Latest news with #Perspectives
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Oman's finance and leasing sector supports economic diversification under Vision 2040 - Middle East Business News and Information
Oxford Business Group's latest Growth and Perspectives video highlights the sector's role in enhancing access to capital and enabling sustainable growth Muscat, June 2025: Sultanate of Oman financial services industry continues to play a central role in supporting the country's long-term development strategy. A new Growth Perspectives video produced by Oxford Business Group (OBG) in partnership with National Finance Company, the sultanate of Oman leading finance company, explores how the finance and leasing segment is fuelling economic diversification by addressing funding gaps and facilitating investment across key sectors. The video, titled Sultanate of Oman Finance and Leasing Sector Fuelling Economic Diversification, examines the ways in which financial solutions are enabling businesses to scale up operations, create employment opportunities and contribute to national growth. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of tailored financing mechanisms in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are recognised as vital to private sector development. Under Oman Vision 2040, economic diversification and private sector participation are top priorities. The finance and leasing sector is well positioned to contribute to these objectives through the provision of capital for logistics, construction, manufacturing and other industries. Leasing arrangements for industrial equipment, working capital loans and sale-and-leaseback options are among the solutions highlighted in the video as helping to bridge the financing gap for businesses of all sizes. The interview features insights from Tariq Sulaiman Al Farsi, Chief Executive Officer of National Finance Company, who outlines the company's approach to facilitating access to finance through inclusive, innovation-driven products and services. He also discusses how the company is aligning its strategy with the broader goals of Oman Vision 2040, including support for emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital technology. 'Financial inclusion is fundamental to achieving economic diversification,' Al Farsi said. 'At National Finance, we are committed to supporting Sultanate of Oman growth by empowering entrepreneurs, enhancing access to credit and ensuring that our solutions are designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.' Dana Carmen Agarbicean, OBG's Country Director in Sultanate of Oman, noted that the country's finance and leasing sector has become an essential enabler of long-term development. 'Sultanate of Oman progress towards a more diversified economy is underpinned by robust and adaptive financial mechanisms. The sector's contribution to national priorities—particularly the growth of SMEs and strategic industries—reflects its key role in shaping a resilient and competitive business environment,' she said. This Growth Perspectives video forms part of Oxford Business Group's wider research for The Report: Sultanate of Oman 2025, the Group's forthcoming publication on the country's investment opportunities and economic developments. An in-depth interview with Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi will also appear in the report. To view the video, visit: About Oxford Business Group Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global research and advisory company with a presence in over 30 countries, spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. It is recognised internationally as a distinctive and respected provider of on-the-ground intelligence on world's fastest-growing markets, termed The Yellow Slice, in reference to OBG's corporate colour. Through its range of products – Economic News and Views; OBG CEO Surveys; OBG Events and Conferences; Global Platform, which hosts exclusive video interviews; and The Report publications – as well as its Advisory division, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sector-level developments for sound investment opportunities and business decisions. OBG provides business intelligence to its subscribers through multiple platforms, including its direct subscribers, Dow Jones Factiva subscribers, the Bloomberg Professional Services subscribers, Refinitiv's (previously Thomson Reuters) Eikon subscribers, and more.
Gulf Today
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Canvas and sky: Reputed artist Andrew Thompson is also an aircraft engineer
Artist Andrew Thompson points out that by profession, he is a Licensed Aircraft Engineer and currently the Maintenance Manager for a Dubai VVIP flight operation. 'I have lived in the UAE for the past 31 years,' he says. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, he has had a 'very much of a free outdoors childhood,' in Zimbabwe. A self-taught artist with no formal art training, the inspiration for much of his earlier paintings comes from the surroundings he inhabited during the extensive travelling he did due to his work as an Aircraft Engineer. He admires man's many engineering feats from the past in machinery and architecture, and his work often reflect these muses. 'I also find inspiration from the desert sands of Dubai which may seem bleak and featureless to some, but to me they are alive with shapes, shades and colour, constantly shifting and offering something new,' he underlines. He says he is yet an experimentalist with his art, trying different forms, and taking inspiration from other fellow artists. He recently won second prize in the NBF (National Bank of Fujairah) art competition 2025 and is now showing some of his works at Perspectives – II group exhibition at the Capital Club, Dubai, curated by Patricia Millns, where Andrew's works are curated by Bhairavi Mistry of Noora The Divine Spark. Many of Andrews's pieces have found homes in Dubai and abroad. He speaks to Gulf Today Andrew Thompson looks at the world. Which are the unusual places that have inspired you as an artist? The Great Karoo region of South Africa. Vast open vistas of semi-arid country interspersed with flat topped mountains and hills. The earth tones that pop out of the landscape at sunrise and sunset are breathtaking. The Geilo, Norway. The contrast between light and shadow is extreme and when combined with the blue shadows, caught my attention. It reminded me of the desert in the UAE with a random Ghaf tree casting shadows on the sand. What has kept you in the UAE for over three decades? It is the country that has kept me here. It might get hot and there might be too much dust at times, but it is a special place, special people. The UAE also has pride in its identity which I admire, something that many western countries could look on as an example. It has looked after me. Ghaf Tree. What is the advantage of not having formally learned art? Not to be bound by convention, not to be confused with what you are told, as opposed to what you feel. Watercolour was the medium I first chose, and now many years later, I am well immersed in oil painting. It is only now that I listen to other 'formally' trained artists on social media and compare my notes and my experiences. Not all of it I agree with or follow. How has Africa influenced you as an artist? The land influenced me. In my high school years, I spent most of my holidays in the African bush. This probably influenced my senses of listening, smelling and looking. The golden hours just before sunset sitting high up in the hills above my home watching the light and colours change from the sky above to the dark valleys below. Africa has a special feel at this time of the day. Hajar Thunder. Which is the architecture you admire? I admire most architecture, but I think the style that pulls my eye in is Brutalism. It's the combination of big structure and the raw face of concrete. This is enhanced when sunlight creates sharp zones of light and deep shadow. This contrast of light and shade have offered some inspirational ideas for my art. Why are you still an experimentalist as an artist? I think this comes about due to my sporadic spurts of creating pieces of art. I cannot dedicate a period each day to paint. My painting sessions are grabbed when I am not working in my day-to-day profession or spending time with my family. Hence why I believe I am an experimentalist painter. Night Walk. Who are the fellow artists you look up to? Why? Maynard Dixon, an American West landscape painter. His paintings of big open spaces have always made me pause and look long at his work. He was a minimalist landscape artist, who created big open vistas of the American West, using a subdued colour palette. Very similar to the UAE desert landscapes. Another artist is Andrew Wyeth, also an American artist. He was known as a realist in his style. Besides the sands, what is your Emirati muse as an artist? The Ghaf tree. Strong, resilient and silent. When the wind blows, you can hear it whispering quietly to you. It is a complex tree to paint, its canopy is multi-faceted in shape and subtle colour, all balanced on a rough trunk. The time of day also changes its character. They are the ancient sentinels of the sands. The isolation of these trees has always drawn me to them. Wind Whisperer. Is there a link between aircraft maintenance and art? Yeah, I think there is. Both require your hands, your eyes and your brain. You need to be able to 'think' with your hands at the same time as engaging the brain. There is a natural pride when you walk past your finished painting or when you see the aircraft that you have just worked on, takeoff and fly.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
8 Small Habits That Can Help Women Over 50 Feel Less Alone
8 Small Habits That Can Help Women Over 50 Feel Less Alone originally appeared on Parade. Over a third of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 feel lonely, according to a 2024 national study in JAMA. More specifically, they feel a lack of companionship 'some of the time' or 'often.' Many women over 50 struggle with loneliness too, for many reasons. They may be experiencing a role change after the loss of a spouse or after their children move out. They may have free time they aren't used to after retiring, or find that their friends don't have as much time to hang women may also face new health challenges, such as menopause. Did you know that menopause can actually exacerbate feelings of loneliness? A 2022 study in Perspectives in Psychiatric Care found that loneliness increases when menopausal symptoms increase. This could be due to feeling alone in the experience and overwhelmed by it. It could also be the fact that hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, and lower estrogen can lead to a lesser need to nurture others. That's all to say that if you're a woman who's 50 years old or older, and you feel alone, you're far from knowing statistics like that can be helpful sometimes. You can also take actionable steps and practice small habits that the keyword here is 'habit,' meaning it's a practice you engage in regularly—not just whenever it comes to mind or only when you feel like a therapist shares eight ideas that can bring you feelings of purpose, connection and Women Who Become Lonelier as They Get Older Usually Display These 6 Subtle Behaviors, Psychologists Say Interacting with other 50+ women in your area is a great way to see you're not alone. Some examples of clubs or activities where you might find these people include 'Women Over 50' Meetup groups or through Stitch (a social community for this population). There are also great side hustles for women over 50, such as consulting and tutoring, and 'slow living' hobbies for women over 50, such as pottery, photography and puzzles. That's only a start.'Consider an activity you used to enjoy, such as dancing or crafting, or trying something new, like a dinner club or a walking group, to meet like-minded people,' says Mandolin Moody, LMSW, a private practice therapist with Gateway to Solutions who helps adults improve their connections with themselves and idea may seem intimidating at first, but before you know it, it'll just be an hour of chatting with new friends and having Goodbye, Boredom! 125 Hobbies To Pick Up in 2025 When you're feeling lonely, gratitude may be the last thing on your mind. As relatable and understandable as that is (and while it has its place), it's not necessarily the most helpful thing to avoid. 'Gratitude and other compassion practices have been proven to increase a shared sense of common humanity and decrease loneliness,' Moody might look like thinking about the relationships you're thankful for or giving money to an unhoused person who hasn't been so lucky.'By connecting to the expansiveness of the human experience, we can offer more compassion toward ourselves and the world as a whole,' Moody On the note of gratitude and compassion, volunteering can help you realize what you have to be thankful for and provide an avenue for spreading love. 'Volunteering is an opportunity to connect with others who share similar passions, build a sense of purpose and engage in your values in a tight-knit community,' Moody says. In today's day and age, connecting with people is much easier. If you can't see them in person, they're just a few clicks away. 'While many loved ones may have moved away or grown distant, we have the advantage of social media, cell phones and other digital ways of connecting with friends and family,' Moody says. 'Give someone a call, or schedule recurring biweekly or monthly calls to catch up with others.'Related: 11 Best Phrases to End a Phone Call, According to Psychotherapists—Plus, What *Not* To DoAnother thing that's great about the internet is that you can interact with people you don't necessarily know, but who understand you. Moody says many individuals find online communities, forums and social media pages to be supportive and positive outlets. Just search phrases like 'women over 50' or 'women who [insert hobby]' on Facebook or Reddit. Maybe your loved ones are busy or asleep, or you're feeling lonely but not in the mood to talk to anyone. Reading or listening to stories online—like an article about how an Apple Watch saved a man's life, or a podcast episode where a celebrity opens up—may be the answer you're seeking.'Engaging in personal storytelling about unique lived experiences can foster a sense of connection to the broader human experience,' Moody Is there a spot on your bucket list you've yet to travel to? Or maybe you're interested in a local community or city a couple of counties over? Or you're curious about another religion and want to visit one of their services? Whatever it is, make plans to make it happen.'Find ways to connect with others from different backgrounds as a way to feel engaged in a new community,' Moody encourages. Consider comforting yourself with memories and by bringing your brain to a time when you were with loved ones. Moody encourages doing this by telling a story (it could be to another person, in a journal or just out loud), or crafting, like scrapbooking with photos and mementos.'Nostalgia can be a helpful emotion in reducing loneliness and increasing gratitude,' she explains. 'Preserving memories through scrapbooks and photo albums is a simple yet effective way to relive past memories and reconnect with cherished feelings.'Plus, did you know that crafting and creativity benefit mental health? A 2024 study in Frontiers in Public Health found they increase life satisfaction, a sense that life is worthwhile and happiness. Artsy activities can even help you live 10 years longer, according to You don't need to experience 'serious troubles' to seek individual therapy or group therapy. Talking to someone (or multiple someones) can be healing and provide connection, especially if you don't get it in many other ways. 'A therapist can offer support and tools to help combat loneliness and reconnect with your sense of purpose,' Moody shares. 'Many people find support groups and other communities helpful for bonding over shared experiences, as well.'Need help finding the right fit? Psychology Today has an online database with therapists, psychiatrists, treatment centers and support groups you can filter feelings of loneliness are valid, *and* they don't have to be something you feel every day, all day. Small habits—whether it's a quick phone call, scrapbook page, gratitude practice or something else—can provide you the company and comfort you crave. Up Next:Mandolin Moody, LMSW, a therapist who helps adults improve their connections with themselves and others Loneliness and Social Isolation Among US Older Adults, JAMA Comparison of the relationship between menopausal symptoms and loneliness and anger,Perspectives in Psychiatric Care Feeling isolated and alone in perimenopause and menopause, A. Vogel Feeling Lonely During Menopause, SureScan Women's Health Clinic Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective well-being, Frontiers in Public Health 8 Small Habits That Can Help Women Over 50 Feel Less Alone first appeared on Parade on Jun 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Book Review: Laurent Binet's historical mystery Perspectives plays with Renaissance art and artists
Perspectives By Laurent Binet, translated by Sam Taylor Fiction/Harvill Secker/Paperback/264 pages/$32.19 Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cboe Commemorates 40 Years of Options Education with The Options Institute
CHICAGO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, this year celebrates the 40th anniversary of The Options Institute, the company's educational division. To mark this milestone, Cboe is launching a year-long commemoration – beginning during National Financial Literacy Month – to honor The Options Institute's decades-long impact on options education and financial literacy worldwide, while looking ahead to its continued evolution in the years to come. "Amid the evolving financial landscape and the growth in options investing, The Options Institute has remained steadfast in its goal of increasing investor knowledge through impactful education," said Alexandra Szakats, Vice President and Head of The Options Institute at Cboe Global Markets. "The Options Institute is proud to celebrate 40 years of guiding investors' understanding of derivatives products and markets, while also helping them develop the skills and mindset for confident, informed decision-making and investing. Our ongoing expansion into Europe, followed by Asia Pacific, demonstrates The Options Institute's continued commitment to being a trusted educational resource for market participants globally. The Cboe team and I are especially excited to kick off our celebrations during National Financial Literacy Month as a demonstration of The Options Institute's commitment to education for early investors. We see this as essential for helping to ensure the health and vibrancy of markets. The broader financial ecosystem benefits when future market participants – from retail traders to institutional partners – understand personal finance, managing risk and uncertainty, and the power of making informed choices." From Trading Pits to Mainstream Education Founded in 1985, The Options Institute provides best-in-class investor education through an array of resources that explain options and trading strategies for investors of all abilities. Initially launched to help professional traders on Cboe's Chicago trading floor become more equipped with options mechanics, The Options Institute led classes and mock trading sessions in Cboe's trading pits. Since then, The Options Institute has educated a wide range of students. Over the years, its programs have welcomed trading firms, advisors, regulators, and members of the press, as well as Fortune 500 CEOs, government officials and industry thought leaders. The Options Institute has continued to evolve throughout the decades, most recently broadening its offerings to cater to the growing retail trader community. This evolution has included leveraging technology to offer more on-demand and online courses, as well as new trading and data analytics tools. Today's courses range from foundational to advanced levels including "Options 101," "Decision Theory," and "Practitioner's Perspectives: Options Strategies." All are taught by expert instructors and industry practitioners through the team's Adjunct Faculty Program. Additionally, The Options Institute has expanded its collaboration with retail brokerages and other industry partners to refine and deliver more tailored investor learning experiences. Chris Larkin, Head of Trading & Investing at E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, said: "With more investors participating in the market, financial education has never been more critical. Especially when retail investors start exploring complex trading strategies using options. Before diving in, it's key for retail investors to build a strong financial foundation and understand the ins and outs of their trade. We look forward to continuing to work with Cboe to amplify this mission and educate the next generation of traders." Michael Obucina, Head of Education at Robinhood, said: "At Robinhood, we're empowering the next generation of investors and traders by giving them the tools and education they need. Thanks to decades of work by Cboe and The Options Institute, as well as continued investment in educational content by platforms like Robinhood, retail investors and traders now have more information at their fingertips than ever before. We're proud to keep building on this foundation to help grow financial literacy worldwide." Marty Mickey, CFO and Senior Vice President of Finance at National Louis University, said: "The educational resources provided by The Options Institute have been a valuable addition for National Louis University—benefiting our staff, faculty, and students through their financial literacy classes. Developing courses that resonate with an audience of diverse interests can be challenging, but The Options Institute collaborated closely with us to design a syllabus that addressed meaningful topics. Their partnership has supported our mission to enhance economic and social mobility for all members of our community." Shaping the Future of Investor Education Globally The Options Institute's mission is now part of a global vision. As more investors worldwide utilize options and seek access to the U.S. markets and Cboe's proprietary index options, the need for meaningful financial education has increased to an international scale. To meet this demand, The Options Institute launched educational efforts in Europe, where it now offers on-line courses and regionally adapted multilingual content developed to meet European retail investors where they are. The Options Institute is planning to take a similar approach in the Asia Pacific region later this year. This initiative will align The Options Institute's efforts with Cboe's to partner with local retail brokerages and other participants in the region to provide investors the data, access and knowledge they need. In addition to English, Spanish, Hindi, Russian, and Dutch content, the team is planning to launch German and French programs in the second half of 2025. The Options Institute is also focused on educating the next generation to foster financial literacy and independence. This year, The Options Institute rolled out a financial literacy pilot program in partnership with schools and charitable organizations to help students of all ages and experience better understand the building blocks of finance. In this pilot program, students engaged in classes focused on financial topics such as saving, managing debt and investing. Staying true to Cboe's innovative spirit, The Options Institute's programming weaves in the key themes of effective decision-making and how to consider and manage risk. "What began as a handful of classes on the trading floor has grown into a global education platform helping current and future investors of all backgrounds navigate modern markets," Szakats added. "We are standing on the shoulders of incredible teammates and partners who came before us in The Options Institute, and we're excited to build on this legacy in the years ahead." To learn more about The Options Institute's educational resources and stay updated on upcoming programming, visit here. About Cboe Global MarketsCboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX, across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit Media ContactsAnalyst Contact Angela Tu Tim Cave Kenneth Hill, CFA +1-917-985-1496 +44 (0) 7593-506-719+1-312-786-7559 atu@ tcave@ CBOE-OE Cboe® and Cboe Global Markets® are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
