Pictures of the week: From umbrellas in Dubai to a flying cow in Switzerland
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WallyGPT%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2014%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaeid%20and%20Sami%20Hejazi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%247.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%20round%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEjari%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYazeed%20Al%20Shamsi%2C%20Fahad%20Albedah%2C%20Mohammed%20Alkhelewy%20and%20Khalid%20Almunif%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESanabil%20500%20Mena%2C%20Hambro%20Perks'%20Oryx%20Fund%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of 'ancillary orders'.
More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women's rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we're practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you're interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you're likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
UAE coins
Dh5 note
Dh10 note
Dh20 note
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar's Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel's State Attorney's Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco's Farm and Neria's Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to 'serious abuse'.
Mastery of audio-visual content creation. Cinematography, shots and movement. All aspects of post-production. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement. Tourism industry knowledge. Professional ethics.
Sand storm Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
UAE fixturesMay 9, v MalaysiaMay 10, v QatarMay 13, v MalaysiaMay 15, v QatarMay 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women's FCOctober 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women's FC
October 9: v Sabah FA
UAE coins
Dh5 note
Dh10 note
Dh20 note
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Yadoo's House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ogram%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Kouatly%20and%20Shafiq%20Khartabil%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20On-demand%20staffing%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2050%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMore%20than%20%244%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%2C%20Aditum%20and%20Oraseya%20Capital%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)
Lazio v Napoli (9pm)
Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)
Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)
Torino v Bologna (6pm)
Verona v Genoa (9pm)
Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)
Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National . The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight's Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster with a decades-long career in TV. He has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others. Karam is also the founder of Takreem.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight's Chat moves the conversation forward.
Facebook | Our website | Instagram
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Updated: May 23, 2025, 6:02 PM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Imran Farooq on building communities with Samana Developers
Imran Farooq represents a different kind of real estate disruptor. Measured, deliberate, and sharply focused, his leadership is rooted in strategy, conviction, and deep market intelligence. Spend time with him – as we did during this cover feature – and the source of Samana Developers' extraordinary momentum quickly becomes clear. It's not noise that drives him. It's vision. That vision is anchored in belief – belief in integrity, belief in innovation, and above all, belief in delivering what he calls 'holistic living experiences' to homeowners who want more than marble lobbies and glossy renders. It's an approach rooted in substance over spectacle, where consistency, trust, and execution speak louder than hype. A legacy that shaped a leader Farooq's story doesn't begin in Dubai's skyline, but in a modest office. It was where he witnessed his father shake hands on a land deal and honour it, even as the market soared. 'There was no extensive contract, just a simple agreement. When the market shifted and he could have easily renegotiated for a much higher price, he honoured his original word,' Farooq recalls. 'Our name is our bond,' he told me, 'and that simple principle became the most important lesson I ever learned. That story taught me that true wealth is not measured in currency, but in the trust you build.' It wasn't just a childhood memory; it was a lesson that would go on to shape Farooq's entire business philosophy. 'Real estate isn't about quick gains,' he says. 'It's about building for future generations.' That ethos now runs through everything Samana does. With a consolidated portfolio of over AED 17 billion and a 4.4 per cent market share in Dubai's off-plan segment in 2024, the company has grown into one of the city's top five developers. 'We're moving beyond standalone buildings to create comprehensive districts that include residential towers, retail, and specialised housing,' Farooq says. 'These communities will improve quality of life and address Dubai's rapid growth.' Farooq's vision is not just about crafting a business empire but also the future of the communities they build for. 'We don't see sustainability as a requirement; it's an essential component of modern luxury, providing healthier and more efficient living spaces.' From branch manager to master developer Farooq's trajectory is equally compelling. Starting as a branch manager in 1996, he launched a computer distribution firm, followed by Premiers International – a market-leading immigration consultancy – and ultimately the Samana Group in 2003. The group has since expanded into property, second citizenship and business centres. 'A pivotal moment in my journey was the bold decision to commit to vertical integration by creating our own contracting arm,' he says. 'The pace of our growth and our vision for innovative projects were being limited by external contractors.' He continues: 'The choice to champion 'resort-style living' as our signature offering… this was a deliberate move to trust our market insights and differentiate aggressively. The overwhelming market response validated this risk and created a culture of audacious innovation within Samana.' Samana is now planning 18 projects by the end of 2025, supported by an internal infrastructure that allows for agile delivery. 'We're launching 18 projects by the end of 2025 to ensure a continuous pipeline of opportunities,' he says. 'Our long-term vision involves transitioning from a developer of individual buildings to a master developer, creating entire, integrated communities.' Innovation with purpose The idea of innovation, for Farooq, is grounded in people. 'We begin with meticulous market research to understand what people truly aspire to in their lifestyle,' he explains. 'We realised that while luxury was desired, it also had to be accessible.' This insight led to the now-signature 'private pool apartment' concept, which was met with scepticism at first. But, Farooq says, 'we saw a yearning among residents for more privacy and a sense of escape right at home.' The company's next move? 'Our next major concept is creating 'climate-resilient living spaces.' This goes beyond basic sustainability,' he says. 'We're designing homes that are inherently more comfortable and healthier, with advanced climate control systems that actively purify the air.' He adds: 'We believe the future of Dubai's real estate lies in these holistic living experiences, where convenience, wellness, and environmental consciousness converge.' Redefining luxury through sustainability For Farooq, sustainability starts with the design process, where it's woven into the very fabric of their projects from the initial concept. 'Our architectural focus on maximising natural light and passive ventilation serves a dual purpose: it dramatically reduces energy consumption while simultaneously creating more airy, aesthetically pleasing, and luxurious living spaces'. Farooq is blunt in his assessment of outdated assumptions. 'The conventional notion of sustainability and luxury as conflicting values is one we've completely redefined,' he says. 'Our philosophy isn't to reconcile these concepts, but to prove that they are, in fact, mutually enhancing.' 'We meticulously select durable, high-quality materials not just for their premium feel, but for their longevity and reduced environmental impact,' he explains. 'Our developments feature high-efficiency HVAC systems and smart home technologies that empower residents to manage energy consumption effortlessly.' 'Even a signature luxury feature like our private pools is designed responsibly, utilising advanced filtration and recycling systems to minimise water usage,' he adds. Going global with Dubai roots Samana's rise has been fuelled by investor confidence – 86 per cent of sales are to international buyers. 'International investors choose us because we consistently deliver on our promises,' Farooq says. 'Our commitment to quality and timely handovers turns every completed project into a powerful brand ambassador.' 'Our expansion strategy is focused on identifying regions with a strong demand for Dubai's value proposition – a mix of luxury, stability, and high returns,' he says. 'We've established offices in key international hubs, including China and Europe.' A flagship move in this expansion is the launch of Samana Ocean Views Interiors by Elie Saab in the Maldives: 'The move to develop a private island in the Maldives is a clear sign of our intent to explore super-premium segments in new international locations.' Leading with empathy Despite the scale of the business, Farooq's tone remains grounded. 'Another vital element is empowering my team. I've learned not to carry every burden myself,' he says. 'Building a strong leadership team allows me to delegate and focus on strategic vision.' He also credits his team's alignment and culture. 'We've collaborated with the Dubai Land Department on their 'She Pioneers' initiative, which aims to empower women in the real estate sector through mentorship, networking, and specialised training,' he says. 'This commitment isn't just corporate social responsibility; it's a personal conviction that guides how I live and lead.' Beyond the bottom line Farooq speaks with most pride about his philanthropic work. 'Beyond my business career, I'm most proud of my philanthropic initiatives. I believe true success is measured by the positive impact we create in society,' he says. 'A significant point of pride is our pledge to develop an AED 40 million endowment building for the Fathers' Endowment campaign, which will provide sustainable healthcare for the poor and needy in Dubai,' he says. 'This goes beyond traditional charity; it's an investment in a self-sustaining source of funding for a critical cause.' A CEO with clarity During our photoshoot, Farooq made small but deliberate adjustments – a tie knot here, a sleeve there – more out of discipline than display, reflecting the same attention to detail that underpins his approach to business. 'Running a multi-billion-dirham enterprise is incredibly demanding, but I've learned that long-term success requires a sustainable balance,' he says. 'The key for me is ruthless prioritisation. I treat personal commitments with the same importance as professional ones.' 'My family is a non-negotiable anchor, and those moments are essential for recharging and gaining perspective,' he adds. 'These pursuits are crucial for maintaining mental clarity, fostering creativity, and preventing burnout.' In an industry built on façades, Farooq's consistency and values-led approach might just be the rarest form of luxury there is.
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
PwC urges MENA to back entrepreneurs to tackle 24% youth jobless rate
The MENA region needs to invest in the region's youth and entrepreneur skills to address unemployment fears, according to a PwC report. PwC Middle East has released the new report to urge governments, educators, and businesses across the region to invest in entrepreneurial capabilities to empower MENA's youth and address the region's persistent 24 percent youth unemployment rate. Titled 'Why entrepreneurial capabilities are key to empowering MENA's youth,' the report underscores the importance of equipping young people with the mindsets, skills, and behaviours necessary for success in today's innovation-driven economy. Back young MENA entrepreneurs says PwC With nearly half of the region's population under 25, the report calls for an urgent and collaborative approach to nurturing talent and fostering inclusive growth. The report draws from 19 in-depth interviews with founders of high-growth startups, senior policymakers (including from the UAE Ministry of Economy), and executives from leading firms such as Talabat, Augustus Media, and Ogilvy. It recommends four key strategies to transform the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem: Structured entrepreneurship education embedded in school and university curricula Robust mentorship ecosystems connecting youth with experienced entrepreneurs Technological proficiency including fluency in digital tools, AI, and coding Female empowerment to unlock untapped potential and drive inclusive innovation Roland Hancock, Middle East Education Practice Leader, PwC Middle East, said: 'Entrepreneurial capabilities are a driving resilience, innovation, and long-term relevance in the MENA region. By strategically investing in youth, inclusive innovation ecosystems, and future-focused skills today, we are addressing regional challenges and laying the foundation for global leadership across industries from AI and sustainability to digital transformation and beyond. 'This transformation will benefit from extensive collaboration between governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society to create an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive'. The report highlights regional success stories such as Talabat, Tamara, Swvl, and Tabby, which exemplify how digital-first business models can scale rapidly when underpinned by entrepreneurial agility and tech fluency. PwC's research warns that traditional business education alone is no longer enough. Future-ready youth must be trained in adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—all essential traits in a world rapidly transitioning toward a knowledge-based, digital economy. PwC urges public and private sector leaders to treat entrepreneurship as a national priority and a core engine for job creation, innovation, and global competitiveness. The report concludes that empowering MENA's youth with entrepreneurial capabilities is not just about addressing today's employment gaps—it is about unlocking the region's long-term potential and placing it at the forefront of global innovation.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025
Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President, Central African Republic (CAR) is confirmed to speak at this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His announced participation comes on the heels of a major boost to CAR's climate resilience strategy, with the World Bank recently approving $9.175 million in financing for the Inclusive and Resilient Cities Project. The project aims to enhance climate adaptation and sustainable urban development in Bangui and secondary cities by improving infrastructure, drainage and service delivery. The CAR is also making significant strides in energy development to drive sustainable growth. Key projects include the advancement of solar power infrastructure, such as the Danzi Solar Park, which aims to expand clean energy access across the country. Supported by international partners like the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility, these initiatives target rural electrification and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By integrating renewable energy solutions, CAR is addressing energy poverty, fostering economic opportunities and enhancing resilience against climate change. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Since its inauguration in November 2024, the 25 MWp Danzi Solar Power Plant is equipped with 30 MWh of battery storage and has reduced the country's dependence on diesel generation by 90%. The project has also increased domestic capacity by 40%, providing improved access to over 300,000 people. An ongoing expansion of the Danzi Solar Plant to 40 MWp and new off-grid solutions aim to reach over one million people by 2027. Beyond power generation, the CAR and Democratic Republic of Congo are jointly implementing a landmark Water Resources Management Project supported by the World Bank. Designed to strengthen transboundary cooperation, the project supports flood forecasting, hydrological data sharing and integrated watershed planning in the Ubangi sub-basin. The initiative promotes ecological sustainability, disaster preparedness and equitable resource management between both countries. Meanwhile, the CAR and Uganda have begun to enhance diplomatic and technical cooperation through shared learning in renewable energy deployment and hydropower planning. Uganda's experience in managing off-grid solutions and regional electricity integration is proving valuable for the CAR as the country continues to modernize and expand its energy landscape. 'The Central African Republic's commitment to scaling renewable energy and regional collaboration presents compelling opportunities for investors in the energy, water and infrastructure spaces. With robust backing from development partners and clear government leadership, the country is set to transform its energy sector, delivering both sustainable impact and attractive returns,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
