Next Gen Consulting

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  • Fairmont Mumbai Appoints Chandra Sekhar D as Director of Finance

    Mumbai, June 11 : Fairmont Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of Chandra Sekhar D as Director of Finance, further strengthening the hotel’s executive leadership team as it continues to redefine luxury hospitality in India.

    Fairmont Mumbai Appoints Chandra Sekhar D as Director of Finance

    A seasoned finance professional with nearly two decades of experience across leading global hospitality brands, Chandra brings extensive expertise in financial management, strategic planning, compliance, business partnering, hotel openings, and operational excellence. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s financial strategy and governance, ensuring robust fiscal performance while supporting Fairmont Mumbai’s long-term growth ambitions.

    Chandra joins Fairmont Mumbai following his tenure as Cluster Director of Finance at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Nepal, where he played a pivotal role in supporting business strategy, driving financial performance, and building high-performing finance teams across multiple properties. Throughout his career, he has held senior finance leadership positions with Marriott Hotels India, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ascott Limited, and The Raintree Hotels, among others.

    At Fairmont Mumbai, Chandra will be responsible for steering financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, compliance, risk management, cost optimisation, and strategic decision-making. His extensive experience in hotel pre-openings, finance systems implementation, and process transformation will further support the property’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.

    Speaking on his appointment, Chandra Sekhar D said: 

    “Fairmont Mumbai represents one of the most exciting luxury hospitality projects in the country today. I am delighted to join a team that is committed to setting new benchmarks in guest experience and service excellence. My focus will be on building a strong financial foundation that supports innovation, operational agility, and long-term value creation, while enabling the hotel to achieve its ambitious growth objectives.”

    Known for his collaborative leadership style and strong business acumen, Chandra has consistently partnered with operational teams to drive profitability, enhance efficiencies, and strengthen governance frameworks. His expertise spans budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, audits, compliance, cost controls, and large-scale hotel openings across diverse hospitality markets.

    Throughout his career, Chandra has successfully led finance functions during critical growth phases, implemented automation and fintech initiatives, and guided teams through complex operational and commercial challenges. His ability to blend strategic financial oversight with hands-on operational understanding has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor and business partner within the hospitality industry.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chandra is passionate about mentoring young professionals and enjoys teaching and playing chess. He is also an advocate for continuous learning and technology-driven innovation within finance functions.

    With this appointment, Fairmont Mumbai reinforces its commitment to attracting industry-leading talent and building a leadership team capable of delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and enduring business success.

    “Chandra’s depth of financial expertise and progressive leadership experience make him a valuable addition to Fairmont Mumbai’s executive team. His strategic mindset and strong understanding of hospitality operations will play an important role in driving sustainable growth, operational agility and long-term success for the hotel.” – Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai & Roswyn, A Morgans Originals Hotel

  • Proposed NOAA Cuts Would Leave Kansans Unprepared for Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters

    New Report Lays Out Risks of Cuts for Sunflower State, From Extreme Weather Vulnerability to Drought-fueled Farm Losses

    WASHINGTON, June 11 – Today, Ocean Conservancy released a new report detailing the role that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays in supporting public safety and economic productivity in Kansas, from tornado warning systems to drought monitoring to aviation forecasting. As Congress weighs whether to pass $1.6 billion in federal budget cuts to NOAA, the report provides clarity on how cuts would impact Kansas and what leaders can do to protect NOAA services Kansans rely on. 

    “NOAA touches nearly every aspect of Americans’ lives, even in landlocked Kansas,” said Katherine Tsantiris, Ocean Conservancy’s director of government relations. “The ocean does not stop mattering at the shoreline, and Kansas weather doesn’t start at its border. Weather across the Great Plains is shaped by conditions in the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and changes thousands of miles away can have profound impacts across the state. NOAA gives Kansans the advance warning they need by spotting life-or-death threats long before they arrive.”

    Kansas has unusually high exposure to weather risk. According to NOAA estimates, Kansas has experienced 102 weather and climate disaster events with at least $1 billion in damages from 1980-2024. This year, Kansas City saw record-breaking severe weather, recording 244 severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings.

    Through an evaluation of NOAA data and government reporting, the report provides a snapshot of how the agency impacts everyday life in Kansas and supports key sectors of the Kansas economy. This includes its aerospace industry, which contributes $7 billion annually to Kansas’ gross domestic product, and its wind-powered electric generation, which supplied more than half of Kansas’ net generation in 2024. 

    Drought is among the costliest hazards to the economy, with Kansas’ 2011 losses exceeded $1.7 billion. Across Kansas and the Great Plains, ranchers use weekly U.S. Drought Monitor maps, which draws on NOAA data, to make critical decisions — and the USDA uses the U.S. Drought Monitor to determine eligibility for specific aid programs. Without this monitoring, farmers lose access to vital information and face a harder time getting aid — exactly when speed and clarity matter most.

    Key services provided by NOAA to Kansas include weather forecasting and tornado warning systems, agricultural data and drought monitoring, and aerospace and wind-power generation forecasting. The report predicts that proposed federal cuts to NOAA would likely lead to:

    • Less accurate weather forecasting.
    • Slower modernization of tornado, flood and flash-drought services.
    • Erosion of NOAA’s U.S. Drought Monitor to accurately predict drought in Kansas.
    • More expensive and uncertain infrastructure and water management operations, such as bridges and roads that rely on NOAA data to ensure they are built to withstand future climate and weather extremes.

    “American farming and ranching families work incredibly hard, but their livelihoods are often at the mercy of weather patterns shaped hundreds or even thousands of miles away,” said Jeff Watters, Ocean Conservancy’s Vice President of External Affairs. “Their success depends on having reliable, up to date information to make crucial decisions on what to plant and when, and to prepare when severe weather threatens crops, livestock and equipment. NOAA provides the forecasts, data and certainty farmers need to make these decisions with confidence.” 

    According to the report, even making targeted cuts to NOAA funding and services could have wide-ranging consequences. For example, the report explores how cuts to NOAA’s U.S. Drought Monitor, which draws on data from distant ocean conditions, would have direct impacts on Kansas ranchers, farmers and agencies. Data from the monitor feeds into NOAA’s Southern Plains Drought Early Warning System, which Kansas communities rely on for confidence and clarity when decisions are most costly and time-sensitive. It similarly explores how cuts to NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory would undermine the future readiness and safety of Kansas communities in reacting to tornados and extreme weather.

    “NOAA operates as an interconnected whole that extends well beyond the forecast people see on their phone,” said Tsantiris. “Cutting one program or service will undermine NOAA’s ability to provide timely guidance and warnings for Kansas communities. It’s like stripping key nutrients out of the soil and expecting it to produce the same harvest. It may not be obvious right away, but the entire ecosystem suffers.”

    Ahead of the September 30, 2026, deadline for Congress to decide on $1.6 billion in NOAA funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration, the report provides the following recommendations for Kansas leaders:

    • Fully fund NOAA as an integrated system, not a set of disconnected programs.
    • Protect NOAA observation systems and satellite continuity that feed weather forecasting and severe-storm monitoring.
    • Support efforts to transform innovative research into operational solutions to reduce risk and improve severe-weather warnings.
    • Maintain NOAA drought monitoring and reporting systems.
    • Support NOAA data infrastructure and applied climate services.
    • Treat NOAA operations and maintenance as public safety spending, not overhead.

    “NOAA is not a distant federal agency, it’s an integral part of our public safety net, our economy and our daily lives,” said Tsantiris. “Congress should once again stand united in rejecting proposed cuts to this critical agency. Weakening NOAA would have irreparable consequences for the safety and economic well-being of Kansas and communities across America.”
     

  • Cosmo First Advances Piyush Gupta to Lead Cosmo Speciality Chemicals as Business Head

    Cosmo First Advances Piyush Gupta to Lead Cosmo Speciality Chemicals as Business Head

    India June 11: Cosmo First Limited, a leading global manufacturer of speciality films and advanced material solutions, has announced the elevation of Mr. Piyush Gupta as the Business Head of its wholly owned subsidiary, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals Pvt Ltd. In addition to his new role, he will continue to oversee certain Global Sales and Marketing responsibilities for the company’s Cosmo Films vertical.

    As the Business Head of Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, Piyush Gupta will be responsible for driving the overall business expansion, devising long-term growth strategies, expanding to new markets and further strengthening the existing consumer base. 

    “Piyush has a proven track record of demonstrating strong leadership skills and has a deep understanding of the business along with industry expertise. He has been an integral part of Cosmo First Limited, and his elevation reflects the company’s confidence in his ability to steer the business to the next phase of growth,” said Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First.

    Piyush has spent a considerable amount of time in the Flexible Packaging and Polymeric Films Industry and has over 3 decades of rich international experience in operations, P&L oversight, multi-channel product distribution, global sales & marketing, and business development. Prior to this, he was associated with companies like JBF RAK LLC – UAE, Flex Middle East FZC – UAE & UFLEX Limited – India to name a few, in leadership positions. 

    Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Piyush Gupta, Business Head, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, said, “My journey at Cosmo First, over the years, has been enriching and I am delighted to take on the new role as the Business Head at Cosmo Speciality Chemicals. I look forward to continuing driving strategic growth at the company while keeping innovation at the helm of all operations. I am thankful to the leadership at Cosmo First for entrusting me with this new role.”

    Piyush has a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Moscow State Academy of Automobile and Tractor Machine Building in Moscow, Russia.

  • Synack and Wolfpack Information Risk Bring Sara AI Pentesting to Organizations Across South Africa

    Established partnership helps companies move from point-in-time testing to continuous security validation with AI + human expertise

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif. June 11: —Synack, the AI + human penetration testing platform is expanding its partnership with Wolfpack Information Risk, a South Africa-based specialist cybersecurity firm, to bring Sara AI Pentesting to organizations across South Africa.

    Sara AI Pentesting, powered by the Synack Autonomous Red Agent, combines agentic AI with the Synack Red Team (SRT), a globally vetted community of elite ethical hackers. Together, Sara AI Pentesting and the SRT help organizations expand coverage across their attack surface, accelerate testing, and validate real-world exploitability with greater speed and confidence.

    Wolfpack Information Risk, established in 2011 and a B-BBEE Level 1-certified company, brings deep expertise in governance, risk and compliance, penetration testing, cybersecurity consulting, and security operations to organizations across the region. Through its partnership with Synack, Wolfpack enables clients to adopt a modern model of continuous security validation, moving beyond periodic testing toward always-on assurance.

    The longstanding partnership has already delivered measurable value for customers. Leading organisations across the financial services, mining, and telecommunications sectors have engaged Synack through Wolfpack to address critical challenges in their controls assurance programme, including extended lead times, expansive technology footprints, and the need for continuous testing across rapidly changing codebases. The result has been faster pre-deployment testing, significantly reduced repeat findings, and improved mean time to remediation (MTTR).

    As attack surfaces expand and the time between vulnerability discovery and exploitation continues to shrink, organizations need security testing that keeps pace with modern adversaries. Sara AI Pentesting helps accelerate reconnaissance, attack surface mapping, and initial exploit validation at scale, while the SRT validates what is real, exploitable, and relevant to the business.

    Synack and Wolfpack will further explore these themes during a joint webinar, “AI + Human: Keeping Pace with the Modern Adversary,” on June 23, 2026. The session will discuss how companies can use continuous security validation to improve attack surface risk management, accelerate remediation, and strengthen resilience against evolving threats.

    “Giving organisations access to continuous security validation—not periodic testing—is what drives the way we build our channel,” said Angela Heindl-Schober, Chief Marketing Officer at Synack. “Wolfpack brings deep security expertise and strong relationships, and together we’re ensuring our customers have what they need to stay ahead of threats.”

    “Partnering with Synack gives our clients access to a level of continuous security validation that simply was not available to them before,” said Craig Rosewarne, Managing Director of Wolfpack Information Risk. “By combining Sara AI Pentesting, the Synack Red Team, and Wolfpack’s local expertise, organizations across our markets can move toward ongoing assurance and know that findings are real, validated, and actionable.”

  • AAEON Secures IEC 62443-4-1 Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Industrial Cybersecurity

    Certification reinforces confidence in AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process in the evolving global cybersecurity landscape.

    Taipei, Taiwan – June 11, Leading provider of advanced industrial and embedded AI computing platforms AAEON announced that it has successfully obtained IEC 62443-4-1 certification. This certification validates that AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process meets globally recognized standards in cybersecurity practices across every stage of product development.

    AAEON initiated its certification effort in June 2025, working alongside independent consulting firms to proactively review its existing practices, ahead of the full implementation of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requirements in December 2027. In addition to performing both independent and internal reviews, AAEON implemented detailed standardized procedures, such as security management documentation and supporting forms, while also undertaking comprehensive internal security awareness training programs.

    AAEON IEC 62443-4-1 Badge

     

    The certification, issued by LCIE (Laboratoire Central des Industries Électriques), France, covers eight key domain requirements, all successfully passed with an assessed Maturity Level 2. Of particular note are the key controls evaluated, such as the presence of a formalized secure development lifecycle, threat modeling and mitigation testing, and a commitment to the periodic review of security defect management practices.

    With cybersecurity threats evolving and standardized regulatory frameworks being introduced to meet them, IEC 62443-4-1 certification positions AAEON as a trusted partner for organizations seeking edge AI and industrial platforms that are both compliant and able to reduce operational risk across different industries.

    “We strive to be always ahead, and to do this we must continuously improve in all areas, including how we handle emerging cybersecurity threats.” said Howard Lin, CEO of AAEON. “To have formal recognition of how seriously we take such matters sends a clear signal to our customers that we not only adhere to stringent security practices, but that they are a cornerstone of our product development lifecycle.”

     

  • ā€˜Zā€™ garners massive advertiser demand for FIFA World Cup 2026; onboards 12 plus brands across categories

    Mumbai, June 11: Cementing the robust appeal of football and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ across the Nation, leading Content & Technology powerhouse Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’) has partnered with 12+ brands across key categories including Auto, FMCG, BFSI, Beverages, Technology, Lifestyle and many others for the greatest show on earth. Leading the sponsorship roster are – Mahindra as the Co-Presenting Sponsor, Diageo as the Co-Powered By Sponsor alongside several other marquee brands like Apple, Pernod Ricard and Mondelez that have associated with the event across platforms. 

    The Company garnered massive demand from brands as it offered customized high-impact solutions and integrated engagement opportunities across its linear and digital platforms to enhance holistic value delivery to brands and viewers alike. With a robust portfolio of 12+ brand partners already on board and active discussions underway with several others, ‘Z’ has built strong commercial momentum ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Company’s linear sports portfolio of channels under the brand name Unite8 Sports coupled with its robust digital entertainment platform – Zee 5, will leverage strong synergies to maximize reach and engagement for the global football event. 

    With customized packages across linear, digital, CTV, social and on ground integrations, brands will be able to unlock unprecedented scale and access the highly passionate consumer cohorts. Zee 5 and Unite8 Sports have designed a holistic, cross-platform strategy that enables partners to tap into the full fan journey through on-air integrations during live matches and studio programming, digital-first innovations, storytelling driven by fan narratives and on-ground activations across key markets. 

    The integrated approach ensures value addition at every stage of the consumer journey – from awareness and consideration to engagement and advocacy. By leveraging the combined strengths of Unite8 Sports and Zee 5, brands can benefit from value parity across platforms, ensuring consistent visibility, audience reach and engagement irrespective of the medium.

    This strategy allows advertisers to unlock unprecedented scale while maintaining flexibility to create bespoke campaigns tailored to specific business goals, audience segments and category requirements. 

    Speaking about the associations, Sandeep Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer – Advertisement Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said, “We are delighted to garner an extremely encouraging response from brands across categories, which further reflects the immense potential of football and the FIFA World Cup 2026, as a key sport in India. Leveraging the robust capabilities across our linear and digital platforms, we have built an unmatched offering for advertisers that enables them to be a part of the entire fan journey, from discovery to engagement. Our integrated model is aimed at delivering stronger brand recall and measurable outcomes that combine scale with storytelling. We remain confident that FIFA World Cup 2026 on ‘Z’ will set a new benchmark for sports monetization across the country.” 

    The Company is in active discussions with several other brands across Auto, FMCG, BFSI, Beverage, Technology, Lifestyle & many others across categories. With a robust advertiser lineup, ‘Z’ is well-positioned to make the FIFA World Cup 2026™ a landmark event for viewers and brand partners. The Company is taking strategic steps to further expand the footprint of football, while elevating the viewing experience for fans.

  • WSDG designs Swing Music 2.0 for Argentine composers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab

    Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 11: WSDG has completed the acoustic and technical design of Swing Music 2.0, a new dual-studio creative environment developed for acclaimed Argentine composers and producers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab, founders of leading Latin American music production company Swing Music.

    WSDG designs Swing Music 2.0 for Argentine composers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab

    Having previously collaborated with WSDG on the original Swing Music studio, Goldstein and Tarrab once again partnered with the firm, led by Senior Partner and Co-CEO Sergio Molho, to create a new generation of production spaces tailored to the evolving demands of contemporary film, television and multimedia composition.

    Designed as two distinct but interconnected creative environments, Swing Music 2.0 reflects the individual workflows and artistic personalities of its owners while maintaining a cohesive production identity. The studios support the full spectrum of modern soundtrack production, from composition and programming to recording, editing, mixing and remote collaboration.

    WSDG designs Swing Music 2.0 for Argentine composers Andres Goldstein and Daniel Tarrab

    “Over the years, the way we work has evolved enormously,” says Goldstein. “We needed spaces that could support very long creative sessions, allow us to move quickly between different stages of production, and still feel inspiring and comfortable every day. WSDG understood that immediately and translated it into rooms that genuinely support the creative process.”

    Located in Buenos Aires, the project was developed around the increasingly hybrid nature of modern music production. WSDG’s brief included acoustic design, technical integration, workflow planning, lighting design and technical interior design for both studio environments.

    Rather than creating two identical rooms, WSDG worked closely with Goldstein and Tarrab to shape each studio around their individual working methods and technical preferences.

    “Each of us has a very personal relationship with sound, instruments and workflow,” explains Tarrab. “What I appreciated most was that WSDG never approached the project with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality. They listened carefully to how we actually create music and designed spaces around that reality.”

    Goldstein’s studio, Swing Godoy Cruz, is centered around a hybrid scoring workflow and features a master Mac system alongside a dedicated Mac slave for sound libraries, a Smart TV for picture reference, Genelec 8331A monitoring, Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen interface, Avalon compressor, Studiologic control surface, keyboard controller, Beyer headphone distribution, and AKG 414 and Neumann microphones.

    Meanwhile, Tarrab’s Swing Control Z Studio combines digital production tools with an extensive collection of instruments and analog equipment. The studio features a Hackintosh master computer, PC slave, StudioLogic SL88-Grand, Studiologic SL Mixface, Avalon AD2022 preamplifier, SSL 2+ interface, Genelec 8040A monitoring, AKG 414 and Neumann U87 microphones, as well as a curated instrument collection including a 1905 Steinway & Sons Vertegrand piano, Yamaha CP70, Fender Jazz Bass and multiple Epiphone guitars.

    Throughout the project, WSDG focused on balancing acoustic precision with musicality and comfort, ensuring that both spaces could function as highly technical production environments without losing their sense of intimacy and creative character.

    “One of the most important aspects of this project was creating spaces that disappear when you’re working,” adds Goldstein. “Technically, everything performs exactly as we need it to, but emotionally the studios also feel warm, relaxed and musical. That balance is extremely difficult to achieve.”

    For Tarrab, the collaborative process itself became one of the defining strengths of the project.

    “Working with Sergio and the WSDG team felt incredibly collaborative from beginning to end,” he says. “There was a real understanding that these studios were not just technical rooms, but creative environments where ideas need to flow naturally. That level of sensitivity made a huge difference.”

    Swing Music 2.0 now serves as a flexible and future-ready production hub supporting the composers’ growing body of soundtrack, television and multimedia work. Throughout their careers, Goldstein and Tarrab have contributed to a number of internationally recognized film and television productions, including Some Who Lived, directed by Luis Puenzo and produced by Steven Spielberg; Lucía Puenzo’s XXY, which screened at Cannes in 2007; the Emmy-winning Inheritance, directed by James Moll; Netflix’s Nadie Nos Vio Partir; Prime Video’s La Jauría; and Señorita 89 for StarzPlay.

    “Swing Music 2.0 represents exactly the kind of highly personalized creative environment we are passionate about designing at WSDG,” concludes Molho. “Andres and Daniel each have their own unique artistic processes, and our goal was to create spaces that technically support those workflows while also preserving the emotional and creative energy that is so essential to music composition. The result is a pair of studios that feel deeply personal while functioning together as one cohesive production ecosystem.”

  • KEZAD Group Announces the Development of AED 112 Million SME Hub in Abu Dhabi

    The 25,260 square metre hub will serve as a launchpad for SMEs to establish and expand operations in the Emirate 

    KEZAD Group Announces the Development of AED 112 Million SME Hub in Abu Dhabi

     

    Abu Dhabi, UAE – 11 June 2026: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, has announced the development of the KEZAD SME Hub, a purpose-built business platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The SME Hub marks the Group’s first-of-its-kind development designed to support SMEs in establishing and scaling their operations in the emirate.

    Scheduled for handover before the end of this year, and located in KEZAD A (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah), the 25,260 square metre KEZAD SME Hub is designed as a practical bridge between early-stage SME incubators and full-fledged industrial market facilities. The aim of the SME Hub is to ease the transition from startup to scaled production and distribution within an integrated economic zone.

    The hub benefits from direct connectivity to Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail networks, and offers businesses access to more than 75 percent of the UAE’s urban areas within a 90-minute drive. 

    As a pioneering development, the AED 112 million hub combines Micro Industrial Units and office suites in a single model, enabling SMEs to streamline day-to-day activity, logistics and costs. Co-located within a like-minded SME community and complementary industrial activities, businesses can unlock partnership opportunities through shared services and supplier networks. 

    The hub comprises 175 flexible business-ready Micro Industrial Units starting from 100 square metres, supported by a dedicated business centre and access to KEZAD’s on-site infrastructure and business support services. 

    SMEs represent 94 percent of all businesses in the UAE, and contribute to 64 percent of the nation’s non-oil GDP. In Abu Dhabi, SMEs constitute around 98 percent of the emirate’s businesses, employ 46 percent of the workforce, and contribute to around 43 percent to its non-oil GDP. With the SME sector expected to grow to one million enterprises by 2030, SME development remains central to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy. 

    Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said: “SME sector growth is a top priority for Abu Dhabi. In alignment with the leadership’s vision, we aim to establish KEZAD as a thriving ecosystem for small and medium enterprise development in the region. The KEZAD SME Hub will serve as a launchpad for SMEs, nurturing and developing the industry with vital resources and support required to grow in a competitive market.

    Joining the hub will also enable SME investors to leverage the advantages and business support provided by KEZAD’s integrated business ecosystems.”

    Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group said: “With the SME Hub initiative, we are strengthening KEZAD’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to small and medium industries. The Hub will play a crucial role by providing early-stage support for SME startups while also enabling established SMEs to scale their operations at competitive costs within an integrated industrial environment, bridging the gap between SME incubators and the industrial market facilities needed to compete and grow.” 

    Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s economy, fuelling industrial advancement and job creation. Backed by the leadership’s vision, KEZAD continues to empower SMEs to set up, thrive, and grow into globally competitive businesses, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading destination for industry and commerce

    In this connection, KEZAD Group has signed an MoU with Emirates Growth Fund to support the development of UAE-based SMEs, combining KEZAD’s integrated industrial and logistics ecosystem with EGF’s growth capital and strategic support. The collaboration aims to help high-potential SMEs access the resources, infrastructure and guidance needed to scale their operations and compete in wider regional and global markets.

  • Armani Exchange Launches Summer 2026 Styles with a New Take on the Iconic Sync Platform

    Armani Exchange Launches Summer 2026 Styles with a New Take on the Iconic Sync Platform

    11 June: Summer styling this season embraces radiant gold tones, textured dials and polished details that effortlessly catch the light. Inspired by the energy of long sunlit days and vibrant city nights, the mood feels confident, expressive and easy to wear, blending sleek silhouettes with statement accents that transition seamlessly from daytime plans to evening moments.

    Capturing this spirit of the season, Armani Exchange introduces its new Summer 2026 watch collection featuring contemporary styles for both him and her. The collection brings together refined metallic finishes, sport inspired elements and modern silhouettes designed to balance statement style with everyday versatility, reflecting a fresh and elevated take on seasonal accessorising.

    LADIES SYNC: A NEW CHAPTER IN THE ICONIC SYNC PORTFOLIO

    Building on the success of the iconic Men’s Sync platform, one of Armani Exchange’s bestselling watch portfolios since its launch – the new Ladies Sync collection introduces a refined feminine evolution of the signature design. Retaining the platform’s clean modern aesthetic and versatile appeal, the collection reimagines Sync through polished gold finishes, sleek proportions and elevated detailing designed for contemporary styling.

    Marking the platform’s expansion into women’s watches, the collection also introduces refined new elements including a laboratory-grown diamond accent at the 6 o’clock marker, bringing a subtle touch of sophistication to the signature silhouette. 

    AX6031

    The AX6031 reinterprets the signature Sync aesthetic through a softer, more elevated lens. Defined by a textured gold-tone dial and matching stainless steel bracelet, the design balances clean lines with luminous detailing for a look that feels polished yet effortless. A laboratory-grown diamond accent at the 6-hour marker introduces a refined point of shine, while the rounded case and seamless bracelet construction create a sleek silhouette designed to move easily from day to evening. It is also available in two other colourways – Blue and Silver. 

    AX5738

    The AX5738 brings together vintage-inspired elegance and modern sophistication. A rectangular gold-tone stainless steel case is paired with a warm brown sunray dial, creating a rich, light-catching finish, while the matching bracelet adds a polished, jewellery-like appeal. Complete with clean three-hand detailing and an Adjust-O-Matic closure for a tailored fit, the design offers a refined statement that seamlessly transitions from day to night. 

    AX4298

    The AX4298 combines sharp contrast with understated sophistication through its two-tone construction and textured dial detailing. Designed with a balanced, modern aesthetic, the watch features a clean three-hand movement alongside a functional day-date display that enhances everyday wearability. The layered dial surface introduces depth and dimension, while the polished bracelet and secure clasp complete the design with a refined yet versatile finish suited for both daytime dressing and evening occasions. It is also available in three other colourways: Blue, Gunmetal and Black. 

    AX7178SET

    The AX7178SET delivers a sleek and polished statement through its dark dial contrasted against warm metallic tones. Defined by a clean case structure and minimal three-hand movement, the watch carries a sharp, contemporary presence that feels both elevated and versatile. Designed as a multi-piece set, it offers styling flexibility while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic rooted in modern sophistication and everyday ease. 

  • UP Government Strengthens Investment Promotion Efforts Through Strategic Partnership Between Invest UP and Invest India

     

    New Delhi, June 11: A key meeting was held between Invest UP and Invest India to accelerate investment growth in Uttar Pradesh. The high-level meeting, held in the presence of Invest India Managing Director and CEO Nivruti Rai, focused on exploring new investment opportunities in the state and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two organizations.

    The main objective of the meeting was to enhance cooperation in investment promotion, identify new investment opportunities across key sectors, and facilitate the implementation of investment projects in Uttar Pradesh. Special discussions were held on joint strategies to attract and facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging their respective strengths and expertise to position Uttar Pradesh as one of India’s most attractive investment destinations.

    UP Government Strengthens Investment Promotion Efforts Through Strategic Partnership Between Invest UP and Invest India

    During the meeting, Nivruti Rai gave a detailed presentation on the national investment landscape, the progress of major projects across various states, and emerging trends in investment promotion. The presentation provided valuable insights into opportunities across sectors, investor expectations, and strategies that could be adopted to attract both domestic and global investments.

    The discussions also focused on improving investor outreach, strengthening the investment facilitation mechanism, and enhancing coordination between state and national investment promotion agencies. Both organizations expressed their commitment to working together to ensure faster project implementation, stronger engagement with investors, and a seamless investment experience.

    The meeting was attended by Invest UP CEO Vijay Kiran Anand, Additional CEO Prerna Sharma, Shashank Chaudhary, and other senior officials of the department. The dialogue reflected a shared commitment to driving economic growth through strategic investments and establishing Uttar Pradesh as a preferred destination for global investors.

    The collaboration between Invest India and Invest UP will further strengthen the state’s investment ecosystem and provide fresh momentum to Uttar Pradesh’s long-term economic growth and development goals.

     

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