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Research-focused initiative to leverage stochastic AI models and spatial analytics for integrated vessel arrival prediction, berth allocation, and emissions insights

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 23 April 2026: Powering ahead in its adoption of next-generation digital capabilities, AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced a strategic partnership and research collaboration agreement with NYU Abu Dhabi.

This multi-year partnership aims to build and pilot a high-fidelity intelligence engine based on stochastic models and spatial intelligence. The engine is designed to serve as a sophisticated decision-support layer for human operators, bringing together vessel arrival time predictions, berth allocation optimisation suggestions, and environmental impact considerations with high precision.

In an industry where global berth waiting times often stretch into multiple days at anchorage, the opportunity to improve planning precision is noteworthy. This high-fidelity intelligence engine aims to further de-risk port call uncertainty and continue port operations fluidity enhancement, resulting in smarter port calls that unlock more capacity without physical expansion.

Furthermore, depending on the vessel type, aligning arrival times with berth allocation can reduce idle time and save fuel burn considerably, minimising environmental harm and facilitating greener port calls.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, Group Chief Digital & Information Officer – AD Ports Group, said: “As we continue to reimagine logistics ecosystems to advance the frontiers of global trade, pioneering research and strategic partnerships remain key pillars of our digitally-led approach. By integrating our deep expertise in port operations and trade facilitation with advanced predictive arrival intelligence and resilient operational modelling, we are accelerating the pace towards a future of autonomous decision-support. Through strategic partnerships such as this with NYU Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring that our move to predictive precision is both robust and ethically sound, giving our global partners the certainty they need to navigate an increasingly complex trade landscape.”

This jointly-developed initiative aims to turn variability into reliability and significantly advance terminal-focused decarbonisation transparency, serving as an integrated operational and environmental digital decision layer. As part of a long-term commitment to technological evolution, plans are in place to pilot the initiative at select terminals and trade lanes, with the objective of scaling successful outcomes across the Group’s global network.

Arlie Peters, Provost – NYU Abu Dhabi, said: “At NYU Abu Dhabi, we focus on research that addresses real-world challenges. Our collaboration with AD Ports Group brings together academic expertise and practical insight to strengthen the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of modern logistics. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions and the UAE’s leadership in trade and infrastructure. By connecting research with application, we aim to support the UAE’s continued role as a global hub for logistics. Led by Professor Ali Diabat from Civil and Urban Engineering, this work develops data-driven approaches to support better decision-making and improve long-term performance across port and logistics operations.”

This partnership represents a powerful synergy of specialised expertise and operational reach. NYU Abu Dhabi brings world-class analytical capabilities and advanced research, providing the scientific rigor needed for high-fidelity modelling. In line with internal data governance controls, AD Ports Group will support the initiative by providing secure access to relevant operational information and by facilitating controlled, real-world pilot deployments across selected terminals and trade lanes, helping translate the high-fidelity engine into an executable, field-tested solution.

Mumbai, Apr 23: Everhome Café, a thoughtfully designed dining space set within a 130-year-old heritage bungalow in Ranwar Village, Bandra West, has opened its doors, offering a unique blend of history, design, and comfort-led dining.

Housed in a structure that has quietly witnessed decades of cultural life—and even served as a backdrop for several Bollywood productions—the café brings a renewed purpose to the space as a warm, community-driven gathering place.

A Space Rooted in Memory and Design

The restoration of the bungalow has been guided by preservation rather than reinvention. Original architectural elements such as wooden frames, arched doorways, cast iron railings, and vintage fittings have been retained in their natural aged state, maintaining the home’s authenticity.

A central highlight is the addition of a glass skylight that opens up a 30-foot ceiling, allowing natural light to flow through the interiors. The space features multiple interconnected rooms with distinct atmospheres, including a central community room, an intimate garden room, and a gallery-style gathering space that leads to an outdoor terrace overlooking Ranwar Village.

Curated interiors include reclaimed wood furniture, restored cabinets, and artifacts sourced from global travels, each contributing to the café’s layered storytelling.

Atil Pavesha, Co-Founder, shared that the vision was to create a space where visitors feel an immediate pause from the fast pace of city life, offering warmth, familiarity, and discovery.

A Menu Built on Comfort and Familiarity

The menu reflects the same philosophy as the space—simple, reliable, and comforting. At its core is Everhome’s signature rustic bread, complemented by a range of breakfast, all-day dining, and dessert offerings.

Breakfast highlights include Turkish eggs, classic scrambles, omelettes, quinoa poha, and paratha pockets, alongside sweeter options such as French toast, pancakes, and parfaits. Open toasts and sandwiches feature ingredients like avocado, burrata, and roasted meats.

The menu extends into small plates, salads, and hearty mains, including pastas, soba noodle bowls, slow-cooked keema, Goan-style vindaloo, grilled chicken, and crusted fish. Desserts range from freshly baked croissants to signature cakes and soft-serve options.

The beverage selection features specialty coffees such as Smoked Cinnamon Cappuccino and Bourbon Vanilla Latte, along with cold brews, matcha, smoothies, and kombucha.

Dipti Gohel, Co-Founder, noted that the menu is designed to feel natural and easy to return to, offering food that complements the calm and unhurried atmosphere of the space.

A New Cultural Address in Bandra

With seating for approximately 100 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces, Everhome Café is positioned as more than just a dining destination—it is a space for connection, reflection, and shared experiences.

Details:

• What: Everhome Café
• When: Open from April 17, 2026 onwards
• Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Where: 1st Floor, Shanti Sadan, 51, Waroda Road, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050

Café Policies:

• Laptops allowed Monday to Friday
• Pets not allowed

Mahabaleshwar, April 23: Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is pleased to announce the appointment of Vikas Ravi Thakre as its new Assistant Manager – Reservations. With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a strong blend of operational expertise, guest-centricity, and technical proficiency in reservations management.

Rahul Janve, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, said,

“We are delighted to welcome Vikas to our team. His in-depth understanding of reservation systems, coupled with his ability to drive efficiency and enhance guest experiences, makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our operations and contribute to our commitment to service excellence.”

Vikas joins the Mahabaleshwar property from Fairfield by Marriott Calangute, Goa, where he most recently served as Assistant Manager – Reservations. In this role, he was responsible for managing both individual and group booking inquiries, monitoring room inventory, and ensuring seamless coordination with sales and front office teams. He also played a pivotal role in generating reservation reports, analysing booking trends, and supporting revenue optimisation strategies.

Prior to this, he worked as a Reservation Executive at the same property, where he streamlined reservation processes and enhanced operational efficiency. His earlier professional experience includes roles at The Fern Residency, Aurangabad, as a Senior Guest Service Associate, and Le Méridien Nagpur as a Front Office Associate, where he developed a strong foundation in guest relations, front office operations, and team coordination.

Commenting on his appointment, Vikas said,

“I am excited to be a part of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar and to take on this new responsibility. I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s continued success by ensuring seamless reservation experiences and delivering exceptional service to every guest.”

In his new role, Vikas will oversee the hotel’s reservations function, focusing on optimising booking channels, ensuring accurate forecasting, and maintaining high standards of operational efficiency. He will also work closely with cross-functional teams to elevate guest satisfaction, reduce no-show rates, and enhance overall reservation performance.

Recognised for his consistent performance and dedication, Vikas has received multiple accolades, including “Employee of the Month” and “Associate of the Month” awards. With strong technical expertise in systems such as Opera, Marsha, and HPP, along with his analytical approach and attention to detail, he is well-positioned to further strengthen the reservations function at the hotel.

 

Bengaluru, Apr 23: SpazeOne, has announced the launch of a new centre in Whitefield, amongst Bengaluru’s most prominent commercial hubs. The new facility strengthens SpazeOne’s presence in the city’s thriving office market while catering to the evolving needs of modern businesses.  Located on the 6th floor of Maruthi Onyx Building, the facility spans 15,000 square foot in its Phase-1 rollout, offering a total seating capacity of 320. Strategically located only 400 meters from the Seetharampalaya Metro Station, the centre is designed to serve enterprises and retail businesses within a 5-7 kilometre radius.

“Bengaluru is witnessing a strong surge in new coworking developments, especially across high-growth corridors like Whitefield, where demand from GCCs, startups and distributed teams continues to rise. This reflects a broader shift in how companies approach office space, with greater focus on flexibility, speed and operational efficiency over traditional leasing. As more centres come up across key micro-markets, businesses now expect ready-to-move-in workspaces that can scale with their growth. Our entry into Whitefield aligns with this momentum, enabling us to cater to evolving enterprise needs while strengthening our presence in one of the city’s most dynamic commercial hubs said James Thomas, Co-Founder and Director – Marketing at SpazeOne. 

As India’s fastest growing office market, Bengaluru remains central to the company’s expansion plans at a time when the demand for managed office spaces is on the rise. According to Colliers’ Global Tech Markets: Top Talent Locations 2025 report, Bengaluru stands out at the 6th position globally, reinforcing its position as India’s leading IT hub on the global stage. Large enterprises and GCCs are leading adoption to support expansion and distributed teams while cost optimisation and operational simplicity continue to accelerate the shift away from traditional office leasing models.

The launch aligns with SpazeOne’s growth and expansion strategy for the financial year 2026-27. As part of this plan, the company intends to open 10 more centres across south India, covering approximately 2.5 lakh sqft across prime locations.  These upcoming centres are expected to further strengthen the company’s footprint and address the growing demand for premium managed office spaces.

As part of its ongoing growth strategy, SpazeOne is expected to further strengthen its presence in Bengaluru, with plans to open three new centres across key micro-markets in the city in the coming months. These upcoming facilities will be aligned with evolving enterprise demand and designed to support scalable, flexible workspace solutions. 

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, (Natixis CIB) today announced that it has opened a branch in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

This marks a significant milestone in the bank’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in India and the wider Asia Pacific region. The GIFT City branch will enable Natixis CIB to drive growth, broaden international diversification, and enhance client servicing capabilities in India.

The branch will be led by Pranav Vyas, Head of Natixis IFSC Banking Unit (IBU), GIFT City. With over 23 years of banking experience, Pranav brings with him a wealth of expertise in building a successful entity in GIFT City. He has a deep knowledge of the Indian market and extensive experience expanding a business franchise in India. He reports to Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Country Manager, Singapore, and Head of South East and South Asia, Natixis CIB.

Bruno Le Saint, CEO, Asia Pacific & Middle East, Natixis CIB, said: “Establishing our new branch in GIFT City is an important step in delivering our Asia Pacific expansion strategy and deepening our regional presence. It reinforces our ability to serve key clients in this fast-growing and strategic market.”

Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Country Manager, Singapore, and Head of South East and South Asia Natixis CIB, added: “The new branch will focus on providing high-value, tailored financing solutions which will support Indian clients with global ambitions, whilst also connecting international clients with India’s vibrant and growing financial market. We are pleased to welcome Pranav Vyas as Head of Natixis IBU, GIFT City, who, as an experienced and strategic leader, will further strengthen the development of our India business. “

Natixis CIB’s branch in GIFT City offers foreign currency-denominated structured products and finance, spanning energy and commodities, infrastructure, aviation, and export financing which includes External Commercial Borrowings. It caters to corporate and institutional clients. In line with operational needs and regulatory frameworks, Natixis CIB plans to scale the branch in tandem with business growth. It is grateful to the Indian government and International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) for the opportunity.

Kolkata, Apr 23:  IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has bagged multiple awards recognizing Indigo Stretch, its tailor-made business product, at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) held in Hamburg, Germany. The airline was recognized across three prestigious industry platforms, underscoring its commitment to elevating customer experience through enhanced functional hospitality, thoughtful design, added comfort, and customer-centric innovation.

IndiGo was conferred the Gold Award – TravelPlus Judges’ Award for Innovation for its Blanket Collectable– the Indigo Stretch overlay at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards 2026. This award recognizes excellence in onboard hospitality, with a strong focus on design, comfort, innovation, sustainability, and customer relevance, evaluated through a customer centric lens. IndiGo’s overlays are unique, thoughtfully designed, each displaying a legacy of regional craft, innovation, and distinctive design. Created to comfort Indigo Stretch customers, the overlays reflect a sense of warmth and connection that endures well beyond the journey. These overlays serve as meaningful keepsakes for passengers from each of their journeys, a one-of-a-kind concept introduced by IndiGo. The IndiGo overlays are accompanied by a booklet and custom-designed reusable fabric bag that embodies the airline’s philosophy of warmth, functionality, and understated style. 

IndiGo was awarded with the Highly Commended honour in the Best Onboard Textiles category at the Onboard Hospitality Awards 2026. This award is among the most established and respected recognitions in the onboard hospitality sector. It acknowledges the airline’s business class textile portfolio, including jacquard overlays designed as collectibles, pillow covers featuring a global map, and onboard amenities such as eye masks and anti-skid socks that combine clever design with practical utility for a cozy, comfortable journey. The recognition was based on design, quality, comfort, and customer relevance.

IndiGo was also announced as the winner of the PAX International Readership Award for Best Business Class Bedding/Soft Product – South Asia, voted by over 15,500 aviation professionals across the PAX International and PAX Tech readerships. The recognition highlights IndiGo’s consistent delivery of superior quality, and thoughtful design across its Business Class product experience.

IndiGoStretch promises an elevated customer experience befitting a long-haul journey to destinations including Manchester, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, and Athens. IndiGoStretch customers can look forward to specially curated complimentary hot meals paired with beverages from award-winning iconic Indian brands, extra legroom, comfortable seating with increased recline, and a suite of premium benefits including priority check-in, anytime boarding, advance seat selection and higher baggage allowance. This is in addition to exclusive overlays onboard, specially designed pillows, a calming sleep spray and essentials such as sustainable dental kits, eye masks, and socks to ensure the overall journey is restful.