Invest Qatar
FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar will be the first hosted in the Arab world and presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase not only Arab culture, but also to turbocharge growth and investment into the whole region
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UAE Moments
3 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Dubai Influencer's Support for Modest Fashion Gone Viral
In a city known for its gleaming skyline, rich culture, and deep-rooted hospitality, it was a moment of light-hearted elegance that recently stole the spotlight. Jacquelyn May, a Dubai-based content creator, shared a short and thoughtful video that sparked a wave of positivity and reflection—not only among her followers but across the UAE. With over a million views and a nod from Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, her message clearly resonated. A Joyful Call for Respect: How One Video Inspired a Citywide Conversation The video shows May confidently walking through Dubai Mall in a traditional Mukhawar Jalabiya, a look she described as 'respectful' and 'put together.' Her warm delivery and subtle humor—'This is Dubai Mall, not a Victoria's Secret fashion show'—struck a chord with audiences from all walks of life. What began as a personal observation turned into a cultural touchpoint. In her own words, May wanted to highlight how respectful dressing in public spaces can be both graceful and stylish. While sitting for coffee with a friend, she noticed a passerby wearing something revealing. Instead of criticism, her response was to gently remind everyone of the value of cultural harmony. The embrace of her video extended far beyond her typical audience. Emiratis and long-time residents applauded her message. Some expressed heartfelt thanks, recognizing how rare and appreciated it is when expatriates advocate for local customs. In Dubai, where modernity meets tradition every day, malls like Dubai Mall are family-friendly spaces. Signs remind visitors to dress modestly, yet enforcement is rare. Still, the cultural sentiment remains: public places deserve a sense of decorum. May's approach wasn't about imposing rules. It was about celebration—of culture, of style, of the mutual respect that makes Dubai a peaceful, welcoming home for millions. She made it clear that Dubai's openness doesn't negate its traditions. There's a time for beachwear and a time for attire that reflects the shared values of a cosmopolitan, yet respectful, society. Her message, now viral, highlights a broader truth: meaningful change often starts with kindness and a sense of community. Through grace, humor, and authenticity, Jacquelyn May sparked more than a fashion debate—she reminded an entire city of the beauty of cultural mindfulness.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia shows support for new health and fitness event
In a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Investment and its Sport Sector Team, an investment agreement was signed with RX Arabia to support the successful launch of FIBO Arabia in the Kingdom. The initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leading regional hub for international sports exhibitions and events. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia and its Sport Sector Team have signed an investment agreement with RX Arabia to support the successful launch of FIBO Arabia in the Kingdom, which will debut at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from 1-3 October 2025. The sports and fitness industry in Saudi Arabia continues to gain considerable momentum. Organised by RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions, and under the theme for a strong and healthy society, FIBO Arabia is already 60% sold out following a successful sales launch at FIBO's flagship tradeshow in Cologne, Germany last month. There, 1,200 exhibitors and partners from 60 nations and 154,748 visitors from 129 countries were welcomed. The launch of FIBO Arabia coincides with the Saudi government's significant support for investing in the country's sports sector as part of the Kingdom's 2030 strategy to diversify its economy. The government aims to increase sports spending by US$22 billion by 2030, encompassing sports clubs, academies, sportswear and equipment, and sports facilities. Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX: 'We are honoured that the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia is supporting the launch of FIBO Arabia. This underscores the importance of health and fitness to the Saudi Arabian government and highlights its investment-friendly attitude towards overseas entrepreneurs and progressive companies that want to invest in their health and fitness sector.' The country's focus on becoming a global sports hub is underscored by the announcement of major events to take place in Saudi Arabia, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games, which will provide a significant boost to its position as a global sports hub. Furthermore, according to Gymnation, which operates a chain of fitness centres in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Saudi fitness market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% between now and 2032 when the health and fitness market is projected to be worth US$2.28 billion. The growth in the market is largely attributed to government initiatives aimed at enhancing the population's quality of life and promoting physical activity, as well as a rise in health consciousness among the population. Basim K. Ibrahim, Sport Sector Investment Development Director, Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia, added: 'FIBO Arabia represents a pivotal platform in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals by promoting a culture of fitness and wellness while also highlighting the Kingdom's growing potential as a hub for investment within this sector. With increasing emphasis on exercise, sports, and wellbeing across the Kingdom, the event provides a vital opportunity for international and local brands to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the industry. We look forward to the positive impact FIBO Arabia will have on our communities and the exciting prospects it will unlock for the future.' Professional development will be a key focus of the show, with FIBO Arabia hosting a series of expert-led workshops, seminars, and keynote sessions. These continuing education opportunities are designed to equip attendees with the tools, insights, and certifications needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving fitness and wellness landscape. From innovation and education to networking and live engagement, FIBO Arabia 2025 promises to be a must-attend event for anyone passionate about shaping the future of health, fitness, and wellness in the Middle East and beyond. For more information on FIBO Arabia, please visit About FIBO Arabia FIBO Arabia's purpose is to foster a strong and healthy society. As part of the global FIBO network, it supports long and fulfilling lives for people across the region. The annual FIBO Arabia show brings together key players from the health, fitness, and wellness sectors to create a platform for innovations, investments, and trends tailored to an active lifestyle. Over the course of three dynamic days, FIBO Arabia offers unparalleled opportunities for building businesses, networking, and educating at the highest level. Attendees can look forward to numerous exciting and impressive live experiences, making FIBO Arabia an essential event for anyone passionate about health and wellness in the Middle East. The first FIBO Arabia will take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from October 1 to 3, 2025. Please visit About RX RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit Media contact: TRINA QUINTANA Account Manager Indigo Icon Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai, United Arab Emirates E-mail: Website: A member of the ECCO Communications Network
The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Al Hilal 'dream big' as they seek to make mark for Saudi Pro League at Club World Cup
The importance of this summer's Club World Cup to Al Hilal cannot be understated. This is, after all, a deeply ambitious club, the self-styled biggest club in Asia – a reputation they will seek to burnish against football's other continental giants in the coming weeks. They will be helped in that aim by a squad boasting numerous top internationals – whether they be home-grown Green Falcons or expensively imported stars lured to the kingdom since the PIF placed its financial might behind the Pro League's elite. That includes the Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo, a player whose pedigree is underlined by the fact he has represented no fewer than five of the other sides – Benfica, Juventus, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Bayern Munich – present at the expanded 32-team tournament in the US. 'We'll go there to perform well,' Cancelo, who has won 60 caps for Portugal and also counts Valencia and Barcelona among his former employers, told Fifa's official website. 'First, we have to get through our group, which is the most important thing, and then it's a matter of going step by step and match by match. It is a beautiful competition. 'A lot of us will have our families and friends there to support us, and we'll give our best, just like the other teams. We have to think match by match and dream as big as possible.' Problematic prelude Dreaming big comes naturally to a club with a record 19 domestic league titles and four Asian crowns to their name – but it's undeniable Al Hilal depart for the US having endured a difficult build-up. Last season they garnered widespread acclaim for a world record 34-match winning streak under Jorge Jesus. A domestic treble was secured, although their Asian ambitions were dented by an inspired Al Ain in Abu Dhabi. But fast forward 12 months and Jesus has been sacked and the Riyadh giants have been usurped by their rivals from Jeddah – left behind by champions Al Ittihad in the Pro League and unceremoniously dumped out of the AFC Champions League by Al Ahli. Those setbacks have left Hilal scrambling to recalibrate ahead of a competition long earmarked as a key objective. That process has included a chaotic hunt for a marquee signing to replace Neymar, Hilal's quarter-of-a-billion-dollar white elephant who limped out of the club in January after 18 miserable months. Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes and Victor Osimhen all reportedly turned down the riches on offer to be the face of Hilal's Club World Cup campaign. Italian influence One man who said 'yes' to Hilal is new coach Simone Inzaghi, who left Inter Milan after two Uefa Champions League final defeats in three years. 'My desire had always been to be able to go and coach abroad as well as in Italy and for me Al Hilal is a great opportunity in my career,' said the 49-year-old Inzaghi. 'Al Hilal is a club I know because I follow Arab football. We have been to play here in Saudi Arabia with both Lazio and Inter, so it is a championship that made me follow them, and I have always followed Al Hilal with big sympathy because they have Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, whom I have coached before at Lazio, and I am happy to have found him at the club,' he added in perhaps the least convincing 'I have always supported my new employers' speech ever recorded. With Inzaghi at the helm, it will be interesting to see if Hilal immediately switch to his preferred 3-5-2 having previously operated with a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 under Jesus. In Cancelo, he has the perfect right wing-back for his system, while Hilal's recent pursuit of attacking left-sided full-backs Theo Hernandez and Angelino suggests the new coach's tactical tastes are being catered for. Intriguingly, Inzaghi's arrival also means that both major Riyadh clubs are now dominated by Italians, with Stafano Pioli and his technical staff bedded in across town at Al Nassr. Clearly neither were put off by Roberto Mancini's disastrous tenure with the Saudi Arabia national team, while the roaring trade being done by the capital's Italian eateries has been an unexpected economic benefit of the PIF's investment in football. A blockbuster opener Unlike many of the sides in the Club World Cup, Al Hilal actually have some history in the old format of the competition, having participated in 2019, 2021 and 2022. In 2022, they even reached the final thanks to an upset victory over Brazilian giants Flamengo in the last four. And, on June 18, they are set for a reprisal of their 2022 title match when they face Real Madrid at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in their Group H opener. Three years ago, that final ended 5-3 to Madrid. For Hilal, defender Ali Al Bulaihi, midfielder Mohamed Kanno and club legend and captain Salem Al Dawsari are among the survivors from that thriller in Rabat. Aside from Madrid, Hilal will need to perform well to progress to the knockout stages with Austria's RB Salzburg and Mexico's Pachuca making up the remainder of a challenging group. 'Both Salzburg and Pachuca will be as difficult opponents as Real Madrid,' insisted Cancelo. 'I watched a Pachuca match against Real Madrid some time ago and I liked the way they played. 'Real Madrid is always a very difficult team to face. They have dangerous attacking players. They are very strong in every area of the pitch, and that's why they are ever-present in the Uefa Champions League knockout stages. 'We'll go there to try to provide a positive answer to the challenge they represent to Al Hilal and to our fans, and hope to finish in a good position to enable us to go through to the next stage.' Brazilian magic and midfield steel With Hilal struggling to pull off some major deals on the eve of the tournament, it will be left to the club's existing roster of players to lead the way this summer. That includes the Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo who has been a major success story in an otherwise difficult campaign. Leonardo, 22, was prolific as a youngster at Santos and was once regarded as a future star of the Brazilian national team before a tricky spell at Benfica stalled his progress. He has rediscovered his touch at Hilal with 25 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, easing the burden on his compatriot Malcom and the former Fulham targetman Aleksandar Mitrovic. Behind them, the Hilal midfield has a formidable look to it with Kanno and Milinkovic-Savic supported by Ruben Neves. At the back Moroccan World Cup goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and the Senegalese former Serie A standout Kalidou Koulibaly are mainstays of the side. 'Being among the 32 best teams in the world is very good for Al Hilal,' added Cancelo. 'Not only for Al Hilal but also for the image of Saudi Arabia and the Arab League, which has been growing a lot in these last couple of years, with some great players coming here. 'And that must be a source of pride for Al Hilal fans. It is an honour to take part in the Fifa Club World Cup along with all the best teams, and the best players in the world. We'll be going there to dream and to try our best.'
