BROOMFIELD, Colo. & DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -Thursday, February 9th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Affygility Solutions (Affygility), a leading provider of occupational health, toxicology, and industrial hygiene services for the life science industry, announced today the launch of its regional branch office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to serve the IMEA region. The regional branch office, in this rapidly growing area of the world, will be located in the Dubai Science Park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Dubai Science Park is home to over 280 international life science companies. The regional branch office will serve as a hub for the India, Middle East and North Africa (IMEA) region, thus allowing for Affygility to serve their customers in the region more effectively and faster than ever before. “All the team members at Affygility Solutions are thrilled to establish a new regional office in Dubai. Our presence in the region will help further expand Affygility Solutio ... Read more »

BROOMFIELD, Colo. & DUBAI, Émirats Arabes Unis -Jeudi 9 Février 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)--Affygility Solutions (Affygility), l'un des principaux fournisseurs de services de santé au travail, de toxicologie et d'hygiène industrielle pour l'industrie des sciences de la vie, a annoncé aujourd'hui le lancement de sa succursale régionale à Dubaï, Emirats Arabes Unis pour servir la région IMEA. La succursale régionale, dans cette région en croissance rapide du monde, sera située dans le Parc Scientifique de Dubaï, à Dubaï, Emirats Arabes Unis. Le Parc Scientifique de Dubaï abrite plus de 280 sociétés internationales de sciences de la vie. La succursale régionale servira de plaque tournante pour la région Inde, Moyen-Orient et Afrique du Nord (IMEA), permettant ainsi à Affygility de servir ses clients dans la région plus efficacement et plus rapidement que jamais. «Tous les membres de l'équipe d'Affygility Solutions sont ravis d'établir une nouvelle succursale régionale à Dub ... Read more »

Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Thursday, February 9th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) and Du have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further collaborate on 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) development as part of the UAE 5G Innovation Gate (U5GIG). As per the agreement, Du will collaborate with AURAK for the research and development of the 5G systems including massive MIMO and cloud computing. The U5GIG has been envisioned to be a consortium of industrial and academic organizations within the UAE, supported by international telecommunications organizations, in order to develop a global 5G network that will radically change lives across the UAE by building a super-connected nation. Speaking about the importance of U5GIG and the MoU, Ibrahim Nassir, Chief Human Capital and Administration Officer at Du, stated, "We are proud to participate in His Highness’ vision to make Dubai a hub for technology development, and this can only happen t ... Read more »

KUSATSU, Japon-Jeudi 9 Février 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Corporation va participer à la catégorie interactive de l'événement « South by Southwest 2017 » (SXSW 2017 Interactive), dans le cadre de son projet « Game Changer Catapult », qui a pour objectif d'accélérer les efforts visant à développer de nouvelles entreprises axées sur les produits électroniques grand public, ainsi que d'encourager les employés capables d'ouvrir la voie dans ce secteur. L'événement SXSW 2017 Interactive aura lieu à Austin, au Texas (États-Unis), du 10 au 19 mars 2017. Panasonic Corporation Appliance Company a lancé le projet Game Changer Catapult en juillet 2016, afin d'améliorer et d'encourager une innovation ouverte de la part des employés, via une collaboration externe ainsi que via la découverte ascendante et le développement de nouvelles idées commerciales. Aspirant à « façonner la prochaine génération d'entreprises spécialisées dans les produits électroniques grand public » au m ... Read more »

KUSATSU, Japan-Tuesday, February 7th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Panasonic Corporation will take part in the interactive category of "South by Southwest 2017" (SXSW 2017 Interactive), as a part of its "Game Changer Catapult" project, which aims to accelerate efforts to develop new businesses that focus on consumer electronics and to nurture employees capable of leading the way in this field. SXSW 2017 Interactive will be held in Austin, Texas (USA) March 10-19, 2017. Panasonic Corporation Appliance Company launched the Game Changer Catapult project in July 2016 to enhance and encourage employees' open innovation through external collaboration and the bottom-up discovery and development of new business ideas. Aspiring to "create next generation consumer electronics businesses" with speed and innovative ideas that transcend business divisions, the company has implemented a framework under which new business ideas were submitted and finalists selected. Eight selected busines ... Read more »

The four-day event assesses biodiversity conservation in the region Sharjah, United Arab Emirates-Thursday, February 9th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] Under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity focuses on the conservation of biodiversity in the region. Held at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah, the Forum facilitates the exchange of theoretical and practical experiences across a diverse range of themes including discussions on the dangers faced by species of vulture and the management of protected areas in the region as well as developing a Regional Red List assessment of the trees of the Arabian Peninsula and hosting a series of veterinary workshops focused on endoparasite management in ruminants. Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sha ... Read more »

Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Thursday, February 9th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), the association of accountants and financial professionals in business, hosted a roundtable with some of the most influential CFOs in the UAE this week to discuss current economic affairs and perspectives on 2017. The session, which was attended by CFOs and VPs of Finance from wide-ranging industries such as oil and gas, banking, hospitality, Free Zone management, insurance, FMCG, and media and entertainment, revealed a positive outlook amid recent economic challenges due to the drop in oil prices. The ten executives discussed the ripple effect of the crisis to their respective industries but noted optimism in oil prices with the barrel price playing between US$ 50-56. Oil prices are expected to increase further – to a possible US$ 60/bbl. - bringing more stability to the region in the wake of extensive diversification initiatives by governments in the GCC to migrate a ... Read more »

Solid transformation progress in 2016 ZURICH-Wednesday, February 8th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fourth quarter highlights 3%1 orders growth driven by large contract awards 9% orders growth in the United States and China Revenues up 1% Power Grids strong growth in orders (up 15%) and revenues (up 4%); Op EBITA margin2 increased to 10.4% Operational EBITA margin 11.7% impacted by default of a large distributor in Turkey and Egyptian currency losses Net Income $489 mn versus $204 mn in Q4 2015 Full year 2016 highlights Operational EBITA margin up 50 bps to 12.4% Operational earnings per share2 up 4% Orders -5% and revenues -1% Successful launch of ABB AbilityTM – integrating and expanding digital offering Cash return on invested capital up 70 bps to 14.1%; free cash flow up 5% Cost savings and working capital programs progressing 8th consecutive dividend increase to CHF0.76 per share proposed “We delivered growth in the fourth quarter, driven by the stro ... Read more »

CHARJAH, Émirats arabes unis---Jeudi 9 Février 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)--Après être devenue la première Ville amie des bébés en décembre 2015, Charjah, troisième plus grand émirat des EAU, est aujourd'hui en passe de devenir la première "Ville amie des enfants" de la région arabe, dans le cadre de l'initiative mondiale "Villes amies des enfants" (CFC) menée par l'UNICEF. Le "Sharjah Baby Friendly Office" travaillera à la mise en œuvre des composants clefs de l'initiative CFC de l'UNICEF, qui comprennent des indicateurs de performance tels que la qualité de la puériculture et de l'enseignement, la participation des enfants dans leur communauté, leur sécurité et l'égalité des chances. Charjah a été annoncée comme candidate pour devenir une Ville amie des enfants, et a lancé son propre projet intitulé "Sharjah Child Friendly City Project" (SCFC). La première table ronde identifiant les 10 éléments centraux nécessaires à la mise en place et à l'exécution du plan d'actions du ... Read more »

NEW HAVEN, Conn.-Wednesday, February 8th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Global Network for Advanced Management, a network of 29 leading international business schools dedicated to driving innovation and creating value through exchange and engagement, will celebrate its fifth anniversary in April. Today, the principles on which the network was founded are more important than ever. The world is currently experiencing an upsurge in populism, economic nationalism, and anti-globalization rhetoric. Despite such sentiment, we recognize that the global economy is more interconnected than ever before. Business operations are increasingly global, with ideas, products, capital, and teams moving across borders. At the same time, big challenges — from climate change to financial stability and the fight against debilitating diseases — are global in nature and cannot be addressed without the private sector. Business cannot deliver for all its stakeholders if borders are closed or certain ... Read more »

SAN JOSE, Calif.-Wednesday, February 8th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and Silicon Valley idol, will be speaking at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco on March 24th, 2017, at the Marriott Marquis. Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition organized by Fenox Venture Capital to bridge startup ecosystems worldwide. Steve Wozniak, aka “Woz”, will share insights on his time at Apple and tell some untold stories. In 1976, Woz co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs, where he developed the Apple I, and co-created the Apple II. He remains a Silicon Valley icon and is recognized as a pioneer of the personal computer revolution. At the Startup World Cup Grand Finale, the winners of 16 regional competitions from around the world will pitch their companies to Eric Feng of Kleiner Perkins, David Cohen of Techstars, Kevin Hale of Y Combinator, Edith Yeung of 500 Startups, Lisa Suennen of GE Ventures, Adeo Ressi of Founder Instit ... Read more »

LONDRES-Jeudi 9 Février 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascential plc, la société médiatique mondiale interentreprise cotée à la Bourse de Londres, a annoncé aujourd'hui s'être engagée à acquérir la totalité des parts de MediaLink, une société américaine de services consultatifs et commerciaux. MediaLink, une société privée, permet d'obtenir des avantages concurrentiels en offrant des services-conseil à une vaste gamme d'entreprises, des sociétés en phase de démarrage aux entités mondiales établies, dans les secteurs des médias, du marketing, de la publicité, du divertissement et de la technologie. Duncan Painter, président-directeur général d'Ascential a déclaré : « MediaLink est un leader de son industrie et jouit d'une forte présence et d'une grande visibilité aux États-Unis. MediaLink est un complément parfait à notre gamme de produits Ascential et je suis convaincu que nous pouvons contribuer à accélérer l'entrée de MediaLink dans de nouveaux marchés en utilisant nos act ... Read more »

Figures show strong results despite economic and political uncertainty with a positive outlook for 2017 Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Wednesday, February 8th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), the leading insurer in the MENA has officially released its consolidated financial report for the year 2016. Key financial highlights from the 2016 report show: Gross written premium increased at a rate of 19% as compared to last year 2015, to QR 9,901 million Net underwriting results decreased by 9%, amounting to QR 844 million compared to QR 926million for last year, 2015 Investment and other income increased by 3% as compared to last year 2015 to be QR 925million Company’s net profit attributable to parent is QR 1,034 million which is close to 2015 results which amounted to QR1,043 million Earning per share for 2016 is QR 4.48 compared to QR 4.84 for last year 2015 Shareholders equity attributable to parent as of 31 December 2016 is QR 8,236 million compared to QR 5 ... Read more »

LONDON-Wednesday, February 8th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Insurers and reinsurers operating in the Middle East are well capitalised, although fiscal budget pressures and pockets of political instability overshadow strong balance sheets. Commercial activity is highly correlated to oil demand and the recent period of low energy prices has depressed gross domestic product (GDP) development, and consequently, investment and construction across the region. In a new special report, titled, “Middle Eastern Insurers Maintain Strong Capital Levels to Offset Volatility,” A.M. Best states that fiscal budgets will remain under pressure from low oil prices, which is likely to continue to result in reduced government expenditure and negative pressures in terms of business volumes. In addition to the economic slowdown, there have been ongoing pockets of political instability and conflict, and these are expected to continue in 2017. The research shows that in light of these market condi ... Read more »

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates -Wednesday, February 8th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Following its ground-breaking achievement of becoming the world’s first Baby Friendly City in December 2015, Sharjah – the United Arab Emirate’s third largest emirate – is now set on becoming the first ‘Child-Friendly City,’ in the Arab region, following the global, UNICEF-led ‘Child Friendly Cities’ (CFC) Initiative. The Sharjah Baby Friendly Office will work to implement the core components of UNICEF’s CFC Initiative, which include performance indicators like quality of childcare and education, children’s participation in their community, their safety and equal opportunities, Sharjah was announced as a candidate for becoming a Child Friendly City, launching its own ‘Sharjah Child Friendly City Project’ (SCFC). The first panel discussion mapping the 10 core components needed to put in place and implement the SCFC action plan took place in Sharjah, and discussed the action points for Sharja ... Read more »

LONDON-Wednesday, February 8th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ] (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ascential plc, the global business-to-business media company listed on the London Stock Exchange, today announced that it has agreed to acquire 100% of MediaLink, a U.S.-based advisory and business services firm. A private company, MediaLink is a business that drives competitive advantage through advisory business services for a wide range of companies spanning early stage to established global entities across the media, marketing, advertising, entertainment and technology industries. Duncan Painter, Chief Executive Officer of Ascential said: “MediaLink is a leader in its industry, with a strong and very visible brand presence in the U.S. MediaLink is an excellent fit with our existing Ascential offering and I am confident we can help accelerate MediaLink’s business into new markets by using our assets and infrastructure over the coming months and years. I see synergies between MediaLink and our portfolio of prod ... Read more »