City. I will recommend this to the Thai business community and also hospitality service providers,' the Consul General remarked. The Consul General toured various business zones, gaining insights into Sri City's planning framework, investment incentives, and operational advantages. They also visited the manufacturing units of Rockworth and Mondelez, and engaged with company leadership.

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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Is UAE giving Golden Visa to farmers? Two Thai women the first receiepients for growing dates abroad
The two Thai women, who run a farm with over 5,000 date palms, participated in the Dubai Dates Festival to showcase their produce and promote cultural exchange/ Image: Khaleej Times, TikTok The UAE's Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after residencies in the region, usually granted to investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and other high-profile professionals. But this year, for the first time, two Thai women running a date farm were awarded the visa, raising questions, and curiosity, about how farming and culture can open unexpected doors. How Two Thai Farmers Became Golden Visa Recipients The two women, owners of Orawan Farm in Thailand, manage a large-scale date plantation with more than 5,000 fruit-bearing palm trees. They're not just farmers; they're also entrepreneurs who've turned their farm into a business, producing and marketing dates within Thailand and beyond. Their recognition didn't come through the usual channels, they didn't apply, invest, or go through a formal process. Instead, they were nominated directly by Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the authority that oversees Golden Visa approvals. The nomination was made during their visit to Dubai, where they were invited participants in the ongoing Dubai Dates Festival. There, they met personally with Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, who acknowledged their work in a face-to-face meeting. According to Khaleej Times, their nomination was based on their role in 'promoting date cultivation beyond the UAE and spreading Emirati heritage and values globally,' helping raise global awareness of the fruit, which holds deep cultural and historical meaning in Emirati life. What Makes Their Story Stand Out On paper, the UAE's Golden Visa program does not list farmers or agricultural workers as eligible categories. It's primarily designed for individuals who contribute to the country's growth through investment, entrepreneurship, real estate, science, culture, education, and humanitarian work. The visa typically goes to business owners, researchers, skilled professionals, or those with significant capital. But this case is different, and that's exactly why it matters. The Thai women aren't just growing dates. They've also been using social media platforms like TikTok to creatively promote the health benefits and cultural relevance of dates, reaching audiences who might not otherwise engage with the topic. They've essentially become informal ambassadors of the fruit, and by extension, of a tradition that's central to the UAE's heritage. Their selection marks the first time the Golden Visa has been awarded to foreigners cultivating dates outside the Emirates, a significant recognition that comes with real advantages. The visa grants 10 years of renewable residency, allows recipients to live and work without employer sponsorship, and includes the ability to sponsor family members and hire domestic staff. For many, it's a gateway to long-term security and flexibility in the UAE. Another factor that sets them apart is their proactive involvement. They travelled from Thailand to take part in a UAE-based cultural and agricultural event, a move that reflects genuine interest and initiative. Participating in a niche festival like this, rather than promoting their work from afar, likely played a role in getting their efforts noticed by local authorities. Where It Happened: The Dubai Dates Festival The award took place during the Dubai Dates Festival, which runs from July 25 to August 1 at Qalaat Al Remaal (Al Remah Fort), along the Dubai–Al Ain Road. The event, now in its second edition, is organized by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center and focuses on both the agricultural and cultural importance of date palms. The festival includes: 13 competition categories, including rare varieties like Dubai Hilwa and awards for Homegrown Palm and Largest Cluster A weeklong date palm auction, held in partnership with Emirates Auction Traditional tools and exhibits, showcasing historical farming methods like digging, pollination, and harvesting A display of archival photographs tracing the stages of date farming Food stalls offering sweets and other traditional products made from dates Open daily from 10am to 10pm, the event blends education, commerce, and cultural storytelling, and it's clear that the Thai women's participation wasn't just a side event. It was central to why they were recognized.


Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Can Singapore's stock exchange compete with Hong Kong's IPO market?
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa for farmers? How two Thai women became the first receiepients for growing dates abroad
The two Thai women, who run a farm with over 5,000 date palms, participated in the Dubai Dates Festival to showcase their produce and promote cultural exchange/ Image: Khaleej Times, TikTok The UAE's Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after residencies in the region, usually granted to investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and other high-profile professionals. But this year, for the first time, two Thai women running a date farm were awarded the visa, raising questions, and curiosity, about how farming and culture can open unexpected doors. How Two Thai Farmers Became Golden Visa Recipients The two women, owners of Orawan Farm in Thailand, manage a large-scale date plantation with more than 5,000 fruit-bearing palm trees. They're not just farmers; they're also entrepreneurs who've turned their farm into a business, producing and marketing dates within Thailand and beyond. Their recognition didn't come through the usual channels, they didn't apply, invest, or go through a formal process. Instead, they were nominated directly by Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the authority that oversees Golden Visa approvals. The nomination was made during their visit to Dubai, where they were invited participants in the ongoing Dubai Dates Festival. There, they met personally with Lt Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA, who acknowledged their work in a face-to-face meeting. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Always Put a Plastic Bottle on Your Tires when Parked, Here's Why Cleverst Undo According to Khaleej Times, their nomination was based on their role in 'promoting date cultivation beyond the UAE and spreading Emirati heritage and values globally,' helping raise global awareness of the fruit, which holds deep cultural and historical meaning in Emirati life. What Makes Their Story Stand Out On paper, the UAE's Golden Visa program does not list farmers or agricultural workers as eligible categories. It's primarily designed for individuals who contribute to the country's growth through investment, entrepreneurship, real estate, science, culture, education, and humanitarian work. The visa typically goes to business owners, researchers, skilled professionals, or those with significant capital. But this case is different, and that's exactly why it matters. The Thai women aren't just growing dates. They've also been using social media platforms like TikTok to creatively promote the health benefits and cultural relevance of dates, reaching audiences who might not otherwise engage with the topic. They've essentially become informal ambassadors of the fruit, and by extension, of a tradition that's central to the UAE's heritage. Their selection marks the first time the Golden Visa has been awarded to foreigners cultivating dates outside the Emirates, a significant recognition that comes with real advantages. The visa grants 10 years of renewable residency, allows recipients to live and work without employer sponsorship, and includes the ability to sponsor family members and hire domestic staff. For many, it's a gateway to long-term security and flexibility in the UAE. Another factor that sets them apart is their proactive involvement. They travelled from Thailand to take part in a UAE-based cultural and agricultural event, a move that reflects genuine interest and initiative. Participating in a niche festival like this, rather than promoting their work from afar, likely played a role in getting their efforts noticed by local authorities. Where It Happened: The Dubai Dates Festival The award took place during the Dubai Dates Festival, which runs from July 25 to August 1 at Qalaat Al Remaal (Al Remah Fort), along the Dubai–Al Ain Road. The event, now in its second edition, is organized by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center and focuses on both the agricultural and cultural importance of date palms. The festival includes: 13 competition categories, including rare varieties like Dubai Hilwa and awards for Homegrown Palm and Largest Cluster A weeklong date palm auction, held in partnership with Emirates Auction Traditional tools and exhibits, showcasing historical farming methods like digging, pollination, and harvesting A display of archival photographs tracing the stages of date farming Food stalls offering sweets and other traditional products made from dates Open daily from 10am to 10pm, the event blends education, commerce, and cultural storytelling, and it's clear that the Thai women's participation wasn't just a side event. It was central to why they were recognized.