Latest news with #SaifAlSuwaidi
Hi Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Media Council Connects Emirati Students with Edelman to Boost Media Careers
The Dubai Media Council (DMC) has taken a significant step to empower emerging Emirati media talent by organising a professional visit for Higher Colleges of Technology students to Edelman's regional headquarters. Part of the 'Emirati Media Talent Pledge' initiative, the visit aimed to provide students with hands-on exposure to the media industry, introduce them to diverse career paths, and foster direct interaction with experts at one of the world's top communications firms. Launched under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to building a strong foundation for youth in the media sector. DMC Project Manager Saif Al Suwaidi emphasised that partnerships with private firms like Edelman are vital to advancing the industry and ensuring young Emiratis are equipped with future-ready skills. 'Dubai's media development strategy places youth at its core,' said Al Suwaidi, praising Edelman's support and dedication to nurturing new talent. During the visit, students engaged in interactive sessions, a Q&A with senior professionals, and a guided orientation through Edelman's key departments. The experience gave them a comprehensive view of how global media campaigns are developed and managed in today's digital-first environment. Edelman Middle East CEO Omar Qirem welcomed the students and highlighted the firm's focus on supporting youth and creating environments that enable them to thrive. The initiative also unveiled upcoming internship opportunities at Edelman, underscoring the Council's broader mission to integrate Emirati talent into the media workforce through training, mentoring, and real-world exposure. News Source: Emirates News Agency
The National
23-04-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE approves hybrid heliport plan as air taxis prepare for lift-off
Abu Dhabi's ambitious drive to launch flying taxis into the skies by next year has moved closer to lift-off after plans for the country's first hybrid heliport in the capital were approved. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority on Wednesday announced it had granted a Design Acceptance for the heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port. The heliport will be able to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, such as US-based Archer Aviation's Midnight flying taxi. It has been developed in a strategic partnership between AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services and Archer Aviation, marking a key step forward in the emirate's efforts to provide sustainable air transport. The site was chosen due to the prime location at Zayed Port, which welcomes more than 650,000 visitors each year and is intended to be a gateway to the emirate's top attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. 'This milestone is not just about infrastructure – it reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in advanced air mobility,' said Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA. 'Through our close collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.' The GCAA has finalised a regulatory framework to govern the safe and efficient use of rapidly-evolving air transport services, which is due to be published by July. 'Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy,' said Adam Goldstein, chief executive and co-founder of Archer. 'It allows us to move both quickly and safely – getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch.' The hybrid heliport will serve as a key launch point for Abu Dhabi air taxi services, with plans for roll-out by 2026. Archer Aviation has identified the Corniche, Saadiyat Island and some areas of Abu Dhabi city as among the most promising places in which to run its electric air taxi service. Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer at Archer Aviation, told The National this month that a network would be revealed in 'the near future'. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office is working with the company to make the capital its first international launch site, with plans to establish its first international headquarters and manufacturing plant in the city. Mr Goel said that Archer would start commercial operations with 'less than five' air taxis, each with a capacity of four passengers, plus the pilot, which can fly a distance exceeding 161km at a maximum speed of 241kph. 'We want to make sure that everything is working properly, everybody has a good customer experience and from there, we'll scale as much as the demand can accommodate,' he said. Archer Aviation will be carrying out rigorous testing to ensure the vehicles are safe and reliable for service before commercial operations begin. Mr Goel said it is bringing the first Midnight eVTOL to Abu Dhabi this summer, which will then undergo test flights.
The National
13-02-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE starts mapping air corridors for air taxis and cargo drones
The UAE has started mapping air corridors for air taxis and cargo drones, as the country presses ahead with plans for smart mobility, sustainable transportation and easing traffic congestion on its roads. The aerial corridors and regulations are set to be defined within the next 20 months, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in a statement from the World Governments Summit on Thursday. 'Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of advanced air mobility into the UAE's infrastructure,' Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, said. In Dubai, Joby Aviation was chosen to supply and operate vertical take-off and landing taxis from Dubai International Airport to a handful of 'vertiports' including those on Palm Jumeirah. In Abu Dhabi, Archer Aviation will operate electric aerial vehicles from the airport to the downtown area. Its founder Adam Goldstein told The National last month that it could be ready to fly this year. The UAE's state-run news agency WAM has reported that air taxis are expected to start flying in 2026. The aerial routes that the UAE is mapping will connect key international airports and iconic places in the UAE, the GCAA said. The civil aviation regulator signed an agreement with the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities – Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Aspuire – to share technical expertise in airspace management. The Abu Dhabi government's ATRC oversees technology research in the emirate, according to the council's website. The partnership, which was announced during WGS, aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure safety and operational efficiency. This means ensuring that piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones are safely integrated into urban environments. The new air corridors will offer more options to transport passengers and cargo, relieving pressure on road networks and improving connectivity. 'Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward,' Stephane Timpano, chief executive of Aspire, said. 'This initiative directly supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities.' Aspire, the technology programme management arm of ATRC, was launched to drive the creation of future transformative technologies, according to its website. 'By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations,' Najwa Aaraj, chief executive of TII, said. TII, the applied research arm of the ATRC, is developing advanced AI-powered control, vision and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that allow real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. 'Having mastered this technology, we are able to propose methodologies for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) corridors design to optimise routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step towards efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments,' Enrico Natalizio, chief researcher at the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII, said. Air taxis that are set to take off from a vertiport near Dubai International Airport will require tight regulations and air traffic control that separates these aircraft from passenger planes, Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, told The National in November. Human expertise will take the lead but there is the potential for artificial intelligence to assist controllers, he said. The GCAA will define the overall regulation, corridors and airspace for these operations, but over time the control of these air taxis will be automated within a network, similar to Uber's network, to enable point-to-point journeys, he added. Earlier this week, LODD, an Abu Dhabi based company specialising in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, and London-based Skyports Infrastructure, identified Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port as locations for developing vertiports in Abu Dhabi after 14 potential sites were assessed, resulting in a detailed feasibility study submitted to the Abu Dhabi government. The companies revealed vertiport designs to be developed across these three locations. The vertiports will accelerate cargo and passenger movements and improve logistical efficiency in the capital, the companies said.
Sharjah 24
05-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SPC showcases top-notch services to publishers at CIBF
The SPC Free Zone's booth within Sharjah Book Authority's pavilion allowed visitors, including publishers and industry professionals, to explore their comprehensive services, such as competitive licensing fees, flexible office solutions, and advanced facilities and infrastructure, positioning it as an ideal location for publishers seeking to grow their operations. The free zone's participation at CIBF 2025 focused on fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between publishers and their Emirati counterparts. By connecting participants to a global network of publishers, SPC Free Zone aims to enhance collaboration, expand market opportunities, and offer innovative solutions to help businesses remain competitive in an evolving publishing landscape. Nahdet Misr joins SPC Free Zone During the book fair, SPC Free Zone met with publishers at the event, highlighting its unique services and incentives, culminating in Nahdet Misr Publishing House joining the free zone. Established in 1938, the Giza-based publisher is renowned in the Arab world for playing an important role in enriching Arabic literature through high-quality translations of major international works. Their addition aligns with SPC Free Zone's mission to support Arab publishers and facilitate their expansion into international markets. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and comprehensive services, the free zone will provide Nahdet Misr with a comprehensive business environment that streamlines advanced printing and publishing processes while increasing the global accessibility of Arabic-translated works. A preferred destination for the creative industry Speaking on SPC Free Zone's participation in the fair, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, said: 'Publishing, like any other sector, thrives on collaboration and exchanging ideas to drive growth and development. At SPC Free Zone, we prioritise understanding the needs and challenges of publishers and investors in the creative industries, offering tailored solutions to help them achieve their goals. With its global reputation as a leading cultural hub, Sharjah has become a preferred destination for those looking to establish and expand their presence in regional and international publishing markets.' Home to a lot of Egyptian companies SPC Free Zone is home to numerous Egyptian companies, and CIBF provides an opportunity to showcase the free zone's advanced services and facilities, designed to help Egyptian and international publishers expand their reach to global audiences. The event also serves as a platform to address industry challenges and explore practical solutions, reinforcing the creative industries as a vital pillar of economic investment.
