DP World supports latest edition of Dubai Cares’ Volunteer Emirates initiative

DUBAI, Students of the Al Tafawq School in Sharjah will now have access to new school furniture and children playgrounds, as Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and DP World collaborated to refurbish the school.

Sponsored by DP World, the initiative was part of Dubai Cares’ latest edition of Volunteer Emirates 2022. The two organizations were joined by 150 volunteers from across the UAE to assemble and organize furniture and toys for students and teachers. DP World also provided two complimentary laser printers, a water fountain and other essential materials.

“The community has a crucial role to play in contributing towards meaningful causes that will have a long-term positive impact on the whole of society. Our Volunteer Emirates initiative in support of the Al Tafawq School in Sharjah is an excellent example of the UAE community’s eagerness to assist others through volunteering. We are grateful to all the volunteers for donating their valuable time and efforts for the school’s renovations. We also extend our gratitude to DP World for their generosity and partnership, which enable us to continue working towards our mandate of promoting access to quality education for children and youth,” said Abdulla Ahmed Alshehhi, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Cares.

“At DP World, humanitarian initiatives represent a key pillar of our overall strategy. Education is one of the legacy pillars, under DP World’s ‘Our World, Our Future’ strategy. By investing in our people and community, we want to lay the foundation for a bright future. Our partnership with Dubai Cares is integral to preparing the leaders of the future. We hope our contribution will help students at Al Tafawq School harness their potential and see them thrive,” said Nabil Qayed, Director People and General Administration, People Department, DP World UAE.

“We are grateful to Dubai Cares, DP World and all the volunteers who have helped our school with the refurbishment work. All their efforts will go a long way in ensuring that our students can look forward to coming to school every day and learn in a comfortable environment. We appreciate everyone’s involvement in this initiative, and on behalf of all the students, we thank them for their time and support,” said Emad Almodrek, Principal of Al Tafawq School.

“I am thankful to Dubai Cares for offering such opportunities that allow us to give back to the community. This was a truly fulfilling experience and I am happy that I was able to devote some of my time to support the students of the Al Tafawq School. It was also great to work with other members of the community and enjoy this shared spirit of volunteering,” said Azan Kazi, a volunteer participating in the initiative.

As part of the volunteering initiative, participants assembled desk and chairs for students and teachers, in addition to tables and playground toys for the kindergarten. They also transformed the walls of the school with attractive educational murals.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Hub71, Modus expands venture building programme from 17 to 28 founding teams

ABU DHABI, Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, and Modus, the Venture Platform comprising VC funds, Venture Builders, and a Corporate Innovation arm, will expand Ventures Lab – the venture building programme by increasing the next intake to 28 founding teams, which is almost a 65% increase from last year.

To date, Hub71 and Modus have raised AED40 million for founding teams to co-build startups and access capital through Ventures Lab.

Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem and Modus launched Ventures Lab one year ago to support early-stage founders from around the world to develop successful and scalable startups from Abu Dhabi.

The nine-month programme enables founders to work with Modus to co-build ideas into operational companies, while testing and validating product-market fit and developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that are market-ready. Startups on-boarded to the programme will also benefit from Hub71’s vibrant community of entrepreneurs, funds, and corporate and government partners.

Ventures Lab has attracted almost 1,700 applications from entrepreneurs seeking to build startups through the venture builder, with over 60% of those accepted into the programme being Emirati Nationals or female founders.

Fit on Click, a UAE-based fitness, wellness and sports solution provider, successfully closed a funding round as part of Ventures Lab, raising $1.5M in Pre-Series A funding. Other successes include Koble, a UK-based AI-powered platform that supports investors with making better investment decisions, which is finalizing a seven figure Pre-Seed funding round.

Meanwhile, Oscar, a sustainability-focused procurement company created and developed at Ventures Lab, is now being trialed by large stakeholders and is in talks to close significant distribution deals in the region. Mayadin, an online booking platform for sports venues across the UAE, also built its MVP and launched out of Ventures Lab and is starting to onboard some of the most prominent and in-demand venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The remaining startups in the programme are operating in stealth mode and will be launching soon.

The companies built are diversified across several sectors, including FinTech, HealthTech, CleanTech, SportsTech, EdTech, and Artificial Intelligence, with up to $450,000 allocated to each startup during the programme.

Peter Abou Hachem, Head of Strategy & Product at Hub71, said, “Ventures Lab is truly gaining traction in the Abu Dhabi market that is ripe with opportunity for game changing concepts and disruptive business models. Partnering with Modus is benefiting founders with the right level of support needed to co-build their MVPs, improve their product-market fit and launch their businesses, which is why we’re expanding the programme to put more startups in the best position to succeed long-term.”

Kareem Elsirafy, Managing Partner at Modus, commented, “Hub71 has built an incredible and supportive tech ecosystem that has been integral to taking our venture-built companies to the next level. Ventures Lab provides a critical support system and safety net to founders with its operations heavy approach, providing substantial value to all onboarded companies and founders. We look forward to working alongside Hub71 and our founders to build even bigger, better, and game-changing startups in the year ahead.”

Hub71 has created a vibrant ecosystem of venture capital funds and global and local tech companies. The tech ecosystem is designing value-driven programmes to position founders for commercial opportunities and increased fundraising potential, allowing them to capture growth opportunities and fulfill their ambition.

Since its inception, Hub71 startups raised AED3.2 billion from renowned investors globally and generated AED2.7 billion in revenues.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Emirates scoops 5 global accolades at ULTRA and APEX awards

DUBAI, Emirates has received an impressive five global and regional awards from two prestigious travel and aviation ceremonies in the past week, winning the titles of ‘Best Airline in the World’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ at the ULTRAs 2022 awards, and a further ‘World Class Award’, ‘5 Star Global Official Airline Rating’, and ‘Passenger Choice Award for Best Global Entertainment’ at APEX 2023 awards.

Based on a combination of certified passenger feedback and professional audits, Emirates was honoured with a ‘World Class Award’ for safety, well-being, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness, a ‘5 Star Global Official Airline Rating’ recognising all aspects of the global airline, and a ‘Passenger Choice Award for Best Global Entertainment’ for the best-in-class ice inflight entertainment system, at the APEX/IFSA expo in Long Beach, California on 26th October. APEX is one of the world’s largest international airline associations, hosting an annual industry awards ceremony since 2018.

Days later at the glittering ULTRAs 2022 award ceremony in the Pan Pacific London, Emirates was honoured with two top awards – ‘Best Airline in the World’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East.’ Emirates was highlighted for its industry-leading services, global network, and best-in-class travel experiences, at the ceremony on 31st October. The ULTRA awards are also decided by consumer votes, an international community of two million travellers who have recognised Emirates as the leading airline in the world for luxury travel.

Alongside many notable members in the travel industry, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, attended the event and received the ULTRA’s awards in London, while Patrick Brannelly, SVP of Retail, IFE and Connectivity attended the APEX awards in California.

Commenting on the wins, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said, “We are very pleased to be recognised once again at the ULTRAs 2022 and APEX 2023 awards. These accolades reflect the hard work and commitment of our teams to make our brand promise – ‘fly better’ – a reality for customers worldwide. And it’s still full speed ahead at Emirates. We’ve made a multi-billion-dollar investment to entirely refit the interiors of over 120 aircraft, bring new menus on-board, and a host of other enhancements that will take Emirates’ signature experience to new heights. With a growing network of more than 130 destinations, Emirates will continue connecting the world in style and comfort, via our home and hub, Dubai.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

Flag Day reflects cohesion and solidarity that binds UAE’s people to their leadership: Minister of State for Financial Affairs

ABU DHABI, Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, has said that the celebration of Flag Day, launched in response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reflects the extent of cohesion and solidarity that binds the UAE’s people to their leadership and their country, and their keenness to safeguard the well-being and pride of the nation and to move steadily towards further achievements and national gains.

On the occasion, Al Hussaini said, “Today, under the guidance of our wise leadership, we are following the process of progress initiated by the founding fathers, and we are united under one goal, which is to uplift and uphold our nation and to walk hand in hand with its leadership’s approach and vision.

“We are committed to amplify our efforts to complete the process of development, so that our country maintains its position among the most advanced countries in the world. Our nation’s aspirations are limitless, and we will always strive to be rank first in the world.

“Through this celebration, we express our pride in the overall development and humanitarian march that our nation is witnessing under our wise leadership, we renew our commitment to achieving the UAE government’s visions, and we uphold the UAE stature so that our flag remains bright and lofty in our dear skies, as a witness to the progress and prosperity of the Emirates.

“We congratulate our wise leadership and all the people of the UAE this Flag Day. We reiterate our commitment to work so that the flag of our country will continue to flutter in all of our skies and hearts, and we remain faithful to the values and principles on which we and the UAE were founded on.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

Emirates Airline to sponsor opening night at Meydan Racecourse

DUBAI, Emirates Airline is to sponsor the opening meeting of the season at Dubai’s iconic Meydan Racecourse, on Friday, 4th November.

There are twin features on the card, worth AED210,000 in total prizemoney. The 80-100 handicap will feature some horses already qualified for the 2023 Dubai World Cup Carnival, as will the equally valuable 1900metre event.

Racegoers will also have an opportunity to see the next generation of potential stars when the first two-year-old contest of the season takes place; a maiden over 1200metres.

The airline has been a supporter of racing in Dubai for more than two decades, including lending its name to the $12million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Major General Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of Dubai Racing Club, commented: “We are delighted to have Emirates on board for the first meeting of our 2022/23 season at Meydan Racecourse. They remain one of the world’s leading airlines and their support to us here at Dubai Racing Club is unparalleled.

“We look forward to working with them once again and to an exciting evening of racing, which will mark the curtain raiser to our season at Dubai’s flagship racecourse.

Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand for Emirates, said: “With the start of a new season at the Meydan Racecourse, we begin another exciting racing period that will quickly culminate to the Dubai World Cup, an event that has firmly established itself as some of the top racing challenges in the world. We are committed to further elevating Dubai’s standing as a global destination at the forefront of premier sporting events, business and tourism.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

Emirates scoops 5 global accolades at ULTRA, APEX awards 2022-23

DUBAI, Emirates has received an impressive five global and regional awards from two prestigious travel and aviation ceremonies in the past week, winning the titles of ‘Best Airline in the World’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ at the ULTRAs 2022 awards, and a further ‘World Class Award’, ‘5 Star Global Official Airline Rating’, and ‘Passenger Choice Award for Best Global Entertainment’ at APEX 2023 awards.

Based on a combination of certified passenger feedback and professional audits, Emirates was honoured with a ‘World Class Award’ for safety, well-being, sustainability, service, and inclusiveness, a ‘5 Star Global Official Airline Rating’ recognising all aspects of the global airline, and a ‘Passenger Choice Award for Best Global Entertainment’ for the best-in-class ice inflight entertainment system, at the APEX/IFSA expo in Long Beach, California on 26 October. APEX is one of the world’s largest international airline associations, hosting an annual industry awards ceremony since 2018.

Days later at the glittering ULTRAs 2022 award ceremony in the Pan Pacific London, Emirates was honoured with two top awards – ‘Best Airline in the World’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East.’ Emirates was highlighted for its industry-leading services, global network, and best-in-class travel experiences, at the ceremony on 31 October. The ULTRA awards are also decided by consumer votes, an international community of two million travellers who have recognised Emirates as the leading airline in the world for luxury travel.

Alongside many notable members in the travel industry, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, attended the event and received the ULTRA’s awards in London, while Patrick Brannelly, SVP of Retail, IFE and Connectivity attended the APEX awards in California.

After both events, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, commented: “We are very pleased to be recognised once again at the ULTRAs 2022 and APEX 2023 awards. These accolades reflect the hard work and commitment of our teams to make our brand promise – ‘fly better’ – a reality for customers worldwide. And it’s still full speed ahead at Emirates. We’ve made a multi-billion-dollar investment to entirely refit the interiors of over 120 aircraft, bring new menus on-board, and a host of other enhancements that will take Emirates’ signature experience to new heights. With a growing network of more than 130 destinations, Emirates will continue connecting the world in style and comfort, via our home and hub, Dubai.”

Nick Perry, Chairman of Ultratravel added: “These awards are a tribute to not only the enduring quality of what Emirates offers to luxury travellers, but also that its ever-popular hub in Dubai stayed open and Emirates kept flying throughout the pandemic – making sure they continued to serve those who needed to travel. It is a pleasure to award Emirates with these well-deserved titles today, and we look forward to seeing what Emirates continues to deliver over the next year.”

APEX/IFSA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joe Leader remarked: “The APEX World Class audit is an in-depth analysis of quality of service, airline safety, and advancement of sustainability. Only eight airlines in the world reached the 2023 APEX World Class pinnacle, Emirates continues to shine by taking care of its economy customers with a quality of care historically held for higher classes. The ingenious advancements in Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class continue to set an extraordinarily high bar. Emirates’ ice in-flight-entertainment system continues to stay ahead of its competitors, according to over 1 million verified flights provided to APEX- Emirates is the 2023 APEX Passenger Choice for Best In-Flight Entertainment in the World.

Emirates is renowned for its industry-leading initiatives and unmatched travel experiences. Earlier this year, the airline was recognised at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2022, taking home three coveted awards including, “World’s Best Economy Class,” “World’s Best Economy Class Catering,” and for the 17th consecutive time, “World’s Best Inflight Entertainment.”

The airline recently announced a US$ 2 billion investment to enhance the on-board experience for customers. This includes: the largest-known airline retrofit programme of 120 aircraft fitted with Emirates Premium Economy cabins and latest interiors across all cabins; a new hospitality-focused service delivery model; and enhanced menus to offer customers elevated meal choices, new vegan menus, and a “cinema in the sky’ experience. Emirates has also invested more than US$ 350 million with Thales to equip its incoming fleet of A350s with next generation inflight entertainment solutions, offering passengers high-definition screens and a memorable cinematic experience.

Emirates currently serves customers across six continents and operates the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, offering spacious cabins and iconic inflight features such as its A380 Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge. Customers on-board will also enjoy the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew of more than 160 nationalities, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering more than 5,000 channels of the best movies, TV shows, live TV, podcasts and music.

Source: Emirates News Agency