Latest news with #Fares
Fashion United
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Bloobloom secures three million pounds funding to bolster expansion
Bloobloom has announced the closing of a three million pound follow-on funding round which it said it would use to aid the roll out of European stores. The British eyewear brand also noted that it had its eyes on expanding its online presence in the US. The funding was led by Pembroke VCT, which had initially invested 2.5 million pounds into Bloobloom as part of a 4.8 million pound fundraise in 2022. For this latest round, the venture capital trust contributed two million pounds, alongside an additional one million pounds from Social Impact Enterprises. Through the fundraise, Bloobloom said it was 'well-positioned to scale its operations', expand internationally and grow its retail presence in the UK, where it currently operates seven stores across London. Founded in 2017, Bloobloom is dedicated to a tech-focused approach to eyewear, utilising its proprietary AI technology platform, Theia, to perform readings and interpretations of prescriptions in order to select the correct lenses for customers and analyse their eye health. The company has continued to grow since its inception, reporting over 100,000 active customers with a sales retention rate of 90 percent. Bloobloom further stated that it welcomed a revenue growth of 2.3x from FY23 to FY24. In a press release, co-founders of the brand, Fares and Abbas Manai, said in a joint statement: 'We are both excited and grateful as we embark on this next phase of growth, in partnership with some of the finest investors in the UK. This latest round of funding will enable us to continue enhancing our technology platform and to maintain the outstanding service we provide to our customers online, in store, and beyond, thanks to our Pair for Pair programme.'
Hi Dubai
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Disney Expands Media and Entertainment Presence Across the UAE
Disney+ MENA Director Tamim Fares praised the UAE's rapidly evolving media landscape and highlighted the company's strategic expansion across the Emirates during the Arab Media Summit 2025 in Dubai. Fares described the UAE as a thriving hub for entertainment and media growth, reflecting Disney's increasing investments in the region. Speaking on the summit's opening day, Fares emphasized Disney's diverse footprint in the UAE, spanning digital streaming, television, retail, and theme parks. He expressed pride in being part of the country's burgeoning creative industry and pointed to the company's strong partnerships with key local players like du and Abu Dhabi Media. Content collaborations with channels such as National Geographic further extend Disney's regional influence. A highlight of Disney's regional ambitions is the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi, a flagship project developed by Miral. This theme park stands as a landmark investment, reinforcing Disney's confidence in the UAE as a premier entertainment destination. Fares described current achievements as just the start of a promising future. He praised the UAE's forward-looking vision and said Disney's expanding presence—through Disney+, retail outlets, media partnerships, and theme parks—demonstrates a firm commitment to the market. Running from May 26 to 28, the Arab Media Summit provides a platform to showcase the dynamic changes shaping the Arab media and entertainment sectors, with Disney positioned as a key contributor to this ongoing transformation. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Disney+ eyes major expansion in UAE
26 May 2025 22:00 DUBAI (WAM)Disney+ MENA's Director, Tamim Fares, on Monday lauded the UAE's pivotal role in fostering a vibrant media and creative industry, calling the nation a fertile ground for entertainment and media remarks came during the inaugural day of the Arab Media Summit 2025 in Dubai, running from May emphasised Disney's strategic expansion across various sectors in the UAE, encompassing digital platforms, television channels, entertainment retail, and specialised theme parks. He highlighted the remarkable evolution of the UAE's media landscape, expressing Disney's pride in being an integral part of this burgeoning scene, which mirrors the company's growing investments and plans within the Emirates. "Participating in the Arab Media Summit offers a valuable opportunity to witness these transformations firsthand," Fares told the Emirates News Agency (WAM). Disney+ has forged significant partnerships within the UAE to boost its reach and subscriber base. These collaborations include agreements with telecommunications giant du and Abu Dhabi Media, alongside content partnerships with affiliated channels like National Geographic, which enjoys a substantial following in the also drew attention to the recently announced, groundbreaking project in Abu Dhabi: Disneyland Abu Dhabi. Developed by Miral, this theme park represents a major milestone for Disney in the region and serves as a clear testament to the company's confidence in the UAE as a premier destination."What has been achieved so far is merely the beginning," Fares stated, underscoring a future brimming with promising opportunities. He concluded by asserting that Disney views the UAE not just as a rapidly developing nation, but as an ambitious country actively pursuing its vision. The presence of Disney+, its retail ventures, media partnerships, and the eagerly anticipated Disneyland all signify a genuine commitment to this dynamic market.
Middle East Eye
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Israel re-invades northern Gaza in 'bloody night' of bombardment
Israel launched a new ground offensive in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday under the cover of heavy bombardment, killing and wounding scores of Palestinians. According to the director of al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, at least 100 people were killed and many more wounded, including women and children, during a 'bloody night' of relentless attacks. Aerial and artillery bombardment, along with naval shelling, targeted various areas in the northwest of the Gaza Strip. Several inhabited homes in Beit Lahia and Jabalia were flattened, with dozens of bodies recovered, while dozens more remain trapped under the rubble. The northern Gaza Strip has been heavily battered in previous Israeli air and ground attacks throughout the 19-month war. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Under the cover of air strikes, Israeli ground troops advanced swiftly towards Beit Lahia, surrounding shelters housing displaced people and residential buildings. Troops also besieged residents in the al-Salateen area, preventing Palestinian civil defence teams and ambulances from reaching those in need. Civil defence workers reported that Israeli soldiers were 'abducting' civilians from these shelters. In a heartbreaking scene, a father kisses the foot of his daughter who was martyred in an Israeli air-strike that targeted homes in northern Gaza. — Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) May 16, 2025 Residents described it as a 'very difficult night,' reminiscent of the early days of the war. 'The situation in al-Salateen is extremely difficult,' said local journalist Yousef Fares. He described a harrowing night as his home was shelled with artillery and a nearby house was bombed, killing everyone inside. He narrowly escaped after being targeted by drone fire while attempting to leave his home, and was forced to shelter in his stairwell while shells rained down. Fares added that he survived by a "miracle," as a smoke bomb thrown by Israeli forces nearly blinded him during his attempt to flee. "All the roads in the area are blocked, and I was lost for a long time trying to find a way out," he explained. "Finally, after several attempts, I made it out. Many others also fled, but the area is under intense attack by Israeli drones and warplanes." 'Dying under the rubble' The Palestinian civil defence said their teams have been working non-stop since midnight, rushing from one target to another amid the relentless shelling. A spokesperson for the organisation told Al Jazeera that they are unable to meet the increasing demands for rescue operations. "Our teams are overwhelmed and incapable of handling the situation in northern Gaza," he said. "Over 85 percent of our resources have been destroyed by Israeli bombing since the start of the war." The spokesperson added that the situation is dire, stating, "People are dying under the rubble because we are unable to reach them. Our capabilities have deteriorated significantly, and the overall state of services is catastrophic." Dozens of injuries are lying on the ground at the Indonesian Hospital due to the heavy and continuous airstrikes on northern Gaza. — Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) May 16, 2025 Friday's bombing follows one of the deadliest periods in Gaza since Israel resumed its offensive after breaking the January ceasefire agreement. At least 250 people were killed in less than 48 hours, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Since the resumption of bombing on 18 March, Israeli forces have killed over 2,800 Palestinians, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to more than 53,000, including at least 15,000 children. Additionally, over 10,000 people are missing and presumed dead, while nearly 120,000 others have been wounded.
CNBC
12-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
How this 33-year-old CEO lives part-time in Dubai and is on track to make $400K this year
Fares Ksebati, 33, splits his time between Michigan and Dubai, where he runs MySwimPro, the world's leading swim training app. Born to Syrian immigrant parents, Fares turned a simple coaching request into a global fitness business with over 2.5 million downloads and $10 million in revenue. Last year, he made $273,000 and expects to earn over $400,000 this year. This story is part of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which details how people around the world earn, spend and save their money.
