Latest news with #AhmedBinSaeed
Emirates 24/7
22-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Ahmed bin Saeed Attends Graduation of 300 Students from Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai
The graduating cohort specialized in 8 undergraduate and 7 postgraduate programs across future-focused disciplines The ceremony represents a milestone in the university's ongoing journey, having graduated over 2,100 students since its establishment in 2010 RIT Dubai to launch new Master's and Bachelor's programs in various fields Ahmed bin Saeed: 'RIT Dubai has become a successful model for fostering effective partnerships between academic institutions and specialized economic zones Abdulrahman Al Saleh: 'RIT Dubai stands as an academic pillar supporting Dubai's long-term economic and social aspirations.' Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni: 'Our partnership with RIT Dubai represents a cornerstone of DIEZ's strategy to cultivate a leading economic and knowledge-driven ecosystem in the UAE and the wider region.' Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf: 'We ensure that every RIT Dubai graduate serves as an ambassador of excellence, knowledge, and a sustainable future.' Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai (RIT Dubai), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and member of DIEZ, celebrated its 14th graduation ceremony, awarding degrees to more than 300 students across 15 bachelor's and master's programs. Generations Shaping the Future His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said: 'This day marks a pivotal moment in the journey of a promising generation, confidently paving its path toward the future, equipped with the knowledge, scientific understanding, and advanced skills required to keep pace with rapid global developments. Investing in human capital is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071 and strengthening Dubai's position among the world's leading cities for living, working, and innovation'. 'We are proud of the level of excellence demonstrated by the RIT Dubai university, which has become a successful model for fostering effective partnerships between academic institutions and specialized economic zones. Such partnerships play a key role in developing a forward-looking educational environment that supports Dubai and the UAE's future economic vision,' His Highness added. Advancing High-Quality Education and Innovation in Knowledge For his part, His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RIT Dubai, stated: 'We are committed to providing a world-class educational environment that reinforces Dubai's position as a leading regional hub for higher education. This is achieved through academic programs that are closely aligned with the evolving needs of the job market and the broader goals of sustainable economic and social development'. 'Today, RIT Dubai has become a comprehensive ecosystem for talent development, capacity building, and innovation. It stands as an academic pillar supporting Dubai's long-term economic and social aspirations, in line with the vision of our wise leadership to establish a diversified, knowledge-based economy built on data and advanced technologies,' His Excellency added. Fostering an Education-Based Economy His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said: 'Our partnership with RIT Dubai represents a cornerstone of DIEZ's strategy to foster a leading economic and knowledge-driven ecosystem in the UAE and the wider region. This collaboration plays a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities and empowering a new generation of future-ready leaders and innovators'. 'We consider RIT Dubai a key component of long-term economic infrastructure, serving as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ideas and a driver of research and development culture. Its mission aligns closely with Dubai's strategic priorities at both the local and national levels, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, smart energy, and sustainable urban development,' His Excellency continued. Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, said: 'RIT Dubai continues its steady growth as a center of educational excellence that fosters creativity and strengthens applied research partnerships across various sectors. These efforts enable us to remain an integral part of Dubai's academic and economic landscape'. 'We are planning to launch new academic programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, integrative design, health informatics, health management, advertising, and public relations, in response to evolving market demands. This underscores our continued commitment to academic innovation, as we strive to ensure that every RIT Dubai graduate serves as an ambassador of excellence, knowledge, and a sustainable future,' he further stated. Sustained Academic Growth and Excellence This year's graduating class completed 15 academic programs, comprising eight undergraduate and seven postgraduate degrees. The undergraduate programs included electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, marketing, global business administration, finance, cybersecurity, computing and information technology. At the postgraduate level, students graduated in data analysis, smart cities, future foresight and planning, mechanical engineering, engineering management, electrical engineering, and cybersecurity. This ceremony marks the culmination of a successful academic journey. Since its establishment in 2010, RIT Dubai has graduated more than 2,100 students across its bachelor's, master's, and diploma programs. Future Plans During the current academic year, RIT Dubai launched a new bachelor's program in modern media design, one of its latest specialized offerings aimed at equipping students with skills in interactive and platform design. In support of these developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has recently approved the second phase of the RIT Dubai campus expansion project. The AED 313 million initiative spans a construction area of over 85,000 square meters and will bring the total built-up area of the campus to more than 124,000 square meters, which is an increase of 217% over its current footprint. This expansion is expected to increase the university's capacity to approximately 4,500 students, representing a 115% increase. It will include nine new academic and administrative buildings, and advanced learning facilities, further enhancing the Institute's standing as a global hub for innovation and scientific research. The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) will implement the expansion project in two phases. The first phase is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2027, while the second phase is expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2028. Upon completion, the total investment in RIT Dubai's campus infrastructure since its inception will exceed AED 520 million. Advanced Academic Destination RIT Dubai is a proud branch of the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, carrying with it a distinguished legacy of nearly 200 years of academic excellence. Since its establishment in Dubai, RIT Dubai has solidified its position as a leading educational hub, offering specialized programs in engineering, IT, business administration, psychology, and soon, digital media design. RIT Dubai provides American-accredited degrees recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, with students also having the exceptional opportunity to study at RIT's main campus in New York or any of its international branches, further enriching their academic experience and expanding their global opportunities Driving Employment Opportunities With state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to pioneering research in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and smart energy, RIT Dubai continues to strengthen its role as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. The Institute is committed to delivering forward-thinking educational programs that align with Dubai's vision of becoming a global leader in knowledge and the digital economy, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of tomorrow's workforce. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
12-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai FinTech Summit brings together global industry stalwarts, innovators and policymakers
- Under the patronage of Maktoum bin Mohammed, Dubai FinTech Summit brings together global industry stalwarts, innovators and policymakers Ahmed bin Saeed attends opening of third edition of Summit, which has drawn more than 1,000 investors, 300 speakers, and 200 exhibitors, besides participants from 120 countries Event highlights distinguishing factors in UAE's rise as a global financial powerhouse and hub for FinTech innovation Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of the DIFC, the Dubai FinTech Summit kicked off its 3rd edition today with global industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers deliberating on the latest trends and insights driving the FinTech sector. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airline and Group, witnessed the opening of the two-day event, which highlights the UAE's global stature as a leading financial centre and hub for FinTech innovation, thanks to its flexible and attractive business environment, advanced legislation, and world-class digital infrastructure. Organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under the theme 'FinTech for All,' the Summit commenced at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, with over 9,000 participants from 120 countries in attendance, alongside more than 1,000 investors, over 300 speakers and 200 exhibitors. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed later toured the exhibition being held as part of the Summit, where he was apprised about strategic initiatives that Dubai and DIFC have been driving to elevate the emirate's status as a leading global financial centre. Dedicated pavilions Dedicated start-up and country pavilions in the exhibition arena showcase cutting-edge solutions from emerging and established players. Additionally, the FinTech World Cup is providing promising FinTech start-ups a global platform to showcase their solutions to investors, venture capitalists, and strategic partners, and an opportunity for investors to identify the next big idea. Organised by DIFC as a global platform for the world's FinTech community, the Dubai FinTech Summit aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the DIFC's strategic goal of propelling Dubai to be a top-four global financial centre by 2033. The Summit facilitates the sharing of insights, strategic announcements, global collaborations, and the showcasing of groundbreaking innovations, all at once. A global platform During his opening remarks at the Summit, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, announced the Dubai Future Finance Week, which will premiere in 2026. An initiative led by DIFC, it will encompass events such as the Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Private Capital Forum, Seamless Middle East, HODL Summit, and Dubai Future District Fund Annual General Meeting. 'The week-long event will be held under the theme, 'Pioneering tomorrow's financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity' and is set to attract over 40,000 of the brightest, most influential minds to shape the future of the financial world,' His Excellency said. 'The launch of the Dubai Future Finance Week is part of DIFC's commitment to leading Dubai's future in both finance and innovation. This new global platform will further cement Dubai's position as the region's leading global financial centre. 'Since the launch of the Dubai FinTech Summit, DIFC has made significant strides up the Global Financial Centres Index - particularly in the FinTech category, where Dubai is now ranked among the top five global centres. This recognition underscores DIFC's role as a catalyst for innovation and highlights the strength of our thriving ecosystem, one that nurtures emerging technologies and empowers forward-thinking entrepreneurs.' Profound influence Dubai's influence as a global hub for FinTech continues to grow as evidenced by DIFC, with over 100 related partnerships and agreements with leading organisations across the world. DIFC-based start-ups have also raised over $4 billion in funding locally, regionally and globally. During the last decade, DIFC has attracted 1,304 AI, FinTech and innovation companies to establish a presence in Dubai. These companies operate out of 63 countries, reflecting the immense confidence placed by the international FinTech industry in the proposition developed by DIFC. Advanced ecosystem Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority commented: 'Dubai's intention to be the global capital of financial innovation is clear and we continue to attract start-ups, growth stage firms and unicorns at unprecedented rates because what we have done allows them to thrive.' Amiri continued: 'DIFC has built one of the most advanced financial ecosystems in the world. Dubai is not just shaping the FinTech landscape in the region. We have become a global launchpad for firms to test ideas, introduce technologies that disrupt, and policies that inspire.' The Future of Finance report At the Summit, DIFC unveiled 'The Future of Finance' report, the Centre's first-ever report that links AI and FinTech. Developed with the involvement of industry experts and clients, the report highlights AI's transformative impact on finance and innovation. It also offers bold insights on how the new market entrants and FinTech disruptors are challenging traditional banking models as digital connectivity expands globally, leading to a more dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem. The report also highlights key opportunities for financial services firms, including expanding into high-growth markets through digital solutions like mobile banking and alternative lending, fostering collaboration with FinTech disruptors to develop hybrid products, and adopting cloud computing for agility and efficiency. Prioritising AI integration, strengthening cybersecurity, and upskilling workers in emerging technologies are also crucial. Discussion panels Dubai FinTech Summit offers a high-level platform for discussion panels and dialogue, allowing participants to share valuable insights on FinTech's key themes and future trends. Such sessions will be joined by prominent dignitaries including Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA); Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE; and His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC. Notable speakers Prominent speakers on Day 1 of the Summit include Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn, Inflection AI and Manas AI and Partner at Greylock, LinkedIn, Inflection AI and Manas AI; Matthew Koder, President, Global Corporate and Investment Banking, Bank of America; HE Caroline D. Pham, Acting Chairperson, US Commodity Futures Trading Commission; HE Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor, Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO); Raman Bhatia, Group Chief Executive Officer, Starling Bank; Lori Schwartz, Global Head of Treasury Services, J.P. Morgan Payments; Dawn Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd's Americas; Diana Guzmán, Chair of the Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential PLC; and K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). Speaking at Day 2 are John Schindler, Secretary General, Financial Stability Board; Sundararaman Ramamurthy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bombay Stock Exchange; Eun-bo Jeong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Korea Exchange (KRX); HE Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Economic Development Corporation; Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority; Ashok Vaswani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank; and Saker Nusseibeh, Chief Executive Officer, Federated Hermes Limited. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Gulf Today
25-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Emirates NBD approves substantial ordinary dividend of 100 fils per share
Emirates NBD held its 18th General Assembly Meeting on Tuesday, Feb.24, 2025. At the General Assembly Meeting, a review of the Group's performance during 2024 was presented. Commenting on the Group's performance, Emirates NBD Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said: 'The story of Dubai and the UAE in 2024 is one of relentless ambition and boundless opportunity. Dubai and the UAE had another exceptional year, cementing their position among the leading global hubs for innovation, talent, and investment. Dubai's GDP grew by 3.2 per cent in 2024 to reach Dhs443 billion, driven by the expansion of key sectors, including transport, hospitality, logistics, and financial services.' Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed added: 'A key catalyst in this remarkable growth story is Emirates NBD, which continues to perform and transform, as Dubai's largest bank and the most profitable financial institution in the region. The Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 aims to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and position the city among the top three global cities.' 'Emirates NBD is actively driving progress through strategic initiatives that prioritise innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth, solidifying its standing as a critical enabler in Dubai's vision.' 'Our landmark financial performance has been achieved in harmony with Emirates NBD's longstanding commitment to responsibility and sustainability. In 2024, Emirates NBD expanded its sustainable finance offerings with innovative solutions, such as Sustainable Fixed Deposits and ESG-linked working-capital facilities for customers across the region. It also introduced the region's first globally recognised Sustainability- Linked Loan Bond Framework, fully aligned with the latest International Capital Market Association guidelines,'' he noted. 'Our ESG Forward Journey outlines a comprehensive roadmap to enhance sustainable finance governance, achieve net zero emissions for key sectors, and reduce Scope 1 & 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions by 30% from the 2023 baseline by 2030. We have also committed to provide $30 billion in sustainable finance and achieve 25 per cent female representation in senior leadership by 2027.' Emirates NBD's profit before tax is 15 per cent higher on significant loan growth, a low-cost funding base and strong transaction volumes and substantial recoveries. Emirates NBD's profit after tax is at Dhs23 billion up 7 per cent. Bank's total income up to Dhs44.1 billion on strong loan growth coupled with an excellent stable and low-cost funding mix. The General Assembly Meeting passed a number of resolutions including the approval of the Board's proposal to distribute cash dividends for the year ended 31 December 2024 of Dhs1 per ordinary share (100 per cent), being Dhs6,316,598,253 in total, to shareholders on the register of the Bank's shareholders at the close of the trading on 6 March 2025. It also approved the report of the board of directors (the Board) on the Bank's activities and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Meanwhile Emirates NBD (ENBD), a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye (Menat) region, has released the global investment outlook for 2025. Themed 'Winds of Change', the 2025 outlook was revealed by Maurice Gravier, Group Chief Investment Officer at Emirates NBD at a media roundtable. Speaking to the media, Gravier and his team presented their investment strategy for the year ahead, which starts with improved visibility and strong financial returns from 2024, 'The Year of Answers'. Opening the discussion, Gravier said: 'By contrast to 2024, attention should switch from the present to the future, due to material emerging changes. New leaders will implement new policies, while the geopolitical picture will evolve, commercially and militarily. National and regional priorities should prevail and create divergences.' He added: 'We believe that macro-economic uncertainty, driven by political changes, could prove much higher than the consensus suggests. This is not adverse for long-term investors: markets overreact on surprises, providing opportunities for those who keep the medium-term picture in mind. Volatility and divergences are a pool of alpha for active allocation and selection. To that extent, Emirates NBD's Group Chief Investment Office has added two new functions in 2024: quantitative tactical analysis to identify short-term signals, starting with FX and commodities, and onshore bespoke discretionary portfolio management, to constantly and swiftly adjust positioning on behalf of Private Banking clients, under their very own guidelines.' On the economic outlook, Gravier said: 'Our Emirates NBD Research Team expects a stable but moderate global growth in 2025, similar to 2024 on aggregate but with regional differences.
