Latest news with #WISE
Mid East Info
30 minutes ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Ras Al Khaimah network launches to empower, connect and celebrate women, with 50 female leaders present - Middle East Business News and Information
Established by Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Development Office IDO, WISE network is 'about creating space for dialogue, mentorship and opportunity' for women from IDO-affiliated entities Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: Ras Al Khaimah has launched a network for women, with the aim of empowering, uplifting, coaching, connecting and celebrating women from IDO-affiliated entities across the Emirate. In the first-ever event for WISE – Women In Strength and Empowerment, Ras Al Khaimah Women's Network – fifty female top leaders were in attendance as inspiring conversations and a panel discussion were built around the theme of 'Women in Leadership'. The WISE network was established by the Emirate's Investment and Development Office IDO to provide a platform that supports women across IDO-affiliated entities, highlights female leaders, fosters peer connections and seeks to make a long-term impact through structured and ongoing engagement. WISE aims to empower women, both professionally and personally, to build a visible, connected community of female leaders and encourage mentorship, growth and leadership development. The establishment of the network recognizes that long-term progress and inclusive development depend on ensuring women have the visibility, support and opportunities needed to lead, thrive and shape the future of Ras Al Khaimah. His Excellency Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director of the IDO, said: 'The launch of WISE , Ras Al Khaimah Women's Network, is a meaningful step forward in our ongoing journey to ensure a more inclusive, connected and empowered society. Women have always played a vital role in shaping our Emirate's story, and this network offers a dedicated platform to support their continued growth, leadership and visibility across all sectors. 'It is about more than recognition; it is about creating space for dialogue, mentorship and opportunity, and ensuring that women from all IDO-affiliated organizations are equipped and encouraged to lead. By investing in the potential of women, we are investing in the long-term success, innovation and resilience of Ras Al Khaimah.' Launched at the Movenpick Resort, Al Marjan Island, the first WISE event featured conversations with notable C-suite female leaders from Ras Al Khaimah and beyond, as well as a panel discussion with speakers including Sherri DeSalvio, VP Pre-Opening Planning & Strategic Initiatives at Wynn Al Marjan Island, Mandy Van De Velde, Senior VP Investment at IDO and Dr. Alida Scholtz, CFO at RAKEZ. The session was moderated by Dr Lina Almarestani, Senior Manager at PwC Academy. Future WISE events will expand to include more women, with senior female leaders serving as mentors and coaches. Meetings will be regular and both in person and virtually. About the Investment and Development Office: The Investment and Development Office (IDO) is the investment arm of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. It was established by Emiri Decree in 2004 and is a pillar of the Emirate's development and prosperity. IDO's mandate is to generate superior and reliable financial returns and to drive sustainable economic growth and diversification for the Emirate and its people, for generations to come. IDO's portfolio spans a wide range of sectors, with both listed and non-listed investments. About Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah RAK, the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is defined by its natural diversity, rich history and a forward-thinking vision, led by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. His focus on sustainable development, economic prosperity, environmental conservation, social development and innovation has shaped RAK into an ideal environment to live, work and invest. With a strategic location connecting East and West – placing one third of the world's population within four hours' flying time – RAK is a gateway to key markets, such as the UAE, Middle East, Africa, India and beyond. RAK's economy is among the most diversified in the region, with no single sector contributing more than 27% to its GDP. The Emirate offers a business-friendly environment, with simplified, customizable services, low operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and one of the world's lowest corporate tax rates. Its efficient judicial system, recognized by the World Bank, ensures fairness and transparency. RAK also boasts world-class infrastructure, including multiple seaports strategically close to the Strait of Hormuz and major international shipping lanes, an international airport and extensive logistics capabilities. RAK is home to over 50,000 companies from 100+ countries, including industry leaders and global exporters, such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar. Over 30,000 of these businesses operate within Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the region's largest free zones, while RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO) reinforces the Emirate's ambition to become a global hub for Web3 and digital assets. RAK's economic strength is reflected by 15+ years of consistent 'A'-range Fitch and S&P credit ratings, with both agencies upgrading RAK in 2024, to 'A/A-1' by S&P and 'A+' by Fitch. RAK has a multicultural society of 0.4 million people from 150 countries and offers a high quality of life, including accessible luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle. Significant investment in RAK's real estate, hospitality and tourism sectors in recent years is seeing signature luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Fairmont and La Mer By Elie Saab joining existing landmarks from Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton and Mövenpick. Projects such as RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, with innovative Grade A office spaces and modern, sustainable residential areas creating a desirable location for upscale living. As a fast-growing tourism destination, RAK has become synonymous with adventure, culture and leisure. Its adventure tourism, especially at Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, its stunning natural beauty, including 68km of beaches spanning the majority of a near-80km coastline, and 7,000 years of history further enhance its universal appeal. Four of RAK's archaeological sites are on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites. With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up, a competitive cost of living and high quality of life , Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities, making it a destination that truly embraces potential.
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ras Al Khaimah network launches to empower, connect and celebrate women, with 50 female leaders present
Established by Ras Al Khaimah Investment and Development Office (IDO), WISE network is 'about creating space for dialogue, mentorship and opportunity' for women from IDO-affiliated entities Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: Ras Al Khaimah has launched a network for women, with the aim of empowering, uplifting, coaching, connecting and celebrating women from IDO-affiliated entities across the Emirate. In the first-ever event for WISE – Women In Strength and Empowerment, Ras Al Khaimah Women's Network – fifty female top leaders were in attendance as inspiring conversations and a panel discussion were built around the theme of 'Women in Leadership'. The WISE network was established by the Emirate's Investment and Development Office (IDO) to provide a platform that supports women across IDO-affiliated entities, highlights female leaders, fosters peer connections and seeks to make a long-term impact through structured and ongoing engagement. WISE aims to empower women, both professionally and personally, to build a visible, connected community of female leaders and encourage mentorship, growth and leadership development. The establishment of the network recognizes that long-term progress and inclusive development depend on ensuring women have the visibility, support and opportunities needed to lead, thrive and shape the future of Ras Al Khaimah. His Excellency Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director of the IDO, said: 'The launch of WISE, Ras Al Khaimah Women's Network, is a meaningful step forward in our ongoing journey to ensure a more inclusive, connected and empowered society. Women have always played a vital role in shaping our Emirate's story, and this network offers a dedicated platform to support their continued growth, leadership and visibility across all sectors. 'It is about more than recognition; it is about creating space for dialogue, mentorship and opportunity, and ensuring that women from all IDO-affiliated organizations are equipped and encouraged to lead. By investing in the potential of women, we are investing in the long-term success, innovation and resilience of Ras Al Khaimah.' Launched at the Movenpick Resort, Al Marjan Island, the first WISE event featured conversations with notable C-suite female leaders from Ras Al Khaimah and beyond, as well as a panel discussion with speakers including Sherri DeSalvio, VP Pre-Opening Planning & Strategic Initiatives at Wynn Al Marjan Island, Mandy Van De Velde, Senior VP Investment at IDO and Dr. Alida Scholtz, CFO at RAKEZ. The session was moderated by Dr Lina Almarestani, Senior Manager at PwC Academy. Future WISE events will expand to include more women, with senior female leaders serving as mentors and coaches. Meetings will be regular and both in person and virtually. About the Investment and Development Office The Investment and Development Office (IDO) is the investment arm of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. It was established by Emiri Decree in 2004 and is a pillar of the Emirate's development and prosperity. IDO's mandate is to generate superior and reliable financial returns and to drive sustainable economic growth and diversification for the Emirate and its people, for generations to come. IDO's portfolio spans a wide range of sectors, with both listed and non-listed investments. About Ras Al Khaimah Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is defined by its natural diversity, rich history and a forward-thinking vision, led by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. His focus on sustainable development, economic prosperity, environmental conservation, social development and innovation has shaped RAK into an ideal environment to live, work and invest. With a strategic location connecting East and West – placing one third of the world's population within four hours' flying time – RAK is a gateway to key markets, such as the UAE, Middle East, Africa, India and beyond. RAK's economy is among the most diversified in the region, with no single sector contributing more than 27% to its GDP. The Emirate offers a business-friendly environment, with simplified, customizable services, low operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and one of the world's lowest corporate tax rates. Its efficient judicial system, recognized by the World Bank, ensures fairness and transparency. RAK also boasts world-class infrastructure, including multiple seaports strategically close to the Strait of Hormuz and major international shipping lanes, an international airport and extensive logistics capabilities. RAK is home to over 50,000 companies from 100+ countries, including industry leaders and global exporters, such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar. Over 30,000 of these businesses operate within Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), one of the region's largest free zones, while RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO) reinforces the Emirate's ambition to become a global hub for Web3 and digital assets. RAK's economic strength is reflected by 15+ years of consistent 'A'-range Fitch and S&P credit ratings, with both agencies upgrading RAK in 2024, to 'A/A-1' by S&P and 'A+' by Fitch. RAK has a multicultural society of 0.4 million people from 150 countries and offers a high quality of life, including accessible luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle. Significant investment in RAK's real estate, hospitality and tourism sectors in recent years is seeing signature luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Fairmont and La Mer By Elie Saab joining existing landmarks from Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton and Mövenpick. Projects such as RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, with innovative Grade A office spaces and modern, sustainable residential areas creating a desirable location for upscale living. As a fast-growing tourism destination, RAK has become synonymous with adventure, culture and leisure. Its adventure tourism, especially at Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, its stunning natural beauty, including 68km of beaches spanning the majority of a near-80km coastline, and 7,000 years of history further enhance its universal appeal. Four of RAK's archaeological sites are on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites. With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up, a competitive cost of living and high quality of life, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities, making it a destination that truly embraces potential.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Builder refuses to pay £500 fly-tipping penalty
A builder has accused a private enforcement firm of bullying him to pay £500 after he left building materials on a grass Brown was working on a house in Bye Pass Road in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, where he was issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) for a specialist solicitor has told the BBC that the FPN was incorrectly issued, as the building materials had not been discarded and were therefore not was issued by Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE) - a firm that works with more than 40 local authorities across England, including in Broxtowe where Mr Brown was working. WISE has not responded to a request for comment. WISE says it issues people with FPNs for offences such as littering, dog fouling and fly-posting, and it claims to have "an impressive 79% payment rate".Mr Brown said the FPN was "utterly ridiculous" and he would rather be taken to court than pay it."It's just bullying tactics," said Mr Brown. "It was as though he was waiting to pounce... he just didn't seem to have any feelings."It was really upsetting. My wife was really upset - we can't afford to pay this."Mr Brown said other people shared similar experiences when his wife posted about it on Facebook."I think these companies are out to make a quick buck and upset people," he said. Why was the FPN issued? Mr Brown was issued with the FPN on Tuesday 24 said he left two bags of sand on a grass verge just outside the boundary of the property he was working on, because the driveway was full with two cars and a Brown said he was working inside the property when an officer knocked on the window and asked him to go outside."I went out and he wanted my name and address," said Mr Brown."I was a bit reluctant to give it him but he said 'you could be in a lot of trouble'."Although the officer was working for WISE, Mr Brown said he was wearing a top that said "Broxtowe Borough Council".Mr Brown said the officer pointed to the two bags of sand and accused him of fly-tipping."I said to him, 'OK mate, I'm sorry if there's been a misunderstanding, I'll remove it now'," said Mr Brown. "But he said 'no it's too late'."The officer then issued a printed FPN asking him to pay £500 as an "alternative to prosecution". Is the £500 penalty enforceable? The FPN was issued under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act claims Mr Brown committed an offence of Michael Orlik, an independent solicitor who specialises in highways, told the BBC that the FPN had been issued incorrectly."It has been issued because the builder is alleged to have deposited waste unlawfully, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act, but under section 75, waste means any substance or object which the holder discards," said Mr Orlik."Clearly the builder has not discarded these bags, so it's not waste."Mr Orlik said Mr Brown should appeal against the FPN."They should cancel it having found out their mistake," said Mr Mr Brown does not pay, he could be prosecuted and taken to court, where his case would be heard before a district judge, or two or three lay magistrates."That's where he would say 'I'm not going to pay it, I'm not liable to pay it, you've got to prove beyond reasonable doubt that this is an offence, and that I discarded it, but I haven't discarded it, I'm using it'," said Mr Orlik."No solicitor can ever forecast a judge, but I think it's most unlikely there would be a conviction, and the charge would be dismissed."Mr Orlik said leaving building materials on a grass verge could be an offence under the Highways Act 1980, but only the highway authority could enforce would be Nottinghamshire County Council, rather than Broxtowe Borough Council."A highway inspector could arrive on the site under section 149 of the Highways Act 1980 and say to the builder, 'please remove this, it's a nuisance'," said Mr Orlik."It's hardly a nuisance, because the photograph shows that there's a carriageway, a footway, and a verge, and people are unlikely to walk on the verge so it's not a nuisance." What has the council said? Broxtowe Borough Council has been using WISE officers to enforce fly-tipping and littering laws since April, as part of a 12-month trial a statement, the council said: "The council uses a third party contractor, WISE, for enforcement on fly-tipping and littering in the borough and are therefore unable to comment on individual cases."However, residents are able to appeal a fixed penalty notice by contacting broxtowe@ or call 0333 577 2949."The BBC asked the council for details about its financial arrangement with WISE, including how money from the FPNs is split, but the council has not responded to a press release issued in May, the council said income from FPNs "can only be allocated towards measures that mitigate fly-tipping incidents or support actions that will help to prevent further issues".Broxtowe borough councillor Tyler Marsh, ward councillor for where the FPN was issued, said he had spoken to Mr Brown and would monitor what happened."I have spoken with Frank and the relevant council officer and will be monitoring the progress of the appeal, as well as scrutinising the contract and current operations of WISE in Broxtowe," he said."WISE's contract with the council is currently in its trial period. As councillors, we will factor reports like this into our review process and determine whether this approach is working for residents."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
NASA observes brightest black hole blasts since the Big Bang
NASA, along with the European Space Agency (ESA) and several ground-based observatories, has detected some of the most powerful space explosions ever recorded. These dramatic events happened when giant black holes tore apart massive stars. The explosions were so intense that they released more energy than 100 supernovae, which are already among the brightest events in space. These rare outbursts, known as " extreme nuclear transients ," revealed black holes that were previously hidden in distant galaxies. One such explosion, nicknamed 'Barbie,' was one of three spotted by astronomers. These powerful flashes of light lasted for months and are giving scientists new insight into how black holes behave and how they help shape the galaxies around them. They may even help us detect black holes that existed over 12 billion years ago, closer to the beginning of the universe. NASA captures black holes exposed by devouring stars Most black holes are invisible because they don't emit light unless they are actively feeding. However, when a star gets too close to a black hole, it gets pulled in and shredded apart. This violent process, called a tidal disruption event, causes the black hole to light up with a bright flash of energy across many wavelengths, including ultraviolet light, X-rays, and infrared. Using data from NASA's Swift Observatory, ESA's Gaia mission, WISE/NEOWISE, and many Earth-based telescopes, scientists captured these rare events. The black holes involved in these cases swallowed stars that were three to ten times bigger than our Sun. The energy from these events built up over more than 100 days and then slowly faded over the next 150 days. The 'Barbie' event was first noticed in 2020 by the Zwicky Transient Facility, a sky survey project in California. Two similar explosions were recorded by Gaia in 2016 and 2018. NASA's Swift telescope helped confirm that these were black holes tearing stars apart, and not just exploding stars or other kinds of space activity. The radiation from these events also lit up the dusty areas around the black holes, giving scientists a closer look at the environments where these giants live. A new way to discover ancient black holes These extreme nuclear transients are giving astronomers a new tool to find supermassive black holes that are otherwise invisible, especially in the early universe. Scientists believe that 90 percent of black holes from that time are inactive, meaning they don't consume anything and stay completely dark. But if one of those ancient black holes rips apart a star, it briefly becomes visible. As the universe expands, the light from these old explosions stretches into infrared light, which is harder to see with regular telescopes. Fortunately, NASA's upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, planned to launch by 2027, is designed to detect this kind of stretched infrared light. With its powerful sensors and wide view of the sky, it could spot these rare events from as far back as 12 billion years ago, when the universe was only about 10 percent as old as it is today. This research was supported by NASA's FINESST grant program and the Hubble Fellowship. According to lead author Jason Hinkle, these findings give astronomers a roadmap for finding more hidden black holes and understanding how they grow and influence the universe over billions of years.
The Age
6 days ago
- The Age
As a solo traveller, four simple rules keep me safe and thriving
This article is part of Traveller's Holiday Guide to solo travel. See all stories. As more people than ever are unwilling to postpone their travel plans to wait for a partner or travel buddy to join them, interest in solo travel has exploded. Yet despite this, tackling a first solo trip can seem intimidating. Founder of the Scouts, Robert Baden-Powell, knew a thing or two about self-reliance. Beyond 'be prepared', add these tips to your solo travel toolkit. Find one's way by night and by day On a recent trip to Morocco, I had a few days on my own before joining a tour. On my first morning, the hotel manager brought me some mint tea and pulled out a copy of a hand-drawn map. 'This is a map I have created for guests,' he said, 'because I want everyone to know how to safely explore the Medina, and most importantly, how to find their way back to us.' Mohamed set me a task: on my first excursion into Marrakesh's thousand-year-old maze, he wanted me to ignore temptation and focus exclusively on finding specific landmarks. He showed me all the places on the map I needed to recognise so I wouldn't get lost. It was a fun game, and it worked. This exercise set me up to explore the rest of the city with confidence. No matter where I was, and even if I was temporarily lost, I knew that I'd be able to find my way home. It's a strategy that's useful for any new destination. Add in local taxi or rideshare and public transport apps on your phone (enable global roaming or buy a local e-sim), pre-book transport for late arrivals into new destinations, and you'll feel confident getting around alone. Notice things rapidly and at a distance This is where solo travellers often have an advantage over people travelling in pairs or groups. If you're travelling alone, you're always aware of your belongings, who's nearby, and what's happening around you. Implementing the orienteering tip above will make sure you're not always looking at your phone for guidance, too. Keep your luggage light. Every time I take a large suitcase with me on a trip, I regret it. A small bag means you can move around easily, and there's no reason for opportunists to offer unwelcome 'help'. If your gut tells you you're not in a great area, backtrack until you feel comfortable or duck into a cafe or shop to recalibrate. My Marrakesh experience reminded me that hotel managers and rental hosts are a goldmine of local information and destination safety advice. Make the most of their knowledge. Use resources wisely In Naples, a local told me he never carries a wallet. Dario just keeps enough euros in his pocket to pay for basic needs. It's a good tip for tourists, too. If you need more than lunch money, stash a card in a money belt. I use a WISE currency card instead of a credit card. Not only is it cheaper than a normal credit card, but you can easily control how much money is on the card at any time, and it's not linked to any bank accounts. Although I always travel with multiple cards, I leave them in my room or hotel safe for emergencies only and keep digital versions on my phone. If cards are lost or stolen, cancel them as soon as possible and request a new, digital card for your phone. They are usually issued immediately.
