Latest news with #DSS
What's On
11 hours 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
20 hours 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
6 days ago
- 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.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Labor reportedly considering forgiving more than $1bn in welfare debts following court ruling
Debt recovery for overpaid welfare checks is set to resume following a landmark Federal Court ruling, but Labor is reportedly considering a bombshell debt forgiveness measure that would stop the collection. The Federal Court handed down its decision on Tuesday that the method the government had been using since 2020 to calculate and collect debt was valid. The Department of Social Services (DSS) had paused debt repatriation for social security employment checks received before 2020 as it awaited the key court judgment, but the department secretary Michael Lye said the court decision affirmed his 'legal position' and assessment activities would resume. 'Now there is certainty to the legal position, assessment activities will recommence in line with the court's decision and my obligations as secretary,' Mr Lye said. The department could now reassess the debt of up to 160,000 people as far back as 1979, reportedly worth $1.1bn. But the Australian Financial Review reported that government officials were aware that Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was considering options on the overpayments, going as far as to forgive the debts. Greens questioning in senate estimates earlier this year revealed that Services Australia was chasing billions of dollars in decades-old debt. Data showed that up to $4.9bn in unpaid debts were being pursued from more than 829,000 customers. Ms Plibersek did not comment beyond a joint statement released with Katy Gallagher on Tuesday. 'The Albanese Labor government acknowledges the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court in Matthew Chaplin v Secretary, Department of Social Services,' the statement read. 'Income apportionment is a historical practice which ran from the early 1990s to 2020. It is not used today. It has never been used by the Albanese Labor government. 'Income apportionment was a method used by Centrelink to calculate debts in circumstances where they did not have detailed information about days and hours worked. 'This methodology reduced unreasonable reporting burdens and paperwork on welfare recipients and was a genuine misinterpretation of the law. 'The Chaplin decision has reconfirmed that the process of income apportionment was not lawful. It also confirmed that the process used to calculate debt since 2020 is valid. 'The government will now evaluate its impact and develop a suitable response.' Greens social services spokeswoman Penny Allman-Payne criticised the government for 'aggressively targeting income support recipients with cruel and ridiculous debt notices based on dubious data matching methods'. 'Income support payments are already below the poverty line, meaning thousands of income support recipients are making tough choices between skipping meals or paying the rent,' she said. 'The last thing they need is the government hounding them to disprove a dodgy debt notice, sometimes from decades ago. 'The Greens will be urging Labor to act to protect welfare recipients and finally put the Robodebt era behind us.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Labor's debt bombshell after court ruling
Debt recovery for overpaid welfare checks is set to resume following a landmark Federal Court ruling, but Labor is reportedly considering a bombshell debt forgiveness measure that would stop the collection. The Federal Court handed down its decision on Tuesday that the method the government had been using since 2020 to calculate and collect debt was valid. The Department of Social Services (DSS) had paused debt repatriation for social security employment checks received before 2020 as it awaited the key court judgment, but the department secretary Michael Lye said the court decision affirmed his 'legal position' and assessment activities would resume. 'Now there is certainty to the legal position, assessment activities will recommence in line with the court's decision and my obligations as secretary,' Mr Lye said. The department could now reassess the debt of up to 160,000 people as far back as 1979, reportedly worth $1.1bn. But the Australian Financial Review reported that government officials were aware that Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was considering options on the overpayments, going as far as to forgive the debts. Greens questioning in senate estimates earlier this year revealed that Services Australia was chasing billions of dollars in decades-old debt. Data showed that up to $4.9bn in unpaid debts were being pursued from more than 829,000 customers. Ms Plibersek did not comment beyond a joint statement released with Katy Gallagher on Tuesday. 'The Albanese Labor government acknowledges the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court in Matthew Chaplin v Secretary, Department of Social Services,' the statement read. 'Income apportionment is a historical practice which ran from the early 1990s to 2020. It is not used today. It has never been used by the Albanese Labor government. 'Income apportionment was a method used by Centrelink to calculate debts in circumstances where they did not have detailed information about days and hours worked. 'This methodology reduced unreasonable reporting burdens and paperwork on welfare recipients and was a genuine misinterpretation of the law. 'The Chaplin decision has reconfirmed that the process of income apportionment was not lawful. It also confirmed that the process used to calculate debt since 2020 is valid. 'The government will now evaluate its impact and develop a suitable response.' Greens social services spokeswoman Penny Allman-Payne criticised the government for 'aggressively targeting income support recipients with cruel and ridiculous debt notices based on dubious data matching methods'. 'Income support payments are already below the poverty line, meaning thousands of income support recipients are making tough choices between skipping meals or paying the rent,' she said. 'The last thing they need is the government hounding them to disprove a dodgy debt notice, sometimes from decades ago. 'The Greens will be urging Labor to act to protect welfare recipients and finally put the Robodebt era behind us.'
