Latest news with #Vinci
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How I rebuilt my life after losing everything to Lebanon's financial collapse
I know it sounds dramatic to say 'the bank stole my money.' But if you're Lebanese, you know that's not exaggeration. That's just fact. One day you're running a business, making plans, watching your numbers grow. The next? You're begging a bank teller for your own money and getting that same cold, rehearsed 'system error' stare. Before the financial collapse, I had built something I loved. Vinci wasn't just a fashion company. It was my dream. It was a vision stitched together with clarity and purpose. We brought the biggest names in fashion from the US, like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom, straight into the heart of Beirut. We weren't just importing clothes. We were importing experience. We were bringing in aspiration, energy, and possibility. But Vinci was never just about retail. It was a living, breathing brand. It was media before I even realised I was doing media. We launched three physical stores, organised our own runway shows, built an engaged digital presence, and cultivated a community of people who didn't just shop. They believed. They bought into the story, the vibe, the feeling. Vinci was culture. It was a movement. And the growth was real. It was fast. The ROI was better than I could have imagined. I wasn't just selling clothes. I was building something people wanted to be part of. Everything was working. Until it wasn't. Then came the crash. The unthinkable, until it became the daily. Lebanon's financial system collapsed almost overnight. I didn't believe in hiding piles of cash. I believed in the system. I believed in doing things the responsible way. Keeping money in the bank, following the rules, investing in growth. That was supposed to be the smart path. The safe path. But in Lebanon, even the smart path had a tragic punchline. The banks closed their doors. Then they opened them again, only to say no. No withdrawals. No transfers. No answers. One day, I had cash flow, plans, and momentum. The next, I had nothing. Not because I failed. Not because I made a bad investment. But because a system that should have protected people like me simply didn't. They took my money. But they didn't take my mission. And let me be clear. I don't blame my country. My lovely Lebanon will always be home. I blame the system. I blame the corruption. I blame the layers of negligence and greed that hollowed out the institutions meant to safeguard us. The people didn't fail. The spirit of Lebanon didn't fail. The system did. What I've learned is this. You can lose your business, your income, even your sense of stability. But you don't lose your purpose. Not unless you give it away. People say I shifted back into media. But the truth is, I never really left it. Vinci was always a form of media. Storytelling. Branding. Emotion. Identity. Presence. So when I lost the company, I didn't pivot. I continued. I went back to doing what I do best. Creating. Only this time, I was creating with different tools. New platforms. New formats. I rebuilt from zero. And I mean zero. I wasn't just starting over professionally. I had to rebuild myself. My confidence. My voice. My why. I became a creative director. I launched shows and podcasts. I helped build studios from the ground up. I led rebrands and campaigns for some of the most exciting names in the region. I formed teams that felt like family, and together, we told stories that mattered. Today, I lead content at one of the region's most competitive media platforms. And no bank, no government, no system failure can take that from me. If you're reading this and you've lost everything. Your business. Your savings. Your sense of control. I want you to know, I see you. You're not alone. You're not broken. You're not done. You're just in the process of becoming. Sometimes the ground has to give out from under you before you realise you were meant to fly. Sometimes hitting rock bottom is the beginning of your real story. The story you were actually meant to tell. And to all the builders, the creatives, the dreamers who've been forced to watch their work evaporate in the chaos, don't let this system define you. You are not your bank balance. You are not your business registration. You are your fire. Your clarity. Your vision. That's what builds movements. That's what survives collapse. The runway is still there. You just have to walk it again. So, walk it. Even if you're walking alone at first. Even if you're scared. Especially if you're scared. Because your steps, no matter how shaky, are still steps forward. And each one takes you closer to who you're really meant to be. The banks may have stolen our money. But they can't steal our spirit. And that is what rebuilds nations.
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Five living descendants of Leonardo discovered
One is an amateur inventor, one is an artist, and another a keen welder. While they all share the traits of one of their most famous ancestors, the Vincis of northern Italy lived for years without knowledge of their rich family heritage. Until now. A team of Italian scholars and scientists believe they have traced back the family of Leonardo Da Vinci to 1331, just before the bubonic plague arrived in Italy. Using bone fragments from the Leonardo's family burial tomb in the Church of Santa Croce in the town of Vinci, they have now formally identified at least five heirs of the great inventor. The five men – still living in Tuscany not far from Leonardo's home town – all have DNA that matches segments of the Y chromosome from the bone. And though they may never become as famous as their genealogical forefather, they appear to share some of the investor's quirks and passions. The oldest of the five living heirs, Dalmazio Vinci, 89, has a passion for flight that began with building model aeroplanes, leading him to eventually gain a pilot's licence. He later built some of the first go-karts in Italy using lawnmower engines and would go on to invent new aeroplane propeller and ship refrigerator systems, but never ended up successfully patenting anything. Mauro Vinci, 79, is an artisan whose fine tapestry work adorned beds for a number of famous people, including Vladimir Putin. 'At the end of the day, you investigate and investigate and well, they figured it out, and it is a great satisfaction,' Mauro told Repubblica TV. Bruno Vinci, 81, who long worked as a metal mechanic, recalled that his father and aunts were convinced of the ancestral tie and for years sought to prove it in vain with ancestral manuscripts. 'I have been asked so many times – sometimes just to tease – so are you a descendent of Leonardo Da Vinci? But in the end, it turned out to be true,' said Giovanni Vinci, a retired technician who worked in a municipal engineering office. 'I wrote my first words backwards' Milko Vinci, 49, the youngest of the five, apparently shares a physical trait that can be linked to genetic continuity of the Da Vinci male line. 'I was born left-handed, and wrote my first words backwards, and since I was little I have loved to take things apart to see how they work,' Milkosaid, jokingly adding that to say 'just like Leonardo would be a big overstatement'. A team of researchers, historians, molecular biologists and forensic anthropologists have been painstakingly tracing Leonardo Da Vinci's family ancestry for years. The result is an elaborate family tree going back 21 generations and involving more than 400 individuals dating back to 1331. Leonardo died in 1519 and had no children himself, but is believed to have had 22 half-siblings. The research appears to have identified 15 direct male-line descendants of Leonardo's father. The research also suggests Leonardo's mother, Caterina, may have been a slave trafficked from Eastern Europe. Launched in 2016, the project involves a number of major public and private partners in Italy and the US and was coordinated by The Rockefeller University. The researchers had one major goal: to trace the Y chromosome, which is passed unchanged from father to son. 'Our goal in reconstructing the Da Vinci family's lineage up to the present day, while also preserving and valuing the places connected to Leonardo, is to enable scientific research on his DNA,' said Alessandro Vezzosi. 'Through the recovery of Leonardo's DNA, we hope to understand the biological roots of his extraordinary visual acuity, creativity, and possibly even aspects of his health and causes of death.' 'Even a tiny fingerprint on a page could contain cells to sequence,' says Jesse H. Ausubel of The Rockefeller University, who wrote the book's preface and directs the project. '21st-century biology is moving the boundary between the unknowable and the unknown. Soon we may gain information about Leonardo and other historical figures once believed lost forever.'
Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
This luxury charter airline has expanded to Hamilton. How much will a flight cost you?
Ever dreamed of taking a plane to beat the traffic between Hamilton and Toronto? That fantasy could now be a reality — as long as you've got thousands of dollars to spare. Quebec-based Vinci Aviation announced earlier this month that it had expanded its services to John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in collaboration with Onward Aviation — bringing a new charter-based service to the Mount Hope facility. Here's everything to know about the new service. The company flies a Learjet 45, which can seat up to eight passengers, according to Juliette Prud'Homme, director of sales and marketing for Vinci. Just one plane is based in Hamilton. Flights cost $6,600 per hour, with a fuel range of three hours, said Prud'Homme. Passengers could fly from Hamilton to the Bahamas or Florida without stopping, she noted. Flights with the airline can land at any airport with an asphalt runway at least 4,800 feet long — meaning the company can hit destinations across Canada, the United States and the Caribbean, Prud'Homme said. Much like flights with WestJet and Porter, soft drinks, coffee, water and a variety of snacks are included when flying with Vinci, said Prud'Homme. Prud'Homme said flights can be booked with less than 24 hours' notice, as well as weeks and months in advance — but all trips depend on the availability of aircraft and crew. The planes can be booked by anyone for any kind of travelling needs — such as business trips, vacations and government travel, added Prud'Homme. Prud'Homme said the company chose to expand its services to the city to tap into the Ontario market, specifically around the Toronto area. Two new crew members will be based in Hamilton, said Prud'Homme. No other new jobs are associated with the expansion. Prud'Homme said the company offers in-flight catering services, ground transportation booking and concierge services to help book accommodations, food service, entertainment and other parts of their trips.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Industry Report 2025: $30+ Bn Market Trends, Regional Insights, Competition, Forecasts & Opportunities, 2020-2030F
The Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market, valued at USD 21.8 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 30.16 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.40%. Driven by Vision 2030, the market focuses on diversified economic growth, enhanced transport networks, and advanced construction technologies. Environmental challenges necessitate the use of durable materials. Major players like Bechtel and Vinci are capitalizing on this expanding sector. Explore market breakdown by type, material, and region in the comprehensive report. Saudi Arabian Bridge Construction Market Dublin, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market, valued at USD 21.8 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 30.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.40%. This growth is attributed to the Kingdom's massive infrastructure projects aligned with the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the nation's transportation and connectivity networks. A significant increase in the demand for bridges, especially across road, rail, and pedestrian pathways, underscores this expansion. Government investments in major projects like the Riyadh Metro and Jeddah Islamic Port are boosting demand for bridge construction. Additionally, urbanization and population growth-expected to exceed 40 million by 2030-drive new infrastructure to support burgeoning urban areas. Cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are witnessing a pressing need for modern transport solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. Technological innovations in bridge design and the adoption of advanced construction technologies, such as smart bridges with monitoring systems, are key trends in this sector. These innovations ensure sustainability and efficiency in bridge operations. Furthermore, the increasing role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is streamlining project financing and accelerating the pace of construction, presenting opportunities for both local and international industry players. Key Market Drivers Urbanization and population growth are primary drivers, propelling the need for new infrastructure in rapidly expanding urban and peripheral areas. As cities expand, bridges play a critical role in enhancing mobility and reducing travel times, creating opportunities for bridge construction along with the need for upgrades to existing structures to handle increased traffic loads. Key Market Challenges The harsh environmental and climatic conditions are substantial challenges. Extreme temperatures and the presence of salt in the air, particularly in coastal regions, can contribute to the wear and tear of bridge materials. Sandstorms add further risks, potentially affecting construction timelines. These factors necessitate the use of advanced materials and construction techniques, which increase costs and complexity. Key Market Trends The adoption of advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for bridge construction is gaining momentum. These tools enhance project accuracy and efficiency through precise modeling and simulation. There is a growing use of automation, robotics, and 3D printing, expediting construction processes and offering sustainable solutions. The introduction of smart technologies such as sensors for real-time structural monitoring is also becoming prevalent, promoting long-term sustainability and reduced maintenance costs. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 81 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $21.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $30.16 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.4% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview1.1. Market Definition1.2. Scope of the Market 2. Research Methodology2.1. Objective of the Study2.2. Baseline Methodology 3. Executive Summary3.1. Overview of the Market 4. Voice of Customer 5. Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market Overview 6. Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market Outlook6.1. Market Size & Forecast6.2. Market Share & Forecast6.3. By Company (2024)6.4. Market Map 7. Riyadh Bridge Construction Market Outlook7.1. Market Size & Forecast7.2. Market Share & Forecast 8. Makkah Bridge Construction Market Outlook8.1. Market Size & Forecast8.2. Market Share & Forecast 9. Madinah Bridge Construction Market Outlook9.1. Market Size & Forecast9.2. Market Share & Forecast 10. Jeddah Bridge Construction Market Outlook10.1. Market Size & Forecast10.2. Market Share & Forecast 11. Tabuk Bridge Construction Market Outlook11.1. Market Size & Forecast11.2. Market Share & Forecast 12. Eastern Province Bridge Construction Market Outlook12.1. Market Size & Forecast12.2. Market Share & Forecast 13. Rest of Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market Outlook13.1. Market Size & Forecast13.2. Market Share & Forecast 14. Market Dynamics14.1. Drivers14.2. Challenges 15. Market Trends and Developments15.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)15.2. Product Launches (If Any)15.3. Recent Developments 16. Company Profiles Bechtel Corporation Skanska AB Vinci S.A. STRABAG SE Ferrovial, S.A. Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Salini Impregilo S.p.A. Hochtief AG For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Bridge Construction Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Industry Report 2025: $30+ Bn Market Trends, Regional Insights, Competition, Forecasts & Opportunities, 2020-2030F
The Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market, valued at USD 21.8 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 30.16 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.40%. Driven by Vision 2030, the market focuses on diversified economic growth, enhanced transport networks, and advanced construction technologies. Environmental challenges necessitate the use of durable materials. Major players like Bechtel and Vinci are capitalizing on this expanding sector. Explore market breakdown by type, material, and region in the comprehensive report. Saudi Arabian Bridge Construction Market Dublin, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market, valued at USD 21.8 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 30.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.40%. This growth is attributed to the Kingdom's massive infrastructure projects aligned with the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the nation's transportation and connectivity networks. A significant increase in the demand for bridges, especially across road, rail, and pedestrian pathways, underscores this expansion. Government investments in major projects like the Riyadh Metro and Jeddah Islamic Port are boosting demand for bridge construction. Additionally, urbanization and population growth-expected to exceed 40 million by 2030-drive new infrastructure to support burgeoning urban areas. Cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are witnessing a pressing need for modern transport solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. Technological innovations in bridge design and the adoption of advanced construction technologies, such as smart bridges with monitoring systems, are key trends in this sector. These innovations ensure sustainability and efficiency in bridge operations. Furthermore, the increasing role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is streamlining project financing and accelerating the pace of construction, presenting opportunities for both local and international industry players. Key Market Drivers Urbanization and population growth are primary drivers, propelling the need for new infrastructure in rapidly expanding urban and peripheral areas. As cities expand, bridges play a critical role in enhancing mobility and reducing travel times, creating opportunities for bridge construction along with the need for upgrades to existing structures to handle increased traffic loads. Key Market Challenges The harsh environmental and climatic conditions are substantial challenges. Extreme temperatures and the presence of salt in the air, particularly in coastal regions, can contribute to the wear and tear of bridge materials. Sandstorms add further risks, potentially affecting construction timelines. These factors necessitate the use of advanced materials and construction techniques, which increase costs and complexity. Key Market Trends The adoption of advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for bridge construction is gaining momentum. These tools enhance project accuracy and efficiency through precise modeling and simulation. There is a growing use of automation, robotics, and 3D printing, expediting construction processes and offering sustainable solutions. The introduction of smart technologies such as sensors for real-time structural monitoring is also becoming prevalent, promoting long-term sustainability and reduced maintenance costs. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 81 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $21.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $30.16 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.4% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview1.1. Market Definition1.2. Scope of the Market 2. Research Methodology2.1. Objective of the Study2.2. Baseline Methodology 3. Executive Summary3.1. Overview of the Market 4. Voice of Customer 5. Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market Overview 6. Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market Outlook6.1. Market Size & Forecast6.2. Market Share & Forecast6.3. By Company (2024)6.4. Market Map 7. Riyadh Bridge Construction Market Outlook7.1. Market Size & Forecast7.2. Market Share & Forecast 8. Makkah Bridge Construction Market Outlook8.1. Market Size & Forecast8.2. Market Share & Forecast 9. Madinah Bridge Construction Market Outlook9.1. Market Size & Forecast9.2. Market Share & Forecast 10. Jeddah Bridge Construction Market Outlook10.1. Market Size & Forecast10.2. Market Share & Forecast 11. Tabuk Bridge Construction Market Outlook11.1. Market Size & Forecast11.2. Market Share & Forecast 12. Eastern Province Bridge Construction Market Outlook12.1. Market Size & Forecast12.2. Market Share & Forecast 13. Rest of Saudi Arabia Bridge Construction Market Outlook13.1. Market Size & Forecast13.2. Market Share & Forecast 14. Market Dynamics14.1. Drivers14.2. Challenges 15. Market Trends and Developments15.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)15.2. Product Launches (If Any)15.3. Recent Developments 16. Company Profiles Bechtel Corporation Skanska AB Vinci S.A. STRABAG SE Ferrovial, S.A. Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Salini Impregilo S.p.A. Hochtief AG For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Bridge Construction Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
