ETIHAD AIRWAYS EARNS THIRD CONSECUTIVE FIVE-STAR RATING AT APEX AWARDS
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has been rated as a Five-Star Global Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the third consecutive year. The rating recognises the airline’s excellence and was announced on 20 September at the APEX Awards Ceremony in Long Beach, California.
The APEX Five Star Airline Awards were created based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights gathered in partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world’s highest-rated travel-organising app. For the 2024 Awards, nearly one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from around the world using a five-star scale. The awards are independently certified by a professional external auditing company.
Commenting on the recognition from APEX, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, said: “Our guests are at the heart of all we do, and we are immensely proud to retain our Five-Star rating for the third year in a row, thanks to their ratings and feedback. We strive to deliver world-class service for our guests, inspired by the traditional Emirati hospitality of our home in Abu Dhabi, and we will continue to push the boundaries of the industry even higher.”
The recognition comes as Etihad prepares to launch three new destinations, with flights to Dusseldorf launching on 28 September, Copenhagen on 29 September and Osaka on 1 October. Additionally, Etihad’s network expansion has included increasing flight frequencies across a number of routes across Europe and Asia making travel even more convenient.
Etihad’s award-winning guest experience offers the highest standards of service and hospitality regardless of the cabin, whether a guest chooses to fly in The Residence, Etihad’s unique three-room suite on the Airbus A380, or in First, Business or Economy cabins across the fleet.
In Business class, guests will experience Etihad’s collaboration with Armani/Casa which features a range of dining and glassware designed with celebrated designer Giorgio Armani. The collection also offers luxurious bedding with a jointly branded blanket, pillow and bolster cushion that unfolds into a mattress topper for Etihad’s fully flat bed.
Recently awarded as Best Economy Class in the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, Etihad Economy’s superior in-flight cuisine is served on unique dining equipment which was designed with sustainability and an elevated guest experience as core priorities. The dining equipment is fully reusable to reduce waste and is produced using a fully-closed loop recycling system which creates a circular economy. The dining ware is embossed with Etihad’s signature style further elevating the guest experience.
LUMI RENTAL COMPANY SUCCESSFULLY LISTS ON THE MAIN MARKET OF THE SAUDI EXCHANGE
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 25 September 2023G: Lumi Rental Company (“Lumi” or the “Company”), one of the leading car rental and leasing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the “Kingdom”), has commenced trading on the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange (“Tadawul”) today, following the successful completion of its Initial Public Offering (the “IPO” or the “Offering”). Lumi trades under ticker symbol 4262.
Raising gross proceeds of SAR 1.09 billion, the IPO received exceptionally strong support from both institutional and retail investors. The institutional book-building process was 94.5x oversubscribed and generated an order book of approximately SAR 102.9 billion, while the retail subscription process attracted total demand of approximately SAR 1.25 billion with oversubscription of 11.5x. The Offering priced at the top of its range with a Final Offer Price of SAR 66 per share, implying a market capitalization for the Company of SAR 3.63 billion at the time of listing.
Engineer Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Khalil, Chairman of Lumi, commented: “Our IPO marks a key milestone in our accelerating journey and another important step in cementing our position as one of the leading market players in the Kingdom, positioned for growth in the land mobility sector. We are pleased to welcome new shareholders to participate in our story, as we remain committed to investing in our future and building on our strong track record to reshape the evolving landscape of our industry.”
Syed Azfar Shakeel, Chief Executive Officer of Lumi, commented: “The very strong retail and institutional demand for our IPO reflects our position as a key player experiencing rapid growth in a sector that is benefitting from powerful macroeconomic and structural tailwinds. As a listed company, we look forward to building on our value creation strategy to drive expansion and growth while generating long-term value for our shareholders. We have every confidence in our ability to deliver on our promises to them.”
Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Rumaih, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Exchange, commented: “ Our IPO pipeline remains strong as we welcome Lumi Rental Company to the Saudi Exchange’s Main Market. Today’s listing is a reflection of the Kingdom’s growth in the transportation industry. The addition of Lumi to the market offers investors an opportunity to further diversify their portfolio and participate in the development of this dynamic industry. We would like to congratulate the entire Lumi team on this occasion, and we look forward to their growth journey.”
Lumi is one of the leading car rental companies in the Kingdom with a unique and diverse offering, including lease services to Corporate and Government sector clients, car rentals via digital channels and a network of 35 airport and city branches across the Kingdom and used car sales.
The Company has a track record of strong financial results, with very healthy momentum in the first half of 2023G, reporting revenue of SAR 500 million, increasing by 48.6% year-on-year. First-half EBITDA of SAR 271.7 million, with an EBITDA margin of 54.3%, grew by 28.8% on the previous year, while net income increased by 38.8% to SAR 100.0 million with a net income margin of 20.0%.
Lumi is committed to its transformative growth journey and its objectives for future shareholder value creation, as supported by its three-pillar growth strategy. The strategy is based on building a pipeline of future revenue and asset growth through vehicle lease contracts with Corporate and Government clients, achieving scale, adding to growth of operations and profitability as a car rental business and fleet disposal at maximised purchase price recovery.
LUMI RENTAL COMPANY SUCCESSFULLY LISTS ON THE MAIN MARKET OF THE SAUDI EXCHANGE
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 25 September 2023G: Lumi Rental Company (“Lumi” or the “Company”), one of the leading car rental and leasing companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the “Kingdom”), has commenced trading on the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange (“Tadawul”) today, following the successful completion of its Initial Public Offering (the “IPO” or the “Offering”). Lumi trades under ticker symbol 4262.
Raising gross proceeds of SAR 1.09 billion, the IPO received exceptionally strong support from both institutional and retail investors. The institutional book-building process was 94.5x oversubscribed and generated an order book of approximately SAR 102.9 billion, while the retail subscription process attracted total demand of approximately SAR 1.25 billion with oversubscription of 11.5x. The Offering priced at the top of its range with a Final Offer Price of SAR 66 per share, implying a market capitalization for the Company of SAR 3.63 billion at the time of listing.
Engineer Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Khalil, Chairman of Lumi, commented: “Our IPO marks a key milestone in our accelerating journey and another important step in cementing our position as one of the leading market players in the Kingdom, positioned for growth in the land mobility sector. We are pleased to welcome new shareholders to participate in our story, as we remain committed to investing in our future and building on our strong track record to reshape the evolving landscape of our industry.”
Syed Azfar Shakeel, Chief Executive Officer of Lumi, commented: “The very strong retail and institutional demand for our IPO reflects our position as a key player experiencing rapid growth in a sector that is benefitting from powerful macroeconomic and structural tailwinds. As a listed company, we look forward to building on our value creation strategy to drive expansion and growth while generating long-term value for our shareholders. We have every confidence in our ability to deliver on our promises to them.”
Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Rumaih, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Exchange, commented: “ Our IPO pipeline remains strong as we welcome Lumi Rental Company to the Saudi Exchange’s Main Market. Today’s listing is a reflection of the Kingdom’s growth in the transportation industry. The addition of Lumi to the market offers investors an opportunity to further diversify their portfolio and participate in the development of this dynamic industry. We would like to congratulate the entire Lumi team on this occasion, and we look forward to their growth journey.”
Lumi is one of the leading car rental companies in the Kingdom with a unique and diverse offering, including lease services to Corporate and Government sector clients, car rentals via digital channels and a network of 35 airport and city branches across the Kingdom and used car sales.
The Company has a track record of strong financial results, with very healthy momentum in the first half of 2023G, reporting revenue of SAR 500 million, increasing by 48.6% year-on-year. First-half EBITDA of SAR 271.7 million, with an EBITDA margin of 54.3%, grew by 28.8% on the previous year, while net income increased by 38.8% to SAR 100.0 million with a net income margin of 20.0%.
Lumi is committed to its transformative growth journey and its objectives for future shareholder value creation, as supported by its three-pillar growth strategy. The strategy is based on building a pipeline of future revenue and asset growth through vehicle lease contracts with Corporate and Government clients, achieving scale, adding to growth of operations and profitability as a car rental business and fleet disposal at maximised purchase price recovery.
Education Above All Foundation and Silatech Host Series of Events at UNGA calling for children and youth empowerment to accelerate pursuit of SDGs
New York– Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a leading global education foundation, and Silatech, an international development organisation, hosted four major side events to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The events brought together over 400 leaders, experts, youth, and academics, and highlighted the importance of funding education, remote work, climate change education, and AI, in providing marginalised and vulnerable communities around the world with opportunities to improve their lives. Together, these events have made significant contributions to advancing several SDGs in developing countries, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The events were:
“The Precarious Role of AI in the Effort to Provide Inclusive, Equitable Access to Higher Education for the Most Marginalised”, hosted by EAA Foundation’s Al Fakhoora programme, the Qatar Fund for Development, and the International Institute of Higher Education, 15 September 2023.
Notable speakers included the University of the Andes (Colombia), Rutgers University and Schmidt Futures, and Jeffrey D. Sachs from the Centre for Sustainable Development, Canada. Professor Sachs emphasised that the biggest hurdle to universal education was a lack of funding, and stated: “Education is the paramount investment for society. Listen to Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser: ‘Education Above All.’ Mean it.”
“Investing in climate change and education for a greener future,” hosted by EAA Foundation’s Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) Programme and Silatech on 16 September 2023.
Speakers included Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar; Mr Ayman Cherkaaui, Director, Mohammed VI Foundation for Environment Protection Kingdom of Morocco; Mr. Asif Saleh, Executive Director, BRAC; Mr. Birihgton Kaoma, Global Director, SDSN Youth; Ms. Setafnia Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education UNESCO; Mr. Taha Bawa, Co-founder and CEO, Goodwall; Mr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited, UNICEF and Ms. Vicky Aridi, Program Manager, Youth Economic Opportunities, 2030.
According to UNICEF’s Frey: “Climate education needs to culminate in young people taking climate action.” He stressed that knowledge should be a catalyst for tangible, youth-driven initiatives in the fight against climate change. This was supported by Mr. Asif Saleh who commented, “In every young leader lies the potential to drive change.”
Outcomes and recommendations from this session included: transparent financing for climate change education; direct funding for local youth groups and green entrepreneurs (ecopreneurs); reduction of costs for technological tools, and public-private-non government-youth partnerships; engaging youth as key stakeholders in decision and policy making related to climate change education; and identifying innovative solutions that recognise local and indigenous knowledge.
“Unlocking Potential: The Power of Remote Work in Economically Empowering Vulnerable Youth”, hosted by Silatech in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations on 17 September 2023.
This High Level Panel advocated for the recognition and mainstreaming of remote work and freelancing as decent work and career innovations.Keynote Speakers included Special Representative of the ILO to the UN, Ms Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development Director General, Dr. Hiba Ahmed, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh, Microsoft, Global UN, and International Development Lead, Alexandre Pinho and UNICEF Generation Unlimited Brazil beneficiary Winner Happy de Assis Cajueiro.
The session recommended that remote work be recognised and mainstreamed, and that vulnerable communities should have support to access remote work opportunities, also calling on the private sector to invest in infrastructure and technology to support remote work and put in place online security safeguards.
“Elevating Education as a Win-Win for the SDGs”, by EAA Foundation, at the SDG Pavilion on 19 September 2023.
EAA Foundation’s CEO Fahad Al-Sulaiti unpacked efforts by stakeholders to unlock the potential of young people to thrive in the future world of work and bridge the digital divide using tools to improve learning and increase capacities to navigate the future. Participants included HE David Sengeh, Chief Minister Sierra Leone, Former Minister of Education, SDG4 High-Level Steering & Transforming Education Summit Advisory Committee Co-Chair, Mr. Robert Jenkins, Global Director, Education and Adolescent Development, UNICEF, Dr. Luis Benveniste, Global Director for Education, World Bank, and Dr. Hiba Ahmed, Director General, ISFD, Mr. Marcos Neto, Director of Sustainable Finance Hub, UNDP, and Manos Antoninis, Director of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, among others.
Roundtable discussants acknowledged EAA Foundation’s contribution and importance and ongoing work supporting education in the developing world. The discussions emphasised the need for innovative solutions in education financing, including through community involvement, private sector partnerships, and exploring new funding sources.
Each event included clear outcomes that the partners will take forward. Follow-up meetings will be held at the WISE Summit, a biennial event fostering innovation in education, to be held in Doha, Qatar, on 28-29 November 2023.
The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education. We believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through our multi-sectoral approach, unique financing models, focus on innovation as a tool for social good, and partnerships, we aim to bring hope and real opportunities to the lives of impoverished and marginalised boys and girls.
EAA Foundation is comprised of the following programmes: Educate A Child (EAC), Al Fakhoora, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Innovation Development (ID) and the Together Project.
About Silatech:
Silatech is an international non-profit organisation that connects young people to economic opportunities and career-building jobs through innovative enterprise and employment initiatives. Established in 2008 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in Qatar, with a goal to enable young people to access work and be active agents in the economic development of their societies.
With a strong dedication to upholding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and through collaborative efforts with local, regional, and international partners, we focus on creating comprehensive and innovative solutions in the field of youth employment and self-employment, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the younger generation worldwide.
Education Above All Foundation and Silatech Host Series of Events at UNGA calling for children and youth empowerment to accelerate pursuit of SDGs
New York– Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a leading global education foundation, and Silatech, an international development organisation, hosted four major side events to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The events brought together over 400 leaders, experts, youth, and academics, and highlighted the importance of funding education, remote work, climate change education, and AI, in providing marginalised and vulnerable communities around the world with opportunities to improve their lives. Together, these events have made significant contributions to advancing several SDGs in developing countries, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The events were:
“The Precarious Role of AI in the Effort to Provide Inclusive, Equitable Access to Higher Education for the Most Marginalised”, hosted by EAA Foundation’s Al Fakhoora programme, the Qatar Fund for Development, and the International Institute of Higher Education, 15 September 2023.
Notable speakers included the University of the Andes (Colombia), Rutgers University and Schmidt Futures, and Jeffrey D. Sachs from the Centre for Sustainable Development, Canada. Professor Sachs emphasised that the biggest hurdle to universal education was a lack of funding, and stated: “Education is the paramount investment for society. Listen to Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser: ‘Education Above All.’ Mean it.”
“Investing in climate change and education for a greener future,” hosted by EAA Foundation’s Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) Programme and Silatech on 16 September 2023.
Speakers included Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar; Mr Ayman Cherkaaui, Director, Mohammed VI Foundation for Environment Protection Kingdom of Morocco; Mr. Asif Saleh, Executive Director, BRAC; Mr. Birihgton Kaoma, Global Director, SDSN Youth; Ms. Setafnia Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education UNESCO; Mr. Taha Bawa, Co-founder and CEO, Goodwall; Mr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited, UNICEF and Ms. Vicky Aridi, Program Manager, Youth Economic Opportunities, 2030.
According to UNICEF’s Frey: “Climate education needs to culminate in young people taking climate action.” He stressed that knowledge should be a catalyst for tangible, youth-driven initiatives in the fight against climate change. This was supported by Mr. Asif Saleh who commented, “In every young leader lies the potential to drive change.”
Outcomes and recommendations from this session included: transparent financing for climate change education; direct funding for local youth groups and green entrepreneurs (ecopreneurs); reduction of costs for technological tools, and public-private-non government-youth partnerships; engaging youth as key stakeholders in decision and policy making related to climate change education; and identifying innovative solutions that recognise local and indigenous knowledge.
“Unlocking Potential: The Power of Remote Work in Economically Empowering Vulnerable Youth”, hosted by Silatech in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations on 17 September 2023.
This High Level Panel advocated for the recognition and mainstreaming of remote work and freelancing as decent work and career innovations.Keynote Speakers included Special Representative of the ILO to the UN, Ms Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development Director General, Dr. Hiba Ahmed, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh, Microsoft, Global UN, and International Development Lead, Alexandre Pinho and UNICEF Generation Unlimited Brazil beneficiary Winner Happy de Assis Cajueiro.
The session recommended that remote work be recognised and mainstreamed, and that vulnerable communities should have support to access remote work opportunities, also calling on the private sector to invest in infrastructure and technology to support remote work and put in place online security safeguards.
“Elevating Education as a Win-Win for the SDGs”, by EAA Foundation, at the SDG Pavilion on 19 September 2023.
EAA Foundation’s CEO Fahad Al-Sulaiti unpacked efforts by stakeholders to unlock the potential of young people to thrive in the future world of work and bridge the digital divide using tools to improve learning and increase capacities to navigate the future. Participants included HE David Sengeh, Chief Minister Sierra Leone, Former Minister of Education, SDG4 High-Level Steering & Transforming Education Summit Advisory Committee Co-Chair, Mr. Robert Jenkins, Global Director, Education and Adolescent Development, UNICEF, Dr. Luis Benveniste, Global Director for Education, World Bank, and Dr. Hiba Ahmed, Director General, ISFD, Mr. Marcos Neto, Director of Sustainable Finance Hub, UNDP, and Manos Antoninis, Director of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, among others.
Roundtable discussants acknowledged EAA Foundation’s contribution and importance and ongoing work supporting education in the developing world. The discussions emphasised the need for innovative solutions in education financing, including through community involvement, private sector partnerships, and exploring new funding sources.
Each event included clear outcomes that the partners will take forward. Follow-up meetings will be held at the WISE Summit, a biennial event fostering innovation in education, to be held in Doha, Qatar, on 28-29 November 2023.
The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education. We believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through our multi-sectoral approach, unique financing models, focus on innovation as a tool for social good, and partnerships, we aim to bring hope and real opportunities to the lives of impoverished and marginalised boys and girls.
EAA Foundation is comprised of the following programmes: Educate A Child (EAC), Al Fakhoora, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Innovation Development (ID) and the Together Project.
About Silatech:
Silatech is an international non-profit organisation that connects young people to economic opportunities and career-building jobs through innovative enterprise and employment initiatives. Established in 2008 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in Qatar, with a goal to enable young people to access work and be active agents in the economic development of their societies.
With a strong dedication to upholding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and through collaborative efforts with local, regional, and international partners, we focus on creating comprehensive and innovative solutions in the field of youth employment and self-employment, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the younger generation worldwide.
Userful Introduces its Latest Innovation, uControl, Providing Unparalleled Power and Control for Enterprise IT
Userful unveils “one-touch” control of every enterprise display at GITEX Global 2023
Userful Corporation™, a leading provider of solutions for core enterprise operations, announced its groundbreaking uControl solution, a pivotal addition to the Userful Infinity Platform™. This innovation provides users with the extraordinary power, at the touch of a button, to exercise complete control over every display in their environment, shaping the content displayed across thousands of screens.
Built upon the robust Userful Infinity Platform, uControl serves as a remote control interface, providing enterprise IT professionals with the unprecedented capability to manage and influence what all stakeholders within an organization see. If an IT leader wants to focus attention on operational metrics, they can achieve this effortlessly with the touch of a button, and every display throughout the organization will showcase those specific metrics. Similarly, if an IT leader wants to communicate a leadership message or share a video, they can also do so with a simple touch of a button.
“Unlike anything else in the market, uControl and Userful’s Infinity Platform provide unrivaled innovation and control for enterprise IT in the Middle East, including unmatched manageability and security,” says Mohammad Salameh, VP META, Userful.
In addition to uControl, the Userful Infinity Platform enables enterprise customers to deploy a wide range of solutions from a single pane of glass, integrating applications and machine learning for advanced operations in the enterprise, with support for applications ranging from control rooms to datametrics and operational metrics to digital signage to immersive experiences to remote worker streaming.
A member of NVIDIA’s global startup program, NVIDIA Inception, Userful harnesses the advanced capabilities of NVIDIA RTX A6000, A5500, A5000, A4500, and A4000 GPUs to improve the performance and functionality of its platform, delivering unparalleled infrastructure efficiencies, advanced manageability for IT, and expanded interoperability.
Userful’s uControl solution, powered by its Infinity Platform, will be made available across the Middle East through its preferred partner MBUZZ, which specializes in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, Edge Computing, Cloud, Infrastructure, Security, and Smart City Solutions.
“MBUZZ is proud to be the distributor of Userful’s groundbreaking solutions in the Middle East, bringing cutting-edge technology that empowers businesses with unprecedented control, security, and efficiency and revolutionizes enterprise IT in the region,” says Mr. Sabir Saleem, CEO, MBUZZ.
Userful will be demonstrating its uControl solution and latest innovations to its Infinity Platform at GITEX Global in Dubai, Oct 16-20, 2023.
About Userful
Userful™ is a leading provider of software-defined AV over IP for advanced operations of mission-critical environments and core workflows, serving IT organizations worldwide. Userful’s unified software platform provides services and management through a complete suite of enterprise AV applications for comprehensive organizational and situational awareness, and readiness for modernized operations. Userful harnesses the same unified platform to provide global manageability through a single-pane-of-glass.
Built on IT standards and protocols, the Userful Infinity Platform™ is scalable, secure, centrally managed, and future-proof. Its software-defined architecture reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) and eliminates the supply-chain constrained proprietary hardware and the operational silos created by traditional AV deployments.
Userful partners with leading global companies powering a technology ecosystem that ensures seamless integrations and end-to-end interoperability. A multinational company with headquarters in Silicon Valley and Calgary, AB, Userful supports customers in more than 100 countries around the world.
Userful Introduces its Latest Innovation, uControl, Providing Unparalleled Power and Control for Enterprise IT
Userful unveils “one-touch” control of every enterprise display at GITEX Global 2023
Userful Corporation™, a leading provider of solutions for core enterprise operations, announced its groundbreaking uControl solution, a pivotal addition to the Userful Infinity Platform™. This innovation provides users with the extraordinary power, at the touch of a button, to exercise complete control over every display in their environment, shaping the content displayed across thousands of screens.
Built upon the robust Userful Infinity Platform, uControl serves as a remote control interface, providing enterprise IT professionals with the unprecedented capability to manage and influence what all stakeholders within an organization see. If an IT leader wants to focus attention on operational metrics, they can achieve this effortlessly with the touch of a button, and every display throughout the organization will showcase those specific metrics. Similarly, if an IT leader wants to communicate a leadership message or share a video, they can also do so with a simple touch of a button.
“Unlike anything else in the market, uControl and Userful’s Infinity Platform provide unrivaled innovation and control for enterprise IT in the Middle East, including unmatched manageability and security,” says Mohammad Salameh, VP META, Userful.
In addition to uControl, the Userful Infinity Platform enables enterprise customers to deploy a wide range of solutions from a single pane of glass, integrating applications and machine learning for advanced operations in the enterprise, with support for applications ranging from control rooms to datametrics and operational metrics to digital signage to immersive experiences to remote worker streaming.
A member of NVIDIA’s global startup program, NVIDIA Inception, Userful harnesses the advanced capabilities of NVIDIA RTX A6000, A5500, A5000, A4500, and A4000 GPUs to improve the performance and functionality of its platform, delivering unparalleled infrastructure efficiencies, advanced manageability for IT, and expanded interoperability.
Userful’s uControl solution, powered by its Infinity Platform, will be made available across the Middle East through its preferred partner MBUZZ, which specializes in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, Edge Computing, Cloud, Infrastructure, Security, and Smart City Solutions.
“MBUZZ is proud to be the distributor of Userful’s groundbreaking solutions in the Middle East, bringing cutting-edge technology that empowers businesses with unprecedented control, security, and efficiency and revolutionizes enterprise IT in the region,” says Mr. Sabir Saleem, CEO, MBUZZ.
Userful will be demonstrating its uControl solution and latest innovations to its Infinity Platform at GITEX Global in Dubai, Oct 16-20, 2023.
About Userful
Userful™ is a leading provider of software-defined AV over IP for advanced operations of mission-critical environments and core workflows, serving IT organizations worldwide. Userful’s unified software platform provides services and management through a complete suite of enterprise AV applications for comprehensive organizational and situational awareness, and readiness for modernized operations. Userful harnesses the same unified platform to provide global manageability through a single-pane-of-glass.
Built on IT standards and protocols, the Userful Infinity Platform™ is scalable, secure, centrally managed, and future-proof. Its software-defined architecture reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) and eliminates the supply-chain constrained proprietary hardware and the operational silos created by traditional AV deployments.
Userful partners with leading global companies powering a technology ecosystem that ensures seamless integrations and end-to-end interoperability. A multinational company with headquarters in Silicon Valley and Calgary, AB, Userful supports customers in more than 100 countries around the world.
Dive into the transformative power of sentiment analysis and discover how it reshapes PR strategies. From crisis management to creating resonant campaigns, explore why it’s the tool every brand needs.
Why Sentiment Analysis is a Game-Changer for Modern PR
Picture This: It’s Monday morning. Your brand’s just unveiled its latest campaign. Notifications are flooding in, and analytics show tons of online chatter. But is the buzz good or bad? Enter sentiment analysis—the superhero tool in the PR arsenal.
Decoding Emotions in the Digital Maze
In every tweet, comment, or post, there’s a hidden world of emotion. Think of sentiment analysis as the magnifying glass that lets us see this world, painting a picture more vivid than mere numbers ever could.
So, What’s All the Fuss About?
The Digital Lifeguard: Think of sentiment analysis as the lifeguard at the PR beach. It spots the riptides and potential PR crises before they become full-blown disasters. It allows brands to navigate the unpredictable waves of public opinion, making sure they don’t get caught in a PR undertow.
Crafting Emotionally Resonant Campaigns: Knowing your audience’s pulse lets you tailor messages that resonate on a deeper emotional level. It’s like customizing a playlist based on someone’s mood—it just feels right.
Building Authentic Bridges: Today’s customers don’t want brands; they want connections. By understanding and responding to their feelings, brands bridge the digital divide, forging genuine relationships.
Sentiment Analysis In Action
The Applause and Boos for Apple: Every time Apple drops a new gadget, the tech world holds its breath. Beyond sales, Apple tunes into the cheers and jeers. This emotional feedback is invaluable, guiding tweaks and future strategies.
Pepsi’s Cautionary Tale: The infamous Kendall Jenner ad? A sentiment storm. If Pepsi had their sentiment radars on, they could’ve detected the cold front approaching and made necessary course corrections.
Magic or Tech? The Gears Behind the Curtain
Far from mysticism, the magic of sentiment analysis is grounded in robust tech. Artificial Intelligence sifts through words, while algorithms gauge the sentiment temperature.
AI Platforms: Advanced platforms like Brandwatch or Talkwalker employ AI to dissect vast amounts of data, offering nuanced insights into public sentiment.
Accessible Avenues: For smaller brands or PR newbies, tools like Hootsuite Insights provide an easy entry into the sentiment arena, ensuring everyone can tap into these insights.
Sentiment’s Ripple Effect
Understanding sentiment doesn’t just refine PR strategies; it echoes across departments:
Product Development: If customers feel a product misses a trick, insights can guide the next iteration.
Customer Service: Detecting common pain points or sources of joy helps enhance the overall customer experience.
Into the Future: Sentiment-Driven PR
PR’s future landscape won’t just be about capturing attention but resonating emotions. As technology grows more sophisticated, PR campaigns will evolve, fueled by sentiment insights. The campaigns of tomorrow might just be so on-point; they’ll feel eerily psychic!
In a Nutshell
To thrive in today’s hyper-digital age, PR must evolve. Sentiment analysis, by tapping into the heartbeats behind the data, offers brands an edge. It’s not about chasing trends but understanding feelings, ensuring your brand isn’t just seen but genuinely felt.
Dive into the transformative power of sentiment analysis and discover how it reshapes PR strategies. From crisis management to creating resonant campaigns, explore why it’s the tool every brand needs.
Why Sentiment Analysis is a Game-Changer for Modern PR
Picture This: It’s Monday morning. Your brand’s just unveiled its latest campaign. Notifications are flooding in, and analytics show tons of online chatter. But is the buzz good or bad? Enter sentiment analysis—the superhero tool in the PR arsenal.
Decoding Emotions in the Digital Maze
In every tweet, comment, or post, there’s a hidden world of emotion. Think of sentiment analysis as the magnifying glass that lets us see this world, painting a picture more vivid than mere numbers ever could.
So, What’s All the Fuss About?
The Digital Lifeguard: Think of sentiment analysis as the lifeguard at the PR beach. It spots the riptides and potential PR crises before they become full-blown disasters. It allows brands to navigate the unpredictable waves of public opinion, making sure they don’t get caught in a PR undertow.
Crafting Emotionally Resonant Campaigns: Knowing your audience’s pulse lets you tailor messages that resonate on a deeper emotional level. It’s like customizing a playlist based on someone’s mood—it just feels right.
Building Authentic Bridges: Today’s customers don’t want brands; they want connections. By understanding and responding to their feelings, brands bridge the digital divide, forging genuine relationships.
Sentiment Analysis In Action
The Applause and Boos for Apple: Every time Apple drops a new gadget, the tech world holds its breath. Beyond sales, Apple tunes into the cheers and jeers. This emotional feedback is invaluable, guiding tweaks and future strategies.
Pepsi’s Cautionary Tale: The infamous Kendall Jenner ad? A sentiment storm. If Pepsi had their sentiment radars on, they could’ve detected the cold front approaching and made necessary course corrections.
Magic or Tech? The Gears Behind the Curtain
Far from mysticism, the magic of sentiment analysis is grounded in robust tech. Artificial Intelligence sifts through words, while algorithms gauge the sentiment temperature.
AI Platforms: Advanced platforms like Brandwatch or Talkwalker employ AI to dissect vast amounts of data, offering nuanced insights into public sentiment.
Accessible Avenues: For smaller brands or PR newbies, tools like Hootsuite Insights provide an easy entry into the sentiment arena, ensuring everyone can tap into these insights.
Sentiment’s Ripple Effect
Understanding sentiment doesn’t just refine PR strategies; it echoes across departments:
Product Development: If customers feel a product misses a trick, insights can guide the next iteration.
Customer Service: Detecting common pain points or sources of joy helps enhance the overall customer experience.
Into the Future: Sentiment-Driven PR
PR’s future landscape won’t just be about capturing attention but resonating emotions. As technology grows more sophisticated, PR campaigns will evolve, fueled by sentiment insights. The campaigns of tomorrow might just be so on-point; they’ll feel eerily psychic!
In a Nutshell
To thrive in today’s hyper-digital age, PR must evolve. Sentiment analysis, by tapping into the heartbeats behind the data, offers brands an edge. It’s not about chasing trends but understanding feelings, ensuring your brand isn’t just seen but genuinely felt.
Explore the intricacies of the real estate market in Dubai and the UAE as we analyze current trends, government interventions, and expert predictions to answer the pressing question: when will the property prices come down?
Real Estate in Dubai and the UAE: When Will the Property Prices Come Down?
In the bustling real estate market of Dubai and the UAE, a pressing question looms large for potential investors and homebuyers: “When will the property prices come down?” As we find ourselves in 2023, we turn to the latest data and expert analyses to offer a glimpse into what the future holds for the property market in the region.
The Current Landscape
As of now, the real estate market is experiencing a bullish trend with property prices witnessing a steady increase. Between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022, the average sales prices for residential properties in Dubai surged by approximately 10%. Furthermore, the first half of 2023 saw a significant rise in average apartment and villa prices, increasing by 17.2% and 16.9%, respectively.
Government Policies and Economic Stimulus
The government has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the real estate landscape in the region. Various regulatory measures have been introduced to foster stability and growth in the market. Moreover, economic stimuli aiming to boost the sector predict a market valuation reaching a staggering AED 300 billion by the end of 2023.
Expert Predictions
Delving into expert analyses, industry leaders like Deloitte have emphasized the substantial role of government policies and global economic conditions in determining the trajectory of the real estate market in Dubai. Furthermore, S&P Global maintains a stable outlook for Dubai-based real estate companies, signaling potential growth and opportunities in the sector.
The Road Ahead: When Will the Prices Come Down?
Given the current trends and expert forecasts, predicting a downturn in property prices in the near future seems unlikely. The market dynamics characterized by high demand, especially in prime locations, and government initiatives aimed at economic growth, suggest a continuation of the upward trend in property prices.
However, it is essential to note that real estate markets are cyclical, and a downturn is inevitable in the long run. While pinpointing an exact timeframe remains a challenge, potential buyers are advised to keep a close eye on market trends and government policies to identify the right investment opportunities.
Conclusion
As we stand in 2023, the real estate market in Dubai and the UAE continues to thrive, with property prices on an upward trajectory. While the current data and expert analyses suggest that a decrease in prices is not on the horizon, potential investors and homebuyers should remain vigilant, keeping abreast of the latest developments to make informed decisions in a dynamic market.
