Latest news with #IBPC


Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
IBPC Qatar president delivers inspiring speech at WRC 2025 in Beijing
Tribune News Network DOHA In a historic moment for Qatar's innovation and global collaboration landscape, Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem, president of the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) Qatar, was honoured as a special guest and distinguished speaker at the Main Forum of the 10th World Robot Conference (WRC 2025). The event, considered the world's foremost platform for robotics and artificial intelligence, took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to 12. At the inaugural ceremony, Thaha, alongside selected dignitaries, officially launched the Robot World 2.0 platform—a pioneering initiative described as a 'Never Ending Robotics Conference'. The platform integrates exhibition, trade, application and experiential opportunities into a comprehensive ecosystem for the global robotics industry. Thaha's invitation to speak at the Main Forum—an arena that convenes Turing Award laureates, leaders of international organisations, and renowned experts—underscored a powerful narrative that visionary leadership and pioneering expertise from Qatar are leaving a profound mark on the global stage. His compelling address, titled 'From Gulf to the Globe: Qatar's AI and Robotics Future', captivated an audience of leading researchers, engineers, and industry pioneers. The conference, held under the theme 'Making Robots Smarter, Making Embodied Agents More Intelligent', was a vibrant showcase of humanoid robots and advanced embodied intelligence, reflecting a future where innovation transcends borders. Thaha, an Indian national, was the sole Indian speaker at the event, further magnifying the significance of his presence. 'It was an incredible honour to represent the vibrant community of Doha at such a prominent global event,' Thaha said. 'I am excited to bring these insights and connections back to Doha to further contribute to our technological growth and to inspire the next generation of innovators. This experience proves that with passion and vision, we can shape the future of technology—not just for our communities, but for the world.' WRC 2025 showcased breakthroughs in humanoid robots and embodied intelligence. More than 2,000 experts and entrepreneurs from 27 countries participated, yet Thaha's contribution stood out, further underscoring the impact of Qatar's thought-leadership on the global stage.


Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Meet India's first female racing champion set to make Middle East debut
Once Diana Pundole hits the accelerator, there's no slowing her down. The roar of the engine, the thrill of speed, the razor-sharp focus on every lap — racing is her world. Now, she's bringing her skills to the Middle East. This September, India's first female racer will make her debut at the Ferrari Club Challenge, competing across Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. 'It's going to be a whole new chapter,' said Pundole, who recently visited Dubai as the chief guest for the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Independence Day celebration on Friday (August 15). 'The tracks here are world-class, the speeds are higher. I can't wait to hit the tracks.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. How it all started Diana's love for racing traces back to her late father, a devoted motorsport fan. 'As a kid, I would watch Formula One races with my father. I followed the drivers and slowly got pulled into their world," she said. Her journey started with go-karting as a hobby in Mumbai and Pune. A career in motorsport seemed unlikely — until she spotted an online ad for a women's racing competition. The only requirement? Knowing how to drive a manual car. 'I thought, why not give it a try? I had no idea it would change my life.' From nearly 200 women across India, Diana made it to the top six, winning a fully sponsored year of professional racing. 'The moment I sat in that race car, something clicked. I knew this was where I belonged.' Racing without limits Diana's journey wasn't smooth sailing. She entered a male-dominated sport, competing against drivers who had years of training and family support. Diana, on the other hand, had no guidebook — just determination by her side. 'In my debut season, a coach told me I would never win. That moment lit a fire in me. I promised myself I wouldn't stop until I beat the boys,' she said. Years of long hours, relentless practice, and unwavering focus paid off. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a mixed-gender race. 'That was a moment I'll never forget,' she said. 'It wasn't just about proving many of them wrong. It was about proving to myself that I could do it.' Diana never entered women-only championships. 'Racing doesn't need separate categories for men and women. It's about skill, focus, and pushing yourself. I wanted to race against the best, no matter who they were.' That mindset led her to make history again in 2024, becoming the first woman to win India's national saloon car championship. Road to the UAE Diana has already driven in the UAE during practice sessions, pushing a Ferrari to 270 kmph at Yas Marina Circuit. Now, she's ready to compete. The Ferrari Club Challenge begins in Abu Dhabi, moves across the Gulf, and ends at Dubai Autodrome. 'Every track has its own character. Yas Marina is technical and precise, while Dubai demands absolute focus. I am excited to test myself against the best here,' she said. While Diana is based in India, she usually visits Dubai twice a month as she balances racing with family time. 'Dubai is just incredible,' she said. 'It's grown so fast, become so dynamic, and has turned into a global hub of opportunity. The energy here is inspiring.' What racing means for her Diana also lauds the Indian community in the UAE. 'Wherever I go, I see hardworking South Asians — Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis — all contributing to the city's success. It's like motorsport. It's about dedication, focus, and never giving up.' For her, racing is about more than crossing finish lines — it's about inspiring others to chase their dreams. 'Whether your passion is racing, cooking, or painting, follow your inner calling," she said. 'Push past people's expectations and do what feels right for you. Success will come naturally." From her first day in a race car to making history on the podium, Diana has shown that the toughest races are often fought within. And as she gets ready to compete on some of the most challenging tracks in the Middle East, she said that when she presses that accelerator in Dubai, she'll be going full throttle, chasing the next big win.


Emirates 24/7
23-07-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Centre for Family Businesses highlights structuring of family business legacy models
The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has hosted the latest event in its 'Governance Series.' The session, which was attended by 21 family business leaders, explored family governance and structural legacy models to support the long-term sustainable growth of family businesses. Held in collaboration with the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC), the session discussed practical ways for family-owned enterprises to plan for the future, including how to set up clear governance and legal structures to support smooth leadership transitions and promote long-term business continuity. Real-world case studies were used to illustrate strategies that have supported legacy-building in family-owned enterprises, with a focus on tools that support continuity and growth across generations. During her opening remarks at the session, Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, stated, 'We are committed to supporting the continuity of family business to enhance their contribution to building a diversified and sustainable economy. This is achieved by promoting the adoption of governance systems, management structures, and succession planning strategies that build on the achievements of these businesses.' Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


Qatar Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
IBPC launches IWEN to empower women's professional growth
Tribune News Network Doha In a landmark initiative that underscores the growing presence and influence of Indian women in Qatar's professional and entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) Qatar launched the IBPC Women Excellence Network (IWEN) at a vibrant gathering held in Doha. The launch was officially inaugurated by Sandhya Bhatt, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India to Qatar. In her address, she commended IBPC for taking a forward-thinking step by establishing a dedicated network that fosters the development and visibility of Indian women in Qatar. She emphasised the importance of such platforms in amplifying women's voices and encouraging their active participation in economic and community development. In his welcome speech, IBPC Qatar President Thaha Muhammed shared the vision and inspiration behind IWEN. He emphasised IBPC's commitment to inclusivity and its resolve to empower women through mentorship, collaboration, and opportunity. He described IWEN as a platform that will bring together Indian women in Qatar to support one another and create meaningful impact. IBPC Vice President Shubhi Sharma then took the stage to introduce the 'IWEN Souls' — the initiative's passionate core team members who will drive the network's programmes. She outlined the key focus areas of IWEN, which have been designed to support women in various spheres of life, including career development, entrepreneurship, wellness, financial literacy, parenting, and more. As part of the launch, IBPC Qatar unveiled a series of targeted initiatives under IWEN, each designed to support women's excellence across key areas. These include Reignite (Back to Work), MoneyWise (Financial Literacy), Nurture (Parenting), SheEO (Entrepreneurship), Bliss (Happiness Clinic), Strive (Wellness & Fitness), Evolve (Career Development), Thrive (Soft Skills), e-mpowHer (Online Initiatives), Spark (Talent Pool), and Amplify (Publicity). These initiatives will be led by dedicated IWEN volunteers to drive impact through mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement. Each initiative lead presented a brief overview of their focus area, ranging from leadership development to mentorship, wellness, entrepreneurship, and community impact — all aligning with IWEN's vision of driving women's excellence through collaboration and opportunity. The event concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting, celebrating this milestone and marking the beginning of a promising new chapter for IBPC Qatar.


Business Standard
04-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
AU SFB total deposits rises 31% YoY to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in Q1
AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) said that its total deposits jumped 31.3% to Rs 1,27,700 crore as of 30 June 2025 compared with Rs 97,290 crore as of 30 June 2024. The bank's total deposits increased by 2.8% compared with Rs 1,24,269 crore reported in the quarter ended 31 March 2025. The CASA ratio declined to 29.2% as of 30 June 2025, compared to 32.9% as of 30 June 2024 and remained unchanged from 29.2% as of 31 March 2024. Gross advances of the bank as of 30 June 2025 stood at Rs 1,11,620 crore, up 23.1% YoY and up 2.6% QoQ. The gross loan portfolio increased 17.9% year-on-year to Rs 1,17,630 crore as of 30 June 2025 and rose 1.7% quarter-on-quarter from Rs 1,15,704 crore as of 31 March 2025. The securitised/assigned loan portfolio along with IBPC stood at Rs 6,010 crore as of 30 June 2025, compared to Rs 9,089 crore as of 30 June 2024 and Rs 6,926 crore as of 31 March 2024. AU Small Finance Bank is engaged in providing a range of banking and financial services, including retail banking, wholesale banking, treasury operations, and other services. The companys standalone net profit jumped 40.8% to Rs 528.45 crore in Q3 FY25 as compared with Rs 375.25 crore in Q3 FY24. Total income increased 48.9% YoY to Rs 4,731.89 crore in Q3 FY25. Shares of AU Small Finance Bank rose 0.95% to Rs 819 on the BSE