logo
Emirates Post issues commemorative stamp marking Arab League's 80th anniversary

Emirates Post issues commemorative stamp marking Arab League's 80th anniversary

Zawya21 hours ago
Dubai: Emirates Post has unveiled a special commemorative stamp collection titled 'League of Arab States: 80th Anniversary,' celebrating the League's historic journey since its founding in 1945. This exclusive release pays tribute to the League's enduring commitment to fostering regional cooperation and amplifying the collective Arab presence on the global stage.
The launch comes in response to recommendations from the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and is part of broader regional celebrations commemorating this significant milestone. Developed in collaboration with the League's General Secretariat, the stamp design symbolises Arab unity and highlights the League's longstanding institutional legacy. It reflects the core values of independence, integration, and solidarity that define the framework of joint Arab action. Inspired by the League's visual identity, the design illustrates 80 years of diplomatic engagement, institutional development, and cultural and economic advancement, highlighting the League's role in shaping the future, safeguarding Arab identity, and promoting stability and prosperity throughout the region.
This release continues Emirates Post's tradition of celebrating significant national and regional milestones, underscoring its dedication to advancing Arab cooperation initiatives within the postal sector and broader areas of integration and community service. The stamps are available at Emirates Post branches and online at www.emiratespostshop.ae.
For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet Group (OPG)
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Big-ticket events set the stage for tourism growth in the Middle East
Big-ticket events set the stage for tourism growth in the Middle East

Khaleej Times

time2 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

Big-ticket events set the stage for tourism growth in the Middle East

'Big-ticket' events are playing a pivotal role in driving international tourism and accelerating economic growth, experts say. In the GCC alone, the event and exhibition market is expected to reach $827 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.94 per cent, studies show. Following the global success of mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Expo 2020 Dubai, momentum is building across the region as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup. 'Big-ticket events provide a destination with an opportunity to establish brand positioning and exposure in a competitive global environment. These events play a vital role in supporting broader government objectives, but it is essential to invest in the right product for your destination,' Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said at a recent panel discussion Sebastien Doussin, Senior Vice President - Global Travel Services & Destination Management, dnata, reaffirmed the importance of large-scale events in destination positioning, referencing the growth of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the surge of international golfing tournaments throughout the UAE and the launch of NBA events in the capital. Commenting on the impact of technology on events, Doussin said: 'Technology has already changed big-ticket events, especially in terms of distribution and customer experience. All of the ticketing for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar was completely digital through the official event app, offering flexibility and ease of use. Ultimately, technology enables an event to become more seamless, easier and enjoyable.' Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata), urged the industry to broaden the definition of big-ticket events to include exhibitions, conferences and cultural performances. He referenced Bangkok's weekly concerts, which are mainly K-pop driven, as examples of how live entertainment extends tourist stays. The recent ATM Travel Trends report highlights the rising appeal of live entertainment and sports in influencing travel decisions. Leisure events were outlined as the top opportunity for tourism growth among 50 per cent of industry experts, as consumer demand for in-person and cultural experiences has increased significantly in recent years. The trend of combining traditional leisure and business travel, or 'bleisure', has also accelerated as increased remote working and flexible working visas have enabled more people to live and work overseas. Building on this, business travellers are often extending their stays in destinations, creating a new opportunity in this rapidly expanding sector. The report also highlighted that business events (MICE) are emerging as a significant driver of tourism growth across the Middle East, complementing the region's thriving leisure sector. Global business travel reached a record $1.4 trillion in 2024 and is projected to rise to $2 trillion by 2030. The Middle East is well-positioned to capture a growing share of this lucrative market, increasing from approximately 2.5 per cent in 2024 to over 3 per cent by the end of the decade, supported by world-class infrastructure, a strategic location, and an expanding schedule of high-profile events. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'As big-ticket events continue to gain global prominence, their role in shaping the future of tourism, driving economic diversification and enhancing international reputation has never been more evident. The Middle East, with its strategic vision, world-class infrastructure and focus on innovation, is well-positioned to lead the next era of global event tourism.'

Why are pink diamonds so rare and valuable?
Why are pink diamonds so rare and valuable?

The National

time2 minutes ago

  • The National

Why are pink diamonds so rare and valuable?

Dubai Police's recent foiling of a heist has once again cast the spotlight on pink diamonds, considered among the rarest and most sought-after gems in the world. The force on Monday said they arrested a gang that had been plotting to steal a 21-carat rare pink diamond worth $25 million from a jeweller and smuggle it out of the UAE. The elaborate year-long scheme involved identifying the diamond's owner and tricking him into moving the precious stone out of his secure shop, allowing them to steal it. Teams from Dubai CID were able to track the three suspects, arrest them and recover the diamond within eight hours of the theft before it left the country. Pink diamonds owe their colour to extreme pressure during formation, which distorts their structure and makes light reflect in shades of pink. They are the rarest of the precious gems and the most in-demand on the global market, fetching record prices at auctions. Five of the 10 most expensive diamonds ever sold have been pink, according to auction house Sotheby's, with all sold within the past decade. Dubai Police did not identify the owner of the recovered pink diamond, but said the stone was among the rarest in the world, with only a 0.01 per cent chance of finding another like it. Vikram Jethwani, co-founder of VikJet Fine Jewelry and 818 Vault, told The National that collectors see pink diamonds 'as both emotional treasures and irreplaceable assets' due to their rarity. 'A $25 million pink diamond could command even higher bids in Dubai, where scarcity and investor appetite drive values upwards. Additionally, auction houses often push such gems beyond estimates,' he says. Buyers of such rare stones are in 'the global 0.01 per cent of ultra high net worth individuals, royals and seasoned collectors,' he explains. 'They view pink diamonds as the ultimate blend of status and beauty.' According Mehul Pethani, of Cara Jewellers in Dubai, pink diamonds can range in price from tens of thousands to millions of dollars per carat, depending on the intensity and quality of the colour. 'The UAE's affluent market and appreciation for high-end jewellery contribute to their popularity,' says the jeweller. 'In fact, some of the world's most renowned jewellers and luxury brands, who call the UAE home, often feature pink diamonds in their collections. 'Only few pink diamonds exist in the world and only few mines produce them, that's why they are so much more expensive than white diamonds.' Jethwani adds: 'Demand has only grown since the closure of Australia's Argyle mine in 2020, which was the world's main source – 90 per cent of pink diamonds globally were sourced from there.' Beyond the UAE, the wider Middle East is 'a trend-leader in pink diamonds,' according to Jeremy Morris, the chief executive and creative director of London-based jeweller David Morris. 'These gemstones are, of course, pretty and extremely collectible, but I believe their popularity among the jewellery connoisseurs of the Middle East owes more to the gemstone's elegance and individuality,' he told The National in an earlier interview. 'For me they are absolutely timeless, while possessing a playfulness that as a jewellery designer is a joy to work with, and offers a unique beauty that captivates our clients.' One of the most expensive pink diamonds to recently go on sale was an 'ultra-rare' gemstone weighing 10.57 carats. Named Eternal Pink, the diamond, which was discovered at a mine in Botswana, was displayed in Dubai by Sotheby's before it fetched $34.8 million at an auction in New York.

UAE retail investors increasingly focused on homegrown markets
UAE retail investors increasingly focused on homegrown markets

Khaleej Times

time2 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE retail investors increasingly focused on homegrown markets

An overwhelming 85 per cent of UAE-based retail investors are currently invested in local stocks, and many are buying even more in response to global trade tensions, a study showed. According to the latest edition of the UAE Retail Investor Beat by trading and investing platform eToro, UAE-based investors are strong supporters of their local market. While 85 per cent are currently invested in locally listed equities, with 39 per cent of respondents holding Abu Dhabi stocks, 28 per cent holding Dubai stocks, and 18 per cent holding both. These investments reflect their confidence in the UAE economy. Sixty three per cent of investors stated they are 'very confident' in its current performance, and a further 29 per cent indicated they are 'somewhat confident'. When it comes to the long-term performance of locally listed stocks, 59 per cent expressed that they are 'very confident', with a further 32 per cent who are 'somewhat confident'. Looking ahead, 48 per cent of investors forecast significant gains in the UAE stock market over the next 12 months, while 34 per cent expect steady growth. This conviction is also evident in investors' long-term expectations. 58 per cent believe that the Middle East will deliver the most substantial returns over the next five years, followed closely by the U.S. (50 per cent). When asked which UAE sectors evoke the most optimism for investments over the next 12 months, real estate topped the list at 55 per cent, followed by technology (48 per cent), financial services (37 per cent), and energy (37 per cent). George Naddaf, managing director at eToro Mena, shared: 'The DFM and ADX are among the best-performing stock exchanges in the world this year, outperforming the S&P 500 by a considerable margin. Against this backdrop, our research confirms that investor confidence in the UAE market remains strong, supported by resilient performance across local indices, solid macroeconomic indicators, and sustained earnings across key sectors. Investors are favouring real estate, technology, financial services, and energy, as these sectors continue to benefit from government-backed initiatives. The fact that 85 per cent are already invested in UAE equities reflects a clear preference for local opportunities in the current environment.' Global tensions drive home bias and commodity interest Despite strong confidence in their local market, geopolitical risk is firmly on the minds of investors: 90 per cent say tariffs and trade wars will significantly impact their portfolios in the next six months, and 89 per cent have already adjusted or plan to adjust their investments in response. While the most common way investors are adjusting their portfolios in response to trade tensions is by increasing exposure to UAE equities (53 per cent), a close second is increasing allocations to commodities (51 per cent). This corresponds with respondents choosing gold or precious metals as the most resilient type of asset in a volatile trade environment (49 per cent). Crypto (45 per cent) was the second-most popular option, and it is already the most held asset class among UAE investors, currently with 54 per cent invested. Naddaf added: 'With 90 per cent of investors anticipating an impact from tariffs and trade wars, and 89 per cent adjusting their portfolios accordingly, UAE investors show an impressive level of adaptability. Besides local stocks, many are reallocating towards commodities such as gold and oil, which are viewed as reliable hedges against external volatility. This suggests a disciplined, dual-track approach: reinforcing exposure to domestic markets that are shielded from the impact of tariffs, while managing risk through defensive asset classes.' Uncertainty is not deterring investors from continuing to seek opportunities in the market. 65 per cent of UAE retail investors have already increased contributions to their investment portfolios over the previous months, and 76 per cent expect to increase contributions over the next three months.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store