Latest news with #AhmedBinSaeedAlMaktoum
Gulf Today
08-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed approves senior leadership appointments at DIEZ
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has approved new senior leadership appointments within the Authority. This move is in line with DIEZ's strategy to strengthen its leadership governance framework and support its institutional integration and comprehensive transformation journey. The new appointments include Juma Al Matrooshi as Assistant Executive Chairman Investments and Partnerships at DIEZ, and Badr Buhannad as Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasised that these appointments are in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, which highlight the importance of investing in national talent capable of driving economic development. By combining senior-level expertise with the promise of young professionals, this approach aims to empower the next generation of leaders and strengthen the ability of national cadres to lead the next phase of development with efficiency and competence. It also supports the broader goals of enhancing integration and building a more competitive and sustainable economic model. These appointments reflect DIEZ's strategic focus on developing a more integrated and attractive investment environment, while enhancing operational efficiency. This will further strengthen DIEZ's contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai among the world's top three urban economies within the next decade. WAM
Gulf Today
23-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
ForsaTEK 2025 offers platform for high-impact, scalable innovation
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, inaugurated the third edition of ForsaTEK, the innovation platform and annual event organised by the Emirates Group. The event was attended by Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, along with a number of senior executives from the Emirates Group. The annual event is held at the Emirates Group Headquarters and showcases advanced technology partnerships, promising startups, thought-provoking discussions, and emerging talent developing innovative concepts that aim to drive transformative change. This year's forum themes highlighted how artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things are reshaping the aviation sector, while also emphasising the crucial role of human engagement in embracing technology and maximising its effectiveness. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed said, 'Building on the success of the first two editions, ForsaTEK 2025 underpins the Emirates Group's continued commitment to anchoring the next wave of innovations within our business, scaling up existing innovations, supporting startups, and creating a powerful testbed of partnerships that introduce fresh solutions and propel our digital future forward. "The high impact showcases at every part of the innovation pipeline at ForsaTEK 2025 demonstrate how the Emirates Group is building an ecosystem to push new boundaries in AI, technology, research, and digital adoption. We hope all our teams and partners leave the event feeling inspired by tomorrow's possibilities and determined to weave innovation, both big and small, into their everyday work lives." This year, ForsaTEK featured over 40 in-house and partner showcases, strategically organised across the innovation pipeline spectrum, from early-stage research and prototyping, to proof-of-concept trials, and fully launched initiatives being scaled up. Fully launched initiatives included Transguard and Emirates Group Security's advanced autonomous robotics to enhance urban safety and security; dnata Cargo's autonomous drone system for inventory validation; dnata's 3D prototyping and custom manufacturing of spare parts; Emirates Airport Services' AI-enabled aircraft turnaround analysis and resource optimisation system, amongst other aviation and customer-centric innovations. The Trial Zone included several accessibility initiatives including Glidance's groundbreaking self-guided mobility aid enabling safe, independent navigation for the visually impaired; the JeffCAN immersive media chair, blending sensory design and technology to support and engage neurodiverse passengers; the Airbus Accessible and Inclusive cabin featuring a Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) lavatory and personal wheelchair onboard. Maintenance and engineering trials featured an AI and computer vision platform for fast, accurate engine part detection and identification; Apple Vision Pro-based augmented reality maintenance for enhanced visualisation of brake, wheel, and APU assemblies, and drone-based aircraft inspections, for fast, safe, and accurate aircraft exterior inspections. A pitch zone also featured 13 start-ups showcasing their ideas to a panel of VIPs, investors, and tech industry representatives. People and youth engagement areas within the Experience Zone were also activated to showcase innovation journeys and enhance visitor engagement. Sarah Al Amiri delivered ForsaTEK 2025's opening keynote, focused around the 'disruption of technology on public education'. The UAE recently announced the integration of AI into all levels of school curricula to prepare the nation's youth for a world increasingly shaped by a rapidly evolving tech landscape, as well as positioning the UAE as a major global player in artificial intelligence. The event's exciting programme also included world-renowned tech experts and academics like Dr. Mark Esposito, Geostrategist and Advisor at the World Economic Forum and Harvard University Innovation Researcher delving into topics like reinventing and remobilisation of technology strategies; 'Imagineering with Disney'; Younes Bensouda Mourri, Professor of AI at Stanford University who discussed rethinking human intelligence in an AI powered world; humanoid robots; and the future impact of AI on society and human advancement with Shekhar Kapur, Oscar-nominated filmmaker and AI philosopher. At ForsaTEK 2025, the Emirates Group's Afkar app was also launched. Afkar, which means 'ideas' in Arabic, is a company-wide digital platform that allows employees – wherever they work and whatever they do – to play their part in generating new ideas for implementation. The winning concept unveiled at this year's event was the automation of visa validation for customers, removing yet another source of friction for passengers during their travel journeys. WAM
Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Emirates to reintroduce Damascus services after 14 years from July 16
Emirates is set to reintroduce flights to Damascus from July 16, 2025. Operations were suspended to the Syrian capital in 2012, and the return of services follow a comprehensive evaluation in conjunction with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The airline will initially start with three weekly services on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, with plans to expand to four weekly flights from Aug.2, with an additional flight on Saturday. Emirates will expand its Damascus services to daily operations, effective Oct.26. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said, "Emirates is pleased to restart operations to Damascus and support Syria's road ahead by providing better choice and connectivity, essential economic links for inwards investment as well as opening new trade lanes and global market access for the country. Re-establishing air travel and connectivity is also good news for our customers that make up the expansive Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe and the GCC, who are eager to fly back home and reconnect to their roots, and leverage their knowledge, skills, expertise and resources in ongoing development efforts. "We would like to thank the Syrian authorities for their support in strengthening connectivity between Dubai and Damascus and look forward to boosting links to and from the country through our regularly scheduled operations.' Emirates' services to Damascus will operate with a 302-seater Boeing 777-200LR. The flights will open up new opportunities for travellers to conveniently connect to and from the airline's network of nearly 150 destinations and will support the UAE's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and support Syrian aspirations to rebuild and attract foreign investment across key sectors such as energy, construction and agriculture. Emirates customers flying to and from Damascus will also benefit from the airline's codeshare partnership with flydubai, which will complement its flight schedule and provide more options and convenience when flying in and out of the Syrian capital. Emirates commenced services to Damascus in 1988, and prior to suspending operations in 2012 the airline carried over 2.1 million passengers in and out of Syria. The airline currently flies to 13 cities in the Middle East/GCC, serving the region with a total of 191 weekly flights. WAM
Gulf Today
16-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Deal signed to strengthen UAE's position as a global financial hub
In the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and ESCP Business School - Dubai Campus, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates NBD, the leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, to launch a comprehensive programme aimed at building the UAE's financial leadership pipeline. This initiative signifies the commitment of both parties in advancing Emirati talent and strengthening the UAE's position as a global financial hub. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the Dubai Fintech Summit by Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group and His Excellency Abdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was also witnessed by His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and His Excellency Saeed Al Attar, Director General of the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Their presence coincided with the celebration of the launch of a second financial initiative, the 'Dubai Financial Experts Programme,' a joint professional development programme between the DIFC and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development. This programme is designed to support mid-career Emirati financial professionals in their career advancement. The two new finance programmes uniquely bring together the expertise of the private, public and education sectors to build a pipeline of UAE National finance leaders from the mid-managerial level up to the C-suite. Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Emirates NBD Vice Chairman and Managing Director, said: 'Our new CFO programme directly contributes to the UAE's strategic goals, including the Emiratisation of critical leadership roles, while strengthening our knowledge-based economy, and positioning the UAE as a global hub for finance leadership, fintech innovation and overall excellence.' Al Qassim added: 'This programme builds on Emirates NBD's proven track record of Emirati talent development including our exemplary graduate programs, leadership development initiatives, and long-term partnerships with some of the world's leading tertiary institutions. We look forward to seeing this programme deliver tangible outcomes for the UAE's finance sector and the broader nation.' Beyond financial sponsorship of the programme, Emirates NBD will contribute capstone projects, ensuring practical relevance and real-world impact for participants. Emirates NBD will also provide invaluable professional insights and executive support, enriching the learning journey of all participants. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said: 'We are extremely committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of Emirati financial leaders. We will spearhead the selection of 30 exceptional finance professionals from across the government and private sectors to participate in this transformative programme. We will collaborate closely on capstone projects to ensure they directly contribute to our national strategic priorities.' The programme will be comprehensively promoted across key government and private entities, complemented by extensive outreach through Emirates NBD's digital marketing channels. Pr Bastian Dufilhol, Executive Director of ESCP Business School campus in Dubai, said: 'ESCP Business School, with its rich heritage dating back to 1819 and six campuses across Europe, is honoured to partner in this strategic initiative. We will design and deliver a transformative, five-month programme in Finance, leveraging our internationally recognised faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and immersive learning experiences, including coaching, mentoring, case studies and simulations, to empower the next generation of Emirati financial leaders. Our master's in finance has recently been ranked as the first in the world, which reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation in financial education. ESCP is proud to contribute to the UAE and Dubai's education strategy in this field.' Emirates NBD (Emirates NBD) is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) region with a presence in 13 countries, serving over 9 million active customers. As of 31st March 2025, total assets were Dhs 1 trillion, (equivalent to approx. $272 billion). The Group has operations in the UAE, Egypt, India, Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Russia and Bahrain and representative offices in China and Indonesia with a total of 839 branches and 4,539 ATMs / SDMs. Emirates NBD is the leading financial services brand in the UAE with a Brand value of $4.54 billion.
Gulf Today
07-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Ajman-based Indian father of two wins $1m from Dubai Duty Free draw
Dubai Duty Free has announced the winner of its 500th Millennium Millionaire draw, marking a significant milestone for the long-running promotion that has transformed lives for over 25 years. The celebratory draw took place in Concourse B at Dubai International Airport and was attended by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free. His Highness joined the Dubai Duty Free Executive team led by Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi, to conduct the draw and announce the lucky winner. Venugopal Mullacheri, a 52-year-old Indian national based in Ajman became the 500th winner of $1 million, in Millennium Millionaire Series 500 with ticket number 1163 which he purchased in Terminal 2 Arrivals shop on April 23. A Dubai Duty Free employee show the lucky number of the Millennium Millionaire promotion. A resident of Ajman for more than a decade, Mullacheri watched the live draw on Dubai Duty Free's official Facebook page and was ecstatic to hear his name announced. A regular participant in the Dubai Duty Free's promotion for over 15 years, Mullacheri is a father of two and works as an IT support for a company in Ajman. Commenting on his win, Mullacheri said, 'I'm delighted to become the 500th winner of the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire. As a long-time participant in this popular promotion, I'm thrilled to finally be one of the many winners it has created. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free.' Mullacheri, who hails from Kerala is the 249th Indian national to have won $1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999, with Indian nationals being by far the biggest purchasers of tickets. Commenting on the 500th series draw, Dubai Duty Free's Ramesh Cidambi said, 'Our sincere thanks to our Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum for joining us for this milestone Millennium Millionaire draw here today. The very first draw was made during the Dubai Airshow back in November 1999 and over the years this promotion has changed people's lives. Congratulations to Mullacheri, our 500th $1 million winner and to all of our many winners over the years.' Also present at the draw were Salah Tahlak, Deputy Managing Director, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Mona Al Ali, SVP – HR, Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail and Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security. Tickets for the milestone series were sold out in 7 days after it went live on April 21 — significantly faster than the average 20-day sales cycle of a regular Millennium Millionaire series. 37% of the tickets were sold out in the first 12 hours. Participants in the Series 500 represent 123 nationalities, with the top three being Indian, British and Pakistani.
