Latest news with #Adib
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Renewables surge, but REN21 warns of systemic gaps
Global renewable energy deployment reached an all-time high in 2024, with 740 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity added—more than in any previous year. Solar PV led the momentum, accounting for over 80% of that growth, and helping renewables supply nearly a third of the world's electricity. The numbers are impressive, but according to a new international report, they're still not enough. The Renewables 2025 Global Status Report, published in June by REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century), paints a picture of rapid progress—but also of an urgent need to go further. REN21, a global network of governments, industry, and research organizations, has tracked the global energy transition for two decades. Its annual report is considered one of the most comprehensive assessments of renewable energy worldwide. This year's edition highlights a widening gap between what has been achieved and what is still required to meet the COP28 goal of tripling global renewable capacity by 2030. The target calls for more than 11 terawatts (TW) of installed capacity. So far, the world has deployed just under 3.8 TW. That leaves a gap of over 6 TW—greater than all current renewable capacity combined. 'We are deploying renewables in record numbers,' said REN21 Executive Director Rana Adib, 'but we are not building the systems needed to transition to a renewables based economy.' The report points to several barriers. While clean electricity is expanding, many countries have yet to align their national policies with post-COP28 ambitions. Investment in supporting infrastructure—such as grid upgrades, storage systems, and sector coupling—lags behind. Electrification of transport, industry, and buildings remains slow, with fossil fuels still dominant in heating and mobility. 'Without coherent policies, coordinated planning, and resilient infrastructure including grids and storage,' Adib added, 'even record deployment cannot deliver speedy and lasting transformation.' Yet the outlook is far from discouraging. REN21 notes that renewable energy costs continue to fall, making clean power more accessible than ever. Clean energy investment hit record levels in 2024, and innovations such as floating solar, green hydrogen, and long-duration storage are gaining traction. China remains the leader in capacity and electrification, but other regions are beginning to scale up. The report's overall message is one of possibility—with a caveat. The foundation is strong, but reaching global targets will require more than momentum. It demands alignment across sectors, long-term planning, and faster political response. As Adib and the REN21 network make clear, the world is not starting from zero. It's building from its strongest position yet. The challenge now is not catching up—but keeping up.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Aussies lose their minds after spotting a major American fast food restaurant in Perth: 'This is NOT what we wanted'
Australian foodies were left stunned after stumbling upon a famous American restaurant that seemed to have 'appeared overnight' in a Perth suburb. Iconic children's food chain Chuck E Cheese finally arrived in Australia almost 50 years after it opened its doors in the US - but thousands still have no idea. Australians have long heard American movie and TV show characters reference the fast food eatery and arcade, so many are delighted to hear of its arrival. Others, not so much. 'I was just driving and had to pull over... what the f**k is that? A Chuck E Cheese in Perth?' shocked content creator Adib said on TikTok. The chain was spotted in Joondalup, 26km north of Perth's CBD. 'Why are we being Americanified? Are they going to have animatronics inside? Why is it the size of a Bunnings?' he continued. Chuck E. Cheese partnered with Royale Hospitality Group, the Aussie company that runs Milky Lane, Planet Royale and Outback Jacks, ahead of its launch Down Under. The famous kid-centric chain is known in the States as the go-to spot for children's birthday parties, serving cheesy pizza and wings alongside arcade games, jungle gyms, and animatronic characters, including the giant mouse mascot. In Australia Chuck E. Cheese is set to feature trampolines, video walls, dance floors, soft play equipment, and climbing walls, much like its international counterparts. 'This is NOT the one we wanted,' an Aussie woman wrote online, furious. 'Olive Garden is the only acceptable one,' replied another, referring to an Italian American restaurant chain. 'We are turning into America,' one said. However, other Australians are sharing their excitement over the chain coming Down Under with one simply saying: 'FINALLY'. It's not just the kids that will be able to enjoy as there is a separate 'grown-up' menu for adults. 'Can't wait to have my 30th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese,' another said. 'If it doesn't have animatronics it is not a real Chuck E. Cheese,' someone added. 'Chuck E. Cheese is coming to Australia, it only took 50 years. Next I hope they bring White Castle because I've always wanted to try those burgers,' a fourth said. Nostalgic foodies pointed out Chuck E Cheese had a brief stint in Australia with a single outlet launching in Queensland in 1981 before closing just a year later. It opened in Surfers Paradise under the name Charlie Cheese's Pizza Playhouse as there were fears the US name was too similar for the Aussie slang 'chuck' meaning vomit.
Khaleej Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Adib posts record Dh4b profit as customer base surges in H1
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (Adib) has reported a record net profit before tax of Dh4 billion for the first half of 2025, a 16 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The strong results reflect broad-based income growth, a surge in new customer acquisitions, and effective execution of a diversified business strategy. Net profit after tax for the six-month period stood at Dh3.5 billion, up 15 per cent year-on-year. The bank's second-quarter performance also mirrored this momentum, with net profit before tax rising 14 per cent to Dh2 billion and net profit after tax climbing to Dh1.8 billion, a 13 per cent annual increase. Adib's return on equity (RoE) reached a robust 29.8 per cent for the first half, approaching a record 30 per cent, reaffirming the bank's leadership in generating shareholder value within the regional banking sector. Total revenues grew by 11 per cent year-on-year to Dh5.9 billion, up from Dh5.3 billion in the first half of 2024. The growth was supported by a balanced contribution from both funded and non-funded income streams. Funded income rose nine per cent to Dh3.6 billion, buoyed by increased business volumes and strategic asset-liability management, which helped mitigate the effects of interest rate cuts introduced in late 2024. Net profit margin stood at 4.27 per cent, highlighting the bank's strong operating efficiency. Non-funded income saw an even more impressive gain, increasing 15 per cent to Dh2.3 billion. This was primarily driven by a 28 per cent jump in fee-generating revenues, which reflected rising customer activity and successful cross-selling across retail and corporate segments. Non-funded income now contributes 39 per cent to Adib's total operating income, highlighting the bank's strategic focus on income diversification. Adib also demonstrated operational efficiency with its cost-to-income ratio improving to 28.2 per cent, down 40 basis points from a year earlier. Operating expenses increased by nine per cent to Dh1.7 billion, mainly due to continued investments in digital infrastructure, technology upgrades, and talent acquisition to support long-term growth. The bank's credit quality improved notably, with impairments down 24 per cent to Dh305 million, resulting in a cost of risk of 44 basis points. The non-performing asset ratio dropped to 3.5 per cent, its lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2016, underscoring successful legacy portfolio remediation and disciplined underwriting. Provision coverage, including collaterals, improved significantly to 160.8 per cent, while excluding collaterals, the ratio rose to 85.3 per cent from 76.9 per cent a year ago. Adib's total assets rose 22 per cent year-on-year to Dh260 billion, driven by strong growth in both retail and corporate financing, as well as an expansion in the bank's investment portfolio. Customer financing surged 23 per cent year-on-year, amounting to Dh31 billion in new credit, while Dh20 billion was added year-to-date, reflecting increased market share across core segments and strategic deals in wholesale banking. Customer deposits grew by 24 per cent to Dh213 billion, compared to Dh172 billion at the end of June 2024. The bank maintained a healthy funding mix, with current and savings accounts (CASA) rising 11 per cent and now accounting for 66 per cent of total deposits. Capital and liquidity positions remained strong, with a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 12.69 per cent, a total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.56 per cent, and an eligible liquid asset ratio of 17.7 per cent. The advances-to-stable funding ratio was 80.3 per cent. Adib welcomed 145,000 new customers in the first half of the year, reflecting strong demand for its expanding digital offerings and Sharia-compliant financial solutions. Total shareholders' equity grew 13 per cent to Dh29 billion, reinforcing the bank's financial resilience. Jawaan Awaidah Al Khaili, chairman of Adib, said the bank's exceptional first-half performance is a result of record business volumes, continued momentum in customer acquisition, and successful execution of a long-term growth strategy. 'We are focused on building a future-ready bank that integrates technology and delivers long-term value to shareholders,' he said. Group CEO Mohamed Abdelbary added, 'Our disciplined credit approach and high-quality asset origination continue to strengthen our balance sheet. The record earnings show that we are well-positioned to capitalise on the UAE's expanding economy and evolving financial landscape.' He reiterated Adib's commitment to its Vision 2035, aiming to create a resilient, tech-forward Islamic bank that meets future challenges and opportunities head-on.
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Your vagina can have seasonal allergies — how hay fever can show up down below
Allergic vaginitis ain't nothing to sneeze that. If the sweltering heat wasn't enough, New Yorkers can also look forward to a wave of pollen in July that'll have you sneezing as you sweat. And — as bizarre as it sounds — those seasonal allergies can even affect women… down there. A wave of pollen in July can leave you sneezing as you sweat. WavebreakmediaMicro – The same pesky particles that cause your eyes to itch and throat to tickle can trigger inflammation in your vagina — a little-known condition called allergic vaginitis — with all the usual itching and burning involved. 'The vagina has a mucosal surface similar to the nose or eyes — and can be affected by allergens circulating in the body, as well as by direct contact,' Dr. Tania Adib, a consultant gynecologist at the Lister Hospital in London, told the Daily Mail. A 2022 systematic review found that — after direct contact allergens like semen — the most common culprits in 'indirect' vulvovaginal allergy were house dust mites (54%) and pollen (44%). Another study, conducted in 2007, found that women who had allergies or a family history of them had a higher risk of vaginal issues. In fact, many who hadrecurrent vulvovaginitis also had hay fever, eczema and asthma. Finally, when women with both allergies and vaginal symptoms were treated with immunotherapy in another study, both their traditional allergy symptoms and the ones down below got better. 'If you are prone to allergies generally, you could get vaginal symptoms. It's not the first thing I'd consider, but if everything else has been ruled out, it's something to think about,' Adib added. But just because it's real doesn't mean your PCP will take you seriously, unfortunately. 'Seasonal allergens may trigger vulvovaginal symptoms in sensitive women. A clue is if you suffer from recurrent irritation that coincides with peak pollen periods and other conditions, such as thrush, have been ruled out.' A 2022 systematic review found that — after direct contact allergens like semen — the most common culprits in 'indirect' vulvovaginal allergy were house dust mites (54%) and pollen (44%). doucefleur – Dr. Keira Barr, a board-certified dermatologist working with Plum Vagiceuticals, recently told The Post that vaginal issues in general are often 'dismissed, misdiagnosed, or internalized as something women should just put up with.' That kind of neglect can leave women feeling ashamed, uncomfortable and disconnected from their bodies — which, Barr said, only makes the skin more sensitive to stress. 'The nervous system becomes hyper-alert, the skin barrier weakens, and the cycle continues,' she explained. So, if you suspect your lady parts have a case of the sniffles, talk to your doctor about allergic vaginitis. Experts also recommend getting testing for allergies and giving standard antihistamines a go — although an allergist may suggest immunotherapy for long-term relief of both respiratory and vaginal symptoms. You can even get a vaginal microbiome test. Use a diary to track the itchy days and compare them to pollen forecasts, and avoid potential triggers like perfumes and synthetic panties. Remember: your hoo-ha also needs a chance to breathe.
Egypt Independent
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egyptian Journalists Syndicate heads slams Emad Adib's meeting with Israel's Yair Lapid
The Head of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, Khaled al-Balshy, responded to the television interview between journalist Emad Adib and former Israeli Prime Minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid. Balshy affirmed the Syndicate's firm position rejecting any form of normalization with Zionists. 'The Syndicate's General Assembly's firm position rejects all forms of professional, union, and personal normalization (with Zionists),' he stressed. He declared in a Friday statement 'From this standpoint, I declare my rejection of the professional and humanitarian crime committed by Adib in his interview with the Zionist Yair Lapid, during which he provided a platform to justify the war crimes committed by the occupation army and its crimes in the region.' 'Adib was removed from the Syndicate's list following a decision by the preliminary disciplinary committee in September 2020, for arbitrarily dismissing dozens of fellow journalists at Al-Alam Al-Youm newspaper and retroactively closing their insurance files for five years prior to 2014. He is no longer a member of the Journalists Syndicate.' He also assured that the union would not have hesitated to immediately punish Adib had he retained his membership. Balshy called on all fellow journalists to abide by the union's general assembly's decision, emphasizing that any member who violates the decision will be immediately referred to a union investigation.
