Latest news with #Ajman
The National
29 minutes ago
- Sport
- The National
Martial arts prodigy Saif Al Blooshi scores gold at IMMAF Youth Worlds
At 15, Saif Al Blooshi can already claim to have won two world titles in martial arts. The Ajman schoolboy is now a double gold medallist at the International Mixed Martial Art Federation's (IMMAF) Youth World Championships, adding to the title he won at the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship last year. Having made a successful debut in the IMMAF Youth Worlds in 2023, Al Blooshi had to settle for silver in the same event the following year. But that only made him work harder as he bounced back by recording four submissions before a unanimous decision over Tajikistan's Azizullo Mirzoev in the 40-kilogram 14-15 age category final for his second gold in the IMMAF event at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain last week. 'It's been good so far in both my MMA and jiu-jitsu but more work ahead if I have to continue taking my game into the next level,' Al Blooshi told The National. 'It's all about hard work and the sacrifices. When you are successful, it certainly fires your passion for more although success isn't guaranteed, like in any sport. But Alhamdulillah, it has paid off for me and I'm really enjoying it.' Al Blooshi is another youngster who has emerged from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation's school programme and made a successful MMA debut when his coach Ibrahim Al Hosani, a former member of the UAE national jiu-jitsu team, got him into MMA. 'I have been in jiu-jitsu for over eight years and when my coach asked if I wanted to try MMA and a chance to compete in the IMMAF World Youths in Abu Dhabi in 2023, I thought 'why not?',' he said. 'I had a few months of training and won gold on my debut at the World Youths. From there onwards I kept training in jiu-jitsu and MMA and want to pursue both while balancing my studies. 'It didn't take much time to adapt to amateur MMA in which striking with the hands isn't allowed. I was at a decent level in my jiu-jitsu and here I am with two golds and a silver in the three championships.' Al Blooshi is also a member of the UAE national jiu-jitsu age group team. Last year, he bagged a gold in the JJIF World Youth Championship and bronze in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The Emirati teenager has no long-term objectives as he insists on taking one step at a time in his burgeoning martial arts career. 'For the IMMAF World Youths last week, I was training seven days a week and twice a day. It was the summer holidays at school and it allowed me to focus on my preparation,' he said. Having won his second gold, Al Blooshi joined Zamzam Al Hammadi – the first Emirati female to sign a professional contract with the PFL – as a double gold medallist in the IMMAF World Youths. 'I'm still young and have a long road ahead even to think of becoming a MMA pro,' he added. 'I'll leave that for the time being and just focus on what I'm doing right now, which is representing my country. Insha Allah, we'll see where I can reach. 'Both the jiu-jitsu and MMA federations have supported me throughout my journey and of course my parents, particularly my mother. She's my biggest fan and support.' The UAE racked up one gold, two silvers and eight bronzes in the 2025 IMMAF World Youths. Zamzam's younger sister Ghala Al Hammadi and Mahra Al Azeezi secured the two silver medals.
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Man convicted of fraud days before deportation to India in fake currency case
For more than two decades, Moideenabba Ummer Beary is believed to have operated through a network of front companies in the UAE that defrauded suppliers out of millions. But one Indian woman who lost money in a scam he perpetrated refused to back down and won in court. Last month, the Ajman Federal Court of First Instance found Beary, a 52-year-old Indian expat from Karnataka, guilty of defrauding Shahina Shabeer, the owner of Penpal Trading, out of Dh37,878 using a forged cheque. Four days later, Beary, who was also wanted in India in a counterfeit currency case, was deported to Mumbai, ending his long run from the law. Shahina's company had supplied hospitality items to Seven Emirates Spices, a firm fronted by Beary in June 2023. The s cam was first reported by Khaleej Times. 'I had just started my business. Losing that money was a huge blow,' Shahina told Khaleej Times. 'But I wasn't ready to just walk away. I knew if the right people looked at the case, something would be done. Many others who had lost even more told me it wasn't worth pursuing, that it would lead nowhere. But I had faith in this country and its legal system. I truly believed the UAE would stand by those who've been wronged.' She recalled how Beary manipulated the setup. 'He knew how to work the system. None of the companies were in his name. He used unemployed people from India as frontmen. But when he met me, he introduced himself as the owner. That's what helped nail him.' Shahina credited the Ajman Police for taking her complaint seriously and acting swiftly. 'If the case has reached this stage, the credit goes to the Ajman Police.' Her family, she said, was her biggest support. 'Today, we're all proud that we saw this through together.' The court awarded Shahina Dh41,878 in material and moral damages, holding Beary and a co-defendant jointly liable. 'I feel relieved. Justice has been done,' she said. 'I pursued this case not just for myself, but to show other small business owners that it's worth fighting back. It also sends a clear message that fraud won't be tolerated here. This experience has only deepened my trust in the system.' Investigations by Khaleej Times, backed by testimonies from affected business owners and documentation of transactions, show Beary's scam model was simple but effective. He would set up legitimate-looking firms with office spaces and trade licenses, then pose as a staff member. Once goods were procured using dud cheques, the so-called owners would be quickly sent out of the country. The goods, meanwhile, were sold to third parties. Beary was linked to at least a dozen such firms, as per our investigation. These include Royal General Trading, Brazza General Trading, Lifeline Surgical Trading, and Salim Electrical Devices. 'I lost Dh60,000 worth of goods to Royal General Trading in 2016,' said Y.I., a businesswoman who preferred not to disclose her full name. 'I'm so relieved to finally see justice done.' Beary was arrested in August 2023 and remained in jail until his conviction on June 16. On June 20, he was extradited to India, where he faces charges in a case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's federal counter-terrorism body. The case involves the smuggling of fake Indian currency notes. A Red Notice had been issued against him by Interpol back in 2013. According to Indian authorities, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India's top crime investigation agency, tracked Beary with help from Interpol's global network.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies announce strategic alliance to transform WPS services in the UAE
Ajman, United Arab Emirates: Ajman Bank, one of the leading Shariah-compliant banks in the UAE, has partnered with MENSA Technologies, an innovative fintech company, in a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing the delivery of Wage Protection System (WPS) services across the region. This collaboration combines Ajman Bank's robust banking infrastructure with MENSA Technologies' agile digital payroll solutions to provide seamless and timely salary disbursements to a culturally diverse workforce while meeting all regulatory requirements. United by a shared vision of financial inclusion and operational excellence, the partnership introduces a next-generation WPS card solution tailored to the needs of today's representative global employee base. Designed to simplify payroll management, the solution empowers employees regardless of income level or banking access with secure, regulated financial services that extend beyond traditional cash-based systems. Mr. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, stated:"This partnership reflects Ajman Bank's strategic focus on embedding innovation into core banking infrastructure to support national priorities. By integrating agile digital payroll solutions with Shariah-compliant financial services, we are enhancing the wage protection ecosystem in a way that is secure, compliant, and scalable. It enables employers to meet regulatory obligations efficiently, while expanding access to banking for underserved segments of the workforce. As the financial system evolves, Ajman Bank remains committed to delivering purposeful innovation that advances both customer value and economic resilience." This initiative reinforces the infrastructure for compliant, transparent, and inclusive salary disbursement, an essential pillar in the UAE's evolving financial ecosystem. Dr. Mengsha Tan, Chairwoman of Mensha Group, added, "This WPS Cards and Wallets initiative is a powerful testament to Mensha Group's commitment to advancing financial inclusion. Through MensaPay and Mensa Technologies' innovation, combined with Ajman Bank's trusted banking framework, we are providing individuals with the financial tools they truly deserve, contributing significantly to the UAE's ambitious journey." Mr. Muhammad Ashraf, CEO of MensaPay, commented: "At MensaPay, we are immensely proud to enable this significant stride towards financial inclusion and a cashless society in the UAE, Our advanced technology underpins MensaPay's ability to deliver a compliant, efficient, and user-friendly solution with Ajman Bank, opening doors to essential financial services for the under banked." This partnership marks a significant step in reinforcing the UAE's wage protection framework and ensuring financial accessibility for all. By uniting the strengths of regulated Islamic banking and fintech innovation, Ajman Bank and MENSA Technologies are delivering a future-ready WPS model designed for scale, compliance, and inclusion. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can unlock new channels for economic resilience, workforce empowerment, and sustainable growth across the region.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ajman's Department of Finance delivers 730 training hours in first half of 2025
Strategic focus on developing the second line of leadership and expanding specialized certifications in the second half of the year. Ajman – Reinforcing its commitment to human capital development and institutional readiness, the Department of Finance - Ajman delivered 730 training hours during the first half of 2025 as part of its approved training plan for the year. The programs targeted employees across various functional levels, aiming to equip them with future-ready skills and boost overall organizational performance. A total of 17 training programs were conducted, covering strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, future foresight, data analysis, leadership, sustainability, and institutional transformation. In addition, 8 extra sessions were introduced outside the original plan to address specific departmental needs, demonstrating the department's flexible and responsive training approach. The training plan was inclusive of all employee levels, with notable participation rates: 82% of supervisory-level employees and 57% of specialists and operational staff attended the sessions. Approximately 60% of all staff engaged in training programs aligned with the approved plan. Moreover, 53% of the department's projected future training needs were addressed during this period, highlighting a proactive and anticipatory approach to upcoming challenges. The training efforts were particularly geared toward developing the department's second line of leadership and empowering technical and specialized teams. Programs were designed using a flexible methodology tailored to the operational needs of each division. H.E. Marwan Al Ali, Director General of the Department of Finance in Ajman, commented: "We firmly believe that investing in people is the cornerstone of sustainable institutional development. Our 2025 training and development plan reflects our commitment to building a workforce capable of driving transformation, enhancing efficiency, and delivering added value in government performance. Guided by Ajman Government's 2030 vision, we are focused on nurturing future skills aligned with the evolving digital economy and the needs of the next phase." He added: "The results so far confirm that we are on the right track. We will continue to empower our talent and strengthen our institutional readiness to meet the aspirations of our wise leadership and contribute to Ajman's overall development and quality of life." H.E. Al Ali also noted that employees have responded very positively to the programs, which have tangibly addressed performance challenges and skill gaps—ultimately improving team dynamics and work environment. He emphasized that the department plans to expand its offerings in the second half of the year with more specialized certifications and professional diplomas, while placing even greater focus on future leadership development to ensure the sustainability of excellence in Ajman's financial sector. Evaluation results showed a high satisfaction rate of 97% among employees, with positive feedback on content quality and training delivery methods. The department collaborated with leading local and international training providers in leadership, institutional development, and technology to ensure top-tier content and real-world impact. Key programs that had a strong influence on job performance included an artificial intelligence course that enabled employees to use smart tools in daily tasks, and a Power BI data analysis course that significantly enhanced the accuracy and quality of financial reporting. The Department of Finance remains firmly committed to investing in its workforce as a strategic priority, believing that empowering employees is key to government excellence and a driving force behind the goals of Ajman Vision 2030 and the UAE's national agenda, especially in digital transformation, innovation, and financial sustainability.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Empowering brokers with innovation: An interview with Dr Abdulaziz Albawardi, chairman of Skyloov Property Portal
From hidden fees to full transparency, Skyloov is the future of property portals Despite the dominance of major players in the UAE's real estate portal market, a new contender is making headlines by prioritising fairness, innovation, and real value for real estate agencies. Dr Abdulaziz Albawardi, chairman of the Board at Skyloov Property Portal, shares the vision, growth journey, and technological edge that are redefining how brokers and property seekers engage with the market. Question: Dr Abdulaziz, entering the UAE property portal market, home to well-established giants, is a bold move. What inspired this vision? Answer: The inspiration behind launching Skyloov in such a competitive environment stems from a deep commitment to empowering real estate agencies, particularly brokers who are the backbone of the industry. When we analysed the market, we found that many agencies - especially startups - were struggling due to unclear pricing models and a credit-based system that didn't prioritise their interests. Some agencies were forced to close because they simply couldn't keep up with the unfair structure. Skyloov was created to bring fairness, transparency, and support back to the real estate community. We offer a flat-fee model - no credit system, no hidden costs. Whether you list a studio in Ajman or a villa in downtown Dubai, you pay the same affordable price, starting at just Dh750 per month - more than 50 per cent lower than market averages. This approach has made Skyloov an increasingly popular choice for those looking to list or find apartments for sale in Dubai, giving both agencies and property seekers a reliable and cost-effective platform to connect. We also implemented rotational listings, meaning every listing gets visibility. No more being buried on page 99 just because someone else spent more on ad credits. Our focus is clear: help agencies list more and close more. Question: Skyloov is relatively new to the market. Yet, you've already gained impressive traction. Can you share some growth milestones and what drove this success? Answer: Certainly, we launched Skyloov in October 2024, and in just nine months, we've crossed 3.6 million monthly visitors, 130,000+ active listings, and onboarded 1,300 registered real estate agencies, with over 46 million property page views. This growth came with a digital-first strategy. We invested in performance-driven marketing across search engines, social platforms, and programmatic channels. Most importantly, we used AI to analyseuser behaviour, making our property matching smarter and faster. This tech-powered personalisation doesn't just enhance the user experience - it delivers real, high-intent leads to agencies, helping brokers close deals more efficiently. Question: Innovation seems to be at the heart of Skyloov's approach. What features set you apart from other property portals? Answer: Innovation is in our DNA. One of our standout features is "List Your Property" - a self-service tool for property owners to directly upload listings via our website or app. It simplifies the process and puts control in the hands of the owners. We also launched Broker Connect, a unique in-app feature allowing brokers across the UAE to connect in real time. They can send and receive property requests, share listings, and finalize agreements - all from one place. This tool makes collaboration faster and more efficient, helping brokers close deals without the back-and-forth. Another breakthrough is AI Voice Search - a first in the UAE. Users can simply speak naturally, for example, 'a two-bedroom in JVC under 1.2 million,' and instantly get relevant results. It's smart, intuitive, and saves time. Question: Have you seen a measurable impact among agencies using Skyloov? Any success stories to share? Answer: Absolutely. We've seen incredible feedback from agencies. One agency recently received over 1,500 qualified leads in a single quarter, without paying inflated fees. Because we don't operate on a pay-to-play model, agencies of all sizes get a fair shot at visibility and performance. We're giving them not just a platform, but a competitive edge to grow sustainably. Question: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Skyloov in the region? Answer: Our vision is to become the number one property portal in the Middle East, GCC, and Eastern Europe - not just by traffic, but by trust, innovation, and real impact. We aim to be the first platform that property seekers think of and the most reliable partner for agencies. We're not here to replace anyone - we're here to fix a broken system that has, for too long, benefited only a few. The future of real estate in the UAE is collaborative, transparent, and tech driven. Skyloov is here to lead that future. Final thoughts Skyloov's rise in less than a year reflects a deep-rooted understanding of the real estate market's needs and pain points. By combining affordable pricing, real-time collaboration tools, AI-powered personalisation, and a user-first approach, the platform is redefining what a real estate portal should be in the modern era. With a strong foundation, customer-first mindset, and powerful technology, Skyloov is not just disrupting the market - it's setting a new standard for what property portals should be.
