Opening Ceremony

The event began with the UAE National Anthem, followed by a video highlighting the festival’s growth and success since 2011. The video emphasized the festival’s artistic achievements and its popularity with audiences of all backgrounds.

His Highness then witnessed the opening show, “An Extraordinary Vision.” The show celebrated the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, showcasing his vision for Sharjah as a global center for culture, education, and innovation.

In his speech, H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, thanked His Highness for attending the opening. He praised the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and acknowledged his continued support for the development of Sharjah.

Al Midfa also highlighted the festival’s importance in supporting small and medium-sized businesses. More than 70 national projects are participating in the Light Village. The festival provides a platform for creative artists to showcase light installations that convey meaningful messages.

Sharjah Light Festival Highlights

The 2025 Sharjah Light Festival features stunning light displays at 12 key locations. The event blends art and technology, celebrating Sharjah’s architectural beauty and cultural heritage. Some of the standout shows include “A Journey through Light and Culture,” which transforms Sharjah Mosque into a dynamic canvas, “The Story of the Wadi,” depicting Sharjah’s history through themes of water, culture, and ancient traditions, and “The Light of the East,” a 3D projection show about Khorfakkan.

Sharjah Light Festival Expanding the Festival’s Reach

This year’s edition adds new locations like Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, Al Heera Beach, and Al Hefaiyah Lake. These additions expand the festival’s cultural impact. The event continues to attract visitors from around the UAE and beyond, solidifying its place on Sharjah’s cultural calendar.

The Light Village: A Hub for Creativity and Entrepreneurship

The Light Village will run until February 23. It will feature interactive exhibits, a museum, and family-friendly activities. Local SMEs will showcase their products, ranging from food to retail experiences. The festival continues to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage with the public and gain visibility.

The post Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Launches 14th Sharjah Light Festival appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Artists and Their Unique Concepts

The exhibition features Simon Denny, who integrates blockchain technology into hybrid paintings inspired by Benz concept cars. Salomé Chatriot merges organic elements with digital renderings of breath, while Paul Seidler explores alternative time systems. Sarah Friend redefines digital security through an automotive Smart Key, and Theo Triantafyllidis introduces a multiplayer game reimagining digital interaction. Additionally, Harm van den Dorpel presents a blockchain-based collection reflecting the motion of spoked wheels.

Mercedes-Benz Interactive Events and Closing Performance

To engage audiences further, Mercedes-Benz has curated interactive events, including:

• Panel Discussion on prototypes in art and industry – February 14
• Curator-led tour with Christopher Dake-Outhet – February 15
• Artist-led workshop on digital identity – March 1
• Art performance and discussion with Salomé Chatriot – March 21

Bridging Automotive Design and Creativity

As part of its continued support for the arts, Mercedes seeks to bridge automotive design with creative expression, offering a new perspective on the future of innovation through art.

The post Mercedes-Benz Unveils ‘PROTOTYPE’ Art Exhibition in Munich appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Why MosBuild 2025 is Essential for Industry Professionals

Access a Thriving Market

Russia’s construction market is expanding, with increased demand for innovative materials, sustainable solutions, and interior design expertise. MosBuild provides a platform for companies to showcase their offerings to an engaged and diverse audience.

Connect with Key Decision-Makers

Meet over 60,000 industry professionals from across Russia and 45+ countries, including architects, designers, contractors, and developers. Strengthen your presence in a market known for its rapid growth and vast potential.

Showcase Innovation

From cutting-edge materials to the latest in interior design, MosBuild is the premier stage for demonstrating your innovations to an audience eager to adopt new solutions.

A Proven Platform for Business Growth

With a 29-year legacy, MosBuild has solidified its status as the largest and most influential construction and interiors exhibition in Russia.

• 2024 Highlights:

o 1,400+ exhibitors from different countries and regions showcased their solutions.

o Professionals from 87 Russian regions attended, providing a truly national platform.

o 87% of visitors attended to search for products and services for their business.

Why Russia’s Construction Industry is Your Next Big Opportunity

Russia’s urbanization and infrastructure development initiatives are driving significant investment in construction and interior solutions. With increased emphasis on sustainability and smart technologies, this is the ideal time to position your brand as a leader in this vibrant market.

Tailored Opportunities to Maximize Your ROI

• Live Demonstrations and Workshops: Showcase your products in action and engage with your target audience directly.

• Networking Opportunities: Build valuable connections with developers, architects, and key players shaping the industry’s future.

• Market Insights and Trends: Stay ahead of the curve with exclusive access to industry trends and market data.

Join Us at MosBuild 2025

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, connect with decision-makers, or explore the latest innovations, MosBuild 2025 is the event you cannot afford to miss.

Dates: April 1–4, 2025

Venue: Crocus Expo, Moscow

Learn More: mosbuildexpo.com/

Seize this opportunity to elevate your brand and drive growth in Russia’s thriving construction and interiors market.

The post Build Connections and Drive Growth at MosBuild 2025 – Eurasia’s Premier Buildingand Interiors Exhibition appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

In a social media announcement, Sheikh Mohamed invited everyone who calls the UAE home to contribute to building stronger communities:

• Strengthening social ties: The initiative focuses on nurturing connections between individuals and fostering shared responsibilities.
• Inspiring progress: It aligns with the UAE’s goal of being a global model for progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, highlighted that community strength is the foundation for future generations, emphasizing the importance of unity in building a brighter future.

Innovating for the Future

The initiative also integrates national priorities, encouraging innovation in entrepreneurship, emerging industries, and artificial intelligence to align with the UAE’s long-term vision.

Cultural and Social Impact

Led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative will include events throughout 2025 to:

• Strengthen intergenerational ties and cultural heritage.
• Create inclusive spaces for residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Uphold Emirati values and promote community cohesion.

Building on Past Success

This declaration follows the success of 2024 as the Year of Sustainability, which extended the UAE’s commitment to environmental protection. The Year of Community continues the UAE’s mission of fostering collective responsibility for sustainable.

The post UAE President Declares 2025 as Year of Community appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Organised by the Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai, the exhibition invites visitors to explore Hong Kong’s potential for tourism, business, and investment under the theme, “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead.”

Step into six immersive zones highlighting Hong Kong’s world-class strengths, from its global financial hub status to its creative arts, sustainability efforts, and upcoming sports megaprojects. With interactive exhibits, naked-eye 3D installations, and engaging photo opportunities, this experience is a feast for the senses.

Don’t miss live performances from December 20 to 22, including a street dance showcase by Move Beyond and a pop concert by SENZA A Cappella. Plus, join the “Snap a Cool Shot @Immersive Hong Kong” contest for a chance to win round-trip tickets to Hong Kong!

Date: 20 December 2024 – 05 January 2025
Venue: JBR, Dubai (Near Roxy Cinema)
Event Website: Immersive-Hong-Kong.com
Entry Fee: Free (Walk-In)

For PRs: pr@magzoid.com
Partnerships, Interviews & Marketing Support: sakshi@magzoid.com
For General Queries: info@magzoid.com

The post Immersive Hong Kong appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

A Milestone Achievement: Reflections on Winning the Burj CEO Award

When asked about the significance of the Burj CEO Award for Strategic Leadership, Ms. Ashok expressed deep gratitude:
“Thank you very much! It’s truly an honor to receive the Burj CEO Award for Strategic Leadership. This recognition is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the dedication, hard work, and vision of our entire team at Confity Capital Partners. Our approach has always been centered around impactful leadership and building long-term, sustainable value in emerging markets. This award reaffirms our commitment to these principles and serves as a powerful motivator to continue pushing the boundaries in sectors like aviation, healthcare, and technology.”

She also took a moment to recognize the efforts of Dr. Tariq and Mrs. Sarah Dong for organizing the event:
“I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tariq and Mrs. Sarah Dong for organizing this remarkable event, which brings together a diverse global business community. Their efforts in creating a platform that fosters collaboration and celebrates leadership are truly inspiring. We are grateful for this opportunity to connect with leaders from around the world and share our vision for growth and innovation.”

Key Strategic Initiatives Driving Growth at Confity Capital Partners

Discussing the strategic pillars of Confity Capital Partners’ success, Ms. Ashok outlined three essential initiatives:
“First, sector diversification across industries such as aviation, healthcare, technology, and drone technology allows us to seize emerging opportunities while managing market risks. Second, our strategic advisory services, including financial planning, capital structuring, and risk management, empower clients with tailored guidance to achieve their long-term goals. Lastly, our focus on emerging technologies enables transformative investments that enhance patient outcomes in healthcare and revolutionize logistics and surveillance in aviation and drones.”

These initiatives, according to Ashok, position Confity as a forward-thinking firm that values both innovation and long-term, impactful growth.

Design Thinking: A Cornerstone of Leadership and Problem-Solving

Ms. Ashok’s background in design thinking plays a key role in her leadership approach. “Design thinking, centered on empathy, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving, strongly shapes my leadership approach. By deeply understanding the perspectives of clients, partners, and team members, I drive user-centered, innovative solutions. In practice, this involves open dialogue, rapid prototyping, and ongoing feedback, which we apply when entering new markets or launching initiatives to ensure adaptability and reduce risk.”

This method fosters creativity and resilience, empowering the team to navigate challenges and deliver strategic, impactful results.

Passion for Growth Equity and Transformational Change

When asked about her motivation for entering growth equity, Ms. Ashok revealed her enthusiasm for driving innovation. “My motivation to enter growth equity comes from a strong passion for driving innovation and supporting visionary companies as they scale. Growth equity allows me to engage with companies during critical stages, helping them reach their full potential and make a significant impact. As Managing Partner at Confity Capital Partners, I provide not only capital but also hands-on guidance, collaborating with leadership on strategic expansion, operational efficiency, and technology integration.”

ERP/SAP Expertise: Best Practices for Successful Implementation

Ms. Ashok’s expertise extends to ERP/SAP projects, which have greatly influenced her approach to growth equity. “My experience implementing ERP solutions with Fortune 500 companies enriched my understanding of operational efficiency, strategic alignment, and resilient infrastructures. Over the years, I gained firsthand insight into the complexities of scaling businesses, managing change, and fostering sustainable growth—all crucial for evaluating and guiding companies in the growth equity space.”

Adapting to Digital Transformation and Organizational Change
In her role as a Business Transformation SME, Ms. Ashok advises leaders managing digital transformation. “I have had the opportunity to help organizations adapt to digital transformation by focusing on strategic alignment, strong change management, and phased implementation. Effective change management is crucial, as it helps employees embrace new systems and processes, reducing resistance and ensuring smoother adoption. I also recommend a phased rollout to allow for adjustments and minimize disruption.”

Her advice for leaders embarking on these initiatives is to prioritize clear communication, engage stakeholders early, and maintain flexibility.

Fostering Innovation and Strategic Thinking
Ms. Ashok believes that fostering a culture of innovation is key to success. “Fostering a culture of innovation and strategic thinking within my teams begins with creating an environment that encourages curiosity, open communication, and continuous learning. I promote cross-functional collaboration and regularly hold brainstorming sessions to explore diverse perspectives and new ideas.”

The Impact of Yoga on Work-Life Balance
Yoga plays a vital role in Ms. Ashok’s ability to maintain a work-life balance. “Yoga helps me stay centered, manage stress, and approach challenges with clarity, which is invaluable in a high-stakes environment. Prioritizing wellness allows me to maintain energy and focus, making me more effective and resilient in my role.”

Commitment to Continuous Education and Mentorship
Ms. Ashok credits her continued education as a cornerstone of her career. “Studying at institutions like Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business enriched my strategic thinking and broadened my perspective, allowing me to bring innovative solutions to complex challenges. I believe learning is a lifelong journey, and I encourage my team to stay curious and pursue growth opportunities.”

The Burj CEO Awards: A Platform for Innovation and Leadership
Reflecting on the significance of the Burj CEO Awards, she emphasized their role in inspiring leadership: “The Burj CEO Awards and Summit serve as powerful motivators, celebrating excellence and recognizing visionary achievements that inspire leaders across industries. By spotlighting innovative approaches, these awards set benchmarks and encourage leaders to push boundaries, fostering a culture of bold, transformative thinking.”

Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For emerging leaders, Ms. Ashok offers her wisdom: “Focus on building a strong foundation of integrity, resilience, and a clear vision. Start by understanding your unique strengths and values, and lead with authenticity. Prioritize continuous learning and remain adaptable in the face of challenges. Cultivate a collaborative mindset, listen actively, and seek diverse perspectives.”

The post Sia N. Ashok Discusses Leadership and Vision appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Dubai Quality Group (DQG) have signed a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation, share experiences, and elevate services. The partnership will create an innovative platform connecting decision-makers in quality and excellence, both locally and globally, focusing on areas such as culture, arts, women’s empowerment, innovation, and technology. This collaboration aligns with Dubai Culture’s goal of promoting excellence in the cultural sector, positively impacting the local creative scene, while also supporting DQG’s vision of advancing best practices in the UAE.

Key Awards Sponsored by Dubai Culture

As part of this collaboration, Dubai Culture will actively sponsor various international and local awards organized by Dubai Quality Group. Specifically, these awards include the Emirates Women Award, the UAE Innovation Award, the International Ideas Arabia Award, the UAE Ideas Award, the Global Artificial Intelligence Award, the Global Continuous Improvement Award, and the Medical Excellence MENA Award.

Empowering Dubai Culture Employees Through DQG Collaboration

Moreover, the strategic partnership between Dubai Culture and Dubai Quality Group (DQG) will empower Dubai Culture employees. They will have the opportunity to benefit from consulting services and participate in workshop programmes organised by the DQG that cover essential areas such as risk management, mystery shoppers, Lean Sigma, and business continuity. The benchmarking services offered by DQG and its partners in the public and private sectors will also be available. These valuable services will inspire and empower employees to elevate their professional and competitive performance levels through participation in the DQG’s awards and events.

Leadership Attendance at the Signing Ceremony

Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, Dr. Hazza Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Dubai Quality Group, Dr. Loay Mohmoud Helless, Manager of Corporate Excellence Section at Dubai Culture, and Samira Mohammed Shaloh, General Director of Dubai Quality Group, attended the signing of the strategic partnership.

Commitment to Innovation and Quality in the UAE

Hala Badri affirmed the Authority’s commitment to applying best practices in order to enhance competitiveness and enrich the local creative landscape. She stated, “At Dubai Culture, we adopt total quality management systems and innovative frameworks that significantly contribute to developing our operations and achieving sustainable corporate excellence. Furthermore, these efforts are aligned with Dubai’s vision and aim to improve both core and support operations. Through coaching programmes and training workshops, we empower our teams and foster innovation to ultimately enhance service quality. Therefore, our partnership with Dubai Quality Group highlights our dedication to business excellence while also creating an attractive work environment for the local cultural and artistic scene.”

Dr. Hazza Khalfan Al Nuaimi stated, “We are delighted to have formed a strategic partnership with Dubai Culture. This partnership is a key component of DQG’s commitment to the cultural sector. It will further our vision and mission of promoting business excellence and quality and enhancing the level of our services. It represents a significant addition to our group’s journey and will help us attract more prominent organisations in the business sector. Through this partnership, as part of our ongoing efforts to establish best practices in quality, business excellence, and innovation, we aim to promote and implement global quality standards that support sustainable long-term development in the UAE.”

The post Dubai Culture & DQG Partner for Sector Excellence appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Open Call for Filmmakers

Dubai Culture is inviting all emerging filmmakers and creatives, both locally and globally, to participate and submit their works for the festival’s competition. Applications are open from 14 August to 30 September 2024. Afterwards, a specialised committee of experts, directors, and filmmakers will screen and evaluate the submissions to prepare the list of films competing for the festival awards. The event will take place at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve from 3 to 12 January 2025.

Competition Details and Categories

The competition includes four categories: documentaries, animated films, live-action, and films made using artificial intelligence. Eligible works will be selected based on a set of criteria related to quality and content. This open call targets all emerging filmmakers and directors, whether working individually or in groups. Participants must present distinctive ideas that express their artistic visions and demonstrate their commitment to innovation. Additionally, they must ensure the work is original, recent, and has not been shown at any local, regional, or global festival or event.The film must be between 3 and 30 minutes long, free from any offense to public morals, religions, or communities, and the participant must own all rights to the short film.

Submission Guidelines and Requirements

Through its official competition and programme of activities, film screenings, interactive workshops, and talks, the festival seeks to enhance the sustainability of the film industry in the region and create an inspiring environment that brings together industry professionals to share their experiences and knowledge, inspiring new talents to join this field. It also aims to provide an exceptional cultural experience for the public, whether citizens, residents, or visitors, as well as offering a valuable platform to support the emerging film sector locally and regionally, enabling emerging creatives to showcase their creativity, refine and develop their talents, and achieve professionalism.

Promoting Sustainability in the Film Industry

The festival’s third edition showcased over 70 films, featuring the work of Emirati, Gulf, Arab, and international filmmakers. Notably, the previous Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition featured 56 short films competing across three categories. Additionally, the festival hosted a series of talks and workshops led by industry experts, along with a collection of exhibitions and artworks inspired by the history of cinema.

The post Al Marmoom Short-Film Competition 2024 Open Call appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, emphasized the UAE’s leadership in providing regulatory clarity for virtual asset services. “The UAE is one of the most advanced jurisdictions globally when it comes to offering regulatory clarity for licensed firms to offer virtual asset services and fostering an environment in which the next generation of financial innovation can flourish,” Garlinghouse stated in a press release.

“Our partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub promises to drive the adoption of blockchain technology in the region as the XRPL continues to be a leading blockchain for the region’s start-ups and scale-ups building real use cases,” he added.

Ripple has committed one billion XRP to boost development and global use cases on its XRP Ledger blockchain, offering financial, technical, and business support to developers. Since the launch of the 1B XRP Fund in late 2021, Ripple has supported over 160 teams across 47 countries, developing a variety of solutions in decentralized finance (DeFi), Real World Assets (RWA), and other innovative areas.

This collaboration comes at a time when American blockchain and crypto firms are increasingly looking to countries like the UAE, as they face mounting pressure from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Garlinghouse expressed frustration with the regulatory environment in the U.S., noting that countries such as the UK, Japan, and Singapore, along with more than two dozen others, have established clear frameworks for crypto regulation.

Additionally, research by PYMNTS Intelligence and Visa highlights the UAE’s digitally engaged population. A significant 89% of retail shoppers and 45% of grocery shoppers in the UAE use digital tools while browsing in physical stores, with 71% enhancing their most recent shopping experience through digital features.

The post Ripple Drives Blockchain Innovation in UAE: DIFC Partnership appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Introduction to Ahmed Al Jallaf’s Role

Ahmed Al Jallaf, who has been leading the UAE GCAA’s air navigation services since 2011, oversees operations in one of the busiest and most complex airspaces in the world. He attributes his success to a dedicated team striving for excellence, making his role more manageable.

The 2017 UAE Airspace Restructuring Project

In 2017, Al Jallaf spearheaded the UAE Airspace Restructuring Project, a significant undertaking since the establishment of the UAE flight information region (FIR) in 1986. The rapid growth in air traffic necessitated a collaborative approach, involving 26 stakeholders from various sectors, to streamline operations and enhance capacity. The project successfully reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and other regions have since adopted similar restructuring efforts.

Evolving Airspace Management

As airspace management continues to evolve, the UAE has witnessed double-digit growth in air traffic, with a 12% increase in early 2024. The GCAA is now preparing for the next phase of its integrated airspace master plan, with a dedicated working group reviewing requirements to accommodate this growth. The next phase of the project is expected to begin by the end of this year or early next year.

Next-Generation ATM System

Al Jallaf also highlighted the UAE’s next-generation air traffic management (ATM) system, set for implementation in early 2025. This advanced system is currently in the final stages of testing and validation and will play a crucial role in supporting air traffic controllers in delivering state-of-the-art services.

Sustainable Flight Paths and Environmental Initiatives

Sustainability remains a key focus for the UAE GCAA. Since the 2017 airspace restructuring, the organization has invested in continuous descent and climb operations to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In July 2023, the UAE implemented the Middle East’s first free route airspace, achieving significant environmental benefits. The GCAA has also partnered with Etihad Airways and Thales to launch the Green Flag initiative, further promoting sustainable operations in line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability in 2024.

Collaboration for Improved ATM

Al Jallaf emphasized the importance of collaboration in designing solutions that meet the needs of all airspace users. Moreover, the UAE works closely with adjacent air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and international organizations like ICAO and IATA to ensure optimal results for the region.

Technological Disruptions in the Aviation Industry

Looking ahead, Al Jallaf identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning as key technological disruptors in the aviation industry. While the UAE is pioneering advancements in these areas, he noted that deploying AI in aviation comes with challenges, particularly in terms of cybersecurity. Global and regional collaboration will be essential in developing standards and regulations for these technologies.

UAE ATM Innovation Lab

During the Dubai Airshow, the GCAA signed a multi-party agreement to establish the UAE ATM Innovation Lab in Abu Dhabi. Al Jallaf is optimistic that this lab will provide the UAE and the region with new solutions to address regional challenges in air navigation.

Championing Future Leaders

The UAE places a strong emphasis on developing future leaders in aviation. Moreover, Al Jallaf, a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Development Programme, shared his passion for the UAE’s vision of nurturing the next generation. The GCAA Leadership Programme and the UAE Aviation Youth Council are, therefore, key initiatives that equip young individuals with the knowledge and experience needed to tackle aviation challenges and become future leaders.

Promoting Female Participation in Aviation

Al Jallaf also addressed the issue of female representation in air traffic control, noting that while more women are applying, the dropout rate remains high due to various factors. The UAE continues to promote the profession and encourage female participation in air traffic control.

The post Exploring Innovations in UAE Air Navigation Services appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.