logo
Women in audio take center stage as the UAE paves the way in shaping sound

Women in audio take center stage as the UAE paves the way in shaping sound

Zawya11-03-2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Following International Women's Day on March 8, more organizations are playing their part in helping the region make meaningful strides in accelerating action toward addressing barriers and biases that women face in their respective careers.
Audio technology pioneer and leader Shure is among those walking the talk in the region, with a third of its UAE workforce being women. The Company is led by Chris Schyvinck, President and CEO, who has been at Shure for 35 years.
Schyvinck follows in the footsteps of Rose L. Shure, who took over the leadership of Shure Inc. after her husband S.N. Shure died in 1995. Mrs. Shure was instrumental in helping the Company achieve numerous milestones throughout her leadership, which spanned over 60 years. Her leadership still serves as a motivation and inspiration to women in the audio industry.
Historically underrepresented in STEM fields, women are gaining ground thanks to progressive government policies, corporate leadership, and community-driven efforts. In the UAE, for instance, a remarkable 56% of STEM graduates are women, outpacing many Western nations. These much-needed efforts have strategically positioned the UAE as a leader in promoting women in technology.
Walking the talk
According to Schyvinck, a defining narrative is taking shape in the technology sector whereby women are no longer just participants - they are leaders, innovators, and change-makers. She also commends government-backed initiatives like the UAE Gender Balance Council and the One Million Arab Coders program, recognizing their impact, which has in turn created pathways for women to thrive in technology.
"The audio industry must not just include women, but empower them. This shift starts with early exposure, mentorship, and tangible opportunities to take leadership roles,' said Schyvinck. 'At Shure, and in line with our 100-year milestone, we are continuing to actively expand additional representation in the audio industry."
Leading by example
Schyvinck's leadership has been instrumental in launching an employee resource group called the 'Women Everywhere (WE) VIBE', a flagship initiative for supporting equality at Shure around the world. The program offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and a "Celebrating Women in Technology" panel series featuring global industry experts. Additionally, the company's IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) initiative is working to create a more inclusive work environment.
-Ends-
About Shure
Shure (www.shure.com) has been helping people sound extraordinary for 100 years. Founded in 1925, the Company is a leading global manufacturer of audio equipment known for quality, performance, and durability. Shure offers microphones, wireless microphone systems, in-ear monitors, earphones and headphones, conferencing systems, and more. For critical listening, or high-stakes moments on stage, in the studio, and in the meeting room, Shure is the trusted solution. Shure Incorporated is headquartered in Niles, Illinois, in the United States, and includes more than 30 manufacturing facilities and regional sales offices throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.
Shure PR Contact:
Marevak Consulting
Patrick Karanjah – patrick.karanjah@marevak.com

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Middle East Debt Surges as External Influence Deepens
Middle East Debt Surges as External Influence Deepens

Arabian Post

time13 hours ago

  • Arabian Post

Middle East Debt Surges as External Influence Deepens

The debt burden across the Middle East and North Africa has escalated markedly over the last decade, with many governments relying heavily on borrowing to sustain public spending amid economic challenges. This growing fiscal strain, combined with an increasing dependence on external donor funding, has amplified the influence of foreign actors on both domestic policies and regional geopolitics, raising concerns about the long-term economic sovereignty of these states. State borrowing in the MENA region has expanded substantially due to a combination of declining oil revenues, rising public expenditures, and the economic fallout from global disruptions. Countries that historically relied on hydrocarbon wealth to finance budgets have faced persistent pressures to diversify revenue sources, but with uneven success. The persistence of conflict, political instability, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated fiscal deficits, pushing governments to turn to international lenders and multilateral institutions more frequently. The Gulf Cooperation Council members, traditionally seen as relatively debt-resilient, have witnessed a gradual uptick in sovereign borrowing. For instance, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have issued substantial sovereign bonds in international markets to fund large infrastructure projects under their economic diversification agendas. Nonetheless, their debt-to-GDP ratios remain relatively contained compared to other MENA nations. Meanwhile, countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon have accumulated debt at levels that alarm economists and credit rating agencies. Egypt's public debt has exceeded 90% of GDP, while Lebanon remains mired in a sovereign debt crisis, with its economy contracting sharply and international lenders demanding stringent reforms. ADVERTISEMENT The rise in borrowing often comes with conditions attached by international creditors, including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, as well as bilateral donors such as the European Union, the United States, and Gulf allies. These conditions frequently mandate structural reforms, austerity measures, and adjustments in subsidy programmes that affect large segments of the population. Such fiscal tightening has stirred public discontent and occasionally sparked protests, underscoring the delicate balance governments must strike between fiscal responsibility and social stability. The reliance on donor funding has widened the scope for foreign influence in national decision-making. Some nations find themselves aligning their foreign policies to appease key donors, ensuring continued financial assistance. This alignment manifests in diplomatic stances, regional alliances, and participation in international coalitions, sometimes at odds with local priorities or public opinion. For example, the strategic partnerships between Gulf states and Western powers have intensified, with financial aid often linked to military cooperation or counterterrorism initiatives. Beyond geopolitics, the conditionality of donor funding can limit the policy options available to governments, constraining economic strategies and reform agendas. This external pressure has raised questions about sovereignty and the capacity of states to chart independent development paths. Economists warn that a cycle of debt dependence could undermine the very economic growth that these countries seek, trapping them in a cycle of borrowing and reform fatigue. The structural challenges that fuel debt accumulation in MENA are multifaceted. Demographic pressures, with a large youth population entering the job market, heighten the demand for public services and employment opportunities. However, the private sector remains underdeveloped in many countries, unable to absorb the expanding labour force or generate sufficient revenue to alleviate public finances. High unemployment rates and income disparities compound the strain on state budgets, forcing governments to maintain subsidies on essentials such as fuel, electricity, and food, which constitute significant fiscal burdens. Energy transition trends and volatile global markets further complicate the fiscal landscape. The drive towards renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels threatens to erode the traditional income bases of hydrocarbon-exporting countries. While some Gulf states have embraced ambitious clean energy projects and economic diversification, the transition carries upfront costs that add to borrowing needs. Non-GCC nations that rely on oil and gas revenues for budgetary support face more acute vulnerabilities, with fluctuating commodity prices directly impacting their fiscal stability. ADVERTISEMENT Policy experts advocate for enhanced fiscal reforms focused on broadening the tax base, improving public financial management, and fostering private sector growth. Greater regional cooperation on debt restructuring and coordinated economic policies could also alleviate pressures. Yet, political instability and entrenched governance challenges hamper implementation efforts in several countries. Transparency and accountability deficits remain a significant obstacle to efficient debt management and the effective use of external funds. International financial institutions have called for a balanced approach to lending and aid, one that supports immediate fiscal needs while promoting sustainable development. This includes encouraging greater domestic resource mobilisation and reducing reliance on donor funding in the medium term. Failure to address these issues risks escalating debt distress and diminished policy autonomy, with potentially destabilising repercussions for the entire region.

White Lotus Effect Fails to Revive Thailand Tourism
White Lotus Effect Fails to Revive Thailand Tourism

Arabian Post

time2 days ago

  • Arabian Post

White Lotus Effect Fails to Revive Thailand Tourism

Thailand's tourism industry continues to grapple with significant challenges despite the temporary surge in visitor interest linked to the popularity of HBO's hit series set on Koh Samui. The so-called 'White Lotus effect' sparked a modest increase in Western tourists drawn by the picturesque island backdrop of the show. However, this spike has failed to reverse the broader downward trend that has gripped the sector, which remains weighed down by a complex mix of economic, geopolitical, and structural factors. Tourism, which historically accounted for approximately 20% of Thailand's GDP, has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. The government's ambitious targets for visitor arrivals have consistently fallen short, with numbers lagging due to a combination of diminished demand from key markets, lingering travel restrictions in some regions, and competition from neighbouring countries aggressively courting tourists with attractive packages and incentives. Koh Samui, often portrayed as a tropical paradise in the series, experienced an influx of curious travellers eager to visit the filming locations. Hotels and local businesses reported short-term gains, but these have proven insufficient to restore the overall health of the industry. Analysts note that the White Lotus effect highlights the growing influence of media and entertainment in shaping travel preferences but also underscores the limitations of relying on such ephemeral boosts without broader strategic support. ADVERTISEMENT The pandemic fundamentally altered global travel behaviours, accelerating trends towards more cautious spending and preference for less crowded destinations. Additionally, the economic slowdown and inflationary pressures in Western countries have tightened discretionary budgets for leisure travel, further curbing outbound flows. Thailand, which relies heavily on long-haul visitors from Europe, North America, and Australia, has thus found itself at a disadvantage amid shifting global economic dynamics. Geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asia and stricter visa and entry policies in response to health concerns have deterred potential visitors. While Thailand has progressively eased COVID-19 restrictions, some travellers remain wary of changing regulations and the unpredictability of travel protocols. This uncertainty contrasts with competitors like Vietnam and Malaysia, which have implemented more streamlined border policies to attract tourists. The country's tourism infrastructure also faces scrutiny. Despite being a longstanding favourite destination, several regions struggle with overdevelopment, environmental degradation, and inconsistent service standards. These issues have sparked calls for more sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term viability. Efforts to diversify tourism offerings beyond beach resorts, such as promoting eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and wellness retreats, are gaining traction but require substantial investment and coherent policy frameworks to achieve scale. The Thai government has responded with a series of incentives aimed at reviving the sector. These include marketing campaigns targeting emerging markets such as China, India, and the Middle East, where outbound travel is expected to grow. Subsidies and financial support for local businesses, infrastructure upgrades, and training programmes for hospitality workers form part of the recovery blueprint. Nonetheless, experts caution that the benefits of these measures will manifest gradually and hinge on geopolitical stability and global economic recovery. Tourism operators highlight that the industry's challenges extend beyond attracting visitors to addressing the quality of the visitor experience and the sustainability of growth. For example, concerns about overtourism in some hotspots have led to overcrowding and resource depletion, while lesser-known regions struggle to attract sufficient attention and investment. This imbalance has prompted calls for a more balanced approach that spreads economic benefits more evenly across the country. ADVERTISEMENT Foreign direct investment in the tourism sector remains muted compared with previous years, reflecting broader investor caution about global economic uncertainties. The depreciation of the Thai baht has had mixed effects; while it makes the destination more affordable for foreign tourists, it also raises costs for imported goods and services crucial to the hospitality industry. Inflationary pressures on food, energy, and labour add to the operational challenges faced by businesses seeking to maintain profitability while keeping prices competitive. Labour shortages persist as well, with many workers leaving the tourism sector during the pandemic to pursue alternative employment. This has led to difficulties in maintaining service quality and meeting seasonal demand peaks. The government has encouraged re-skilling and vocational training programmes, but the gap remains significant, especially in rural and less-developed areas. Industry analysts point to the need for a comprehensive long-term strategy that integrates tourism with broader economic and social development goals. This would include embracing digital transformation to enhance marketing, customer engagement, and operational efficiency, as well as fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors to ensure resilience against future shocks. Thailand's brand as a travel destination continues to enjoy global recognition for its natural beauty, rich culture, and culinary appeal. However, sustaining this reputation requires ongoing adaptation to evolving traveller expectations, global trends, and environmental imperatives. While the White Lotus series has brought some renewed attention to specific locales, the industry's recovery depends on deeper structural reforms and coordinated efforts at multiple levels.

UAE companies highly confident about trade prospects despite global disruption: Survey
UAE companies highly confident about trade prospects despite global disruption: Survey

Al Etihad

time3 days ago

  • Al Etihad

UAE companies highly confident about trade prospects despite global disruption: Survey

4 June 2025 00:23 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Companies in the UAE are among the most confident globally about their trade prospects despite ongoing geopolitical and supply chain turbulence, according to HSBC's 2025 Global Trade Pulse report – which surveyed more than 5,700 international firms across 13 countries – found that 94% of UAE-based businesses believe their operations will benefit from the shift in trade dynamics in the long surpasses the global average of 89%, putting the UAE just behind India (96%) in terms of optimism, and ahead of the US (93%).This sentiment comes amid a wider reshuffle in global trade patterns, as many companies grapple with increased costs and revenue pressures due to tariffs and supply chain UAE's positive outlook contrasts with a growing sense of caution in Western markets. For example, 51% of US firms surveyed expect supply chain disruptions to reduce their revenue by 25% or more. 'As trade policies continue to fluctuate, businesses are compelled to rethink their long-term strategies. The current landscape demands agility and foresight, with companies prioritising domestic markets and exploring new regions to mitigate risks,' the report stated.'These strategic shifts are crucial to maintaining competitiveness and ensuring business continuity in an unpredictable global economy.'The HSBC survey highlights a global trend of 'reshoring' and 'nearshoring', with 83% of companies planning to bring production closer to their customer bases. Companies in the US have been the most active in reshoring to date (44%), while companies in China are the most likely to be planning similar steps in the future (48%).'In parallel with these shifts in production strategy, the majority of businesses globally (nearly 90%) are also planning to diversify their supplier base – expanding across multiple regions to further reduce their exposure to tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty,' the report said. While the financial impact of ongoing trade disruption is expected to be substantial and long-lasting, the HSBC survey highlights strong signs of resilience and of corporate all surveyed markets, 77% of companies say the uncertainty has prompted them to evolve and seek new is emerging as a core response strategy, according to the report. Nearly 9 in 10 businesses globally report they have already invested in or are planning to invest in tools to enhance supply chain visibility, adopt automation in production and logistics, or improve their use of data analytics. The same proportion of respondents are expanding into new markets, developing new products, adopting technology, or adjusting cost structures to respond to shifting trade dynamics. Nearly 60% of all respondents have already adopted a new technology or digital platform, while 56% improved internal efficiency or altered their cost base and 51% have developed new products or services.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store