Blog

  • The MENA Fintech Association and Swiss Fintech Association Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Global Fintech Integration…

    The MENA Fintech Association and Swiss Fintech Association Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Global Fintech Integration, Cross-Border Innovation, and Ecosystem Empowerment

    Mena

     

    June 15 – Abu Dhabi, UAE – The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) and the Swiss Fintech Association (SFTA)  announced a landmark strategic partnership designed to advance a new era of cross-border collaboration, ecosystem integration, and innovation-led financial transformation across global markets.

    This alliance reflects a shared conviction that the future of financial services will be defined by interconnected ecosystems, seamless knowledge exchange, and the collective empowerment of institutions, innovators, and talent across geographies.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed with the Swiss Fintech Association, represented by its President, Phillip Weights, marking a significant milestone in strengthening institutional ties between the two ecosystems. The engagement was held under the presence and facilitation of H.E. Arthur Mattli, Ambassador – Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates & Kingdom of Bahrain, whose support underscored the strategic importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in financial innovation and reinforcing cross-border ecosystem linkages.

    Philip J. Weights, SFTA President, comments: “This strategic MOU between the Swiss FinTech Association (SFTA) in Zurich and the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) in Dubai creates a powerful cross-border corridor for wealth, innovation, and digital finance. It establishes a bridge between two of the world’s most prominent financial technology hubs.”

    “This alliance is a defining step toward deepening cross-border collaboration and co-creating the future of financial innovation between our two ecosystems. It reflects a shared ambition to enable sustainable growth and global connectivity in fintech.” — Nameer Khan, Chairman, MENA Fintech Association

     

  • Euro Pratik Launches STONITE: A New Range of Liquid Metal Finish Panels for Luxury Interior Spaces

    Mumbai, June 15, 2026: Euro Pratik Sales Limited, a leading seller and marketer of decorative wall panels and interior surface solutions, today announced the launch of STONITE, an innovative range of Liquid Metal Finish Panels designed to redefine contemporary interior aesthetics. Combining the elegance of metallic textures with the practicality of ready-to-install decorative surfaces, STONITE offers architects, interior designers, developers, and homeowners a premium solution for creating visually striking spaces.

    Inspired by global design trends and manufactured in Korea, STONITE panels deliver the luxurious appearance of metal-finished surfaces while offering superior ease of installation, durability, and design flexibility. The collection has been curated to meet the growing demand for sophisticated interior materials that seamlessly blend aesthetics, functionality, and performance.

    A key differentiator of STONITE is its ability to combine matching wall panels, louvers, and laminates within a single coordinated design language. This integrated approach enables architects and designers to create seamless, visually cohesive interiors while simplifying material selection and execution across projects.

    Elevating Modern Interior Design

    The STONITE range has been developed to bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to interior environments across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and institutional projects. The liquid metal finish creates a unique reflective effect that adds depth, texture, and character to spaces, enabling designers to create statement walls, feature surfaces, partitions, furniture facades, and decorative applications.

    With intricate surface detailing and a wide range of contemporary textures and finishes, STONITE empowers designers to achieve premium aesthetics while simplifying execution and reducing installation complexities.

    Commenting on the launch, Mr. Pratik Singhvi, Chairman & Managing Director, Euro Pratik Sales Limited, said:

    “At Euro Pratik, we continuously strive to bring innovative global surface solutions to the Indian market that combine design excellence, functionality, and long-term value. STONITE reflects our commitment to offering premium interior solutions that address the evolving needs of architects, designers, developers, and discerning consumers.

    The demand for distinctive interior surfaces is growing rapidly as customers seek unique design experiences without compromising on quality, durability, and ease of installation. STONITE offers a unique combination of matching laminates, louvers, and wall panels that helps create cohesive interior environments while simplifying execution. The integrated system enables less wastage on overlapping and improves material utilization across projects. Manufactured in ISO-certified facilities and containing highly recyclable material, the collection also supports Go Green initiatives, making it a versatile choice for modern residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces.”

    Designed for Performance and Sustainability

    Beyond aesthetics, STONITE has been engineered to deliver long-term performance across diverse applications. The panels are water resistant, termite resistant, and borer resistant, making them suitable for high-use environments where durability and low maintenance are essential.

    In addition, the ready-to-use format enables quicker installation and minimizes material wastage during application, which helps improve project efficiency while reducing overall resource consumption.

    Strengthening Euro Pratik’s Decorative Surfaces Portfolio

    The launch of STONITE further strengthens Euro Pratik’s position as a comprehensive provider of decorative wall panels and interior surface solutions. The addition complements the company’s extensive portfolio of decorative panels, laminates, veneers, boards, and allied interior products, enabling customers to access a wider range of globally inspired design solutions under a single trusted brand.

    As demand for premium interiors continues to rise across India, Euro Pratik remains focused on introducing innovative, sustainable, and design-led products that help architects, designers, developers, and homeowners create spaces that are both functional and visually distinctive.

  • Dr. Sangeeta Baid Launches Read, Reflect & Rise at Taj Connemara, Chennai

    DR. SANGEETA BAID LAUNCHES READ, REFLECT & RISE AT TAJ CONNEMARA, CHENNAI

     

    Chennai, June 15, 2026: Author Dr. Sangeeta Baid today launched her book Read, Reflect & Rise at a well-attended event held at the Ballroom, Taj Connemara, Chennai. The evening brought together family members, friends, professionals, readers, distinguished guests, and members of the media to celebrate the launch of a book focused on personal growth, self-awareness, and purposeful living.

    The book was formally unveiled by the Chief Guests, Sri Daman Prakash Ji Rathore and Dr. Saranya Jaikumar, who congratulated Dr. Sangeeta Baid on her literary contribution and appreciated the book’s focus on self-reflection, personal development, and value-based living.

    The event featured the ceremonial unveiling of the book followed by an engaging session that celebrated the author’s journey and accomplishments. One of the highlights of the evening was a special audience interaction segment moderated by the event anchor. Through a series of questions, family members, friends, and well-wishers of Dr. Sangeeta Baid shared personal anecdotes and insights about her journey, values, and dedication. Their heartfelt responses received warm appreciation and applause from the audience, offering a deeper glimpse into the person behind the author.

    Unlike conventional self-help books, Read, Reflect & Rise combines inspiring stories with reflection exercises, journal prompts, quizzes, and practical challenges, encouraging readers to actively engage with the lessons and apply them in their daily lives. The book explores key values including belief, balance, bravery, compassion, communication, confidence, commitment, and personal responsibility.

    Guests appreciated the book’s practical approach and its ability to connect timeless life lessons with contemporary challenges. Many described it as a guide for individuals seeking greater clarity, resilience, and purpose in both their personal and professional lives.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sangeeta Baid said, “This book is an invitation to pause, reflect on our experiences, learn from them, and rise stronger. True transformation begins when we become willing to look within.”

    The evening concluded with a networking dinner and book-signing session, where guests interacted with the author, shared their feedback, and congratulated her on the successful launch.

    Read, Reflect & Rise is now available for purchase on Amazon. Readers can order their copy at:

    https://www.amazon.in/READ-REFLECT-RISE/dp/9369107630

    About the Author

    Dr. Sangeeta Baid is an author, speaker, and advocate of personal growth and conscious living. Through her work, she seeks to inspire individuals to embrace self-awareness, cultivate positive values, and lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

    About the Book

    Read, Reflect & Rise is a transformational book designed to help readers develop self-awareness and positive life values through stories, reflective exercises, and actionable insights. It aims to inspire meaningful personal growth by encouraging readers to read with intention, reflect with honesty, and rise with confidence.

     

  • Dubai’s luxury villa rental market hits new heights

    Dubai's luxury villa rental market hits new heights

     

    New tenancy contracts above AED1 million jump 27% in value over first five months of 2026

    Dubai, UAE, 15th June, 2026: Dubai’s luxury villa rental market has grown sharply in value over the first five months of the year, with a decisive shift toward ultra-luxury price brackets, and Palm Jumeirah emerging as the standout location.

    fäm Properties market analysis issued today reveals that the annualised value of new rental contracts above AED1 million increased by 27% year-on-year to AED509 million from AED400 million between January and May 2026.

    The report also shows that the annualised value of renewed tenancy contracts for villas above AED1 million rose by 28% to AED114 million from AED89 million over the same period.

    Data from DXBinteract reveals that while luxury rental transaction volumes remained steady, the upward shift in value was driven by more activity in higher price brackets. This trend was most visible in the AED2-3 million range, where new contracts rose 21% and renewals 17%.

    At the ultra-luxury end, nine new annual tenancy contracts were recorded in the AED5-10 million band, with a further seven exceeding AED10 million. Overall, 67.3% of all contracts signed between January and May 2026 were for a 12-month duration.

    Palm Jumeirah dominated both transaction volumes and annualised rental value, recording the highest number of new and renewed contracts above AED1 million across all villa communities.

    Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said: “Demand at the luxury and ultra-luxury end of the rental market has remained resilient over the last few months. Tenants at this level are not only choosing Dubai, they are prepared to pay significantly more to live here, and that sends a clear signal about the sustained confidence in this market.”

    The value of new contracts above AED1 million on Palm Jumeirah reached AED113 million between January and May, up 14% from AED99 million in 2025, while renewed contracts rose 15% to AED37 million from AED32 million.

    The strongest growth in new contract values was recorded at Dubai Hills Estate, where annualised rental value rose 37% to AED87 million from AED63 million.

    The highest volume of new rental contracts above AED1 million was 36 at Palm Jumeirah, ahead of Dubai Hills Estate at 35 and District One Mohammed Bin Rashid City at 22. Palm Jumeirah also led with 16 renewed rental contracts above AED1 million.

    In each case, the majority of rental contracts above AED1 million were new agreements – 69% at Palm Jumeirah, 85% at Dubai Hills Estate and 63% at District One MBR City.

  • World Food Safety Day: How Pre-Portioned Foods are Helping Urban Homes Achieve Zero Wastage

    World Food Safety Day: How Pre-Portioned Foods are Helping Urban Homes Achieve Zero Wastage

     

    June 15: World Food Safety Day, marked each year by the United Nations along with WHO and FAO, is about one simple truth: safe food practices start at home. The day reminds us that food safety is everyone’s responsibility, from farmers and producers to families in their kitchens. For urban households, managing kitchens efficiently while reducing food waste has become increasingly important as people look for healthier, more sustainable ways of living.

    Fresh produce and proteins often spoil quickly during humid months, leading to unnecessary wastage. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) cautions that bacteria such as Salmonella, and Campylobacter multiply rapidly between 4°C and 60°C the “Danger Zone” doubling in as little as 20 minutes. To counter this, many families are turning to frozen and Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) foods, which let them cook only what they need while keeping nutrition, taste, and quality intact for longer.

    Food safety isn’t just about storage it’s also about knowing where food comes from and how it’s handled. The farm-to-fork approach builds transparency and trust, giving consumers confidence in the meals they prepare.

    Equally important is learning to read food labels. Terms like “BBE” (Best Before End), “IQF” (Individually Quick Frozen), “HPP” (High Pressure Processing), and “FD” (Freeze Dried) help consumers make smarter choices about freshness, shelf life, and storage.

    Anushree Dewen, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Godrej Foods, said: “At Godrej Foods, we believe food safety is not just a standard it’s a promise. From sourcing to packaging, we are embedding safety practices at every step. More people today are choosing frozen foods because they want convenience without compromising on hygiene or nutrition. By offering options that help reduce waste and keep meals wholesome, we’re supporting safer and smarter kitchen habits for urban homes.”

  • Stupa Sports’ Advanced Decision Review System to power Rugby Premier League Season 2

    Gurugram, June 15: Stupa Sports, the leading global AI-powered sports technology and analytics firm, today announced that its cutting-edge Advanced Decision Review System (ADRS) is all set to power the upcoming Rugby Premier League (RPL) Season 2, scheduled to take place from June 16 to June 28, 2026, at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The tournament will bring together the country’s top rugby talent in a fast-paced, high-intensity format.

    As part of this collaboration, Stupa will deploy its advanced, operator-led video review capabilities to support match officials and medical teams throughout the tournament. The system integrates multi-angle camera feeds with frame-by-frame playback, slow-motion analysis, and zoom functionalities (as available in broadcast feeds), enabling faster, more accurate on-field decision-making. Additionally, Stupa’s real-time clipping and replay technology will ensure that key incidents are reviewed instantly, with decisive clips delivered within a turnaround time of two minutes.

    This partnership marks a significant milestone for Stupa Sports as it expands beyond its stronghold in racquet sports such as table tennis and badminton into the dynamic world of rugby. Known for delivering federation-certified tracking and analytics solutions in high-speed racquet sports, Stupa’s entry into a full-contact team sport like rugby underscores the scalability and adaptability of its AI-driven sports technology platform.

    Megha Gambhir, CEO and Co-Founder of Stupa Sports, commemorating the partnership, said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Rugby Premier League for Season 2. It represents an exciting step forward for us. Rugby is a fast, high-impact sport where decision accuracy and response time are critical, not just for fairness, but also for player safety. Our advanced DRS capabilities are designed to empower referees and medical teams with precise, real-time visual evidence. Expanding into rugby reflects our broader vision of building a multi-sport technology platform that can enhance officiating standards across diverse sporting ecosystems.”

    Sourojit Ghosh, General Manager – HP & T&E, Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), expressed his thoughts with “At Rugby India, player welfare and match integrity remain at the heart of everything we do. In line with World Rugby’s player welfare and match official standards, our partnership with Stupa strengthens our ability to make accurate, timely, and evidence-based decisions during matches. Their advanced video review capabilities provide valuable support to referees and medical teams, particularly in critical areas such as foul play review and head injury assessment protocols. By integrating this technology into our competitions, we are reinforcing our commitment to safer rugby, consistent officiating, and the highest standards of player welfare across the game.”

    With this deployment at the Rugby 7s tournament in Hyderabad, Stupa continues to demonstrate the versatility of its technology across sporting formats. From precision tracking in racquet sports to real-time video-assisted review systems in contact team sports, the company is steadily building a comprehensive sports intelligence ecosystem designed to serve leagues, federations, and emerging tournaments globally.

    The partnership further consolidates Stupa Sports’ expanding footprint within the sports ecosystem. Much like its recent landmark milestones – including the BWF certification of its AI-powered Instant Review System for all sanctioned badminton tournaments, its role as Data and Technology Partner for the Pickleball Champions League Asia Finals, the deployment of Stupa Cast for the Generali Hexagon Cup Padel tournament, and its provision of AI analytics for Major League Table Tennis and the Prime Volleyball League, along with its growing footprint in Oceania through agreements with Table Tennis Australia – this partnership reinforces Stupa’s position as an Indian firm leading technology innovation across multiple sports and federations globally.

  • AAEON to Demonstrate Next-Generation Vision-Guided Robotics at Automate 2026

     

    Make sure to visit AAEON at Booth #4251 of McCormick Place, Chicago, IL to see the latest in intelligent automation technology.

    AAEON to Demonstrate Next-Generation Vision-Guided Robotics at Automate 2026

     

    Orange, California – June 15:  AAEON, an industry-leading provider of industrial automation and edge AI platforms, announced that it will present a range of new and upcoming products from across its portfolio at Automate Show and Conference, one of the largest and most influential automation events in the Americas.

    Taking place from June 22nd to June 25th, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, Automate is expected to host thousands of professionals from over 100 countries to explore solutions driving the future of industry.

    Date: June 22nd – 25th, 2026

    Booth: #4251

    Venue: McCormick Place, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

    At booth 4251, AAEON will present a live robotics demonstration featuring its upcoming CEXD-INTRBL, an open robotic development system powered by the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. Custom-built for the next generation of advanced robotics development, the CEXD-INTRBL will be used as the primary edge device for a robotic arm capable of 360° GMSL camera-guided manipulation, demonstrating how manufacturers can accelerate the deployment of vision-guided robotics, reduce integration complexity, and advance robotics toward greater autonomy.

    Alongside its live demonstration, AAEON will also present a range of products from across its business units. One of the stand-out products on show will be the BOXER-8741AI, powered by NVIDIA Jetson T5000 module. Also from AAEON’s AI system collection will be the BOXER-8645AI, an AI@Edge Fanless Embedded AI System powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin, which was honored with the Golden Award at the COMPUTEX 2025 Best Choice Award.

    From its single-board and development kit lineup, AAEON will showcase products across form factors, selected for their suitability as foundations upon which automation solutions can be built. Particularly noteworthy products on show include the UP Xtreme PTL Edge, built on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, and the uCOM-Q6490, an upcoming SMARC module powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 SoC.

    Make sure to visit AAEON at booth #4251, where experts from both AAEON and will be on-site to provide full rundowns of the demonstration, give insight into the platforms on show, and explore how AAEON’s product roadmap can help visitors implement AI-powered automation platforms for their projects.

  • De Beers Group Introduces Desert Diamonds Icons

    LAS VEGAS, US –  15 June 2026 – At the annual JCK Las Vegas Show – the largest jewellery event in the global calendar – De Beers Group today set out its view on the way forward for the natural diamond sector, calling on the trade to work together to capitalise on the early success of the Desert diamonds ‘beacon’ campaign with the introduction of Desert diamonds Icons.

    The Desert diamonds beacon campaign launched in late 2025 and has already succeeded in shaping consumer demand for both natural diamonds in general and coloured diamonds in particular, with natural diamond sales at US independents increasing 4% in Q4 2025 and 9% in Q1 2026, while those in the K to Z colour range have seen even stronger growth, up 15% in Q4 2025 and 19% in Q1 2026.

    Following the launch of Desert diamonds Bridal earlier this year, Desert diamonds Icons will focus on bringing a sense of newness and individuality to four iconic jewellery design classics – stud earrings, the eternity band, the tennis bracelet and the halo pendant – which between them comprise 70% of diamond jewellery acquisitions. Launching in September, the campaign will include training and marketing support for all retailers.

    During a keynote presentation, De Beers Group executives stated that while demand has performed well for larger natural diamonds and this has supported stable retail sales value for natural diamond jewellery, it is critical for industry participants to work together on the campaign to drive demand across the natural diamond category as a whole.

    With the campaign benefitting from the diamond industry’s biggest natural diamond marketing budget in 15 years, Desert diamonds is expected to deliver enhanced retail impact in 2026, based on a range of positive data points from its initial run. Growth in natural diamond desirability, online searches for natural diamonds, and increased coloured natural diamond sales across independent jewellers all highlight that the momentum behind the campaign is building. Noting that the 2026 campaign run will also benefit from a geo-targeting approach that directs consumers to specific retailers carrying Desert diamonds, De Beers executives encouraged the entire trade to support the fast-growing trend by stocking Desert diamonds Icons products and by signing up to Promoboxx to access marketing materials and participate in geo-targeting.

    The presentation also included a summary of key consumer and industry insights published today in The Diamond Report, highlighting how commercial dynamics are evolving at pace for US jewellery retailers as the synthetic lab-grown diamond sector matures while consumer interest in natural diamonds grows.

    Speaking at the presentation, Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Consumer desire for natural diamonds is strong – but we need to work together as an industry in support of Desert diamonds to unlock the full value of the opportunity. The results from the campaign’s initial run demonstrate how it is already stimulating demand, and with Desert diamonds Icons we are doubling down at a critical moment.

    “The jewellery retail landscape is evolving at pace. With the sustained falls in price of synthetic lab-grown diamonds, and large falls in demand for larger synthetic lab-grown diamonds, there may be challenges ahead for retailers who focus on synthetic lab-grown diamonds.”

    “However, with challenge comes opportunity, and the growing success of the Desert diamonds campaign is evident. As we head into the campaign’s second year, with the industry supported by the largest category marketing budget in 15 years, the natural way forward is clear to see.”

    De Beers Group also reported in its presentation how collaboration continues deliver progress in other areas, with GIA’s purchase of an equity share in Tracr supporting the platform’s path to independence and providing the potential for it to scale faster across the sector. Meanwhile, the Natural Diamond Council has put in place a compelling new strategy on the back of its growing budget, as more diamond producing countries and trade bodies have provided funding, and will introduce a new natural diamond trust mark to support consumer confidence through visible differentiation between natural diamonds and synthetic lab-grown diamonds.

  • Uber Celebrates Egypt’s Opening Match with a Special 90% Ride Discount for Fans

    Cairo, Egypt — June 14, 2026 — Football has always held a special place in the hearts of Egyptians. From packed cafés and family gatherings to friends coming together to cheer for the national team, match days create moments that unite millions across the country.

    As Egypt prepares to face Belgium in its opening match on 15 June, Uber is launching a special limited-time promotion, making it easier for riders to get together and enjoy the game with those who matter most.

    Beginning two hours before kick-off, riders can enjoy 90% off their ride fare, up to EGP 90, for a limited two-hour window. The offer is inspired by the 90 minutes that bring Egyptians together, whether they are heading to a local café, gathering with friends and family, or joining supporters to cheer on the national team.

    As communities across Egypt prepare to rally behind the team, Uber is marking the occasion by giving back to riders and helping them be part of the match-day atmosphere.

    The promotion will be available exclusively during the two hours leading up to the match and can be redeemed directly through the Uber app.

  • Perseverance, Focus and Discipline Are the Foundation of My Success: World Champion Esha Singh

    Lifespan Pays Tribute to Legendary Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana

    Hyderabad, June 13: Lifespan Private Limited organized a grand felicitation ceremony in Hyderabad to honour its Brand Ambassador, Esha Singh, for her remarkable performance at the ISSF World Cup 2026 held in Munich, Germany. Esha brought immense pride to the nation by winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event and setting a new World Record.

    To celebrate this historic achievement, Lifespan felicitated Esha Singh in the presence of distinguished dignitaries and guests.

    The event was attended by Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, as the Chief Guest. Soni Bala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), and Gareth Wyn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Narendra Ram Nambula, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Lifespan Private Limited, congratulated Esha Singh on her historic accomplishment.

    “Esha Singh’s extraordinary achievement is a proud moment for the entire nation. As Lifespan’s Brand Ambassador, she embodies perseverance, dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We are delighted to celebrate her success and remain committed to encouraging sporting talent that inspires future generations,” he said.

    Addressing the gathering, Esha Singh expressed her gratitude to her coaches, family members, supporters and well-wishers who stood by her throughout her journey. She encouraged young athletes to pursue their goals with focus, discipline and unwavering commitment.

    “Perseverance, focus and discipline have been the foundation of my success. I hope my journey inspires young sportspersons to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals,” she said.

    As a mark of respect, the gathering observed a one-minute silence in memory of Jaspal Rana, the legendary shooting coach whose immense contribution to Indian shooting has inspired generations of athletes. The attendees fondly remembered his invaluable role in the development of the sport and his lasting legacy in nurturing young talent.

    The felicitation ceremony reflected Lifespan’s continued commitment to promoting health, fitness and sporting excellence while supporting athletes who bring glory to the nation.