IHG Hotels & Resorts opens global headquarters in Windsor

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IHG Hotels & Resorts opens global headquarters in Windsor

FTSE 100 hospitality company makes its return to town at the new Windsor One development

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is delighted to formally open its new global headquarters in Windsor, UK. Having started life as FTSE-listed company in Windsor in 2003, IHG returns to the historic town for its next chapter after being based for the past 15 years in Denham, Buckinghamshire.

The building represents not only the company’s global headquarters, but also the head of its Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa region, helping serve an international business that has more than 6,000 hotels across more than 100 countries around the world.

The Windsor One office on Arthur Road was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by IHG CEO, Keith Barr, alongside the company’s executive committee members, and special guests Councillor Christine Bateson, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Samantha Rayner, councillor for Eton and Castle, and Andrew Johnson, Leader for Royal Borough Windsor and Maidenhead council.

Located close to key transport links to London and international airports, the office boasts 57,000 square foot of space over five floors, complete with state-of-the-art technology, modern meeting rooms and event space, parking, a recording studio and views over Windsor Castle and Eton College.

Keith Barr, Global CEO at IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We are delighted to be moving back to Windsor, a world-famous and historic location. It was important for us as a company to move to a space that empowered us to work collaboratively, flexibly and in way that is truly reflective of today’s evolving workforce. What we have achieved at Windsor One – from the workspace design and digital capabilities, to our connections with the local community – will make our already special company culture even more dynamic.”

Councillor Christine Bateson, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead said: “It’s great to see large multinationals such as IHG choose Windsor as their base. The investment made in this new HQ is a reflection of the attractiveness of Windsor as not only a location but as a destination in its own right. With so much to offer as a town, we are excited to see IHG team members out and about enjoying our bars, restaurants and cafes – not to mention the great parks and history that Windsor is famed for.”

As one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, a commitment to making a positive impact on its local communities and improving the lives of millions around the world is at the heart of IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow plan to shape the future of responsible travel, together with its partners.

In Windsor, IHG has contracted Good Eating to supply its food and beverage, a company who makes a positive impact to the local community through its commitment to supporting CoFarm, a sustainable development charity. The building’s General Contractor, Overbury, also donated its time, advice and materials to the Windsor Homeless project to help with their new base in Windsor’s Alma Road.

Another pillar of IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow plan is the reduction of energy use and carbon emissions in line with climate science, the minimisation of waste and the conservation of water. To this end, the company is targeting a gold LEED certification for its global HQ, reflective of IHG’s responsible decisions for the building. This includes a significant reduction in energy consumption, the use of renewable energy, and the sustainable sourcing of furniture, fixtures and equipment.

UAE launched 11 environmentally-friendly energy projects worth AED159 billion in 2022: Suhail Al Mazrouei

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UAE launched 11 environmentally-friendly energy projects worth AED159 billion in 2022: Suhail Al Mazrouei

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the UAE has launched 11 environmentally-friendly energy projects worth AED159 billion in 2022.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Mazrouei stated that the UAE’s clean energy production in 2021 totalled 7,035.75 megawatts (MW), underscoring the country’s pioneering efforts in the clean energy sector.

He also highlighted the launch of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the first unified energy strategy by the UAE, which aims to integrate the renewable and clean energy mix to achieve a balance between economic needs and climate goals, in addition to reducing dependency on other fuel sources over the next three decades.

He added that the UAE has adopted, in order to ensure the renewable energy sector’s sustainability, the latest innovations that drive the path of sustainable development, noting that the UAE was among the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement.

He then pointed out that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure established the features of the energy sector’s future for the upcoming 50 years, by revising the National Energy Strategy 2050, drafting the National Hydrogen Strategy, and relying on the achievements already accomplished over the past five decades.

Al Mazrouei stressed that clean energy’s contribution to the energy mix in 2021 reached 19.63 percent while the contribution of renewable energy reached 12 percent, and the contribution of peaceful nuclear energy reached 7.55 percent.

The global turmoil in energy supplies has created challenges related to energy security and will, therefore, lead to a focus on using the lowest-priced resources available locally, to meet the country’s energy requirements, with an increase in exports in the non-oil sector from the UAE, he added.

The UAE has considerable potential in the field of solar power, and the low cost of solar power will enhance the country’s energy security and its competitiveness, in addition to playing a key role in achieving carbon neutrality, he noted, affirming that the rise of renewables requires transportation upgrades and investment in storage technologies to reliably meet energy requirements.

With the expected decrease in storage costs and their commercialisation, long-term storage technologies will play a major role in decarbonising the grid in a reliable and affordable way, he further added.

Speaking about the performance of international oil markets in 2023, Al Mazrouei highlighted several related factors that will drive prices in 2023, such as the end China’s zero-COVID policy, the US decision to refill the Strategic Oil Reserve, the sanctions imposed on Russian seaborne oil products, and ongoing global inflation.

He then talked about other factors that may negatively affect prices, including the global recession, China’s decreasing demand for oil, and the resumption of trade between Russia and Europe.

Al Mazrouei stressed that the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is a leading innovative energy project in the process of energy transition. Once fully operational, its four reactors will offset 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions, the main cause of climate change, annually.

The new successes and progress achieved during the process of developing the four Barakah reactors, which is the first multi-station peaceful nuclear energy project in operation in the Arab world, play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint of the UAE’s energy sector, in order to reach climate neutrality by 2050, he added.

He then pointed out that once commercially operational, the third reactor will add another 1,400 MW of carbon-free electricity to the UAE’s electricity grid, which will help achieve the country’s energy security and combat climate change. The successive achievements of the Barakah plant highlight the UAE’s considerable capabilities in drafting and managing major projects.

The UAE is a model of developing mini reactors and a new generation of reactors, and is paving the way for other carbon-free energy sources, including hydrogen, Al Mazrouei affirmed, noting that the country’s hydrogen strategy is based on 10 key pillars and will help it achieve its goal to become one of the top 10 hydrogen producers by 2031.

“Gray hydrogen is currently produced and used in refineries in the range of 0.3 million tonnes per year. However, there are several DEWA/Siemens pilot projects that utilise blue hydrogen-based ammonia exported to Germany and Japan, as there are more than 10 projects underway, with seven being major projects under development while some are undergoing feasibility studies,” he added.

Regarding Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and its role in supporting the preparations for COP28, Al Mazrouei said that ADSW is supporting the global sustainability efforts and the UAE’s efforts to host COP28.

ADSW is a pioneering platform that underscores the country’s commitment to supporting climate action, and gathers international leaders and sustainability experts, he concluded.

Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews outcomes of Farmers’ Souq initiative

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Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews outcomes of Farmers’ Souq initiative

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, said Dubai is committed to harnessing all its capabilities to develop its agricultural sector, as part of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Raising local agricultural production is a key priority of the leadership as part of advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life of citizens and residents of Dubai, the Crown Prince said. “Meeting consumer demand for local agricultural produce is vital to achieving the goals of our food security strategy,” His Highness added. He expressed confidence in the ability of UAE nationals to raise the productivity of the local agricultural sector.

His Highness’s remarks came as he was briefed about the second season of the Farmers’ Souq, being held at the Palm Parks, and the efforts of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs to promote the initiative. A popular family attraction, the Farmers’ Souq launched by the Dubai Municipality is a free agricultural, social and investment platform that seeks to gather Emirati farmers under one roof to sell local produce directly to consumers.

His Highness met Emirati farmers participating in the Farmers’ Souq initiative and commended their efforts to provide high-quality agricultural produce to local consumers. He said such initiatives enable local farmers and small agricultural businesses to expand their customer base. Sheikh Hamdan noted that their success reflects the growing capabilities of the local agricultural sector and the progress of Dubai’s efforts to advance food security.

Dawoud Al-Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted the keenness of the UAE leadership to support the local agricultural sector and further promote its sustainability. The Municipality is committed to providing local farmers and home-based businesses with a free platform and logistics support to market their products, he said.

Open from 17:00 to 20:00 every Saturday at the Palm Parks, until 11th March, 2023, the Farmers’ Souq this season features over 50 kiosks displaying high-quality local Emirati farm produce including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, organic products, honey, dates, and herbal products.

CEO of Saudi Fund for Development Receives Delegations from Argentina and Cuba

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CEO of Saudi Fund for Development Receives Delegations from Argentina and Cuba

 CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad met here today with President of National Institute of Water Resources (INRH) Antonio Rodriguez of the Republic of Cuba, and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, they discussed development issues of common interest, and enhancing possible vital opportunities for development projects in Cuba.
Al-Marshad also received here today Secretary of Development Planning and Federal Competitiveness of the Argentine Republic Jorge Neme, in the presence of Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Guillermo Nielsen, and Governor of Catamarca Raul Jalil.
They reviewed the SFD’s development projects and programs, in addition to discussing possible vital opportunities in Argentina.

UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UK counterpart sign MoU to drive energy sector

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UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UK counterpart sign MoU to drive energy sector

he Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The memorandum aims to exchange information, knowledge, expertise and studies in the field of energy and promote it for the vital role it plays in sustainable development at the local and international levels.

The signing ceremony was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, at the office building of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. The MoU was signed by Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, and Grant Schapps, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of the United Kingdom, in the presence of a number of officials from the two countries.

The MoU aims to enhance strategic and technical cooperation in the energy sector, develop renewable energy technologies including regulatory frameworks and incentives. It also steps up cooperation in smart grids and related technologies, in addition to environmentally sustainable transportation, electric vehicles, sustainable alternative transportation fuels, biomass projects, waste conversion to energy, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage projects. The memorandum also stresses their cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy and related policies and technology, low-carbon hydrogen, exchange of information, knowledge and experiences, holding high-level meetings to discuss and consider issues of mutual benefit, bolstering collaboration in clean and renewable energy, and organising workshops for events related to the industry.

The memorandum also includes the commitment of the two parties to sustainable development in implementing energy, science and technology policies, taking into account economic, social and environmental considerations with regard to climate change. It also records their commitment to investment, trade and market access opportunities in the field of energy, in addition to sustainable development of energy resources, and encouraging companies in the private sector and industrial entities to engage in more cooperation and explore more business opportunities.

The UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure then explained that the memorandum of understanding is greatly significant in light of the common interest of both countries as it helps them implement an energy policy that would provide low-carbon, safe and sustainable energy supplies at affordable prices. He stressed that the two nations realise the importance of the need to improve energy efficiency and decarbonisation of its components, and the need to develop renewable energy technologies to help reach zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Al Mazrouei further highlighted the crucial role undertaken by the UAE and the UK in laying the foundations for climate action as the UAE is getting ready to host the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) and in light of the outcomes of COP 26 in the UK. He also stressed their role in implementing and supporting the targets of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and net-zero targets by 2050.

The Minister praised the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations, which have witnessed great progress over the past few years, thanks to the support of the wise leadership of the two countries, mutual trust, respect and common interests. He then pointed out that the MoU is a reflection of the historical relations between the UAE and the UK in various fields, including the close partnership in the energy sector which represents a major underpinning of the national economies. Al Mazrouei added that such partnerships help the transition towards clean, renewable energy to take shape and support the two countries’ approach in launching projects and initiatives to ensure the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which the UAE was one of the first countries to ratify. He further indicated that the MoU opens up broad horizons for growth and development as part of the efforts of the two countries to diversify the energy mix, relying on clean energy, and building more partnerships to tap into the opportunities associated with the global leadership of the two nations.

Etihad Credit Insurance appoints Raja Al Mazrouei as Acting CEO

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Etihad Credit Insurance appoints Raja Al Mazrouei as Acting CEO

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), the UAE Federal export credit company, announced the appointment of Board member and Managing director of ECI, Raja Al Mazrouei, as the acting CEO to succeed Massimo Falcioni, who stepped down from his position as CEO of the company.

Raja Al Mazrouei is an accomplished digital transformation expert with over two decades of experience in the financial services and technology sectors. She has a proven track record of successfully turning around and enabling businesses and is also a member of multiple boards in the region.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of ECI Board of Directors, commented, “We are in the process of moving into a transitional phase in the history of the company, which since its founding in 2018, playing a catalyst role in supporting the UAE’s non-oil exports, trade, investments, and strategic sectors’ development, in line with the country’s national economic diversification agenda. Therefore, we are pleased that Mrs. Raja Al Mazrouei will lead this stage and, we are excited for the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for our organisation under her leadership.”

He added, “This appointment came to ensure the seamless continuation of our services and to operate with the same high level of professionalism and dedication to our partners and clients. We are confident that ECI will be in capable and efficient hands during this stage, as we look forward enthusiastically to the future and the opportunities awaiting under its leadership.”

ECI expressed its sincere thanks to Massimo Falcioni, who held the CEO position for more than five years, for his efforts.

Etihad Airways named most punctual airline in Middle East

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Etihad Airways named most punctual airline in Middle East

Official Airline Guides Database (OAG), the global aviation analytics group, has named Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, as the most punctual airline in the Middle East and among the most reliable in the world.

In its Punctuality League rating for 2022, OAG listed Etihad as the best in the GCC region.

Etihad has achieved an on-time arrival performance within 15 minutes of 81 percent. It also continued to maintain one of the lowest cancellation rates worldwide, ensuring an enhanced guest experience with trustworthy flight schedules.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer of Etihad Airways, said that delivering a safe and reliable airline operation is always the first priority. “Our commitment to our guests, flying for business or leisure, is that Etihad delivers to its schedule; the airline continues to strive to increase its reliability through the efforts of its people and the deployment of technology and innovation.”

On-time performance is defined by OAG as a flight arriving within 15 minutes of its scheduled time, a standard measure within the airline industry, taking into account the range of variable factors which can affect operations.

Etihad’s home base, Abu Dhabi International Airport, was also placed in the top five most punctual airports in the Middle East.

Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum kicks off in Abu Dhabi

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Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum kicks off in Abu Dhabi

The seventh annual Global Energy Forum, organised by the Atlantic Council, kicked off today in Abu Dhabi as part of the activities of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), with the participation of the world’s most influential energy leaders to set the global energy agenda for the year ahead and drive the global energy transition.

This year’s Forum is of particular importance as critical climate and energy strategy issues take centre stage in the run-up to the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), which the UAE will also host before the year’s end.

The 2023 forum focuses on the challenge of managing energy security priorities and decarbonisation efforts in tandem.

Headliners include John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and former US Secretary of State; Amos Hochstein, Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security, US Department of State; Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, United Kingdom; Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director General for Energy, European Commission; Francesco La Camera, Director-General, IRENA; Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment and Ministerial Coordinator and Climate Envoy for COP27, Arab Republic of Egypt; Alparslan Bayraktar, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Republic of Türkiye; Amadou Hott, Special Envoy and Global Champion, Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa; Former Minister Economy, Planning and International cooperation, Republic of Senegal; as well as top executives from the global energy sector.

The Forum is convened in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company, TAQA, and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), with CNBC as an international media partner.

SteelFab most innovative tech platform for metalworks Industry

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SteelFab most innovative tech platform for metalworks Industry

The 18th edition of the metalworks and steel exhibition “Steel Fab 2023”, which concluded Thursday evening at Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS), was able to enhance the exhibition’s position and growing importance as a chief regional event specialised in supplying the most innovative metalworks machinery and technologies from all over the world.

Over four days, the exhibition attracted thousands of local and international visitors and Industry’s decision makers.

Organised by ECS with the support of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), SteelFab 2023 continued its successful march achieving a 40 percent participation increase over the previous edition, as it attracting over 200 top international manufacturers and suppliers representing 33 countries.

The exhibition’s pavilions boasted more than 400 local and international brands of the latest technologies, smart solutions and products in the metal and steel forming and fabricating industry.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said. “We are proud of the event’s involvement. Over 18 years, It has reinforced its leading position being the most important platform for the region’s companies in their search for appropriate technologies that meet the needs of their factories, not to mention allowing them to strike major deals that enhance their competitiveness.

“The exhibition also helped enhance the experiences of the participants and visitors through facilitating their contact with the most prominent global manufacturers, whom we are keen to attract every year in order to help the local companies get introduced to the best state-of-the-art practices and exchange expertise and experience, as well as helping them attract more customers, introducing them to the quality of ‘Made in the UAE’ tag, and showing the world the great capabilities and opportunities that the Emirate of Sharjah possesses in this important sector.”

Participants in the SteelFab 2023 exhibition stressed that the exhibition was a great chance to exhibit their latest products, machines, and modern technologies that were brought from many countries. They added that those machines are equipped with the latest technological innovations and artificial intelligence in the metal and steel cutting Industry. They all agreed that their participation in such a globally successful event helped them promote their products and acquire experience by meeting international manufacturers directly to learn more about the latest technologies in the industry.

The 11 seminars and sessions that were organised during the event shed light on the future of the steel industry and reflected the visions of experts from the UAE and the world.

Step-by-step guide to setting up a seller account on Amazon 

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Step-by-step guide to setting up a seller account on Amazon 

Starting an ecommerce business by selling on Amazon is a great idea. Amazon is the largest ecommerce platform in the world and has a huge customer base. To start, you will need to create a seller account on Amazon which typically involves the following steps:

  1. Go to the Amazon Services homepage and select “Sell”
  2. Select “Start selling”
  3. Sign in to your existing Amazon account or create a new one.
  4. Choose the type of account you want to create: an individual or professional account.
  5. Enter your business information and tax information.
  6. Choose a payment method for your account.
  7. Review and accept the terms and conditions of the Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement.
  8. Provide a credit card to verify your identity and to enable Amazon to charge you for any fees associated with your account.
  9. Complete the registration process by providing your bank account information for payments.

After completing these steps, you will be able to list products for sale on Amazon and start reaching millions of customers worldwide.

Sounds pretty simple and straight forward. But as you go over these steps you are likely to encounter many challenges and the most common among these is related to Seller SKU and Product ID Type. Let me explain this in simple terms.

A product SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) on Amazon is a unique identifier assigned to a product by the seller. It is used to track inventory and for ordering purposes. The SKU can be a combination of letters and numbers, and is set by the seller. It is not the same as the product’s ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), which is a 10-character alphanumeric code assigned by Amazon to identify the product on their website throughout its lifecycle on Amazon.

Other types of product IDs that can be used include EAN (European Article Number), UPC (Universal Product Code), and ISBN (International Standard Book Number). These are typically used for products that are not unique to Amazon, such as books or other items that have been assigned a unique identifier by another organization.

A lot of people starting fresh on Amazon end up buying UPC codes online for their products to make it easier to list their products. However, it is not necessary to purchase a UPC code to sell a product on Amazon.

At EVOPS Marketing & PR we specialize in helping you set up ecommerce businesses as well as grow and succeed. Our services range from e-commerce platform set-up to management, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC), social media marketing, email marketing, affiliate marketing and influencer marketing.

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