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Observer
31-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
HM the Sultan meets UK Prime Minister
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met with Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK). The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office in London today. The meeting reviewed aspects of existing cooperation between the two countries and underscored their mutual commitment to strengthening the foundations of their strategic partnership and expanding its horizons across various economic, investment, and trade sectors. This aligns with their shared interests and the aspirations of their peoples toward further progress and prosperity. The meeting also addressed several regional and international issues, as His Majesty the Sultan welcomed the United Kingdom's intention to recognize the Palestinian state, reaffirming the Sultanate of Oman's steadfast support for all efforts leading to a just and comprehensive peace in accordance with international legitimacy and the two-state solution. In this context, the UK Prime Minister expressed his country's deep appreciation for the constructive role of the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, in advocating dialogue and peace, as well as enhancing regional and international security and stability. The meeting was attended from the Omani side by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Dr. Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, Head of the Private Office and Badr bin Mohammed Al Manthri, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, it was attended from the British side by Jonathan Powell, UK National Security Advisor and Dr. Liane Saunders, Ambassador of the UK to the Sultanate of Oman.


Muscat Daily
30-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
H M, Starmer discuss strengthening strategic partnership
By OMAN NEWS AGENCY (ONA) London – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday where the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the strategic partnership between Oman and the United Kingdom. The meeting reviewed existing cooperation and reaffirmed the shared commitment to broadening ties across economic, investment and trade sectors, in line with the mutual aspirations for greater prosperity. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments. His Majesty the Sultan welcomed the United Kingdom's intention to recognise the State of Palestine and reiterated Oman's firm support for all efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy and the two-state solution. PM Starmer praised Oman's constructive role under His Majesty the Sultan's leadership in promoting dialogue and peace, and contributing to regional and international security and stability. The meeting was attended from the Omani side by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister; Dr Hamad bin Said al Aufi, Head of Private Office; and Badr bin Mohammed al Mandhari, Ambassador of Oman to the United Kingdom. Representing the UK were Jonathan Powell, National Security Adviser, and Dr Lianne Saunders, British Ambassador to Oman.


Forbes
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Rolls-Royce Unveils Stunning Trio Inspired By Chinese Mural Art
The bespoke Black Badge Spectre features Qingshan Blue paintwork against a Diamond Black contrast Rolls-Royce's customizations and bespoke projects are truly something to behold. The company's ability to bring artwork and ideas to life in physical representations push the limits of imagination. Underlining its expertise in this area, Rolls-Royce has announced a trio of bespoke commissions inspired by the ancient mural paintings of Dunhuang, China. The project includes Phantom Extended, Black Badge Cullinan, and Black Badge Spectre models. Shuai Feng, Bespoke Designer at Rolls-Royce's Private Office in Shanghai said: "The mural art of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves is one of the most powerful symbols of our cultural heritage here in China. These artworks, created across dynasties, reflect the abstract ideals that have shaped our country's civilisation. Inspired by their colours, forms and symbolism, we reimagined these themes through hand-painted elements and carefully curated bespoke features – a meaningful tribute that reflects Rolls-Royce's creative dialogue with China in a youthful and contemporary manner.' Each detail was hand painted to create a unique dashboard Believed to have first been carved out in 366AD, the Dunhuang Mogao Caves feature around 45,000 sqm of murals and more than 2,000 painted sculptures. The UNESCO World Heritage site is said to represent the greatest Buddhist artwork from the 4th to the 14th century. Located along a strategic point on the ancient Silk Route murals depict key insights into the historic cultural landscape. Today, 492 caves are preserved and most recently, a library cave was discovered in 1990 which housed tens of thousands of manuscripts. With such a rich history to draw on, the clients worked with the Rolls-Royce team at the company's private office in Shanghai to create the final designs. The collaborative design work produced a motif dubbed Silken Spirit. The concept represents China's cultural history combined with the Spirit of Ecstasy and the fluid nature of imperial silk. Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Every car has a unique take on the common Chinese mural art theme Stepping outside of the caves, the Phantom Extended's Ningye Purple paintwork is inspired by the skies above the Great Wall of China. The color gets its name from a poetic description from an 800 AD Tang Dynasty verse. The deep hue is set against English White and a Ningye Purple Silken Spirit motif is hand-painted on the C-pillar Externally, this is perhaps the most understated commission of the trio Inside, there's a starlight headliner with 1,344 fibre-optic 'stars' and 192 'shooting stars'. The night sky shines down on a hand-painted landscape on black leather. To add another texture to the piece, the Silken Spirit motif is embroidered in white and black, designed as a nod to flying apsaras – celestial beings in Buddhist art. Hand-painted artwork makes this Phantom Extended one of a kind Chloe Dowsett, Bespoke Artist at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: 'To bring this sense of depth and rhythm to the Gallery, I adapted a Chinese technique known as reduction block printing, where the artwork is gradually pressed onto a canvas using the same block of wood, re-crafted between paint layers. Once each layer is applied, the block is carefully re-carved to add depth and detail with the subsequent colour. 'Reinterpreting this method by hand, I used a fine sable brush in place of carved wood, painting every single colour individually and consecutively, allowing the image to emerge across the surface. Tiny areas of unpainted leather are deliberately left exposed, creating the illusion of carved block printing.' Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan The Black Badge Cullinan wears Danqian Pink paintwork The Black Badge Cullinan Series II is the most eye-catching model of the trio with its Danqian Pink paintwork. The pink theme continues inside with blushing pink leather and more than 100,000 tiny perforations to create cloud patterns across the leather. The bright front seats contrast against navy leather in the rear with blushing pink piping and stitching. As well as custom leather patterns, the team created a bespoke headliner Again, the Silken Spirit motif features throughout the vehicle including in a contrasting black on the C-pillar and more prominently inside. The Black Badge Cullinan's custom starlight headliner is arranged in a Silken Spirit graphic and illuminated with blushing pink lights and white 'shooting stars'. The Danqian Pink paintwork highlights the Cullinan's lines Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre Rolls-Royce prides itself with bringing art to life in 2D and 3D forms A two-tone Diamond Black and Qingshan Blue Black Badge Spectre completes the commissions. Its special paint color was inspired by the mountain blues and greeny tones seen in the Dunhuang murals. At the front, a turchese illuminated grille finishes off the exterior specification. The interior feels bright and airy with the turchese leather against black details The color scheme carries through to the inside with contrasting turchese and black leather. Illuminated treadplates bear the Silken Spirit motif and the Spectre also features starlight doors and a starlight headliner with more than 1,000 stars individually placed by Rolls-Royce's craftspeople.

Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
BOHO GROUP: A Women-Led Conglomerate Emerges as a Notable Presence in Dubai's Business Landscape
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 24, 2025 -- BOHO GROUP, co-founded by Dr. Sucheta Sharma and Urvashi, has established a multi-sector presence within Dubai's competitive business environment in under a year. Under the patronage of the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, the group has grown to include ventures in beauty, hospitality, dining, and community services since its inception in September 2024. The group's journey began with the launch of Meraki Ladies Beauty Lounge in Karama, envisioned as a dedicated space for women's self-care. The lounge gained recognition for its attention to detail in atmosphere and service, reflecting a focus on providing an inclusive environment. Expanding beyond beauty services, BOHO GROUP introduced Boho Cafe in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The cafe garnered international notice after setting a Guinness World Record for serving the most expensive Karak tea, infused with 23k pure edible gold. The concept juxtaposes premium offerings with accessible pricing, aligning with the founders' philosophy of creating communal spaces that welcome diverse patrons. The hospitality portfolio further extended with Jimmydixs Restaurant and Lounge, situated within Barcelo Hotel, Al Jaddaf. The venue combines dining and live entertainment and has also secured a Guinness World Record for the world's highest-priced mocktail. Jimmydixs integrates various cultural elements and entertainment formats, catering to Dubai's cosmopolitan community. Most recently, the group inaugurated Annas & Bhaijan Idli Restaurant in Dubai Investment Park 2 on June 16, 2025. The opening was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Iqbal Habtoor and dignitaries from the Private Office. The restaurant features a menu drawing on South Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese cuisines, and includes a monthly tiffin service designed to accommodate working professionals and local families. In addition to its hospitality ventures, BOHO GROUP has outlined further expansion plans. These include additional branches of Meraki Ladies Beauty Lounge, new outlets for Boho Cafe, and the development of a food bank initiative in Jebel Ali, anticipated to commence by the end of 2025. Diversification into healthcare is underway, with the planned launch of Aaryan Clinic and Pharmacy, providing services in general medicine, dentistry, orthopedics, and gynecology. The group also aims to establish Urvashi Mini Mart by early 2026 to serve local communities with a curated selection of consumer goods. Reflecting on BOHO GROUP's trajectory, Dr. Sucheta Sharma acknowledged the leadership of Dubai's rulers as a source of inspiration for the conglomerate's vision. She emphasized the importance of building enterprises anchored in integrity and long-term value. BOHO GROUP continues to develop initiatives that integrate cultural narrative, operational sustainability, and community engagement, contributing to Dubai's diverse and evolving economic landscape. Instagram: @bohocafedifc Contact Info: Name: Sucheta Sharma Email: Send Email Organization: BOHO GROUP Phone: +971 52 855 7732 Website: Release ID: 89163047 In the event of any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release, we encourage you to notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team will be readily available to respond and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any identified issues or assist with removal requests. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and precise information is paramount to us.


Sky News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Regular savings rates fall - and you need to keep your eye on the small print
For this week's guide, Anna Bowes, personal finance expert from The Private Office, looks at where rates are falling... Savings rates have resisted the Bank of England's base rate cut in recent weeks, but the top rates on offer have now begun to fall - and the terms and conditions for some of them have changed. Atom Bank's Instant Saver Reward account, for example, is offering the top rate at 4.75% AER, but if you make a withdrawal, the rate falls to 2.5% for the month that follows. "It's important to double-check the small print, as many of the top rate accounts have either restricted access to the cash, which means that if you make some or too many withdrawals, you could earn less interest than you were expecting - or there may be a short-term bonus," Bowes says. Here are the best rates available... Fixed-rate bonds The fixed-rate bond market looks different, with rates across all terms increasing slightly as markets expect no changes to be made to the base rate for a while. While the new rates are only marginally higher, it does mean that savers have more inflation-beating options to choose from. "Choosing a longer-term bond could be a way of hedging against any further base rate cuts that are still expected to happen over the next year or so," Bowes adds. Here's a look at the best rates available. All of these accounts can be opened online and can't be accessed during the term... Easy access cash ISAs Unlike fixed-rate cash ISAs, which haven't changed over the past week, competition is fierce among easy access cash ISA providers. Yet a few rates have been cut this week, which may indicate the start of a lull. The top easy access ISA is 4.85% with Plum, while a week ago Chip was offering 4.99% on its Chip Cash ISA. Those who opened the account before this latest rate cut will still continue to earn the higher rate - for the time being at least. "Currently it would appear that the best paying cash ISA on the market is the Moneybox Cash ISA, paying 5.46%. But this rate includes a bonus of 1.51% for just three months, after which the rate will fall to 3.95% - this account also restricts the number of penalty free withdrawals," Bowes explains. "The advice would be to check the interest you are earning on your savings and switch, where possible, if you can improve your returns - but watch out for any tricks that might catch you out." Here are the best rates on the market...