LEVA Hotel Mazaya Centre Joins Finalists of Hozpitality Excellence Awards

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LEVA Hotel Mazaya Centre has been nominated among the finalists for Best New Deluxe Hotel of the Year category at the Hozpitality Excellence Awards 2019. The awards are presented to recognize the top hotel brands and professionals who have shown skill, creativity, ingenuity and success in the Middle East & North Africa’s growing hospitality industry. The winners will be chosen based on the results of the online voting.

Mr. JS Anand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LEVA Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are very pleased to be nominated for these coveted awards and truly grateful to the organisers for the honour.  Hozpitality Excellence Awards is an exceptional platform in the Middle East to celebrate the achievers behind the success of the travel and hospitality industry. This nomination is a recognition of our hard work and we are very proud of our team and associates who are dedicated to providing the finest experience to our guests.”

Superbly located between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, LEVA Mazaya Centre is a deluxe 4-star hotel, situated only 20 minutes-drive away from Dubai International Airport. Part of a mixed-use development that includes Al Mazaya Shopping Centre and residential spaces, LEVA makes for an ideal address for both business and leisure travellers in Dubai. Blending fresh and purposeful spaces with comfort, the beautiful property is a statement in style and enjoys close proximity to some of Dubai’s biggest leisure attractions and business landmarks.

Connect with LEVA Hotels & Resorts on @LEVAHotels #LEVAHotels #LEVAHotelsAndResorts #LEVAMazayaCentre

About LEVA Hotels & Resorts
LEVA Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic lifestyle hotel brand uniquely positioned in the upscale and midscale segments offering a fresh perspective on hospitality. It attracts travellers who want to be immersed in vibrant spaces while enjoying world-class comfort and engaging service at affordable price points. Derived from the Latin word ‘Levatio’ meaning ‘comfort’, LEVA Hotels & Resorts boasts a unique portfolio of 4 complementary and well differentiated hospitality brands aimed at delivering greater value to guests with a balanced lifestyle and solid return on investment for owners. At every level, LEVA is focused on the essentials that turn the mundane into memorable. For more information visit www.stayleva.com

For Media Contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

HITEC Dubai 2019 Announced

DUBAI: Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and Naseba announced the dates for HITEC Dubai 2019, the Middle East’s largest hospitality technology show for hotels, at the first advisory council meeting that took place today at the V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton. Endorsed by Dubai Tourism, HITEC Dubai will be held this year on November 12 and 13 at the Festival Arena by Intercontinental at Dubai Festival City and will bring together over 2000+ hospitality professionals 100+ exhibitors and 30+ leading thought leaders from across the region.

Frank I. Wolfe, CAE, CEO for HFTP®, stated, “The United Arab Emirates is the regional hub for hospitality, tourism, and shopping and is the world’s biggest growing market outside of China since 2008 in terms of new hotel openings, spearheaded by Dubai. We are delighted to bring HITEC back to Dubai that has been named as the fourth most visited city in the world. It is also one of the most lucrative markets for hospitality technology providers in view of the unprecedented development for Expo 2020 that is expected to attract an estimated 25 million guests. The hospitality market in the emirate is forecasted to reach USD 7.6 Billion by 2022.”

HITEC will give Middle East buyers – currently worth over USD 75 billion – access to top solution providers exhibiting the latest in hospitality technology at the show. In addition, an intensive education program is planned by the expert HITEC Dubai 2019 Advisory Council and a  summit with one-to-one business meetings.

The council’s role will be to provide strategic support and advise the organizers of HITEC. The council also designs an educational program and agenda addressing the most relevant challenges and needs in the Middle East and keeping with the emerging technology trends.

HITEC Dubai’s Advisory Council Chairperson Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “Advancements in technology have led to drastic disruption and transformation in the hospitality sector globally as well as regionally which has boosted competitiveness and efficiency while creating new opportunities. HITEC offers the perfect platform to know about the latest technology developments and innovations transforming our industry in a rapidly changing digital world. Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, VR (Virtual Reality), 3D printing, Blockchain and other innovations are all continuously giving greater choice and convenience in every aspect of travel.”

Jimmy Joseph, Director – Hospitality of CADD Emirates, noted that a large portion of the hospitality investment is being spent on technology products and services that optimise internal processes, enhance guest experience and increase profitability. He said, “Technology innovation in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics & Internet of things (IoT) are influencing the hospitality industry at a fast pace. HITEC Dubai is a great platform for solution providers like CADD Emirates to address the needs of the industry by introducing new technologies to the top-level regional stakeholders.”

The 2019 HITEC Dubai Advisory Council includes:

  • Laurent A. Voivenel SVP, Operations & Development for MEA, Swiss-Belhotel International, and Chairperson of HITEC Dubai Advisory Council
  • Mahmoud Kamal, CIO, Al Habtoor Hospitality
  • Frank I. Wolfe, CAECEO, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®).
  • Dr. Sanjay Nadkarni, Director Research and Innovation, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
  • Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality
  • Neil Menezes, Head of IT Public Investment Fund, Amaala
  • Waleid Ibrahim,VP IT, Middle East & Africa, Marriott Hotel International
  • Reda bin Abdoun, COO, Elaf Group
  • Hariharan Balasubramanian, Head Of IT, Abu Dhabi National Hotels
  • Nicholas Watson, Chief Digital Officer, Naseba
  • Ferghal Purcell, Chief Operating Officer, HMH (Hospitality Management Holding)
  • Mohamed Amirul Islam Global Board of Director HFTP
  • Wael Othman, Director of IT & Business Solutions, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation
  • Iftikhar Hamdani, Cluster General Manager, Wyndham Hotel and Resorts
  • Josheph Fayed, Corporate Director of IT, Time Hotels
  • Prashant Dutta, VP, IT- Hotel Integration, Accor
  • Lijo Mathew, Head of IT, Dubai Developments

HITEC Staff Liaison

  • Rouf Hyder Beigh, Project Manager, HITEC Dubai
  • Angela Dowell, Meetings and Events Manager, HFTP, USA

About HITEC Dubai
Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) is the world’s largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place.

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producers of HITEC, will partner with Naseba, a business facilitation company, to bring the brand to Dubai. Making the event accessible to buyers from the lucrative Middle Eastern market, currently worth over USD 75 bn.

The show will offer an education program and exhibits. In addition, HITEC Dubai will feature a summit with one-to-one business meetings that have become the hallmark of Naseba’s platforms. Hoteliers attending the summit portion of HITEC Dubai will be pre-qualified to confirm their purchasing authority, budgets, timelines and solutions of interest.

hitec.naseba.com

About HFTP
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry’s pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world’s largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. The association also owns the world’s only hospitality-specific search engine: PineappleSearch.com®. For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org.For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.

Follow HFTP on social media Facebook (@HFTPGlobal); LinkedIn; Twitter (@HFTP); Instagram (@HFTP_HITEC). Stay tuned to HFTP’s industry-specific, informational news sites: HFTP News, HITEC Bytes, HFTP Club Bytes, HFTP Finance Bytes, HFTP GDPR Bytes and HFTP FB Bytes. HFTP event photos are available on Flickr, and HFTP event videos are available on YouTube.

For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

Ajman Bank Supports UAE Federal Council Election Process

To support the UAE Federal Council Elections and facilitate voting, Ajman Bank has announced paid time off for its employees. All eligible Ajman Bank staff will be able to leave work 2 hours early at the end of the day from 1st to 3rd October to cast their votes.

Mr. Mohamed Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Ajman Bank, stated, “Very often, people opt not to vote despite the significance because they are unable to take time away from work to cast a ballot. But it should not be that way. As businesses, employees, community members and citizens, it is our national duty and responsibility to vote as well as encourage others to do so. As an organization, our objective at Ajman Bank is to empower our associates and enable them to exercise their right to vote by making it convenient. We believe it is an opportunity to become more responsible and engaged as citizens.”

The Federal National Council (FNC) is the UAE’s advisory council, formed under the UAE Provisional Constitution in 1971 as a permanent component of the country’s governing structure, which also includes the Supreme Council, President, Cabinet and Judiciary. The parliamentary elections for the House are being held at nine polling stations across the emirates.

About Ajman Bank
Ajman Bank is an Islamic bank with an ambitious vision based on values of integrity, trust and transparency seeks to provide a wide range of Sharia-compliant and high-quality banking services to customers from individuals, companies and government institutions across the UAE. It is also keen to be updated with the latest technology that will ensure customers a distinctive experimental banking with the revival of human touch that is lost in the modern era of banking application.

Ajman Bank is headquartered in Ajman and enjoys the strong support of the Government of Ajman and is a key pillar in the emirate’s economic development strategy. The bank continues its tireless efforts to establish a prominent position in the banking sector as a sustainable Islamic banking institution, with an emphasis on the need to achieve an optimal balance in the community and caring staff, in order to provide real value for shareholders and customers alike. For more information visit http://www.ajmanbank.ae

For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

21st Edition of Women in Leadership Economic Forum (WIL) by Naseba to Unlock Opportunities for Building Inclusive Economies

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Women in Leadership Economic Forum (WIL) by Naseba, the largest female economic empowerment platform in the Middle East will take place in Dubai on October 28 and 29 at the soon to be opened Address Sky View Hotel Dubai. Supported by corporate partners such as Siemens, Allergan, FedEx, Philip Morris, PWC, Emaar and General Motors and co-hosted by Emaar Hospitality, this year’s forum will gather senior executives, men and women who want to shape the economies and societies of tomorrow to ‘Dare to Build a Better Future’, to lead in times of constant change with vision and courage, to learn from those organisations that are closing the gender gap and to build a community of game changers. 

According to industry reports, gender empowerment means higher growth, a reduction in inequality, an improvement in the strength of the economy and a more diversified work force. It has been established that more women in the workplace could boost economy by up to 35%. 

Sophie Le Ray, CEO of Naseba, said, “Change is rippling through business and social spheres. However, only when talk turns to action, will we see a level playing field once and for all. In addition to support the development of gender equity in society, WIL Forum is a platform for people and organisations with bold ideas, vision for progress, in a post #metoo era where the gender divide discussion has finally made it to the boardroom. We (men and women) cannot afford to lose this momentum and must leave our society in a better shape than we found it”. 

WIL Economic Forum will bring to the fore regional and international leaders who are pioneering new possibilities in their fields to positively impact and promote a gender inclusive economy. Plenary discussions debating game changing mega trends such as the future of the workforce, AI and gender bias, migration, education as an inclusion tool will alternate with highly interactive breakout sessions giving practical takeaways and toolkits to the audience on a variety of topics such as: managing a corporate career, connecting and building an effective network. 

About Naseba 
Naseba creates growth opportunities, connecting people, partners and ideas. Focused on deal facilitation, it helps clients raise capital, close sales, enter new markets, secure partners and educate workforces. Naseba creates opportunity and adds economic value at every stage of our client’s journey. 

Since 2002, Naseba has facilitated more than a billion dollars’ worth of deals and has connected over 100,000 global executives through more than 1,000 proprietary business platforms in liquid growth markets. 

Naseba is a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles – Equality Means Business, produced and disseminated by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the United Nations Global Compact. 

For media contact: 
Hina Bakht 
Managing Director 
EVOPS Marketing & PR 
Mob: 00971 50 6975146 
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com 
www.evops-pr.com 

Carro Matto Carnival at Da Vinci’s, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

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Da Vinci’s will be hosting a Carro Matto Carnival, the most popular harvest festival in Florence, on Friday, 27 September 2019 from 7pm to 11:30pm. In keeping with the traditions, it will be a night filled with exceptional Italian food paired with superb grape beverages and band performances. The restaurant will also offer an array of irresistible deals to choose from.

Mr. Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “Every year, we celebrate the ‘Carro Matto’ which symbolizes the new harvest season. It takes place with a lot of gaiety accompanied with great food and drinks. Our highly skilled and passionate culinary team at Da Vinci’s has meticulously crafted a special menu for the festival as well as some enticing promotions to titillate the guests’ palates. It is a memorable experience where people come together to enjoy their favourite Italian dishes with a choice of Italian grape beverages and fabulous entertainment.”

Carro Matto Carnival Offers:

  • 30% discount on a la carte menu or
  • Special price on selected wine by bottle or
  • Choice of pizza or pasta with a glass of wine or a bottle of beer for only AED 72

Friday, 27th September 2019 from 7pm to 11:30pm.
Terms and conditions apply

For reservations call 04 702 8888 or email davinci.mahd@millenniumhotels.com

About Da Vinci’s:
Launched in 1989, Da Vinci’s is one of Dubai’s very first and finest Italian restaurants offering a wide choice of authentic home-style Italian fare. Winner of numerous prestigious culinary awards, the restaurant has long been a favourite for family and business entertainment. The outlet’s exquisite menu takes you on a culinary journey across Italy and features a variety of signature pizzas and pastas perfectly paired with an extensive selection of beverages.  Equally enticing is the ambience at the restaurant that combines simple elegance with classic Italian style and friendly service.

For hotel marketing contact:
Sheryl Aquiatan
Marketing & Communications Manager
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
Mob: 00971 56 506 0983
Tel: 00971 4 702 8888
sheryl.aquiatan@millenniumhotels.com

For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa
Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class.

Currently operating 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first-class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture.

With the motto “More than Meets the Eye”, Millennium & Copthorne is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com

C Central Resort in The Palm Dubai Gears Up for Opening

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Continuing its expansion in Dubai, Central Hotels is gearing up to welcome guests at the C Central Resort – The Palm, its fourth luxury hotel in the emirates. Featuring 206 luxe rooms and suites, the spectacular hotel is in the final stages of finishing and is expected to open its doors within the next few weeks.

Making the announcement, Mr. Abdulla AlAbdulla, Chief Operating Officer of Central Hotels, said, “We are very proud and excited about the upcoming opening of the stunning C Central Resort that enjoys an unbeatable location in The Palm. Equipped with superb facilities, it will be a new beachfront destination offering guests an enriching and memorable experience. The time of the opening is just perfect with Dubai Expo 2020 on the horizon. It will add tremendous value to our growing presence in the UAE as we remain committed to support the vision and strategy of the tourism authorities.”

Elaborating further, Mr. Ammar Kanaan, Group General Manager of Central Hotels, stated, “We are delighted to expand our footprint in Dubai with a unique property like the C Central Resort – The Palm where we currently have three fantastic hotels in operation. This new addition to our portfolio will offer our guests more choice under Central Hotels banner. The plush hotel has been thoughtfully designed to meet the expectations of discerning regional and international travellers and is equipped with outstanding business and recreation facilities including a meeting room, innovative spaces for outdoor weddings, events and functions, multiple dining outlets and bars, spa, fitness centre and gift shops.”

C Central Resort is located on the East Crescent of the picturesque Palm Jumeirah. From its exceptional location on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, guests can access one of the best private beaches in the city as well as experience unhindered views of the iconic destination.

For inquiries call +971 4 873 5500 or email info.ccr@central-hotels.com

Connect with Central Hotels on: @RoyalCentralAE @CanalCentralAE @FirstCentralAE #RoyalCentalAE #CanalCentalAE #FirstCentalAE #CentralHotels

About Central Hotels
Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting the UAE as the primary market for growth in addition to other lucrative destinations in the Middle East. The group has recently added to its portfolio spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, C Central Resort – The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai.

For more information visit www.central-hotels.com

For Media Contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
M: +971 50 6975146 | T: +971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

LAURENT A. VOIVENEL, SVP OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT, SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL, SPEAKS ON INNOVATIVE GLASS TRENDS IN HOTELS AT GULF GLASS SEMINAR IN DUBAI

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Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, made a special presentation today on innovative glass trends in hotels at the Gulf Glass Seminar in Dubai.

Speaking at the conference, Laurent said, “For many years, glass was simply seen as a window in architecture with the fundamental purpose of allowing light to enter a space and for occupants to see outside. However, today glass technology has advanced rapidly, and it is being used in some of the world’s most iconic buildings. Structures are getting thinner and glass is getting larger, smarter and trendier. Burj Khalifa utilized a record-breaking 103,000 square meters of glass. Glass has also been used extensively in construction of Dubai Frame – the world’s largest frame. Another great example is Dubai’s Museum of Future where 890 stainless steel and fibre glass panels make up the exterior. At Swiss-Belhotel International too, we have some stunning projects coming up with beautiful glass structures.”

Elaborating on the latest glass technology, Laurent stated, “Glass is becoming smarter and smarter. One of the most promising new technologies in the field of intelligent glass is dynamically switchable glasses. These glass types use electronic control to vary their light and heat transmission, either manually or through pre-programmed control logic.

Another outstanding recent development has been the use of glass as a source of energy. Laurent stressed, “Environmentally-responsive coatings allow solar heat gain transmission to change throughout the day. With use of such technology hotels can enjoy the flexibility of both low light consumption as well as low HVAC expenses.”

Talking about the usage of glass in interior design, Laurent said, “Hotel guests are getting younger. The hospitality business needs to adapt to new demographics and give guests what they want. We are seeing more open and clear spaces in hotels, and less walls resulting in greater use of glass. At the same time, coloured glass remains a hot favourite in interior design and will surely be an important material for hotels going forward.”

For media contact:

Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com
www.evops-pr.com

About Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Georgia, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Tanzania.  Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for eight years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.  

*Numbers may fluctuate

For further information visit https://www.swiss-belhotel.com

Telcos today play a key role in enabling a digital economy, says Etisalat Chief

Today digital proliferates the telecom industry with digital services deeply embedded in our business models. We are also enablers for other industries providing connectivity solutions to grow in the digital economy, said Hatem Dowidar, CEO International, Etisalat, in his opening remarks at Telecoms World Middle East and Carriers World Middle East 2019.

“Etisalat pioneered the 5G launch in the MENA region through its commitment and focused efforts on key strategic priorities that has enabled smarter digital offerings and transformed the ecosystem. This has opened up opportunities to engage with business and customers in new ways.”

The 15th Telecoms World Middle East and Carriers World Middle East is ongoing at Conrad Hotel in Dubai on 24-25 September. The event is among the biggest and most influential telecom events in the region focusing on the latest developments transforming the telecoms industry, such as 5G networks, AI and automation. Discussions covered strategy, innovation and partnerships for the telecoms ecosystem.

Etisalat chief executives were part of panel discussions and roundtables moderated by global and regional experts in the region. Hatem Bamatraf, CTO, Etisalat International, was a key panelist in the opening CEO keynote panel on ‘Driving digital transformation in TMT: a 2030 vision’. Key topics were reinventing the current telco to thrive in the future, offering a multi-service player with a wide range of digital services; developing the most efficient business models and strategies to grow in the digital era. These discussion topics are in line with Etisalat’s overall strategy of ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’.

Dr Kamal Shehadi, Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Etisalat International, participated in a keynote panel on ‘5G rollout: will the Gulf win the race?’. Panelists deliberated on a wide range of issues, including tapping into the 360 million mobile subscribers in the region; examining the need for private sector investment to deliver 5G goals; explaining the economic benefits and social benefits of next generation network deployment; and evaluating the necessary regulations to enable deployment and causes for concern.

Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer, Etisalat, took part in a panel discussion on ‘Breaking boundaries in the ME: what opportunities lie ahead?’ A multitude of topics were discussed such as accessing emerging markets in the Middle East (ME) for global and regional carriers, capitalising on the geographical advantage of the UAE and neighboring countries, and driving the ME to become the subsea terminal hub between Europe and the Far East.

The panel also looked into highlighting best practice to avoid cable congestion; improving connectivity between existing subsea cables; and boosting capacity to meet the massive growth in data, IP and content demands between Asia and West Africa via the Middle East.

Other Etisalat senior executives who participated in panel discussions were Omar Al Zaabi, Vice President – Product & Capacity Management, Etisalat; and José L. López-Villén, Director of Open Innovation & IoT Partnerships, Etisalat.

On the event’s second day, Gonçalo Fernandes, Senior Director Emerging Technologies and Design, Etisalat Digital, will take part in a ‘fireside chat’ on ‘Blockchain for telecoms: a new digital transformation tool’. Robert Middlehurst, Vice President/Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat International, will share his insights into ‘Regulating AI: a matter of urgency?’

Abid Mustafa, Director Strategy and Customer Experience PMO, Etisalat, will present a case study on ‘Documenting Etisalat’s Robotic Process Automation (RPA) journey’. He will cite the benefits of effectively automating human interaction with computer software to carry out tasks autonomously; increasing responsiveness to disruption by streamlining tasks; and keeping the end user in mind by overcoming major challenges.

Emirates Flight Catering announces major investment in solar energy; cuts carbon emissions from electrical consumption by 15%

Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), one of the world’s largest catering operations, has successfully commissioned a state-of-the-art solar power system across its premises, which is expected to deliver an annual reduction of 3 million kg of greenhouse gas emissions. This is part of EKFC’s continued investment in infrastructure to improve resource efficiency.

EKFC’s latest initiative supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, in 2015. Under the strategy, the Emirate aims to produce 75 per cent of its energy requirements from clean sources by 2050.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Sustainability is an important pillar of the Emirates Group strategy. We are committed to responsible business and environmental stewardship, and we apply eco-efficient technologies across our operations to minimise our impact even as we continue to grow. Emirates Flight Catering’s latest initiatives open new opportunities to improve resource efficiency, underpinning Dubai’s strategy to become a global centre of clean energy and green economy.”

Saeed Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Flight Catering, said: “We are excited to announce another significant, long-term investment in our sustainable operations. Our state-of-the-art solar power plant helps us further optimise resources and enhance environmental efficiency, which will benefit all of our stakeholders, including our customers, employees and the communities around us. In line with our appetite for perfection, we stay committed to providing the best possible quality products and services to our customers using sustainable and innovative solutions.”

EKFC’s solar rooftop power plant comprises 8,112 individual solar panels. It is expected to generate 4,195 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, allowing the company to reduce traditional energy consumption by 15% across its laundry, food manufacturing and staff accommodation facilities. Consequently, EKFC’s carbon dioxide emission will decrease by 3 million kilogram annually – the equivalent of the annual electricity use of 518 family homes.

EKFC recognises that environmental responsibility is core to its long-term success and is committed to using resources in a sustainable manner and minimising the environmental impact of its operations across all activities.

EKFC will shortly start constructing the world’s largest vertical farming facility in a joint venture with US-based Crop One, an industry leader. The 130,000 square foot controlled environment facility will produce 2,700 kilogram of high quality, herbicide- and pesticide-free leafy greens daily, using 99 percent less water than outdoor fields. Its location will enable quick delivery of fresh products within hours of harvest, maintaining the food’s nutritional value and reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. The first products are expected to be delivered to Emirates Flight Catering’s customers in 2020.

EKFC runs a comprehensive recycling programme, ensuring recyclable items, including plastic bottles, aluminium cans and foil, are separated from galley waste after they are removed from the aircraft. The company also has all cardboard packaging and office paper waste recycled into new paper products.

Every month, EKFC diverts over 270,000 kilograms of material from landfill and ensures the recycling of 130,000 kilograms of cardboard, 4,000 kilograms of paper, 14,000 kilograms of aluminium cans and foil, 120,000 kilograms of glass bottles and 10,000 kilograms of plastic bottles.

Fast facts:

  • This solar power project reduces Emirates Flight Catering’s carbon dioxide emissions per annum by 2,968,568 kg. This is the equivalent of:
    • 1,264,130 litres of petrol fuel consumption
    • The annual electricity consumption of 518 family homes
  • 8,112 individual solar panels installed
  • Eight Emirates Flight Catering facilities included in this solar power project
  • Annual energy bill reduction of 1.86m AED
  • Annual production of 4,195 Megawatt Hours

About Emirates Flight Catering

Emirates Flight Catering is one of the world’s largest catering operations. Offering airline, events and VIP catering as well as ancillary services including laundry, food production and airport lounge food and beverage, Emirates Flight Catering is a trusted partner of more than 100 airline customers, hospitality groups and UAE government entities. Each day, the company’s 11,000 dedicated employees prepare an average of 225,000 meals and handle 210 tonnes of laundry.

For more information visit Emirates Flight Catering Newsroom

Contact

Gabor Vasarhelyi

Emirates Group Public Relations 

gabor.vasarhelyi@emirates.com 

EXPO 2020 – INDIA PAVILION FOUNDATION STONE LAID

In a ceremony on 22nd September 2019 ,  Consul General Of India to Dubai H.E. Vipul , along with Piyush Goyal , Indian Minister for Commerce , Industry and Railways , Ambassador Navdeep Suri , Yusuf Ali , B.R. Shetty and top level UAE and Indian Business community leaders laid the foundation stone for EXPO 2020-India Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 site.