There will be a lot of interest in fintech
The post What can we expect from financial services across MENA in 2023? appeared first on Gulf Business.
The post What can we expect from financial services across MENA in 2023? appeared first on Gulf Business.
Category: Business
Alan’s corner: Tips to make a partnership work
Communication is central to the success of any partnership
The post Alan’s corner: Tips to make a partnership work appeared first on Gulf Business.
The post Alan’s corner: Tips to make a partnership work appeared first on Gulf Business.
Kyree Terrell
The Philadelphia based Focused Studios held a premiere for their latest film “Money Lovers” at the Regal UA King of Prussia followed by a Q & A session with the cast and crew.
“Money Lovers” is a romantic thriller that follows Payton, a seductive crypto currency thief (played by: Tiffany D.) and her gang as they encounter Lyon Collins, a former hacker turned detective (played by Writer / Director: Kyree Terrell).
The film was shot in two weeks in and around Philadelphia. Giving opportunity to new and experience crew members and over 120 local actors. Money Lovers is based on true events surrounding Kyree being scammed out of some money purchasing what he thought was shares of Bitcoin.
This is writer/director/actor Kyree Terrell’s 2nd feature film premiere in less than 2 years. He also premiered a sitcom (Bae vs Bae) in that same time span. We asked Kyree what keeps him so busy?
Kyree: When I wanted to do this with other people and I went to castings and auditions, not getting roles and opportunities became very discouraging. So I decided I would go after it myself. I studied film and television production fomr every angle for the past 12 years and now its my turn to do it myself. I love the fact that I can produce when I want to produce and what I want to produce and no one can tell me “no”.
The film premiere brought out over 500 people on a Thursday night and another 2 hundred people the following night. These were numbers that the management at kop said they’d never seen from an independent film without any big stars attached to it.
Vernon Ray the films Director of Photography and leader of the anti-gun crims movement “Shot Camera’s Not Guns” was happy to be a part of this amazing film
Vernon: Listen, “Kyree is like a brother to me. I’ve watched him work so hard over the last 5-6 years and give so many people opportunities including myself. When he reached out and asked me to be the DP on this amazing film I simply said yes because with his talent and his work ethic I already knew the film would turn out super dope and tonight is a testament to that! Look at all the people who came out to support us!
Up next for Focused Studios is “Work Bae 2” the sequel to last year’s hit film Work Bae now streaming on TUBI. 2023 is poised to be the companies break out year!
Giuseppe Romeo, CMDT creates ripples of growth in the world of Dental Technology.
He is an influential professional in Dental Technology who owns the Oral Design Center in Turin, Italy.
There are innumerable talented beings who have worked day in and day out to innovate their way to the top. These individuals and professionals across industries of the world have never ceased to amaze people with what they have offered them through their work, with the genuine aim to add more value to their lives and provide them with products/services to truly better their lives in ways more than one. It is thus necessary to hold more talks around such experts and professionals who give it their all in order to do and be their best versions and, in the process, also motivate and inspire other budding talents across the world. We noticed how Giuseppe Romeo, CMDT did the same in the world of Dental Technology.
Giuseppe Romeo was born in Port Chester, New York, the US. Having the aim to make it huge in the dentistry realm, he got trained in Dental Technology in Turin, Italy and then studied for two years at the University of Geneva, where he obtained a Master Degree in Dental Technologist Esthetic Prosthodontics. He completed his education in Italy and abroad, working in the US and in Switzerland and then went ahead in starting his own center named Oral Design Center in Turin, Italy.
This passionate guy has immersed himself in the field, so much so that, beyond being known as a prominent figure in Dental Technology, he has also made his name as a writer and contributor in the industry, publishing extensively in both Italian and international journals. He has contributed to the textbooks “Esthetics and Precision, Clinical and Technical Procedures” with Dr. Domenico Massironi and Mr. Romeo Pascetta (translated into eight languages) and “Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry” written together with Dr. Douglas Terry and Mr. Willi Geller, both published by Quintessence Publishing.
Beyond being involved as an Associate Editors in Dental Technology of the International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, which is the official journal of several Academies in the world, Giuseppe Romeo also belongs to several prestigious organizations like The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (Fellow Member), The European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (Affiliate Member), The Italian Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (Active Member), to name a few.
He always wanted to spread his knowledge among others, especially the youth and hence also started working as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Restorative Science at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US.
Dubai ends 30% tax on alcohol sales, fee for liquor licenses
Dubai has ended its 30% tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain.
Dubai ended its 30% tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom Sunday and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain, ending a long-standing source of revenue for its ruling family to apparently further boost its tourism to the emirate.
The sudden New Year’s Day announcement, made by Dubai’s two state-linked alcohol retailers, came apparently from a government decree from its ruling Al Maktoum family. However, government officials did not immediately acknowledge the decision and did not respond to questions from The Associated Press.
But it follows years of loosening regulations over liquor in the sheikhdom, which now sells alcohol during daylight hours in Ramadan and began providing home delivery during the lockdowns at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Alcohol sales have long served as a major barometer of the economy of Dubai, a top travel destination in the UAE, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates. During the recent World Cup in nearby Qatar, Dubai’s many bars drew commuting soccer fans.
Alcohol distributor Maritime and Mercantile International, which is part of the wider Emirates Group, made the announcement in a statement.
“Since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago, the emirate’s approach has remained dynamic, sensitive and inclusive for all,” said Tyrone Reid of MMI. “These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.”
MMI did not respond to a question over whether the decision was permanent. However, an ad put up by MMI urged customers to buy from its stores, saying “you no longer need to drive out to the other emirates.” Dubai residents long have driven into Umm al-Quwain and other emirates for bulk, tax-free alcohol purchases.
African & Eastern, the second alcohol retailer believed to be at least partially held by the state or affiliated firms, also announced the end of the municipality tax and license fees.
Under Dubai law, non-Muslims must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Drinkers are supposed to carry plastic cards issued by the Dubai police that permit them to purchase, transport and consume beer, wine and liquor. Otherwise, they can face fines and arrest — even though the sheikhdom’s vast network of bars, nightclubs and lounges almost never ask to see the permit.
Still, relatively liberal Dubai is an outlier among others in the region. Sharjah, an emirate that borders Dubai to the north, outlaws alcohol, as do the nearby nations of Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Fri 13 Jan 2023 FB LN TW MAIL LN More of this topic US inflation Politics & Economics US inflation falls to year’s lowest level in December at 6.5 percent UAE Pakistan aid Politics & Economics UAE offers Pakistan $3bn in aid UAE Golden Visa Politics & Economics UAE Golden Visa: Over 79,500 long-term visas issued UAE to allow teenagers to run businesses
The amended law reduces the age limit to run a business.
he minimum age requirement to run a business in the UAE has been revised, the Ministry of Economy announced.
The new law requires an individual to be at least 18 years of age to be able to run a business, previously the age limit was set at 21.
The new law amendment is further aligned with international regulations.
Guidelines regarding the recent amendments were published in October 2022 but has now been implemented as a law.
“I think it’s a fantastic initiative to enable young people to operate businesses. Hands-on business experience is the best possible education you can give a young entrepreneur, and the lessons are not ones you can learn in school. As a flourishing business hub, it makes perfect sense that UAE would want to promote this sort of initiative and it makes me so happy to see them doing this,” Ori Leslau, Founder and CEO, Confetti Group told Arabian Business.
According to the amendments to the new law:
- An individual is allowed to start a business at the age of 18 years (previously 21 years).
- Banking institutions are to follow a legal reference for commercial transactions in order to stimulate investment an provide businesses with a broader scope for growth and competition.
- Increased support for Islamic banking, establishing it as one of the main drivers of growth.
- Obtaining licenses according to the regulation and establishment of financial markets is mandatory.
- Support is offered for technology sector businesses and commercial activities related to the digital fields.
Previously, a business started by an individual between 18-21 years had to be registered under a legal guardian as ‘temporary owner’. Once the individual reached legal age, the shares could then be transferred.
UAE set to invest $30 billion across strategic sectors in South Korea
Sheikh Mohamed, Yoon Suk Yeol discuss ways to enhance cooperation between two nations.
The UAE has decided to invest $30 billion in South Korea’s industries as the two countries seek to expand economic cooperation. The investment decision was announced as South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol met UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi during a four-day state visit.
At the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Yoon Suk Yeol conducted a state visit to the UAE from January 14 to 17, 2023.
On January 15, Sheikh Mohamed and Yoon held a summit meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. During the summit, the two leaders agreed to deepen and further develop the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
The two countries also signed 13 memorandums of understanding, including an agreement between the state-run Korea Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala to cooperate for investment in South Korean companies.
In particular, the two leaders agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in four key areas: conventional energy and clean energy, peaceful nuclear energy, economy and investment, and defense and defense technology; as well as in other areas of mutual interest including space, emerging industries and culture.
The two leaders also engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on regional and international issues.
I. Strengthening Cooperation in Key Areas
1. Conventional Energy and Clean Energy
Recognising the importance of stability in global energy supply chains, the two leaders agreed to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP) to strengthen cooperation across key energy sectors including: oil & gas, strategic storage, renewable energy, hydrogen, and hydrogen derivatives. The two leaders acknowledged CSEP provides a platform for further cooperation in clean energy fields such as production and utilization of hydrogen and ammonia, deployment of clean energy infrastructure, and development of industrial ecosystems for renewable energy.
Both leaders concurred on the importance of bilateral cooperation to accelerate and invest in projects of energy security, decarbonization and climate action, and to continue developing both the UAE and the Republic of Korea as global leaders in hydrogen ecosystems.
2. Peaceful Nuclear Energy
Recognising the importance of nuclear power plants as a critical source of energy security and an important element for the growth of the clean economy, and given the existing deep level of cooperation achieved in this area, the two leaders expressed their determination to deepen and accelerate collaboration in the peaceful nuclear energy sector, both by successfully completing the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant (BNEP) project and by jointly pursuing additional nuclear projects, whether in the UAE or in third countries. Both leaders are also visiting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and participating in a ceremony commemorating the completion of Unit 3 of the 4-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, recognizing peaceful nuclear energy as one of the key pillars of bilateral collaboration between the two countries. The multi-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is dramatically accelerating the decarbonization of the UAE’s power sector in support of the latter’s pledge to reach Net Zero by 2050.
The two leaders welcomed further cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy through the UAE-ROK High-level Consultation on Nuclear Cooperation and agreed to seek ways to expand this cooperation into new areas, including evaluating the potential of small modular reactors (SMR).
3. Economy and Investment
As part of the wider Special Strategic Partnership framework, and building on the UAE’s confidence in the ROK’s economic strength and growth prospects, the UAE announced a commitment by its sovereign wealth funds to invest $30 billion in strategic sectors in the Republic of Korea.
The leaders noted the importance of building dynamic global economies and highlighted the numerous economic initiatives recently launched in the UAE, in addition to the comprehensive development of economic legislation in the UAE. The UAE encouraged the ROK business community to capitalize on these incentives and investment opportunities in various economic and trade sectors.
Recognising that the complex and highly connected global economy is vulnerable to global crises including, but not limited to, cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, energy security, climate change, and global health threats, the two leaders underscored the importance of a coordinated response and cooperation in this regard. As such, both sides agreed on the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework for strengthening trade cooperation between the two countries, acknowledging that trade and investment cooperation is a critical instrument to mitigate global risks and build safe, resilient, and clean bio economy systems.
Recognising that fostering promising SMEs and startups plays a leading role in new industries such as innovation, joint ventures, and research and development (R&D) while strengthening national competitiveness, the two leaders agreed to work together through the UAE’s Entrepreneurial Nation initiative to expand exchange and promote mutual investment between SMEs and startups of the two countries.
4. Defence and Defence Technology
Both leaders expressed a keenness to further develop cooperation in the field of defense, a key element of the bilateral relationship, which continues to be enhanced under the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
The two leaders, valued the defense cooperation that has been developed in a mutually beneficial manner based on the highest level of trust between the two countries. With the aim of further promoting close cooperation, both leaders recognized the importance of advancing the relationship in defense technology to a strategic level, that includes joint investment, research and technology development; and welcoming the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for joint collaboration in this field.
In this regard, the two leaders affirmed that aerospace industry cooperation discussed during the summit has generated impetus for expanding defense technology cooperation in the medium and long term, and agreed to further strengthen collaboration for the joint development of a wide range of defense technologies.
II. Enhancing Future-Oriented Cooperation
5. Climate Change
The two leaders committed to collaborate on efforts to address climate change, which includes cooperation on the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted in the UAE from 30 November to 12 December, 2023.
Recognising that climate change and its impacts are shared global concerns that require urgent and collective action, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to driving progress on the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal. In this regard, the two leaders pledged to work together to achieve their respective 2030 NDCs and net zero emissions by 2050. Moreover, the two leaders, agreed to strengthen action-oriented cooperative efforts for climate in mutually beneficial areas, and issued the “ROK-UAE Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Action”.
6. Space
The two leaders, affirming the importance of bilateral cooperation for the peaceful and sustainable use of space, agreed to further enhance close cooperation in space in a mutually beneficial manner. The two leaders welcomed the amendment of the pre-existing Memorandum of Understanding on Space Cooperation to expand the scope of cooperation between the Ministry of Science and ICT and the UAE Space Agency to cover a variety of additional areas, such as space exploration, satellite-based positioning systems, and earth observation.
7. New Industries and the Digital Transformation
Recognising the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation in the sustainability and economic development of both the ROK and the UAE, the two leaders noted the importance of deepening and broadening industrial cooperation to meet the challenges of the transition to a sustainable digital economy and to support industrial innovation and economic development. In particular, the two leaders agreed to pursue close cooperation such as joint research and mobility programs in the field of ICT, including artificial intelligence, data, networks, and cyber security. The two leaders also agreed that the two countries would engage in joint efforts to establish a new digital order as digital technologies are becoming increasingly advanced.
The two leaders noted the importance of deepening and broadening cooperation on industry and advanced technology to meet the challenges of the transition to the digital economy and the green economy and to pursue industrial innovation and economic development. Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to launch a Strategic Partnership on Industry and Advanced Technology aiming to enhance public-private cooperation in fields such as digital transformation in manufacturing, mobility and aerospace, parts and materials, and supply chain resilience and issued the Joint Initiative for Cooperation on Advanced Manufacturing.
8. Future Mobility and Smart Infrastructure
The two leaders recognized the emergence of future mobility as the transition towards electric, autonomous, or unmanned driving and the evolution to the third dimension in transportation unfold in the sector. In the face of such shifts, the two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral policy making and technological cooperation in the sector in part by assuming joint leadership in global mobility initiatives.
The two leaders noted with appreciation the contributions of Korean contractors in building infrastructure projects in the UAE and strengthening bilateral cooperation in this field. To further advance the two countries’ ties in the infrastructure field, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation to encompass smart infrastructure and promote the sharing of information and people-to-people exchanges in areas including intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and three-dimensional spatial information systems.
9. Healthcare
The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation to enhance medical services and research and development in biotechnology while investing in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to promote mutually beneficial growth in the two countries’ healthcare sectors.
10. Agriculture, Food Security and Water Resources
The two leaders, recognizing the importance of bilateral cooperation on smart farming to respond to climate change and enhance food security, agreed to expand cooperation in various areas of agriculture, including pilot projects for different types of smart greenhouses and cultivation demonstration. Highlighting the importance of promoting agricultural technology cooperation between the two countries to realize sustainable agriculture, the two leaders agreed to jointly develop water-saving crop technologies suitable for a dry desert climate so that even countries with insufficient water resources can produce food crops in a stable manner.
The two leaders agreed on further strengthening joint endeavors between the two countries in implementing water-related Sustainable Development Goal 6. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in water resources fields such as water desalination, smart water technologies, wastewater treatment, natural water resources management, and cooperation and coordination on international water scarcity initiatives.
11. Intellectual Property and Statistics
Recognising that intellectual property is a key driving force that enables economic growth and prosperity through creativity and innovation, the two leaders underscored that the decades-long close coordination between the two countries has elevated IP systems. In this regard, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced cooperation to implement collaborative activities in a wider range of areas such as utilization of patent information for identification and development of national strategic technologies.
The two leaders, noting the need to strengthen statistical capacities with a view to achieving the SDGs and implementing evidence-based policies, agreed that the two countries will work closely together in the statistics field. They shared the view that the two countries should prioritize exchanging methodologies and practices to produce statistics with the use of cutting-edge technologies, including the use of administrative data and big data, while exploring opportunities for future cooperation.
III. Peace and Stability
12. The Middle East
The two leaders recognised that their strategic partnership is a critical component in their collaborative and mutual efforts to enhance peace and stability in the region, and beyond. The two leaders discussed prospects for promoting dialogue and diplomacy across the region, and stressed the importance of adherence to international law and on principles of respect for the sovereignty of countries and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
In this context, the two leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to further enhance regional stability and prosperity. President Yoon commended the role and leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed in promoting peace and regional cooperation and emphasized that the Republic of Korea will continue to play a valuable role in the region as a Global Pivotal State.
13. Korean Peninsula
The two leaders reaffirmed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s relentless pursuit of nuclear and missile development poses a serious threat to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also to the whole world. The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the DPRK’s record number of ballistic missile launches last year, which constitute a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, as well as conventional provocations, such as the firing of multiple rocket launchers and coastal artillery shells.
The leaders reiterated the need for a firm and united response by the international community to the DPRK’s continued provocations. The leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea and reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to induce North Korea to return to negotiations. President Yoon outlined the Audacious Initiative aimed at a denuclearized, peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his support for the ROK’s positive role in promoting sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula and stability in the Asian continent.
14. Multilateralism
Looking beyond the region, the two leaders emphasised the critical role that multilateral responses can play in addressing global challenges, and the importance of international cooperation across a broad range of policy areas. President Yoon commended the UAE’s role as non-permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s support for the ROK’s candidature for the non-permanent membership of the Security Council for the 2024-25 term, and commended the ROK’s long-standing leadership in the G20 group of nations.
Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Yoon on the upcoming occasion of Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, and extended his warm wishes to the Korean President and people for peace, prosperity and good fortune.
Yoon expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Sheikh Mohamed and invited His Highness to visit the Republic of Korea in the near future. The two leaders agreed to meet frequently and further develop the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
UAE: Gold prices inch lower, drop half a dirham per gram in Dubai
Traders focus on Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell’s speech, wait to see how the Fed reacts to the December inflation report.
Gold prices inched lower on Tuesday as the US dollar witnessed an uptick, with traders largely focusing on Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell’s speech for insights into the central bank’s rate hike path.
Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,868.85 per ounce.
In the UAE, gold prices fell nearly half a dirham at the opening of the markets on Tuesday. The Dubai Jewellery Group data showed 24K trading at Dh226.75 per gram as compared to last night’s close of Dh227.25. Meanwhile, 22K, 21K and 18K opened at Dh209.75, Dh203.25 and Dh174.0 per gram, respectively.
Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at Oanda, said it looks like everyone is liking gold as the peak in yields appears to be in place.
“Gold could see further momentum if China’s optimism continues. Ahead of the Lunar New holiday, retail gold buying should improve even as prices are elevated,” he said.
Moya added that the precious metal’s rally, however, should run out of steam as traders will await to see how the Fed reacts to the December inflation report.
“Expectations are for the disinflation trends to continue, but core CPI might struggle to come down as quickly. Energy prices plunged in December, but that positive contribution to the fight against inflation might go away this month. Gold has massive resistance at the $1,900 level, but that might not last if core prices cool much more quickly,” he said.
Dubai announces plan to ‘double’ economy in next decade.
The Gulf emirate’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, unveiled in a series of tweets the Dubai Economic Agenda, dubbed “D33”, with targets totalling 32 trillion dirhams ($8.7 trillion). The plan would “double the size of Dubai’s economy in the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities”, Sheikh Mohammed said in a post that was accompanied by a marketing video.
Dubai announced Wednesday a bold plan aiming to boost foreign trade and investment in the United Arab Emirates’ financial hub and “double the size” of its economy by 2033.
The new economic agenda would also add 400 cities to Dubai’s list of trading partners, increasing foreign trade in the coming decade by 44 percent to 25.6 trillion dirhams.
It would also see foreign direct investment in Dubai exceed 650 billion dirhams within 10 years, according to Sheikh Mohammed.
On Monday, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned a third of the world’s economy would slip into recession in 2023 amid slowing growth in the United States, the European Union and China.
Dubai’s GDP stood at 307.5 billion dirhams during the first nine months of 2022, according to the government, representing a 4.6-percent increase year-on-year from 2021.
UAE to see opening of first NH Collection hotel on Palm Jumeirah
NH Collection has 350 hotels in 28 countries and is set to open the first UAE location in February.
NH Collection is set to open its first hotel in the UAE on Palm Jumeirah, the hotel is expected to open its doors in February 2023. Announced by Seven Tides, UAE headquartered upscale real estate developer, the NH Collection Dubai is a two-tower complex with 533 keys.
“This project will deliver exceptional guest experiences, including spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, as well as access to landmarks and attractions across our emirate and beyond. We are confident this complex will add significant value to Dubai’s thriving real estate landscape,” said Abdulla Bin Sulayem, CEO of Seven Tides.
“NH Collection Dubai The Palm will feature an extensive range of premium facilities, including our 45-metre rooftop infinity pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre, a kids’ club, an NH Collection Spa and much more,” added Bin Sulayem.
The property will feature 227 guest rooms as well as 306 studios and apartments. The rooms will feature ‘Sleep Better’ mattresses, tea and coffee sets, rain-effect showers and more. NH collection Dubai will also have dining venues, a lounge, sports bar, café and more.
The best way for people to learn about NH Collection Dubai The Palm is to experience it first-hand. With our dedicated team ready and waiting to exceed the expectations of our guests and visitors, we cannot wait to start welcoming people through our doors from February onwards,” Bin Sulayem concluded.