Day: June 27, 2021

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SAFR® from RealNetworks Receives Axis Awards for Best Ecosystem Partner in the Middle East and in Africa

Award recognizes SAFR’s collaboration on key projects, high quality of their solutions, and close alignment with Axis’ business practices and beliefs

Seattle, WA, June 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SAFR from RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNWK) ), a leader in high accuracy, low bias facial recognition, is pleased to announce that Axis Communications, a global leader in network video and surveillance products, has chosen SAFR as Best Ecosystem Partner 2020 for both the Middle East, and for Africa.

The awards were presented during the Axis Annual Partner Awards in a virtual ceremony held on 23 June 2021, as part of Axis Innovates event. The awards celebrated and acknowledged the efforts of Axis’ partners by recognizing them for key projects and achievements throughout the year.

“At Axis, we strive to offer solutions of the highest quality. Through our extensive network of Ecosystem Partners, we are able to offer the best solutions addressing the complex and ever-evolving needs of our customers. We are proud of our partnership with SAFR. This award is in appreciation of their support, extensive collaboration, and high quality of their solution offering, combined with aligned business practices and beliefs,” said Ettiene Van Der Watt, Regional Director – Middle East and Africa at Axis Communications.

“Axis’ worldwide leadership and quality products are a perfect fit for our highly accurate, high-performance facial recognition platform,” said Walter Candelu, SAFR’ Vice President for the Middle East. “We look forward to furthering our relationship into the future.”

About SAFR

SAFR (https://safr.com) is the world’s foremost facial recognition platform for live video intelligence. It taps the power of AI to help the world get back to work. Whether it’s used for occupancy counting, face mask detection, or touchless entry control, SAFR can be deployed on premises, in the cloud, or with a VMS. SAFR enhances security, heightens situational awareness, and delivers insights that improve operational efficiency and protect the health and safety of people everywhere.

 

© 2021 RealNetworks and SAFR are registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other trademarks, names of actual companies, and products mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

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Veronique Froment
SAFR
603-537-9248
veronique@highrezpr.com

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Enrolment at Dubai’s private schools up 3.9% since September 2020: KHDA

DUBAI, The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) today announced that student enrolment at Dubai’s private schools has increased by 10,000 students, having gained 3.9 percent since September 2020, according to its latest data report on private education in Dubai.

For the first time since schools re-opened in September, more students – 52 percent – are engaging in face-to-face learning than in distance learning.

“Parents have always had the choice of distance or face-to-face learning for their children. It’s great to see that parents have placed their confidence and trust in schools and that the government’s safety protocols continue to be rigorously implemented. It’s also great that students are able to spend time with their friends and teachers in person every day,” said Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director General of KHDA.

KHDA also said that as many as 97 percent of eligible school staff have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination.

The report also includes new data on early childhood education in Dubai, which is expected to help improve the growth and quality of the sector in the months and years to come. The latest figures include the number of early childhood centres (ECCs) in Dubai, along with the number of students and their teachers.

As of June 2021, there were more than 10,000 children attending 169 private early childhood centres in Dubai, also referred to as nurseries or early learning centres. Eight additional early childhood centres are expected to open by the end of 2021.

Dr. Al Karam added, “The first five years of our lives form the foundation for the kind of adults we will become. High-quality early childhood education and care is crucial to creating a happy and healthy population, as well as a dynamic and future-focused Dubai. By gathering and sharing data on this sector, we hope to give it greater visibility and encourage even more growth. We’re grateful to all the centres we’ve worked with so far, and we look forward to deepening our relationship with them for the benefit of our youngest children and their families in Dubai.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi authorises use of EDE scanners to detect Covid-19 infections

ABU DHABI, The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has approved the use of EDE scanners to detect Covid-19 infections, after studying the results of the pilot trial conducted at various locations in the emirate, including the Ghantout entry point, select public locations on Yas Island, and entry/exit points in the Musaffah area.

With more than 20,000 people tested, the results showed a high degree of effectiveness in using EDE scanners to detect a positive Covid-19 infection. The results showed 93.5 per cent sensitivity, reflecting the accuracy of identifying infected individuals, and 83 per cent accuracy in the specificity of the test, reflecting the accuracy of identifying non-infected individuals.

Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has adopted an integrated strategy to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, based on increased testing to ensure safe entry into the emirate, vaccination and the continued implementation of precautionary measures.

“The use of the EDE scanning system is part of this strategy and reflects the leadership’s vision in harnessing modern technology to create solutions that turn challenges into opportunities. We are pleased to add EDE scanning technology made in Abu Dhabi to the precautionary measures, helping to create safer areas and maintain public health. The EDE scanners will be used alongside other approved testing methods, such as PCR and DPI.”

The scanning system was developed by EDE Research Institute Abu Dhabi under the International Holding Company (IHC). The technology can detect a possible Covid-19 infection by measuring electromagnetic waves, which change when the RNA particles of the virus are present in the person’s body, therefore providing an immediate result.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Azerbaijani President receives UAE Minister of Economy, underlines depth of UAE-Azerbaijan relations

ABU DHABI, Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, received Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and the accompanying delegation in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.

The UAE delegation’s visit to Azerbaijan, led by Al Marri, was aimed at finalising new plans for joint action during the next phase to increase trade exchanges and investment flows between the two countries, thereby bolstering strategic economic partnerships.

The visit included meetings between Al Marri with and Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan; Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy; Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Advanced Technology; and representatives of Azerbaijan’s business sector.

President Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the relations between the two countries, and his desire to strengthen UAE-Azerbaijan economic cooperation and strategic partnerships over the next 10 years through creating new investment opportunities, by focusing on several vital sectors, such as infrastructure, logistical transport, investment in renewable energy, and tourism.

During the meeting, Al Marri said, “Azerbaijan is a friendly country, a major economic partner of the UAE in the region, and a popular destination for UAE citizens to travel, study, and engage in commercial activities and investments. The UAE government is keen to continue working closely with our Azerbaijani partners to develop cooperation in various sectors that hold promising opportunities for the future.”

During another meeting, Al Marri and Asadov discussed ways to develop UAE-Azerbaijan relations, and explored the prospects for supporting and developing them by utilising promising potentials and opportunities available to both sides.

Asadov said, “We see promising opportunities to strengthen the partnership with the UAE at both governmental and private levels, by making the best use of the promising potentials and opportunities available on both sides. This is within the framework of fruitful cooperation in various vital areas of common interest, especially the Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence, e-commerce and food security. We will work to elevate effective partnerships between the two countries to a new level of excellence to serve both countries’ development aspirations.”

Al Marri said, “The relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan are witnessing rapid progress in various fields, especially on the economic and commercial front. This provides a solid ground for enhancing joint action between the UAE and the Azerbaijani governments to further raise levels of cooperation and economic integration.”

Furthermore, the sides praised the existing cooperation between their countries on various issues of common interest, and their continuous coordination on economic developments through their joint membership in many international organisations, which enhances their roles and contributions to peace, security and development in the region and the world.

During Al Marri’s meeting with Jabbarov, the sides agreed to adopt joint practical steps to facilitate and increase trade exchange, create new investment opportunities for the private sector in both countries. In addition, companies will be encouraged to explore new horizons for partnership and take advantage of promising opportunities in each other’s markets.

Jabbarov highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai to contribute to its success.

Al Marri showcased the UAE’s efforts and initiatives to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerate economic recovery.

In this regard, the two ministers approved mechanisms to exchange knowledge and share best practices in driving economic recovery and exploring new opportunities and sectors in the post-COVID-19 era.

The ministers also agreed to hold the 8th session of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) in the UAE, coinciding with Expo 2020 Dubai, and set the outlines for an expanded programme for the next JEC, which focuses on vital traditional sectors, as well as new economic sectors, such as space, innovation, renewable energy, digital transformation, modern agriculture, smart transport and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The total volume of non-oil trade between the UAE and Azerbaijan during the first nine months of 2020 amounted to more than AED 1.2 billion (US$ 323 million). The UAE is Azerbaijan’s largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as it accounts for 76 percent of Azerbaijan’s trade with the GCC countries.

Furthermore, the two ministers approved a plan of action to increase air connectivity, transport passengers and freight movements between the cities of the two countries.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Dubai SME launches new business incubator in Dubai-based American University

DUBAI, Dubai SME, the agency of Dubai Economy mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, in association with the American University in Dubai (AUD), has added a new business incubator to its expanding network of certified business incubators and accelerators.

The new incubator at AUD embodies the vision laid down in the 50 Year Charter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish free economic and creative zones across universities in Dubai, to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

Dubai SME launched the initiative to accredit business incubators and accelerators to promote a stimulating environment for creative entrepreneurs and ensure the required support for then to turn their innovative ideas into pioneering projects.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, commented, “Business incubators in universities will strengthen youth orientation towards entrepreneurship and support them in launching entrepreneurial projects in varied sectors. Eventually, these incubators will produce a generation well aware of the techniques and tools needed for the sustainable development process in the UAE and the future economy in Dubai. Such initiatives are critical to enabling younger generations and entrepreneurs to achieve professional competencies and emerge as business leaders of the future.”

The business incubators in universities will focus on the best practices followed globally to encourage the spirit of innovation, while students can benefit from varied facilities, including common work spaces and incentives to launch their projects.

Al Janahi said, “Dubai SME, with its vast experience in various disciplines of entrepreneurship development, is confident that the accreditation programme will provide students with the best tools to develop their projects.”

Al Janahi added that most of the projects being incubated in the certified facilities are related to innovative products and services based on advanced technology and involve diverse sectors, including renewable energy, digital technology, marketing, e-commerce and sustainable energy, in addition to a number of commercial activities of importance to the local market.

Dr. David A. Schmidt, AUD President, said, “We are pleased today to have accredited accelerators and business incubators, and, to join the Dubai Network for Business Incubators under the umbrella of Dubai SME.”

“AUD always strives to improve our educational programmes and keep pace with students’ needs by supporting pioneering and innovative ideas. By incubating these projects and providing the appropriate environment, we ensure the building of a new generation of creative graduates who are cognitively and innovatively qualified to create and anticipate the future,” he continued.

Dr. Schmidt added that with AUD’s official recognition as part of the Dubai SME’s certified Incubator network, the AUD Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (AEIC), under the direction of Dr. Sunitha Kshatriya, takes another leap forward.

“Honoured to be part of this network and thankful for the collaborative support and leadership of Sami Al Qamzi, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, and Abdul Basit Al Janahi and the invaluable guidance and support of Abdulaziz Al Mazmi, Director of Business Incubators at Dubai SME, AEIC embraces and promotes the mission and goal to serve our students and enable their ambition.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Emirates Business Rewards programme celebrates small and medium sized businesses with limited time incentive

DUBAI, To mark UN Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day and the vital role that they play in post-pandemic recovery, Emirates is empowering small and medium sized enterprises to get back into the skies and turn their travel budgets into rewards by debuting a Business Rewards incentive for new members who sign up for the programme. Small and medium sized businesses who sign up for an account to Emirates’ Business Rewards corporate loyalty programme from today, 27 June to 27 July 2021 will receive a bonus of 10,000 Business Reward Points, the equivalent of one Economy Class return ticket to selected destinations in Europe.

Emirates currently has over 20,000 small and medium sized businesses enrolled in its Business Rewards programme, and is providing a gamut of benefits including simplified enrolment, easier earning and redemptions, greater flexibility on retaining and using points as well as upgrade opportunities, even on last minute bookings.

With countries easing their entry restrictions, business travel has begun accelerating, and small and medium size enterprises have become key drivers of demand with the flexibility to make travel plans quickly as new opportunities emerge.

Emirates has been supporting small and medium sized business hit by the pandemic. Emirates Business Rewards programme members are taking advantage of the airline’s flexible booking policies, which are among the most generous in the industry for stress-free travel planning, in addition to its multi-risk insurance cover. Since the outset of the pandemic, Business Rewards programme members were provided additional reassurance with extensions on their points validity if travel plans needed to be adjusted.

Knowing their travel plans are protected, top destinations for Business Rewards programme members have been frequenting during the pandemic include London, Manila, Paris, Cairo, Milan and Beirut. Dubai also continues to be a key destination regularly visited by Business Rewards members, mainly due to its open business environment throughout the pandemic, world-class infrastructure and thriving start-up ecosystem.

The airline continues to work hard to restore its network and schedules to enable small and medium sized businesses to visit clients and ramp up their business development activities as cities around the world gradually ease travel restrictions.

Businesses of all sizes can also ensure their health and safety expectations are taken care of throughout their journey. Emirates has lead the industry with clear, consistent and properly implemented safety measures at every touchpoint, including a contactless travel journey and digital verification solutions such as the IATA Travel Pass to ensure it remains the preferred airline for business travellers.

Emirates has a long track record of supporting small and medium sized businesses, not only through its Business Rewards programme, but also through its procurement of products and services across the business. Hundreds of small and medium sized businesses in a range of industries from around the world have benefitted from showcasing their products to a global travel audience, providing a boost to their growth plans.

In the UAE, Emirates prioritises SMEs as part of its tendering process, and is actively committed to work with government stakeholders like Dubai SME in identifying businesses and evaluating the performance of active suppliers on a regular basis. As a result, according to the Dubai SME report 2020, which summarises support provided to SMEs, Emirates ranked first among semi-governmental organisations, investing in procurement contracts worth over AED 79 million. It also ranked among the top five organisations supporting small to medium size businesses in Dubai.

Source: Emirates News Agency