Day: November 24, 2023

Technology

While preparing for an IPO, Pure Health of the UAE buys PureCS, a Dubai IT company.

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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.

Food & Beverages

The African Food Show, which took place in Morocco, saw active participation from Food Business Gulf & Middle East magazine.

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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.

entreprenuership

Adnoc opens the first “high-speed” green hydrogen refueling station in the region.

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Adnoc has established the first “high-speed” green hydrogen pilot refueling station in the area to test a fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Data from the project will be used to evaluate the long-term viability of hydrogen vehicles in the UAE.

The company announced on Friday that the Adnoc Distribution-run facility in Masdar City will use an electrolyser driven by clean grid electricity to create green hydrogen from water.

Musabbeh Al Kaabi, executive director of low carbon solutions and international growth at Adnoc, stated, “We are pleased to launch this unique high-speed green hydrogen refuelling station, which supports the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy.”

“Adnoc is still working with national and international businesses to develop cutting-edge technology and low-carbon solutions that can hasten the decarbonization process.”
An international certification body called the International REC Standard will certify the hydrogen supplied to the pilot station as coming from solar energy, making it “green.”

According to the company, data on the long-term viability of hydrogen vehicles in the UAE will be gathered through this project.

Starting with B2B [business-to-business] clients is the idea here. At the event, Adnoc Distribution CEO Bader Al Lamki told The National, “We are going to start with cars, taxis, and buses.”

“We’re going to collect data, analyze, and comprehend consumer behaviors and operation parameters over the course of three months, and hopefully this becomes a basis for us to even further extend the solution.”

According to Mr. Al Lamki, a second station in Dubai Golf City will open “very soon” and “provide another refuelling point in the emirate of Dubai.”

The Abu Dhabi-based Integrated Transport Center is lending support to the project. The engineering and industrial gases company Linde supplied the refueller.

The hydrogen-powered cars, which are being supplied by Toyota, Al Futtaim Motors, and BMW, will undergo testing by Tawasul and other taxi companies.

Due to its ability to be produced from both conventional and renewable energy sources, hydrogen is predicted to become an increasingly important fuel as economies and industries shift toward a low-carbon future.

There are several colors of hydrogen, such as blue, green, and grey. Green hydrogen is created when water molecules split through an electrolysis process, whereas blue and grey hydrogen are created from natural gas.

Adnoc plans to invest $15 billion in various projects by 2030 in order to meet the objectives of its low-carbon growth strategy.

By 2031, the UAE hopes to produce 1.4 million tons of hydrogen annually, and by 2050, 15 million tons.

“We are happy to be working with Adnoc to pilot hydrogen in the United Arab Emirates. About 20% of the world’s carbon emissions come from transportation at the moment, so in order to reach net zero, we must utilize every technology available, according to Masdar City Chairman Abdulla Balalaa.

Culture & customs

Shaikh Rashid, a royal artist from Bahrain, talks about being inspired by his home country’s natural beauty.

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A multifaceted man, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa is a member of the Bahraini royal family. He is an artist, art collector, chairman of the Bahrain Arts Society, chairman of the National Council of the Arts, and he expertly balances his many responsibilities while still having a passion for travel and family.

The septuagenarian, who is acknowledged as one of the best artists in the Arab world, started his artistic career almost fifty years ago. Despite living in an elegant and beautiful environment, his artistic journey was fueled by a nomadic life that he led throughout the world. He started painting landscapes after receiving a scholarship from the Hastings College of Art and Design in Sussex, England. He captured the desolate surroundings of his beloved Bahrain on his canvas.

The start and the voyage “I enjoyed experimenting with color, sketching, and painting more than I did learning any other academic subjects in school,” he states. But the young artist made the most of his time studying in the UK by interacting with other artists and immersing himself in excellent art throughout the nation’s historic museums and art galleries.

Shaikh Rashid says, “I’m basically inspired by my surroundings.” The content of my artwork is primarily influenced by Bahrain’s unique light, colors, and atmosphere. I like to use these elements to create paintings, wall sculptures, and installations that combine my natural surroundings with modern and traditional architecture.

The 80s’ fleeting, figurative oil paintings gradually made way for the 90s’ abstract forms. The artist experimented with a variety of surfaces and materials as a result of this. Aluminum became a popular medium, requiring laborious work that required extraordinary patience and perseverance, first coating its façade with glossy lacquer paint before working on enamel.

Shaikh Rashid says he considers himself lucky to have participated in biennials, fairs, and prestigious group exhibits all over the world. ‘First Light’ at Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan (2023); ‘Tesselate’, Mario Mauroner Gallery, Vienna, Austria (2021); ‘Rashid Al Khalifa’, Opera Gallery, Dubai, UAE (2021); ‘Transverse Wave’, me Collectors Room, Berlin, Germany (2019); ‘Penumbra’, Saatchi Gallery, London (2018); Moscow Biennale, Moscow, Russia (2019); ‘Contemporary Istanbul’, Istanbul, Turkey (2019, 2021); ‘SCOPE’, Miami Beach, Miami, USA (2021); Art Brussels (2022); Art Geneve (2023); among others.

Shaikh Rashid and a few other artist friends started an arts club in Bahrain thanks to the support of friends and family. Thus, the Bahrain Arts Society was established, and it now serves as the engine of a flourishing art ecosystem in the Gulf country. Exhibitions are held for the benefit of the public’s viewing pleasure, promoting both Bahraini and foreign artists who possess talent. A thriving foundation for the creative arts has been established in Bahrain thanks to State sponsorship, stimulating discourse, and international exposure for artists.

Since its founding in 2010, Art Bahrain has supported numerous local, regional, and global cultural initiatives, art exhibitions, and educational programs. Bahrain’s contemporary art scene and its global integration have been greatly influenced by Shaikh Rashid’s vision. He claims that he used to have architectural dreams. Despite never pursuing his passion professionally, he is now actively involved in the Gulf island’s design and architecture scenes. He established the Rashid Al Khalifa (RAK) Art Foundation in 2020, allowing the public and global community access to his private art collection and historic family home. “The foundation’s concept is to provide a venue where people are motivated and inspired to pursue their interests in the arts,” he says.

It’s interesting to note that three carpets made by hand in Azerbaijan are on display at the exhibition. All of these drew inspiration from pieces in the ‘First Light’ exhibition that thoughtfully incorporated Shaikh Rashid’s designs to honor Azerbaijani heritage. Rashid is bridging cultural divides with his provocative artwork in a world of geopolitical unrest.

Shaikha Noor, the eldest daughter of Shaikh Rashid, is carrying on her father’s creative legacy in a uniquely individualistic manner. She is one of the co-founders of Noon by Noor, a luxury fashion brand. It is obvious that creativity is fostered and runs in families.

Travel & Explore

In 2024, OYO plans to build 500 vacation homes in Dubai.

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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.