Abaya Rally Celebrates Emirati Women’s Day and Women’s Empowerment in Partnership with AWR ZEEKR

  Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Monday, 02. September 2024 AETOSWire

The 4th Edition of All-Female Drive Unites Over 200 Women Igniting Positive Change Towards a Sustainable Future

The fourth edition of the Abaya Rally lit up the Dubai Autodrome on August 24, 2024, as over 200 women came together to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day with a powerful display of unity and empowerment. Organized by Orbit Events, this all-women drive showcased the strength and resilience of women from various nationalities, all proudly driving in their Abayas.

This year’s rally stood out for its sense of community and collective strength. The Club Circuit buzzed with the energy of determined women, each making their mark on the track. Adding to the thrill was a newly introduced drift passenger experience, providing an adrenaline-filled adventure that perfectly complemented the rally’s empowering atmosphere.

The rally, which highlighted the participants’ commitment to progress and a sustainable future, featured an impressive range of vehicles, from sleek supercars and sports cars to 4x4s and superbikes. The event was more than just a drive; it was a powerful statement of empowerment, as women proudly displayed their skills and commitment to shattering barriers.

ZEEKR X, the premium electric compact SUV, took the spotlight as the flagship vehicle of the Abaya Rally, dedicated to celebrating and empowering women. As the official EV automotive brand of the event, ZEEKR—a global leader in premium electric vehicles, distributed by AW Rostamani Group (AWR)—epitomizes the spirit of innovation and advancement. The all-women drive was flagged off with ZEEKR X and ZEEKR 001, pushing forward the brand's commitment to style and sophistication, and showcasing its position as a leader in the EV segment.

Roberto Colucci, Director of ZEEKR at AW Rostamani Group, commented: “We were thrilled to be a part of the Abaya Rally, which served as a testament to and celebration of the diverse talent, creativity, and aspirations of Emirati women. From fashion to exploration and innovation, the event showcased their boundless potential, aligning perfectly with ZEEKR and AWR's mission to drive progress and inclusivity. We were particularly proud to see Eman Al Bastaki recognized for her exceptional leadership in Emiratization and her dedication to empowering Emirati women in the automotive industry. By continuing to support initiatives like these, we are building a future where local talent plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's progress."

Cannon Wang, Managing Director of ZEEKR MENA Region, remarked: "Being part of the Abaya Rally was an honor for us as this event beautifully mirrored our values at ZEEKR — innovation, empowerment, and a forward-thinking approach. This rally was not just a celebration of motoring but a powerful statement of the strength, creativity, and determination of women in the UAE. At ZEEKR, we are committed to driving progress and providing platforms that empower individuals to showcase their unique identities. The Abaya Rally was a perfect embodiment of this commitment, and we were pleased to be part of an initiative that is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

The event celebrated Emirati Women's Day, honoring Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's vision. It featured an elite panel of accomplished Emirati women: Maitha Alblooshi, Founder of Be You and Agile Coach; Abeer Matrooshi, Professional Coach and Radio Presenter; Alanoud Alhashmi, Emirati Businesswoman and Consultant; and Eman Ahmed Al Bastaki, HRBP and Group Head of Emiratisation at AWRostamani Group. The event also recognized Emirati Women of Achievement: Ayatelrahman Al Sharawy, Narcotics Expert with Dubai Women’s Police, and Safa Almahri, the first Emirati woman with licenses in all seven driving categories.

“It’s an incredible privilege to celebrate and honor the achievements of Emirati women at the Abaya Rally and Emirati Women’s Day. This event is more than just a drive; it’s a testament to our collective strength and a beacon for future generations. Let’s continue to break barriers and inspire each other to reach new heights.”

—Panelist, Abeer Al Matrooshi, Professional Coach and Radio Presenter

“Empowering women is about creating opportunities and leading with courage. Together, we’re shaping a future where every woman can achieve her dreams and make a lasting impact.” — Panelist, Alanoud Alhashmi, Emirati Businesswoman, Futurist and Consultant

The event spotlighted a distinguished panel of automotive trailblazers, including Eman Thani, a renowned professional biker; Nahla Al Rostamani, the pioneering Emirati woman to hold a racing license; Nora Al Jassasi, an Emirati female rally driver; and Syeda Aisha Atif, a mechanical engineer. Honorees included Fouzia Zahoor, the youngest woman to earn a heavy vehicle license in the UAE and a celebrated truck driver, and Rana Hayek, an accomplished engineer, mechanic, and influencer.

The rally also showcased a modest fashion segment, highlighting the Abaya's identity as a symbol of strength and modern elegance. This segment beautifully blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, celebrating cultural identity with a touch of luxury and sophistication.

The event was in Partnership with ZEEKR and AW Rostamani Group and powered by Castrol Edge, featuring Gold sponsors Al Ain Farms, Al Haramain Perfumes, Amaron, Awrostamani Trading, and Silver sponsor Travel Wings. Support partners included Champion Digital, Florist Partner FNP.ae, Hydration Partner Jeema, SoCL, Royal Sea Ent. , Girls Mechanic Team

The Abaya Rally concluded with a powerful celebration of the strength and achievements of women in the UAE, uniting participants from all walks of life and showcasing their capacity to drive change. The event highlighted the vital role women play in society, marking a historic moment of empowerment and unity.

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Contacts

For media queries, please contact:

Pradyuth Ramkishore

Watermelon Communications

Dubai, UAE

+971 4 2833655

pradyuth@watermelonme.com

 

For collaborations, please contact:

Sanjit George

Orbit Events

Dubai, UAE

+971 50218 3536

sanjit@orbiteventsuae.com

POLYVANTIS Celebrates Birth of New Company to Serve Global Customer Base with PLEXIGLAS®/ACRYLITE® and LEXAN™ Solutions

 MOUNT VERNON, Ind. - 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- For the first time, two powerhouse organizations, SABIC's Functional Forms and Röhm’s Acrylic Products, have joined forces to form POLYVANTIS.

The newly established entity offers comprehensive, multi-material and industry-leading product portfolio, unique technical knowledge, and application-based expertise in sheets and films across various sectors, including building and construction, electrical and electronics, automotive, air and rail, healthcare and security, and lighting and signage. Under the iconic PLEXIGLAS® / ACRYLITE® and LEXAN™ brands, POLYVANTIS delivers its solutions in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC).

The organization boasts a workforce of approximately 1,500 employees and operates 15 production sites across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

As previously announced, a Board of Directors consisting of three functions will lead POLYVANTIS. Dr. Sandeep Dhawan as Chief Executive Officer, Peter Stubbe as Chief Financial Officer, and Dr. Wolfgang Pöffel as Chief Transformation and Integration Officer.

“The combination of coveted brands under one umbrella will enable growth for our customers. We will join forces to harness our innovative strength, build holistic solutions for our customers and create a stronger presence worldwide,” said Sandeep Dhawan, Chief Executive Officer of POLYVANTIS. “With many years of experience in technology and product development, POLYVANTIS will provide unique and unparalleled technical and application-based expertise.”

POLYVANTIS fosters a forward-thinking culture focused on continuous innovation and improvement. For decades, customers have relied on the comprehensive product portfolio, capabilities, innovative thinking, and tenacity of the people who make up POLYVANTIS. To learn more about POLYVANTIS and its unique approach, visit our website.

About POLYVANTIS

POLYVANTIS is a global, multi-material player with some of the most coveted and iconic brands in the industry – such as PLEXIGLAS® and ACRYLITE® for polymethylmethacrylate semi-finished products and LEXAN™ for polycarbonate sheets and films. With 1,500 employees and 15 production sites worldwide, POLYVANTIS offers unmatched global capabilities, providing customers with innovative solutions in sheets and films for the building and construction, electrical and electronics, automotive, air and rail, healthcare and security, and lighting and signage markets. To learn more about the latest at POLYVANTIS, follow us on LinkedIn or our website.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240901257346/en/

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Contacts

Amy Waterman

Senior Manager, Global Marketing and Communications

amy.waterman@polyvantis.net

Saudi Fund for Development Celebrates 50 Years of Global Impact with Over $20 Billion in Development Contributions

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Monday, 02. September 2024

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) celebrated its 50th anniversary in Riyadh today, under the theme "50 Years of Global Impact." The event brought together key development partners to reflect on the SFD’s significant contributions to sustainable development worldwide. Over the past five decades, the SFD has allocated over $20 billion, financing more than 800 development projects and programs in vital sectors, including social infrastructure (education, healthcare, water and sewage, and housing and urban development), communication and transportation (roads, railways, airports and seaports), energy, agriculture, mining and industry, and others.

Since its inception in 1974, the SFD has been the international development arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has provided critical support to over 100 developing nations around the world. With a strong focus on supporting countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the SFD has played a pivotal role in driving sustainable development in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

During the event, SFD Chairman H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving global development. He highlighted that SFD's success is deeply rooted in its partnerships, with 27 development projects and programs in 23 developing countries in 2023 co-financed with other funders. He also underscored the need to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Reflecting on this significant milestone, the SFD CEO , Mr. Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, stated: “As we celebrate five decades of impactful work, we are committed, now more than ever, to supporting developing countries on their journey to economic self-reliance and resilience. Our goal is to ensure that all children can go to school, that education is not a privilege but something every child should have access to, and that families have access to healthcare and basic vital services. Equally, we focus on critical infrastructure development, like building roads and enhancing airports and sea ports, so that countries can thrive and engage in economic activities and trade. This work is not just about financing; it’s about tangibly improving lives, creating opportunities, empowering communities, and building a more prosperous future.”

On the sidelines of the 50th Anniversary Gala, the SFD and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a new $25 million agreement to co-finance a renewable energy development project in the Solomon Islands. This marks the first project for SFD in the Solomon Islands. The primary aim of the project is to develop renewable energy infrastructure, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable development in the region.

This agreement builds on SFD’50 years of transformative impact through development projects that have spanned Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.

This includes key projects such as the Metolong Dam in Lesotho, which received $25 million in funding and now provides potable water to 280,000 people, enhancing water security and public hygiene and health in the region. This is just one of the 433 projects across Africa, with a total funding of $11.5 billion, which focuses on critical areas such as infrastructure and water security.

In Asia, the SFD has funded 271 projects with a total funding of $7.8 billion. One notable example is the SFD’s contribution to the Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project in Pakistan, which has an overall project cost of $240 million. The projects contributes to the country’s energy security and flood resilience by generating 800 megawatts of renewable energy and storing 1.6 million cubic meters of water.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the SFD has financed 21 projects, totaling $951 million USD. This includes rehabilitating the Water and Sewage System in Havana, Cuba, where the SFD has allocated $35 million to enhance public infrastructure. Another significant initiative is the rebuilding of St. Jude Hospital in Saint Lucia, supported by $75 million funding, which will contribute to providing high-quality health services to citizens in a modern and sophisticated facility and providing sufficient medical supplies and equipment to support the effective operation of the hospital.

In Eastern Europe, the SFD has contributed to 14 projects with a total investment of $303 million. A key initiative is the construction of the Tirana-Elbasan-Chokos-Chalf-Ploce Road, where the SFD provided $73.8 million to rebuild essential roads and bridges, thereby boosting regional economic activities.

During the celebration, esteemed speakers shared insights on the SFD’s pivotal role in global development, and in championing critical partnerships and collective action and response. Keynote speakers included:

    HRH Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, Founder and Trustee of the King Faisal Foundation
    H.E. Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SFD
    H.E. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group
    H.E. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank

 

These global development leaders emphasized the SFD’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth in countries and communities with the most pressing developmental needs.

The gala was attended by more than 500 people, including ministers, heads of regional and international organizations, ambassadors, representatives of the United and other distinguished guests.

As the SFD looks to the future, it reaffirms its mission and pledge to drive international development efforts, on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to contribute to global stability, social progress, and economic prosperity for future generations.

Note to editors

    For additional information, please reach out to us at media@sfd.gov.sa
    Access the media kit, including collateral from the anniversary, via the following link: media kit


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Contacts

Abeer Alqahtani
Email: aalqahtani@apcoworldwide.com
Mobile: +966580089661

The Digital Cooperation Organization hosted its first collaborative roundtable with social media, technology companies, and digital platforms to combat the spread of online misinformation

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 28, 2024:

 

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global multilateral organization committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the sustainable and inclusive growth of the digital economy, hosted a strategic roundtable discussion with major technology companies, and social media and digital platform representatives to address the societal impact of the spread of online misinformation.

Building on the series of global roundtables conducted in 2023 as part of the “combating online misinformation” Digital Space Accelerators, this roundtable continuous the DCO’s ongoing efforts to combat online misinformation. Representatives from Google, LinkedIn, Meta and TikTok participated as key stakeholders to discuss this crucial issue affecting the digital world.

The roundtable, held at the DCO headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed to identify challenges and propose innovative solutions to foster trust and safeguard the digital economy. The participation of representatives from social media and digital platforms underscored the importance of the roundtable, providing a crucial platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives and explore collaborative actions to combat online misinformation.

The discussions aimed to create an ongoing dialogue on the gravity of online misinformation as both a societal problem and a challenge to the digital economy. It also provided a platform for stakeholders to bridge their perspectives and work together to combat online misinformation, thereby ensuring a trustworthy digital information ecosystem.

"The exchange of ideas and insights from leading platforms has been invaluable. The key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of cooperation through a multistakeholder approach to combat online misinformation, which aligns with the DCO’s mission. We are confident that the outcomes of this roundtable will pave the way for a more informed and resilient digital society, and we look forward to our next collaborative roundtable to enable digital prosperity for all", said Alaa Abdulaal, Chief of the Digital Economy Foresight department at the Digital Cooperation Organization.

Sarah Al-Husseini, Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy, KSA at Google said: “People come to Google because they trust they will be able to find high quality information, which is why we take our commitment to combating misinformation through our products and our content policies very seriously. We work hard to retain that trust - designing our systems for quality and ensuring users are given access to a range of information from different voices and the tools to know what they can trust. We do not do it alone; in addition to continuously adapting our policies and technologies to prevent abuse, we openly share our technology and collaborate with experts to drive the industry forward and create a safer internet for everyone.

Ranim Alamin, Strategic Government Partnerships Head, KSA at LinkedIn said: “Taking part in the DCO's strategic roundtable offered us a valuable opportunity to discuss one of the more pressing issues in the digital world: Misinformation. The conversations we had with representatives from various leading platforms underscored the importance of a united approach to foster trust. We are committed to working together to build a more trusted and resilient digital information ecosystem”.

Tom Bonsundy-O'Bryan, Misinformation Policy, EMEA Lead at Meta said: “We were glad to attend this roundtable organized by the DCO and remain deeply committed to tackling misinformation - balancing our values of expression, safety, authenticity and privacy”.

Hatem Samman, Executive Director of Government Relations & Public Policy, KSA at TikTok, said: “At TikTok, we are committed to fostering a secure and trustworthy digital environment for the community. This roundtable provided an essential platform for discussing innovative strategies and collaborative actions to combat misinformation. By working together, we can create a safe, authentic space where people can discover content that is original and engage with people who are authentic.”

The Digital Cooperation Organization remains committed to fostering a collaborative approach to combatting misinformation and ensuring the growth of the digital economy. The DCO looks forward to continuing this impactful work with its partners in the social media and digital platform space.

*Source: AETOSWire

Contacts:

Ahmed Bayouni

Media@dco.org

Hisense Unveils Official Sponsorship of Real Madrid

 

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hisense, the global leader in consumer electronics and home appliances proudly announced its official sponsorship of Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. This landmark event took place at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid and featured the esteemed presence of Jerry Liu, Vice President of Hisense International, and Emilio Butragueño, Director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid.

The comprehensive three-year regional sponsorship, will encompass Spain, Africa and the Middle East. It will prominently display the Hisense brand and its innovative product line to 80,000 fans at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Audiences around the globe will experience this partnership through broadcast, digital and social channels platforms. To mark the partnership and their shared vision of innovation and excellence, Hisense and Real Madrid will jointly launch a limited-edition co-branded 100-inch TV. This state of the art television promises to revolutionize the home viewing experience with unparalleled picture quality and immersive sound, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.

During the sponsorship launch in Johannesburg attended by media representatives and soccer legends such as Lucky Lekgwathe, Portia Modise and Hlompo Kekana, Ms Luna Nortje, General Manager of Hisense South Africa, remarked, “Hisense has established a strong presence in the world of sports. Our global sports sponsorships underscore our commitment to excellence and bringing people together. We are immensely honored to sponsor Real Madrid. This partnership not only emphasizes our commitment to innovation but also our commitment to fostering the spirit of unity and competitive excellence.”

Building on its successful sponsorships of the UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cup, Hisense aims to captivate audiences with this new partnership. Designed for sports enthusiasts and technology aficionados alike, the groundbreaking 100-inch TV and other signature appliances such as laundry systems, refrigerators, and air conditioners will soon be available at selected stores in South Africa. Fans can look forward to the release details and pricing.

Ms. Nortje concludes, "Hisense remains steadfast in its commitment to technological innovation. We are devoted to developing products that elevate both our consumers' homes and their overall experiences."

Contact: henru.vandermerwe@hisense.com