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Finextra
15-07-2025
- Business
- Finextra
First Abu Dhabi Bank and MAstercard name winner of FAB Forward Fintech Challenge
'Inovat', a digital solution that offers a seamless, fully digital value-added tax (VAT) refund experience for travellers to save them money on shopping abroad, has emerged as the winner of the second edition of the FAB forward Fintech Challenge. 0 This collaborative initiative between Mastercard and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) aims to foster fintech innovation in the UAE. Under the tagline 'Drive the future of banking', the competition invited later-stage fintech startups to submit their pioneering solutions to pressing financial challenges across three categories – 'Hyper-personalized Experiences', 'Blockchain-Powered Business' and 'Beyond Banking'. The competition witnessed a strong uptake with over 135 entries received. A panel of experts from Mastercard and FAB evaluated the submissions based on innovation and novelty, market potential, business model and revenue potential, product fit, growth strategy, financial health as well as team and execution. Five selected finalists – Inovat, Crayon Data, Fiskl, Nuclei and Uome – presented their ideas at a pitch day. 'Inovat' was adjudged winner for its innovative fully digital solution that tackles a real traveller pain point through strategic collaboration with banks and airlines. Their solution not only saves customers money abroad but could also enhance FAB's digital engagement capabilities. The winner was announced at an award ceremony hosted at the FAB headquarters in Abu Dhabi. As winner, 'Inovat' received a host of benefits, including the opportunity to work on a proof of concept with FAB, exposure to banking leaders, venture capital and potential investment partners as well as a cash prize of $100,000. The FAB forward Fintech Challenge is a core initiative of the long-term collaboration between First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Mastercard, reflecting a shared commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation in the UAE's financial sector. By bringing together FAB's deep regional expertise and Mastercard's global technology leadership, the programme provides fintech startups with access to mentorship, real-world validation, and opportunities to collaborate with leading financial institutions. With a focus on customer-centric innovation and next-generation financial services, the Challenge underscores the importance of collaboration between established industry leaders and emerging fintechs in building a more dynamic and inclusive digital economy for the UAE and beyond.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
5 International Destinations Where You Can Have a 5-Star Stay for Under $200
Staying at a five-star hotel can cost a pretty penny in the U.S., but you can find significantly more affordable rates when you're traveling abroad. According to a new report, international five-star hotels are 27% cheaper on average than their U.S. counterparts. Check Out: Read Next: The report also identified several international destinations where you can stay at a five-star hotel for less than $200 a night. Here's where to go if you want to experience luxury accommodations without blowing your travel budget. Average 5-star hotel rate: $156 a night Explore More: Average 5-star hotel rate: $157 a night Average 5-star hotel rate: $163 a night Average 5-star hotel rate: $186 a night Average 5-star hotel rate: $192 a night More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard Clever Ways To Save Money That Actually Work in 2025 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 International Destinations Where You Can Have a 5-Star Stay for Under $200
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I've saved thousands on solo trips through home swapping - but my California stay wasn't what I expected
As the cost of travel continues to rise and frustrations with traditional accommodation mount, a growing number of travellers are rethinking how they holiday. Among them is 27-year-old, Natália Amorim, from Canada, who has saved around £18,000 in just two years, globetrotting around the world to bucket list destinations, including California, Copenhagen and the Netherlands. Next month, she's even managing to spend a month in a plush Notting Hill apartment for just $180 (£133) - less than the average price of one night at a hotel in the same area, £147. But how has Natalia done it? It's all thanks to ditching hotels and Airbnbs in favour of home-swapping on Kindred, which involves paying just the price of basic cleaning and membership fee. Since joining, she's used the service to travel extensively for both leisure and work - clocking more than 90 nights in homes across the UK, Europe and the U.S. But one of Natália's most memorable stays was at a three-storey house overlooking Amsterdam's canals, a home she describes as 'the most beautiful' she'd ever seen in an exclusive interview with MailOnline. On another occasion, having only seen pictures of the interior, she arrived at what she thought was a modest California stay - but was greeted by something entirely different. Since joining Kindred, she's used the service to travel extensively for both leisure and work - clocking more than 90 nights in homes across the UK, Europe and the U.S She tells us: 'I only had pictures of the inside of the property, and it ended up being a whole ranch, almost, to ourselves.' Natália's first experience with home swapping come through Facebook groups, but she found them disorganised and risky in terms of safety. However, since discovering Kindred in 2022, Natalia insists she rarely worries about her security and comfort now when she's going to stay at others, or when there are guests in her house. She doesn't even strip her home bare before guests arrive, though some hosts attach 'do not touch' notes to items they wish to be kept unused by guests. Natália says: 'I think different people go about it different ways. I personally leave all of my stuff out. I will push away, like some some space in the closet if they need - I even keep my journals out. 'One host had little stickers called "Privacy, please." If there's a drawer that you don't want anyone to open, anyone to touch, you can just add the little privacy stickers. 'I've had a host recently that did it with Post-it notes, telling me, "This drawer has too much stuff. If you open it's gonna fall."' Each swap is built on mutual trust and, unlike traditional rentals, Kindred users must host in order to stay. She adds: 'I'm a big gift giver, so I every time I stay in a kindred I pay a lot of attention to their home and their mugs and their tastes and their art to like, try to find a gift that matches their personality' She continues: 'There's a real community aspect, a human aspect, to home swapping. I'm really close with all my hosts that have hosted me and I still keep in touch with some of my guests. 'Guests have even taken selfies with my cat. 'Usually the host will leave a handwritten note whenever you get there. It was my first time in Edinburgh a few weeks ago with Kindred and the host left me some tea bags. 'I'm a big gift giver, so I every time I stay in a Kindred I pay a lot of attention to their home and their mugs and their tastes and their art to like, try to find a gift that matches their personality.' For increased safety on Kindred, before confirming any trip, members arrange a video call and each home is verified. Guests can personalise how they exchange keys - Natalia uses a keypad or lockbox - and support is available 24/7 in case something goes wrong. Natália explains: 'Nothing is automatic. 'When someone requests to stay at your home, and when you request to stay at their home, you have the opportunity to book a video call with them. For Natália, the decision to home swap wasn't just practical - it was a game-changer that saved her thousands, 'cleared her conscience,' and allowed her to experience unique, once-in-a-lifetime trips 'Then there's a waiting period before anything is actually lost.' For Natália, the decision to home swap wasn't just practical - it was a game-changer that saved her thousands, 'cleared her conscience,' and allowed her to experience unique, once-in-a-lifetime trips whilst making lasting friendships along the way. She says: 'When I house swap, I'm genuinely welcomed as a guest, and get to forge true connections with my hosts pre and post trip, while experiencing the city like a local.
