Latest news with #KhaledAlKhawaldeh
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard bets big on ADGM
30 June 2025 22:51 Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi)Addleshaw Goddard, a high-flying, London-headquartered, international law firm, has opened its doors at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking its fifth office in the Middle East — a move reflecting both client demand and the emirate's transformation into a global business and digital assets Hickman, Head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, described the launch as "strategically important" for cementing relationships with major Abu Dhabi-based clients, believing the time was ripe for law firms that may already have a presence in Dubai to expand their presence to the capital – especially as Abu Dhabi Inc, a colloquialism used to describe the enormous sovereign wealth fund and corporate ecosystem in the emirate, continues to grow."There is a lot of client demand for us to be in Abu Dhabi. We do a lot of work for major 'Abu Dhabi Inc' entities already, but historically, there's been reluctance to give material mandates to advisers not physically present in the capital," he told new office positions Addleshaw Goddard to seize opportunities not only in the UAE but globally, Hickman explained, as Abu Dhabi's state-backed investors look increasingly outward, the demand for legal services was only growing. "We anticipate more work for sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, and Abu Dhabi Inc when they deploy capital internationally. Being on the ground in Abu Dhabi lets us support them both at home and abroad."ADGM, the financial free zone on Al Maryah Island, has in recent years emerged as a serious peer to Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). While DIFC has been widely recognised as the Gulf's foremost financial centre, ADGM has differentiated itself by aligning closely with Abu Dhabi government to attract the kind of international businesses the emirate wants."What the ADGM has done, which sets it apart slightly from DIFC, is its coordination with Abu Dhabi authorities like ADIO and ADIA. They've introduced investment incentives to attract high-quality international players, and it's working - every time I visit, I see more Abu Dhabi Inc entities setting up shop," Anna Zeitlin, another partner at Addleshaw Goddard specialising in Fintech and Financial Services told both partners, ADGM's regulatory achievements have been a major draw. Hickman praised its "world-class legal jurisdiction" with English common law at its foundation, calling it a "trusted place to do business" with robust frameworks for dispute resolution. He said the adoption of English law gives investors and businesses legal predictability that many other emerging markets partners also noted how ADGM has evolved from simply hosting banks and international corporations to becoming a magnet for Abu Dhabi's biggest government-related entities — a signal of the free zone's increasing importance as a centre for both local and cross-border the most striking element of ADGM's evolution is its emergence as a global pioneer in digital assets regulation — an area where Zeitlin sees Abu Dhabi ahead of Dubai and most of the world. While Dubai has garnered headlines for creating VARA, its standalone virtual assets authority, Zeitlin emphasised that ADGM had already started developing a digital assets regime before Dubai finalised its approach."Some of the first digital asset players in the Emirates set up in ADGM, and it has been picky about attracting big, legitimate firms. Their regime wasn't imported from English law, it had to be developed from scratch, and it's probably a world leader," Zeitlin said. The strong response to ADGM's digital assets regime has prompted the free zone to expand physically from Maryah Island to neighbouring Reem Island to accommodate new Goddard itself is helping shape the next phase of ADGM's regulations."We work very closely with the FSRA, the financial regulator there, and we are helping them develop some of their new regimes that are coming up in the next few months," she ambitions don't stop with ease of doing business or attracting capital. According to Hickman, it has also taken the region's bankruptcy frameworks to new heights. He pointed to high-profile restructurings like NMC Health, where distressed companies redomiciled into ADGM to benefit from its modern insolvency regime."ADGM has created the leading bankruptcy regime in the Middle East, which supports not only business growth but also provides effective solutions when companies run into distress," he said. Though both partners acknowledge that UAE bankruptcy processes still lagged mature markets in terms of speed and certainty, they see ADGM's approach as a clear sign of Abu Dhabi's intent to provide a full-spectrum financial ecosystem.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Luxury brands race to enter UAE as rich relocate in record numbers: Report
29 June 2025 23:51 Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi)The UAE is rapidly establishing itself as the leading hub for luxury retail in the Middle East, driven by an influx of high-net-worth individuals, surging consumer demand, and ambitious developments that are transforming the nation's retail landscape, according to the newly released Savills Global Luxury Retail Outlook to the report, the UAE recorded the highest net inflow of high-net-worth immigrants globally last year, with 6,700 affluent newcomers relocating to the country. Savills said that this unprecedented migration of wealth is leading to a shift in global brands' perception of the region, elevating it to a priority destination for international luxury brands seeking expansion opportunities.'Set between East and West, the Middle East has become increasingly attractive to brands from across the globe,' said Thea Rowe, Cross-Border Retail Lead, Middle East at Savills Middle East.'With a growing base of affluent residents and strong international visitor reach, it offers a unique opportunity for luxury retail expansion.'The Savills report places Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the top of its Dynamic Wealth Index, which assesses cities based on their appeal to high-net-worth individuals. The report noted that Dubai, in particular, remains one of the most dynamic and high-potential luxury markets worldwide, alongside cities such as Bangkok and luxury retail boom is complemented by the Middle East's fast-growing food and beverage sector, which Savills projects will more than double in size over the next four years. This sectoral growth is expected to strengthen the overall luxury environment, supporting the development of integrated retail and lifestyle destinations, the report it also warned that the Middle East's retail landscape requires agility and deep local insight from international brands looking to enter or expand. The report noted that developers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly demanding comprehensive financial and conceptual proposals within weeks - a pace that can catch global retailers unprepared.'With limited availability and strong demand, flexibility is critical,' Rowe added.'While protecting brand integrity remains essential, those willing to adapt operationally will be best positioned to secure prime locations.'Retail developers are also accelerating the shift toward experiential, lifestyle-focused retail concepts. While this trend mirrors global patterns, Savills pointed out that it is unfolding at a particularly ambitious scale in the Middle East. Looking ahead, Savills expects the region's luxury retail momentum to remain strong. The combination of resilient consumer spending, a steady inflow of wealthy residents, and ongoing investments in high-quality luxury real estate makes the UAE especially well-positioned to attract more flagship stores and exclusive boutique developments from the world's leading luxury brands.
Al Etihad
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Emirati women take leading role in shaping global diplomacy
24 June 2025 00:15 Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi) When Alia Al Suwaidi sat at the negotiating table during a major UAE-US bilateral meeting early in her diplomatic career, one fact stood out — she was the only woman at the table, on either side.'That moment resonated with me,' recalled Al Suwaidi, now Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Washington DC in an embassy blog post. 'It fuelled my career growth and commitment to champion the inclusion and advancement of all women in public service.' Her experience reflects the importance of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, celebrated annually on June 24. The day recognises the vital contributions of women to diplomacy and international peace and highlights the need to accelerate gender equality in foreign affairs, a goal to which the UAE has long been UAE played a leading role in the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution that established the day in 2022, helping ensure that women's leadership in diplomacy is recognised each year by the global Al Suwaidi helps shape UAE-US relations, oversees embassy operations, and mentors aspiring diplomats. Her career trajectory illustrates how women are no longer solitary voices at diplomatic tables but are emerging as central figures shaping international the trailblazing Emirati women on the global stage is Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Permanent Representative to the UN. Nusseibeh has emerged as a champion of multilateralism and gender equality, having served as President of the UN Women Executive Board and Vice President of the UN General Assembly. She also played a key role in securing the resolution that created the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.'Each and every day, women lead and make vital contributions to diplomatic efforts across the globe,' Lana Nusseibeh said in 2022 marking the inauguration of the day. Other prominent Emirati women diplomats include Hend Manea Saeed Al Otaiba, who was the UAE's Ambassador to France, and played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between the UAE and France, and Hafsa Al Olama, the UAE's former Ambassador to Germany, known for her advocacy for education and the advancement of women in public life. Their work is not just about representing the UAE's interests abroad, but about demonstrating how inclusive diplomacy strengthens international cooperation and peacebuilding. Al Suwaidi notes that time and again, women have proven that diplomacy benefits from their participation. The UAE's progress in this area is reflected in the numbers. As of 2022, women made up 43% of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation workforce, and gender parity had been achieved at the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN. Yet globally, challenges persist. UN figures show that women represent just 21% of ambassadors worldwide, and their participation in peace negotiations and mediation remains disproportionately low. Between 1992 and 2019, women accounted for only 13% of negotiators and 6% of mediators in formal peace the UAE, the International Day of Women in Diplomacy offers a chance not only to celebrate progress but to call for further global action. 'Looking ahead to future, I expect to see more women engaged worldwide,' Al Suwaidi said. 'This powerful trend signifies a broader cultural shift toward gender equality in our societies. It also sends a powerful message to young women and girls that they too can aspire to roles in international leadership.' As the world observes this important day, Emirati women diplomats stand as powerful examples of how inclusive diplomacy can deliver more just and sustainable outcomes and why the future of diplomacy must be shaped by voices from all segments of society.
Al Etihad
22-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Meta's ‘Teen Accounts' in UAE explained: Stricter privacy rules rolled out for under-16 Instagram users
22 June 2025 22:18 Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi) Meta has launched its 'Teen Accounts' feature for Instagram in the UAE, positioning the nation as one of the first in the region to benefit from enhanced online safety measures for adolescents. The move reflects the UAE's commitment to advancing digital wellbeing as part of its broader vision for a safe and balanced digital society. The rollout, announced during a youth-focused summit in Dubai last week, aligns closely with national efforts to promote online safety among the youth. How Does It Work? Instagram Teen Accounts introduce a range of built-in safeguards specifically designed to protect users under the age of 16. Among the key features are stricter privacy controls that automatically set teen profiles to private, ensuring that only approved followers can view posts and interact with their messaging is also limited so that teens can receive messages only from followers they have accepted. Sensitive content filters are set at the highest restriction levels, shielding teens from violent, sexual, or harmful material. Additionally, new interaction settings prevent strangers from tagging or mentioning teen users. These changes are aimed at reducing exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate online encounters. Another notable feature is the introduction of time management tools. Teens in the UAE will now see prompts encouraging them to take breaks after 60 minutes of daily usage. Notifications are automatically silenced overnight, between 10 pm and 7 am, to support healthy digital habits and better sleep hygiene.'Instagram Teen Accounts reflect the importance of tailoring teens' online experiences to their developmental stages, and implementing appropriate protections,' Rachel Rodgers, PhD Associate Professor of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, said in a statement.'Younger adolescents are more vulnerable as their skills are still emerging and require additional safeguards and protection. Overall, the settings are age-specific, with younger and older teens being offered different protections.' Digital Safety DriveThe UAE's inclusion in this regional-first rollout underscores its leadership in online safety initiatives, according to Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, during the feature's announcement. The country has been at the forefront of digital governance through initiatives like the National Programme for Digital Wellbeing, led by the Digital Wellbeing have long emphasised the need to protect children and teenagers from the risks associated with excessive or unsafe social media use. The collaboration between Meta and local stakeholders, including government bodies, educators, and parent advocates, is seen as a natural extension of these efforts. Parents' Involvement While Teen Accounts automatically introduce new protections, many parents in the UAE are eager to take a more active role in their children's online experiences. In response, Meta is enhancing its supervision tools to give families greater oversight. Parents will now be able to see who their teen has messaged over the past seven days, though they won't have access to the content of those conversations. They can also set daily time limits for how long their teen can use Instagram, with the app becoming inaccessible once the limit is reached. In addition, parents have the option to block Instagram usage during specific periods, such as nighttime hours, with a single click. To further support informed guidance, Meta is also allowing parents to view the age-appropriate topics their teen has selected to explore, helping them better understand their child's online interests and preferences. What If Teens Misrepresent Their Age? Some teens may attempt to bypass protections by misrepresenting their age. To address this, the company is requiring age verification in more places across the platform and is developing technology to proactively identify accounts that belong to teens, even if those accounts list an adult birth date. This technology will allow Meta to automatically apply Teen Account protections to suspected underage users. The strategy replaces an earlier measure that required age verification for accounts attempting to switch to an adult birthday, which had unintended consequences, such as inadvertently locking out some parents who shared devices with their teens. Alongside these enforcement efforts, Meta is also enhancing its safeguards to ensure teens see age-appropriate content. The platform applies strict rules to remove content that violates its standards and limits the recommendation of sensitive material, including sexually suggestive posts or content related to suicide, self-harm, or sextortion risks.
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Emirati women take the lead in UAE's evolving industrial sector
21 May 2025 03:26 Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi) Emirati women took centre stage in a show of leadership and capability at the Make it in the Emirates conference on Tuesday, underscoring their pivotal role in driving the country's industrial growth. Among the standout voices was Mariam Al Jaberi, Head of Production at Strata Manufacturing, who shared her inspiring journey from technician to industry leader. Speaking to Aletihad after the panel discussion of influential female industrialists hosted by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), Al Jaberi reflected on her 14-year journey at the Al-Ain based aircraft component producer - one of the UAE's flagship manufacturing success stories. "I started in Strata in 2011 as a technician working on aircraft parts for the Airbus A330," she said. "Strata helped me by providing the right training - one year and a half of theory and practical work, completing 1,700 hours to become a qualified technician. Today, I lead all the business units, fabrication, shared services, and assembly."Al Jaberi's story is emblematic of a broader transformation in the UAE's industrial sector, where many Emirati women are not only participating but leading teams. The ADEX-hosted session brought together a distinguished group of women leaders from across the industrial ecosystem, highlighting the UAE's commitment to gender inclusion as a driver of economic Al Jaberi, the inclusion of women at every level of the company is not symbolic but strategic. "In Strata, we have a mix of both genders but over 78% of our staff are women. You'll find Emirati women everywhere - planning, lab, inspection, quality, HR, IT, even project managers, and even on the shop floor," she said. "Today, our CEO is Sara Al Memari. Our HR manager is also a woman. We've gone from zero to leadership. Women can be everywhere and at Strata, they already are."Strata's expansion mirrors this internal growth, with Al Jaberi noting that the production facility that began with only one line has now grown to 30. The company now supplies parts to global aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus - an achievement that Al Jaberi said is a testament to the quality and innovation coming from its UAE-based operations."We are delivering to the US and France - some of the biggest customers in the world. Why do they come to Strata? There is something unique here. It's not just about the product. It's about passion and precision," she said. "Building aircraft parts requires attention to detail, and women excel in that. It's one of the reasons we thrive."The panel discussion echoed this sentiment, with senior figures - such as Dr. Alyazia Al Kuwaiti of Mubadala and Fatima Al Hammadi of KEZAD - emphasising how national strategies are deliberately focused on empowering Emirati women across advanced his opening remarks, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), lauded the importance of ensuring women were the cornerstone of the national industrial strategy. "Empowering Emirati women in the industrial sector is both a national responsibility and a strategic priority," he said. "The success stories we see today reflect an ecosystem that recognises their potential and equips them with the tools to thrive."ADEX, through its financing and strategic initiatives, aims to play a key role in expanding opportunities for Emirati manufacturers - especially those led by women - to access global markets. Looking ahead, Al Jaberi is confident that the UAE's ambitions in manufacturing have no ceiling. Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage "Why not have a fully UAE-made aircraft one day?" she said.
