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Perth Now
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Fiesta fever: Perth bar transforms into a Mexican paradise
Melissa Venter, Brooke Heinz & Danielle Price. Picture: John Koh / The West Australian The Stables Bar is turned up the heat with its next stop on the Around the World series — Bottomless Fiesta: Mexico Edition. The one day only event, celebrated the vibrant party-spirit of Mexico with a three-course street food–inspired menu, two hours of free-flowing tequila cocktails and bubbles, and a DJ kept the fiesta going all night long. For an afternoon or night that felt like Cabo in the city, guests enjoyed entrees such as prawn tostadas, sweet potato and cashew empanadas and soft lamb tacos, chargrilled chicken thigh, crispy potatoes and avocado salad for mains and a dark chocolate and sour cherry brownie. Established in 2013, Stables pays homage to its historic beginning as the unique, fresh-faced venue once housed one of Perth's original horse stables from 1894.
Euronews
22-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Rent vs net salary in Europe: The most and least affordable cities
Housing takes up a large part of household budgets, and this share is growing across Europe, according to Eurostat. High rent prices in city centres add extra pressure, especially for low-income earners and those on minimum wage. In some European countries and cities, rent can consume nearly an entire salary. In fact, in certain places, average net salaries are not enough to cover the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, according to Deutsche Bank Research Institute. So, which countries and cities in Europe have the best rent-to-salary ratio? Where is rent simply unaffordable? And how do European cities compare to global ones in terms of housing costs and salaries? The Mapping the World's Prices report compares net monthly salaries and rents for one-bedroom apartments in city centres across 69 cities worldwide. Euronews Business takes a closer look at the 28 European cities included in the report along with a few others for broader comparison. Where are the highest salaries in Europe? In 2025, average monthly net salaries range from just €151 in Cairo to €7,307 in Geneva, with Zurich close behind at €7,127. This makes Switzerland the highest-paying country overall. In Europe, Istanbul has the lowest salary at €855, followed by €1,044 in Athens. People in the Northern and Western European cities are well-paid. The net salaries are above €4,000 in Luxembourg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Frankfurt. Rome has the lowest average salary among the capital cities of Europe's five largest economies, at €2,046. Madrid follows slightly higher at €2,193. Salaries are significantly higher in Berlin (€3,565), Paris (€3,630), and London (€3,637), with only minimal differences among the UK, France, and Germany. Salaries are also high in US cities, which make up five of the top 11 globally. Which European cities have the highest rents? Rents for one-bedroom apartments in city centres vary widely, ranging from as low as €189 in Cairo to €3,792 ($4,143) in New York. US cities dominate the top end of the scale. In Europe, the highest rent is in London at €2,732 (£2,365), while the lowest is in Athens at just €595. In Zurich, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Geneva, rents also exceed €2,000, while in Istanbul and Budapest, they remain below €900. Lisbon and Istanbul: Salary doesn't cover the rent The percentage of salary spent on rent is a more useful measure. It shows how much disposable income is left after paying for accommodation. The rent-to-salary ratio ranges from 24% in Bangalore to 125% in Cairo. A ratio of 100% means the entire salary goes to rent. Anything above that means nothing is left in the pocket or extra income is needed to cover rent. In Europe, rent-to-salary ratio differs from 29% in Geneva to 116% in Lisbon. Besides the Portuguese capital, the ratio is also slightly above 100% in Istanbul (101%). This means the average net salary is not enough to pay the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in either Lisbon or Istanbul. Single earners need to spend three-quarters of their salary on rent in London (75%), as well as in Barcelona and Madrid (both at 74%). In Milan, the ratio is also high at 71%. More than half of the average salary is also spent on rent in several other cities: Rome (65%), Dublin (62%), Athens (57%), Warsaw (56%), Prague (54%), and Budapest (52%). Where is the lowest rent-to-salary ratios? Geneva (29%) is the only European city where the rent-to-salary ratio is below 30%. Following that, there are five more European cities where single earners spend less than two-fifths, or 40%, of their salary on rent. They include Luxembourg and Frankfurt (both at 34%), Zurich and Helsinki (both at 35%), and Vienna (38%). Except for Helsinki, these examples do not mean that rent is cheap in these cities. Instead, they reflect higher salaries, which reduce the percentage of income spent on rent. Among the capital cities of the top five European economies, Berlin has the lowest rent-to-salary ratio, with residents spending 40% of their average income on rent. Paris follows the German capital at 45%. London has the highest ratio at 75%, followed by Madrid at 74% and Rome at 65%. This ratio in other major cities is as follows: Dublin (62%), Athens (57%), Amsterdam (49%), Stockholm (46%), Edinburgh (44%), Copenhagen (43%), and Oslo (42%). In the global list, other cities where the salary does not cover the rent include Bogota (120%), Mexico City (118%), and São Paulo (102%). In some cities, while the rent can just be paid, there is almost nothing left from the salary—this includes Rio de Janeiro (100%), Manila (94%), Buenos Aires (88%), and Mumbai (84%). The rent-to-salary ratio in New York is 81%, making it the highest among US cities. How much is left after paying the rent? Globally, the highest disposable incomes after paying rent are found in two Swiss cities: Geneva (€5,174) and Zurich (€4,638). The lowest is also in Europe, with Lisbon at –€202, meaning the average salary is not enough to cover the rent. In Istanbul, a single earner needs to find an extra €13 to pay the rent. Besides the two Swiss cities, disposable income after rent is also above €2,000 in six more European cities: Luxembourg (€3,725), Frankfurt (€2,726), Copenhagen (€2,421), Amsterdam (€2,194), Oslo (€2,140) and Helsinki (€2,021). An OECD report shows that bigger cities come with higher housing costs. Spending on housing and utilities has risen over the past 20 years in the EU.
Arabian Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Meey Group Hosts the ‘Proptech Capitalization Strategy Forum: Born in Vietnam – Build for the World'
Affirming Its Pioneering Role in Realising Vietnam's National Digital Asset Policy Over 20 investment fund leaders and 20 top companies in attendance. Featuring partner ARC and senior Nasdaq representatives. Deep-dive sessions on capitalisation solutions and IPO roadmap for Vietnamese enterprises. Official signing of a comprehensive strategic cooperation between Meey Group and ARC HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2025 – Meey Group, Vietnam's leading property technology company, organises 'Proptech Capitalization Strategy Forum: Born in Vietnam, Build for the World' at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. This event is not only expected to open a new chapter for Vietnam's tech enterprises aiming for global IPOs but also considered as a strategic touchpoint between international capital markets and the domestic tech ecosystem, in alignment with the national digital transformation strategy. The ceremony for official signing of a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement between Meey Group and ARC Group, July 14, 2025. Photo: Meey Group. To concretise of Vietnam's National Digital Transformation Programme approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 749/QĐ-TTg dated June 3, 2020 and gradually build a legal corridor for digital assets according to Decision No. 1255/QĐ-TTg, the role of pioneering tech enterprises is more critical than ever. Particularly in real estate, a sector contributing for a large proportion of the economy, digitalisation and asset tokenisation are seen as vital tools to unlock capital flows, increase transparency and attract high-quality investment. ADVERTISEMENT Leading the trend and in harmony with national direction, Meey Group initiates this event to connect its digital asset technology platform with the global capital market, offering a scalable model for other Vietnamese tech firms. The event is expected to not only accelerate market upgrades and real estate recovery but also pave the way for Vietnam's tech enterprises to step confidently onto the world stage. Speaking about the upcoming event, Hoàng Mai Chung, Chairman of Meey Group, said: 'Our mission goes beyond building a successful tech enterprise, we aspire to contribute to the nation's development in general. This forum is our effort to create a strategic 'touchpoint' between international capital and Vietnam's tech ecosystem. 'By bringing in the best of global standards, experience and investment, we contribute to uplift our economy's competitiveness, promote transparency, and open a new chapter for the Vietnamese tech brand on the global map.' Expect to bring solutions, anticipate trends More than a traditional corporate gathering, the 'Proptech Capitalization Strategy Forum' organized by Meey Group is designed as a high-level, multidimensional dialogue platform. ADVERTISEMENT Amidst the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution that is reshaping all industries and the Government of Vietnam's strong commitment to promoting national digital transformation, the 'Proptech Capitalization Strategy Forum' provides businesses with opportunities to anticipate capital flow shifts towards technology companies with solid foundations and global vision. In-depth panel discussions is facilitated by senior experts from the US stock exchange Nasdaq and global financial advisory firm ARC Group. Playing key roles in guiding technology capital markets and providing professional IPO advisory services, these two partners will directly analyse the challenges and share success formulas for Vietnamese proptech enterprises on their international listing journey. The agenda goes beyond finance, diving deep into essential topics such as corporate governance, transparency and ESG standards – factors increasingly valued by global institutional investors. Notably, the sessions explore how capital strategy aligns with digital asset transformation – a core competitive advantage aligned with the national digital economy orientation and helps Vietnamese enterprises achieve higher valuations in international markets. Gathering 20 Potential tech companies: advancing the ecosystem together What sets this forum apart is Meey Group's initiative in building a shared playground. By convening 20 top Vietnamese tech companies with IPO aspirations, Meey Group affirms its leadership not only through its own journey but also through its commitment to elevating the entire Vietnamese tech ecosystem. This embodies the spirit of 'Born in Vietnam' – where the success of one enterprise becomes an inspiration and a lesson for the whole community. The direct networking session between these companies and international investment experts will unlock new possibilities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and an important preparation step for the next generation of tech enterprise. Strategic cooperation official signing ceremony: concretise a well-planned voyage A highlight of the forum is the official signing of a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement between Meey Group and ARC Group. Far from being the starting point, the event in Hanoi marks a critical milestone in a well-planned journey. While the March 2025 signing in Shanghai laid the foundation on global cooperation, this forum puts concrete strategies into motion through discussions and activate connections. The structured, phased approach demonstrates Meey Group's long-term vision and commitment to global market integration, reinforcing trust among investors and international partners. Panel discussion between Nasdaq representatives and Meey Group: future orientation and IPO opportunities held the same afternoon at Meey Group's headquarters Meey Group was honoured to host a special panel discussion with the participation of Nasdaq representative Hiren Krishnani, Investor relations and IPO director, at the group's headquarters. The discussion focused on strategic topics regarding IPOs, post-listing corporate governance, and opportunities for ASEAN enterprises in accessing international capital markets. The panel discussion provided deep insights into the IPO process, development trends in global financial markets, and solutions to support enterprises in building and developing effective Investor Relations (IR) programs after listing. In particular, Hiren Krishnani shared experiences from advising over 50 successful IPOs, including major transactions such as the Grab' SPAC Combo and VinFast SPAC Combo, helping ASEAN enterprises better understand how to leverage opportunities from Nasdaq. Hiren Krishnani said: 'Nasdaq always accompanies companies in the ASEAN region to bring them to the world, opening up new opportunities in international capital markets. Particularly, with thorough preparation and the right strategy, enterprises can succeed after listing and increase sustainable value.' The panel discussion was a valuable event for Vietnamese enterprises, especially Meey Group, to exchange and learn effective strategies for participating in international stock markets, while expanding relationships with potential investors from around the world. Meey Group: actively accompanying and actualising the national digital assets policy As real estate continues to be a cornerstone of Vietnam's economy, estimated to contribute nearly 12 per cent to national GDP. The Government's issuance of Decision No. 1255/QĐ-TTg – approving the 'Scheme of completion of the legal framework on management of virtual assets, digital currencies and virtual currencies' is regarded as a strategic move with the potential to reshape the future of the industry. In this context, the role of pioneering tech enterprises like Meey Group becomes especially critical. Meey Group stands as the sole technology conglomerate in Vietnam to pioneer the development of a comprehensive proptech-fintech ecosystem – one that spans the entire value chain of the real estate industry: from data and management to transactions and investment. To achieve this, over the years, Meey Group has gone far beyond building standalone technology platforms. With an ecosystem of 26 integrated products, Meey has undertaken a much greater mission: to standardise, verify, and structure data for the real estate market. Through this ecosystem, millions of fragmented, unreliable data points on zoning plans, legal documentation, pricing, and more have been transformed into valuable digital assets that are traceable and verifiable. In doing so, Meey Group is not merely operating on the surface of information, but it is quietly building a massive and trusted digital asset 'repositories' for Vietnam's real estate market. Furthermore, Meey Group understands that digital assets can only reach their full potential in an environment where value can be unlocked and circulated. That is why the enterprise has established Meey Network, a trusted community platform where digital assets can be transparently connected and traded. Additionally, Meey Finance, a specialised fintech platform, provides the essential tools to 'capitalise' and unlock liquidity, transforming data value into real financial value. These are the crucial elements that enable Meey Group to create an essential 'digital infrastructure', in alignment with the Government's orientation. When the legal framework for digital assets is issued, Meey Group will already be positioned at the forefront with a proven technology platform and data repository. A digital asset, regardless of its intrinsic value, needs market acceptance and a 'set of standards' for proper valuation and capitalization. The 'Proptech Capitalization Strategy Forum' organised by Meey Group aims to be the strategic 'touchpoint' to address this need. With the participation of global financial institutions like ARC and strategic consultation from Nasdaq, the forum provides more than just access to capital; it delivers an international 'set of standards' and a 'gateway' to global financial markets. Meey Group's proactive, forward-thinking, and policy-aligned approach not only demonstrates the strategic vision of the enterprise but also serves as a valuable reference model on how private enterprises can contribute to and realize the country's digital economic development goals. For Media Inquiries: Meey Group Joint Stock Company Tel: +84 249 999 2999 Email: [email protected] Website: Hashtag: #MeeyGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Los Angeles Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Lifting the Veil on Las Vegas' ‘New Wave' Weddings
For almost a century, 'Fabulous Las Vegas' has been a hotspot for nuptials, thanks to its easy-going marriage license rules, prime location and a dizzying array of ceremonies, from drive-through elopements to all-out spectacles, complete with showgirls, sequins and (why not?) the occasional adorned elephant. Yet, in recent years, it seemed the altar lights had dimmed in the Entertainment Capital of the World's subsidiary, 'Wedding Capital of the World.' Fewer couples were rolling the dice on Vegas vows, hinting that the honeymoon period might finally be over. But post-pandemic, Vegas is back in its bridal best. And she's never looked better. In 2024, Clark County issued a buoyant 76,779 marriage licenses, with wedding tourism generating an estimated $2.5 billion in economic impact. Among the 18,000 people employed in the city's matrimony industry are a new wave of style-savvy vendors, who are reshuffling the pack by blending retro style with modern sensibilities. Think pin-up parlors using vegan beauty products, vintage-inspired cakes worthy of a social post on the grid and ceremonies so kitsch they're actually chic – with Elvis still very much in the building. In short, it's once again fashionable to say 'I do' in Sin City. Leading the charge in Vegas' love-fueled renaissance are two fingers-on-the-pulse chapels: Sure Thing and its equally glamorous younger sister, Sure Thing Too. Tucked into a former strip mall on Fremont Street – sandwiched on either side of a tattoo parlor and bathed in the warm glow of vintage motel signs – the love shacks have been lighting up social media like a Vegas slot machine on a winning streak. Step through the doors and it's easy to see why. The interiors are a glorious whirlwind of nostalgic powder pink and baby blue drapes, flickering sweetheart-shaped neon and cherubs suspended overhead. This is Vegas kitsch, made fresh for a new generation. The Instagenic settings have chimed particularly well online, says co-owner Amy Hybarger, who along with her partner Victoria Hogan, has a background in photography. 'I'd say at least half of our bookings find us on social media,' Hybarger says. And it's not just the aesthetics that are luring lovebirds. According to Hybarger, affordability is another major draw. 'Although many of our couples really splurge on details for their day, it's also easy to be super chic in Vegas and not break the bank,' she adds. The chapels lay on themed experiences with all the showmanship of a circus ringmaster twirling a gilded baton. At Sure Thing and Sure Thing Too, lovers can strike a pose in the creaking leather seats of a classic car, march down the aisle to the dulcet tones of an antique Wurlitzer electronic organ and exchange vows beneath the glittering gaze of a female Elvis or a burlesque showgirl. Bonus points, of course, if their pampered pooch is trotting down the aisle as a ring bearer in a rhinestone collar. And there's even a velvet-curtained photo booth on hand for a strip of kiss-me-quick souvenirs. One couple who decided to renew their vows at the Sure Thing chapel are Margaret and Corey Bienert: The amorous duo is the creative force behind A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour, a viral account showcasing throwback hotels in the U.S. that has amassed a staggering 1.4 million followers on TikTok. Renewing their vows 13 years after marrying young out of a sense of 'duty or even obligation' to their deeply religious backgrounds, Margaret said Vegas offered a moment of true reverence. 'We're still very much in love, but we're different people now and don't hold the same beliefs about marriage.' Now in their thirties, their union these days feels more like a grand adventure. 'Vegas is the perfect place to celebrate that. It's very 'come as you are,' no questions asked. And we're serious about being a little bit ridiculous, dramatic and hopelessly romantic,' she said, recalling their happily-ever-after moment, complete with a photo op in front of a black velvet portrait of 'The King of Rock and Roll' himself. There's really nothing new about over-the-top wedding cakes in Vegas – sugar-sprinkled fantasies have been served here for decades. Back in 1967, Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu sliced into a towering six-tier creation, draped in a cloak of Kirsch-flavored fondant, at their Aladdin Hotel celebration, following a speedy ceremony that took all of eight minutes. Today, one can only imagine The King tipping his lacquered quiff in approval at Winston Marie Cakes, a mid-century-themed bakery where the confections flirt shamelessly with glitter-dipped cherries, coquettish satin bows and endless swirls of decadent buttercream. 'Interest in vintage wedding cakes has definitely picked up over the past year,' said owner Monique Perez. 'Right now, I'm averaging about 40 wedding cakes a month, ranging from a small 'elopement' cake to a tiered showstopper.' At the more elaborate end of the scale, a bespoke cake can take up to 24 hours to create. 'My signature look is very maximalist and detail-heavy,' she said, adding that cherubs, pearl sprinkles and vintage toppers all make frequent appearances. A quick detour across town leads to Dafna Beauty parlor, a hair-and-makeup emporium for vintage vixens. Since opening its doors in 2023, the boutique has been conjuring up bridal looks that would have made Elizabeth Taylor raise an impeccably arched brow in approval. Inside the all-pink-everything salon is a dream team of stylists, armed with flicks of cat-eye liner, tubes of siren-red lipstick and enough hairspray to sculpt a beehive that could survive a thunderstorm. 'Old Hollywood wavy hair is always a go-to, but I feel like we've been doing more 1960s laid back half updos lately too,' said salon founder and beauty influencer Dafna Bar-el. Baby blue eyeshadow is also having a moment, particularly among those committing at Sure Thing Too, where the look doubles as a playful nod to the chapel's pastel-hued palette. Bar-el is quick to note that her beauty parlor celebrates vintage aesthetics, not values. All products are vegan, cruelty-free and consciously low on plastic packaging. She adds that being situated in the heart of Downtown, in the shadow of events like 'Viva Las Vegas' – the world's largest rockabilly festival, held each April – helps spread the word. 'We personally attend the event and also host an annual pre-Viva party at our boutique.' Capturing these looks in all their Technicolor glory is a new crew of shutterbugs and videographers. Among them is photographer Cruz Valentin, who swaps digital crispness for deliciously grainy 35mm analog film. She's often spotted at offbeat venues like the Neon Museum Las Vegas, where couples can tie the knot before a glowing chorus of historic signage and have enough room for up to 50 guests. For those craving yet more throwback magic, Valentin also offers instant Polaroids and captures the ceremony on original Kodak Super 8 film – not since your grandparents' road trip to Niagara Falls have these old-school cameras seen so much action. Getting hitched in Sin City has always been a vibe; it's just that now, a new generation is falling head over heels for its unique charms, often via the scroll of a social media feed, said Hybarger. 'Vegas weddings have always been cool! I think the couples getting married now care less about traditional norms and are really leaning into having enjoyable, beautiful experiences.' As newlyweds increasingly trade protocol for personality, Vegas just might be the bellwether for how Americans marry now: in wildly photogenic settings and proudly on their own terms.
Time Out
03-07-2025
- Time Out
The two Asian airports named among the most beautiful airports in the world for 2025
Increasingly, airports are being designed not as mere transitional spaces. Instead, they're being treated as expressions of the destination's history and culture, and as restful – even inspiring – landing points for weary travellers. Asian airports like Singapore Changi Airport and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Satellite Terminal 1, laureates on the Prix Versailles Most Beautiful Airports in the World 2024 list, certainly get it with nature-inspired interiors and culturally informed installations on every corner. This year, they pass the torch to another two Asian airports on the 2025 list of the world's six most beautiful airports. The first airport to be recognised by Prix Versailles is Yantai Penglai International Airport, your first port of call in Yantai, China. Specifically, Terminal 2 of the airport has been marked for its elegant and sweeping roofline, which evokes Mount Kunyu, a picturesque mountain range located between Yantai City and Weihai City. The entire terminal is flooded with natural light, illuminating the natural curves, tones, and materials that make up the interior. Prix Versailles also highlights reinterpreations of wooden ships' hulls within the terminal inspired by the Maritime Silk Road. Osaka, Japan is a particularly popular destination this year, with many flocking to the city for the 2025 World Expo. If you're heading down, pop into the gorgeous Kansai International Airport Terminal 1, which has just been expanded and refreshed. Its capacity has now been expanded by 25%, with a smart queue management system to help manage growing crowds. Its interiors have also undergone a makeover: natural materials in hues of brown now give the space a distinctive Japanese feel. The most beautiful airports in the world for 2025, according to Prix Versailles: Yantai Penglai International Airport, Terminal 2 – Yantai, China Marseille Provence Airport, Terminal 1 – Marignane, France Roland Garros Airport, Arrivals Terminal – Réunion Island, France Kansai International Airport, Terminal 1 – Osaka, Japan Portland International Airport, Main Terminal – Portland, United States San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 1 – San Francisco, United States
