High-level sessions on smart cities, innovation, digital economy, and sustainability during AIM Congress 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Among the numerous roundtables at AIM Congress 2025, global city leaders also gathered for the 'City Mayors' Roundtable: Global Digital Cooperation – Mayors Leading the Way,' a high-level dialogue focused on advancing digital transformation and smart city innovation. Berangere Boell, United Nations Resident Coordinator, emphasized the critical role of local leadership in driving global development while Tunbosun Alake, Honorable Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology from Lagos State Government, outlined Lagos's tech-driven transformation through a seven-pillar innovation plan, expanded digital infrastructure, and youth talent development. In unison, John-Charuk Saah Siafa, Mayor of Monrovia City Corporation, shared how Monrovia is digitizing its revenue systems, training youth in digital skills, and piloting smart waste management solutions to improve urban services and Amable de Jesús Hernández, Mayor of San Jose de Colinas, focused on expanding internet access, promoting digital education, and using technology to increase government transparency as part of Latin America's post-COVID recovery. Meanwhile, Tamraz Taghiyev, Chair of the National Association of City Municipalities of Azerbaijan, highlighted the importance of improving rural connectivity, advancing smart city initiatives, and ensuring strong alignment between local and national governments. Across the board, city leaders agreed that accelerating digitalization requires talent development, knowledge sharing, strong policy frameworks, and inclusive access.
Parallelly, Leaders in technology and innovation gathered for a powerful session on 'Leadership in Scaling Digital Economies – Reimagining Economic Creativity, Connected Industries, and Sustainable Societies.' Held under the Digital Economy portfolio, the discussion was moderated by Paul Hamilton (Ibtikar) and emceed by Zulf Hyatt-Khan (Council of Slovak Exporters) and the panelists explored AI's role in shaping inclusive, sustainable economies.
Key themes included the ethical use of AI, the urgency of upskilling, and the need for emotional intelligence in tech leadership. 'AI enables personalization at scale,' said Mohamed Emad (IBM MEA) while Charles Austen Angell (EPIRA.ai) added, 'We're not trying to create standardized intelligence—no two people think the same.'
Ajibola Odukoya (AfriLabs)urged, 'We must invest in ourselves and unlearn what we know,' highlighting agility as a path forward. Joseph Musolino (SAS Institute) called the current wave an 'AI renaissance,' cautioning against unchecked advancement. Nicola Bettio (Sharjah RTI Park) emphasized AI's power to democratize education, while Zulf Hyatt-Khan closed with a call for emotional intelligence and gender equity in tech. The message was clear that innovation must be human-centered to build a truly connected and sustainable digital future.
A Panel on Innovation and Entrepreneurship was also held discussing building Ecosystems for Impact. Moderated by Dr. Hashim Suleiman Hussein Mohamed, of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, this dynamic session spotlighted strategies to foster entrepreneurial success globally. Dr. Hussein introduced the Global Entrepreneurial Alliance, launched in January 2025, now active in 54 countries, and announced UNIDO's Global Call 2025, focused on youth-led, eco-friendly and digital innovations.
Dalal Alqais, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank, highlighted Bahrain's SME-friendly policies, including interest-free loans, women-focused programs like Riyadat, and the BHD 100 million Estimya Fund to help startups scale while Mohamed Aboud of the University of Dubai promoted the Triple Helix model and shared examples of university-to-startup transformations, including Saudi Arabia's billion-riyal Hajj innovation fund. Dr. Muhammad Sharif of ICESCO presented the 3A Model (Awareness, Acceptance, Action) and entrepreneurship programs reaching over 1,800 youth in 30+ countries, with a focus on clean tech and education and Fadi El-Din El-Maqboul, Plants Co. GM, emphasized four ecosystem pillars—infrastructure, policy, support, and culture—urging investment in local innovation with global potential.
On the other hand, a Fireside Chat titled 'Sustainability in Startups: Green Startups – A Cross Cutting Topic with Investing Perspective' brought critical attention to the role of startups in advancing environmental and social impact.
Moderated by Liz Krymalowski of Orbillion Bio, the session featured insights from Gilbert Ewehmeh, Continental Coordinator at Accelerate Africa, and Lindsay Miller, Managing Partner at MENA Moonshots. Both speakers emphasized the importance of green startups in emerging economies, particularly in Africa and the MENA region, where sustainable innovation directly addresses local challenges such as waste management, pollution, and economic inclusion.
'Sustainability is not just a buzzword—it's about building businesses that last, create real value, and benefit both people and the planet,' said Miller. Ewehmeh highlighted the need for cross-border collaboration to scale impact, stating, 'When Africa and MENA work together, we create a more resilient, interconnected innovation ecosystem.'
The discussion underscored that founders need supportive communities, inclusive policies, and investor backing to bridge the gap between long-term sustainability goals and short-term business pressures. With growing momentum, sustainable startups are poised to shape the future of regional economies.
Alongside the numerous insightful sessions and discussions held, The "AIM" Global Foundation concluded a series of high-level Memorandums of Understanding, reflecting their status as a catalyst for enhancing joint efforts among global partnerships and strategic economic cooperation. This affirms the success of the Summit and its ability to achieve its strategic objectives in enabling cross-border cooperation and shaping the future of global investment. Among the most prominent international entities and institutions with which Memorandums of Understanding were signed are: the American Chambers of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of St. Petersburg, the Business Support Foundation in the Sverdlovsk Region, the Eurasian Business Alliance, the International Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan (Atameken), the TMK Research and Development Foundation, the UAE-Russia Business Council, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Ryazan and Tula regions, the Community Development Center in Armenia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Amur Region, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Khabarovsk Region, the Investment Promotion Agency in the Krasnodar Region, and the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.
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Campaign ME
7 hours ago
- Campaign ME
Wellness is luxury
Wellness is no longer a side quest within the premium luxury hospitality marketing landscape; it is, in fact, having its main character moment. This is being driven by consumer appetite for holistic, meaningful escapes, which is an evident shift from 'Instagrammable' escapades to balanced, transformative and rejuvenating experiences that feel exclusive. For the discerning traveller – especially ultra-high net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) – wellness isn't just a trend. It has become a non-negotiable lifestyle and a mandatory aspect of expected hospitality experiences. Campaign Middle East speaks to luxury hospitality marketers who comment on these shifts, while sharing their reasoning for making wellness a core part of their brand positioning and identity. They discuss a world where access to health, recovery and time for self-care is a privilege, and those who afford it can unlock real 'luxury'. This is a world where the new marker of status is premium wellness. Stepping beyond the status quo Moving past luxury narratives of sun, sand and scenery, premium luxury getaways are currently being marketed and advertised as transformative retreats, and spaces for introspection, creative renewal and a physical reset. Rana Eid, Director of Marketing and Communications, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, says, 'In luxury hospitality, we've moved past the flawless visuals.' She explains how, post-Covid, luxury travellers have become significantly more focused on real concerns such as their health, actively seeking out destinations that support and elevate their wellness journeys. Other leading marketers from recognised luxury hospitality brands in the region echo these sentiments. Gaurav Arora, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, Palazzo Versace Dubai, says, 'Over the years within the hospitality industry, we've witnessed how luxury wellness has become an integral part of the overall guest experience.' Earle Enriquez, Marketing, PR and Communications Manager, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi, adds, 'There are a growing number of guests nowadays who aren't just looking for a stay, but also experiences and spaces that help them slow down, recharge and reconnect with themselves.' However, while bringing these experiences to life, it's crucial for everyone within the luxury hospitality landscape to view them as more than just a 'consumer offering'. Azzah AlGhamdi, Marketing Manager, Rosewood Hotel Jeddah, explains, 'Wellness is no longer an optional amenity or additional service; it is now an essential part of the guest's lifestyle and emotional connection to a brand.' As such, marketers call for luxury wellness experiences to be structured and packaged as strategic brand and business differentiators in a competitive landscape. Enriquez says, 'Personalised wellness experiences speak to lifestyle and values, and they create a deeper connection with the brand. When thoughtfully integrated, they encourage longer stays, build loyalty and open up new revenue streams. She adds, 'Wellness and fitness offerings have evolved from amenities into strategic brand and business assets that appeal to niche markets and boost positioning in a competitive landscape.' More than a spa day Leaders agree that tailored fitness programmes will become critical to luxury hospitality marketing in the near future. 'The modern luxury traveller is increasingly seeking personalised wellness experiences that go beyond traditional spa offerings,' says Nehal Fahim, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai's Eid echoes this sentiment saying, 'We're seeing a real shift from indulgent spa moments to more meaningful, purpose-driven wellness experiences. Tailored treatments and fitness offerings are becoming key drivers to why guests choose a destination.' Fahim adds that trends such as social 'spa-ing' and longevity are no longer 'nice to have' offerings but are make-or-break strategies within premium luxury hospitality marketing. They actively inform how brands should promote destination experiences. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi's Enriquez says, 'Destinations are now marketed as transformative escapes rooted in wellbeing, especially when paired with close-to-nature experiences, wildlife encounters and artistic immersions. These experiences are transforming how travellers choose where to go and why.' Having identified the need to leverage specialised wellness experiences as part of the luxury offering, marketers also advise a word of caution. They insist that luxury hospitality brands must take a thoughtful approach. Wellness with intention Palazzo Versace Dubai's Arora emphasises that effective marketing must reflect the true philosophy behind a wellness-centric approach – one that prioritises substance, intention and long-term impact instead of merely following trends. Taking the example of Palazzo Versace Dubai, Arora explains that while its marketing efforts include wellness-centric content, strategic collaborations with relevant influencers, media and targeted digital campaigns, what stands out is that the brand's wellness philosophy has become a defining pillar of its identity. He comments, 'The thoughtful design of The Spa and its tailored treatments are crafted not just to provide relaxation but to restore balance, energy and focus.' This shift is visible across the region. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi's Enriquez says, 'I think it's all about authenticity, purpose and being intentional. The messaging should go beyond showcasing spa rooms or facilities. Instead focus on capturing personal journeys, highlighting how real guests feel and what they discover about themselves during the experience. Enriquez adds, 'Truly connecting with them means listening to them and understanding their values, wellness goals and lifestyles to personalise the experience.' Insights derived from being intentional show that travellers seek much more than just sightseeing experiences, culture, art and restorative events. Putting this into practice, Enriquez explains how the visually calming Greek-inspired retreat is paired with personalised experiences such as yoga with handpan meditation; creative expression workshops; and spa treatments. The resort has positioned itself as a sanctuary for emotional balance, mental clarity and holistic renewal. Reiterating the argument for marketing with intention, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai's Eid takes this a step further, saying, 'It's not just about relaxation; it's about helping our guests feel grounded and recharged.' A dip in the pool, a trip to the spa Another common theme that emerges in conversation with marketers is the need for effective visual storytelling. Rosewood Hotel Jeddah's AlGhamdi points out the power of storytelling as a key differentiator, saying, 'Moving beyond the traditional 'perfect visuals', successful campaigns must humanise wellness by showcasing real experiences, guest journeys and purpose-led initiatives that resonate on a personal level. We believe wellness should be communicated through authentic storytelling that reflects our local culture and nuances, speaking to individual aspirations while still addressing the modern traveller's need for mindful luxury.' She adds, 'By highlighting how wellness is seamlessly integrated into daily life, from tailored treatments to holistic rituals, we create emotional relevance that elevates the brand and builds long-term loyalty.' Similarly, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai and The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai also focus on storytelling that highlight relaxation, renewal and the art of slowing down. Eid says, 'What matters now is telling stories that feel authentic, intentional and human. That's why our campaigns lean into stories of renewal, vitality, using behind-the-scenes moments and raw content that capture the emotional journey of wellness, not just the aesthetic.' Arora adds, 'Our curated content features visuals that provide a sense of peace, emotional renewal and bodily rejuvenation.' While a swim or a spa session may once have sufficed, today's luxury guests seek more than momentary relaxation – they seek transformation. In response, leading properties are weaving holistic wellness into every layer of the guest journey. 'For modern travellers seeking inspiration or a sense of calm, these elements strongly influence their decision-making when choosing a meaningful luxury escape,' Enriquez adds. But storytelling 'wellness' for luxury travellers also means recognising that these audiences are nuanced and, often, ask questions that need well-informed messaging. Enriquez explains, 'It's about helping guests understand that wellness practices are science backed, with experts leading the programmes. It is about building trust so guests can embrace the process, making the experience meaningful and deeply human, which is something UHNWIs and HNWIs truly value and appreciate in a world of oversaturation.' Prioritising personalisation Personalisation has also become central to luxury hospitality marketing – often ingrained in descriptors and phrases such as 'customised', 'exclusive', 'signature', 'one-of-a-kind' experiences – which caters specifically to HNWIs and UHNWIs. Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis' Fahim says, 'By offering everything from customised yoga and meditation sessions to expert-led, exclusive nutrition consultations and spa treatments, we've positioned our hotel as a sanctuary for guests seeking not just relaxation, but a transformative wellness journey.' At The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, wellness is similarly integrated into the guest experience. Eid adds, 'Our signature spa treatments are both advanced and trend-driven. Nutrition also plays a key role in our approach. Through our farm-to-table initiatives and the use of our in-house vertical farm, we provide our restaurants and bars with fresh, organic produce daily. This allows our chefs to craft healthy, good-for-you menus and dishes that align with our guests' wellness goals.' The soul of hospitality As brands compete to create sanctuaries of serenity, those who lead with intention, authenticity and emotional resonance are poised to shape the future of luxury hospitality. Rosewood Hotel Jeddah's AlGhamdi sums it up well, saying, 'For UHNWI and HNWI guests, wellness represents balance, personalisation and meaningful experiences. Ultimately, luxury wellness today is about sharing a vision of wellbeing as a way of life, deeply rooted in place, purpose, and personal connection.' After all, for the world's most discerning travellers, wellness isn't simply a break from reality; it's an investment in living well.
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Dubai Eye
World Bank cuts global growth forecast as trade tensions heighten uncertainty
The World Bank slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by four-tenths of a percentage point to 2.3 per cent, saying that higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a "significant headwind" for nearly all economies. In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the global lender lowered its forecasts for nearly 70 per cent of all economies - including the US, China and Europe, as well as six emerging market regions - from the levels it projected six months ago before US President Donald Trump took office. Trump has upended global trade with a series of on-again, off-again tariff hikes that have increased the effective US tariff rate from below 3 per cent to the mid-teens - its highest level in almost a century - and triggered retaliation by China and other countries. The World Bank is the latest body to cut its growth forecast as a result of Trump's erratic trade policies, although US officials insist the negative consequences will be offset by a surge in investment and still-to-be approved tax cuts. It stopped short of forecasting a recession, but said global economic growth this year would be the weakest outside of a recession since 2008. By 2027, global gross domestic product growth was expected to average just 2.5 per cent, the slowest pace of any decade since the 1960s. The report forecast that global trade would grow by 1.8 per cent in 2025, down from 3.4 per cent in 2024 and roughly a third of its 5.9 per cent level in the 2000s. The forecast is based on tariffs in effect as of late May, including a 10 per cent US tariff on imports from most countries. It excludes increases that were announced by Trump in April and then postponed until July 9 to allow for negotiations. The World Bank said global inflation was expected to reach 2.9 per cent in 2025, remaining above pre-COVID-19 levels, given tariff increases and tight labor markets. "Risks to the global outlook remain tilted decidedly to the downside," it wrote. The lender said its models showed that a further increase of 10 percentage points in average US tariffs, on top of the 10 per cent rate already implemented, and proportional retaliation by other countries, could shave another half of a percentage point off the outlook for 2025. Such an escalation in trade barriers would result "in global trade seizing up in the second half of this year... accompanied by a widespread collapse in confidence, surging uncertainty and turmoil in financial markets," the report said. Nonetheless, it said the risk of a global recession was less than 10 per cent. Top officials from the US and China are meeting in London this week to try to defuse a trade dispute that has widened from tariffs to restrictions over rare earth minerals, threatening a global supply chain shock and slower growth. "Uncertainty remains a powerful drag, like fog on a runway. It slows investment and clouds the outlook," World Bank Deputy Chief Economist Ayhan Kose told Reuters in an interview. But Kose said there were signs of increased dialogue on trade that could help dispel uncertainty, and supply chains were adapting to a new global trade map, not collapsing. Global trade growth could modestly rebound in 2026 to 2.4 per cent, and developments in artificial intelligence could also boost growth, he said. "We think that eventually the uncertainty will decline," Kose said. "Once the type of fog we have lifts, the trade engine may start running again, but at a slower pace." Kose said while things could get worse, trade was continuing and China, India and others were still delivering robust growth. Many countries were also discussing new trade partnerships that could pay dividends later, he said. The World Bank said the global outlook had "deteriorated substantially" since January, mainly due to advanced economies, which are now seen growing by just 1.2 per cent, down half a percentage point, after expanding by 1.7 per cent per cent in 2024. The US forecast was slashed by nine-tenths of a percentage point from its January forecast to 1.4 per cent, and the 2026 outlook was lowered by four-tenths of a percentage point to 1.6 per cent. Rising trade barriers, "record-high uncertainty" and a spike in financial market volatility were expected to weigh on private consumption, trade and investment, it said. The White House pushed back against the forecast, citing recent economic data that it said pointed to a stronger economy. "The World Bank's prognostications are untethered to the data: investment in real business equipment surged by nearly 25 per cent in Q1 of 2025; real disposable personal income grew by a robust 0.7 per cent month-over-month in April; and Americans have now seen three consecutive expectation-beating jobs and inflation reports," White House spokesperson Kush Desai said. He added that a sweeping budget package currently making its way through Congress would provide tax relief and "further turbo-charge America's economic resurgence under President Trump." The World Bank cut growth estimates in the euro zone by three-tenths of a percentage point to 0.7 per cent and in Japan by half a percentage point to 0.7 per cent. It said emerging markets and developing economies were expected to grow by 3.8 per cent in 2025 versus 4.1 per cent in the forecast in January. Poor countries would suffer the most, the report said. By 2027, developing economies' per capita GDP would be 6 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, and it could take these countries - minus China - two decades to recoup the economic losses of the 2020s. Mexico, heavily dependent on trade with the US, saw its growth forecast cut by 1.3 percentage points to 0.2 per cent in 2025. The World Bank left its forecast for China unchanged at 4.5 per cent from January, saying Beijing still had monetary and fiscal space to support its economy and stimulate growth.
ARN News Center
2 days ago
- ARN News Center
World Bank cuts global growth forecast as trade tensions heighten uncertainty
The World Bank slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by four-tenths of a percentage point to 2.3 per cent, saying that higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a "significant headwind" for nearly all economies. In its twice-yearly Global Economic Prospects report, the global lender lowered its forecasts for nearly 70 per cent of all economies - including the U.S., China and Europe, as well as six emerging market regions - from the levels it projected six months ago before U.S. President Donald Trump took office. Trump has upended global trade with a series of on-again, off-again tariff hikes that have increased the effective U.S. tariff rate from below 3% to the mid-teens - its highest level in almost a century - and triggered retaliation by China and other countries. The World Bank is the latest body to cut its growth forecast as a result of Trump's erratic trade policies, although U.S. officials insist the negative consequences will be offset by a surge in investment and still-to-be approved tax cuts. It stopped short of forecasting a recession, but said global economic growth this year would be the weakest outside of a recession since 2008. By 2027, global gross domestic product growth was expected to average just 2.5 per cent, the slowest pace of any decade since the 1960s. The report forecast that global trade would grow by 1.8 per cent in 2025, down from 3.4 per cent in 2024 and roughly a third of its 5.9 per cent level in the 2000s. The forecast is based on tariffs in effect as of late May, including a 10 per cent U.S. tariff on imports from most countries. It excludes increases that were announced by Trump in April and then postponed until July 9 to allow for negotiations. The World Bank said global inflation was expected to reach 2.9 per cent in 2025, remaining above pre-COVID-19 levels, given tariff increases and tight labor markets. "Risks to the global outlook remain tilted decidedly to the downside," it wrote. The lender said its models showed that a further increase of 10 percentage points in average U.S. tariffs, on top of the 10 per cent rate already implemented, and proportional retaliation by other countries, could shave another half of a percentage point off the outlook for 2025. Such an escalation in trade barriers would result "in global trade seizing up in the second half of this year ... accompanied by a widespread collapse in confidence, surging uncertainty and turmoil in financial markets," the report said. Nonetheless, it said the risk of a global recession was less than 10 per cent. Top officials from the U.S. and China are meeting in London this week to try to defuse a trade dispute that has widened from tariffs to restrictions over rare earth minerals, threatening a global supply chain shock and slower growth. "Uncertainty remains a powerful drag, like fog on a runway. It slows investment and clouds the outlook," World Bank Deputy Chief Economist Ayhan Kose told Reuters in an interview. But Kose said there were signs of increased dialogue on trade that could help dispel uncertainty, and supply chains were adapting to a new global trade map, not collapsing. Global trade growth could modestly rebound in 2026 to 2.4 per cent, and developments in artificial intelligence could also boost growth, he said. "We think that eventually the uncertainty will decline," Kose said. "Once the type of fog we have lifts, the trade engine may start running again, but at a slower pace." Kose said while things could get worse, trade was continuing and China, India and others were still delivering robust growth. Many countries were also discussing new trade partnerships that could pay dividends later, he said. The World Bank said the global outlook had "deteriorated substantially" since January, mainly due to advanced economies, which are now seen growing by just 1.2 per cent, down half a percentage point, after expanding by 1.7 per cent per cent in 2024. The U.S. forecast was slashed by nine-tenths of a percentage point from its January forecast to 1.4 per cent, and the 2026 outlook was lowered by four-tenths of a percentage point to 1.6 per cent. Rising trade barriers, "record-high uncertainty" and a spike in financial market volatility were expected to weigh on private consumption, trade and investment, it said. The White House pushed back against the forecast, citing recent economic data that it said pointed to a stronger economy. "The World Bank's prognostications are untethered to the data: investment in real business equipment surged by nearly 25 per cent in Q1 of 2025; real disposable personal income grew by a robust 0.7 per cent month-over-month in April; and Americans have now seen three consecutive expectation-beating jobs and inflation reports," White House spokesperson Kush Desai said. He added that a sweeping budget package currently making its way through Congress would provide tax relief and "further turbo-charge America's economic resurgence under President Trump." The World Bank cut growth estimates in the euro zone by three-tenths of a percentage point to 0.7 per cent and in Japan by half a percentage point to 0.7 per cent. It said emerging markets and developing economies were expected to grow by 3.8 per cent in 2025 versus 4.1 per cent in the forecast in January. Poor countries would suffer the most, the report said. By 2027, developing economies' per capita GDP would be 6 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, and it could take these countries - minus China - two decades to recoup the economic losses of the 2020s. Mexico, heavily dependent on trade with the U.S., saw its growth forecast cut by 1.3 percentage points to 0.2 per cent in 2025. The World Bank left its forecast for China unchanged at 4.5 per cent from January, saying Beijing still had monetary and fiscal space to support its economy and stimulate growth.
