Latest news with #TheMajlis
Observer
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Majlis of Draft Civil Society Institutions Law
MUSCAT: The Majlis Ash'shura on Wednesday concluded its review of the draft Civil Society Institutions Law following extensive discussions on several provisions, referring it to the State Council to complete the legislative process. This came during the 11th regular session of the second annual convening (2024-2025) of the tenth term (2023-2027), chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura . During the session, The Majlis finalised discussions on the draft law referred by the government, with the project report presented by Mansour bin Zahir al Hajri, Chairman of the Health and Social Committee. Al Hajri explained that the draft law responds to developments in civil society work in Oman, noting that the new legislation aims to address social and regulatory challenges facing civil society institutions. It establishes a flexible and progressive legal framework that accommodates ongoing transformations while enhancing these institutions' role in national development. The draft also introduces specialised provisions for volunteer teams, comprising 83 articles organised into six chapters covering general definitions, civil associations, civil institutions, social associations, volunteer work and final provisions. He indicated that the committee held multiple meetings with various civil society institutions and relevant entities to consider their perspectives and observations on the draft law's articles. He affirmed that the committee carefully examined all legislative and social dimensions during its review. During the session, Majlis Ash'shura members provided observations on several provisions and proposed enhancements to strengthen the legal texts and ensure alignment with the practical realities of civil society institutions. Discussions also addressed aspects related to licensing, classifications, governance of civil work, as well as penalty clauses. — ONA
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Fintech founder describes journey in shaping Saudi finance
Adel Alateeq, co-founder and CEO of Awaed, reflected on a career that has witnessed the evolution of Saudi Arabia's investment landscape. In a discussion with The Majlis podcast produced in partnership with Arab News, Alateeq described his career path from traditional finance to fintech startup cofounder. Alateeq's early roles involved managing public equity funds, an area significantly affected by Saudi Arabia's market crash in February 2006. 'The market was booming, a lot of Saudis were participating in the Saudi markets,' he said. 'But, then, all of a sudden, came February 2006, a crash happens, and a lot of people lost trust, lost money, a lot of money in the market, and then they started looking for other things, and they started deserting the local markets.' The financial turmoil, coupled with the 2008 global financial crisis, highlighted the vulnerability of relying solely on public equities and spurred a search for alternative investments. This led Alateeq to work on the first real estate investment trust in Saudi Arabia with Riyad Capital, a project initiated around 2008 and eventually launched in 2016. Simultaneously, he championed the development of a venture capital fund with Riyad Capital. Discussions began in 2012, but it took four years to convince investors, primarily due to skepticism about the potential for startups in Saudi Arabia at the time. 'We started talking about the fund back in 2012. We only launched in 2016,' Alateeq said. 'It took us four years to convince investors, and to fundraise for our first VC fund, because a lot of investors did not believe that there would be startups coming out of Saudi.' Not long afterwards, Alateeq was tapped by the Public Investment Fund to join Jada Fund of Funds, founded in 2018. He said the mandate was to 'catalyze the private equity and venture capital industry' in Saudi Arabia. Despite the challenges of building a team remotely during the global pandemic, Jada achieved its five-year key performance indicators within just three years. Speaking about his move to establish the Awaed digital wealth management platform, Alateeq said: 'Entrepreneurship is part of me. I've always wanted to do something on my own, to have the freedom to do creative things out of the boundaries of large organizations.' Alateeq believes that Saudi retail clients are 'underserved' by existing players who struggle to reach them effectively. He challenges the notion that Saudis lack financial literacy, arguing that the key issue is one of 'access, not knowledge.' In line with the unique aspects of the Saudi market, Awaed allows users to screen out non-Sharia compliant investment options. Reflecting on the Saudi banking and investment sector, Alateeq said that its profitability can lead to complacency and a lack of innovation among many established players. 'The market is hungry,' he said. 'There's so much to do. But because of that, creativity is not at its best.' Alateeq is optimistic about the country's reforms under Vision 2030. 'I think today, the transformation that Saudi is going through is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' he said.
Khaleej Times
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
The Majlis at Lamborghini returns: A fusion of art, heritage, and automotive mastery
Lamborghini Dubai proudly hosted the second edition of The Majlis at Lamborghini, once again transforming its Sheikh Zayed Road showroom into an immersive space where art, heritage, and innovation converged. This year's edition, curated in collaboration with Firetti Contemporary, elevated the experience by bridging tradition with modernity, celebrating the intersection of high-performance automotive excellence and artistic expression. At the heart of the event, renowned Lebanese artist Ihab Ahmad embarked on a live painting performance, reimagining a Lamborghini Huracán Spyder EVO as a canvas for creativity and storytelling. Over 90 hours, he meticulously infused the supercar with bold geometric motifs and symbolic patterns, using eight Lamborghini paint colours to bring his vision to life. Across seven nights, guests gathered to witness his artistic process, capturing the essence of youth, joy, and speed - qualities that are synonymous with Lamborghini. Ahmad's artwork was a reflection of Lamborghini's core values - Brave, Unexpected, and Authentic - blending contemporary energy with artistic heritage. His vibrant colour choices, playful yet meticulously crafted, echoed the spirit of Lamborghini's Ad Personam programme, which offers clients over 400 bespoke colour options to personalise their supercars in line with their own individuality. Designed for those who seek exclusivity, Ad Personam allows every Lamborghini to become a unique expression of its owner's personality - just as Ihab's art transformed the Huracán into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The event culminated in a grand unveiling, revealing a creation that seamlessly blended heritage with innovation. The atmosphere, steeped in cultural tradition, offered guests an immersive experience, indulging in gourmet delicacies, engaging in traditional board games, and enjoying a mesmerising oud performance. A skilled calligrapher added a personal touch by customising Lamborghini-branded cups with live Arabic calligraphy, celebrating the beauty of cultural craftsmanship. In addition to the live art performance, the showroom featured a curated exhibition by Firetti Contemporary, showcasing works by internationally acclaimed sculptors Rachel K, Paolo Nicolai, Laurent Perbos, and Helidon Xhixha. This exclusive gathering reinforced Lamborghini's role as a cultural tastemaker, fostering artistic dialogue and meaningful connections. The showroom-turned-Majlis became a sanctuary of cross-cultural expression, where precision engineering met the evocative power of art. It was a testament to Lamborghini's philosophy - where design and performance are more than engineering; they are forms of artistic mastery. "At Lamborghini Abu Dhabi and Dubai, we are passionate about creating experiences that transcend automotive excellence," commented Rakan Turki, CEO of Lamborghini Abu Dhabi and Dubai. "The Majlis reflects our commitment to honouring the traditions of Ramadan while embracing innovation and bringing together art, culture, and gastronomy in a way that resonates with our diverse community. Collaborating with creatives allows us to celebrate craftsmanship in all its forms, embodying the spirit of Ramadan in a truly unique way." "We are honoured to collaborate with Lamborghini Abu Dhabi and Dubai once again, bringing together art, innovation, and cultural heritage in a truly immersive experience," added Mara Firetti, founder and managing partner of Firetti Contemporary. 'This year's Suhoor Majlis reflects the powerful intersection of tradition and modernity, where creativity knows no boundaries.' As Lamborghini continues to push the boundaries of innovation and design, The Majlis at Lamborghini stands as a testament to its dedication to crafting experiences that inspire and connect. More than just a gathering, it was a tribute to the UAE's rich cultural fabric - a symbol of unity, artistic vision, and the seamless synergy between luxury, performance, and tradition.
Sport360
21-02-2025
- Business
- Sport360
The Inaugral Edition of Sport Industry Series: The Majlis Draws Top Industry Leaders to the Capital
More than 80 senior professionals from the sports industry gathered in Abu Dhabi for the highly anticipated debut of Sport Industry Series: The Majlis, an exclusive event designed to foster candid discussions and high-level networking. Launched by the founders of the Sport Industry Series, Interact and Sport360X, The Majlis sets a new benchmark for industry engagement in the region. Hosted against the stunning backdrop of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on February 6, the invite-only gathering brought together C-suite executives from leading sports organisations for a day of thought-provoking discussions and interactive dialogue. The event, hosted by renowned sports broadcaster Chris McHardy, delivered on the Sport Industry Series (SIS) promise – creating an intimate platform for decision-makers to exchange insights and drive industry innovation. The event kicked off with a highly insightful panel discussion featuring three distinguished industry leaders in the form of Brian Lott, Chief Communications Officer, Mubadala; Hamda Al Mansoori, Strategic Planning Director, Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Danny Klima, General Manager, Zayed Sports City, OVG Middle East. Together, they explored the evolving landscape of Abu Dhabi's sports industry, including investment trends and future growth opportunities. It was followed by an in-depth feature interview with Melissa Moncada—Founder and CEO, Aurora Rise Group; Executive Vice Chairwoman, Colnago. She shared insights about the challenges and triumphs of women in cycling, emphasising the strides made in recent years. 'It is amazing to see so many fans come here to support women's tennis,' she stated. 'It is also incredible to see big companies like Mubadala extending their support to grow the game among women. 'This gives us optimism too, and I urge the fans to come out and show similar support towards women's cycling.' Beyond the panel and interviews, attendees engaged in a networking lunch, providing a rare opportunity to engage directly with other industry leaders. 'It has thrown more light upon how Abu Dhabi is becoming the hub of sports and entertainment, along with the massive investment coming into the sports industry in the region as a whole.' The launch of The Majlis marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for the sports industry in the Middle East. By combining Interact's expertise in delivering the Sport Industry Forum with Sport360X's legacy of the Sports Industry Awards, we're creating something truly unique,' said Mark Guildea, Managing Director of Interact. 'The Majlis represents a new era of high-level, interactive engagement in the Middle East's dynamic sports industry,' said Bassam Nawfal, Sport360X Managing Director. 'By creating a more intimate setting, we're enabling C-suite executives to dive deeper into the key issues shaping the industry. 'This is not just about sharing knowledge—it's about fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and building relationships that will drive the future. The inaugural edition in Abu Dhabi provides a unique opportunity to develop how we meaningfully connect and learn from one another.' With more editions of The Majlis on the horizon, the Sport Industry Series is set to redefine how sports leaders connect, collaborate, and drive the industry forward. About Sport Industry Forum (SIF): The Sport Industry Forum, organised by Interact, is the leading sport business conference for networking, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership. It brings together professionals, innovators, and decision-makers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in sports across the Middle East. About Sports Industry Awards (SPIA): The Sports Industry Awards, established by Sport360X, celebrate excellence in the sports sector, recognising outstanding achievements by individuals, teams, and organisations. SPIA highlights the best practices and innovations that drive the sports industry forward. Submissions are now open for the 12th edition. Media contacts: India Beckwith, Interact – E: [email protected] Marketing Team, Sport360X – E: [email protected]
What's On
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Celebrate the light of Ramadan with Mirath at Four Seasons Dubai
Sponsored: Ramadan, the Four Seasons way… Four Seasons Hotels Dubai is set to elevate Ramadan celebrations with Mirath, a collection of refined dining experiences that honour the region's rich heritage while embracing contemporary luxury. Inspired by the concept of heirloom and legacy, Mirath offers an elegant blend of tradition and indulgence, inviting guests to connect and reflect in breathtaking settings. Opulent Iftars and Suhoors at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach At the heart of the celebrations is The Majlis, an extravagant gathering space reminiscent of the intellectual salons of Arabia's Golden Ages. Here, guests can enjoy a lavish buffet-style Iftar (Dhs410 per person) and Suhoor (Dhs320 per person), complete with a selection of shisha options starting from Dhs210. For a more private affair, an exclusive Majlis for up to 10 guests is available at Dhs5,000. For those with a sweet tooth, Shai Salon presents Zumuruda, a decadent pistachio and chocolate dessert by renowned pastry chef Nicolas Lambert. Available for dine-in at Dhs90 per person, or takeaway serving four for Dhs300, with a 48-hour advance order required. Four Seasons Hotel DIFC: A Symphony of Flavor & Music At Penrose Lounge, guests can enjoy an Iftar and Suhoor inspired by the philosophy of Al-Kindi, with curated menus that harmonize Arabian flavors with global influences. Live oud performances set the perfect ambiance. Prices start at Dhs215 for Iftar, with a shisha-inclusive option at Dhs385, and Dhs225 for Suhoor. For a unique fusion of East and West, MINA Brasserie presents a Rumi-inspired Iftar, where Chef Rami Nasser masterfully blends Arabian flavors with Western culinary techniques (Dhs245 per person). Timings and Reservations The Majlis, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: Iftar from sunset to 9pm, Suhoor from 10pm to 2am Shai Salon, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: Open daily from 8am to 1am, Pickup available from 12pm to 2am Penrose Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC: Iftar from 6pm to 8pm, Suhoor from 9pm to 11.30pm MINA Brasserie, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC: Iftar from 6pm to 8pm Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Tel: (0) 4 270 7777, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Tel: (0) 4 506 0000, @fsdubai, @fsdubaidifc Images: Supplied
