Gulf News & Trends

A new school is opened in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi: In August of this year, a new school with an American curriculum will welcome its first class of students. Aldar Education's newest school, Yasmina American School, is situated in Khalifa City. It will initially serve students in Pre-KG through Grade 5, satisfying the demands of families looking for reasonably priced yet high-quality educational options.A press release claims that Yasmina American School was created to meet Abu Dhabi's rising need for mid-market education. The school provides reasonably priced academic excellence in the nation's capital, bridging the gap between high-end education and more inexpensive options. With cutting-edge facilities and a committed faculty, it will create a supportive atmosphere that aids in students' academic and personal growth. The state-of-the-art facilities at the school have been carefully planned to improve the educational process. Yasmina American School offers an atmosphere that promotes experiential learning and holistic development, as evidenced by its dynamic classrooms, outdoor play areas, and special facilities for extracurricular activities, the school stated.Aldar Education CEO Sahar Cooper stated, "The opening of Yasmina American School reflects Aldar Education's commitment to expanding access to high quality education in Abu Dhabi." "We take pride in providing a school where students can flourish in a welcoming and encouraging environment."The school is providing a 20% founding discount on tuition to help families in its first year. Those who enroll for the 2025–2026 intake will be eligible for this discount for two academic years.  

Published 12 Feb 2025 09:54 PM

Iran and Tajikistan start discussing the utilization of the Chabahar port.

In an effort to increase trade with India and the Gulf, Tajikistan is negotiating with Iran for the transit of cargo via the Chabahar port, with India's assistance. Recently, a cooperation agreement was reached between the transport ministers of Iran and Tajikistan. In a strategic move to expand trade, Tajikistan will get access to the port via Afghanistan or Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan. New Delhi: With Tajikistan starting talks with Iran on freight transit via Chabahar port, which New Delhi helped develop, and a 10-year agreement with Tehran in 2024 for port administration, India's connectivity with Eurasia would be further enhanced.  

Published 28 Jan 2025 09:12 PM

ILT20: Despite losing to the Desert Vipers, Adair considers the Gulf Giants' impressive start.

Even though the Gulf Giants lost their opening match in the International League (IL) T20 league's third season, the team's Irish all-rounder Mark Adair believes they have put on a good show, and the environment aroundDespite the fact that the Gulf Giants' season in the International competition (IL) T20 competition began with a loss, the team's Irish all-rounder Mark Adair believes they have presented a solid front, and the players' environment is positive despite the setback.Adair, the bowling all-rounder for the Gulf Giants, gave his thoughts on the team's tenacious performance against the Desert Vipers following Tuesday night's ILT20 Season 3 match at the Dubai International Stadium. Irish star Adair emphasized the Gulf Giants' unwavering dedication and upbeat attitude despite losing by six wickets in a low-scoring match in which Desert Vipers successfully chased down the mark with Sam Curran's undefeated 42 and Sherfane Rutherford's blistering 40.Although the outcome wasn't in their favor, the game was a fierce battle in which the Gulf Giants put up a strong display. "We showed great determination in defending our target, putting in a strong shift throughout the innings," Adair said, quickly praising his team's efforts. "There were definitely opportunities for us to win the game, and we fought out there," Adair remarked in his analysis of the team's performance. We know we are capable of game-winning performances, even though the outcome wasn't in our favor this time."  

Published 15 Jan 2025 08:36 PM

Qatar appoints the Americas head of QIA to oversee a $510 billion fund.

Mohammed Al Sowaidi was appointed CEO of Qatar's $510 billion sovereign wealth fund, which is expected to amass even more financial might in the years to come.Al Suwaidi joined the fund in 2010 and most recently served as QIA's chief investment officer in the Americas, where he assisted in the establishment of a US office. He takes over for Mansoor Al Mahmoud, who has been in charge of the organization since 2018—a period of time longer than the usual four-year mandate. With almost $510 billion in assets under management, the QIA is the eighth-largest sovereign fund in the world, according to consulting firm Global SWF. It was established in 2005 to manage the nation's liquefied natural gas earnings, of which Qatar is a major exporter.The appointment of Al Suwaidi coincides with the growing significance of wealthy Gulf wealth funds in international banking. The largest state-backed investors in the area manage over $4 trillion in assets. During the 2008 financial crisis, the QIA was instrumental in helping lenders, including Barclays Plc and Credit Suisse. It was also renowned in the past for its fondness for trophy assets, like buying the famous Harrods department store in London's upscale K.  

Published 17 Dec 2024 10:18 PM

Mideast Stocks US rate decrease wagers and OPEC+ output delays boost the majority of Gulf markets.

Investor confidence in a U.S. interest rate decrease and a possible postponement of OPEC+'s planned output increase helped most Gulf stock markets close higher Thursday. The CME Group's FedWatch Tool indicates that markets presently perceive a 74% possibility of a 25-basis-point rate drop this month.The U.S. payrolls report on Friday is likely to draw the market's attention, and the November inflation data is anticipated the following week. Because the majority of the Gulf region's currencies are based on the U.S. dollar, the Fed's choices have an effect on the region's monetary policy. Al Taiseer Group <4143.SE>, a manufacturer of alumThe index <.FTFADGI> increased by 0.1% in Abu Dhabi. A source told Reuters that OPEC+ had decided to postpone a planned increase in oil output until April 2025, which caused oil prices, which are a major driver of the Gulf's financial markets, to recoup some of their gains. As it struggles with poor demand, particularly from China, and expanding supply outside the producer group, OPEC+—the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus allies, including Russia—is attempting to support prices with the anticipated delay. The largest lender in the Gulf, Qatar National Bank <QNBK.QA>, saw a 0.6% increase, driving a 0.5% increase in the benchmark Qatari stock <.QSI>.Egypt's blue-chip index <.EGX30> ended the day flat outside the Gulf. At a news conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that Egypt intends to list three or four military-owned businesses on the stock exchange. The government's comprehensive IPO calendar would be made public the following week. Saudi Arabia At 11,932, <.TASI> increased by 0.4%. Abu Dhabi .FTFADGI> increased by 0.1% to 9,277 Dubai At 4,820, <.DFMGI> dropped 0.7%. Qatar At 10,392, <.QSI> increased by 0.5%. Egypt At 30,840, <.EGX30> was flat. Bahrain At 2,036 <.BAX> closed the flat. OMAN eased 0.1% to 4,572 <.MSX30> KUWAIT <.BKP> increased 7,808 by 0.2%.0.SE> increased 3.6%, contributing to the 0.4% advance in Saudi Arabia's benchmark index <.TASI>.  

Published 06 Dec 2024 08:45 PM

Instagram may ultimately make you stop scrolling, but it won't cut down on screen time.

Instagram is testing a new feature called "ad breaks," which shows advertisements while pausing the user's scrolling. The goal of this action is to increase value for marketers, as Instagram spokesperson Matthew Tye has revealed.A new feature called "ad breaks" on Instagram pauses your browsing to show an advertisement before you can move on. Users who noticed these irresistible advertisements in their feeds on Reddit and Twitter noticed the functionality. Subsequently, Instagram acknowledged that it is trying this new kind of advertisement (via The Verge). The irresistible advertisements haven't been made a permanent fixture yet. Instagram will make that determination in light of the testing.  

Published 04 Jun 2024 01:04 PM

University of Birmingham and IIT Madras Launch Sustainable Energy Systems Program

Graduates of the programme will be prepared to work as specialists in a rapidly expanding sector that is at the forefront of the fight against climate change.A new Joint Masters program in Sustainable Energy Systems is being introduced by the University of Birmingham and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. On the official website, applications for the new course are currently accessible, and offer letters will start to be sent on June 26, 2024. Students who are interested can apply at https://ge.iitm.ac.in/uob/sustainable-energy-systems/.Graduates of the programme will be prepared to work as specialists in a rapidly expanding sector that is at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Additionally, within globally renowned research groups, the applicants will complete a sizable individual project that will allow them to apply their expertise to real-world problems. Program participants will get practical industry training as well as a worldwide perspective on sustainable energy. Students will be able to choose between attending classes in Birmingham and Chennai. The program allows students to choose whether to finish in Birmingham or at IIT Madras. Students will start the program by enrolling in classes at IIT Madras and finishing a brief industry placement. Following that, students can choose between two options:Option 1: Spend a year studying in the UK, including a research project in Birmingham Option 2: Spend six months studying in the UK, then come back to IIT Madras to finish the program and work on a research project there.Students who successfully complete the course will get a single degree that is jointly granted by both universities.  

Published 12 May 2024 08:40 PM

Entering your 30s Here are some exercises to keep you feeling your best

"Through the implementation of five fundamental exercises, you may counteract the inevitable changes that accompany your 30s and welcome a decade of vigor, strength, and wellbeing. It's common to view reaching your 30s as a turning point in both your physical and mental well-being. Subtle changes can occur in your body's metabolism, hormone levels, and general fitness, even though you might not notice them right away. But do not worry! In your 30s and beyond, exercise can be your hidden weapon for maintaining strength, health, and a positive self-image. The importance of exercising in your 30s. According to national-level bodybuilder and personal trainer Rahul Tarfe, men's testosterone levels tend to drop as they approach their 30s. Loss of muscle and a decrease in bone density may result from this. Work out works as a superhero here, increasing testosterone, strengthening bone density, and even serving as a tool to prevent aging,"" he said in a conversation with IndianExpress.com. Estrogen levels drop during menopause in women, which affects bone density and raises the risk of several malignancies. According to Tarfe, exercise is your knight in shining armor since it increases metabolism, strengthens bones, and keeps you feeling young and energized. Three must-try exercises It's important to include a well-rounded training regimen in your fitness regimen, regardless of gender. This is what Rahul suggested: 1. Cardio: Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of moderate to strenuous cardio exercise. Walking quickly, jogging, swimming, dancing, or any other activity that raises your heart rate and keeps you moving for 30 minutes, at least twice or three times a week, could be included in this. 2. Strength Training: Set aside three to four days a week for 45 to 60 minutes a session of strength training. This enhances bone density, promotes the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and supports general strength and function. Weightlifting exercises, lunges, push-ups, rows, and squats are excellent choices. 3. Flexibility: Remember to take a break! After every workout, stretching for ten minutes increases range of motion, lessens discomfort in the muscles, and guards against injury. The secret is to be consistent! Maintaining a regular exercise schedule will improve your health and wellbeing, even if it's only for 30 minutes a few times a week. Seek individual advice from a physician or skilled fitness professional, and be sure you're utilizing correct form to prevent harm. "

Published 08 Mar 2024 06:33 PM

In just 4 days, the Hrithik Roshan-starring film "Fighter" amassed a 208 crore global gross, making it the first blockbuster of 2024.

With jaw-dropping action sequences, intense cinematography, and a strong sense of national pride, the movie has garnered excellent reviews and tremendous good word-of-mouth.From the moment Siddharth Anand's Fighter hit theaters, it began to dominate people's hearts. With jaw-dropping action sequences, intense cinematography, and a strong sense of national pride, the movie has garnered excellent reviews and tremendous good word-of-mouth. Due to this, the movie had a successful opening weekend, earning 24.60 Cr. on a weekday. But this was only the start of the movie, which went on to have a very successful weekend and is currently standing at 123.60 Cr. in just 4 days. The movie rose to the top at the box office globally, grossing over 208 crores.The fighter that made 24.60 Cr. when it was first released on Thursday saw increase on the second day, earning 41.20 Cr. on Republic Day Friday, and then making 27.60 Cr. on Saturday, Day 3. With a very positive public reception, the movie made 30.20 Cr. on Sunday, its fourth day of release. The movie has made nearly $7 million in its foreign distribution, excluding the Middle East.In Australia and New Zealand, Fighter has been Hrithik's biggest hit to date, surpassing WAR's lifetime collection. Furthermore, the movie is expected to surpass WAR's lifetime soon and become Hrithik Roshan's biggest opening in North America."Fighter," which is helmed by Siddharth Anand and distributed by Viacom18 Studios in collaboration with Marflix Pictures, is a superb example of cinematic mastery. With its flawless fusion of patriotic zeal and heart-pounding action, this picture promises an unmatched cinematic experience. Fighter is currently showing in theaters.  

Published 29 Jan 2024 10:35 PM

Uncovering the Connection Between Alcohol Use and Bowel Cancer in 2024:

By increasing public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of bowel cancer during Cancer Awareness Month in 2024, we can promote early identification and enhance the prognosis for people who are impacted by the illness.Bowel cancer, commonly referred to as colorectal cancer, is a kind of cancer that affects the rectum and the colon, the large intestine. It happens when aberrant cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control, creating a tumor. This tumor poses a serious risk to one's life because it has the ability to infect nearby tissues and spread to other sections of the body. Although the precise origin of bowel cancer is unknown, risk factors for the disease include age, family history, and certain lifestyle choices like smoking and a diet heavy in processed foods.We all know today that alcohol is bad for us; among the dangerous illnesses it causes is cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. When we inquired about the connection between alcohol consumption and bowel cancer, Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, Director of Surgical Oncology (The Oncology Centre), CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, clarified that alcohol enters the intestinal tract and comes into direct contact with the mucosa lining the intestine, stomach, colon, and rectum. Alcohol decomposes into toxic compounds that can destroy your cells' DNA and expose them to mutations that can lead to cancer. Furthermore, drinking too much alcohol can lead to persistent inflammation in the digestive tract, which is another established risk factor for colon cancer.Alcohol's effects on hormones may also have a role in the development of cancer. Your odds can be increased by even modest alcohol consumption, and the risk increases with increased consumption.Although drinking alcohol increases your risk of colon cancer, not everyone who drinks will get colon cancer. But one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of developing this cancer is to take control of your health and cut back on alcohol.  

Published 29 Jan 2024 11:00 AM

Zomato Notices An Increase In Sovereign Fund Stakes From Singapore And Kuwait

Large sovereign investors from Kuwait and Singapore increased their interests in the listed foodtech startup Zomato at a time when unicorn makers Tiger Global and SoftBank had completely exited the market.Kuwait Investment Authority reportedly purchased 88 million shares in the September quarter and then added an additional 6.7 million shares in the December quarter, increasing its interests, according to an ET report. Conversely, during the December quarter, Temasek, the national fund of Singapore, purchased 95 million shares in the business. Temasek already had 169 million shares through its investment subsidiary.The nation's mutual funds have increased their holdings in Zomato by twofold in addition to the sovereign funds. Mutual funds held a 12.34% interest in the company as of December 2023, about twice as much as they had owned 5.72% of the same time the previous year. As was previously said, it's interesting to note that these changes happened at the same time as institutional investors SoftBank and Tiger Global were pulling out of Zomato.Tiger Global sold 12.24 Cr shares, or 1.44% of the foodtech behemoth Zomato, in open market transactions in August of last year.According to the BSE's bulk deal data, Tiger Global's investment vehicle Internet Fund III Pte Ltd sold the shares in several tranches at an average price of INR 91.01 Cr. The venture capitalist received INR 1,123.84 Cr. in total for the shares that were sold. The prominent French bank Societe Generale purchased the majority of these shares. The other buyers of the offloaded shares were BNP Paribas Arbitrage, Axis Mutual Fund, Morgan Stanley Asia Singapore, Societe Generale, and Kotak's midcap fund.By the end of June 2023, Tiger Global's Internet Fund III owned 1.44% of Zomato. Masayoshi Son-led SoftBank exited the foodtech behemoth situated in Delhi-NCR just last month when it sold 9.35 Cr of Zomato shares in an INR 1,127 Cr block sale.Among the buyers of these shares were Morgan Stanley Asia Singapore, Invesco, ICICI Prudential Insurance, Goldman Sachs (Singapore), and Kadensa Capital.In a block transaction worth INR 621.6 Cr earlier this month, Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund sold 4.5 Cr shares of Zomato for INR 138.15 apiece. The company's stock fell 3% as a result of this block transaction. On January 20, 2023, at the closing bell, Zomato's shares traded for INR 130.10.  

Published 25 Jan 2024 11:16 AM