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UAE TAKES THE LEAD IN AI AS INTERNATIONAL MARKETS FACE TALENT RACE TO MEET GLOBAL DEMAND

UAE TAKES THE LEAD IN AI AS INTERNATIONAL MARKETS FACE TALENT RACE TO MEET GLOBAL DEMAND

The global surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments propelled by the increased demand in rising digital industries, from digital health and future finance to cybersecurity and public services, has ignited a race among businesses to secure specialized talents, sustain the relentless pace of their tech innovations, and their position among the early adopters of AI. Goldman Sachs research has forecasted that global investment into AI could reach $200 billion by 2025, while Bloomberg reported that the generative AI alone could have a $1.3 trillion market value by 2032.

This growth is driven by a widespread acknowledgement amongst global leaders that AI solutions are an increasingly vital tool for driving enhanced productivity and higher growth. As Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Abu Dhabi-based AI enterprise Presight, recently told the GITEX Tech Waves podcast: “Today you’ll see companies applying AI and AI evolving – in five, ten years’ time, it will get smarter, and when it gets smarter, you’ll get more efficiency and shorter routes to answers for difficult and complex questions. In return, that will be to the betterment of society and the world we live in.”

Such as Presight, over 3,500 of the world’s most prestigious brands investing in AI solutions will converge at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from 14-18 October, for the world’s largest tech and start-up event, GITEX GLOBAL 2024. The powerhouse exhibition and conference will bring together the biggest tech community in the world, from experts, founders, and investors to government leaders and senior executives, to showcase their breakthrough AI technologies, discuss mutual synergies, and forge key collaborations to catalyze future advancements in the industry. 

The landmark event will spotlight the opportunities and challenges surrounding the AI global economy, including ethical development, quantum computing, large language models (LLM), policies and regulations, real implications of AI in edtech, health, and finance, and the future of work and employment. The rapid AI emergence still impacts the job market according to recent studies. In 2022, Deloitte estimated that there were only 22,000 AI specialists in the world while, last year, it was predicted that only half of all AI-related jobs could be filled.

UAE’s Bold Steps in Creating the World’s Future AI Economy

Leapfrogging several global markets, the response of the UAE, which has been increasingly successful as a global hub for the AI industry, consists of a robust long-term government agenda to harness the full potential of AI to empower individuals, communities, and organisations. Aligned with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and a clear vision to become the world leader in AI by 2031, the country has invested in integrating AI into public services, energy, tourism, and education. 

In Dubai, the leadership has shown profound commitment to making the emirate the world’s fastest, most agile, and future-ready city by launching the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence. This highly strategic annual plan aims to accelerate the adoption of AI applications, looking at achieving the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by adding AED 100 billion, 27.2 billion dollars, yearly to the emirate’s economy and boosting productivity by 50 per cent through the adoption of digital solutions.

GITEX GLOBAL 2024: A Powerful Platform for AI Experts and Leaders 

As the world’s largest tech and start-up event, GITEX GLOBAL is firmly aligned with the widely recognized UAE AI-driven economy, with Dubai as the fastest-growing international hub for AI experts, leaders, academics, and top voices in the industry. 

Headliners include the most powerful tech giants driving AI dynamics globally, such as Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Builder AI, Dell, G42, Google, HPE, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, Open AI, and Oracle, among many others. Middle East’s premier companies and organisations advancing AI and projecting the region’s native tech to the world, such as Presight, e&, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and Khazna, will also present their products and innovations at the show.

A premier lineup of international speakers will join the stage for thought-provoking discussions in AI, featuring names such as Isabell Gradert, VP of Central Research and Technology at Airbus (Germany), Michael Spranger, President of Sony AI (Japan), Axel Voss, Member of the European Parliament (Belgium), Stephen Ibaraki, Founder of the UN/ITU AI for Good (Canada), Jong-Soo Choi, CTO of Samsung (South Korea), and Dr Priya Singhal, EVP of Biogen (USA).

More information about GITEX GLOBAL 2024 is available at: www.gitex.com/

Warehouse Gym receives majority investment from Levant Capital to lead regional expansion in the GCC fitness market

Warehouse Gym receives majority investment from Levant Capital to lead regional expansion in the GCC fitness market

Warehouse Gym, the largest premium gym operator in the UAE, known for its innovative spaces and community-driven approach, announces a majority investment from Levant Capital, a prominent Middle East private equity firm. This investment will drive Warehouse Gym’s regional expansion and introduce advanced fitness solutions across key GCC markets, aligning with the region’s increasing focus on health and wellness.
Fuelling Growth in the GCC Fitness Market
The MENA fitness market has been expanding at an annual rate of 30% since 2020, with the UAE market valued at USD 550 million and the KSA market at USD 1.7 billion. Currently, chains represent only 60% of the fitness market in the UAE and 50% in KSA, leaving significant room for growth as the fitness market remains fragmented and underpenetrated, with only 7% of the UAE population and 8% in KSA holding gym memberships.
Currently, Warehouse Gym operates 10 clubs, with plans to leverage this investment to expand to 30 clubs over the next four years, including a 55,000-square-foot facility at Dubai Science Park, opening Q4 2024. In addition to cutting-edge design and fitness equipment, this new location will feature a co-working space, private meeting zones, creative suites, a podcast studio, a restaurant, nutrition services, recovery suites, and dedicated group exercise areas.
“We are thrilled to partner with Levant Capital at this pivotal moment in our story. Their extensive experience and resources will undoubtedly help us scale to new heights and continue delivering exceptional fitness experiences to our growing community. Everything we’ve accomplished makes me proud and excited for the future. I am confident our partnership with Levant Capital will enrich our members’ fitness experience, support our growth, and offer exciting opportunities to our employees,”said Kevin Teixeira, Co-Founder and CEO of Warehouse Gym.
Strategic Partnership and Market Alignment
Levant Capital’s investment aligns with its expertise in consumer sector investments, further leveraging Warehouse Gym’s strong brand equity and unique market position. The partnership will support the expansion and consolidation in an underserved premium fitness segment, building and developing the current portfolio, and broadening its services to include overall wellness.
With the highest member retention rates in the industry, and a strong focus on community, Warehouse Gym’s inclusive approach includes high female membership rates and appeals to younger demographics, with under-16 access. Its mental health programs and holistic wellness offerings – including recovery, mobility, and nutrition – are all central to its mission. Warehouse Gym has cultivated a loyal community across its network, and as a locally founded and Emirati-owned business, it embodies the UAE’s commitment to health, wellness, and inclusivity – proving itself as a leading destination for blue chip corporate customers, as well as being a collaborative partner for global fitness brand, PUMA.
“The UAE recognises the importance of physical, mental and social well-being and has rightly prioritised health and fitness through nationwide fitness challenges and by promoting sports calendars that stimulate the desire to participate in quality sports,” commented Fahad AlRafi, Co-Founder of Warehouse Gym. “We have always strived to play a key role in elevating the health and fitness experience for our fast-growing base of members in the UAE and we have exciting innovation and expansion plans over the next few years. Our partnership with Levant Capital will serve to accelerate and achieve those plans.”
Expanding Footprint and Impact
Warehouse Gym aims to open multiple locations in key GCC markets and reach 50,000 members with 30 clubs across UAE and Saudi Arabia. This expansion will create job opportunities and promote economic diversification through a culture of wellness and community health.

UAE’s Rebound launches new subscription-based recycling platform in commitment to create circular economy

UAE's Rebound launches new subscription-based recycling platform in commitment to create circular economy
UAE's Rebound launches new subscription-based recycling platform in commitment to create circular economy

UAE-based Rebound, a subsidiary of Sirius International Holding, is setting a new standard with the launch of its new subscription-based platform for recyclable materials. The innovative platform is designed to transform the recycling industry by connecting buyers, sellers and partners of recyclable materials worldwide. 

The new platform features a subscription-based model with 0% commission on trades, enhancing profitability while promoting sustainability. This expansion not only broadens the platform’s offerings but also reinforces Rebound’s commitment to create a circular ecosystem for recycling. By integrating stakeholders and ensuring seamless processes, the platform goes beyond traditional material recycling, promoting transparency, efficiency, sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

Rebound’s platform has grown to include a broader range of materials including plastics, rubber, e-waste, metal, paper and cardboard, making it a versatile hub for industry players. Members benefit from dedicated account managers, real-time price indices, and access to a community page for industry-related discussions.

Maryam Al Mansoori, Founder & General Manager of Rebound, said: “Rebound is more than a marketplace; it represents a revolution in global recycling. Our all-encompassing solution built on local insights and international expertise, empowers the industry to meet sustainability demands while supporting the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero goals.”

Rebound’s platform expansion comes at a crucial time for the recycling industry as the UAE’s plastic recycling market alone is projected to reach 1.44 million tonnes by 2030, a reflection of the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

Aligned with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021-2041, Rebound is at the forefront of waste management innovation. With a team of Emirati talent and global expertise, the platform is set to play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact and transitioning to a circular economy.

For more information, please visit www.reboundmaterials.com , LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

Teach, Explore, Thrive: A Comprehensive Guide to Settling in Dubai with Subscribe ME

Teach, Explore, Thrive: A Comprehensive Guide to Settling in Dubai with Subscribe ME
Teach, Explore, Thrive: A Comprehensive Guide to Settling in Dubai with Subscribe ME

Moving to a new country to start your teaching career is an exhilarating adventure, especially when that destination is Dubai, a dynamic metropolis is brimming with opportunities and experiences waiting to be explored, from its stunning architecture and bustling markets to its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. The city’s fast-paced growth and modern amenities offer an exciting backdrop for both your professional and personal life. However, as with any new journey, there are challenges to be faced, and navigating transportation here may present a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions.
As a new teacher in Dubai, think of the city as an exciting new lesson waiting to be learned. Embracing the rich cultural tapestry here is like diving into a comprehensive curriculum: you’ll quickly need to grasp cultural nuances and celebrations like Ramadan and Eid, much like learning key historical events, by showing genuine interest in your colleagues’ and students’ backgrounds and experiences — engaging in local activities and holidays can also deepen your understanding and connection to the community, not unlike participating in interactive class projects. Finding comfortable and convenient accommodation is vital for a smooth transition, much like choosing the right resources for effective teaching. Yet, one of the major challenges you’ll encounter is navigating transportation in this dynamic city.
Exploring Dubai’s transportation landscape can feel like solving a complex math problem. While the city boasts a well-established public transport system, it isn’t always the most convenient or efficient solution, especially for schools located in the peripheral regions. Taxis might seem like a quick fix, but they can quickly add up, turning into a costly expense, and ride-sharing services are available, but they often struggle to manage the city’s sometimes chaotic roads. This is where Subscribe ME comes in, offering a practical and efficient solution to your mobility needs.
At Subscribe ME, we understand that the key to unlocking your full potential as an educator is having reliable, flexible, and affordable transportation. Much like a well-planned history lesson, we’ve taken the traditional concept of car ownership and transformed it into something far more accessible and relevant to today’s needs. Unlike the high financial commitment and maintenance hassle associated with owning a car, Subscribe ME offers vehicles on a subscription basis. Think of it as having a wide selection of books in your classroom library — you can choose the one that best fits your needs at any given moment. With Subscribe ME, you have the flexibility and convenience of accessing a variety of dealer-maintained vehicles to suit your requirements.
Our easy online process allows you to sign up, select a car, and have it delivered to your doorstep in less than 120 minutes. This means you can focus on what you do best: teaching and inspiring the next generation. As you settle into your new life in Dubai, Subscribe ME is here to ensure that transportation is one less thing you need to worry about. With our service, you’ll have more time and energy to dedicate to your students and your personal growth, making your transition to this vibrant city as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Welcome to Dubai, and here’s to a successful and fulfilling journey ahead!

Ziina Secures $22 Million in Series A to Evolve From Payments Platform to an End-To-End Financial Services Provider

Ziina Secures $22 Million in Series A to Evolve From Payments Platform to an End-To-End Financial Services Provider
Ziina Secures $22 Million in Series A to Evolve From Payments Platform to an End-To-End Financial Services Provider

Ziina, the UAE’s leading financial platform supporting consumers and businesses, today announced that it has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round led by US-based Altos Ventures. Other top-tier investors participating in this round include Fintech Collective, Avenir Growth, Activant Capital, Y Combinator, FJ Labs, MEVP, and Jabbar Internet Group. This significant funding will fuel Ziina’s expansion beyond a payments solution to providing end-to-end financial services for businesses and consumers. 

Despite global fintech funding slowdown—dropping from $144.2 billion in 2021 to $40.7 billion in 2023—Ziina’s successful funding round underscores its strong market position and investors’ confidence in its trajectory. In the last 12 months alone, Ziina has received an influx of SMEs for its 360-degree payment solutions, marking a tenfold increase in annual revenue growth and a 34% month-on-month increase in customer growth. These achievements are significantly strengthened by Ziina’s recent acquisition of the Stored Value Facility (SVF) license from the Central Bank of the UAE, solidifying its position as a trusted financial partner in the region.

Ziina serves an underserved market of 560,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE. These SMEs, which make up over 94% of all companies and contribute about 60% of the country’s GDP, are increasingly adopting digital payment solutions. As of 2023, around 77% of SMEs in the UAE have integrated digital payments, driving a growing demand for advanced financial management tools. Despite this progress, approximately 50% of SMEs in the Middle East still face significant challenges in access to finance and cash flow management, according to a recent survey by PwC Middle East. Ziina’s solutions, including a payment gateway for website checkout and POS solutions, provide them with essential financial tools to enhance their operations and grow their businesses. 

The recent $22 million in Series A funding will accelerate Ziina’s technological advancements and product innovations. This investment is key to Ziina’s vision of transforming the financial services landscape in the Middle East, aiming to provide customers with a cutting-edge, secure, and user-friendly platform. Having observed businesses effectively use the platform to collect inbound payments from customers, Ziina is now focusing on perfecting outbound payments. The first step in this direction is allowing businesses to control their expenditures through the ZiiCard. Currently in development and soon to launch, the ZiiCard is designed to transform how both businesses and individual customers manage and access their funds, offering instant access to their digital wallet balances. For businesses, the ZiiCard will simplify supplier payments and enhance expense management. For individual users, new features like expense categorization and the ability to split payments will greatly enhance both the security and convenience of their financial transactions.

Faisal Toukan, CEO and Co-Founder of Ziina, emphasized

Faisal Toukan, CEO and Co-Founder of Ziina, emphasized, “Ziina is positioned at the intersection of three key pillars: we see strong customer demand from the underserved SME sector, we’ve obtained the SVF license from the Central Bank of the UAE, and we have secured substantial funding from top-tier investors that we’re excited to be partnering with over the long term.  The intersection of these three pillars means that Ziina is uniquely positioned to lead the next evolution of fintech in the UAE and beyond. This funding will accelerate our journey from a payment platform to an end-to-end financial services provider, enhancing our offerings and expanding our reach across the Middle East.”

A crucial part of Ziina’s success has been its ability to attract top-tier talent worldwide. The company boasts a workforce of leading technologists from companies such as Apple, Uber, Nubank, Klarna, Coinbase, Amazon, FundingCircle, and Yandex. With the recent funding, Ziina is adding additional hires from global tech giants and fintech innovators like Revolut and Nubank, who have played pivotal roles in scaling their companies to valuations of $45 billion and $70 billion, respectively. 

Dillon Krasnigor, Partner at Altos Ventures, said: “We’re excited to partner with the Ziina team for the next phase of their growth. We’re impressed with the company’s ability to secure the SVF license from the UAE government, its consistent performance, and its ability to build an innovative product suite to meet its customers’ needs. We believe Ziina will become a significant financial services provider in the Middle East. We commend The Central Bank of the UAE for embracing innovation within the fintech space by granting Ziina the SVF license.

As Ziina looks ahead, the combination of strategic funding, a growing customer base, and an unwavering commitment to innovation cements its role in shaping the future of finance in the Middle East. With future plans to enter new markets like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, Ziina is rapidly progressing toward becoming the region’s premier financial platform, driving economic empowerment and fostering a cashless society.

Gushcloud invests into Talent Plus, alongside ADM Holdings and J&F Holdings

Gushcloud invests into Talent Plus for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia creator economy, alongside ADM Holdings and J&F Holdings
Gushcloud invests into Talent Plus for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia creator economy, alongside ADM Holdings and J&F Holdings

Gushcloud, a global creator and IP management and licensing company powered by AI, has joined a consortium of companies and business personalities in the UAE in an aim to shake up the talent and creator economy industry in the leading Middle Eastern nation. 

Gushcloud has partnered with entertainment veteran Michel Chahda who is the founder and CEO of Talent Plus, to scout and sign for talents, celebrities, and creators in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region and South Asia, and bring them opportunities to the other parts of Asia and Hollywood, and vice versa. 

This investment has the backing of ADM Holdings, which is part of the companies owned by Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum; and J&F Holdings, a private firm owned by serial entrepreneur and investor Faisal Belhoul who is also the Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chambers and a judge on Shark Tank Dubai.

This partnership comes after Gushcloud International opened its 12th office in Abu Dhabi last year, which serves as its first ever in the region and as a gateway to MENA and even South Asia (i.e. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka). 

Talent Plus is now able to tap into Gushcloud’s expansive network around Australia, East Asia (i.e. Greater China, Japan, Korea), Southeast Asia (i.e. Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), and USA for MENA- and South Asia-based talents to sign cross-border deals and star in international campaigns. In turn, Gushcloud is also set to expose more of its American and Asian talents to the MENA and South Asia regions with Michel Chahda’s leadership and network. 

“True to our vision of bridging the East with the West, we are now partners with Talent Plus, AMD Holdings, and J&F Holdings to strengthen our network and capabilities in these regions with untapped potential, and abundant capital and resources. We couldn’t have chosen a better partner in Michel as he is an entertainment veteran in this part of the world. His leadership, our network, and our new corporate partners here will only make Gushcloud bigger, better, and more capable of meeting the demands of the ever growing creator economy. This is another step for Gushcloud toward becoming a truly global creator economy company,” says Althea Lim, Gushcloud CEO and Co-Founder. 

Gushcloud’s new partner Michel Chahda has two decades of experience in the media and entertainment industry. He most notably founded the talent management/influencer marketing arm at MENA’s leading content and influencer management agency, making millions of dollars in revenue by connecting brands with top talents regionally and globally. He has worked with multinational brands in healthcare, technology, retail and beauty sectors, and various government entities in the Middle East. Lastly, he has also worked in the football industry and has direct access to global football clubs and star athletes. 

“I am proud and excited to enter this new venture with Gushcloud on behalf of my company Talent Plus. Joining forces to combine our local knowledge of the markets and talents, with Gushcloud’s global network, is a formidable combination. I’m thankful to have the support of AMD Holdings and J&F Holdings so we can start on a strong footing in MENA, South Asia, and beyond,” says Michel Chahda, Talent Plus CEO and Co-Founder. 

According to Goldman Sachs, the creator economy is presently valued at $250 billion and is projected to reach half a trillion dollars by 2027. Plus, over 50 million individuals worldwide now identify themselves as content creators. 

The Middle East is a conducive market for creators and talents, as Strategy& reported that digital content is expected to account for 46% of the projected $22 billion in media spending by 2024 in the region. Furthermore, GlobalWebIndex (GWI) revealed that internet users in the region have an average of 8.4 social media accounts, while another study stated that MENA social media users spend an average of three and a half hours a day glued to their screens.

HC expects the Central Bank of Egypt to keep interest rates unchanged

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

Financials analyst and economist at HC, Heba Monir commented: “ Our comment: We expect urban inflation to decelerate to 24.9% y-o-y for August on a favourable base effect. However, we anticipate a 1.0% m-o-m increase on the recent energy and transportation cost hikes at the beginning of August. Egypt’s PMI index surpassed the 49.0’s level over the last three consecutive readings, coinciding with the deceleration in inflation. Egypt’s external position showed a stable outlook, as follows: (1) Egypt received USD820m from the IMF, representing the third tranche of its USD8.0bn EFF, (2) the banking sector’s net foreign assets (NFA) narrowed by USD1.27bn m-o-m to USD13.0bn in June from USD14.3bn in May, reversing a net foreign liability (NFL) position of USD27.0bn a year earlier. We attribute the m-o-m lower NFA to probably normalized FX inflows, (3) net international reserves (NIR) increased c33% y-o-y and 0.2% m-o-m to USD46.5bn in July, and deposits not included in the official reserves rose 2.11x y-o-y and 3.0% m-o-m to USD9.86bn in the same month, (4) Egypt’s REER index decreased to 91.9 in July from 126 in January, and the NEER index also retreated to 16.6 from 25.5 in January, according to Bruegel data, (5) Egypt’s 1-year CDS recorded 403 currently, down from its figure of 857 bps on 1 January. On the global front, the US sovereign 12M rate also retreated to 4.40% from its peak at 5.23% on 30 April. Thus, our interest rate model estimated the required interest rate by investors on the 12-month T-bills at 33.1%, which implies a real positive interest rate of 7.1% (after deducting a 15% tax rate for European and US investors and based on our 12M average inflation rate forecast of 21.1%), higher than the estimated positive interest rate of 1.2% over the latest 12M T-bill rate of 26.2%. All these factors pave the way for interest cuts; however, we expect the MPC to maintain rates unchanged at the 5 September meeting, waiting for more inflation deceleration, given recent electricity bill hikes scheduled to take effect in September.

Tune into WWE Bash in Berlin live on MBC’s Shahid

Tune into WWE Bash in Berlin live on MBC’s Shahid
Tune into WWE Bash in Berlin live on MBC’s Shahid Tune into WWE Bash in Berlin live on MBC’s Shahid Tune into WWE Bash in Berlin live on MBC’s Shahid

Concluding the summer with exhilarating action, the upcoming WWE Premium live event; WWE Bash in Berlin, is set to bring nothing short of electrifying excitement and thrills to the global stage.

Taking place on Saturday 31st August, WWE Bash in Berlin will air exclusively in the region via MBC’s Shahid, live from Berlin. Marking the first premium live event to take place in Germany, the hotly-anticipated event will see superstars going head-to-head to settle their feuds and battle it out in some never-before-seen matches. As the weekend draws nearer, stay tuned for the latest line-up and unstoppable action set to take place.

The match card for this event, includes:

  • World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Randy Orton

Two of the best in the world will go face-to-face when World Heavyweight Champion Gunther returns home to Europe to face Randy Orton, in a monumental World Heavyweight Title Match. 

After Gunther won the World Title at SummerSlam, by defeating Damian Priest, The Viper shocked the WWE Universe by appearing on Monday Night Raw, revealing that Adam Pearce has granted him a championship opportunity at Bash in Berlin with the winner staying on Raw and the loser going to SmackDown.

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his title against ally Kevin Owens. Owens has been battling The Bloodline for over four years and after Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam, Rhodes offered Owens the chance to face him at WWE Bash in Berlin. 

  • WWE United States Championship Open Challenge Match: LA Knight (c) vs. TBD

After LA Knight successfully defended the WWE United States Championship against Santos Escobar on the Aug. 23 edition of SmackDown, Knight announced during a backstage promo that he will be defending the title in an open challenge at WWE Bash in Berlin.

  • Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan (Mixed Tag Team Match)

Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley are thirsty for payback as they take on “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in a Mixed Tag Team Match. At SummerSlam, “Dirty” Dom stunned fans when he betrayed Mami and helped Morgan retain her title. In the same evening, Finn Bálor created another shocking moment when he caused Priest to lose the World Heavyweight Championship. On Raw, Bálor, Mysterio, Morgan, JD McDonagh and Carlito reemerged as a new version of The Judgment Day.

  • CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Strap Match)

CM Punk will once again go to war with Drew McIntyre in a highly personal Strap Match. For months, CM Punk and Drew McIntyre have been in a bitter feud. Having recently squared off at SummerSlam, McIntyre emerged victorious over Punk after an altercation between The Second City Saint and Rollins, the Special Guest Referee.  

After Punk whipped McIntyre with his own belt on the Aug. 12 edition of Raw, a Strap Match was announced. It will be a brutal showdown with the two Superstars tied together and free to use the strap to do as much damage as possible.

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Unholy Union vs. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship will be on the when Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn defend against former champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. A dominant combination, Belair and Cargill are laser-focused on reclaiming the gold, but can they overcome the ominous power of The Unholy Union?

WWE Bash in Berlin takes place on Saturday 31st August and is scheduled to begin from 8:00PM, watch it live via MBC’s Shahid and then on the same day with Arabic subtitles on MBC Action.

100 Days to Abu Dhabi Finance Week: 2024 Edition Expands to 50 Events

100 Days to Abu Dhabi Finance Week: 2024 Edition Expands to 50 Events
100 Days to Abu Dhabi Finance Week: 2024 Edition Expands to 50 Events

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Executive Council, the third edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the flagship financial event of the MEASA region hosted by ADGM, unveiled today an extravagant plan of 50 events and sub-events. In June, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), announced its third edition under the theme ‘Welcome to the Capital of Capital’, which will run from 9th December to 12th December 2024 and will explore the multiple facets that contribute to Abu Dhabi’s position as the ‘Capital of Capital’ focussing on financial, human, cultural, environmental and technological facets of the capital.

ADFW 2023: A Gathering of Titans with USD 30 Trillion in Global Assets.

Last year’s edition of ADFW was a grand success, hosting over 3,300 Chairmen, CEOs, COOs, Managing Directors, Regional CEOs and Executive-level representatives from leading global financial firms, industry experts, policymakers, regulators, investors, and bankers engaged in lively discussions that debated the theme, ‘Investing in the Transition Era’ and highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing prospects. The event’s attendees represented global financial firms from various sectors collectively managing over USD 30 trillion in assets – a whopping 22% of the worldwide economy.

With the event line-up for this year, ADFW is ready to take it up a notch and deep dive into another set of trending global topics within the financial industry throughout the four days of the event series which will kick off with an opening ceremony on the 9th of December 2024 featuring an exclusive guestlist of the world’s top financial leadership and economic leaders of Abu Dhabi. Setting the stage for ADFW’s third edition, the ceremony will set the tone and agenda for hundreds of pivotal conversations that will be held over the week ahead. after the Opening Ceremony, ADFW will see the return of one of its most successful events from last year – the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum. The forum will analyse the strategies, policies and investments defining the future of Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy, as it convenes the most senior leaders from the host Government and the leadership of multiple international financial institutions contributing to both Abu Dhabi’s Economic Growth, and the global markets. There are also other side events scheduled to take place on the same day such as the ADEF Private Leadership Forum, Abu Dhabi Capital Markets Forum, and the prestigious ADGM Gala Dinner.

The third edition of the flagship Investors Conference ‘Asset Abu Dhabi’ will be held on 10th December, the second day of ADFW, alongside the much-awaited latest edition of the International Dispute Resolution Conference ‘RESOLVE’.

Exploring the Future of Investment: Asset Abu Dhabi 2024.

This year’s Asset Abu Dhabi will build on the success of the 2023 edition and will continue to shed light on topics such as the evolution of public and private markets, investing in the next decade of technology, investing in cities of the future, and insights derived from the world’s biggest hedge funds. The agenda will include the perspectives of institutional capital and asset allocators in a changing investment landscape. Held as a public forum, Asset Abu Dhabi will convene asset allocators and asset managers, investment bankers, VCs, PEs, family offices and other institutional investors. Insightful side events on the second day include the UBS Investment Forum, International Family Office Congress, T.R.I. (Turnaround, Restructuring and Insolvency) Summit, Spear’s Private Wealth Forum and Venture Stage – Startup Campus.

Resilience in Dispute Resolution: Navigating Challenges at RESOLVE 2024.

Meanwhile, RESOLVE will gather key stakeholders representing the international dispute resolution community, as well as leaders from government, industry, technology and academia. Held under a theme of ‘Resilience’, the latest edition of RESOLVE returns to address the challenges faced by dispute resolution professionals including, finding a resilient mindset, winning negotiations, the effect of technology on better dispute resolution and the sector’s value and contributions to supporting more robust businesses.

Shaping the Future of Finance: Fintech Abu Dhabi 2024 at ADFW.

MENA’s biggest fintech festival – Fintech Abu Dhabi will return for its eighth edition at ADFW on 11th December 2024, the third day of ADFW. Tech innovators, developers, scientists, entrepreneurs and alternative investors will convene to showcase and stimulate the future of finance, across areas of payment, digital assets, digital security and credit. Alongside Fintech Abu Dhabi, several key topics will be covered through dedicated side events such as the Global Financial Regulators Summit, AI Forum, Blockchain Abu Dhabi, Risk 4.0 Risk & Security Forum, DLT Foundations Roundtable, Islamic Finance Summit and MENA Fintech Awards.

Leading the Green Finance Revolution: Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum 2024.

The final day of ADFW will host the 7th edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF) on 12th December 2024. After the successful special edition held at COP28 last year, ADSFF is set to become a part of ADFW in 2024 and underscores the overall commitment of the event series to climate finance development. Talks and sessions on Regulation, Awareness, Collaboration and Ecosystem will be held to showcase how Abu Dhabi and ADGM are taking the lead in sustainable green finance. ADSFF will provide the ideal platform for strategy and high-level discussions on achieving not just the UAE’s net-zero ambitions but also contributing to the world’s transition to a sustainable future. Other key side events during ADFW include Women in Finance, ADGM Academy (ADGMA) Showcase, Youth in Finance and Philanthropy Summit.

Global Insights and Strategic Dialogues: UAE-China Summit and UBS Investment Forum.

In a July announcement, ADGM also disclosed hosting the UAE-China Summit presented by HSBC, which is slated to be one of the sub-events this year. The UBS Investment Forum, another addition to the list of sub-events this year, will also bring forth insightful discussions with some of the major global representatives including C-Suites from UBS.

With an unprecedented breadth and depth of programming, along with becoming one of the world’s leading conventions for International financial leadership, ADFW 2024 is set to make a significant impact with its diverse lineup of events, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s dedication to fostering innovation and sustainable growth within the global financial landscape. As the emirate continues to strengthen its position on the world stage, ADFW 2024 will serve as a pivotal moment for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and progress in the financial sector and continue on its path as one of the world’s fastest-growing financial event platforms.

The world’s most trusted English test now delivering faster results

The world’s most trusted English test now delivering faster results
The world’s most trusted English test now delivering faster results

Test takers in the Middle East and North Africa who take their IELTS test on a computer can now receive their results in 1-2 days. This includes the following countries: UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Libya.

The faster results support those with tight deadlines as part of their global study, work or migration applications. 

James Shipton, Regional Director for Examination Services in MENA at British Council, said the quicker results demonstrates the IELTS Partners’ commitment to helping test takers achieve their life goals. 

“We know an IELTS result is crucial to millions of people worldwide, who are chasing a place at a university, a visa, a new job, or a new life abroad. That’s why we are working even faster to provide our test takers with their results. We have innovated our processes to release results faster, whilst also providing a secure, fair and valid assessment. With over 12,500 recognising organisations around the world, an IELTS result sets our test takers apart from the rest,” James said.