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GB Capital Acquires License from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), Expands into Promotion and Underwriting Services

GB Capital Acquires License from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), Expands into Promotion and Underwriting Services

GB Capital for Financial Investments, the financial arm of GB Corp, has secured a license for the promotion and underwriting of securities, marking a significant milestone in its expansion efforts. Although GB Capital is not transforming into a full-fledged investment bank, this new license enables the company to offer additional services, including venture capital and the establishment of companies that issue or increase their capital through securities.

GB Capital currently manages nine specialized companies, such as GB Leasing and Factoring, Drive for Consumer Financing, GB Auto Rental, Capital for Securitization, Kredit for SME Financing, and GB Capital Sukuk, which focuses on Sharia-compliant issuances. Additionally, it holds stakes in companies like Bedaya for Real Estate Financing, MNT Halan, and Kaf for Life Insurance.

Commenting on this development, Tamer El Emary, CEO of GB Capital, said,
“Acquiring the license for the promotion and underwriting of securities is a crucial step in extending our range of services and enhancing our transformation. Our objective is to lead market innovation and provide advanced financial solutions that meet the growing demands of our clients.”

This strategic move aligns with GB Capital’s vision to expand its service portfolio and strengthen its position in Egypt’s financial market. The company aims to offer integrated investment and financial services tailored to both companies and institutions. Furthermore, it contributes to economic growth by offering innovative financing solutions that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote financial inclusion, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

HC: We believe that the MPC will opt to delay the cut until later in 2024

HC: We believe that the MPC will opt to delay the cut until later in 2024
HC: We believe that the MPC will opt to delay the cut until later in 2024

In light of Egypt’s macro economy developments and the geopolitical tensions, HC Securities & Investment expects the CBE to keep the interest rates unchanged in its upcoming meeting scheduled October 17, 2024

Head of Equity Research at HC, Nemat Choucri commented: “Egypt’s external position showed signs of improvement with (1) the 4Q23/24 balance of payments (BoP) surplus widening by c9x y-o-y and c22% q-o-q to USD5.55bn, (2) the banking sector remaining in a net foreign assets (NFA) position of USD9.73bn in August, however narrower by USD3.54bn m-o-m, and reversing a net foreign liability (NFL) position of USD25.9bn a year earlier, (3) net international reserves (NIR) increasing by USD140m m-o-m in September to USD46.737bn from USD46.597bn in August, and (4) Egypt’s 1-year CDS dropping to 407 currently, from 857 bps on 1 January. However, Egypt’s business activity remains subdued due to the high interest rate environment impacting private sector investments. Egypt’s September PMI index dropped below the 50.0 mark to 48.8 after it surpassed it in August, signaling a renewed decline in business conditions across the Egyptian non-oil private sector, as rising price pressures dampened sales and slowed business activity and 4Q23/24 GDP reached 2.4%, translating into a GDP growth of 2.4% for FY23/24, down from 3.8% a year earlier, also impacted by geopolitical tensions. To overcome this, the government plans to announce investment incentives and a tax relief package to encourage private local and foreign investments to drive GDP growth. Regarding inflation, we expect the headline inflation to accelerate by 1.0% m-o-m to 26.5% y-o-y in October due to the electricity price increases to the household, retail, and industrial sectors in September and potentially higher energy prices in October with the government’s committee in charge of the indexation of gasoline and diesel prices scheduled to meet in October to discuss 4Q24 gasoline and diesel prices, and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) considering increasing natural gas prices for the industrial sector by c10–30% depending on each industry, due to higher natural gas import costs. Regarding interest rates, Egypt’s latest 12-month average T-bill rate of 26.238%, offers a real interest rate, of 3.00% (net of 15.0% tax on US and UK investors and using our inflation estimate one year from now of 19.3%), higher than the real interest rate on the US 12-month T-bill of 1.86%, yet lower than the real interest rate on Turkey’s 12-month T-bill rate of 17.4%. So although a rate cut is needed to drive GDP growth, we believe that the MPC will opt to delay the cut until later in the year given the expected higher inflation in October, and hence we expect the MPC to maintain rates at its 17 October meeting.”

It is worth mentioning that, in its 5 September meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) maintained the benchmark overnight deposit and lending rates unchanged at 27.25% and 28.25%, respectively, after it hiked them by 600 bps in March, bringing total rate hikes to 1,900 bps since it started its tightening policy, including 300 bps in 2022, 800 bps in 2023 and 800 bps in 2024. Egypt’s annual headline inflation accelerated to 26.4% y-o-y in September from 26.2% y-o-y in August, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) data. Monthly prices rose 2.1% m-o-m compared to a similar 2.1% m-o-m increase in August. On the global front, on 19 September, the US Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 50 bps to 4.75-5.00% after it hiked rates by 525 bps since it started its tightening policy in 2022. Also, the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered the key ECB interest rates for the main refinancing operations, the marginal lending and deposit facility, by 25 bps in June and 25 bps in September to 3.65%, 3.90%, and 3.52%, respectively.

Global trade, logistics and mobility to take centre stage at Logimotion conferences

Global trade, logistics and mobility to take centre stage at Logimotion conferences

Logimotion, a new exhibition for the international logistics and mobility sectors, will host three pivotal conferences featuring industry leaders worldwide. The event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 10-11 December and will coincide with Automechanika Dubai.  

Logimotion will showcase technologies and solutions within mobility and logistics while fostering industry insights through engaging conference sessions at SCALEX, the Global Trade and Infrastructure Summit and the TransMobility Forum

The inaugural SCALEX conference is themed “Charting the Course of Global Excellence” and will explore supply chain innovations, including robotics, blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), next-generation automation, and cybersecurity. 

The global symposium offers a deep dive into enhancing efficiency, security, and talent management within the supply chain ecosystem, providing strategic insights and actionable solutions. 

The extensive lineup of speakers at SCALEX includes Ahmed Halal, Senior Procurement Office, Prime Minister’s Office; Guillaume Crozier, Senior Vice President Cargo UAE & Head, Global Cargo Strategy, Dnata; and Michael Stockdale Group Head of Supply Chain and Logistics, Red Sea Global among several other international thought leaders. 

The Global Trade and Infrastructure Summit (GTIS) will explore “Fostering Connectivity, Propelling Growth”, where attendees will gain insights into trade agreements, sustainable trade practices and the transformative role of technology in shaping global infrastructure. The conference will provide invaluable perspectives on overcoming the challenges faced by emerging markets and navigating geopolitical shifts. 

The opening keynote address for GTIS will focus on “The UAE’s vision for sustainable and smart infrastructure”, with other sessions including “Leveraging artificial intelligent and machine learning for enhanced trade efficiency” and “Building resilient supply chains through sustainable practices”.

At GTIS, Stefan Schröder, Managing Director, LNC Logistics Network Consultants GmbH in Germany, a respected thought leader in logistics, will moderate a panel discussion on “Innovative urban trade and logistics solutions: overcoming challenges in congestion, delivery, and sustainability.”

Commenting ahead of the show, Schröder said: “The logistics industry faces significant challenges, including global and regional crises, rapid market changes, labour shortages and climate protection requirements. The industry is addressing these challenges by adopting 4-D Solutions: Digitalisation, Decentralisation, Disruption and Decarbonisation, with a strong emphasis on resilient supply chains and success factors such as being green, lean and smart.” 

Rounding out the event’s conference offering, the Transmobility Forum (TMF) will explore the theme “Navigating the Intersection of Innovation and Mobility” and will address critical topics such as autonomous vehicles, smart city integration, electric vehicle ecosystems and charting the path for sustainable, efficient and future-ready mobility solutions. 

Distinguished speakers for TMF include Ammar Alanazi, Director of Big Data Analytics, General Authority For Statistics (Saudi Arabia); Jonathan Spear, Transport Policy and Strategy Advisor, Act One; and Sheeba Hasnain, Chairwoman & CIO SENTIENTE. 

“In the dynamic hub of Dubai, Logimotion stands as a pioneering event, uniting global leaders in the mobility and logistics sectors,” said Dishan Isaac, Exhibition Director, Logimotion. He added: “Logimotion offers an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to acquire valuable knowledge and connect with prominent figures in the field.” 

Logimotion, will encompass three main product areas: Warehousing Solutions & Equipment, Freight, Cargo & Material Handling and Transportation & Mobility. The exhibition and conferences will be held at Za’abeel Hall 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

MULTIBANK GROUP EXPANDS ITS GLOBAL REGULATORY FOOTPRINT BY OBTAINING ITS UAE VARA LICENSE

MULTIBANK GROUP EXPANDS ITS GLOBAL REGULATORY FOOTPRINT BY OBTAINING ITS UAE VARA LICENSE

MultiBank Group, the largest financial traditional derivatives institution worldwide headquartered in Dubai, today announced the launch of its UAE presence with its subsidiary MEX Digital FZE securing a license under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai, operating under the MultiBank.io brand. 

The VASP license recognizes MultiBank.io as both a broker-dealer and exchange, licensed to offer VA exchange and VA broker-dealer services (exclusive of VA derivatives at this stage), affirming its position as a leading Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) in the region. 

This achievement marks another significant milestone for MultiBank Group, a global powerhouse in traditional finance with robust net assets of over US$583 million with over 1 million traders across 90 countries. Multibank Group boasts daily trading volumes averaging in excess of US$15.6 Billion per day and is one of the most regulated financial institutions worldwide with over 15 regulators, in 5 continents, with an unblemished record since its inception in 2005 now holds 15 regulatory licenses worldwide. 

 Naser Taher, Chairman of MultiBank Group, said: “Our vision at MultiBank Group is to create an ecosystem to facilitate integration between the financial derivatives markets and the crypto markets. We are happy to have been awarded dual licenses, affirming our steadfast commitment to regulatory compliance and excellence worldwide. This milestone strengthens our dedication to creating a secure and transparent environment for the global cryptocurrency community and marks a significant chapter in our evolution from Forex to the forefront of the crypto economy.”

With a VASP License from VARA for exchange and broker-dealer activities, MultiBank.io is set to accelerate its growth as a premier digital asset exchange, contributing significantly to Dubai’s burgeoning blockchain ecosystem. The company’s expansion strategy includes bolstering its team, elevating its service offerings, and forging strategic partnerships, all aimed at driving the advancement of the cryptocurrency industry in the region.

Abu Dhabi Overtakes Oslo for Sovereign Wealth Fund Capital in Global SWF’s First City Ranking

Abu Dhabi Overtakes Oslo for Sovereign Wealth Fund Capital in Global SWF’s First City Ranking

Industry specialist Global SWF published a special report announcing a new global ranking of cities according to the capital managed by their Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs). 

The findings show that Abu Dhabi is the leading city that manages the most SWF capital globally, thanks to the US$ 1.7 trillion in assets managed by its various SWFs headquartered in the capital of the UAE. These include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Mubadala Investment Company (MIC), Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), and the Emirates Investment Authority (EIA).

Abu Dhabi now ranks slightly above Oslo, home to the world’s largest SWF, the Government Pension Fund (GPF), which manages over US$ 1.6 trillion in assets. Abu Dhabi and Oslo are followed by Beijing (headquarters of the China Investment Corporation), Singapore (with GIC Private and Temasek Holdings), Riyadh (home to the Public Investment Fund), and Hong Kong (where China’s second SWF, SAFE Investment Corporation, operates from). Together, these six cities represent two thirds of the capital managed by SWFs globally, i.e., US$ 12.5 trillion as of October 1, 2024. 

For the past few decades, Abu Dhabi has grown an impressive portfolio of institutional investors, which are among the world’s largest and most active dealmakers. In addition to its SWFs, the emirate is home to several other asset owners, including central banks, pension funds, and family offices linked to member of the Royal Family. Altogether, Abu Dhabi’s public capital is estimated at US$ 2.3 trillion and is projected to reach US$ 3.4 trillion by 2030, according to Global SWF estimates.  

Abu Dhabi, often referred to as the “Capital of Capital,” also leads when it comes to human capital i.e., the number of personnel employed by SWFs of that jurisdiction, with 3,107 staff working for funds based in the city. 

Diego López, Founder and Managing Director of Global SWF, said: “The world ranking confirms the concentration of Sovereign Wealth Funds in a select number of cities, underscoring the significance of these financial hubs on the global stage. This report offers valuable insights into the landscape of SWF-managed capital and shows that is shifting and expanding in certain cities in the world.

The report is publicly available on https://globalswf.com/reports/abudhabiinc  

About Global SWF

Global SWF Pte. Ltd. is an industry specialist that promotes a better understanding of and connectivity into state-owned investors through the most comprehensive platform of data and research on these global funds. The firm also provides consulting services and an executive education program, the SWF Academy, for professionals working at sovereign and pension funds. For more details, please visit www.globalswf.com

mada and Seamless Saudi Arabia’s 2024 collaboration aligned with Vision 2030‏

Drawing from the historic success of Seamless Saudi Arabia 2023 and leveraging the well-established payments infrastructure in the Kingdom, the partnership will craft an agenda dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and trends in the payments industry.

Business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across the globe will gather to discuss market disruptors and technologies shaping the world of digital commerce. Globally relevant speakers from organizations including World Economic Forum, Alrajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, Saudi Awwal Bank, Arab National Bank, Bank aljazira, Bank Albilad, Gulf International Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, United Arab Bank, Disney, noon, Hilton, Cenomi, Panda Retail, Brands for Less Group, Alsulaiman Group, Apparel Group, Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets, and hundreds more will share their insights at the exclusive conference, igniting new ideas and inspiring attendees.

Additionally, over 600 companies from across the globe will showcase their latest innovations in payments, fintech, e-commerce, retail, home delivery, and digital marketing. Top companies exhibiting at the free-to-attend event include 7X, channels by stc, Geidea, AU, anb, Bayan Credit Bureau, Elm, Foodics, Mastercard, neoleap, Nami, OneCard, SingleView, Tiqmo, Unifonic, ValueFirst, ZAPS and many others. Partners also confirmed include, Strategic Fintech Partner, Fintech Saudi, and Knowledge Partner, Monsha’at. 

Joseph Ridley, General Manager, Terrapinn Middle East, organizers of Seamless Saudi Arabia, said:
“We are thrilled to continue the strategic partnership with mada in 2024. Their expertise and leadership in the payments and digital commerce industry make them the right partner as we work together to deliver a world class event that meets the needs of the industry in these ever-evolving times”.

EBRD announces winners of EBRD AgVenture startup competition

EBRD news story EBRD announces winners of EBRD AgVenture startup competition
EBRD news story EBRD announces winners of EBRD AgVenture startup competition

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has revealed the winners and runners-up of EBRD AgVenture 2024, the Bank’s competition for startups that are developing innovative technology to make the agricultural and food sector greener.  The announcement was made today at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit London.

The winners are Proofminder, Green Growth and Algebra Intelligence.

Proofminder provides an easy-to-use, AI-powered platform based in Hungary and designed to help growers achieve their production goals sustainably. By analysing hyper-precise drone images, Proofminder provides growers with time-sensitive information about each plant and leaf in the field. This results in increased yield and decreased use of chemicals, preventing biodiversity loss and enabling seed or crop producers and farmers to meet their production goals sustainably.

Green Growth is a Latvian startup, that provides food producers with the simplest way to track their harvest and provide proof of carbon capture, sustainability levels and crop origin. The essential data from machinery guides producers on how to reduce their use of fertiliser by up to 30 per cent and track the efficiency of their sustainability practices.

Algebra Intelligence is a Jordanian startup specialising in an IoT-based approach to optimising energy management and providing software-as-a-service solutions for digitising maintenance management. By implementing real-time monitoring, forecasting and proactive alerts on energy and water resources, agrifood clients can achieve significant improvements in efficiency and reduce their costs.

Winners were selected based on a variety of criteria, including the relevance of the problem that each company is trying to solve; the differentiation between its products or services and others in the market; the firms’ go-to-market strategy; their progress and traction; the experience of each team; and the firms’ financing.

The runners-up for the competition are BeeHold, Farmolog and Cropsa.

BeeHold is an innovative Serbian agri-tech startup dedicated to transforming beekeeping through the use of advanced artificial intelligence.

Farmolog is a Turkish start-up that collects primary data from farms and simplifies the related analysis and reporting around certification and operations.

Cropsa is a leading Egyptian financial platform that links companies, traders and farmers in the agricultural and veterinary sectors and facilitates the process of buying and selling production inputs.

The winning start-ups will benefit from tailored advisory support worth up to €80,000 through the EBRD’s Star Venture programme. They will also receive a €10,000 grant for additional services, including mentoring sessions with growth experts, and opportunities for networking and visibility at global agrifood tech forums. The runners-up will receive up to €50,000 for tailored advisory services and a further €10,000 grant for business growth needs.

The startups pitched to three experts from EBRD: Natalia Zhukova, Head of Food and Agribusiness, Ervin Luga, Head of Venture Capital Investment Programme and Jelena Erker, Senior Banker; and to investors: Andrew D. Ive, founder of Big Idea Ventures, Jan Kobler, Managing Partner at South Central Ventures. The event was moderated by Nemanja Grgic, Associate Director, Corporate Sector Advisory at the EBRD.

The EBRD AgVenture programme supports early-stage businesses that are developing technology to make the agricultural and food industries greener and more sustainable. It aims to help tackle the major problems that food systems face, such as how to make food production more efficient, address climate change, and include target groups and small businesses in global value chains.

The EBRD AgVenture competition is funded by Spain through the EBRD’s High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action – HIPCA (which is also supported by AustriaCanadaFinland, the NetherlandsSouth KoreaSwitzerland, the TaiwanICDF, the United Kingdom and the United States of America).

Since 1991, the EBRD has invested over €200 billion in more than 7,200 projects on three continents, fostering the transition to open market-oriented economies and promoting private and entrepreneurial initiative.

Agility Global Invests in New Middle East & Africa Venture Capital Fund

Agility Global Invests in New Middle East & Africa Venture Capital Fund

 Agility Global, a multi-business operator and long-term investor, said its corporate venture capital arm will invest in a new fund aimed at providing capital to early-stage Middle East and Africa companies.

The new fund is managed by Global Ventures, a Dubai-based investment firm that specializes in growth-stage emerging markets investing in MEA. 

Through its venture capital arm, Agility Global has built a portfolio of investments that includes stakes in clean energy, digital logistics, e-commerce, healthcare and agri-tech startups. Its portfolio includes companies that are MEA-based or pursuing market opportunities and expansion in the region. 

Agility Global has backed efforts to strengthen the MEA’s entrepreneurial ecosystems and provided resources and expertise to early-stage companies developing go-to-market strategies.

“We are passionate champions and advocates for businesses led by the region’s new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” said Agility Global Chairman Tarek Sultan. “The Middle East and Africa are brimming with innovation and entrepreneurial energy. Through our venture capital arm, Agility Ventures, and our investment in Global Ventures’ new MEA fund, we are encouraging the region’s startups and entrepreneurs to commercialize and scale great ideas and innovations.”

Sultan said: “We’re conscious that only about 15% of all VC ‘cheque-writers’ are women, and we’re excited to be backing a women-led fund in the region. We hope that as the ventures ecosystem in the region continues to grow, it will create new opportunities for a range of stakeholders, including women-led businesses, and we’re committed to being part of growing that broader ecosystem.” 

Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures, said: “Anticipating a shift towards resource efficiency in sectors such as supply chain, our new fund, Fund III, is strategically aligned with industries poised for technological transformation in emerging markets over the next decade. With our focus on supply chain technology, we are incredibly grateful for the support of Agility Global, a long-standing leader in the supply chain sector regionally and globally. We are thrilled to have a true partner in Agility Global as we continue to back mission-driven founders addressing critical challenges across the Middle East and Africa.”

Global Ventures manages three funds, all of which target innovation companies in the Middle East and Africa. Agility Global will invest in Global Ventures’ third fund, which was established earlier this year to provide capital to startups innovating in the areas of supply chain technology, energy technology, and agri-tech. 

Global Ventures’ first fund, launched in 2018, has a thematic focus on fintech. The firm established a second fund in 2022 to focus on investments in health tech and digital health innovation.  

About Agility Global

Agility Global is a multi-business operator and long-term investor in global and regional businesses. Its portfolio of diversified assets includes the world’s largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); a leading logistics parks developer and operator across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Agility Logistics Parks); and other businesses in digital logistics, e-commerce logistics, remote-site services, and public-sector logistics. It holds minority stakes in DSV, the world’s third-largest freight forwarder; Reem Mall, a mega-mall in Abu Dhabi; commercial real estate and supply chain companies in the GCC, and emerging technology companies in e-commerce enablement, energy transition, digital supply chain, and more. Agility Global has a global footprint across six continents and 70+ countries, with a workforce of 50,000 employees. It is publicly listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Visit: www.agilityglobal.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/agility-global-plc/

X: https://x.com/agilityglobalx

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agility_global/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/agilityglobal 

About Global Ventures

Global Ventures is an emerging-market venture capital firm, investing in mission-driven founders building companies across Africa and the Middle East. Since 2018, Global Ventures has invested in over 60 companies across ten markets, deliberately focused on sectors positively affecting millions of lives across the world, such as Supply Chain Tech, Energy Management, FinTech, Digital Health, EdTech and AgriTech.

More information on portfolio companies and Global Ventures’ sector reports can be found at: www.global.vc/ 

Global Ventures LinkedIn: Global Ventures

Global Ventures Instagram: @global.ventures

GESS Dubai 2024: Premier Education Conference Returns with World-Class Speakers and Innovative Workshops

GESS Dubai 2024: Premier Education Conference Returns with World-Class Speakers and Innovative Workshops
GESS Dubai 2024: Premier Education Conference Returns with World-Class Speakers and Innovative Workshops

GESS Dubai 2024, the region’s premier education conference and exhibition, returns from November 12 to 14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 to 3, promising a lineup of world-class speakers, dynamic sessions, and cutting-edge workshops. As the 17th edition approaches, this free-to-attend, CPD-accredited conference offers an exceptional opportunity for educators and professionals to explore the future of education and engage with leaders across various fields of expertise.

From educators and administrators to EdTech innovators and wellbeing specialists, the GESS Dubai 2024 speaker lineup covers a wide range of expertise designed to inspire, inform and transform. As education continuously evolves, the importance of bringing these thought leaders to the forefront cannot be overstated. Attendees will have the chance to participate in forward-thinking talks that explore everything from AI-driven classroom solutions to innovative wellbeing practices, all under one roof.

Keynote Speakers and Their Talks:

  • Gavin McCormack, co-founder of Up-School.co and a Montessori-trained educator, is an advocate for child-centred learning and the power of connection between school and home. His keynote address, Educating with Intention: A Global Perspective, will explore methods of creating harmonious learning environments that support both academic and personal growth. He is also set to lead a workshop on Building Bridges: The Connection Between School and Home.
  • Darren Coxon, founder of coxon.ai, will deliver a keynote titled The Future of AI in Education: What’s Next? Darren’s talk will delve into how AI can transform the learning experience without compromising human connection, offering valuable insights into how educators can responsibly integrate AI into their schools. Darren will also participate in the AI and the Classroom: Friend or Foe? panel discussion to explore the implications of AI on the educational workforce.
  • Matt Green, TikTok Sensation, TV broadcaster, teacher, and tutor, aka The Rapping Science Teacher, is known for his educational rapping videos across social media. Director of Education at Arcadia Education, Matt Green is an authority on creating forward-thinking learning environments. His session, Unlocking Tomorrow’s Learning Spaces, will focus on the transformative role of physical and digital learning spaces. Matt’s approach emphasizes student-centred designs that promote flexible, dynamic learning experiences. Don’t miss his talk on Day 2.

Conference Zones and Highlights:

GESS Talks Live: Offering a carefully selected roster of speakers and guests from GESS podcasts and webinars. Attendees will enjoy an exclusive chance to interact with industry thought leaders in live sessions, enabling in-depth conversations and providing valuable insights after each presentation.

  • Finding Balance: Wellbeing Policies, Burnout Signals, and Personal Strategies for Educators
  • How to Develop Sustainable Schools Practically
  • Bridging Tomorrow: Navigating the Transition from K-12 to Tertiary Education and Beyond

Leaders in Education Conference: This exclusive conference is designed for principals and esteemed individuals within the Leaders in Education community. It explores the complex challenges faced by school leaders, emphasizing the vital skills and qualities required for successful leadership and achievement in senior positions. Some talks highlights include:

  • The Art of Resilience: How Performing Arts Foster Emotional and Social Growth in Young People
  • Fueling Dreams: The Power of Passion-Driven Education and Entrepreneurship
  • Launching an Inclusive International School in Saudi Arabia!

Sustainability and Wellbeing Hub: With a growing emphasis on sustainability in education, this zone will focus on incorporating green practices into school curriculums and addressing the critical issue of educator burnout. Key sessions include:

  • Outdoor Education in ‘The Indoor Epidemic’
  • FlexEd: How Are We Embracing Flexible Working in Schools?
  • The Impact of AI on Educator Wellbeing and Resilience: Risks and Opportunities

Workshop Space: Attendees can get hands-on experience through in-depth workshops covering a wide range of topics:

  • Rise with Resilience: The Blueprint of 4 Key Strengths
  • Future-Proof Your School: Winning Hearts with Next-Gen Learning
  • AI Solutions for Islamic Studies

EdTech in Action: As schools ramp up their investment in AR and AI, the EdTech in Action zone will demonstrate how these technologies are reshaping classrooms. Highlights include:

  • Literacy and AI: Why Traditional Literacy Practices Remain Fundamental in the Age of AI
  • Unlocking the Self-Paced Classroom: The Power of Augmented Reality
  • Cutting through the Edtech noise- Bringing it back to learning

Gaming @ GESSIn a study conducted by ISC Research for GESS Dubai, esports and gaming emerged as one of the extra-curricular activities already being offered by some schools. This new zone will feature exciting explorations into gamification, esports, and game-based learning. With live Q&A sessions, student-led game tournaments, and engaging demonstrations, educators can discover how these trends are influencing student engagement and creating innovative opportunities for growth.

Product Showcase: will allow exhibitors to introduce their latest products and solutions to an international audience. Attendees will have the chance to explore cutting-edge tools and technologies that promise to transform learning environments

Mark your calendars for November 12-14, 2024, and join over 8,000 educational professionals and decision-makers from 74 countries. Explore a world of educational innovation, hear from world-class speakers, and discover new strategies to enhance your school’s performance.

For more information and to register for free, visit: www.gessdubai.com.

Entaj Receives CMA Approval for its Initial Public Offering on the Saudi Exchange

Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment (Entaj) Receives CMA Approval for its Initial Public Offering on the Saudi Exchange

 The Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment (“Entaj”) is pleased to announce that the Capital Market Authority (“CMA”) has granted approval for the registration and initial public offering (“IPO”) of it shares on the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul).  

This approval, dated 27/3/1446H (corresponding to 30/09/2024G), facilitates the offering of 9,000,000 shares, representing 30% of the Company’s total issued share capital. Entaj’s prospectus detailing information on financial statements, operational activities, risks and the management will be published prior to the start of the subscription period.

The CMA approval is valid for 6 months from the approval date by the CMA’s Board. Further information regarding the CMA’s rules on approval, can be found here

In connection with the IPO, SNB Capital has been appointed as the Financial Advisor, Lead Manager, Bookrunner and Underwriter.

Commenting on the approval, Eng. Raja Alharbi, Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to receive the approval from the CMA to proceed with our initial public offering. This milestone marks an important step in Entaj’s journey toward expanding our presence in the Saudi Arabian market and beyond. As one the leading players in the poultry and food production sector, this IPO will allow us to further invest in innovation, increase our production capabilities, and enhance our distribution networks to meet growing consumer demand. We remain committed to delivering sustainable value to our investors and contributing to the development of the Kingdom’s economy in line with Vision 2030.”

Entaj was established 2004G as the brand of ARASCO Foods and is one of the most prominent poultry producers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Arabian Agricultural Services Company (“ARASCO”) established Arabian Company for Agriculture and Industrial Investment on [24/11/1432H] as a [Limited liability company] to invest in agricultural activities in the Kingdom and transferred its entire poultry business (along with the “Entaj”) brand to the Company.

For more information, please visit the CMA’s website (www.cma.org.sa) and Entaj’s website (www.entaj.com ), where the IPO prospectus will be published in due course.