Forttuna Global Excellence Awards recognises business leaders for innovation and leadership in Dubai
The prestigious Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2024, held aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise in Dubai on December 6-7, brought together outstanding leaders and innovators from around the globe. The event, organised by Aditii and Raul Handa, was a celebration of vision, excellence, and resilience across various sectors, including business, health, wellness, and technology. Leaders from over 40 countries gathered to honour the exceptional contributions of individuals who are shaping the future of their industries.
Among the standout honourees was Dr Amani Albraikan from Saudi Arabia, who was recognised as the Innovative Leader of the Year. Dr Albraikan, an AI assistant professor at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, has made significant contributions in the fields of artificial intelligence, smart cities, and digital innovation. Her research is driving the transformation of traditional industries, particularly in the context of AI and sustainable engineering.
The Business Leader of the Year award was presented to Tahani Daghistani, a leader in Data Science, AI, and Big Data, with over 13 years of experience in healthcare innovation. Tahani's work in applying AI and data-driven solutions to complex healthcare challenges is transforming the healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia. As a board member of the Saudi Society for Data Science and an expert in health informatics, she continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the intersection of technology and healthcare.
Suzan Alghanem, who received the Emerging Business Leader of the Year award, is a seasoned expert in environmental sustainability, business continuity, and crisis management. With over 16 years of experience, Suzan has provided solutions for both government and private sectors, focusing on disaster recovery, risk assessment, and environmental safety. Her work continues to set new standards in organisational resilience and operational excellence.
Michael Schreider, named mentor of the Year, is celebrated for his unwavering dedication to mentorship at ISG Dammam. His mentorship philosophy emphasises integrity, respect, and empathy, guiding mentees to develop their strengths and achieve their full potential. Michael's ability to inspire growth and confidence in others has left a lasting impact on many of his students and colleagues, making him a role model for mentorship in the education sector.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr Anjlee Prakash, the founder of Learning Links Foundation, in recognition of her transformative work in education. Dr Prakash's mission to provide equitable access to quality education for all, regardless of socio-economic background, has impacted over 10 million learners, with a particular focus on empowering girls and women. Through her foundation, Dr Prakash has championed technology-integrated teaching solutions, training over a million teachers in India and creating lasting change in education and skilling.
The Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2024 celebrate individuals who are not only redefining the standards of their industries but are also creating sustainable, positive change through innovation and leadership. The awardees exemplify the values of vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. Their achievements stand as a testament to the potential of innovative leadership to shape a brighter, more inclusive future.
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Web Release
3 days ago
- Web Release
QE2 Enriches its Heritage Attractions with Two New Installations
The Queen Elizabeth 2, one of Dubai's most treasured landmarks and the only floating hotel of its kind in the region, has unveiled two exceptional additions to its onboard heritage experience: QE2 Making Headlines and QE2 Majestic Moments. The launch was officiated by Mark Sawkins, Vice President Operations, Luxury Brands, Accor; and Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel. Set against the backdrop of one of the most storied vessels in the world, these two installations provide guests and visitors with a deeper, more immersive encounter with the history of the QE2, a liner that defined an era of luxury ocean travel and hosted some of the greatest names of the 20th century. Ferghal Purcell, General Manager of the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, stated: 'The QE2 is more than just a ship, it is a floating museum of memories, a vessel of stories that span generations. With these new attractions, we aim to bring our rich legacy to life, from her royal beginnings to her iconic status as a global voyager, in ways that are interactive, educational, and emotionally engaging. Whether you are a maritime enthusiast, a student of history, or a curious traveller, the QE2 offers an experience like no other in the region. With these additions, we invite guests to relive her most iconic moments and celebrate the timeless grandeur of maritime history – right here in the heart of Dubai.' The Queen Elizabeth 2 continues to draw guests from around the world who wish to step into a chapter of history. The new attractions mark the latest milestone in an ongoing effort to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the ship's legacy. QE2 Making Headlines QE2 Making Headlines showcases a priceless collection of original, special edition publications from 1969 highligting the ship's global impact and royal significance from the very beginning. These framed newspapers showcase the global coverage including the fanfare and grandeur that surrounded her maiden voyage. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into how the Queen Elizabeth 2 was celebrated as a modern marvel, a new era of ocean travel immortalised in print. QE2 Majestic Moments QE2 Majestic Moments is an immersive, multimedia storytelling experience that transports guests through the ship's legendary timeline. Through a curated selection of archival images, rare videos, and historical narratives, this installation brings to life the most iconic milestones in QE2's journey, from royal visits and record-breaking voyages to celebrity guests and world events. Designed as an interactive tribute, it invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the ship's rich past in a way that's both informative and emotionally resonant. It's not just a display, it's a moving portrait of a liner that changed the course of maritime history. The heritage exhibits are now open to all hotel guests as part of the QE2's onboard experience. Guided heritage tours are available daily, offering guests a glimpse into the ship's royal past, its design brilliance, and its legendary voyages across the globe. Heritage Tours Step aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 and explore her storied past through four unique guided tour experiences QE2 Heritage Tour A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. A classic guided experience taking guests through the ship's most historic spaces, sharing the stories, design, and moments that shaped her legacy. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. QE2 Heritage Tour for Schools Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required. Specially designed for student groups, this educational tour runs on weekday mornings at 8:30 am and 9:30 am, with a maximum of 30 students per session. Advance booking is required. QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea & Heritage Tour Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm). Pair your heritage journey with the QE2 Royal Afternoon Tea experience at the Queen's Grill, available on Fridays and Saturdays from 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm (last seating at 5:00pm). QE2 Dine & Discover Combine the Heritage Tour with either a three-course lunch or buffet dinner for a complete culinary and cultural experience aboard Dubai's most iconic vessel. Available daily at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. For inquiries, please contact us at Phone: +971 4 526 8888 or Email: [email protected]
The National
27-05-2025
- The National
Eid Al Adha holidays: Best staycation deals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the UAE
This year, Eid Al Adha is expected to start on the evening of Friday, June 6, and finish on Sunday, June 8. While the religious holiday falls over a weekend this year, meaning extra days off are not guaranteed, the occasion still provides an ideal time to detach from daily life and relax. Many hotels and resorts across the UAE are offering limited staycation deals and packages throughout the weekend. Here are some to check out. Dubai Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai's only floating hotel is offering an Eid Al Adha package that includes a complimentary upgrade to a sea-view room within the same category booked, plus buffet breakfast and dinner for two guests, 20 per cent discount on food and beverages and late check-out at 2pm. Valid between June 6 and 10; Port Mina Rashid; 04 526 8888 Hyde Dubai This chic city hotel is offering 20 per cent off on all rooms during Eid Al Adha as well as a complimentary drink each day at the pool, served with views of Burj Khalifa. Located along the Dubai Canal, the elegant property is the first international outing of the Hyde Hotels, Resorts and Residences outside the US. The brand is known for its playful take on hospitality, creating what it calls a 'city sanctuary'. Valid until September 30; Business Bay; 04 871 1111 The First Collection Home-grown hospitality brand The First Collection is offering a 36-hour staycation across its three hotels in Dubai – two in Business Bay and one in Dubai Marina. Guests can enjoy up to 45 off on room rates when booking a 36-hour stay, as well as an early check-in from 6am and late check-out until 6pm. There's also 20 per cent off food and drinks at select restaurants and discounts on spa treatments. Valid until September 30; Business Bay and Dubai Marina; 04 542 6666 Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah This family-friendly resort on Palm West Beach is launching a range of summer offers, which are valid during Eid Al Adha. Its Half Board Dine Around package in inclusive of daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner for two adults and two children under 14 years. There's also a Stay 4, Pay 3 offer wherein guests booking four consecutive nights will enjoy their final night complimentary, with daily breakfast included. The Suite DreamsStaycation offer comes with daily buffet breakfast, 25 per cent off select restaurants and bars, spa credit of Dh400 and access to M Club, which includes a business centre, afternoon tea and cocktail hour. Valid between June 1 and September 30; Palm Jumeirah; 04 666 1111 Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts The Polynesia-inspired resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts is bringing back its Kids Go Free offer in time for Eid Al Adha. The offer includes free stay and dining, plus late check-out for children accompanied by a paying adult. The package also includes unlimited access to all Dubai Parks and Resorts attractions including Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Riverland Dubai and Real Madrid World. Valid until September 30; Dubai Parks and Resorts; 04 810 9999 Tryp by Wyndham The budget property of American brand Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is offering a 36-hour offer for Eid Al Adha at its Barsha Heights property, inclusive of early check-in and late check-out at 6pm. Children under five years stay for free and there is a further 50 per cent discount for children between six and 11 years. There are also discounts on dining and spa experiences as well as complimentary transfers to Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Mall, Nakheel Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Guests also get free entry to Soluna Restaurants & Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, including transfers. Valid until September 30; Barsha Heights; 04 247 6666 JA Resorts & Hotels At two JA Resorts & Hotels properties – JA Palm Tree Court and JA Beach Hotel – guests who book for two nights will get the third night free for Eid Al Adha. The offer also includes 20 per cent off dining, spa and other experiences, as well as a free stay for children under 12 years. Valid between June 4 and 14; Jebel Ali; 04 814 5555 The H Dubai The family-friendly city escape is offering 25 per cent off room rates for Eid Al Adha, including a free stay for up to two children aged 12 and under. The offer is inclusive of an Eid Brunch at Eat & Meet for two adults, with children under 12 dining for free, plus a Dh100 spa voucher and complimentary shuttle service to Dubai Outlet Mall and Yas Island (for those with valid theme park tickets). Valid between June 4 and 10; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 501 8888 Leva Hotel Also on Sheikh Zayed Road, and minutes away from Dubai Mall and City Walk, Leva Hotel is offering 30 per cent off its room rates for Eid Al Adha. Enjoy a swim on the rooftop with skyline views and uninterrupted sights of Burj Khalifa at this boutique property. Valid between May 30 and June 6; Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 526 6000 Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi's landmark hotel has launched an Eid to Remember package, which includes daily breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner at Vendome, its all-day dining restaurant – valid for two adults and up to two children. There are also themed set menus at Lebanese Terrace and The Supper Club Dinner, a social and immersive dining experience. Valid between June 6 and 9, West Corniche Road; 02 690 9000 S hangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Taking a break from everyday life means something slightly different for everyone - something Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri has kept in mind when pulling together this year's Eid al-Adha staycation deal. While each package on the Eat Paly Love staycation offer will include breakfasts at Sofra Bld, each will include a different bespoke experience each night you stay at the hotel, from chocolate making (Eat) and a traditional Abra boat ride (Play) to a relaxing foot massage (Love). Starting from Dh920 per night. Valid during Eid Al Adha; Khor Al Maqta; 02 509 8888 C onrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Looking for an action-packed, family-friendly break? This Eid, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers's staycation package includes one complimentary theme park ticket per person to any of Yas Island's many theme parks, such as Ferrari World and Yas Waterpark, Elsewhere, there is plenty do within the hotel, and in the local neighbourhood - from visiting some of the hotel's 12 restayuants and bars, seeing the capital from the 74th floor observation deck, or taking a dip in one of three outdoor pools or heading out to nearby Marina Mall and visiting neighbouring Qasr Al Watan. Valid for Eid. Minimum two-night booking to avail the offer. Corniche St, Al Bateen; 02 811 5555 Sharjah Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa The beachfront resort's family package allows guests to book two rooms and enjoy half price off the second room for children under 16. Amenities include a pool, private beach, spa treatments, a children's club and gym facilities. Ongoing; Al Muntazah Street; 06 563 0000 The Chedi Al Bait In the heart of Sharjah's heritage district, experience open-air barbecues in your own private villa this Eid Al Adha. Each villa can accommodate up to 12 guests, and includes breakfast, 15 per cent off on food and beverage, spa credit of Dh150, and free shuttle service to Al Heera Public Beach. Valid during Eid Al Adha; Corniche Street; 06 502 5555 Ajman Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel Offering direct beach access, this cosy resort is a family favourite in the emirate and ideal for those seeking a tranquil Eid stay. All rooms include complimentary breakfast for up to two children, 20 per cent off food and beverage, and late check-out subject to availability. Ongoing, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street; 06 701 8888 Ras Al Khaimah Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island There's something for everyone at this island resort, from watersports and a well-equipped gym to a wellness hub, three outdoor pools and a children's club. Foodies can head to The Market for an all-day buffet, have a light lunch in the laid-back Beach House, and check out Boons for bistro classics or Neo Sky Bar for sundowners. During Eid, guests can enjoy 25 per cent off the best room rates, and tuck into a special buffet on the first and second day of Eid. Valid between June 1 and 10; Al Marjan Island; 07 246 0000 Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort At this beachfront retreat, enjoy French elegance with an Arabian twist via two packages. The Ultimate Coastal Retreat package (starting at Dh2,945) includes a complimentary room upgrade, access to the club lounge, 20 per cent off spa treatments and late check-out. The Signature Suite Experience (starting at Dh3,315) includes club lounge access, a one-time complimentary mini bar, breakfast in bed or in the pool for two, dinner for two at Reunion restaurant and special gifts at turndown.
Khaleej Times
21-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE among few places in world where businesses want to relocate, say AI startup founders
Artificial intelligence (AI) is still considered 'a fancy word' in some parts of the world, but the UAE means business and is leading in building solutions for the region and the world, said industry players. Speaking during the Dubai AI Week on Monday, the startup founder said Dubai and UAE are among the few places in the world where companies want to relocate amidst global geopolitical issues. The ongoing tariff war between the US, China, and other countries has caused uncertainty globally in terms of policies and taxes. The UAE enjoys the status of a tax haven as there is no income tax in the country. 'Dubai has always been early when it comes to AI. The UAE set up the Ministry of AI before anywhere else on the planet. It shows the maturity and insight into what this region is thinking about. "As we have grown, what good I've seen is that the UAE ecosystem has started moving away from fancy to real business use cases, which will matter a lot. There are zones and hot spots in the world where AI is still a fancy word. It's refreshing to see that in the UAE, it's a means of business, and this is the ecosystem that we want to integrate,' Akshat Prakash, CTO and co-founder of said during a panel discussion at the Dubai AI Week on Monday. Prakash added that the UAE is the best amalgamation of the Eastern and Western worlds, culturally and geographically, because it is a highly multicultural society .'Geographically, given the political climate of the world, there remain few places that you want to relocate to and build a company. To state very unapologetically, if you look at Asia, Europe, Africa and other regions, Dubai stands out in terms of attracting talent. When we relocated to Dubai, nobody said 'no' to relocating here in our team. Cultural and geographical aspects are strong that put Dubai at the forefront and next hub for AI,' co-founder said during the panel discussion. Nuha Hashem, co-founder of CozmoX AI, said during the dotcom era, there was a gap in terms of adopting technology in this part of the world. 'What you see in terms of technology companies here, they started building AI even before it became a hot topic. They are not just building solutions for region but for global audiences. We are seeing a shift where the gap is becoming smaller. Dubai is doing the right thing by attracting talent to build AI solutions here. They have resources and opportunities to build the future right from the region,' she said during the panel discussion on the topic of 'Fueling the Future: Investing in AI Startups within Dubai's Ecosystem.'
