Author: dailyguardian.ae

Despite global conflicts and recent regional unrest, Dubai’s economy, driven by key sectors, remained steadfast in its recovery. The performance of the tourism sector reflects as much, a new report showed on Thursday. According to Cavendish Maxwell’s Dubai’s Hospitality Sector Market Performance, in 2023, the city welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors, surpassing its previous high of 16.73 million in 2019 and the 14.36 million recorded in 2022. Moreover, the tourism sector’s GDP contribution is expected to have nearly doubled this year from 2021 to 36.1 per cent, and is forecasted to reach 2019 levels once again, by 2024. To continue…

The Dubai World Cup is well-supported by two cracking turf contests, the $ 6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) and the $ 5 million Dubai Turf (G1), both of which have attracted a stellar cast. Both races are run back-to-back and are the perfect appetizer before the showpiece. A field of 12, including 2022 winner Shahryar who is aiming to become the first horse to win the 2,400-metre contest twice, will face the starter in the penultimate thriller on the night. Shahryar heads a formidable Japanese team which includes top fillies Liberty Island and Stars On Earth who will…

Mastercard report finds human connections and technological innovation are key for Cities of the Future   The Mastercard Cities of the Future Report taps into the aspirations of urban inhabitants across Middle East and North Africa focusing on UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. 58% of respondents consider AI and machine learning the most important technologies to make future cities smarter. Doha, Qatar; 28 March 2024 – Three in four people would be happier living in a smart and connected city, according to a new report by Mastercard, which features insights related to human aspirations and technological progress for smart cities…

Bitcoin is increasingly seen as a strong store of value, and a there are a range of different ways you can take advantage of its big swings in price to generate some profit for yourself, or create a digital nest egg for the future. But futures and ETFs aside, if you want to own your own Bitcoin, and follow the mantra of “Not your keys, not your coins,” then you’ll need to buy Bitcoin directly. Fortunately, buying Bitcoin today is more straightforward than ever before, with a wide range of methods for doing so. Here’s our favorite. Sign up to…

Construction for the endowment university in Dubai, expected to be operated by an American university, is set to commence by the end of 2024. This development comes after Sobha Realty announced a charitable grant agreement with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). ‘Giving back’ The details were revealed during an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times on Thursday, with PNC Menon, Founder and Chairman of Sobha Group who emphasised that this initiative is his means to repay society and express gratitude to the UAE. “The Government here is one of the most proactive governments. The kind of support…

The United Nations on Thursday said it was “deeply disturbed” by attacks on healthcare facilities, a day after several strikes blamed on Israel killed 10 emergency rescue workers in southern Lebanon. “The tragic events of the past 36 hours have resulted in a significant loss of life and injuries in south Lebanon. Up to 11 civilians were killed in a single day, including 10 paramedics,” said Imran Riza, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon. There has been near-daily cross-border fire between Lebanon’s Hezbollah, an ally of Palestinian militant group Hamas, and Israel since Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on…

Adnoc Distribution has confirmed shareholder approval for a new five-year dividend policy and the appointment of new board members. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to its new five-year growth strategy enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, and advanced technology. The company’s new dividend policy for 2024-2028 sets an annual dividend of $700 million or a minimum of 75 per cent of net profits, whichever is higher. At the AGM, shareholders approved distributing Dh1.285 billion in dividends for the second half of 2023, equivalent to 10.285 fils per share, expected to be paid in April 2024. This brings the total…

In the fashion industry, the power of image reigns supreme, capable of reshaping the destiny of brands. Consider the legendary impact of Cindy Crawford’s endorsement for Pepsi Cola during the 1992 Super Bowl, or Nicole Kidman’s collaboration with Chanel to rejuvenate the timeless fragrance, Chanel No. 5. It is a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry which is riding on the shoulders of creative souls with models being the epicentre of it all. Yet, it’s a tricky profession, marked by the notion of a finite shelf life. Enter Fouzia, a supermodel from Pakistan who defies such limitations through her remarkable adaptability and influence in…

Maryam Zahra is a 26-year-old, stay-at-home mum from Pakistan. She has a seven-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter and has been living in Sharjah for eight years. She learnt her toughest financial lessons amidst her mother’s battle with cancer. It inspired her to dedicate more time to plan for her and her family’s future, living out the childhood lessons her mother had instilled in her many years ago. If you had to write a letter to money, what would you say? Dear Money, I’ve been angry with you for a long time because you weren’t there when my mother was…

While the indomitable Tadhg O’Shea has virtually locked up an unprecedented 12th UAE Jockey’s Championship for the 2023-2024, UAE racing season which culminates on April 5 at Al Ain, the race for honours among trainers is down to the wire in a thrilling title fight. Jebel Ali Stables handler Michael Costa leads former champion Bhupat Seemar by two winners with only three race meetings remaining this season. Costa, only in his second year in the UAE, has been a revelation delivering a transformatory season for the yellow stables. The Australian turned around the yard’s fortunes with 36 winners since the…