Latest news with #AMEINAHALZEYOUDI
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi families laud municipality's awareness campaign for park cleanliness
26 June 2025 23:12 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Families in Abu Dhabi have expressed their full support for the authorities' latest initiative, which reminds the community of their shared responsibility in maintaining the cleanliness at public parks across the Dhabi City Municipality (ADM) — on behalf of the Department of Municipalities and Transport — recently launched an awareness campaign with a focus on encouraging park visitors to keep their surroundings clean and ensure that any type of waste is disposed of in designated campaign is part of an initiative titled 'Hand in Hand to Preserve Our Beautiful City,' organised in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police and Tadweer recently conducted a cleanup campaign at Al Nahyan Park, involving community members in efforts to pick up litter and promote public Mohammad, who usually visits Umm Al Emarat Park with his family, lauded the campaign, saying it teaches youngsters valuable lessons. 'Parks are not just leisure spaces; they are a shared responsibility. As parents, we must set an example for our children in respecting and preserving our public spaces,' he told Aletihad . Besides visiting popular parks to raise awareness among residents, ADM will be holding educational workshops designed to promote positive behaviour. These sessions encourage adherence to park regulations, highlighting the importance of environmental Al Ali, who recently spent a day with her family at Capital Park, agreed that there should be continuous awareness drives for all residents, including young children. 'The workshops for children were fantastic. I noticed that my kids became more mindful about not littering and following the rules — this is exactly the kind of behavioural shift we need,' Al Ali told Aletihad . Another resident, Mustafa Karm, commended the municipality's initiative as he enjoyed an afternoon with his family at Umm Al Emarat Park. 'It's great to see collaboration between the municipality, police, and Tadweer. Teamwork always yields results, and I hope these campaigns become part of our long-term culture,' he said.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE fintech market to double in five years
26 June 2025 00:52 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)The UAE fintech market value is projected to nearly double from $3.16 billion in 2024 to $5.71 billion by 2029, according to a report released by Emirates NBD in collaboration with 'From Code to Capital: The UAE's FinTech Revolution', the report offers a data-driven overview of the country's fast-maturing fintech ecosystem and was recently unveiled at the Dubai FinTech Summit report underscores the UAE's growing role as a regional fintech leader, backed by investor confidence, regulatory innovation, and widespread digital adoption. In 2024 alone, UAE-based fintech startups raised $265 million in venture capital, accounting for about one-third of all startup funding in the country. Fintech now commands the largest share of the startup funding landscape, representing roughly 32% of all venture capital deployed in the UAE during the first half of Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, said the sector's strong fundraising reflects sustained investor interest. 'The UAE's $265 million of fintech funding in 2024 signals strong investor confidence. Bolstered by a robust venture capital network, diverse talent, and clear exit paths, the UAE is primed to attract even greater investment and cultivate future fintech leaders,' he adoption continues to be a core growth driver. The report reveals that 89% of UAE consumers now use digital-first bank accounts, while smartphone penetration exceeds 90%. This digital readiness, coupled with a youthful population and increasing comfort with digital payments - 88% of users transact regularly online - has created fertile ground for fintech number of fintech companies in the UAE has surged as well. From just 144 firms in 2021, the figure has jumped to 329 in 2025, according to Fintech News Middle East. Dubai remains the primary hub, home to roughly 62% of these companies, while Abu Dhabi continues to expand its fintech cluster within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). About a quarter of the firms operate from outside the the UAE maintained its dominance in the MENA fintech space, capturing about 39% of all fintech investment in the first half of 2024. This resilience is particularly notable given the 45% year-on-year decline in fintech funding across MENA during the same period. While markets like Saudi Arabia showed explosive growth - its fintech funding surged 391% in H1 2024 - the UAE's mature ecosystem and consistent deal flow underpinned its lead Anderson, Strategy Leader at PwC Middle East, highlighted the region's transformation, 'This report illuminates the dynamic fintech landscape within Dubai. We see a region transformed by innovation, driven by technology and visionary strategies.'Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful force reshaping the financial services sector, the report finds. From personalisation and compliance to risk modelling, AI is being embedded across service layers. Emirates NBD has already undergone a shift from pre-AI to post-AI operations, resulting in marked gains in operational efficiency and scalability. Corporate venture capital is also playing a growing role. Banks such as Emirates NBD are actively investing in fintech startups through dedicated funds and incubators, offering not just capital but also market access.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Over half of UAE women lead household spending as they balance career, caregiving
26 June 2025 00:56 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI) More than half of women in the UAE are considered the primary decision-makers for most purchases in their homes, highlighting a trend that underscores the increasing spending power of women worldwide, according to a new report. The report - The Collective Economy: A Global Understanding of Women's Buying Power - was based on a survey of more than 8,700 women across 10 countries, including the UAE. It aimed to explore how women live, spend, and perceive the world, while looking into market trends and where brands a falling short. The study found that women drive 70% to 80% of all purchasing decisions globally - controlling an estimated $31.8 trillion in worldwide spending as of 2024. Yet, many companies continue to market using outdated approaches that ignore how women think, spend, and UAE presents a compelling case study in this consumer landscape, the report said. Women in the country are highly educated, career-oriented, and deeply rooted in family life. They are navigating complex roles in society - balancing work, education, and caregiving - with many saying they control household purchases. Fifty-five percent of UAE women mostly make the decisions when it comes to these expenses at home, the report said. Despite this clear influence, 48% of Emirati women feel brands do not understand them. Additionally, 41% say they do not feel confident or empowered by how women are represented in marketing. This disconnect highlights the need for companies to shift their messaging and better reflect the real lives and values of women consumers. What Matters to UAE Women According to the report, the top three values for women in the UAE are financial stability and security, health and wellbeing, and personal growth and ambition. When defining their identities as consumers, they cite education and knowledge, career and work identity, and their role as mothers or caregivers as most shopping, women prioritise quality and durability, convenience and ease of use, and health and lifestyle benefits. These are discerning consumers who are thoughtful about their choices, and they expect brands to meet their high also plays a critical role in the decision-making process, the survey found. About 66% of women in the UAE say family is central to their daily choices, making it one of the top countries globally in this regard. Emirati women often identify with the 'Empowered Advocate' persona, driven by purpose and responsibility while embracing both ambition and tradition, according to the study. 'Women are telling us what matters to them and what doesn't,' said Thayer Lavielle, EVP and Managing Director of The Collective. 'And they clearly want products that support and reflect their lives, values, and priorities.'
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Emirati youth to sail as traditional sea captains this summer with ADMSA's Nokhatha programme
25 June 2025 01:41 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)This summer, Emirati youth will set sail in a unique cultural experience that will see them become captains of traditional wooden boats. The Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy has charted a course for the adventure with its 'Nokhatha Abu Dhabi' programme, set to launch on June the programme, participants will learn the basics of dhow sailing, navigation, and seamanship. The initiative aims to promote the culture of traditional sailing among the youth and strengthen their connection with the UAE's maritime heritage. It will run for two months and is expected to attract over 200 participants, including sailors and sailing enthusiasts. 'Nokhatha Abu Dhabi is more than just a training programme,' Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy, told Aletihad . 'It is a cultural journey that seeks to pass down the rich maritime knowledge inherited from our ancestors to younger generations.' From reading wind patterns and understanding currents to mastering sail handling and dhow leadership, participants will acquire key skills that prepare them for competitive heritage races and potential inclusion in professional marine sports teams in the future.'Through hands-on training in sailing traditional dhows and exploring the secrets of the sea, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of our history and identity,' Al Suwaidi technical skills, the programme instils core values rooted in Emirati maritime tradition, such as teamwork, patience, commitment, and respect for elders, he are life skills to be learned, too – from leadership and discipline to problem –solving in dynamic environments, effective communication, and competencies not only contribute to their sporting success but also shape resilient, responsible individuals capable of meeting academic and professional challenges with confidence. Aligned with the goals of Year of Community, Nokhatha Abu Dhabi contributes to strengthening social bonds and promoting Emirati values through modern, impactful platforms. Year of Community Continue full coverage Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
UAE's first female chess grandmaster Rouda Al Serkal proves ‘anything is possible' for Emirati youth
24 June 2025 00:15 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)At just 15, Rouda Al Serkal has earned global recognition as a two-time world chess champion and made history as the first Emirati female to achieve the title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM). Her journey to this milestone — achieved after winning the Arab Women's Championship at the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club — has been shaped by talent, determination, and the support of both her family and her she was only 4 years old, she began playing with her father, Essa Alserkal, and other family members before joining the Abu Dhabi Chess Club. By the age of five, she had already shown serious potential. 'Chess was a very fun thing for me when I was a kid, and I enjoyed every part of it,' she said in an interview with Aletihad . Her rise since then has been steady and impressive, with a collection of local and international wins that include the U-20 UAE Championship, World Cadets Under-8 title in 2017, World Schools Under-9 in 2018, a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Under-14, the Jeddah Open Tournament and multiple Arab Women's Champion titles. She also won the World Championship in the Solving Puzzles Category C and the West Asian a woman grandmaster, Rouda joins Salem Abdulrahman as one of only two players from the UAE to hold the grandmaster title. But her achievements have not come without challenges.'There was a lot of hard work there, a lot of sacrifices made,' she said. 'One of the hardest parts was the pressure — from the club, from tournaments, from players around me — because they had high expectations of me. It's pretty stressful dealing with it at such a young age.'Despite the pressure, Rouda has found ways to stay grounded, though balancing school and chess hasn't always been smooth.'Back in middle school, it was manageable. But now that I'm in high school, it's honestly not that easy,' she daily routine reflects the discipline of a champion. She returns home from school at 3:30pm, takes a short break, then heads to the chess club from 4:30 to 8pm before starting her homework.'When I'm travelling for tournaments, it gets even harder. Sometimes I come back and have exams straight away,' she said, admitting she's still figuring out the routine that works best for Rouda looks back at the challenges with pride. 'It wasn't easy dealing with this, but I don't regret any bit of it. I'm very happy that I had to go through those hardships, and I finally reached my dream.'As one of the most memorable milestones in her journey, Rouda highlighted the recent meeting with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Although this was her third meeting with the UAE President, it held special significance.'It was actually my third time meeting His Highness, but this one felt different. We sat down and talked for 15 minutes — it's a memory I will never forget. It was very inspiring. His Highness told me the UAE is very proud of my achievements, very proud of what I've done and encouraged me to keep working hard, both at school and in chess,' she the support of the UAE's leadership for young Emiratis and athletes to pursue their dreams, Rouda hopes others will take that first step, no matter the challenge. 'Anything is possible,' she said confidently. 'It might be difficult, but it's never impossible. Whether you're 10 or 30, married or not, anything is possible. Our country and our leaders have always supported Emiratis and athletes to reach their dreams. With just a little bit of self-confidence, you can do whatever you want.'
