Food & Beverages View More
Top competitive eater shares little-known details about competitive eating, such as “stretch meals” and gulping without chewing.
Food challenges are best enjoyed in Dubai, according to James Webb, the man who holds the world record for eating 276 chicken wings in less than 12 minutes. He also discusses what it takes to be a “professional eater.”
A tall man with a body builder’s physique is adjusting his well-organized 5-camera setup in the center of Mr. Brisket, located on Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile 4. We meet James Webb, the top-ranked competitive eater from Australia who ranks fifth globally, as he prepares for a brisket-eating challenge.
With an impressive resume in competitive eating, Webb presently owns world records for the fastest consumption of 276 chicken wings in 12 minutes and the fastest consumption of 59.5 donuts in an 8-minute display.
Known on social media as “J Webby Can Eat,” Webb is the first Australian to challenge Americans in competitive eating. He also achieved an impressive third place in the Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest, which was held in Coney Island, New York City.
In an attempt to pass the time during the pandemic, James began making food videos for entertainment, just like a lot of people all over the world who discovered or revived hobbies. When he was placed under lockdown in Australia, he turned to his passion for cooking and making videos, which quickly gained popularity on the internet, for comfort.
However, his initial encounter with a culinary contest occurred during an accidental lunch excursion to a nearby hamburger restaurant in Australia. A picture of this enormous burger that appeared to have been Photoshopped was hanging on the wall. I had no idea that it was the largest burger in Australia. Inquiring further, the proprietor revealed with pride, “That’s my undefeated Burger Challenge.” It has never been defeated. Fifty-five people have made the attempt and utterly failed.
Competitive eating: what is it?
In the United States, eating competitively is regarded as a sport. Competing eaters, also referred to as professional eaters, eat a lot of food in a short amount of time. These competitions, which are also well-liked in Canada and Japan, are frequently held at festivals or events and draw competitors and spectators from all over the world.
After a few months, Webb made the decision to fully commit to competitive eating and quit his day job. “Well, what’s the worst that can happen? my wife said, even though I wasn’t entirely convinced. You return and land a new position.
Webb took a two-week vacation from his full-time job in sales and marketing to the US, where he not only participated in multiple food challenges but also returned with a professional contract. After becoming the first Australian to earn a spot at Coney Island and the prestigious Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Webb came to the realization that he had to carve out a place for himself in this world.
The African Food Show, which took place in Morocco, saw active participation from Food Business Gulf & Middle East magazine.
The Africa Food Show Morocco (AFS Morocco 2023) is an event that is being held at the Office Des Changes in Casablanca. It started yesterday and will run until November 23, 2023.
M. Matt, the managing editor of Gulf Agriculture and Food Business magazine, who was making their debut as event exhibitors, was pleased with the support and encouraging words they received from industry professionals who stopped by their booth.
He emphasized the importance of AFS Morocco and said that it is the perfect B2B platform for international food and beverage suppliers who want to increase their market share in Africa. These suppliers cover the whole value chain, from farm to refrigerator.
The occasion, which is positioned as “The Right Time & Place,” offers participants a unique chance to expand their export endeavors, discover new markets, and network with multinational corporations. The Africa Food Show offers three days of opportunities for exhibitors and attendees to network, work out partnership agreements, sign agency and distributorship contracts, and create new cooperative procedures and market strategies.
International experts to exchange knowledge to strengthen Riyadh’s F&B industry
At the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Riyadh, the international culinary exhibition InFlavour Expo will get underway on Sunday.
A well-known international event, InFlavour unites business, science, technology, art, hospitality, and cuisine. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs, business titans, global consumer brand ambassadors, and international dignitaries are drawn to it.
From October 29 to October 31, the event will be held in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. Traditional Saudi treats like dates, coffee, and maqshush will be served to guests.
Among the 200 F&B pioneers on the schedule are celebrity chefs Marco Pierre White and Manal Al-Alem, as well as business titans from Big Idea Drinks, Ossiano, and Kitopi, the world’s top multibrand eatery and tech unicorn.
Marco Pierre White, widely regarded as the “godfather of modern cooking,” is an advocate for the expansion and development of the food and beverage sector. Headlining the inaugural InFlavour event is something he views as a “honor and privilege.”
White remarked, “It is extremely exciting to be involved in the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first food and beverage event. Not only does InFlavour promise to significantly accelerate the Kingdom’s burgeoning food sector, but it also clearly shows that the government is serious about improving food security and inspiring industry innovation across local and international businesses.”
“I see InFlavour bringing that to the table; Middle Eastern cuisine is all about coming together, sharing, socializing, and indulging.” Amazing things can happen when you combine technology, local insights, international knowledge, and cuisine. Expectations should be extremely high, considering the roster of knowledgeable speakers I have already seen.
The Culinary Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia is also taking part in the exhibition. The commission will present its cutting-edge approach to the culinary arts industry during the event, which includes the launch of Kawn’s business incubator, a program meant to help startups and small enterprises get off the ground and compete by providing workshops and mentorship. Participants will be incubated for a duration of four to six months.
The commission will also present the Abde’a cultural license platform, which aims to encourage the private sector to participate more in cultural events and initiatives.
The commission’s involvement in the show is a testament to its dedication to empowering Saudi chefs, arranging meetings with esteemed culinary professionals, and presenting the rich, traditional recipes of Saudi Arabian cuisine.
Considering the current state of the global food system, this event represents a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s strategy for tackling pressing issues in the F&B sector. Saudi Arabia is recognizing the importance of improving the efficiency of its food systems in order to attain food security and sustainability, and is implementing measures to that end.
More than 200 speakers, 600 exhibitors, 40,000 attendees, and more than 200 foreign investors and venture capitalists that focus on the food and hospitality industry will all be present at the expo.
Food and water security, agritech, sustainability, logistics, food tech and investment, plant-based food, concept restaurants, culinary excellence, food waste, retail, and e-commerce are among the topics that will be covered at the InFlavour conference.
Saleh Bindakhil, a spokesman for the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, stated that Saudi Arabia leads the region in the food and beverage market and is rapidly moving toward its goal of becoming the world’s largest market for food trade and hospitality.
Additionally, he claimed that InFlavour would accelerate the development of new standards for product sourcing options to advance the hospitality and consumer sectors while also increasing Saudi Arabia’s food imports and exports.
Bindakhil claims that the food industry in Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly as a result of large investments made in hotels and resorts, a surge in entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector, and a readiness to advance and accept new technologies. “All of these elements will fundamentally alter Saudi Arabia’s food service industry. The focal point and impetus for this convergence across the industry is InFlavour.
The food service industry in the Kingdom is expected to grow by 6.5% annually over the next five years, according to a conservative forecast by the Ministry of Investment. However, independent market intelligence provider Fortune Business Insights predicts that the industry will grow by 11.5% annually and reach a valuation of $30.47 billion by 2029.
DIWALI MENU: CHEF KUNAL KAPUR DUBAI’S PINCODE
Available from the 8th of November to November 14th, 2023, for AED 129 per person.
From November 8 to November 14, PINCODE by Chefs Kunal Kapur, which is situated in the center of the Dubai Hills Mall, will be lighting up the Diwali celebrations with an outstanding Diwali Menu. At only 129 AED per individual, this special meal offers a gastronomic experience that captures the essence of Diwali.
A cool Kesar Peda Lassi is available for the guests to savor as they relish the exquisite crunch of The Kale Patta Chaat, which is accompanied by three chutneys that dance about your palate. A blast of flavors is promised by the appetizers, which include the Soya Chaap the author Angara with chilling Mint Chutney and the Dahi, or ke Sholey that includes a fiery Sriracha Mayo bite.
For vegetarians, Chef Kunal is offering up a taste of memory with his delicious Paneer Pasanda Badami, while for meat lovers, he has a pungent Rajasthani Laal Maas. The traditional favorites of Dal Makhni and aromatic Kabuli Pulao go well with these main courses, making for a flavorful and well-balanced dinner.
Indulge in the special “Pincode ki Mithai” option to cap off your meal on a sweet note. This selection includes delicious Hot Kalakand and Hazelnut Fudge for a modern twist, as well as a hearty serving of traditional sweetness in the form of Chenne ki Kheer.
This Diwali, join PINCODE by Kunal Kapoor to celebrate in a lively and inviting environment with loved ones. Savor the flavors of India while getting into the holiday spirit.
Seven eateries showcasing Qatar’s gastronomic offerings
Qatar is home to individuals from more than 100 different nations, and its diverse dining scene, which features a wide spectrum of influences, reflects this rich diversity.
Khalid Sharq
Within a century-old house with its own small museum, this quaint Doha restaurant is conveniently located just a short stroll from the busy Souq Waqif. For breakfast, guests can take a seat at a table in the palm-shaded courtyard or relax in a glass-walled, climate-controlled cube while enjoying elaborate plates laden with traditional fare like shakshuka-style eggs and bajella (beans). Savor slow-cooked harees and hamsset rubbian, a flavorful, dry stew of shrimp stewed in the house’s special spice mix, throughout supper.
Alba
Located within the luxurious Raffles Hotel, this fine-dining establishment features unique white truffles that are only grown in the Alba region of Italy. Three-Michelin-star chef Enrico Crippa creates the menus, and chef Antonino D’Alessio and his Doha culinary team bring each dish to life and onto your plate.
El Talleh Bayt
The ideal time to secure a position on this Katara Hills institution’s breeze-catching rooftop is early in the evening. The crowds have been drawn to Bayt El Talleh’s home-style Levantine favorites for some time now. In summer, the crisp green fattoush and the refreshingly fresh harra’ osba’a salad with lentils, lemon, and pomegranate are a great combination. Kids love the fried pastry rolls filled with fluffy cheese and sweet mahalabiya (milk pudding) flavoured with rosewater. Locals go straight for the set menu to hit all the highlights.
The sumptuous restaurant, which is led by head chef Pino Lavarra, provides a genuine Michelin-starred dining experience. Savor its delectable dishes, which feature sophisticated flavors such as the risotto with black olive crumble or the beef with green peas, truffle, and onion cookies.
Chef Noof Al Marri’s menu at Desert Rose Café is a multi-sensory delight. Every Qatari fusion dish served here has a secret ingredient. For example, Al Marri’s crispy omelette and ragag labna are enhanced with ghee (clarified butter) infused with turmeric and fenugreek, while the flavorful chicken madrouba has extra veggies added. As befits the cafe’s location inside Jean Nouvel’s desert rose structure at the National Museum of Qatar, everything is plated with modern elegance. Highly recommended is the coffee that has been combined with rosewater.
Tatel
Tatel puts up an amazing blend of sophisticated dining and a warm, welcoming mood that embodies its Spanish flavors. It offers waterfront views at the recently constructed Al Maha Island. Tatel opens in Beverley Hills, Madrid, and Ibiza and brings its innovative culinary concept, live music, and inventive cocktails to Doha.
Al Shomous Shay
Nearly two decades ago, Shams Al Qassabi, a favorite chef in Qatar, became the first woman to operate a business in Souq Waqif. Local chef Noof Al Marri says if her, “She inspired me and other women in Qatar to follow our passions and share our traditional food with the world.” Famous dishes from Qassabi include crispy ragag bread dusted with zataar, eggs scrambled with tomato, and keema, a spiced mincemeat eaten with chapati.
Travel& Explore View More
In Aseer, Saudi Arabia will build a $347 million entertainment complex.
As part of the kingdom’s diversification efforts, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has opened a 1.3 billion Saudi riyal ($346.6 million) entertainment destination in the Aseer region.
The development, called Seven Abha, is the company’s fifth project of this kind in the kingdom. It spans 64,000 square meters and has a built-up area of over 79,000 square meters, Seven announced on Sunday.
It is situated halfway between Abha and Khamis Mushait. Gensler, a renowned international architecture firm, designed it, and Modern Building Leaders has been tasked with completing the construction.
According to Seven, the project is expected to generate “hundreds” of direct and indirect jobs in Aseer by 2030, bring in more than five million visitors, and add more than four billion riyals to the country’s GDP.
As per Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, the Aseer region is “witnessing an unprecedented renaissance across different sectors and verticals”.
“One of the key projects in Aseer that will support our ambition to become a global destination all year round is Seven’s entertainment destination in Abha.”
As part of its Vision 2030 diversification agenda, Saudi Arabia, the largest oil exporter in the world, is changing its economy in an effort to lessen its reliance on oil, support homegrown industries, and create jobs.
A major component of its diversification strategy is tourism, and in an effort to spur industry growth and draw in more capital, the kingdom passed a new tourism law last year.
By 2030, it aims to increase the tourism sector’s economic contribution from 3% to 5% of GDP.
The kingdom is working on several tourism-related projects, such as Qiddiya, a massive entertainment and sports complex in Riyadh, and Neom, a $500 billion futuristic city. On the west coast of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea Development Company is also constructing a massive tourist complex.
To further aid in the expansion of the kingdom’s tourism industry, the PIF also founded the Saudi Tourism Investment Company, or Asfar, in July.
According to the PIF at the time, the company will make investments in brand-new tourism initiatives and create locations in Saudi Arabian cities that offer lodging, attractions, shopping, and food and drink options.
As part of its mandate to develop the sector, Seven is investing over 50 billion riyals to build 21 entertainment destinations throughout the kingdom.
Fourteen cities—Riyadh, Kharj, Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam, Khobar, Al Ahsa, Madinah, Yanbu, Abha, Jizan, Buraidah, and Tabuk—are home to the upcoming projects.
Eight attractions total will be available at Seven Abha, including a family-friendly amusement park with rides, arcade games, and virtual reality sections.
It will also feature a 12-hole indoor golf adventure area, a Play-Doh themed entertainment center, and a Discovery Adventures jungle-themed attraction.
Live events will take place at a multipurpose venue. Other features of the project include a 10-lane futuristic bowling concept, indoor e-karting on multilevel tracks, an AMC 10-screen theater, retail stores, and food and beverage options.
For the attractions, Seven has agreements with Cundall, Theme 3, Top Notch, Holofice, Thinkwell, and Sea Quest.
In 2024, OYO plans to build 500 vacation homes in Dubai.
In order to accommodate the increasing demands of digital nomads looking for flexible accommodations while working remotely, hospitality company OYO plans to add 500 vacation homes in Dubai by 2024, with a focus on Downtown, Business Bay, Jumeriah Village Circle, Arjaan, and Dubai Marina.
The new vacation rentals will be dispersed throughout Dubai, guaranteeing easy access to major commercial areas and popular tourist destinations. It encompasses leisure areas like Downtown and Marina as well as business areas like Business Bay, Jumeriah Village Circle, and Arjaan.
OYO is developing vacation rentals in Dubai, such as luxury apartments with views of the Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai, as well as canal-front vacation rentals in Business Bay and Dubai Marina. The majority of vacation rentals will have amenities like a fully furnished living room and bedroom, a fully functional kitchen complete with all appliances, a big-screen TV, high-speed internet, and parking.
OYO’s holiday home initiative complements the government’s digital nomad program, which aims to draw foreign visitors seeking extended stays in Dubai. The business already operates a robust network of vacation rentals throughout Dubai.
“We’re excited to announce our ambitious plans to expand our holiday homes offerings in Dubai,” stated Karan Ashok, CEO of OYO UAE. “We want to ensure that digital nomads have access to comfortable, well-equipped spaces that cater to their unique lifestyle and work preferences.”
OYO has improved its technological platform to better meet the needs of visitors and hotel partners. Its redesigned technology products, such as Co-OYO, can now assist hotel partners in creating and implementing their own marketing campaigns to boost occupancy and assist revenue maximization.
Generation Start-up: How Envi Lodges seeks to differentiate itself in the ecotourism space
Envi Lodges is a luxury eco-pod operator based in the United Arab Emirates. It caters to environmentally conscious tourists who wish to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying a vacation in the middle of nature and meaningfully connecting with local communities.
Co-founders Noelle Homsy and Chris Nader launched the company in September 2021 after realizing that the Covid-19 pandemic had altered people’s travel patterns.
Many travelers are increasingly seeking out new experiences and learning about the countries they are visiting, rather than fleeing the boring routine of everyday life to stay at opulent hotels in far-off places or the typical tourist destinations.
Ms. Homsy observed that “eco-lodges are very well integrated in the communities and the environment, they aren’t just parachuted hotels in the middle of nature” while visiting South-East Asia as a graduate student.
“Instead of dividing visitors who are willing to spend money from the less fortunate locals, I felt there was a way to combine tourism with genuine communities,” she says.
The co-founders wanted to close a gap in the market by offering upscale lodging that lessens the impact of traveler trips on the environment.
According to Ms. Homsy, this is founded on the company’s seven sustainability pillars, which include protecting wildlife, using resources wisely, and assisting local communities.
Beyond Green, a coalition of environmentally conscious hotels, resorts, and lodges, has also certified Envi Lodges after reviewing the company’s sustainability policies.
According to its website, every two years, members of Beyond Green are evaluated on-site using more than 50 sustainability indicators.
These include adopting eco-friendly practices on the property, safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural heritage, and putting the social and economic welfare of the community first.
“My goal with Chris is to steer the Middle East’s hospitality and tourism sector toward sustainability and responsible travel,” she explains. “We had a larger goal in mind.”
“Saudi Arabia is leading the way in regenerative tourism, but we wanted to be involved as a company and as individuals when we saw the need for it.”
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism industry is heavily reliant on nature, and the climate crisis threatens not only essential resources but also the survival of some of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations.
According to data from The Environmental Impact of Global Tourism report by the WTTC and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, between 2010 and 2019, absolute greenhouse gas emissions from the sector increased at an average rate of 2.5 percent a year, or roughly 8.1 percent of global emissions.
It stated, “It is a tremendous challenge that both our sector and global policymakers must take seriously.”
But during that same time, there has been a loosening of the connection between the sector’s growth and its carbon footprint. According to the report, between 2010 and 2019, the sector’s gross domestic product grew at an average annual rate of 4.3%, while emissions increased by 2.5%.
According to its website, Envi Lodges has agreements in place to manage and operate projects that are slated to open in 2024 and 2025 in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Zanzibar, and Costa Rica.
The company made its first venture into the sultanate in October when it collaborated with the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund of Oman to build a sustainable mountain lodge on Al Jabel Al Akhdar.
Tenthouse Structure, a South African architect of camping tents, created the 40 opulent expedition tents that overlook the Hajar Mountain range at Envi Al Jabel Al Akhdar, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
According to Ms. Homsy, the start-up’s market research has revealed three distinct target customer types based on their travel-related mindsets.
The first category consists of thrill-seekers who long for the exhilarating rush of activities like zip-lining and hiking. Those seeking spiritual experiences and well-being make up the second group. The third group consists of explorers who want to experience agritourism, explore the art scene, take cooking classes, or learn about local cultures.
Although the company’s projects are still in the early stages of development, Ms. Homsy says the preliminary research on demand is encouraging.
Globally, the demand for eco-lodges is rising. It’s the future of leisure travel, according to some,” she says.
Individual and family office investors are particularly interested in “impact investments,” or green projects, which offer both a “higher purpose”—such as sustainability objectives—and substantial financial returns.
She explains, “These investors are long-term investors; their diligence indicates that demand is high.”
When asked if the conflict between Israel and Gaza has affected the desire for investment in the area, Ms. Homsy responds that although stability is necessary to increase tourism, management agreements for hospitality projects typically last 20 to 30 years.
According to Ms. Homsy, Envi Lodges is negotiating a number of new contracts to join markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
“We are nearing the end, but they haven’t signed yet. Before the year ends, we may sign one or two more,” she says.
The start-up is looking for a third round of funding to support its expansion, according to Ms. Homsy, who would not disclose the sum. It has already brought in $2 million.
In order to raise the money required to construct the projects that will enable Envi Lodges to run, the company has also partnered with funding managers and developers.
According to Ms. Homsy, it is doing so by facilitating funding from strategic partners like government agencies and public institutions in order to build a portfolio of lodges in different markets like Saudi Arabia and France.
The co-founder estimates that in the next year or two, more than $150 million will be raised for these projects.
“We have a project on every continent and aim to become a global brand in the next five years,” Ms. Homsy states.
The head of Dubai Airports calls the single GCC tourist visa a “fantastic development” for the area.
According to the president of Dubai Airports, plans for just one GCC tourist visa will be a “fantastic development” for the industry, increasing the region’s appeal to tourists and businesses.
Paul Griffiths, the CEO of state-owned the United Arab Emirates Airports, which is told The National newspaper while on the fringes of the global summit of the World Tourism and Travel Council in Rwanda that “it’s one of those pillars in the tourism arsenal which will be bigger than the whole of its parts.”
“The Middle East as a whole will become more appealing and attract more businesses as tourism develops in other countries.”
The head of the busiest airport in the world by volume of foreign travel said he was frequently questioned about competition from Saudi Arabia, a neighbor.
Nonetheless, he cited the development of tourism in Europe, where visitors frequently visit multiple destinations in one journey.
Additionally, there are a wide variety of sights and activities to enjoy in the Middle East. The challenge, of obviously, is that Middle Eastern tourism isn’t even close to reaching its full potential in comparison to European tourism, according to Mr. Griffiths.
“And it will be better for every single country within the GCC the more Middle Eastern locations that can be added to the’must-sees’ on the tourism map.”
According to him, people’s impressions of the Middle East will improve the more places that appear on the tourist map that entice travelers to travel there.
The goal of creating a single, united tourist visa system is to facilitate travel inside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and increase tourism. It is planned for the new system to go live in 2024 or 2025.
The action is a major component of the GCC 2030 tourism plan, which aims to boost hotel occupancy rates and regional visitation to raise the sector’s economic contribution.
By 2030, it aims to increase the total amount of visitors to the nations of the GCC to 128.7 million. That represents an increase from 39.8 million in the previous year, or 136.6% more than in 2021. Experts in hospitality and tourism predict that the new initiative will revolutionize the industry in the area.
Israel to be granted entry into the US visa waiver program
According to authorities, the Biden administration is scheduled to declare on Wednesday that it will accept Israel into the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), granting Israeli nationals entry without a visa starting on November 30.
The decision marks a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist government, whose ties with Washington have been strained over its plans to restructure the court and its policy toward the Palestinians. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that the decision was expected.
Washington needs countries to meet requirements on counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management in order to be admitted to the program that grants visitors a 90-day visa-free stay.
All US travelers must be treated equally by all countries, regardless of the other passports they may possess.
For Israel, this entails granting Palestinian Americans unrestricted access to its airports and during their travels through the occupied Palestinian territories.
With reference to what they claim are decades of discriminatory treatment of Arab Americans and harassment at Israel’s borders, some Palestinians have protested against Israel’s admission into the VWP.
Israel has facilitated Palestinian Americans’ access to its borders and the Israeli-occupied West Bank during a trial period that began on July 20.
According to a US official, there are between 45,000 and 60,000 Palestinian Americans residing in the West Bank. According to an Israeli official, the number is actually closer to 70,000–90,000 Palestinian Americans globally, of which 15,000–20,000 live in the West Bank.
With the addition of Croatia in 2021, there are currently 40 countries in the VWP, with more being joined on a sporadic basis.
On September 8, Secretary of State Antony Blinken received a letter from a group of fifteen US senators expressing grave concerns that Israel was not treating US citizens equally.
In an attempt to prevent Israel from joining the program, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday.
Due to procedural issues, a US judge in Detroit refused an emergency motion, stating that the department was not given enough notice of the complaint.
The White House said in August 2021 that it was collaborating with Israel to get the country included to the Visa Waiver Program.
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At re:Invent, AWS introduces new chips, AI capabilities, and improved cloud offerings.
Experts in cloud computing, clients, and tech enthusiasts have flocked to Las Vegas for the event, which runs through December 1.
In an effort to expand its portfolio and compete with rivals like Microsoft, Oracle, and SAP for market share, Amazon Web Services has announced the development of faster chips, the most recent generative artificial intelligence capabilities to boost productivity, and the general availability of Amazon S3 express one zone, its newest high-performance cloud storage service.
The cloud belongs to all of us. At AWS’s annual re: Invent event in Las Vegas, Nevada, CEO Adam Selipsky stated, “Customers of all sizes, all industries, and from all regions are using AWS cloud.”
Top businesses use the AWS cloud. Our clientele is drawn from a variety of sectors, such as the financial, medical, and automotive industries.
The event runs through December 1st, and cloud computing experts, customers, and tech enthusiasts have converged on Las Vegas.
The lowest latency cloud object storage is now offered by the new Amazon S3 express one zone, and users can scale their storage up or down as needed.
According to Mr. Selipsky, it provides data access speeds up to ten times faster and is up to fifty percent less expensive than the Amazon S3 standard.
With millions of users worldwide, Amazon S3, one of the most well-known cloud storage services, was introduced 17 years ago.
On average, over 100 million requests are made per second, and it can store over 350 trillion objects.
Emerging use cases that call for writing and gaining access to data millions of times per minute, like financial model simulations, interactive analytics, machine learning and AI training, real-time advertising, and media content creation, are well suited for it.
According to James Kirschner, general manager of Amazon S3 at AWS, the goal of Amazon S3 express one zone is to lower request and compute costs while providing the “fastest data access speed for the most latency-sensitive applications and enable customers to make millions of requests per minute for their highly accessed data sets”.
The largest cloud service provider in the world, Amazon, saw strong sales growth in the September quarter.
In the third quarter of the year, its revenue amounted to $23.1 billion, indicating an annual increase of over 12.2 percent.
The company also unveiled AWS Trainium2 and AWS Graviton4, the next generation of AWS-designed chip families. “Advancements in price performance and energy efficiency” are what the new chips are meant to provide for a variety of customer workloads, such as generative AI and machine learning training.
Graviton4 offers 75 percent more memory bandwidth and up to 30 percent better computing performance than Graviton3 processors, which are still in production today.
This is AWS’s fourth chip generation in five years, and according to the company, it’s the “most powerful and energy efficient chip the company has ever built” for a variety of workloads.
In contrast to the first-generation Trainium chips, Trainium2 is intended to provide training at a rate up to four times faster. According to AWS, it can double energy efficiency and train large language models and foundation models in a fraction of the time.
David Brown, vice president of compute and networking at AWS, stated that since silicon is the foundation of every customer workload, it is an essential area for innovation.
“We are able to provide our customers with the most cutting-edge cloud infrastructure by concentrating our chip designs on real workloads that matter to them.”
Speeches, innovation talks, builder labs, workshops, demos, and service announcements are all part of the 12th annual re: Invent event. There are about 50,000 people in attendance in person, and 300,000 people are watching the event online.
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New generative AI features have also been announced by AWS for Amazon Connect, the cloud contact center that helps businesses provide better customer experiences at lower costs.
According to AWS, the new features—which are powered by large language models—aim to revolutionize the way businesses offer customer service.
For quicker, more precise customer service, Amazon Q in Connect, for instance, will offer agents suggested answers and actions based on inquiries from customers in real time.
With AI-generated summaries that identify sentiment, trends, and policy compliance, the Amazon Connect contact lens assists in identifying the crucial elements of call center conversations.
An additional feature Contact center managers can quickly develop new chatbots and interactive voice response systems with Amazon Lex by utilizing natural language prompts. By providing answers to frequently asked questions, it could enhance current systems.
Pasquale DeMaio, vice president of Amazon Connect at AWS applications, stated that the contact center sector is set to be “fundamentally transformed by generative AI,” providing customer care representatives with new avenues to provide personalized customer experiences.
“Yet, very few organizations possess the sophisticated machine learning know-how to quickly and effectively integrate this technology into their daily operations.”
Additionally, the business unveiled Amazon Q, a brand-new generative AI-powered assistant designed to “streamline tasks, speed decision making, and spark creativity, built with rock-solid security and privacy,” according to Mr. Selipsky. Amazon Q is intended to deliver actionable information in real time.
While preparing for an IPO, Pure Health of the UAE buys PureCS, a Dubai IT company.
The largest healthcare group in the United Arab Emirates, Pure Health, has expanded its portfolio in anticipation of an IPO in Abu Dhabi next month by acquiring PureCS, a Dubai-based provider of IT services.
In a statement released on Thursday, Pure Health stated that the acquisition of PureCS in its entirety will enable it to leverage cutting-edge technology to improve its services and solutions, which are “underpinned by the importance of the role of AI and technology in the healthcare and consumer sector.”
The National was not given the deal’s value by Pure Health, which is supported by International Holding Company and Alpha Dhabi Holding.
The acquisition, according to Pure Health’s group chief executive and managing director Farhan Malik, “further strengthens our position as we continue to revolutionize the healthcare industry.”
“We are committed to raising the bar for healthcare excellence to further improve patient care not only in the UAE but throughout the world within our international assets, thanks to the additional capabilities of our dedicated tech company within the group.
“Against the backdrop of continual digital advancements, it is imperative that we remain at the forefront, harnessing cutting-edge, digital-first technologies and cloud-based healthcare solutions that provide positive impacts on the lives of individuals and communities.”
The global healthcare sector is utilizing cutting-edge technology in response to consumer demand for more convenient and on-demand services and the global adoption of digital transformation.
According to Grand View Research data, the global digital health market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 18.6%, from an estimated $211 billion last year to roughly $826 billion by 2030.
Junaid Khan, Pure Health’s chief technology officer, stated, “This acquisition will enable us to create a comprehensive health tech platform, with a holistic view of IT system requirements, rather than an ecosystem operating in silos.”
Amidst the ongoing IPO momentum in the Emirates, PureHealth this week announced plans to launch an initial public offering next month and list its shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
At the time, Mr. Malik stated that the IPO would “position Abu Dhabi as a front-runner in the global healthcare landscape”. However, the company did not disclose the amount it hopes to raise through the IPO.
Today, Pure Health employs more than 24,000 people and operates a network of more than 25 hospitals, 160 labs, and 100 clinics.
The company made a commitment in June of last year to invest Dh10 billion ($2.7 billion) in UAE product procurement and economic support over the next ten years.
On the other hand, PureCS’s website states that it is involved in cloud services, AI information systems, full end-to-end IT services and supplies, IT management and consulting solutions, and IT systemization.
Emirates launches its first SAF-equipped aircraft from Dubai.
From the Dubai International Airport (DXB), the first Emirates aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, supplied by Shell Aviation have taken off.
On October 24, Emirates’ flight EK 412, which was headed for Sydney, was one of the first to use SAF.
315,000 gallons of mixed SAF have been provided by Shell for usage at the airline’s hub in Dubai.
Over the past few weeks, Emirates has been able to power several missions thanks to this first-ever shipment of SAF to the airline in Dubai.
“We’re moving ahead with proactive initiatives to enable environmentally friendly flying now and in the years to come, and powering flights via our Dubai hub is merely one of the steps we’ve taken to reduce emissions,” stated Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline.
“We have quite a long way to go, but we hope that our collaboration with Shell Aviation will encourage more manufacturers to close supply gaps and provide SAF at major centers like Dubai and other locations on our network.”
“Emirates and Shell enjoy a long history of cooperation, and we are delighted to continue our journey jointly to enable SAF deployment in the UAE,” stated Jan Toschka, the president of Shell Aviation. This historic first-ever SAF supply to Emirates in Dubai serves as an illustration of what is possible when various aviation value chain components work together.We anticipate that this significant achievement will spur additional progress in the SAF implementation across the aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates and the surrounding area.
In January, Emirates conducted the first demonstration flight powered exclusively by SAF in the region.
The travel company has been actively pushing for standardization and the eventual accreditation of 100% SAF, which is not yet authorized for widespread commercial use, in order to increase industry knowledge of SAF use in greater blends as well as its performance, safety, and dependability.
The airline started utilizing SAF in 2017 on the flight from the city of Chicago, and since then, blended SAF has been used on flights from Stockholm, Sweden, Paris, France, Lyon, and Oslo.
Over the next ten years, Dubai hopes to add 30,000 employment in the gaming industry.
The crowned ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Mohammed, unveiled a new project on Thursday with the goal of ranking Uae amongst the most desirable cities in the world for the gaming business and creating 30,000 new employment in the field during the next ten years.
The goal of the Dubai Government Media Office’s program, the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, is to increase the gaming industry’s share of the emirate’s gross domestic product to about $1 billion by the year 2033.
It will provide assistance to start-ups and entrepreneurs in the creative industries, in addition to developers, designers, and programmers.
By “creating an incubation atmosphere for developers and drawing top technology businesses from all over the globe, especially those specializing with online content and experiences,” the new effort hopes to accomplish its goals. Hashim Hamdan
“Dubai is in a good position to take advantage of the enormous potential in the gaming industry, which is worth about $200 billion worldwide,” he continued.
“We are in a strategic position to help drive the development of cutting-edge technologies like augmented and virtual reality and artificial intelligence, enhancing them to deliver even more lifelike and immersive experiences.”
The largest economies in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are leading the gaming sector in the Middle East because their governments have realized the enormous potential this expanding market holds, according to a recent Game Changer research from Boston Consulting Group.
Given that gaming “is now completely ingrained in the mainstream,” the projected $187.7 billion in 2023—a 2.6% increase from 2022—would be a more than 13% increase in that amount.
The Uae Future Foundation is in charge of the emirate’s new gaming initiative, which will prioritize talent, content, and technology.
In collaboration with foreign businesses, academic organizations, and universities, it is going to bring together producers of digital content and offer training and employment opportunities. It will also start specialized training and educational programs and assist inventors and businesses.
As component of the Uae Metaverse Strategy, Sheikh Hamdan also gave his approval to the introduction of three other new projects: the Metaverse Initiative Alliance, Metaverse Guidelines, and Metaverse Pioneers.
The growing area where people can engage in virtual worlds through three-dimensional representations or avatars is called the metaverse.
It is a part of Web 3, the next stage of the internet’s evolution, which is characterized by decentralization, openness, blockchain, and increased user utility.
In order to incorporate the multiverse into the economy and society, Dubai and other Emirates have taken a variety of actions.
The goal of Dubai’s July 2018 unveiling of the Dubai The Metaverse Strategy is to boost the emirate’s economy by $4 billion and generate 40,000 virtual jobs in the following five years.
Cyber Security company SpiderSilk, based in Dubai, secures $9 million
A cybersecurity AI business called SpiderSilk from Dubai is making substantial advancements in the quickly developing field of cyber protection.
According to a Wamda report, the company reported a successful $9 million investment round led by Wa’ed Ventures, Aramco’s $500 million venture capital fund based in the Kingdom. Global Ventures and STV both actively participated in the financing.
SpiderSilk is primarily focused on solving the most important cybersecurity problems. The company, which was founded in 2019 by Mossab Hussein and Rami El Malak, provides cutting-edge continuous detection technologies together with an inventive AI-powered cyber defense platform.
The funds from this investment will be used to increase SpiderSilk’s cyber security product capabilities in Saudi Arabia in order to meet the region’s burgeoning demand for superior cybersecurity solutions.
“While the GCC is an essential technology market, there’s barely any IP being developed in the area for the geographical area and beyond, and we feel that it is becoming increasingly important to accomplish independence in this field for the advantage of both private and public organizations,” stated SpiderSilk CEO that Rami El Malak in regards to the importance of this achievement.
Development in Dubai View More
Millions of “Neomians” will live in this Saudi megacity by 2030.
According to the project’s head of tourism, millions of people will live in Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion future metropolis, Neom, by 2030.
Arrivals are anticipated to start in 2024.
Within the next ten years, two million “Neomians” should reside in the city, according to Andrew McEvoy, who spoke with The National.
Speaking outside of the Arabian Travel Market, which is presently taking place at Dubai’s World Trade Center, was Mr. McEvoy.
“As our first tourism assets open in 2024, you will see a lot of movement,” Mr. McEvoy stated.
“Work has already begun, and the tourism initiatives will launch at that point.”
Numerous tourist destinations, such as the Trojena mountain destination, will be located in Neom.
It is scheduled to open in 2026 and will feature mountain biking, a ski slope, and watersports facilities. Additionally, an interactive nature reserve will be included.
Neom is intended to be a smart city that runs on renewable energy.
The Wall Street Journal claims that because of previously disclosed plans that included flying taxis, holographic teachers teaching classes, and an artificial moon, it has drawn attention from all over the world.
Neom will be governed independently of the laws governing the rest of Saudi Arabia, according to Mr. McEvoy. This will increase its attractiveness to tourists and those thinking about moving there, he claimed.
Many people find it appealing because it offers the opportunity to virtually start from scratch in the creation of a new nation, he said.
“It’s a great way to get motivated for your career, and the Public Investment Fund will help make it happen.”Neom shall be regarded as a nation inside a nation, possessing its own sovereign territory and economic zone. The laws and regulations must align with the goals of the people we are trying to draw to this area to live and work.
Additionally, he stated that the locals would be referred to as “Neomians” rather than Saudis.
About 2,000 Neomians and 10,000 construction workers already reside there, according to Mr. McEvoy.
“We’re already drawing in a lot of experts in the energy, water, and health sectors who will be relocating here to live and work.”
Selling alcohol is a possibility.
In an effort to draw tourists and business from abroad, he also declined to rule out the sale of alcohol. He declared, “It’s definitely not off the table” to alcohol.
“We must match what competing destinations are offering if we want to be competitive.”
He added that the project is on track to be car-free by 2030.
“There will be a slight period of transition, but the city is being built to be completely car-free,” Mr. McEvoy stated.
Many of the modes of transportation of the future, such as electric hybrids, are already available, and we’re testing concepts like flying taxis.
“This is about supplying the travel of the future.”
An additional key area of emphasis for the project is sustainability. According to Mr. McEvoy, younger people are driving this because they are more committed to halting climate change than previous generations were.
“A new generation of young Saudis is driving this with a strong embrace of a new future, with Neom serving as a beacon of that future,” the statement reads.
In Al Wathba, Sheikh Khaled launches a Dh1.1 billion housing project.
The Al Wathba housing project in Abu Dhabi was officially opened by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed.
The 875,000 square meter development, which cost more than Dh1.1 billion, will provide 347 new homes for citizens.
In addition to allotted land for commercial and community facilities, it comprises fifteen parks and four mosques that can accommodate 1,725 people each.
Sheikh Khaled was given an update on the project and given a tour of the eco-friendly house designs during the inauguration.
According to Sheikh Khaled, the housing project will guarantee stability and growth while providing for the needs of Abu Dhabi’s Emirati population.
The UAE is dedicated to giving Emiratis decent housing, and this new development is a part of that commitment.
A Dh2.74 billion housing support plan for Emiratis residing in the capital was approved this year by Sheikh Khaled. President Sheikh Mohamed’s orders will be followed in providing assistance for 1,800 citizens.
Under the program, low-income retirees and the surviving family members of mortgage holders will not be obliged to repay housing loans.
As part of the initiative, housing loans will also be given to eligible citizens.
The Middle East Properties Development of the Year award goes to Azizi Developments.
Leading commercial developer in the United Arab Emirates, Azizi Developments, was honored with the esteemed “Middle East Properties Developer Of The Year” title at the 10th Property Counselors and Developers Summit, an elite assembly of key industry players.
This recognition is a tribute to Azizi Developments’ outstanding qualities in project creation, innovative construction, and project delivery. It also emphasizes the developer’s commitment to providing unparalleled living experiences to end users and local and foreign investors.
The Honorable Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Hon. former Minister of Environment and Water, presented the award to Mr. Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments. Senior members of Azizi Developments escorted Mr. Azizi to the ceremony.
The esteemed “Middle East Properties Developer Of The Year” award was given to Azizi Developments, a top private builder in the United Arab Emirates, at the 10th Property Consulting and Developers Summit, an elite assembly of key industry players.
The remarkable project development, inventive construction, and project execution skills of Azizi Developments are demonstrated by this award. Moreover, it emphasizes the developer’s commitment to providing unparalleled living experiences to end users and local and foreign investors, all while prioritizing client centricity.
Upon receiving the award from the Honorable Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Hon. former Minister of Environment and Water, Mr. Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments, was escorted to the ceremony by senior members of the company.
Approximately 40,000 units, valued at several billion US dollars, are presently being built by Azizi with the goal of delivery by 2027. Due to its large land bank, strategic partnerships with major master developers in Dubai, and reputation for building the second-tallest skyscraper in the UAE, the company has developed world-class real estate in MBR City, the Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Hospital City, South Dubai, Al Furjan, Studios City, Sports City, and Downtown Jebel Ali.
In Q3 2023, Trakhees estimates a 19% increase in transactions in special development regions.
Setting a new record in 2023 when compared to 2022 in terms of license transactions is a major milestone for the Ports, Customs and Border Protection and Free Zone Corporation’s regulatory body, the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees.
This accomplishment encompassed over 14,000 transactions in the corporation-supervised special development sectors during the third quarter of this year, representing a 19% growth rate.
According to Trakhees CEO Abdulla Belhoul, the department is assiduously striving to improve its role in attracting investment and produce measurable and favorable outcomes in terms of commercial growth rates. This covers the quantity of services rendered and transactions carried out annually at the Ports, Customs and Border Protection and Free Zone Corporation-affiliated special development regions.
These initiatives, which seek to create an investment climate that will support business expansion and growth, are consistent with Dubai’s economic strategy and vision. The findings of the Licensing Department’s third-quarter reports validate this accomplishment.
Belhoul also pointed out that, with 134 more licenses issued this year than the previous, International City is now the top spot on the list of places with the most local license transactions. Palm Jumeirah is positioned in third place, behind Jumeirah Village Circle and Palm Jumeirah in the following ranking.
The Director of Trakhees’ Licensing Department, Dr. Hamad Rahma Al Falasi, emphasized the department’s efforts to establish Dubai as a top international investment destination.
This is accomplished by fostering a culture of performance excellence, enabling services to guarantee client pleasure, and drawing in additional strategic alliances that support company expansion in the division’s supervised areas.
With 13,695 transactions in total during the third month of 2023, there has been a notable increase in the number of commercial licensing deals. In the third trimester of this year, there were almost 900 requests for operations in the free zones, and 200 company names were registered. In addition, a 29% growth rate was demonstrated by the issuing of 145 issuance licences and 138 first approvals.
The statistics also showed a discernible rise in the demand for the Licensing Department’s local license services.
In the third quarter, about 9,000 transactions were completed to get government services. With 5,072 transactions overall, the Workplace Health Card service came in first place, a 90 percent increase over the same period last year. There were 434 Credit Card transactions as well.
Dr. Al Falasi praised the PCFC’s hard work in enabling services and transactions to fulfill the dreams of entrepreneurs in the Emirate and guarantee Dubai’s position as the leading location for private and corporate business ventures.
The Virtual Assets Regulation Authority of Dubai grants WadzPay its initial approval.
An innovative finance startup clears the path for its UAE launch by standing out from hundreds of applications with blockchain-based technology offerings that have distinctive features.
A major milestone in WadzPay’s quest to earn a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) Licence for digital asset services and operations has been reached with the company’s “Initial Approval” from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA).
“We are incredibly grateful for the initial blessing from VARA,” WadzPay’s founder and group CEO, Mr. Anish Jain, stated. “This acknowledgement highlights our dedication to providing innovative solutions based on blockchain technology that not only transform but also follow the strictest legal guidelines. We are appreciative of the chance to support the development of the UAE’s fintech industry.”
WadzPay can now begin preparing to provide virtual asset products and services under the VASP Licence for Transfer & Settlements and Broker/Dealer operations. This first authorization is a significant milestone.
Mr. Khaled Moharem, Director of WadzPay’s MENA region, said, “Getting VARA’s initial authorization is an indication to our unwavering commitment to regulatory and operational excellence.” “We have established a strong ecosystem that not only satisfies but beyond industry norms, ensuring that users in the UAE have a secure and effective gateway to virtual assets. We are ready to go live, strictly adhering to VARA’s guidelines, and bringing in an age of safe and easy access to the virtual asset world.”
WadzPay notes that although the initial clearance is a significant milestone, it remains in the stage of obtaining the VASP license and its final authorization from VARA. This development is an important step toward getting the approval from the relevant authorities to operate fully in the UAE and commercialize its creative products and solutions.