Latest news with #On
Gulf Today
an hour ago
- General
- Gulf Today
'Hope Remains:' UAE's humanitarian aid for Gaza gets global accolades
The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a documentary film highlighting the humanitarian efforts and initiatives provided by the United Arab Emirates to the residents of Gaza affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. The film tells real-life stories of individuals who represent thousands who have received aid from the UAE, embodying the nation's historic humanitarian role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people. Titled "Hope Remains," the film premiered on the global Discovery Channel, reflecting international appreciation for the UAE's leading and continuous role in supporting Gaza's residents. The UAE established a 100-bed floating hospital docked in Al Arish port in Egypt. WAM As of last November, the UAE's contributions accounted for 42% of the total humanitarian aid provided to the Strip since October 2023, amounting to $828 million. The documentary showcases the values of generosity and fraternity that define the UAE, its people, and residents. It features firsthand accounts from beneficiaries of UAE initiatives and interviews with aid workers involved in this humanitarian journey. Through unique and unprecedented scenes, the film illustrates the transformative impact on the health and psychological well-being of many who received assistance and initiatives. The UAE has provided modern and fully equipped ambulances to hospitals in the Gaza Strip. WAM Beneficiaries recount the difficult circumstances they endured during the war and their initial despair, followed by the rekindling of hope, all conveyed through a narrative style that blends personal experience with storytelling. International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council plans to release "Hope Remains" in both its international and national versions, in Arabic and English, on its social media platforms and national television channels throughout June. This film is part of the Council's ongoing effort to highlight the humanitarian endeavours of various UAE organisations working in the humanitarian field. This recognition underscores the vital role these entities play in conveying the nation's humanitarian message, founded on fraternity and solidarity with brothers and friends worldwide. It is worth noting that last year, the Council launched "On the Frontline," a series of short documentaries showcasing individuals working and volunteering in relief and humanitarian initiatives implemented by Emirati entities within the UAE, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Gaza Strip. These films highlighted their roles in providing assistance and relief to the brotherly Palestinian people and enabling initiatives to achieve their objectives. They were broadcast on national television channels and digital platforms. The examples featured in the documentary series underscore the cohesive social fabric of the UAE, built on fostering values of goodness, solidarity, and human compassion with brothers and friends during times of adversity and crisis. Under the guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE continues to provide relief and humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza, driven by its commitment to alleviate suffering for the most vulnerable groups, especially children, who constitute nearly half of the Strip's population. Relevant UAE humanitarian teams are working tirelessly to achieve this goal, consistent with the UAE's fraternal stance and its steadfast approach to supporting brothers in times of crisis. WAM
Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
'Hope Remains": UAE's enduring humanitarian aid for Gaza illuminated in global documentary
31 May 2025 20:26 ABU DHABI (WAM)The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a documentary film highlighting the humanitarian efforts and initiatives provided by the United Arab Emirates to the residents of Gaza affected by the humanitarian crisis in the film tells real-life stories of individuals who represent thousands who have received aid from the UAE, embodying the nation's historic humanitarian role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian "Hope Remains," the film premiered on the global Discovery Channel, reflecting international appreciation for the UAE's leading and continuous role in supporting Gaza's of last November, the UAE's contributions accounted for 42% of the total humanitarian aid provided to the Strip since October 2023, amounting to $828 documentary showcases the values of generosity and fraternity that define the UAE, its people, and residents. It features firsthand accounts from beneficiaries of UAE initiatives and interviews with aid workers involved in this humanitarian journey. Through unique and unprecedented scenes, the film illustrates the transformative impact on the health and psychological well-being of many who received assistance and recount the difficult circumstances they endured during the war and their initial despair, followed by the rekindling of hope, all conveyed through a narrative style that blends personal experience with Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council plans to release "Hope Remains" in both its international and national versions, in Arabic and English, on its social media platforms and national television channels throughout film is part of the Council's ongoing effort to highlight the humanitarian endeavours of various UAE organisations working in the humanitarian field. This recognition underscores the vital role these entities play in conveying the nation's humanitarian message, founded on fraternity and solidarity with brothers and friends is worth noting that last year, the Council launched "On the Frontline," a series of short documentaries showcasing individuals working and volunteering in relief and humanitarian initiatives implemented by Emirati entities within the UAE, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Gaza films highlighted their roles in providing assistance and relief to the brotherly Palestinian people and enabling initiatives to achieve their were broadcast on national television channels and digital examples featured in the documentary series underscore the cohesive social fabric of the UAE, built on fostering values of goodness, solidarity, and human compassion with brothers and friends during times of adversity and the guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE continues to provide relief and humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza, driven by its commitment to alleviate suffering for the most vulnerable groups, especially children, who constitute nearly half of the Strip's population. Relevant UAE humanitarian teams are working tirelessly to achieve this goal, consistent with the UAE's fraternal stance and its steadfast approach to supporting brothers in times of crisis.
The Hill
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Hill
Department of Energy cancels nearly $4B in energy awards
The Big Story The Trump administration announced Friday it has canceled nearly $4 billion in awards aimed at the decarbonizing industry that were issued under the Biden administration. © Greg Nash A press release described the $3.7 billion in canceled funding as mostly carbon capture projects — where technology is used to cut planet-warming emissions from fossil fuel plants — and 'decarbonization initiatives.' It also notes that of the 24 awards it canceled, 16 of them were issued between Election Day and Trump's inauguration. 'While the previous administration failed to conduct a thorough financial review before signing away billions of taxpayer dollars, the Trump administration is doing our due diligence to ensure we are utilizing taxpayer dollars to strengthen our national security, bolster affordable, reliable energy sources and advance projects that generate the highest possible return on investment,' Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a written statement Friday. In addition to carbon capture, projects that were canceled include efforts to advance climate-friendly cement production, getting greener furnaces at glass and pipe companies and an effort to cut emissions at various plants used by food company Kraft Heinz. Read more at Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Trump announces plan to double steel tariffs President Trump announced Friday his administration would be doubling tariffs on steel imports from 25 percent to 50 percent during a visit to Pennsylvania focused on boosting the U.S. steel industry. Swiss village buried in glacier collapse A village in Switzerland was buried in a recent glacier collapse, according to Swiss officials. Canadian wildfire smoke to affect air quality, visibility in parts of US: What to know Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada is expected to cast a haze over the skies — and diminish air quality — in parts of the U.S. over the coming days. What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Oil Companies Are Sued Over Death of Woman in 2021 Heat Wave (The New York Times) Extreme Heat Waves Are Longer and Hitting the Tropics Hardest (Bloomberg) On Our Radar Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: Wednesday Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik is slated to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik is slated to testify before the House Appropriations Committee What Others are Reading Two key stories on The Hill right now: GOP runs into voter buzzsaw of criticism on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' Fresh off a huge victory in passing their 'big, beautiful bill' through the House, Republican lawmakers are finding that President Trump's agenda is a much tougher sell at home. Read more Ernst responds to jeers on Medicaid cuts: 'Well, we're all going to die' Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R) pushed back against constituents who shouted out at her recent town hall meeting that cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would cause people to die, responding, 'Well, we're all going to die.' Read more Opinions in The Hill Op-ed related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill: Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
Elle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
ELLE Editors Share Their Ultimate Workout Clothes And Accessories
There's a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those perfect wardrobe building blocks, they're up to the task. From the new and niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season. The best activewear clothes and accessories will adapt to an array of activities, whether you're pursuing a PB in your local run club or perfecting a pose in Barre. But beyond the gym floor, the rise of WFH has seen many of us adopt athleisure as everyday wear. We now rely on sculpting leggings that wash well and will look as good when worn for Reformer as meeting friends for a weekend brunch, and trainers that deliver as highly in the style stakes as they do on a mixed trail run. The rapid growth of the UK wellness industry (said to be worth over $223 billion in 2024) has also seen a plethora of new brands enter the market since 2010. The likes of Tala, Sporty and Rich, Adanola, Varley and On have quickly amassed loyal fan bases and impressive social media followings, while LA starlets Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid are often seen wearing athleisure separates to run errands. With many Gen Z and Millennials now choosing a run club over a debauched night out, there exists a wealth of fitness product whether you're seeking to level up in Soul Cycle, F45, Barrecore or strength training. FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE Lululemon is loved for its leggings, On counts Zendaya and Mia Regan as fans, and Adanola enlisted Kendall Jenner for an edit having seen gross profits surge by 124% in 2024. We've also witnessed the rise of the Fashion Trainer, spearheaded by Wales Bonner for Adidas, whose cult designs can reach resale prices exceeding $500. But how to choose the correct kit? When seeking separates for high intensity workouts, yoga or Pilates, look for polyester, nylon, elastane and spandex, which are known for their moisture-wicking, breathability, and stretch. More eco-conscious blends of cotton and bamboo will feel soft against the skin and suit lighter movement. Running shoes should offer flexibility and support to cushion your feet, and styles differ for trail running versus flat roads or shorter, more casual runs. As a rule, look for waterproof trainers with mesh vents on the upper to boost airflow and allow any moisture to escape, keeping your feet cooler and reducing the risk of blisters. Gait analysis is often offered free as part of the fitting service in running shoe stores and will help you choose the shoe spec best suited to your foot type, terrain and running motion. Many brands now offer multiple lengths in leggings, whether you're petite, tall, or just fancy the extra coverage, and most gymwear doesn't need to be hand-washed – just use a gentle spin at 30 degrees for a minimal time then air dry. To power up your next workout, we've enlisted a selection of seasoned ELLE editors (who favour a variety of sporting pursuits) to share their favourite gym kit and accessories. 'I alternate between Spin and Reformer classes so need flattering, comfortable leggings that suit both pastimes. With Adanola having achieved cult status (and endorsement from Kaia Gerber, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emily Ratajkowski) I bought a pair of its Ultimate Leggings and can attest to the product name's bold promise. With a four-way stretch fabric, they have a higher waistline for extra support and contour and come in three lengths – ankle, cropped, and tall. They wash brilliantly and I've been known to pair them with slingbacks and an oversized blazer at weekends. As well as the core collection of neutral colourways like black, navy and brown, there are seasonal drops of new shades. I'll soon be adding the Wrap Over style to basket to tap into the balletcore trend.' - Esther Coombes, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Luxury 'My workouts would be nothing without my Panache sports bra. The underwired style sees me through all sorts of gym activities from rebounding to weights, Pilates to Barre. I appreciate the way it has total coverage to ensure that I am held in place throughout. I was advised during its initial fitting to size up in the band and down in the cup and would recommend you do the same.' - Naomi Pike, Commissioning Editor Paid content 'As a city dweller who travels mostly on foot, I'm keen to track my step count and sleep cycles, so the new Watch Fit 4 Pro from Huawei is high on my wish list. Akin to having a personal wellness coach on your wrist, this stylish new wearable tech tracks your sleep duration and stage chart, and offers real-time monitoring of your ECG, heart rate and oxygen levels. Ranking as one of the lightest smart watch models on the market and with up to 10 days battery time after a full charge, you can choose from three sleek colour ways (I'd opt for Titanium Blue). The Trail Running Mode, with offline contour maps, GPS guidance and terrain-specific stats may influence me to be a little more daring on a weekend run, too.' - Esther Coombes, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Luxury 'My performances in Reformer classes would be nothing without the support of my Lululemon Align tank top; it unwaveringly hoists and hugs in all of the right places so that no matter the contortion of my body, I'm supported. I couldn't be without it (and the Align leggings are fantastic too).' - Naomi May, Deputy Site Editor 'Peloton leggings are a hidden gem. The plain black pair I have are my favourites by far – no underwear visible, they never fall down, hug you the perfect amount and don't fade or bobble (and I've worn them a lot). Their sizing is inclusive (it runs from XS to 3X) and they have an amazing range of patterns and colours. They also now collab with Lululemon. I've loved lots of the sportswear I've tried from the brand, but their leggings need to be tried to be believed. You'll be converted.' - Rhiannon Evans, Site Director 'As someone who sticks mainly to heeled boots or ballet flats, I loathe to wear trainers. But when Lululemon debuted the surprisingly stylish Chargefeel 3 – with their breathable mesh upper, silhouette-smoothing sock upper and featherweight sole – I found myself wanting to wear them outside of the gym, too.' - Abigail Southan, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Fashion and Beauty 'As a Wimbledon native, I like to nod to my heritage and Ralph Lauren's collaboration with the Championships is just the ticket. As Official Outfitter of Wimbledon, Ralph Lauren launches new merch ahead of each year's tennis competition, and this preppy-inspired crew neck jumper will be perfect pre and post workout.' - Esther Coombes, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Luxury 'I never normally read too much into the name of a trainer but the On Cloudmonster 2s really do live up to theirs. Bouncy and beautifully cushioned, I can spring around the park in these and then also wear them to the office.' - Hannah Nathanson, Features Director 'You might know Spanx for its shapewear, but the legendary lingerie brand also does the most amazing activewear, too. As well as the collection's control leggings, I like to slip into this half-zip top which is ludicrously comfy. It's sweat-wicking, so you can workout in it, but I might have been known to wear it with the matching trackies to the pub too...' - Abigail Southan, Senior Ecommerce Editor, Fashion and Beauty Esther Coombes is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing luxury shopping content across fashion, beauty, travel and homes. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a First Class BA in Fashion Journalism in 2010, and has since worked at Marie-Claire, Easy Living, GLAMOUR and Women's Health. She held positions as Senior Fashion and Beauty Executive, Senior Lifestyle Executive and Content Lead during her nine years at HELLO! and HELLO! Fashion, creating editorial and branded content across the lifestyle sector and interviewing talent and experts including Lisa Eldridge, Jo Malone and Katie Jane Hughes for print and digital features. With exacting standards and a critical eye for editing new launches, she enjoys recommending readers best in class products and experiences, be that a glow-giving skin tint, a boutique hotel stay or the perfect slingback stiletto. In her spare time you can find her at a spin or reformer class or streaming the latest zeitgeisty podcast or television drama. You can follow Esther on Instagram at @esthercoombes.
Business of Fashion
2 days ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
Why Hoka Is Slowing and On Keeps Growing
In the race to become the next sneaker giant, Hoka's pace is flagging while On shows no signs of slowing. The two European brands are regularly mentioned in the same breath as the challengers shaking up the running market and putting a scare in behemoths like Nike and Adidas. Hoka was born in the French Alps in 2009, On in the Swiss Alps in 2010. Both are known for their distinctive midsoles — an exaggerated, stacked platform in Hoka's case, and an array of tubular segments in On's — and just as importantly, for their runaway growth over the past several years. But recently, their paths have diverged. Last week, Hoka-owner Deckers Group reported that Hoka's sales increased just 10 percent in the quarter through March 31, with growth in its direct-to-consumer channels of 23 percent. Those numbers would be welcome to many companies, but they signalled a significant deceleration from Hoka's typical growth rates, sending Deckers' stock down more than 19 percent since, as investors wonder whether the brand is losing momentum and seeing performance more typical of a mature brand. On, meanwhile, reported 43 percent year-on-year growth in the same period, beating Wall Street's expectations. Sales in its DTC channels grew 45.3 percent. Hoka and On's growth rate diverged this earnings season. (Lei Takanashi /Business of Fashion) 'Overall, Hoka has had tremendous growth, but there is increasing competition, and the need to constantly update and innovate is required to continue to maintain the growth metrics,' said Dana Telsey, chief executive of Telsey Advisory Group, which downgraded Deckers' stock after its recent results. The question now is whether the slowdown is temporary. Deckers' leadership attributed Hoka's results to slower acquisition of new customers due to macroeconomic uncertainty; high levels of promotion for outgoing product models as the brand introduces new ones; and shoppers opting to move towards wholesale accounts to try on and buy new products, which hit its DTC sales. It expressed confidence that performance will pick up as it moves through these issues. Both Hoka and On, however, are looking for their route forward as they strive to maintain their growth, and they could see different levels of success in their strategies. For Hoka, a brand that built its customer base around performance-running, it's working to reach a new lifestyle consumer, evident through actions such as its first luxury collaboration with Marni this year. For On, which has long-established wholesale relationships with fashion and lifestyle retailers around its CloudTec sneakers, as well as an ongoing collaboration with Loewe, the brand is shifting gears to emphasise more innovative performance-focussed products, like its Cloudboom Strike sneakers made with LightSpray technology that podiumed the Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri at this year's Boston Marathon. The Hoka-Marni Bondi 3LS was released on April 4 in four colorways. (Hoka) Victor Diaz, founder of the fashion-forward specialty running retailer Renegade Running, believes both brands have achieved recent wins with their respective strategies. Diaz currently finds that the best middle and long-distance elite runners today are running for On rather than Adidas or Nike. And when it comes to high-heat lifestyle sneaker releases, he believes Hoka has quickly come up to speed with collaborations and can rival larger brands such as New Balance. But On's current streak of innovation around supershoes could leave Hoka in the dust. 'Hoka hasn't crossed that threshold yet. They're still struggling to find their racing shoe or their fast shoe,' said Diaz. Strengths and Weaknesses Diaz said that Hoka and On are both strong brands that customers continue gravitating towards for different reasons. When it comes to who's currently winning in regards to selling high-priced innovation, he finds that his 25 to 35-year-old customer base is paying up for On's premium supershoes, such as its $330 Cloudboom Strike LS sneakers or its $220 Cloudmonster Hyper. Hoka has lagged behind on innovation in his view, and while it continues to resonate with trail runners, it's still catching up to On in the lifestyle market. However, he feels both brands are losing grip of a middle-market they once dominated and allowing larger players to grab a hold, pointing to shoes such as Adidas' Adizero EVO SL and Asics' Novablast. 'There are shoes [by Asics, Nike and Adidas] that just feel more lively than anything that Hoka and On are doing in that middle-range, $140 to $160 price point,' said Diaz. Hoka is hoping to reassert its grip with recent updates to franchises like the Bondi 9 and Clifton 10, but its rollouts for these products haven't gone as smoothly as planned. The brand has only had limited colour assortments upon release, while discounted pairs of older styles have remained widely available through wholesale channels, eating away Hoka's DTC sales. On, meanwhile, has been able to mitigate any competitive challenges with a more diversified offering that includes products for tennis, hiking and training. These categories also open up more avenues for future growth. 'New categories build a broader positioning for the brand as it grows into a perceived white space in the premium segment of the market,' wrote William Blair consumer research analyst Dylan Carden in a recent research note. 'Power of the brand in turn opens new categories, where the company will follow a similar playbook, building performance credibility from which it can offer broader lifestyle products.' Setting a New Pace But analysts who are still bullish on Deckers believe Hoka's slower growth this quarter wasn't about cooling demand. UBS analyst Jay Sole, for instance, said in a recent note that he anticipates Hoka's growth will improve with more colours arriving for its best-selling franchises, old products being cleared out and other new product launches coming down the pipeline. 'I'm not really seeing the demand erosion,' said Sam Poser, a Williams Trading equity analyst. 'My guess is in their next quarter, we're going to see some kind of a flip where the domestic DTC business in the US inflects positively and is better than wholesale.' Hoka is also gaining ground outside of the US as it builds awareness globally. Deckers shared on its recent earnings call that Hoka's international sales now represent 34 percent of its total revenue, with chief financial officer Steven Fasching adding that 'internationally [Hoka] would outpace what we're seeing in the US.' Deckers' chief executive Stefano Caroti shared that Hoka was 'moving up brand rankings' with specialty partners in the UK, Germany and Italy, and that it was 'increasing its partner footprint in key cities' in China. The brand is approaching international growth in a meticulous and cautious way by focussing on sell-ins rather than sell-throughs, according to Poser. And even with brands like Nike and Adidas putting out new running styles that are clicking with shoppers, Hoka remains a well-known — and trusted — name in the running world. 'Very serious runners, because of the risk of injuries, like to stick to products they already know,' said Cole Townsend, founder of the running-fashion newsletter and online directory Running Supply. For that reason, many runners will still gravitate towards Hoka for daily trainers. On, meanwhile, still has work to do to win over legions of more serious runners, though Townsend does believe the brand is making inroads with professional runners. Granted that lifestyle is a segment On has a stronger footing in, analyst Telsey believes that Hoka's authenticity and connection to customers such as Townsend will move them to try new offerings from Hoka, in running and beyond. 'They're going through a period of transition a bit given the new product that's being introduced,' said Telsey.
