In Arabic, “Kiyadat” translates to “Leaders”, symbolizing the commitment to fostering national talent and paving their way towards leadership roles
Deloitte Middle East announced the launch of Kiyadat, a center of excellence designed to empower national talent across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In Arabic, “Kiyadat” translates to “Leaders”, symbolizing the commitment to fostering national talent and paving their way towards leadership roles.
Mutasem Dajani, CEO of Deloitte Middle East, commented on the launch, “The Deloitte Kiyadat Center of Excellence is an exciting element of our business and talent strategy, contributing to the advancement of the region. Our commitment is to support the development of national youth and professional leaders across the GCC, offering sustainable career paths within and beyond Deloitte. Our aim is to foster, empower, and advocate for the growth of national talent, shaping meaningful and impactful careers.”
Kiyadat will serve as a platform for current and future Deloitte programs aimed at nurturing and empowering talent. These initiatives span a multitude of purposes, including people development, mentoring and sponsorship to empower talent to build careers made for the future.
A Deloitte Kiyadat Advisory Council whose members are senior multi-disciplinary partners from across the region will govern the center providing their expertise and deep experience. The council members include Rana Ghandour Salhab, the regional Deloitte ME People & Purpose managing partner, Jazala Hamad, Audit & Assurance Partner and UAE nationalization leader; Nasser AlSagga, KSA Head of Tax Controversy, and Riyadh Office Managing Partner; Ali AlWazzan, Kuwait Office Managing Partner; Ahmed AlQassabi, Oman Office Managing Partner; and Nasma Abbas, Deloitte ME Director of the Empowerment & Performance CoE and Nationalization Lead.
The Advisory Council members in their inaugural meeting reiterated that Kiyadat reflects Deloitte’s dedication to growing and advancing men and women in the GCC to assume professional leadership positions in line with their countries vision of the future. Through leveraging strategic initiatives and forging impactful partnerships, the council aims to provide a differentiated strategy to empower national talent and foster an ecosystem conducive to their long-term success.
The Kiyadat initiatives will include establishing the Deloitte National Youth Councils in each GCC country. In addition to professional development programs like Mustaqbaly, designed for young audit and tax professionals, Itqan, for those pursuing careers in financial advisory, and the BrightStart and BrightStar pioneering programs which offer education-to-employment pathways for aspiring and highly skilled national university students in consulting, digital disciplines, cyber and risk advisory. Participants are hired at Deloitte while still pursuing their university studies and are given the chance to gain a long-term competitive advantage from an early stage.
Kiyadat will also include innovative programs such as “Kiyadat Tadarab” internships, “Ahlan Kiyadat” onboarding, “Najahi” specialized mentoring, “Kiyadat Alliances” as part of the external engagement strategy to strengthen ties with universities and government entities, as well as “Kiyadat @ Deloitte,” a dedicated portal for nationalization initiatives.
The communications industry is responsible for how each business shares and conveys information – whether on a regional or global scale. As we know, our methods of sharing information are made possible by telephone, internet, airwaves, and cables, meaning that we can connect with anyone – anywhere in the world – at any time. We introduce SASH & Company: a highly skilled PR agency which acts as a one-stop shop for all our strategic communications needs. Here we talk to CEO, Tarek Sakik to find out more as the business wins its prestigious award in our MEA Business Awards 2023.
The communications industry is so much more than how we communicate – it’s also about what we want to say. Raising and running a business in this industry is no small feat as the industry is extremely competitive and ever evolving.
Communications Service Providers (CSPs) have faced a lot of challenges over the years, from cybersecurity issues to the introduction of 5G, building brand trust to public interest rates, corporate social responsibility to wading through the world of Artificial Intelligence.
This is where regional communications consultancy, SASH & Company makes a clear distinction between itself and its competitors. SASH & Company introduces a plethora of services and solutions which inevitably alter the way we see the communications industry, in the Middle East and beyond.
SASH & Company was set up in 2007 to alleviate issues within the communications industry in the Middle East – and, ultimately, have an impact on the industry across the globe. Once it began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the company decided to expand to Dubai with its strategic and creative hub, then a second KSA base in Riyadh.
Led and managed by an exceptional team of individuals, SASH & Company exceeds all expectations for its clients across the Middle East. The individuals which make up the very fabric of the business deeply believe in SASH & Company’s philosophy to exceed expectations every time with extremely elevated standards and the delivery of unparalleled services and solutions for public affairs, media relations, strategic advisory, and social media to a diverse range of clients, including government entities and multinational corporations.
Introducing Tarek Sakik, SASH & Company’s seasoned CEO, who has had a vital role in the accomplishments of the business. Tarek Sakik has over 20 years of experience in the field of communications. Working in the industry since 2003, and having been SASH & Company’s CEO since 2017, Tarek has a wealth of knowledge which helps him to lead the agency further into success. Holding the torch for almost eight years at SASH & Company, he has worked tirelessly to ensure the business’ strategic communication advisory, crisis management, and leadership development and profiling is carried out exactly as needed.
Tarek starts by telling us more about the establishment’s commitment to its clients’ high expectations: “Our commitment to client satisfaction is embedded in our company culture, ensuring consistency across all facets of our operations.”
SASH & Company’s strategic communications services help organizations of all sizes to convey integral messages to their audience. SASH & Company’s approach to this is to communicate effectively with its own clients so that it can find out exactly what they want to put across to engage customers and stakeholders. Analyzing its clients’ specific needs and desired target audience, SASH & Company finds the most efficient, customized ways of raising its clients’ impact and impressions on the world.
Winning Best Regional Communications Consulting Firm, Middle East, SASH & Company has been recognized for its ability to organize and enrich communications on a regional basis. However, there’s so much more to SASH & Company than what meets the eye.
The business’ fruitful selection of services doesn’t stop there: it also covers strategic advisory, monitoring and reporting, Build – Operate – Transfer (BOT) services, content development, crisis management, social media solutions, digital diplomacy, media training, and outreach services.
Of course, with an emphasis on strategic communications, SASH & Company focuses on its clients’ needs and requirements for solutions to their communication issues – large or small. However, the wide range of services offered are not an afterthought – they tie into everything that SASH & Company does for communications across its clients’ projects. Tarek enthuses, “Research based communication lies at the heart of our offerings, empowering clients to deliver their message effectively and persuasively while maintaining their credibility among the masses. We prioritize ongoing education and technological integration. Regular training programs, industry collaborations, and keeping ahead of emerging trends allow us to adapt swiftly to evolving market landscapes.”
With its finger steadily resting on the pulse of the communications industry, SASH & Company’s expansive offerings react and respond to any and all trends which may arise over time. Its ability to adapt and stay flexible to trends, no matter how complex they may be, has enabled the company to continue building on its solid reputation since its inception all those years ago.
SASH & Company’s content development services aid other businesses in creating and implementing complete and compelling content which targets their desired audience. SASH & Company knows the importance of putting one’s best foot forward – in order to present a brand in the best possible way right from the beginning.
Attracting and influencing customers is half the battle when it comes to building a business. Keeping customers is the other half. Ultimately, delivering impactful information is key to sparking initial relationships, then keeping a consistent conversation helps to forge partnerships that are made to last.
Helping all kinds of businesses, across every sector, SASH & Company’s strategic advisory services enable an open channel of dialogue which leads them to triumph in their area of expertise. With its professional analysis, the firm is able to extend its foresight for any one of its clients’ industries. As this requires accurate foresight and actionable insights for each sector, SASH & Company has exercised its skills for reading the corporate landscape in relation to the needs of its clients.
With many other services on offer, SASH & Company offers the chance to partner with a collection of wise individuals within its team. They can help each other to identify challenges, opportunities, and potential risks – giving them the insights they need to proceed with confidence rather than caution.
In relation to the communications landscape across the Middle East, the future looks bright and full of life. This is especially due to the fact that SASH & Company contributes to the overall success of the industry within the region. Tarek elaborates, “On the cusp of a major transformation from resource-rich economies to innovation-driven hubs, the GCC landscape offers a goldmine of high-growth opportunities in the emerging industries of technology, energy, tourism, sports, manufacturing, healthcare, real estate, and many more. However, successfully navigating in these lucrative waters comes with its own set of cultural curveballs and regulatory rigmarole that require local adaptability, stakeholder buy-in, and alignment with national visions.”
He adds, “Governments across the region are hard at work to accelerate regulation of digital content as they seek to provide a safe and attractive environment for local and global content creators while enforcing guardrails that ensure compliance with cultural values.”
SASH & Company strives to always respond to the rapid changes of the local ecosystem and varied dynamics of the regional market – in order to help its clients and influence other businesses around the world. A lot can be learned from this remarkable agency as we react to rising industry trends across the map.
Tarek explains, “Artificial Intelligence has undoubtedly been the biggest game changer in the communications realm, revolutionizing content creation, distribution, and consumption through increased automation, personalization, and efficiency. On the other hand, immersive technologies like the Metaverse, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality are gaining foothold for their immense potential in delivering a unique and memorable journey for audiences, enabling them to connect and engage at a deeper level. Finally, sustainability has evolved into a major imperative for entities across the spectrum to act on, having existed all this while as a social initiative with no real impact in the global fight against climate change.”
Artificial Intelligence’s foothold across many industries – if not all – has meant that we’re all adapting to a new age of business. The industry has had to adapt for many younger generations, and SASH & Company is no stranger to this. Tarek shares, “As global experts, we have strived to incorporate the best of trends and practices followed globally in shaping our clients’ strategies to target a young, enterprising, and digitally-savvy local audience less dazzled by style and dwelling more into substance.”
The agency’s prowess lies in its dedication to satisfying its clients and their audiences, so that communications and public relations can run like clockwork, with no interruptions or issues. Working on a regional scale, in line with all requirements for delivering important messages, SASH & Company has earned its spot at the top as a sensational communications agency in the Middle East.
“Our company stands out through its dedicated team which truly understands the local ecosystem and the dynamics of the regional market. This sets us apart from competitors, positioning us as leaders in the communications and PR sector. In short, we are global experts with local knowledge.”
SASH & Company prides itself on its ability to adjust to what is needed from its clients. The agency has an unbreakable network of team members who all bring something irreplaceable to the table. Tarek says, “Our vibrant and family-like work environment has provided the ideal breeding ground for innovation and collaboration, making it a highly desirable employer in its own right. As an organization that places a high premium on skills such as emotional intelligence, open-mindedness, and critical thinking, we continue to build a team that pushes every limit and looks beyond the obvious to help our clients deliver their message in a way that not just brings results, but resonates.”
Over the years, SASH & Company has always been a professional, intelligent, and well-versed PR agency which has helped others to achieve their goals. Building a comprehensive media plan – and managing internal communications activities – for King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), the agency has “enriched the district’s media presence in the local, regional, and global market”. This is just one superb example of SASH & Company’s excellence. The firm has also worked alongside ilmi Science Discovery and Innovation Center, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), Sela, FII Institute, Saudi Arabia’s Health Sector Transformation Programme (HSTP), Saudi Ministry of Culture, and many more.
Building and managing internal and external communications, organizing press events, monitoring media coverage, implementing innovative ideas, and developing strategies are just some of the ways SASH & Company has exceeded all expectations amongst its rich pool of clients. For the future, Tarek gives us an opportunity to learn more about the agency’s plans: “Taking off into global horizons will remain a key goal for us as we step into the new year. We plan to fulfil this through a hybrid model, which involves setting up bases in strategic markets across the world, in addition to exploring growth opportunities through acquisitions of boutique agencies.”
Bestowed with its title in our MEA Business Awards 2023, SASH & Company has truly established itself as an award-winning business to connect with if you have specific and unique needs for your communications, internal or external, and public relations as a whole.
By introducing a bespoke approach to its clients’ wishes and requests, the business is expertly acting as a buttress for industries across the Middle East. With a strong sense of community, SASH & Company will always find ways to respond to its clients’ requirements for all solutions and services, whether that’s general communications, trends such as AI, VR/AR, or CSR, and its many other areas of expertise. Its unwavering strength in delivering comprehensive answers to complex questions means that SASH & Company has propelled itself to the forefront of the industry and, standing head and shoulders above the rest, the business is set to accelerate even further and faster than ever before.
Over the past 15 years, Power Knot has proven itself to be at the forefront of the organic waste management solutions marketplace. This is bolstered by an ongoing mission to provide products that are environmentally friendly that can help to simultaneously reduce a company’s costs and carbon footprint. At the frontline of this is Power Knot’smulti-award-winning flagship product, the LFC biodigester. This has already proven to be demonstrably effective through its utilisation across the commercial, industrial, and military spheres, aiding those customers who are seeking to improve their operations and foster a positive impact on the environment.
Designed, developed, and assembled in the USA, Power Knot’s multi-award-winning food waste management system is renowned globally for helping to change businesses for the better. With nine different sizes available than can digest from 9 kg to 6,600 kg of food waste per day, the company’s well-established track record with the solution highlights its safety, reliability, and cost-effective nature. There are three notable case studies that truly highlight the effectiveness of the LFC biodigester in settings across the Middle East.
The first of these involves the company’s implementation of the technology at H Dubai, a luxury five-star hotel situated in the very heart of the city, that this innovative solution helped to attain Green Key Certification in January 2023. Since this luxury hotel comprises 230 rooms and suites, 11 dining outlets, and a nightclub, it garners a considerable amount of waste, something previously at odds with its view that environmental impact is a cornerstone of its core business functions.
However, since installing Power Knot’s LFC-100 biodigester, the hotel has significantly improved its food management and waste disposal. It was late in October 2022 when the biodigester was first installed, and just over three months later, news of the Green Key Certification from the Emirates Green Building Council came through. Impressively, in a little over two months, the machine had digested a whopping 1,830 kg of food waste, resulting in a total of just under four tonnes of carbon emissions being diverted from the atmosphere.
In a similar vein, Anantara Palm Dubai Resort’s 294 rooms and seven restaurants and bars make it a hub for waste, while its sister hotel, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, holds the proud title of being the only hotel in the country to offer over-water villas. This makes traditional waste management services either incredibly costly and time-consuming, or not possible at all. In the back half of 2022, Power Knot’s exemplary LFC-500 biodigesters were installed in both of these hotels. As a result, Anantara World Islands now no longer needs to hire barge ships to carry its waste back to the mainland, a method that was not sustainable in the long-term and drew a substantial cost.
The effectiveness of the technology in significantly reducing both cost and environmental threats is primarily due to the unique microorganisms in the machine, which digest waste and turn it into grey water. The grey water is then filtered through the hotel’s sewage treatment plant system and reused in the watering of plants in the immediate landscape. It is thanks to such methods that the Anantara hotels would both receive the coveted Green Key Certification last year, given for their implementation of this waste management method within an existing circular economy solution. Further streamlining is planned, with the teams at both hotels seeking to install solar panels to operate the machine, taking after Microsoft Dubai.
Finally, the concluding case study revolves around IKEA Jebel Ali, one of the largest stores the chain owns in the UAE at 35,000 square metres. IKEA has made significant leaps in demonstrating its commitment to sound environmental customs by leveraging Power Knot’s LFC-300 biodigester. An endeavour undertaken with a sister store in the country’s capital of Abu Dhabi, the biodigester has been integrated expertly across the many elements that make up these stores, from the bakery and café through to play area and warehouse. Combined, more than 66 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalency has been diverted from our atmosphere in a little over two months.
Since IKEA is a trailblazer on the world stage, seeing it adopt such a positive and proactive approach is sure to pave the way for other organisations to do the same at their facilities across the globe. Of course, the common thread linking all of this is Power Knot’s superb range of LFC biodigesters, which have demonstrable results through an all-in-one organic waste management system that is not only kind to the planet, but an incredibly cost-effective solution.
Abdullah Belhoul: To uphold the advancement of the world’s finest business environment in accordance with the guidance of wise leadership
The Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees, the regulatory arm of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), completed more than 50,000 transactions carried out by the Trakhees’ Licensing Department during 2023, with a growth rate of (3%) compared to last year at the level of Federal Licenses, Free Zone Licenses, and Government Transactions in development areas. Private companies that fall under the supervision of the PCFC.
In this context, H.E. Engineer Abdullah Belhoul, CEO of the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees, confirmed that this success is due to the mechanism adopted by the Licensing Department regarding facilitating commercial licensing work in the Emirate of Dubai, in addition to the continuous focus on providing high-quality and efficient services, which has contributed to enhancing customer trust by providing a distinctive experience across various channels.
The CEO of the Trakhees Department commented on this achievement, saying: “We are proud of the growth we have achieved over the past year, as it is evidence of the growing confidence on the part of our individual and corporate customers to benefit from all the services offered through our digital channels, available through the PCFC website (pcfc.ae) or the smart application (Trakhees), which contributes to reducing the customer’s journey time to obtain services, and achieves their happiness and satisfaction”.
Abdullah Belhoul explained that the department is keen to implement the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to bolster the economy and elevate Dubai’s standing as a premier global destination, renowned for its appeal to investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
He added: “Trakhees Department seeks to develop and expand the services it provides for the benefit of individuals and companies, such as issuing commercial licenses, issuing employment visas, and others, with the aim of keeping pace with the aspirations of entrepreneurs in the Emirate to ensure the promotion of the best business environment in the world and to make Dubai a global capital of trade and economy.”
He stated that the results related to Federal Licenses transactions indicate a high rate of demand for renewing Federal Licenses, reaching about 7,000 transactions, in addition to the reservation of more than 3,000 Trade Names, with 2,650 Trade Names for Federal Licenses and 646 Trade Names for Free Zone Licenses, during the year 2023 in Special development areas that fall under the supervision of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, which reflects the growing confidence of entrepreneurs in the services provided and encourages further development and growth in the future, as International City ranked first in the list of sites obtaining local license transactions with 571 licenses. Then Jumeirah Village Circle came in second place, followed by Palm Jumeirah and Dragon Mart.”
The final statistics issued by the Licensing Department of the “Trakhees” Department regarding free zone license transactions during the year 2023 indicated that more than 1,300 free zone licenses were renewed by the department’s clients, both individuals and companies.
Regarding government services transactions, reports indicated that the number of government transactions during the year 2023 reached 31,804 transactions, which was accompanied by a growth in the number of work permits issued by the department, reaching the approval of 7,417 work permits and the renewal of 2,045 work visas in Dubai, and progress was also made on the service of issuing a card. Facility to reach 1926 transactions.
Commenting on these results, the CEO of the “Trakhees” Department praised the efforts of the work team in the Licensing Department and its relevant departments, expressing his optimism for continuing to provide high-quality services and achieving sustainable growth in the coming years in accordance with the highest standards and practices, appreciating the tireless efforts made by the Licensing Department in The field of sustainable economy with the aim of enhancing the process of economic growth and achieving the corporation’s vision of strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading sustainable center to support the economic sector at the global level.
INNOVIA Biobank: Charting Uncharted Territories in the Biobanking Industry
In the vast continuum of medical breakthroughs, the world stands poised on the precipice of a transformative era. This epoch is being shaped by the groundbreaking feats of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. INNOVIA Biobank is pioneering such a monumental shift in the MENA region.
INNOVIA Biobank, the parent company of BabyCord and subsidiaries, is Jordan’s first biobank and a symbol of relentless innovation, dedication, and foresight. Starting out as an umbilical cord blood and tissue storage facility, it grew to become a leading medical and research facility.
In 2016, in order to expand prospects for cutting-edge medical applications and treatments utilizing stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood and tissue in the MENA region, Dr. Maher Sarraf founded BabyCord, a subsidiary of INNOVIA Biobank, in Jordan. This came about after more than 11 years of serving as agents on behalf of a stem cell bank in Boston.
Now, the company’s CEO, Dr. Mohannad Al-Ghazo has seen well-deserved success within the Middle East CEO of the Year Awards 2023, so we learn more about the company and the important work it does.
Babycord Stemcell Bank: The Elixir of Life
Venturing into the labyrinth of stem cell research is Babycord stem cell bank. Its focus on preserving stem cells from cord blood and dental pulp is not merely scientific—it’s revolutionary.
Stem cells, especially embryonic ones, are significant because they are unspecialized cells with the rare ability to differentiate into 200 types of specialized cells including blood, brain, muscle, and bone cells, which can be induced naturally or experimentally to regenerate and repair damaged tissues.
These robust stem cells are not just inscriptions in medical journals. They are transformative agents capable of remedying a vast array of blood disorders, metabolic challenges, immune insufficiencies, and some cancers like leukemia. Additionally, they provide tremendous therapeutic potential for conditions like cerebral palsy and autism that are still undergoing clinical trials.
While stem cells can be obtained from a donor’s bone marrow, the sample must be a perfect match, unlike stem cells extracted from cord blood. What is more, bone marrow collection is a painful and invasive procedure that requires the use of anesthesia. In contrast, the process of collecting umbilical cord blood and tissue during normal and caesarean deliveries is non-intrusive and painless for both mother and child.
“It is one of the most life-affirming developments, because what used to be discarded as clinical waste —the placenta and umbilical cord — is now harvested as a reservoir for highly effective, regenerative medicine,” Dr. Maher Sarraf says.
If a parent misses the chance to preserve a child’s stem cells at birth, it is not as catastrophic as one might believe. Stem cells can also be extracted from other sources such as milk teeth. So if your child has a wiggly tooth that eventually falls out — you can keep it for advantages even the tooth fairy can’t.
“The versatility of dental pulp stem cells, especially their potential in nerve and tissue repair, paints a future not limited by medical constraints,” Sarraf adds.
Cord blood can be used as a treatment for not just the child, but the entire family — including parents, siblings, and maternal and paternal grandparents — for a lifetime. The extracted cord blood contains genetic receptors specific to each person, called Human Leukocyt Antigen (HLA). Usually, these receptors are identical to the child’s and match first-degree relatives: siblings, father, and mother, at a percentage of 25 to 100 percent.
For a family that includes the child, siblings, parents, and grandparents, there is a high probability — 40 percent — that at least one family member will be diagnosed with a condition that can use stem cells for treatment.
The process
So where does BabyCord come in? The company supplies customers with a cord blood collection kit prior to a baby’s due date. The assigned BabyCord on-call nurse will bring an additional collection kit and help the physician with the collection once the delivery starts. After the baby’s delivery and after the clamping and separation of the umbilical cord, a needle attached to the collection bag is inserted into the center of cord and the placenta, causing the blood to flow into it. The bag gets packaged in specialized padded boxes and transported to the lab less than an hour from the time of collection to optimize the number of viable stem cells recovered.
Each cord blood unit is assigned a unique barcode identifier number that is traceable throughout the processing and preservation procedure to prevent any cross-contamination. Once the stem cells are separated from whole blood, they are collected into a specialized biocompatible multi-segmented cryogenic storage blood bag in preparation for cryopreservation (the process of freeze-storing cells at very low temperatures) and storage.
The cryopreservation rates of cooling vary depending on its stage, resulting in positive effects on stem cell recovery after thawing. The initial freezing process is computer-controlled at a pre-set rate followed by storage in -196°C high-capacity liquid nitrogen tanks.
INNOVIA Tissue Bank: The Vanguard of Reproductive Evolution
However, INNOVIA is not only limited to cord blood and stem cells. 2019 witnessed INNOVIA’s ambitious foray into tissue banking — a testament to its drive to diversify and amplify its global footprint. INNOVIA’s tenet as a tissue bank comes from ‘patients stay, tissue moves’.
Collaborations with prestigious entities like the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University Hospital of Dusseldorf speak volumes. The crown jewel? Its groundbreaking Fertility Preservation Program, with a keen emphasis on preserving ovarian tissue. This isn’t just a medical procedure; it’s a beacon of hope for cancer-afflicted women worldwide, gifting them agency over their reproductive destinies.
INNOVIA Genetics: Deciphering the Code of Life
Venturing deeper into the genetic matrix, INNOVIA Genetics emerges as a pioneer. Through advanced technology, it unravels the intricate dance of genes, offering diagnostic testing and invaluable consultations. The stellar offering of NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) stands as a beacon of our ceaseless dedication to healthcare excellence.
INNOVIA Lab: Healthcare Beyond Boundaries
For those questing a gamut of healthcare solutions, INNOVIA Lab emerges as the answer, offering an extensive suite of general laboratory services, tailored to address diverse health requirements. The company’s commitment? An unparalleled healthcare journey.
INNOVIA Academy: Shaping the Medical Titans of Tomorrow
INNOVIA doesn’t just embrace today; it shapes tomorrow. Its association with the University of Jordan culminates in INNOVIA Academy — a unique institution specializing in cutting-edge courses on genetics, stem cells, and advanced lab techniques. Its mission? To mold the torchbearers of future medical wonders.
INNOVIA’s state-of-the art facility, strategically located five minutes away from the international airport, is constructed using reinforced steel and concrete, storage areas insulated with specialized bullet-proof glass and concrete walls, automated backup generators, computer networking with remote location data record backup, and on-site and remote audio/video monitoring and recording.
INNOVIA’s precautions ensure protection against natural calamities such as earthquakes, fires, and floodings, and external attacks such as theft or vandalism. The building also has 24-hour security system connected to rapid emergency and protection authority notification and deployment, and 24-hour on-duty guards.
Such meticulous adherence to global standards is mirrored in INNOVIA’s laudable ISO certification, coupled with a full-fledged accreditation from the (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)). This regional and global recognition doesn’t culminate here; its proud registration with the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) accentuates its commitment to global healthcare standards.
INNOVIA Biobank is not merely a laboratory; it’s an institution that envisions and safeguards our collective future health. In the grand tapestry of regenerative medicine, INNOVIA Biobank shines brightly. It is not just an establishment; it is a promise — a vision for a future where medicine isn’t just enhanced; it’s revolutionary. As the company navigates these exciting waters, its beacon remains constant: a relentless pursuit of a brighter, healthier future for all.
INNOVIA Genetics: A World-Class Center of Excellence in Genetic Services
INNOVIA Genetics proudly stands as a beacon in the world of genetic medicine. Having received widespread global acclaim, its reputation as a top-ranking institution is indisputable.
At the heart of this immense success is Dr. Mohammed Raqqad, a distinguished clinical geneticist. As INNOVIA Genetics’ Medical Director, Dr. Raqqad ensures that the entire spectrum of services – from diagnostics to treatments – adheres to the highest benchmarks of excellence. Moreover, his role as the Dean of INNOVIA ACADEMY is a testament to his relentless passion for nurturing and equipping the next cadre of genetic aficionados.
Underpinned by a stellar team of professionals, INNOVIA Genetics is unwavering in its mission: harnessing genetic insights for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
Key Specializations within the team:
An expert consultant in Pediatric Neurology, Epilepsy, and Neurophysiology brings to the table a deep-rooted understanding of intricate neurological challenges faced by its pediatric demographic.
A distinguished specialist in Inherited Metabolic Diseases is instrumental in pioneering innovative pathways for the management and treatment of metabolic disorders.
A Dermatologist and Venereologist, delving deep into the genetic intricacies of the skin, ensuring patients avail comprehensive dermatological care.
A Senior Consultant of Pediatric Cardiology leading its pediatric heart care and offering groundbreaking cardiac care solutions for younger patients.
Comprehensive Genetic Counseling:
Understanding the contemporary needs for adaptability and flexibility, INNOVIA Genetics provides both virtual and in-person genetic counseling sessions. Designed with utmost precision, these sessions aim to demystify the complex realm of genetics for patients. Alongside, INNOVIA Genetics offers an extensive array of genetic tests and services, guaranteeing a holistic genetic solution for each and every person.
Pioneering in Reproductive Genetics:
Its forte in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGTA) and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) places it at the forefront of reproductive genetics. The company is dedicated to offering a seamless and enriching experience for both individuals and families navigating these genetic pathways.
State-of-the-Art Facility:
Its exemplary services are housed in a modern facility designed and customized to meet the rigorous demands of genetic medicine. Its College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation is not merely a badge of honor; it’s a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. Achieving this accreditation required meeting stringent standards signifies the company’s devotion to best practices and patient safety.
Vision for the Future:
As the landscape of genetic medicine continuously evolves, so does INNOVIA Genetics. Its horizon is brimming with goals and aspirations, including furthering research, introducing avant-garde genetic solutions, and expanding collaborations with global institutions.
INNOVIA Academy: Bridging the Gap in Genetics and Stem Cells Education
In today’s rapidly evolving medical landscape, genetics and stem cells stand out as two of the most promising and groundbreaking fields. Yet, despite their vast potential, there remains a distinct lack of comprehensive education specifically tailored to these specialized fields. INNOVIA Academy addresses this exact void by equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge and expertise necessary to drive further innovation in these domains.
Why INNOVIA Academy was established?
The idea of INNOVIA Academy was inspired by a simple, yet profound realization: while genetics and stem cells held the key to future medical miracles, there was an acute shortage in institutions offering specialized courses on these subjects.
Traditional medical curricula, though rigorous, frequently merely touches the surface of these topics. As pioneers in the biobank industry, INNOVIA recognized the imperative of a deeper, more thorough and more focused education in genetics and stem cells. As a result, INNOVIA Academy stands as a beacon of specialized knowledge in a sea of generalist medical education and functions as a knowledge hub. It offers an in-depth curriculum on genetics, coupled with hands-on training sessions, workshops, and research projects.
Affiliation with the University of Jordan: A Confluence of Legacy and Innovation The partnership with the University of Jordan represents more than just a strategic decision; it represents the fusion of historic academic prestige with avant-garde medical education. The University, with its rich history and stellar academic reputation, lends credibility, legitimacy, and depth to the academy. This affiliation ensures that the curriculum is rooted in foundational academic principles as it keeps up with the cutting-edge medical advancements.
CPD Accreditation: A Testament to Excellence
Earning the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accreditation is no small feat. It stands as a rigorous endorsement of the academy’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the knowledge and skills of its students and faculty. INNOVIA Academy’s courses aren’t just designed to impart knowledge; they aim to foster continuous learning and professional growth.
Courses Tailored for Tomorrow
Understanding that the realms of genetics and stem cells are vast and multifaceted, INNOVIA Academy offers a range of courses tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students. From foundational courses introducing the basic concepts to advanced modules exploring the latest research and techniques, the academy ensures that its students are always a step ahead, ready to shape the future of Medicine.
A Vision for the Future
Although INNOVIA Academy was established in response to a current need, its vision is firmly set on the future. Beyond merely providing education, the academy’s mission is shaping future thought leaders, innovators, and pioneers in the fields of genetics and stem cells. With the steadfast support of its affiliates and the dedication of its faculty, INNOVIA Academy is not just teaching medicine; it’s redefining it.
INNOVIA Academy is the movement – striving to bridge the knowledge gap in two of the most crucial medical fields. Through its endeavors, the academy ensures that the promise of genetics and stem cells is not just realized but surpassed, heralding a brighter, healthier future for all.
Launching a paperless initiative at the start of 2023 for all Hyatt hotels in Dubai to reduce their paper use, Grand Hyatt Dubai announced it became completely paperless in less than twelve months
The additional nine Hyatt properties in the city are set to reach their paperless goal by 31 December 2023, in line with The UAE’s Green Agenda 2030
Hyatt today underscores its commitment to sustainability across its portfolio of 10 properties in Dubai, showcasing a range of impactful initiatives aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and conservation.
Hyatt has advanced its global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy through World of Care, which was compiled by engaging key stakeholders on what is most important to the communities Hyatt operates in around the world. From reducing paper and plastic use on properties to minimizing food waste, Hyatt teams across Dubai are constantly improving operations in line with Hyatt’s 2030 environmental goals – focused on areas of climate change and water conservation, waste and circularity, responsible sourcing and thriving destinations. This commitment is reflected in the recently published 2022 World of Care Highlights and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Report, which demonstrates the strides the brand has made globally in regard to advancing its purpose of care which is to care for the planet, people and bring to life responsible business across the communities it serves.
Fathi Khogaly, Managing Director of Grand Hyatt Dubai and Area Vice-President of Hyatt Hotels, Dubai, said, “At Hyatt, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment. In line with our purpose to care and our 2030 Environmental Goals, Hyatt is committed to advancing environmental action so that destinations around the world are vibrant for our guests, colleagues, and communities. It is essential for us to provide our guests with a memorable experience while also being mindful of the planet.”
Paperless Initiative
Since the launch of the paperless initiative across Hyatt Hotels in Dubai at the beginning of 2023, the properties are accelerating efforts towards reducing the amount of paper used by digitizing documents within the company. The 10 properties in Dubai printed 1.4 million fewer papers as of August 2023 compared to the same time last year, resulting in a 48% reduction of printed papers by the summer period. As of November 2023, Grand Hyatt Dubai has achieved its goal to become a paperless property in less than twelve months, paving the way for sustainable and innovative operational practices. The additional nine Hyatt hotels in the city are on track to reach their goal by 31 December 2023.
Hyatt hotels in Dubai have also adopted digital business cards and QR menus in guestrooms and dining outlets to replace the use of paper. Furthermore, the properties switched to digital records to track guest requests, visitor logs, and room updates.
Reducing Single-Use Plastic
Hyatt is taking significant strides in environmental sustainability by implementing initiatives to reduce plastic usage across its Dubai properties, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible hospitality. The Dubai hotels are also making efforts to preserve the beauty of the natural environment with Park Hyatt Dubai conducting quarterly clean-ups of the Dubai Creek to remove plastic waste from the banks.
Several dining outlets have eliminated single-use plastic straws and opted for the 100% biodegradable and compostable #iamnotplastic straws. These outlets are also replacing plastic cutlery and plastic takeaway containers with wooden alternatives.
To further reduce single-use plastic in guest rooms, Hyatt Place properties have introduced dispensers for bulk amenities like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower and bath areas. At Hyatt Centric Jumeirah, guestrooms feature The BeeKind® Collection of skin-friendly products in recyclable packaging. These products contain no parabens, phthalates, petrol-derived ingredients, mineral oil, urea, DEA, TEA, or propylene glycol. Hyatt Regency Creek Heights uses biodegradable plastic bags instead of plastic laundry bags to further enhance its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Continuously enhancing sustainability efforts is vital to the Dubai hotels’ strategy and the ten properties have set an objective in 2024 to become completely plastic free.
Energy Conservation
As part of its 2030 Environmental Goals, Hyatt is working towards climate and water action by elevating efficiency measures, prioritizing water conservation in drought-prone areas, and increasing consumption of renewable energy and grey water.
Grand Hyatt Dubai has introduced a Reverse Osmosis Plant to use recycled water for cooling towers. The property has also set up a water-efficient washer extractor for its laundry department to reduce overall water use. Furthermore, the hotel has also employed the “Conserve Program”, where linen is exchanged only every other day or after every third night of the stay to minimize energy use.
Hyatt Regency Deira is actively conserving energy by transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting across 80% of the property. Additionally, all four Hyatt Place hotels in Dubai have installed solar panels to power hot water boilers in the daytime as a green source of power.
Minimize Food Waste
With the intention of reducing landfill and food waste disposal, Hyatt Dubai properties are recycling and encouraging the use of reused items where possible. Globally, Hyatt aims to achieve a 50% global reduction in food waste sent to landfill or incineration per square meter by 2030 compared to 2019.
The Hyatt properties in Dubai follow a comprehensive food waste policy that covers education, food waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and disposal. Hyatt Centric Jumeirah has implemented a Coffee Pod Exchange Program, where used coffee pods are collected by suppliers for industrial decomposition.
At Andaz Dubai The Palm, the hotel’s “Taste of Andaz” line of locally sourced oil and flavored salts are made with natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals. Further, several Hyatt properties utilize locally farmed seafood and local food produce to support local businesses and reduce food miles.
88% of “cloud-powered” companies reported an increase in revenue over the past six to nine months, compared to 76% of non-cloud-powered firms
Regional cloud market has potential to generate substantial additional revenues, with three-quarters of firms set to increase their cloud budgets in 2024, and 68% of Middle East companies planning to migrate a majority of their operations to the cloud by 2025
Cloud adoption across the Middle East has passed the initial adoption phase and is poised for accelerated growth, with a significant proportion of companies already capturing tangible value from the cloud, according to the latest report by Strategy& and PwC Middle East, titled “Cloud computing in the Middle East: New opportunities for companies and cloud providers.”
The survey questioned 420 technology and business leaders from various sectors in the region’s two largest cloud computing markets, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The analysis suggests that if the Middle East were to catch up with Europe in terms of market maturity, cloud vendors could potentially secure around US$5.6 billion in new revenue. If the region were to match North America in maturity, the new revenue potential could potentially be closer to US$14 billion.
Cloud adoption in the region
The Strategy& and PwC Middle East report finds that 85% of the companies have already embarked their cloud journey – 32% of the companies in the region utilize the cloud in at least one area of operations, 35% have adopted cloud computing across multiple domains of their business and 18% already having scaled cloud throughout their business. Looking forward, 68% of Middle East companies have the ambition to migrate almost all of their operations to the cloud within the next two years. To fund these initiatives, 76% of companies intend to increase their cloud budget over the coming year.
Furthermore, 90% organizations have moved beyond a simple “lift and shift” approach to cloud adoption, employing modernization, cloud-native application development and business models built on the cloud to reap more benefits from their cloud initiatives.
“The Middle East is experiencing a significant transformation in its approach to cloud computing, rapidly closing the gap with international benchmarks. Thanks to proactive government investments and the growing presence of public cloud providers, both public and private entities now have an accelerated avenue to tap into the profound benefits of this technology,” said Nikolaos Lioulis, Principal with Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network.
The value of cloud computing
The report also finds that approximately 40% of companies already realized measurable value from their cloud initiatives, including improved decision making (40%), increase in profitability (34%), or new revenue streams (30%) amongst others. The analysis indicated that despite their strong performance, cloud-powered companies in the Middle East have room for improvement when it comes to capturing value. By comparison, cloud-powered companies in the U.S. are more adept at extracting value in all areas.
According to the report, many of the challenges that Middle Eastern companies typically face in realizing measurable value are external; and can be addressed through vendor support. For instance, 47% of cloud-powered companies said they experienced problems related to cloud providers, such as concerns about service quality. In contrast, non-cloud-powered companies were more inclined to attribute their challenges to internal factors: budget constraints, limitations in technology capabilities, and leadership issues. Notably, 88% of cloud-powered companies reported an increase in revenue over the past six to nine months.
“Our findings illustrate the tangible benefits of cloud technology for businesses. Approximately 40% of the companies surveyed reported significant improvements across various dimensions. Interestingly, there is a direct link between cloud adoption and enhanced top-line performance. As organizations look to further leverage this potential, our report offers various recommendations drawing from the practical experiences of companies that have successfully harnessed the advantages of cloud computing,”said Achilles Drettas, Partner with Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network.
Capturing the full value of the cloud
“Our findings show that organizations can maximize the value of the cloud by taking a programmatic approach rooted in a meticulously planned cloud strategy. Moreover, it must be grounded on business priorities, strong cloud controls and governance, and follow a proactive program framework which engages the entire C-suite, as well as key stakeholders from the outset,” added Rajat Chowdhary, Partner with PwC Middle East.
Specifically, the analysis revealed four key actions that successful cloud-powered businesses usually take to fully exploit value from the cloud:
1. Take a holistic approach
Cloud-powered companies adopt a holistic approach, driven by a well-defined vision and supported by a robust architectural roadmap and governance framework, aligned with specific business goals. They are more likely to deploy the cloud for a combination of uses—enabling them to prioritize infrastructure strategies and migration methods on an application-by-application basis, ensuring effective value creation.
2. Build stronger alliances across the C-suite
Cloud-powered companies excel at building strong alliances within the C-suite, encompassing both business and technology roles. Chief information officers and technology teams in these companies recognize that transformation is a collective effort—and collaborate closely at the earliest stages of planning, budgeting, and requirement gathering.
3. Emphasize cloud controls and governance
Cloud-powered companies are more advanced than other companies when it comes to adopting leading practices in cloud governance, risk, and controls. They are more likely to have resources dedicated to cloud governance, formal and distinct cloud controls, and robust evaluations of shared responsibility with Cloud professional and managed services providers.
4. Develop a formal data, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategy
Cloud-powered companies are much more likely to have an enterprise-wide data strategy than other companies (73% versus 42%). That means they typically develop a streamlined architecture to modernize data into an integrated view, create governance structures, and develop the necessary skills and operational changes needed to become data-driven organizations.
The report also discusses five key considerations for cloud professional and managed services providers that want to remain competitive and meet changing customer demands. The recommendations focused on embracing cloud native technologies, differentiating through the industry cloud, promoting security as a core offering, partnering with public cloud providers, and focusing on unique strengths.
Regional and continental trade pacts open the door to free trade in food and farm goods. The 10th Annual Borderless Conference in Tema, Ghana brought together experts from government, business, and international organizations to look at how to deliver on that potential.
‘This 2023 edition holds particular relevance for the private sector,’ said Jonas Lago, President of Borderless Alliance. ‘It falls upon us to conduct the necessary analysis and devise solutions to tackle the prevailing challenges. Our success in the ECOWAS region would serve as blueprint in the Africa continental area.”
Vianey Lesaffre, a market analyst at the International Trade Centre (ITC) delegation, presented data on domestic regulations and how to address these trade obstacles.
These insights revealed that 60% of the burdensome regulations originate domestically. Using the Trade Obstacle Alert Mechanism (TOAM), a tool developed by ITC, Vianney Lesaffre showed that 51% of the obstacles reported pertain to the agricultural sector.
He also showed data tools in the African Trade Observatory, is another invaluable ITC resource for targeting and resolving issues in agriculture.
Clearing obstacles to trade for both agribusinesses and small-scale cross-border traders can improve food security, said Timothee Bruneteau, trade facilitation adviser at ITC.
He said the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade Facilitation and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement have enhanced transparency, predictability, and efficiency. As a result, the costs of trading perishable goods has fallen by 18%.
Innovative technology to make trade easier
Even more innovative and inclusive tools can further boost food trade, while supporting regional efforts to curtail food costs.
‘The essence of ICT lies in information, and through technology, we drive change,’ said Isaac Newton Acquah, the NTF V national project coordinator for the tech sector.
Often, small businesses think their challenges are financial, when the real obstacle may be solved by technology, he said.
Linking tech associations with small farmers makes technology more accessible, he said, while agents share vital information and build trust, That leads to agricultural growth.
The conference looked at how to strengthen regional value chains. Furthermore, it explored strategies to align domestic policies with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), said Gyand Dermitta, Senior Advisor to the AfCFTA Secretary-General.
In addition, Kabir Hassa, Trade Advisor of the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) programme at GIZ, underscored the program’s overarching objective. He stressed the pivotal role it plays in elevating ECOWAS to a level where Africa can fully harness the potential opportunities offered by the AFCFTA, ultimately benefiting the entire African continent. This initiative’s significance lies in its capacity to position ECOWAS to seize the potential of the AFCFTA for the greater good of Africa.
Benonita Bismarck, CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority, emphasized the ‘indispensable role of agricultural value chains. Each stakeholder has a crucial part to play in unlocking the full potential of these value chains.’
The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) (https://GlobalBlackImpact.com), taking place this November in Dubai, will spotlight the pivotal role venture capital plays in shaping the landscape of Black innovation and entrepreneurship globally. Venture capital, the driving force behind the growth of countless start-ups, ignites the transformative journey from ground-breaking concepts to revolutionary products and services. In recent years, the spotlight has increasingly turned towards Black-owned start-ups and their remarkable contributions to the business world.
Black-Owned Start-Ups: Sparking an Innovation Revolution
Black entrepreneurs are catalysts for innovation, challenging norms and injecting fresh perspectives into diverse industries. Take Andela, cofounded by Nigerian entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, as an example. The organization identifies and nurtures software developers across Africa, drawing investments from industry giants like the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Google Ventures, all in a bid to bridge the global tech talent gap. Equally electrifying is PiggyVest, crafted by the dynamic trio of Odunayo Eweniyi, Somto Ifezue and Joshua Chibueze, which is making waves in Nigeria’s fintech realm. This ground-breaking start-up ignites individuals to seize control of their financial destinies with innovative financial solutions. The company’s unique approach has captivated venture capital investors, recognizing the potential to fuel financial inclusion and economic growth.
Access to Venture Capital: Scaling the Summit
While these tales of triumph inspire, they also highlight the unique challenges and opportunities awaiting Black entrepreneurs regarding their venture capital quest. Studies echo the promise of augmented funding in this sphere, fueled by a growing commitment to diversity within the venture capital community and the broadening of access to networks. Pioneers like Black Operator Ventures, emerging in 2021, are shattering barriers as an all-Black founder-led venture capital fund. In Africa, Rising Tide Africa, an angel network, champions women entrepreneurs, channeling investments into women-led ventures. This holistic support, complete with mentorship and guidance, empowers women to surmount hurdles and foster economic growth and innovation across the continent.
Investor Perspectives: Charting the Course Ahead
Investors and venture capitalists hold the reins in championing #BlackExcellence in Black-owned start-ups, providing a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial frontier. Robert F. Smith, CEO of Vista Equity Partners, is an avid advocate for diversity and inclusion in business. He notes “I started Vista because I knew no private equity firm would hire me. I saw what they were looking for… So, I created my own firm.”
Meanwhile, Qiana Patterson, a venture capitalist, made a remarkable transition from teaching to the world of entrepreneurship. She highlights the resilience of Black women entrepreneurs, stating, “We’re less than 1%, but we’re the most innovative and starting more businesses. It’s difficult because of the numbers, but it’s exciting because we forge ahead regardless; we’ve no limit.”
A Brighter Tomorrow through Investment
Investing in Black-owned start-ups extends beyond social justice: it’s a strategic move towards fostering a more vibrant and innovative global economy. Examples of success include ventures like Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech company that secured significant investments, and Sendy, a Kenyan delivery service platform that gained traction with venture capital backing. Initiatives and organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, such as Rising Tide Africa, are paving the way for a more equitable future on a global scale. By channeling investments into Black-owned start-ups worldwide, we not only drive economic growth and innovation but also contribute to the development of a more inclusive global business community, solidifying a legacy of positive change and progress.
The upcoming GBIS – which is organized by Energy Capital&Power – will highlight how venture capitalists and investors play a pivotal role in championing #BlackExcellence in Black-owned start-ups, providing vital funding, and promoting diversity to uplift underrepresented founders and drive economic growth. The summit connects capital to individuals and businesses, enabling ideas to translate into tangible projects, businesses and opportunities.
Don’t miss your chance to join the global movement championing #BlackExcellence at GBIS 2023, slated for November 30 to December 1, 2023, in Dubai. Secure your participation today at www.GlobalBlackImpact.com to be part of this transformative event.
Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with NVIDIA for Model Customization helps customers more quickly and securely extract intelligence from their data
Dell Professional Services streamline GenAI strategy development, data preparation, platform development and increase operational efficiencies
Dell Technologies and Starburst offer an open, modern data lakehouse solution to tap multicloud data for AI efforts
Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) expands its Dell Generative AI Solutions portfolio, helping businesses transform how they work along every step of their generative AI (GenAI) journeys.
“To maximize AI efforts and support workloads across public clouds, on-premises environments and at the edge, companies need a robust data foundation with the right infrastructure, software and services,” said Jeff Boudreau, chief AI officer, Dell Technologies. “That’s what we are building with our expanded validated designs, professional services, modern data lakehouse and the world’s broadest GenAI solutions portfolio.”
Customizing GenAI models to maximize proprietary data
The Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with NVIDIA for Model Customization offers pre-trained models that extract intelligence from data without building models from scratch.
This solution provides best practices for customizing and fine-tuning GenAI models based on desired outcomes while keeping information secure and on-premises. With a scalable blueprint for customization, organizations now have multiple ways to tailor GenAI models to accomplish specific tasks with their proprietary data. Its modular and flexible design supports a wide range of computational requirements and use cases, spanning training diffusion, transfer learning and prompt tuning.
Dell Validated Designs for Generative AI now support both model tuning and inferencing, allowing users to more quickly deploy GenAI models with proven infrastructure including the Dell PowerEdge XE9680, the industry’s best performing AI server,1 or the Dell PowerEdge XE8640, with a choice of NVIDIA® Tensor Core GPUs and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, which offers frameworks, pre-trained models and development tools, such as the NVIDIA NeMo™ framework, and Dell software. By combining compute power with storage options, such as Dell PowerScale and Dell ObjectScale, customers can rapidly feed models with multiple storage data types with the validated design. The infrastructure is also available as a subscription via Dell APEX.
“We’re implementing Dell PowerEdge XE9680 servers with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs into the high performance computing cluster at Princeton for large language modeling to help drive new levels of discovery,” said Sanjeev Arora, the Charles C. Fitzmorris Professor in Computer Science, Princeton. “This system gives researchers in natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities the opportunity to apply powerful AI models to their work in areas such as visualization, modeling and quantum computing.”
Preparing data, people and processes for GenAI
Dell is applying its process and expertise to help customers generate better, faster business results with expanded GenAI professional services capabilities:
Data Preparation Services provide customers with a clean, accurate data set in the right format enabling AI projects to move smoothly while simplifying data integration and delivering quality data output.
Dell Implementation Services establish an operational GenAI platform for inferencing and model customization, accelerating time to value. Paired with Dell Managed Services, Dell can operate the full NVIDIA-based GenAI solution, improving operational efficiency and allowing customers to focus on building their proprietary GenAI use cases.
Education Services help customers gain the critical skills to close the GenAI capabilities gap.
“Our recent study on Generative AI use in the enterprise made it clear organizations are adamant about being able to use their own data to customize key foundation models, but also need assistance in helping prep their data for that work,” said Bob O’Donnell, president and chief analyst, TECHnalysis Research. “Dell’s latest Generative AI solutions and partnerships offer a broad set of capabilities that help companies capitalize on this potential, bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring data drives discernible, impactful business results.”
Modernizing data infrastructure for AI and analytics
Dell and Starburst are strengthening their relationship to help customers accelerate AI and analytics efforts. This will culminate with an open, modern data lakehouse solution.
The solution will integrate Starburst’s analytics software with Dell’s PowerEdge compute platform, combined with Dell industry-leading storage,2 helping customers extract insights from data wherever it resides. Built with open software principles, customers will gain easy and secure access to multicloud data to get the most value for analytics and AI-driven workflows and deployments.
“Our customers have made it clearthey need a robust data platform for accessing distributed data across multicloud environments to drive and operationalize AI efforts,” said Justin Borgman, CEO, Starburst. “By integrating our deep analytics capabilities with Dell’s leading infrastructure and global enterprise services, we can offer customers an open, multicloud data lakehouse solutionthat quickly and easily makes data available to AI workflows anywhere.”
Availability
Dell Validated Design for Generative AI: Model Customization is available globally through traditional channels and Dell APEX starting late October.
Dell Professional Services for Generative AI are available in select countries starting late October.
The Dell open, modern data lakehouse solution with Starburst has planned global availability in the first half of 2024.
The report captures a comprehensive analysis of responses from businesses from India, the UAE, Indonesia, and other Asian countries across key last-mile logistics metrics
Locus, a market-leading dispatch management SaaS company, released a new research report, Decoding Asia’s Last-Mile Maturity, uncovering valuable insights about the current state of last-mile logistics in India, Indonesia, the UAE, and other Asian countries. It also shows progress and gaps in the ecosystem and the pivotal role of technology in driving business success.
The report reveals that 79% of businesses across Asia are harnessing the technology to enhance their last-mile efficiency, but a staggering 84% lack confidence in their processes to drive growth and enhance customer experiences. These findings underscore that there’s widespread adoption of technology in the industry however, a majority of businesses are not able to leverage it to its full potential.
“Solving deep-seated last-mile challenges requires a deep understanding of your business’s last-mile maturity. Therefore, to help businesses across sectors gauge their maturity and supercharge their last-mile growth, we recently launched the Last-Mile Maturity Assessment. Data from these responses has shown that today only 40% of businesses in Asia have scratched the surface of tech-driven last-mile prowess, showing that there is an untapped opportunity for businesses to achieve success. We want this report to reflect key trends and opportunities for businesses, so can they get inspired to optimize their logistics and achieve greater revenues and superior customer experiences”, says, Mehul Kapadia, Chief Revenue Officer, Locus.
The report unveils the performance of the businesses across five key logistics metrics, including Last-Mile Excellence, Customer Experience, Workforce Empowerment, Advanced Analytics, and Sustainability.
Some key findings:
India emerges as a leader in Advanced Analytics with a score of 3.59 out of 5, pointing to the growing reliance of businesses on big data analytics and other new-age technologies to optimize and transform their last-mile into revenue-generating machinery.
India excels in Workforce Empowerment in last-mile logistics with 3.42 out of 5, indicating that the businesses are investing in and leveraging robust tech solutions such as advanced route planning, geocoding, etc., to make the lives of the delivery drivers better.
The UAE leads in Last-mile Excellence with an impressive score of 3 out of 5. In fact, a whopping 70% of the UAE businesses are embracing multiple last-mile technologies, reshaping customer expectations in the booming e-commerce landscape in the region.
In Customer Experience scores, the UAE leads with an average of 3.73 out of 5, surpassing the industry average of 3.53, followed by India, Indonesia, and others.
The UAE again leads in Sustainability with a score of 4.16 out of 5, followed by India at 3.78, while Indonesia falls below the global average at 2.55.
Furthermore, the report offers vital industry insights into 3PL & CEP, e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, and other sectors. For instance, it highlights a common trend where sustainability, though considered strategically important, often lacks comprehensive follow-through. Specifically, carbon emissions tracking is overlooked in 3 out of 5 industries. Overall, the analysis shows that 49% of global organizations lack confidence in tracking sustainability metrics to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
IHG Hotels & Resorts reveals a line-up of must-visit spots throughout the Kingdom, with strategically located properties available to travellers at each destination
In a remarkable fusion of luxury and leisure, Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as one of the most captivating regional travel destinations. With its diverse landscapes and rich culture, the Kingdom boasts a range of enchanting experiences that cater to immersive weekend getaways, adventurous escapes, and relaxing retreats.
From the vibrant streets of Jeddah to the bustling ports of Yanbu, this curated selection of must-see destinations across Saudi Arabia promises to bring the best of the Kingdom’s nature, architecture, and gastronomy to the fore, with thoughtfully designed IHG Hotels & Resorts properties available for guests’ convenience across each of the signature spots.
Travel to Saudi Arabia is especially accessible through the end of August, as SAUDIA – its flagship carrier – has announced 50 percent off economy and business class tickets for flights between the Kingdom and the airline’s international destinations.
Jeddah
Nestled on the Red Sea’s shoreline, Jeddah serves as a hub of history and heritage. The timeless charm of the Al-Balad district and its souks meets the cutting-edge marvels of the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, creating a cultural journey that transcends time. The city’s iconic Corniche, fringed by blue waters and promenades, inspires further wonder of the surrounding attractions. As a crossroad of culture, commerce, and creativity, Jeddah stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s future, while honouring its storied past.
IHG Hotels & Resorts owns four properties in Jeddah, each with a distinct flair and line-up of amenities: InterContinental Hotels Jeddah, Crowne Plaza Jeddah, Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway, and Crowne Plaza Jeddah Al Salam.
Riyadh
As the dynamic capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh blends tradition and modernity for a uniquely Arabian experience. Featuring golden desert sands, buzzing city souks, and contemporary museums, Riyadh offers a cultural tapestry of attractions that immerses visitors in the city’s local rhythm. It is the beating heart of the Kingdom with lots to offer for both leisure and business travellers.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has 12 properties throughout Riyadh, uniquely designed to cater for guest preferences around affordability, location, luxury, and amenities. InterContinental Riyadh, voco Riyadh, Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace, and Holiday Inn Riyadh – The Business District are some of the city’s most popular stay options.
Taif
Located in the heights of the Sarawat Mountains, Taif is a hidden gem in the Kingdom’s touristic landscape. Known as the “City of Roses”, it’s characterised by its cool weather and fragrant gardens, offering visitors a tranquil setting in the rural fields of Saudi Arabia. Taif’s farms produce citrus fruits such as grapes, berries, and figs, and the city centre features a host of historical monuments and local markets.
The InterContinental Taif, located between the city centre and Taif Airport, blends luxury hospitality with the historic charm of the mountain destination for a uniquely immersive stay experience.
Yanbu
Saudi Arabia’s capital of diving, Yanbu, is one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable maritime cities on the West Coast. Divided into Yanbu Al Bahr, Yanbu Al Nakhal, and Yanbu Industrial, the underrated coastal oasis boasts a diverse range of treasures for travellers to discover. The city blends its seafaring heritage with historical architecture, artisan shops, local cuisine, and watersport activities for an outdoor vacation underpinned by rich Arabian tradition.
Holiday Inn Yanbu is located close to both the Red Sea and the Yanbu Prince Abdul Mohsen Airport, promising both convenience and proximity to the atmospheric port of Yanbu Old Town.
As a leading global hospitality group, IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to be set apart as a brand of choice across popular tourist destinations. With a diverse line-up of properties throughout the Kingdom, IHG guarantees a stay experience suited to visitors’ individual preferences and maintains delivery of high-quality hospitality experiences.
