Category: Business

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, today announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

In 2024, AD Ports Group signed a 15-year concession agreement with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority to manage, develop, and operate the three cruise terminals and associated ferry operations on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port welcomed the arrival of “Aroya”, the largest mega cruise ship ever to dock directly in the coastal city, marking the beginning of a new era for cruise tourism in the Red Sea.

Aroya’s arrival at Sharm El Sheikh was enabled by the Egyptian Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority’s upgrades to the port’s docking capabilities, delivered in close collaboration with AD Ports Group. 

Noura R. Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business, AD Ports Group, said: “The launch of AD Ports Group’s cruise and ferry terminal services in Egypt underscores our commitment to advancing cruise tourism across the Red Sea, while driving sustainable economic value in the markets where we operate. Through close collaboration with our partners, we will continue to elevate passenger experience by delivering world-class facilities and seamless services.”

The arrival of “Aroya” in Sharm El Sheikh marks the first of several scheduled calls by the mega cruise vessel in 2026, reinforcing Sharm El Sheikh’s position, alongside Hurghada and Safaga, as regular destinations on regional and international cruise itineraries. Aside from its main cruise terminal operations in the UAE, the Group also manages and operates the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Jordan through a partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC).

Egypt and the Red Sea are a focus of AD Ports Group’s expanding global network of integrated trade, transport, and logistics facilities. Beyond its container feeder shipping and stevedoring services, the Group in Egypt this year will inaugurate Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a USD 200 million multipurpose cargo terminal and major trade gateway for southern (Upper) Egypt. The Group is also developing the 20 km² KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park with Egyptian partners at the Mediterranean mouth of the Suez Canal.

In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (USD 279 million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), and subsequently moved to acquire a majority stake in the company.

The commencement of passenger ferry and cruise terminal services in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga, marks the latest milestone in the Group’s ongoing investment in Egypt, and its support of Egypt’s cruise tourism and maritime connectivity ambitions.

Metal Park, a 500,000 sqm ecosystem established in 2021 in Abu Dhabi with an investment of AED 540 million, has announced the launch of Phase Two of its integrated industrial ecosystem during the Make it in the Emirates 2026, marking a significant milestone in enabling international metal companies to establish and scale operations in the UAE without upfront capital investment. 

Following the successful delivery and utilisation of Phase One, the new expansion will introduce more than 700,000 square feet of industrial units dedicated to metal processing and fabrication, further reinforcing Metal Park’s position as the world’s first fully integrated plug & play ecosystem for the metals industry.

Built around a flexible operational model, Phase Two is designed to simplify industrial growth by combining plug & play infrastructure with pay-as-you-go flexibility, enabling companies to begin operations immediately while scaling according to demand. The expansion aligns directly with the UAE’s national industrial agenda and the vision behind “Make it in the Emirates,” shifting the focus from ownership-driven industrial development to operational readiness and utilisation.

“Industrialisation is no longer about waiting to build, it is about starting to produce,” said Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park. “Phase Two continues that shift by enabling companies to enter the market faster, operate with greater flexibility, and scale with confidence as demand grows.”

Phase Two will significantly expand Metal Park’s industrial and logistics capabilities through the addition of more than 700,000 square feet of fabrication and processing units, alongside over 130,000 tonnes of new storage capacity. This expansion will strengthen the Storage Hub in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), bringing Metal Park’s total storage capacity across Abu Dhabi and Fujairah close to 450,000 tonnes. The ecosystem also continues to offer an independent fulfilment model where storage is provided on a per MT/CBM per day basis, removing the need for fixed warehousing commitments and long-term space leasing.

As part of its continued expansion strategy, Metal Park has also strengthened its presence in Fujairah to complement its KEZAD operations and establish a resilient dual-hub logistics structure. This integrated model supports uninterrupted metal flows across the UAE and regional markets, covering import, export, inland distribution, storage, processing, and fabrication through one connected ecosystem designed to streamline both operational and financial flows.

Beyond industrial infrastructure, Phase Two will also introduce expanded facilities aimed at enhancing collaboration and operational support for ecosystem members and partners. These developments include the expansion of the Business Centre with flexible office solutions, the creation of a dedicated Community Centre for partnerships and industry engagement, and enhancements to the Support Centre offering maintenance, testing, packaging, and operational services.

Metal Park has evolved from concept to a fully operational industrial ecosystem, with both its Production and Storage Hubs actively utilised by a growing network of regional and international companies. Phase Two represents the next stage of this evolution, focused on scaling industrial capacity, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and redefining how metal companies establish and grow operations in the UAE.

Hyderabad, May 19: Apollo Hospitals today announced that celebrated music composer and playback singer Mr. Anirudh Ravichander has been chosen as the brand ambassador for ProHealth by Apollo Hospitals, an AI-powered, personalised, predictive, and preventive health program. With this partnership, Apollo Hospitals is launching a national campaign designed to connect with younger audiences and encourage a preventive care mindset: don’t wait for health issues to show up – stay ahead of them.

For millions of young Indians balancing demanding jobs, unpredictable routines, poor sleep, stress, and always-on lifestyles, health often slips to the bottom of the priority list. But Apollo’s latest Health of the Nation 2026 Report shows that these everyday habits are already leading to rising lifestyle risks, including obesity, prehypertension, and early diabetes markers, especially among young corporate professionals. 

The new integrated ProHealth campaign taps directly into this reality. By combining cinematic storytelling, cultural relevance, and Anirudh’s strong connection with youth, Apollo aims to make preventive healthcare feel less like a medical task and more like a smart, empowering lifestyle choice. The focus is on helping young people see health not as something to react to later, but something to actively manage now. 

“Anirudh’s energy and cultural currency make him the definitive voice to lead this behavioural shift,” said Ms. Sindoori Reddy, Director – Strategy, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. “With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rising sharply among young people, early intervention is critical. ProHealth reflects our brand’s evolution: shifting the consumer mindset from reactive illness management to proactive lifestyle ownership by putting predictive AI directly in their hands.” 

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Anirudh Ravichander said, “Health is something we often take for granted until it demands our attention. ProHealth makes it easy to understand your health and stay ahead of risks. I am proud to partner with Apollo Hospitals to help more people choose preventive care and invest in their long-term well-being.”

More than a celebrity-led association, the integrated ProHealth campaign is designed to spark a wider conversation around preventive healthcare among younger audiences who often delay or overlook regular health checks. Through relatable storytelling, engaging public-facing content, and a culturally resonant campaign voice, Apollo wants to make preventive health part of everyday thinking for a generation that is constantly on the move.

The campaign also breaks away from traditional healthcare communication by avoiding fear-led messaging and medical jargon. Instead, it uses humour, familiarity, and everyday moments to reframe preventive care as something modern, empowering, and relevant. The campaign brings together Mr. Gautham Vasudev Menon’s signature observational storytelling and Mr. Anirudh Ravichander’s youth appeal to create a narrative that feels fresh, contemporary, and easy to connect with. 

ProHealth goes beyond a conventional health check-up by combining advanced diagnostics, AI-powered risk prediction, expert doctor guidance, and continuous digital health support to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health. Integrated with the Apollo 24|7 app, it offers personalised health insights, ongoing digital nudges, progress tracking, and specialised evaluations of lifestyle, metabolic, and chronic disease markers. Built on insights from over 28 million health checks and Apollo’s four decades of clinical expertise, ProHealth is designed to help individuals identify health risks earlier, stay ahead of potential concerns, and take informed action before conditions progress. 

The program has already demonstrated measurable outcomes among enrolled individuals, including: 

·         34% of individuals with diabetes showed improved HbA1c levels 

·         56% of individuals with hypertension showed improved blood pressure levels 

·         26% of individuals with obesity achieved measurable weight reduction and healthier outcomes  

The campaign will roll out nationally across the press, digital, television, FM, social media, outdoor, in-theatre and Apollo’s healthcare ecosystem, with a strong focus on youth and young working professionals.

“Customers expect their TV streaming experience to be fast and responsive—apps that load quickly, content that’s easy to find, and streaming that’s smooth and lag-free. Our latest Fire TV Stick HD delivers exactly that. It’s over 30% faster on average than the previous generation and comes with our new, faster Fire TV interface for seamless streaming. It’s also our slimmest, most portable Fire TV Stick yet, designed to fit neatly behind a TV, offering a clutter-free setup,” said Sayantani Choudhuri, Head of Fire TV, Amazon India. “From performance to design, we’ve built this device to offer a streaming experience that’s fast, smooth, and convenient. We’re excited to bring it to our customers in India.”

India,  May 19 : Providing increased gig work and freelance opportunities to existing and fresh talent, Picxele has recently made additions of two specialised verticals to its service portfolio. WhyMedia is a dedicated Video Production arm, and Interactive Studio will focus on providing Branding and Interactive Website solutions.

WhyMedia will focus on providing precise video production services, while Interactive Studio will help Picxele offer seamless branding and interactive web experiences. With the expansion, Picxele is positioning itself as a managed partner for brands seeking integrated creative, video, branding and digital solutions  combining the agility of freelance talent with the reliability of an agency-led delivery model.

Commenting on the expansion, Rishav Agarwal, Founder, Picxele, said,

“Over the last several years, I have worked closely with skilled and semi-skilled gig workers and understood why large brands often hesitate to engage them directly. The challenge has never been talent but ownership, strategy and quality control. That is what we built Picxele around. Expanding this model into adjacent segments was always part of the vision, but building the right teams and leadership takes time. With Rohan Ghorpade leading WhyMedia and Shivang Khungar driving Interactive Studio, we can now offer larger brands focused solutions backed by accountability and execution at scale.”

Founded in 2019 by Rishav Agarwal, right after his graduation, the company began as a grey-collar, task-based platform connecting skilled and semi-skilled gig workers with employment opportunities. Over the last seven years, the bootstrapped platform has evolved into a managed freelancers’ ecosystem and now hosts over 1 million gig workers on its mobile platform, recording more than $5 million in aggregated revenue.

Not following the traditional gig marketplace model, Picxele operates on a managed model where strategy, project ownership, and quality control remain in-house, and is executed through its large freelance network. The approach allows the company to move beyond task-led assignments and provide complex, skill-driven solutions for brands and enterprises.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Dolphy Jose, Executive Director, South Indian Bank, said: “Mumbai is one of the country’s most dynamic and influential financial markets, and this campaign reflects our commitment to building stronger brand connect with customers in the city. Through this metro branding initiative, we aim to enhance visibility, improve recall, and engage with millions of commuters in a meaningful and impactful manner.”

Mumbai, India May 19: Acclaimed culinary professional Chef Mohd Faisal Qureshi has joined as the Head Chef of Kangan at The Westin Mumbai, bringing with him more than 14 years of rich experience in the hospitality and culinary industry across India and international markets.

Widely admired for his expertise in authentic Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine, Chef Faisal has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences, innovative menu development, and maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence. Over the years, he has successfully led fine dining operations, managed large-scale catering assignments for prestigious events, and curated multiple successful food promotions across India.

Chef Faisal possesses extensive expertise in kitchen management, menu engineering, budgeting, procurement, inventory control, hygiene compliance, food safety standards, and customer-focused culinary innovation. His passion for blending traditional Indian flavors with contemporary culinary presentation has consistently elevated guest dining experiences throughout his career.

Before joining The Westin Mumbai, Chef Faisal held key culinary positions with globally renowned hospitality brands. He served as Master Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh, Chef De Partie at Trident Hyderabad, and Chef De Partie at Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal. These prestigious assignments significantly strengthened his expertise in luxury hospitality, culinary leadership, and operational excellence.

Chef Faisal has also collaborated on internationally acclaimed food promotions and culinary showcases alongside celebrated chef Chef Abdul Haleem. His participation in renowned national and international food festivals includes prestigious hospitality destinations such as Atlantis The Palm and Palazzo Versace Dubai.

Speaking on his new role, Chef Mohd Faisal Qureshi expressed enthusiasm about joining the esteemed hospitality brand and contributing to its culinary vision through authenticity, innovation, and memorable guest-centric dining experiences.

His appointment marks another significant milestone in his professional journey and reflects his continued commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

Bangalore/ Thimphu, May 19: Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power utilities, and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), the sole power generation utility of Bhutan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu, Bhutan, to establish a comprehensive skill development ecosystem.

The MoU lays the foundation for a structured training framework aimed at building a future-ready workforce to address both immediate and long-term requirements under the ongoing partnership between Tata Power and DGPC to jointly develop clean energy projects.

The MoU signing ceremony, was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay. The MoU was formally signed by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, and Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC. Ms Anjali Pandey, President- Generation, Tata Power, along with other senior representatives from Tata Power, DGPC, and relevant institutions, were also present at the ceremony.

Training programmes will be delivered through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), leveraging its expertise in power sector skilling.

Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, said “This partnership with DGPC underscores our collective vision of creating a future-ready talent ecosystem for Bhutan’s growing clean energy sector. Leveraging its strong credentials in power sector training, Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) will help nurture industry-ready professionals with comprehensive expertise in safe operations, emerging technologies, and operations & maintenance.”

Tata Power will provide technical expertise, training infrastructure, courseware, and accreditation support through TPSDI for the effective implementation of the programmes. DGPC will facilitate the mobilisation and deployment of trainees, ensuring seamless execution under the MoU and subsequent definitive agreements.

DGPC will also be responsible for securing all necessary approvals from the Government of Bhutan and relevant Bhutanese authorities, while Tata Power will obtain the requisite approvals from the Government of India.

Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC, said, “This MoU is a practical step towards strengthening local capabilities required under the ongoing partnership to develop 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity. DGPC will work with relevant Bhutanese authorities and stakeholders to identify training needs, mobilise trainees where appropriate, and ensure that the programme supports national priorities and complements the Royal Government of Bhutan’s broader workforce development efforts.”

The proposed skill development initiatives under this MoU will be implemented in a phased manner:

Phase 1: Focus on immediate deployment of safety training to ensure workforce readiness prior to site entry, including mandatory safety induction programmes for project workers.

Phase 2: Expansion into technical skill development covering construction, material handling, and earth-moving equipment operations, tailored to project construction requirements.

Phase 3: Development of specialised capabilities for the long-term operation and maintenance of clean energy assets.

Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) was established to bridge the skill gap in the power sector by delivering industry-relevant, modular training and certification programmes. TPSDI is accredited by the National Safety Council of India (NSC) to conduct safety training, administer assessments, and issue joint certifications. As an approved training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and a Dual Awarding Body recognised by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), TPSDI operates a robust training network across India, offering hands-on training across the power value chain, including thermal, hydel, and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

This MoU reflects a collaborative and practical approach to developing the skills required for Bhutan’s clean energy growth, with DGPC working alongside relevant Bhutanese authorities and Tata Power providing technical training support.

OREM, UTAH and AUBURN HILLS, MI— MAY 18, 2026 — Bricks & Minifigs®, an authorized LEGO® reseller specializing in buying, trading, and selling LEGO products and Santoki, US distributor of LEGO licensed LED lights, stationery and clocks, today announced a new national partnership celebrating the creativity of the LEGO MOC Wall Clock. The launch features a nationwide in-store building contest designed to create an in-store creative activity across all ages. The contest will run across more than 240 Bricks & Minifigs franchise locations in the U.S. from May 15 to July 14, 2026, to give communities across the country the opportunity to participate. The customizable MOC Wall Clock will be available for purchase in Bricks & Minifigs and LEGO Store locations during the promotional period.

“As Bricks & Minifigs continues to expand nationally and deepen our direct relationship with LEGO, we are thrilled to bring fun collaborations with Santoki and other official partners directly to consumers in our stores,” said Ammon McNeff, CEO of Bricks & Minifigs. “We love seeing local communities come together in our stores to participate in events, and this contest creates an exciting opportunity for customers to showcase their creativity while enjoying a family-friendly experience.”

How the contest will work:
Participants are invited to visit a Bricks & Minifigs store location to design a custom clock, photograph their completed creation, and submit their entry by scanning the provided QR code. Additionally, participants are encouraged to share their creations through social media using the #SantokiMOCClock.

The contest is open to builders of all ages; however, entries created by minors must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. Entries will be reviewed by a team of judges evaluating the designs on creativity, functionality, and overall LEGO clock content to reach a decision for the top 10 finalists. Those selected will advance to a public voting round hosted on Santoki’s social media, allowing the LEGO community to help determine the winners. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal U.S. residents (50 states + DC). Ends July 14, 2026. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by Santoki. See Official Rules at https://santoki.com/pages/clockcontestrules

Grand Prize:
The Grand Prize winner will receive a $550 Bricks & Minifigs gift card. Additional prizes will be awarded to top placements and finalists, with total prize value exceeding $1,000, along with swag and promotional items.

This clock marks the first release in Santoki’s newest product line, LEGO Time by IQHK™, with additional clocks expected to roll out in the future.

“Our partnership with Bricks & Minifigs was a natural fit for this launch,” said Beth Muehlenkamp, VP of Product & Marketing at Santoki. “Bricks & Minifigs is widely known for its bins of bulk bricks, which create the perfect opportunity for customers to personalize a MOC clock that is entirely unique to their vision. The MOC Wall Clock is where creative expression meets timekeeping as fans can create again and again for the theme that best fits their room or mood. This is the first-ever national contest we have done, and we are excited to see the unmatched creativity of Bricks & Minifigs customers come to life.”