Latest news with #DSS
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Women assaulted in Hassan village, DHS leaders stage protest demanding arrest of accused
The Gorur police in Hassan taluk on Thursday registered a case against two residents of a village in the taluk following a complaint of assault on women, and the usage of force against them with intent to outrage their modesty. The accused are identified as Anne Gowda, and his son Harisha. Following a dispute over cultivating a piece of land in the village, the accused assaulted a woman, her son, and her sister on July 22. Based on the complaint by the victims, the police registered a case on charges of outraging modesty, causing hurt with weapons, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, and relevant sections of the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Protest The Hassan district unit of Dalit Hakkugala Samiti (DHS) on Friday staged a protest in Hassan demanding the arrest of the accused in the case. 'The accused allegedly used force against the women with the intent to outrage their modesty. They committed a heinous crime on women. The police should handle the case with seriousness and arrest the accused. Strict measures would help in stopping caste-based atrocities in the district,' the protesters said. M.G. Pruthvi, DHS district convener; H.K. Sandesh, a leader of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS); Dharmesh, CITU district president; T.R. Vijay Kumar of the Madiga Dandora Horata Samiti; Narayana Das of the DSS; H.R. Naveen Kumar, district president of Karnataka Pranth Raitha Sangha; and others participated in the protest. They also submitted a memorandum to the district administration.
Hans India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Unmissable Retail Magic: The Grand Dubai Summer Sale is Here!
Dubai's iconic summer shopping celebration has just gotten grander. As part of the 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the Grand Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS) returns in full swing from July 18 to August 10, bringing citywide offers, unmatched discounts, and thrilling prizes to elevate your shopping experience like never before. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), GDSS is one of the biggest highlights of DSS 2025, offering unbeatable value, family-friendly entertainment, and life-changing rewards across the city's shopping and lifestyle destinations. GDSS is a three-week mega sale event featuring up to 90% off on fashion, electronics, homeware, beauty, luxury items, and more across over 3,000 stores and 800 leading brands. The sale kicks off with a bang on July 18 with the GDSS 12-Hour Sale, a one-day retail extravaganza held at five Majid Al Futtaim malls including Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif, running from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Shoppers can enjoy exclusive flash discounts, limited-time offers, and instant win opportunities across participating outlets. This year's GDSS isn't just about shopping; it's an immersive experience packed with flash sales, exclusive giveaways, cashback offers, and major prizes that transform every shopping trip into an exciting adventure. Here's why GDSS stands out this summer: · Daily Surprises & Flash Sales: Score deals of the day on selected brands, with discounts going up to 90% for limited hours. · Cashback & Rewards: Earn up to 20% cashback and 1 million SHARE points at participating malls. · Shop, Scan & Win: Spend AED 300 or more and scan the in-store QR code to enter a draw to win AED 1 million in cash or an all-new Nissan Patrol. · Skywards Everyday Offers: Members earn 25% bonus Skywards Miles on eligible transactions and a chance to win a share of 1 million Miles. · Visa Card Exclusives: New users of the Skywards Everyday and Skywards Miles Mall apps can earn bonus miles and up to 4X rewards on Visa transactions. Extraordinary Prizes Across the City Beyond the big-ticket cash and car prizes, GDSS brings a slew of exciting giveaways: · Dubai Festival City Mall: Shoppers spending AED 300 or more can enter to win the futuristic Polestar 4 LRSM electric SUV. · Dubai Outlet Mall: Every AED 200 spent puts shoppers in the running to win a SOUEAST SO6 car. · Mercato & Town Centre Jumeirahl: Weekly winners can take home AED 10,000 in cash, while the grand prize is the Jetour T1 SUV. · Rivoli's Beat the Clock Sale (July 25–27): Enjoy big discounts on luxury watches from brands like Longines, Gucci, and Dior, with a chance to win AED 60,000 in gift vouchers. · Gold & Jewellery Flash Sale (July 25–27): Save up to 75% off dazzling collections from Dubai's leading jewellers. More Than Just Shopping GDSS is about creating memories, t oo. From family-favourite attractions featuring beloved characters like Modesh and Dana, to new experiences like the debut of Gahwa Beats, DSS has curated a summer full of entertainment, culture, and culinary discoveries. Don't miss the 10 Dirham Dish promotion and make time for must-see events like The Messi Experience, Arabic Nostalgic Hits 360°, Globally Local by Mohamed Helmy, and Spacetoon Memories. Music and comedy lovers can also catch stellar performances including Natalie Imbruglia live at Dubai Opera, Legacy of the Khans with Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Macy Gray live at Coca-Cola Arena, and the hilarious Atul Khatri live. Dine, Stay, and Save More This Summer GDSS goes beyond shopping, Dubai's hotels and dining scene are turning up the heat with limited-time offers: · DSS ENTERTAINER: Unlock over 7,500 buy-one-get-one-free offers on hotels, restaurants, spas, gyms, and attractions for just AED 195, valid for three months from activation. The perfect way to enjoy more for less this summer. · Dining Deals: Experience gourmet dining at special prices at some of Dubai's most coveted spots: o CLAP – From AED 225 o Equestrian Lounge – From AED 200 o Chic Nonna – From AED 140 o Ruya – From AED 130 o LDC Kitchen – From AED 78 o RARE Brasserie – From AED 95 o L'Amo Bistro Del Mare – From AED 135 o The Artisan – From AED 135 Enjoy summer packages acros s 100+ hotels and 15+ attractions with a host of exclusive offers designed to elevate your stay. From special resident rates and complimentary upgrades to surprise perks and family-friendly bundles, Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, tech buff, or family looking for fun and value, GDSS is the ultimate celebration of summer shopping. So, grab your shopping bags, download your reward apps, and get ready to explore a city transformed into a shopper's paradise. For more information, visit the Dubai Summer Surprises website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram
What's On
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Meet Gahwa Beats Dubai's new coffee shop rave
If you're looking to fuel your summer with something a little different, Gahwa Beats is brewing up something special for coffee shop raves. Launching this Saturday July 26, the brand-new Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) event is set to bring the heat (and the coffee) with a series of high-energy, citywide pop-up parties all celebrating Dubai's vibrant coffee culture. Taking place every Saturday until August 23, Gahwa Beats is your ultimate espresso shot to the soul, a fusion of electrifying DJ sets, live music, dynamic dance shows, and bold brews by DRVN coffee. Each edition promises an immersive experience in a different locations around the city, with a ticket that includes entry and one free coffee for just Dhs100. Where the summer really starts The first edition kicks off at the Theatre of Digital Arts (TODA), Souk Madinat Jumeirah on Saturday, July 26 from 10am to 2pm. Expect an unforgettable atmosphere as the venue transforms into a multisensory celebration of music, movement and coffee-fuelled energy. Internationally renowned DJ Akmaral will headline opening day with her signature mix of house, electronic and techno, guaranteed to get the whole crowd moving. With immersive visuals and performance art all wrapped into one unique venue, TODA is the perfect launchpad for this caffeine-charged series. More than just a party This isn't just a DJ night or a coffee tasting, it's a curated celebration of local culture, creative energy, and the city's love affair with coffee. From aesthetic pop-up settings to surprise performances and musical mixes that reflect the city's pulse, Gahwa Beats is where you come to vibe, sip, dance, and connect. Each Saturday will bring a fresh location and a new flavour of the experience, so be sure to check to track the weekly venue drops. The details Location: Various locations across Dubai Date: Every Saturday from July 26 to August 23 Time: 10am to 2pm Tickets: From Dhs100, includes 1 free coffee We've rounded up 8 of the best garden cafés in Dubai where nature, great coffee, and aesthetic interiors come together. Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
IITM's WiFEX-II to expand fog prediction to North and Northeast India
PUNE: After a decade of successful operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) on Tuesday launched the second phase of the Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX-II). The expanded project will offer localized, runway-specific fog forecasts to several more airports in North and Northeast India, including the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, Hisar Airport in Haryana, and Guwahati Airport in Assam. IITM's WiFEX-II to expand fog prediction to North and Northeast India The WiFEX initiative was launched in the winter of 2015 by IITM under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF). It is among the world's few long-term field experiments focused exclusively on fog—an often unpredictable hazard that frequently disrupts air, rail, and road traffic across the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Over the past ten years, WiFEX scientists have used advanced instruments such as micrometeorology towers, ceilometers, and high-frequency sensors to gather granular data on temperature gradients, humidity, wind speed, turbulence, soil heat, and aerosols. This extensive dataset has enabled the development of a high-resolution (3 km) probabilistic fog forecast model, capable of predicting fog onset, intensity, duration, and dissipation with over 85% accuracy for very dense fog (visibility below 200 meters). 'This has not only improved flight safety but also significantly reduced diversions and delays, saving time and money while minimizing inconvenience to passengers,' said M Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, who launched WiFEX-II in Pune on Tuesday. Beyond forecasting, WiFEX has also deepened scientific understanding of fog formation, revealing the influence of urban heat islands, land-use changes, pollution levels, and airborne particles on fog density and persistence. 'The findings are already informing air quality policies and improving early warning systems,' said Dr. Sachin Ghude, senior scientist at IITM and project lead for WiFEX. Under WiFEX-II, dedicated sensors will be installed at additional airport sites. These sensors will feed real-time data into forecasting systems, enabling airport authorities to make timely operational decisions during fog episodes. The WiFEX-II launch event was attended by IITM Director Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Dr. Ghude, and other senior scientists. On the same occasion, a new State-of-the-Art Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory was also inaugurated at IITM by Dr. Ravichandran. BOX: Coming Soon: Pune and Mumbai to Get Decision Support System for air quality The Decision Support System (DSS), developed by IITM as an advanced layer of its Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), is soon set to be launched in Mumbai and Pune. Currently operational only in Delhi, DSS provides 120-hour air quality forecasts at a 10 km resolution and helps policymakers identify the precise sources of pollution during critical air-quality episodes. 'We are in discussions with the Pune Municipal Corporation and are in the final stage of approvals. We expect Pune to get the system within a year,' said Dr. Sachin Ghude. The system will empower civic authorities with actionable insights, enabling more effective and targeted air pollution control measures.
Hi Dubai
18-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
How to Boost Business Sales During Dubai's Hottest Months
When summer arrives in Dubai, businesses across sectors brace for the inevitable: temperatures soaring above 45°C, residents escaping to cooler destinations, and a sharp drop in retail and in-person engagement. According to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the summer months between June and August typically see a 20–30% decline in consumer footfall, especially in non-tourism sectors. But should this seasonal dip be treated as a pause—or a pivot point? What if the summer slowdown is actually an opportunity in disguise? Could lower day-to-day demand create space to test bolder ideas, improve customer journeys, or tap into overlooked revenue streams? In this article, we explore practical strategies and expert-backed solutions to help businesses not just survive Dubai's hottest months but actually grow. From hyper-targeted digital marketing and inventory optimization to leveraging government-led events like Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), this is your guide to staying commercially active, even when the streets get quiet. Shift Focus to High-Intent Online Shoppers As the mercury rises in Dubai, so does mobile usage. With outdoor footfall declining, people naturally turn to their phones indoors, whether lounging at home, in malls, or during travel breaks. According to a report by Hootsuite and We Are Social, mobile connections in the UAE reached 21.5 million in 2024, with user activity peaking during the summer months when physical movement slows down. But how do you turn this passive scrolling into active sales? One smart tactic is to target high-intent users through behavioral retargeting. These are users who have visited your site, added items to their cart, browsed specific product categories, or interacted with your ads—but haven't purchased yet. Instead of spreading your ad budget thin, you focus on those already halfway through the funnel. Platforms like Google Ads and Meta Business Suite offer precise retargeting options based on user actions, visit frequency, and time spent on product pages. Want to know where your website might be losing them? This is where technical tools make a big difference. Install heatmaps and session recording software (like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity) to see exactly how users navigate your site. You can identify friction points—like buttons people ignore, forms they abandon, or pages where they lose interest. Use these insights to tweak layouts, speed up loading times, or streamline checkout flows—all of which improve conversion rates. Summer might slow things down on the streets, but online, it's peak observation season. The trick is to analyze, personalize, and optimize every digital touchpoint. Offer Time-Limited Micro-Services or Products Summer is the perfect time to repackage what you already offer into smaller, sharper solutions. With people traveling, budgeting, or adjusting their routines, attention spans shrink—and so does willingness to commit long-term. That's where short-term, time-sensitive offerings can shine. Micro-services or seasonal bundles appeal to a need for flexibility and low-risk purchases. A digital marketing agency could introduce a 'Summer SEO Sprint'—a 2-week audit and optimization package. A wellness brand might create an indoor relaxation kit bundled with cooling oils, yoga videos, and healthy snacks. Co-working spaces can launch 'Work from Cool' passes for short-term remote work clients escaping the heat. Think of it as adjusting your offer to meet current habits, not creating from scratch. And the time-limited nature of the offer adds urgency. People tend to respond faster when they know something won't be around next month. According to research in behavioral economics, urgency paired with simplicity reduces decision fatigue and increases conversions. The focus should be on offering something timely, practical, and easy to engage with—something that fits naturally into a customer's summer routine. When your offer feels useful, temporary, and easy to try, it becomes much harder to ignore. Run 'Reverse Campaigns' Geared Towards Traveling Customers Summer in Dubai sees a significant chunk of residents heading abroad—but that doesn't mean they disconnect completely. Many continue to browse, scroll, and shop online while on vacation. So instead of writing them off, why not target them where they already are? Use geotargeted ads and email marketing to reach UAE-based expats while they're overseas. Offer international shipping for products they miss from home, or let them schedule appointments and consultations in advance for their return. A smart example? Salons launching 'Return & Glow' packages that customers can pre-book from Europe or Asia, ensuring a pampering slot right after their flight back. By flipping the narrative and marketing to people outside the country—with a local touch—you stay top-of-mind even when they're miles away. Rethink In-Store Experience: From Retail to Refuge During peak summer, stepping outdoors in Dubai can feel like walking into an oven. For physical stores, this is a chance to reposition—not as mere shopping spots, but as cool, welcoming spaces worth visiting. Small touches go a long way. Install misting systems near entrances, offer complimentary iced drinks, or partner with local cafés for pop-up counters. Parents running errands? A kids' play area inside your store might turn a quick stop into a longer visit. For an added edge, consider using IoT sensors to monitor foot traffic and temperature zones within your space. This data helps you rearrange layouts or add seating in high-stay areas, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. When done right, your store becomes more than retail—it becomes relief. Strategic Collaborations with Opposite-Season Industries While some sectors slow down in summer, others peak. Indoor play centers, home maintenance services, online learning platforms, and AC providers often see steady or increased demand. Collaborating with them can help businesses tap into active audiences without reinventing the wheel. Think bundled promotions—like a retail brand offering discounts through a kids' play zone, or a productivity app co-hosting a webinar with an online course platform. Even a simple referral exchange with an AC service company can drive surprising traffic your way. These cross-industry collaborations don't just share customers; they share momentum. When done right, they keep your business visible and relevant, even when footfall drops. Take Advantage of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) Dubai Summer Surprises brings a surge in local shopping activity, creating a valuable window for businesses to align with the city's seasonal buzz. Align your offers with DSS themes or calendar dates. Whether it's limited-time bundles, store-wide discounts, or gamified shopping rewards, syncing with DSS gives you both visibility and footfall. Better yet, explore co-promotions through DSS-affiliated platforms or malls to amplify reach. If your brand isn't part of the official campaign, you can still echo its momentum by running your own 'summer surprise' sales and promoting them with DSS-style visuals or messaging. Shoppers are already primed to expect value—meet them there. Tap Into Corporate Clients & B2B Upselling Summer might feel quiet on the surface, but key decision-makers in many companies are still working behind the scenes—planning budgets, reviewing vendors, and setting up for Q4. This is a smart time to shift focus toward B2B opportunities. Businesses can roll out corporate-specific packages such as discounted bulk deals, annual service contracts, or mid-year consultations that help clients prepare for the year-end rush. For service-based companies, offering a summer check-in or tune-up plan can position you as a strategic partner, not just a provider. By addressing their needs now—when they have more time and mental space—you increase your chances of becoming part of their long-term plans. Use This Time for Data-Driven Experiments Fewer transactions might seem like a slowdown, but they also reduce the risk of testing new ideas. Summer is the perfect season to run controlled experiments that would be too disruptive during busier months. Try A/B testing everything from pricing models to ad copy to email automation flows. If you've been hesitant to launch a referral system or rework your loyalty program, now's the time to pilot it on a smaller audience and refine based on behavior. The insights you gain now can help you hit the ground running once peak season returns. Upgrade Sales Infrastructure for Post-Summer Gains Slower summer months give you the breathing room to improve the backend of your business. Instead of chasing short-term wins, focus on setting up the right systems that will drive better sales once demand picks up again. Start with simple upgrades: Automate follow-up emails or WhatsApp messages for abandoned carts or post-purchase check-ins. Refine your CRM segments to better target customers based on behavior, spending history, or location. Integrate a smart chatbot that handles common questions, freeing up your team and keeping leads warm. Looking ahead, consider using AI-based forecasting tools to analyze browsing and purchase trends during the summer. This can help predict what your audience might be interested in post-August—and give you a head start on inventory planning, content creation, and campaign development. Think of this as tuning your engine before a race—not immediately flashy, but critical for long-term growth. Slower seasons don't mean your business has to stand still. Summer in Dubai, while challenging, also opens up space for reflection, refinement, and smart experimentation. It's a window where small adjustments—often overlooked during busier months—can quietly shape stronger performance later. Instead of pausing, pick one part of your sales process this week—be it outreach, packaging, or response time—and see how it can be improved. This steady, strategic approach won't just help you survive the heat. It'll prepare you to move faster when things cool down. Also read: The Importance of Cyber Insurance for Dubai Businesses Cyber insurance helps Dubai businesses manage rising digital threats, protect their finances, and stay compliant with evolving data laws. Protect Your Ideas: Trademark Registration in Dubai Learn how to register a trademark in Dubai with this step-by-step 2025 guide. Understand eligibility, costs, legal benefits, and common mistakes to protect your brand effectively in the UAE. UAE Leads the World in Mobile Shopping Adoption: Visa The UAE has become the global leader in mobile shopping, outpacing advanced markets like Singapore and the UK, according to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index released by Visa Acceptance Solutions and PYMNTS Intelligence. Everything You Need to Know About Local SEO in Dubai Explore why local SEO matters, how to implement it effectively, and how to track your success. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to boost your visibility and attract the right customers in Dubai's competitive digital landscape.
