Latest news with #SaeedMohammedHareb


Arabian Business
06-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Premier Padel P1 sets UAE record with 7,000-seat indoor centre court
Dubai Premier Padel P1 is back from November 9 th to 16 th at Hamdan Sports Complex after an impressive 2024 inaugural that garnered 24,000 spectators. Early bird tickets to the second edition are now on sale. In light of rising public interest and the sport's quick growth, organisers Gallop Global announced the relocation of the tournament from the 5,000-capacity Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium to the Hamdan Sports Complex, which accommodates up to fifteen thousand attendees. With a total area of 24 hectares, it is currently the biggest indoor sports complex in the Middle East, alongside one of the biggest internationally. The facility will comprise four match courts and two practice courts. Setting a new record for indoor padel capacity in the UAE. The centre court can hold more than 7,000 spectators. With free admission to all other courts for centre court ticket holders, the venue offers an improved experience and is climate-controlled and fan-accessible. Tickets are now available through with general admission starting at AED36. Reiterating the tournament's position on the regional athletic calendar, the prize budget has increased from AED1.96 million to AED1.98 million. Top professionals from around the world are anticipated to be included in the 240-player draw, including current world no.1 womens pair Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria and mens duo Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia. 'The launch of the Dubai Premier Padel P1 in 2024 was a historic milestone for the sport, which has rapidly grown in popularity in the UAE. We eagerly anticipate the second edition coming to the emirate in November, and from the UAEPA we are proud to support the biggest tournament in our country,' said Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA). Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, also commented, 'The return of Dubai Premier Padel P1 underscores the sport's growing prominence in the region and worldwide. We look forward to welcoming even more spectators in what is certain to be a vibrant atmosphere at Hamdan Sports Complex.' The event is the first official padel tournament to be conducted in the Hamdan Sports Complex, which has hosted tournaments for basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and water polo. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'Hosting major sporting events like Dubai Premier Padel P1 significantly boosts Dubai's economy and supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. The move to a world-class venue will further elevate the experience for athletes and spectators alike.' Ivan Modia, Tournament Director and CEO of Gallop Global, added: 'Padel is a global phenomenon. After a strong first edition and with continued support from our partners and leadership, we are confident of delivering a landmark second edition in the largest padel court ever built in the country.' Founded in 2014, the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA), one of Asia's first federations, governs padel in the UAE. In that same year, padel was officially recognised as an official sport by the General Authority of Sports, which also promised full government backing. Two years later, UAEPA became a member of the International Padel Federation (FIP). Today, there are about 1,000 padel courts in the UAE, which accounts for 30 per cent of all padel courts in Asia and two per cent worldwide. During the week-long championships, padel fans will have access to off-court activities in addition to top-tier events.


Mid East Info
19-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Sustainability And Tech Key Industry Drivers, Hears Annual Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference - Middle East Business News and Information
Under the theme 'The New Nautical Code: Innovation, Influence and Experience', the conference hosted over 300 industry professionals to discuss key maritime sector topics Sustainability and technology dominate agenda as industry heavyweights gather to drive the next chapter in maritime. Dubai, UAE –February 2025: The Annual Dubai Boat Show Leisure Yachting Conference was held today at The Westin Mina Seyahi with a packed agenda covering the most pressing maritime topics. The yearly gathering is the forerunner to the Dubai International Boat Show and attracts the industry's most prestigious leaders and decision-makers to stimulating debates and discussions as they travel to Dubai for the globe's most prestigious luxury yachting event. This year's conference theme, 'The New Nautical Code: Innovation, Influence and Experience,' acted as a springboard for discussions around technology in the sector, AI and autonomous cruising, digital resilience, sustainability mandates, marketing, and how to reach UHNWI – one of the key audience groups for yachting, amongst others. His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, and Senior Advisor to the Dubai Boat Show, and Alex Nicholl, Vice President – New Industries, Dubai World Trade Centre, led the opening remarks to welcome guests and underscored the development of the sector and the importance of collaboration to continue furthering these advancements. His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb said: 'Dubai International Boat Show each year attracts the most prestigious leaders and decision makers, gathering together to decide the future of the industry. Luxury yachts consider Dubai their premier destination and we are working with our partners to achieve the ambitious target of a total 52,000 berths.' Market trends: Initial panel discussions in the ballroom of the Westin Mina Seyahi centred around market trends, with the Arabian Gulf and its ongoing developments in Saudi Arabia's emerging coastlines, and Abu Dhabi's wellness and leisure expansions earmarked by industry leaders as key areas to focus. The support of Dubai's leading role in the regional yachting sector as a market driver was also discussed, with leaders agreeing that the city's world-class marinas, brokerage services, and luxury developments are focal points to further build its status as the gateway to the Gulf's expanding leisure marine market. It was highlighted that the UAE is become a preferred destination for billionaires with wealth surging by 39.5 per cent in 2024, aligning with rising demand for yacht charters, sales and related services. Transaction trends were discussed with fractional ownership identified as an area that has not become popular globally, but off market transactions which have seen a 20 per cent increase were discussed in depth with Mohamed Al Zaabi, Founder & CEO, Royal Yachts UAE, highlighting: 'There are three factors to the 20 per cent increase in off market transactions. The first is privacy, especially in our region, as many owners don't feel comfortable listing their assets publicly. The second is scarcity as there is a limited number of top-tier yachts in the market meaning specialised client appoint brokers. The third is speed as transactions tend to be considerably faster than a publicly listed yacht. This type of transaction strengthens the role of the broker who has access to these sellers however it might make it harder to track price trends.' Technological advancements: out the conference, unsurprisingly, was technology and the impact it has on the entire maritime industry. Officials discussed how AI and automation are reshaping navigation and enhancing yacht performance, safety, and guest experience. Green technology, specifically the link between AI and sustainability, and its effect specifically on the luxury sector were also discussed, in addition to cyber security and how practical strategies can be rolled out to protect against threats. Nicolas Lapp, Co-Founder, Sunreef Yachts, said: 'We are seeing more people asking for the entire boat to be sustainable and in turn we get more requests from customers who hadn't considered catamarans in the past but are now looking for something more eco responsible. 'Our goal is always to seek solutions to problems. We're consistently looking at how we can use less energy to be in a better energy balance. The cheapest energy will always be the wind so now we're working on new sail plans that can be automatised much more. We have just begun rolling out AI technology including making lighter boats and for sailing performance as occasionally AI can calculate a quicker route.' Commercial strategies: The conference, which was attended by 300 international delegates, also saw a series of panel discussions leading on how to be adaptive and create bespoke services for the new elite owner expectations. Industry leaders explored the ongoing topic of how UHNWI continue to redefine trends specifically in the luxury segment and how they can be strategically targeted. Jad Zakkak Migliorini, Chief Marketing Officer, Azimut Yachts, said: '15 years ago, people were looking into size, then we see a second phase where volume became a purchasing driver. Nowadays it's all about the experience, the emotional experience, especially when considering the new billionaires, we need to surprise them, need to create some sort of immersion … otherwise it's just a product. 'The average age of yacht owners has moved from 65/70 years to 40/45 years. This requires us to engage them with emotional experience – the desire of owning something that they were not considering at the very beginning.' The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the Middle East's largest maritime and lifestyle event, opens its doors to the public from 19-23 February, set to unite the entire sector of maritime professionals, as well as families and friends looking to enjoy the nautical spectacular, which features 1,000 brands and 200 yachts and watercraft. About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai. Building on this legacy, DWTC's second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC's recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai's vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events. Additionally, developed and managed by DWTC for Expo 2020 Dubai, Expo Village hosts a vibrant residential community with 2,273 units across four clusters, also integrated within the Expo City Dubai ecosystem.


Zawya
18-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Landmark Group champions community health and wellness at 15th Annual Beat Diabetes family event
Senior government officials including H.E. Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation joined the event. Winners of the Superkidz Writing Competition, held in collaboration with GEMS Education, were announced Dubai, UAE – As part of the UAE's Year of Community and in alignment with the 'Forward Society' pillar of 'We the UAE 2031 Vision', Landmark Group successfully hosted the 15th annual Beat Diabetes family event, reinforcing its commitment to raising awareness about diabetes and promoting health awareness and proactive community engagement. The event, a core initiative under Landmark Group's Beat Diabetes programme, brought together around 16,500 Dubai residents with over 3,500 children at Za'abeel Park alongside key partners to champion a healthier future for the UAE. The event was inaugurated by Renuka Jagtiani, Chairwoman, Landmark Group, alongside H.E. Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation, among others. They were joined by representatives from across private and public sector partners, schools, and community groups, demonstrating widespread support for the cause of raising awareness of diabetes and early detection and prevention along with the importance of a healthy lifestyle across all generations. His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Director General of Dubai Sports Council, said: 'As we celebrate the Year of Community, I commend the remarkable success of the Beat Diabetes Family Event, which continues to unite and inspire people across the UAE on the cause of diabetes awareness and family wellbeing. This initiative reflects the strength of our shared commitment to fostering a healthier society as it places community wellbeing at the heart of its efforts. We firmly believe that an active lifestyle is essential to overall health and wellness and proudly reaffirm our support for this annual family initiative by Landmark Group, encouraging all residents to embrace fitness and proactive health management to reduce diseases and enhance quality of life.' As part of the Group's efforts to integrate health education into youth initiatives, Landmark Group collaborated with GEMS Education to launch the Superkidz Writing Competition and received over a thousand entries from budding authors in Grade 4 and Grade 5 across GEMS schools. With medical professionals in the UAE increasingly raising concerns over the rising prevalence of paediatric diabetes, and reports indicating that 24,000 children in the UAE were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2024, the competition aimed to inspire students to explore themes of healthy living through storytelling. Commenting on the event's impact, Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director at Landmark Group, said: 'We are truly overwhelmed by the incredible support today's event has received from the UAE community, especially the participation from many children, people of determination, and families. Landmark Group is dedicated to advancing the Beat Diabetes initiative, emphasising the significance of regular diabetes testing and embracing a healthy lifestyle. The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed today highlight how deeply initiatives like Beat Diabetes resonate with the community. This collective commitment inspires us to continue our mission to raise awareness and foster a healthier future for everyone.' The customary 2-kilometer walk served as a community rallying point, followed by several fitness, sports, educational activities and entertainment for families. Participants also benefitted from a range of free health services, including blood glucose testing through the 'Wellness on Wheels' program, provided by Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health. Free influenza vaccines and nutrition consulting were provided by Emirates Health Services. Dr. Amer Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation added: 'At Dubai Health, we believe that prioritising patient well-being begins with empowering our community to take charge of their health. The Beat Diabetes initiative aligns with our focus on prevention, early detection, and patient-centred care, ensuring that every individual has the knowledge and resources to lead a healthier life. Through collaborations like this, we reinforce a shared commitment of fostering a future where health awareness translates into meaningful action, creating a lasting impact on individuals and families across the UAE.' Since 2009, Landmark Group has been a leading advocate for diabetes awareness and management, continuously evolving its initiatives to address the community's needs. With all proceeds from the Beat Diabetes Family Event going to Al Jalila Foundation to support the treatment of diabetes and related conditions, it serves as the culmination of year-round efforts under the Beat Diabetes campaign, reinforcing Landmark's commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles across the nation. As Beat Diabetes continues to grow, the Group remains uniquely positioned as a champion of awareness, prevention, and community well-being, embodying the spirit of the Year of Community. -Ends- About Landmark Group: Founded in 1973 in Bahrain, Landmark Group has grown to become one of the largest and most successful omnichannel retail and hospitality conglomerates, with presence across 17 countries in the Middle East, Africa, India and Southeast Asia. Based in the UAE since 1990, the Group owns and operates 22 established homegrown brands across an extensive network of more than 2,200 outlets, encompassing a gross leasable area of 33 million square feet. Landmark Group's success is driven by its diverse portfolio of established brands, across multiple retail categories, offering a comprehensive range of products across fashion, home, groceries and electronics. These include Centrepoint, Max Fashion, Home Centre, Babyshop, Splash, Shoemart, Lifestyle, Viva, Emax, Home Box, Styli, Shoexpress, Spar and Easybuy. Beyond retail, Landmark Group has diversified into the leisure, fitness and hospitality sectors with brands like Fitness First, Citymax, Fun City, Fun Ville, Zafran and Carluccio's. The Group boasts unparalleled logistics capabilities, owning the MENA region's largest privately-owned distribution hub - Omega Logistics and Logistiq, which offers state-of-the-art third-party logistics services. Landmark Group places a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional value and achieving customer satisfaction throughout its comprehensive product range. The company has a dedicated workforce of more than 53,000 employees and continues to be certified as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) since 2017. For more information visit our website or follow us on our social media pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.


Khaleej Times
17-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Landmark Group champions community health at 15th Beat Diabetes family event
As part of the UAE's Year of Community and in alignment with the 'Forward Society' pillar of 'We the UAE 2031 Vision', Landmark Group successfully hosted the 15 th annual Beat Diabetes family event, reinforcing its commitment to raising awareness about diabetes and promoting health awareness and proactive community engagement. The event, a core initiative under Landmark Group's Beat Diabetes programme, brought together around 16,500 Dubai residents with over 3,500 children at Za'abeel Park alongside key partners to champion a healthier future for the UAE. The event was inaugurated by Renuka Jagtiani, chairwoman, Landmark Group, alongside Saeed Mohammed Hareb, secretary-general of the Dubai Sports Council, Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation, among others. They were joined by representatives from across private and public sector partners, schools, and community groups, demonstrating widespread support for the cause of raising awareness of diabetes and early detection and prevention along with the importance of a healthy lifestyle across all generations. Saeed Hareb, director general of Dubai Sports Council, said: "As we celebrate the Year of Community, I commend the remarkable success of the Beat Diabetes Family Event, which continues to unite and inspire people across the UAE on the cause of diabetes awareness and family wellbeing. This initiative reflects the strength of our shared commitment to fostering a healthier society as it places community wellbeing at the heart of its efforts. We firmly believe that an active lifestyle is essential to overall health and wellness and proudly reaffirm our support for this annual family initiative by Landmark Group, encouraging all residents to embrace fitness and proactive health management to reduce diseases and enhance quality of life." As part of the Group's efforts to integrate health education into youth initiatives, Landmark Group collaborated with GEMS Education to launch the Superkidz Writing Competition and received over a thousand entries from budding authors in Grade 4 and Grade 5 across GEMS schools. With medical professionals in the UAE increasingly raising concerns over the rising prevalence of paediatric diabetes, and reports indicating that 24,000 children in the UAE were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2024, the competition aimed to inspire students to explore themes of healthy living through storytelling. Commenting on the event's impact, Nisha Jagtiani, group director at Landmark Group, said: "We are truly overwhelmed by the incredible support today's event has received from the UAE community, especially the participation from many children, people of determination, and families. Landmark Group is dedicated to advancing the Beat Diabetes initiative, emphasising the significance of regular diabetes testing and embracing a healthy lifestyle. The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed today highlight how deeply initiatives like Beat Diabetes resonate with the community. This collective commitment inspires us to continue our mission to raise awareness and foster a healthier future for everyone." The customary 2-kilometer walk served as a community rallying point, followed by several fitness, sports, educational activities and entertainment for families. Participants also benefitted from a range of free health services, including blood glucose testing through the 'Wellness on Wheels' program, provided by Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health. Free influenza vaccines and nutrition consulting were provided by Emirates Health Services. Dr Amer Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation added: "At Dubai Health, we believe that prioritising patient well-being begins with empowering our community to take charge of their health. The Beat Diabetes initiative aligns with our focus on prevention, early detection, and patient-centred care, ensuring that every individual has the knowledge and resources to lead a healthier life. Through collaborations like this, we reinforce a shared commitment of fostering a future where health awareness translates into meaningful action, creating a lasting impact on individuals and families across the UAE." Since 2009, Landmark Group has been a leading advocate for diabetes awareness and management, continuously evolving its initiatives to address the community's needs. With all proceeds from the Beat Diabetes Family Event going to Al Jalila Foundation to support the treatment of diabetes and related conditions, it serves as the culmination of year-round efforts under the Beat Diabetes campaign, reinforcing Landmark's commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles across the nation. As Beat Diabetes continues to grow, the Group remains uniquely positioned as a champion of awareness, prevention, and community well-being, embodying the spirit of the Year of Community.