Category: Press Release

The renowned space agency of the USA, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration.), has given an important update regarding the return of Indian-origin astronauts Sunita Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station.  Initially, the return of these two astronauts was planned for February 2025, but now it has been postponed to late March 2025 at the earliest. NASA confirmed the delay, assuring the safety and well-being of all crew members.

Sunita Williams described the Space Station as a “Happy Place”

Sunita Williams is presently  on the International Space Station (ISS); she says it is her “happy place.”  In her recent statement, she said she enjoys a lot there, even though her mission has been extended unexpectedly. She is excited to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Day with other crew members to enjoy a festive spirit.

There are seven astronauts and cosmonauts in the crew; they will be on leave and relaxing during the holidays, unwrapping gifts, having special meals prepared from supplies and fresh ingredients delivered by the SpaceX Dragon cargo mission recently, and communicating with family and friends through video calls.

NASA recently shared a happy image of Williams and fellow astronaut Don Pettit with Santa hats under the ISS’s Columbus laboratory module. Williams shared her excitement about enjoying the festive meals and connecting with her family. This year’s celebration marks a long-standing tradition among all the astronauts who have celebrated holidays in orbit since Apollo 8 in 1968.

The Stay from Extended, “Eight Days to Eight Months”

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore went to the space station on 5 June 2024. They were initially supposed to stay for eight days in orbit after launching aboard Boeing’s Starliner. But, due to multiple technical difficulties—including helium leaks and thruster failures—the spacecraft could not safely return them to Earth, and they have been on the space station for eight months.

Eventually, the Starliner came back without the astronauts last week. Addressing the situation during a press conference, Sunita Williams seemed calm, and she expressed comfort in her life at the space station as she and Wilmore had experienced living on ISS. She further said this is how things go in this business. Although she is eagerly waiting to complete this mission on the Starliner and come back to Earth. She further added, “We have to turn the page and get ready for the next big opportunity.”

As per the recent statement by NASA, it is expected that Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth in March 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission, led by Elon Musk’s company. Williams said that she is a bit nervous about the delayed return because of her family plans. Wilmore is not disappointed by the continuous delay, explaining that safety concerns with Starliner led to their transfer to a SpaceX flight.

Boeing’s Starliner has suffered numerous delays and failures over the years. Its first crewed mission for the spacecraft was launched on June 5 with Williams and Wilmore. However, numerous issues emerged. Five out of Starliner’s 28 thrusters failed, and several helium leaks were found. While the spacecraft would dock with the ISS, NASA and Boeing discovered it wasn’t safe for the astronauts to come back on it. Due to this, Starliner returned to Earth empty, and the astronauts were transferred to SpaceX’s mission. Despite the technical challenges, Williams and Wilmore were optimistic throughout the process.

However, this prolonged stay has fueled growing concerns among common people.  The uncertainty in astronauts’ return and their extended stay has created a widespread debate about the safety of the mission and its impact on astronauts’ health.

• In his new role, the executive will lead innovation and growth for the company in key markets.
• In 2022, he was appointed as the General Manager of NetApp Iberia.

Dubai, UAE– May 11, 2024 – – NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, announces the appointment of José Manuel Petisco as the new VP for the EEMI region, which includes Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Petisco, with over 30 years of experience in the information technology sector, takes on this new responsibility after serving as the General Manager of NetApp Iberia since 2022, and previously as the Cloud Director of NetApp for Ibero-America since joining the company in 2021.

Prior to joining NetApp, Petisco had a long career at Cisco, where he held various management positions in Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, both in Spain and Europe, for 19 years. His extensive experience also includes positions of responsibility at companies such as 3Com, Alcatel, Ericsson, and Veritas.

In his new role, Petisco will oversee the implementation of NetApp’s global strategy in key regions for the company, focusing on digital transformation and the adoption of new platforms with intelligent data infrastructures for private and public cloud environments. He will work closely with the organization’s customers and partners to drive growth, profitability, and digitalization of businesses.

“This opportunity, taking on this new role, represents a significant challenge and, at the same time, an immense responsibility,” says José Manuel Petisco. “During my years at NetApp, I have been fortunate to work at the forefront of digital transformation, collaborating closely with teams and customers to implement innovative solutions in data management and cloud services. My goal in this new role is undoubtedly to continue driving NetApp’s leadership in these strategic regions. I am committed to taking our vision and strategy to new horizons, always focused on the ever-changing needs of our customers and market dynamics. I appreciate the trust placed in me for this role and I am eager to collaborate with our talented team, valuable partners, and customers to achieve new levels of success and excellence.”

According to Giovanna Sangiorgi, Senior Vice President of NetApp EMEA and LATAM, “Jose Petisco has led the business in Iberia and get Spain to climb the ladder and get to the top ranking. He inherits a strong legacy and I’m fully confident that with the support of the strong leadership team built so far and his experience and trajectory, he will continue to deliver growth and add value to our customers’ and partners’ business in this Area.”

Businesses and customers across the PayTabs network in Jordan can now enjoy an enhanced version of MEPS Fast: ‘Tap to Phone’ payment acceptance

[Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 4 February 2024]: PayTabs Group, MENA’s award-winning payment orchestration powerhouse today announced it had partnered with Nearpay, Saudi Arabia’s leading Payment Infrastructure as a Service fintech brand to offer users across Jordan and other PayTabs markets in the region, an elevated soft POS payment experience.

The collaboration aims to enhance the user experience of merchants and customers that use PayTabs Touch – PayTabs proprietary soft pos application across the region, including the MEPS FAST application in Jordan. As part of its payment orchestration platform, PayTabs soft POS technology is a modern leap in payment systems, seamlessly turning smartphones and tablets into swift payment terminals. This innovative solution streamlines transactions by ditching bulky hardware, empowering businesses of all scales to effortlessly process card payments.

With a user-friendly interface and robust encryption, it not only simplifies checkouts but also amplifies customer satisfaction. PayTabs soft POS technology enables merchants to conduct transactions anywhere, from bustling city squares to remote locations. This enhancement is set to redefine the landscape of mobile payment acceptance, offering friendly and efficient solutions for small and micro businesses. Businesses who sell out of a food cart, vendors running pop up shops or restaurants that offer table side bill payments are a key demographic for tap to phone payment acceptance. PayTabs Soft POS, known for its secure features and reliability, will now be powered by Nearpay’s state-of-the-art POS infrastructure. This advancement aligns with the growing trend towards contactless payments, providing a secure and convenient option for both merchants and customers. The focal point of this partnership is the integration of Nearpay’s innovative ‘Tap to Phone’ technology into the PayTabs Touch app.

Commenting on the partnership with Nearpay, Eyad Musharbash, PayTabs Regional Head and Operating Partner for the LEVANT region said, “Two Saudi fintech brands are joining hands to power contactless payments the region. We are excited to collaborate with Nearpay to introduce this elevated Soft POS experience to our users. The integration of ‘Tap to Phone’ technology into PayTabs Touch will not only streamline payment processes for businesses but also offer millions of customers a modern and secure payment option.”

Mohammad Aleban, Nearpay CEO and co-founder added: “We’re excited about our partnership with PayTabs. Integrating Nearpay’s ‘Tap to Phone’ technology into PayTabs Touch is a game changer, streamlining payments for businesses and offering users a modern, secure option. This collaboration sets new standards for contactless payments, reflecting Nearpay’s commitment to transforming the payments landscape.”

SoftPOS enables smartphones or tablets with NFC capabilities to function as contactless payment terminals. Merchants transform their smartphones into secure and efficient point-of-sale terminals, enabling them to accept payments with just a tap. Individuals and businesses can accept payments from contactless cards and digital wallets on their devices while capturing necessary transaction authentication details. According to an exclusive report by The Insight Partners; due to the uptake of NFC enabled wearable technology and the increasing demand for contactless payments, the MENA NFC chip market is expected to reach USD1,191.20 million by 2028, a compound growth of 7.3% from 2021.

About Nearpay

Nearpay is a Saudi FinTech company specializing in payment infrastructure as a service (PIaaS). The company’s innovative Tap on Phone/Contactless payment infrastructure simplifies touchless payments, offering businesses a secure and seamless solution for accepting transactions. For more information, please visit  https://nearpay.io/

About PayTabs

The PayTabs Group is an award-winning payments solutions powerhouse founded by Saudi entrepreneur Abdulaziz Al Jouf.

Having processed the first live payment gateway transaction in 2014, today PayTabs processes transactions in multiple currencies and markets, swiftly and securely. By providing the infrastructure for B2B payment solutions, including digital invoicing for businesses, QR code, social media payments, point of sale, and switching platforms, PayTabs facilitates seamless e-commerce and social commerce solutions for merchants and super merchants.

Over a decade, PayTabs has custom built and exported a full stack of game changing solutions. These include mobile applications, hospitality, governmental, education, airline, travel, transport, and biller solutions, to interlink the multi-billion-dollar enterprise market chain in the region.

In 2021, PayTabs launched PT Touch, the first soft POS solution in the MENA market to transform smartphones into merchant point of sale (POS) terminals. In 2022, PayTabs made a leapfrog move to pioneer next generation payments, by launching its home owned, globally validated unified payment orchestration platform. PayTabs unified payment processing and orchestration enables governments and large-scale originations to become independent payment platforms to serve their industries.

In 2022, PayTabs acquired Türkiye’s social commerce platform Paymes to complement its existing retail portfolio. In early 2023, PayTabs received payment gateway certification from Saudi Payments. By end of 2023, PayTabs was awarded MENA’s Best Merchant Solution and the glowing recognition of Fintech Company of the year. PayTabs has dedicated offices in Saudi Arabia and UAE and presence in other locales including Jordan, Türkiye, and Egypt. The company is an equal opportunities employer. More milestones on: https://site.paytabs.com/en

Mumbai, January 16, 2024: YES BANK becomes the first Indian Bank to execute an export finance transaction on the International Trade Financing Services Platform (ITFS) of RXIL Global IFSC Limited (RXIL), a leading cross-border fintech company registered under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). This strategic partnership facilitates arranging credit for exporters & importers from both Indian and Global Institutions through Factoring, Forfaiting, and other trade financing services at competitive pricing with quick turnaround using a digital platform. This is the first transaction on the ITFS platform in collaboration with any bank in the country.

Talking about the partnership, Mr. Ajay Rajan, Country Head – Government, Multinational & International Business, Transaction Banking & Knowledge Units at YES BANK, said “We are delighted to be a part of this key strategic milestone. The collaboration between YES BANK and RXIL is a testament to the Bank’s commitment towards digitalisation and fostering cross border business. We strongly believe that this product is set to redefine the landscape of international trade finance and through this, the Bank reinforces its commitment to contribute and align with the Government’s aim to make India a global trade finance powerhouse.”

Mr. Ketan Gaikwad, Director of RXIL Global IFSC Ltd and MD & CEO of RXIL, said “RXIL is at the forefront of driving transformative change in the cross-border trade finance. The setting up of the ITFS in IFSC, GIFT City Gujarat is aimed at tapping global capital flows to meet India’s development needs and simultaneously provide a globally competitive financial platform for the full range of international financial services at the regional and global level. Our collaboration with YES BANK, coupled with digital banking capabilities, will play a pivotal role in achieving our mission of intensifying India’s Trade finance landscape by making competitive credit available to Exporters and Importers.”

This partnership signifies a new era in cross-border payments, providing a seamless and efficient platform supporting the growth and development of Indian and global enterprises in unleashing their full potential towards global trade and commerce under the envision of IFSCA.

The parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at MAPCON 2023 to facilitate a faster, more efficient collaboration to accelerate innovation for India’s Aerospace & Defense labs

• A&D labs (including ISRO and DRDO) are currently using solutions from Ansys and NI
• Ansys is the simulation tool and NI provides test & measurement solutions.
• MoU offers a joint proposition to all current and prospective Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) customers of India.

Ahmedabad, December 13, 2023 — Automated, military and commercial test and measurement system provider NI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. (NASDAQ: NATI) is joining forces with Ansys Software Private Limited (Ansys, NASDAQ: ANSS), a leading engineering simulation software company in India, to facilitate a faster, more efficient collaboration to accelerate innovation for India’s Aerospace & Defense(A&D) labs. Ansys and NI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify their collaboration at the Microwave, Antennas, and Propagation Conference (MAPCON 2023). Ansys and NI being the solution providers to various ISRO & DRDO labs, this MoU offers a joint proposition to all their current and prospective customers.

Ansys is the simulation tool used by various A&D labs in India and NI currently provides the testing and measurement solutions. NI offerings enable validation & verification for the outcome generated by Ansys software such as HFSS, STK and SCADE. The A&D labs are currently using solutions from both organizations and are supported by Ansys and NI throughout projects.

“Ansys simulation solutions play a crucial role in achieving the product life cycle time and cost reductions demanded by the A&D industry, all the while accelerating technological innovation. Through this collaboration, both NI and Ansys platforms and tools become easily accessible, supporting the acceleration and delivery of new technology. We are extremely delighted to partner with NI.” said Rafiq Somani, Area Vice President ‒ India and South Asia Pacific, Ansys.

Ansys and NI will collaborate in Solution Proposition, Test Strategies, Event Participation, and Platform Access. As per the terms of the MoU, Ansys and NI will offer solutions to customers in the A&D industry that combine the capabilities of NI’s and Ansys’ tools and offerings. With this MoU, both organizations may communicate joint propositions to their current and prospective customers. This will optimize test strategies of A&D customers to meet mission objectives and the increasingly complex requirements of hardware and software.

“Engineers and scientists harness the power of cutting-edge NI products, renowned for their flexibility and high performance. These tools enable the seamless development of dependable, user-defined systems across the entire product design cycle, effectively slashing time to market and curbing development costs. This partnership is imperative for catalyzing technological advancements within the Aerospace, Defense & Government (ADG) sector. The prospect is exciting, and we eagerly anticipate the transformative impact this technological thrust could unleash on the future landscape of India’s Aerospace and Defense industry.” said Shitendra Bhattacharya, Director, Sales – Global Sales & Marketing, Test & Measurement Business Group, NI.

• From the road to the cloud: Continental to present its unique portfolio at the IAA MOBILITY 2023
• Focus on software-based and sustainable mobility
• Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer: “We’re developing the new horsepower for the mobility of the future”
• Intelligent and powerful: innovative high-performance computers are transforming driving
• Wellness in the vehicle: Continental to exhibit its SPACE D design concept
• Concept tire for energy-efficient urban driving to be unveiled 

Hanover/Munich, August 22, 2023. “Making future mobility happen, today!” is Continental’s tagline for this year’s IAA MOBILITY in Munich, where the technology company will present its unique portfolio of software-based and sustainable mobility solutions. These range from innovative high- performance computers and solutions for the rapid, cost-efficient implementation of digital mobility, to sustainable vehicle interiors of the future and concept tires for extremely energy-efficient urban driving. “From the road to the cloud: our technology portfolio ranges from premium tires to software solutions, putting us in a unique market position,” said CEO Nikolai Setzer. Pointing to the technologies to be presented at the IAA, he added: “We’re developing the new horsepower for the mobility of the future. Today, four out of every five new cars worldwide are already fitted with hardware and software solutions from Continental – ensuring safety, convenience and sustainability.”

Visitors to the trade fair will be able to experience Continental’s latest solutions firsthand at booth B10 in hall A2. To kick off the fair, a press conference will be held at the Continental booth with Philipp von Hirschheydt, member of the Executive Board and head of the Automotive group sector, on September 4, 2023, from 10:10 to 10:30 a.m. CEST.

The superbrain: intelligent high-performance vehicle computer

As well as advanced hardware, software is becoming increasingly important for the automotive industry. Continental is proactively helping to shape the transition to software-based cars, with around 21,000 software and IT specialists working on new and improved products such as high- performance computers (HPCs). A new addition to Continental’s extensive HPC portfolio is the Smart Cockpit HPC, a preconfigured system combining the instrument cluster, infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems. At the IAA MOBILITY, Continental and a tech-industry partner will be using a demonstration vehicle in hall B2/booth A12 to show how the Smart Cockpit HPC can make the mobility of the future a reality at minimum cost and within a short development time.

Virtual development made easy with Amazon Web Services

With automotive manufacturers bringing new models to market faster and providing customers with regular software updates, we need new approaches to accelerate and broaden the development and testing of automotive software. Until now, most functional and safety problems could only be remedied once the physical electronic control unit (ECU) was available. Fixing problems in later phases sometimes resulted in up to a tenfold increase in development costs.

The solution is the new virtual Electronic Control Unit (vECU) Creator based on Continental Automotive Edge (CAEdge), a platform for hardware and software development launched by Continental and Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2021. Automotive software developers are already able to use the vECU Creator to decouple hardware and software decision-making, while the virtual simulation of digital functions enables engineers to quickly and continuously improve microcontroller-based ECUs, zone controllers and high-performance computers. Thanks to vECUs, software applications can be 90 percent programmed before they are deployed on the target hardware, greatly increasing the efficiency of product launches. The new vECU Creator thus marks the next step in automotive system development.

Toward an autonomous future

Continental continues to drive forward autonomous driving. It has teamed up with strategic partner and US semiconductor specialist Ambarella. Both technology companies are jointly developing integrated full-stack systems for assisted and automated driving. These scalable multisensor systems operate using AI, including a full software stack comprising modules from both companies, and particularly powerful, energy-efficient AI systems on chip from Ambarella, as well as high-resolution cameras, radar and lidar sensors and associated control units from Continental. Continental recently received the first customer order for the solutions developed jointly with Ambarella as a complete Level 4 fallback system. At the trade show, Continental will provide insights into how the system solutions interact and make mobility more autonomous and safer.

Greater protection for vulnerable road users

The safety of vulnerable road users remains a top priority for Continental. Its main focus is on preventing and protecting against accidents due to driver error when turning, reversing and parking. In Germany alone, according to the Federal Statistical Office, such driving maneuvers accounted for over 50,000 accidents involving personal injury last year. At the IAA MOBILITY, Continental will present a compact, easy-to-integrate system solution for dynamic near-field projections based on micro-LED technology. This system will be able to signal when a vehicle changes direction, for example, by projecting dynamic warnings or vehicle dimensions in the vehicle’s immediate surroundings with micro-LEDs.

Safe and sustainable brake systems

Brakes are one of the most important safety features in vehicles. They not only have to contribute to driving safety in hazardous situations, but they must also enhance vehicle efficiency. In other words, they must help to reduce CO2 emissions and particle emissions (in the case of friction brakes). At the IAA MOBILITY, Continental will present its roadmap for future brake systems that increase safety and sustainability in equal measure.

One example is a semi-dry brake system, which uses “dry” electromechanical brakes on the rear axle that do not require brake fluid. The advantage for automotive manufacturers is that there is no need to fill and bleed the brake system during production. What is more, this system means a lot less brake fluid will need to be used and therefore disposed of – many millions of liters in fact.

SPACE D design concept for wellness in the vehicle

The trend of cocooning emphasizes the importance of our homes as places of retreat, safety and comfort, with a big part of this being sustainable and convenient solutions. Wellness is set to play a major role in vehicle interiors as well, transforming vehicles into a new space to live in and enjoy.

At the exhibition in Munich, Continental will offer a glimpse into the interior space of autonomous mobility with its SPACE D design concept. The “D” in the name “SPACE D” stands for the high design standards of this visionary concept.

Also on show will be the surface materials Benova Eco Protect, which makes a lasting visual impression and is certified with the PETA label for vegan products, Acella, which is especially sustainable thanks to its bio-based raw materials and recycled content, as well as being highly customizable, and Xpreshn Hylite Concept, a translucent surface material that allows for new designs and functions. With their sustainability, attractive and natural design and versatile technology, these surfaces take comfort and driving to a whole new level.

Enhanced sustainability on the road thanks to Continental tires

Continental’s exceptional materials expertise is reflected in its sustainable tire innovations. The company will unveil a new concept tire to the public for the first time at the IAA MOBILITY. Its focus particularly on energy-efficient urban driving.

The new UltraContact NXT shows how quickly sustainable products at Continental are going into production and onto the road. Continental first presented the most sustainable production tire in the industry at its TechShow this summer. Comprising up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and mass balance-certified materials, the UltraContact NXT combines a high share of sustainable materials with maximum safety. Production of the tire started in July, and 19 sizes in total will be available at tire dealers all over Europe. They all have the highest possible rating (“A”) of the EU tire label in the categories of rolling resistance, wet braking and exterior noise.

Press conference on Monday, September 4, 2023, at the Continental exhibition stand

The Continental press conference will take place on September 4 from 10:10 to 10:30 a.m. CEST (hall A2, booth B10). Under the tagline “Making future mobility happen, today!”, Philipp von Hirschheydt will present Continental’s IAA highlights. Due to time constraints, there will not be an official Q&A session. The press conference will be held in English and will be streamed live on Continental’s press portal.

Click here for the live stream of the press conference on September 4

Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer to deliver keynote on VDA stage in hall A1

On September 6, Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer will give a brief presentation from 10:30 to 10:45

a.m. CEST as part of the IAA conference on the stage of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) in hall A1. The title will be “Driving future mobility: from the road to the cloud.” The presentation will be held in English.

 

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of €39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets.

The company has 10 full service branches in Delhi and plans to expand its presence in the near future

Delhi, August 04, 2023: Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited, widely recognized as Piramal Finance and a wholly owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited (‘PEL’), today announced the launch of its first all-women branch in Delhi at Chattarpur. Appropriately named ‘Maitreyi,’ this branch exemplifies the Company’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and providing women with equal opportunities in the workforce.

With the addition of new branches, Piramal Finance now has 10 full service branches in the state covering markets like Pitampura, Narela, Dwarka, Kalkaji  among others. With this, the Company is looking at a 500-600 strong branch network across 1,000 locations as it expands to small towns in India.

‘Maitreyi’ holds great significance as it represents a wise, intelligent and knowledgeable lady, embodying the Company’s belief in the remarkable talent and potential of women professionals who will shape their own destinies while serving customers’ financial needs.

With the inauguration of the ‘Maitreyi’ branch in Delhi, Piramal Finance aims to inspire women nationwide and promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. By establishing a branch entirely managed by women employees, the Company showcases its belief in the talent and capabilities of women professionals and their contribution to the growth of the organization.

The ‘Maitreyi’ branch in Chattarpur, Delhi, offers a range of services, including home loans and MSME loans, with the potential for additional features based on customer demand and preferences. This branch is part of Piramal Finance’s strategic expansion plan, which includes opening branches in key cities like Ajmer Road in Rajasthan, Tripunithur in Kerala, Mumbai in Maharashtra, and Mohali in Punjab. These locations have been thoughtfully selected to ensure they align with the needs and preferences of our valued customers, as well as to support Piramal Finance’s overarching business strategy and cater to our target markets.

Each ‘Maitreyi’ branch will have a dedicated team of 7 – 15 women employees, consisting of both internal transfers and new hires. This approach ensures a diverse and talented workforce that can effectively cater to the needs of customers.

On the inauguration of ‘Maitreyi’ branch, Jairam Sridharan, Managing Director of Piramal Finance, said, “We are delighted to inaugurate ‘Maitreyi’ branch in Delhi, a significant step towards fostering gender equality and empowering women in the financial services sector. This women-only branch not only demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion but also serves as a testament to the talent and capabilities of women professionals. Delhi holds immense importance for us as a market, and our growing branch network will strengthen our presence in the state. Through our branches, we aim to provide simplified, efficient, and impactful lending solutions that cater to consumer financing needs.”

Piramal Finance is among the largest Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) in the country and offers a variety of loan products, including housing and MSME loans, to cater to the customers of Bharat in medium and small towns in India. It is rapidly expanding its footprint in Tier II and III cities of Bharat. The Company’s Innovation coupled with the phygital strategy, has helped develop a multi-product retail-lending platform to enhance its ability to serve the people of Bharat.

As on 30^th June 2023, the Company has a network of 423 branches across 25 states of India and over 3.3 million customers. It further aims to be present in 1,000 locations through 500 to 600 branches over the next five years.

New properties in Kuwait, AlUla, and Rome follow recent openings in Tbilisi and Istanbul, as well as a pioneering gelato brand in Riyadh 

DUBAI, September 14, 2022: Following on from the much-lauded opening of The House Hotel Old Tbilisi in July this year, mixed-use ESG-focused lifestyle operator Kerten Hospitality is ramping up development, with more than 40 purpose-driven projects across 12 brand concepts in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the CIS region. 

Between now and the end of 2022, Kerten Hospitality will open one new concept a month, a robust pipeline with a purpose that puts the brand’s strong commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and responsible community-based business practices in the spotlight, with every opening aiming to have a long-term positive impact on the community in which it operates. Upcoming openings include hotels in Rome, Kuwait, and AlUla which will be closely followed by a new opening in Marrakech later this year.

The brand’s mixed-use developments focus on connecting travelers and residents, with collaborations and own-brand projects in the food and beverage, entertainment, art, and wellness spheres. More than simply opening a hotel or restaurant, Kerten Hospitality builds community-centric destinations and ecosystems where business and leisure combine to create vibrant mini-economies.

Marloes Knippenberg, Chief Executive Office of Kerten Hospitality, believes that the brand’s active development pipeline will bring benefits to both guests and investors.

“As we ramp up our developments, we’re creating jobs in each destination we enter, proactively hiring locally and creating opportunities for those looking for career development. We’re also supporting businesses by purchasing locally wherever possible,” she says. “More developers are seeking to connect with operators to look jointly at creating something that brings not only a long-term ROI, but that also connects to the neighborhood through mixed-use projects that drive year-round footfall. At Kerten Hospitality, we’re in the perfect position to drive forward more of these projects with a purpose.”

A collection of ESG-focused hospitality brands

Kerten Hospitality’s diverse range of brands currently includes:

• The House Hotels – The House Hotel are laid-back luxury properties in prime locations that marry cultural elements with classic and contemporary styles, offering tailored destination experiences that connect to the community. Currently open are The House Hotel City Yard Jeddah, an energetic and stylishly designed lifestyle hotel connected to some of the city’s most exciting food and beverage concepts, and The House Hotel Old Tbilisi, a restored traditional merchant’s house in the Georgian capital’s historical heart, with hand-painted murals by Musya Qeburia in each of the rooms. Upcoming projects are well underway in Egypt, Kuwait, and Turkey.
• Cloud 7 Hotels – A young-at-heart lifestyle brand, Cloud7 focuses on punchy, colorful design, and shakes up the concept of what it means to be a hotel. Deskless check-in, lobbies that function as social hubs, healthy grab-and-go food, and boutiques selling locally made products are all part of what makes Cloud7 much more than just another mid-scale hotel. Currently operating in Ayla Aqaba in Jordan, and StaySO by Cloud7 in Istanbul’s Bomonti neighborhood, with upcoming projects in prime locations in Egypt, Italy, Jordan, and the UAE.
• The House and Cloud7 Residences – Both The House and Cloud7 brands incorporate residences and serviced apartments for short- or long-term stays, connecting guests to the local community with communal spaces, brand collaborations, and buzzing dining venues. They have plenty to offer investors too, with the combined benefits of the brands’ trademarks, full services, and facility management leading to premium selling prices.
• Nakhati – Just opened in August in Riyadh, Nakhati, meaning “my flavor” in Arabic, is Kerten Hospitality’s purpose-driven premium gelato brand offering more than just deliciously unexpected flavours and local Saudi ingredients. Nakhati offers fledgling Saudi entrepreneurs the opportunity to launch their own franchises with access to initial funding, a range of options from a simple gelato cart to kiosk or fully-fledged store, and a comprehensive suite of high-quality business tools and mentorship programs to support the growth and empowerment of franchisees.
• Ouspace – Ouspace brings a collaborative working space environment to each of Kerten Hospitality’s residential developments, replacing the traditional meeting rooms and business centers of the past with a future-looking solution. The spaces are blank canvases, offering flexible space for events, social scenes for those who like to be part of something bigger, and efficient, functional workplaces for when something just needs to get done. It’s the future of business. Upcoming openings are planned in Jeddah and Tbilisi.

A development pipeline with a purpose

Kerten Hospitality’s ambitious pipeline of upcoming projects spans ten openings in the next eight months, with ten additional signings in progress and a total of more than 45 projects in development. Upcoming projects include openings in Egypt, Georgia, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and range from urban to resort projects in locations both familiar and emerging.

Much of the brand’s purpose is built on the ESG initiative UBBU – United. Building a Better Universe. Inspired by the Butterfly Effect, based on the fact that small actions, especially when done by many, have the power to prompt global impact and change, the brand’s UBBU philosophy drives every project from the beginning to completion. From early steps, such as a commitment to hiring staff locally and using local materials, to decisions around supporting social causes, creating markets for local artists and artisans, to making simple adjustments to heat, water, and air-filtering systems, UBBU is the foundation of which every project is built.

“ESG is more than a nice-to-have for Kerten Hospitality,” says Knippenberg. “It drives everything we do, from a social to an environmental level. Our belief in UBBU is shared by every member of our team, and that drive to bring only positive impacts on the destinations in which we operate is one of the key foundations of our business.”

• The manufacturing facility is the GCC’s largest, fully automated Himalayan pink salt factory and can produce up to 200,000 kgs of high-quality Himalayan pink salt per day
• This facility will help support the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the Food Tech Valley initiative.

 

Dubai, UAE, September 26, 2022: Today, GMG – a global well-being company retailing, distributing, and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across sports, food, and health sectors – inaugurated the world’s second-largest fully automated Himalayan pink salt manufacturing facility by capacity in UAE under its GMG Food division. Located in Mina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, the facility has a capacity of 70,000 metric tons and can produce 200,000 kgs of high-quality Himalayan pink salt per day. 

According to Maximize Market Research, the global Himalayan pink salt market was valued at US$10.63 billion in 2020. The global industry is projected to grow at 4.2% from 2021-2027 to touch nearly US$14.18 billion. GMG Food is committed to supporting the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the Food Tech Valley initiative by developing a comprehensive ecosystem that includes sustainable food production with innovative technologies and fast-track local production. The company is already working towards building specialized production lines for herbs and spices and aims to complete this by the first quarter of 2023.

Mohammad A Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, said, “This is a proud moment for us at GMG, as we open the world’s second-largest Himalayan pink salt manufacturing facility by capacity in the UAE and introduce our latest brand, Sapora. As a global well-being company with strong roots in the UAE, GMG is honored to contribute to the country’s national food ambitions while representing the UAE in the global food processing industry.” 

“This is only the beginning, as we set another benchmark for food manufacturing systems in the region. The opening of this facility will help put GMG on the global map of food manufacturing and set us up to expand to global markets in the near future,” Baker added

The GMG Food division is a food manufacturer and brand creator that adds value to the UAE’s economy by producing locally and supplying its customers with fresh and nutritious food through two home-grown brands – Farm Fresh, Klassic, and now Sapora. With the addition of the Himalayan pink salt facility, GMG’s food manufacturing business now boasts six state-of-the-art factories supported by an R&D kitchen and food laboratory. These facilities cover six product lines: meat, seafood, Himalayan pink salt, herbs and spices, cold cuts, and butchery and marination.

GMG’s food business has grown from its humble beginnings in the early 1970s as a butchery and frozen foods distributor to become the partner of choice for international food and FMCG brands looking for representation throughout the UAE.

A GMG-branded water station will be installed in Al Qudra on the popular Dubai cycling route

UAE, Dubai, August 11, 2022: GMG – a global well-being company retailing, distributing and manufacturing a portfolio of leading international and home-grown brands across the sports, food and health sectors has partnered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to install a water station in Al Qudra as part of the ‘Dubai Can’ initiative.

The partnership is part of GMG’s commitment to supporting national sustainable development and catering to the well-being of communities across the UAE. In addition to the water station in Al Qudra, the company has installed drinking water filters across its UAE offices.

GMG’s support of the ‘Dubai Can’ initiative follows the recent launch of its ‘Make a Difference’ sustainability strategy framework. Aligned to key global and local sustainability trends, this underlines GMG’s commitment to creating a positive and transformative contribution across the region and beyond through its three strategic pillars: ‘Planet Forward, ‘Spark People’ and ‘Own Change.’ 

Dubai Can is a sustainability initiative by His Highness, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai that aims to reduce single-use water bottles by encouraging individuals to use refillable water bottles. Free water refill stations will be installed at prime public locations across the city as part of the project. The drinking water from the stations will be kept cool at a temperature of 10°C, offering people a refreshing, clean and safe alternative while also driving a sustainable and environmentally friendly ‘refill culture’.  

Mohammad A Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, said, “As a well-being company and responsible citizens, we are committed to supporting causes that make our communities healthier. We are, therefore, proud to be associated with Dubai Can, an initiative that will go a long way to protecting our environment by minimizing the impact of plastic waste. We look forward to continuing to work with the government and other key stakeholders to promote positive change and raise awareness of environmental issues.” 

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “We are delighted with the support extended by GMG, a global brand,  to further raise the profile of the Dubai Can initiative across the city, inspired by our visionary leadership to position Dubai as a leading sustainable destination and ultimately the best city in the world to visit, live in and work. The installation of this new water fountain in Al Qudra by GMG will provide residents and visitors with yet another incentive to let go of their reliance on single-use plastic bottles and opt instead for refillable water bottles. The availability of so many Dubai Can water fountains at key locations in the city is also testament to the unique public-private partnership model that has immensely contributed towards Dubai’s continued success and touches the heart of our sustainability strategy, which revolves around the central pillars of creativity and collaboration.”

Al Qudra is a popular cycling route for Dubai residents and the water station will offer a convenient bottle refill site for cyclists, which will in turn help promote healthy living. 

GMG’s partnership with DET to sponsor the water station in Al Qudra builds on its existing relationship with the department following the signing of a three-year strategic agreement with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) late last year. The agreement underlines GMG’s commitment to the UAE’s vision of building a healthier society by enabling the two organizations to collaborate on activities and events that enhance the Dubai Fitness Challenge program. 

According to Emirates Nature WWF, the average person in the UAE consumes 94 kg of plastic per year, of which a significant amount comprises single-use bottles. Plastic waste has a devastating effect on marine animals and birdlife. Efforts to reduce plastic waste support the UAE’s commitment to meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and achieving the UAE NetZero 2050 initiative.