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Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Hosted 150+ Youth as Part OfThe Second Annual International Youth Programme

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5 months ago

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Emirates LitFest

Over a hundred Arabic speaking students from universities in Austria, Bahrain, France, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, KSA, Scotland, Turkey, UK, and USA took part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Emirates LitFest 2025. These students, whose flights, accommodation and festival attendance were sponsored by the generous support of programme partners, attended a day of exclusive programming with VIP speakers and a curated itinerary of the Festival sessions. Throughout the programme, the Youth Ambassadors and their UAE counterparts immersed themselves in literary conversations and networking opportunities and engaged in various cultural exchange activities through a robust social and cultural programme around UAE, all this while celebrating Arabic language.


The International Youth Programme is supported by Emirates Airline, Fly Dubai, Investment Corporation of Dubai, Dubai Business Associates, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center and Philosophy House.

Welcome Day for the Youth was on Thursday 30 January with keynotes and presentations from representatives from Ministry of AI, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, International Prize for Arabic Fiction, Investment Corporation of Dubai, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Dubai Business Associates. The focus of the Welcome Day was to give participants insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Arabic language in a highly digital study and work environment, as well as delve into topics such as Business and Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence and Work Placement opportunities in the UAE. The delegates attended Festival sessions, in Arabic, on a variety of topics on Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February including a workshop by Wikimedians of the UAE User Group, a conversation with the brother and publisher of the imprisoned writer, Basem Khandakji, whose book A Mask, the Colour of the Sky won the IPAF in 2024, and a literary discussion with 2 of the giants in Arabic literature, Prof. Waciny Laredj and Dr. Mohammed Al Mansi Qindeel. Sunday 2 February was earmarked for a scenic road trip to Fujairah including a stop at the Philosophy House and Fujairah Fort, followed by a farewell event back at the festival site.


Dania Droubi, COO of Emirates Literature Foundation said: “The International Youth Programme offers a unique opportunity for aspiring young minds to immerse themselves in a vibrant literary and culture exchange. We believe that fostering international understanding through the power of literature is crucial, and we are delighted that our sponsors share the same values as us and have generously contributed to make this enriching journey possible for these talented and deserving students. The impact of the programme will extend past the festival, as students will be producing reflections of their visit and hopefully take those learnings, the expanded discovery of Arabic literary talent and the friendships formed, to continue their deep dive into the wonderful world of Arabic Literature and the possibilities it possesses.”

Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand, Emirates said: “Emirates is delighted to support these bright young minds as they experience the transformative power of literary connection to the best writers and thinkers of our day. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, as it always has, will offer these students a rich environment to listen, talk, learn, forge meaningful relationships, and share common ground with others.”

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said:“we are delighted to partner with Emirates Literature Festival to support the International Youth Programme this year, reflecting flydubai’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between different cultures and communities. The aviation industry is not only about facilitating trade and tourism, it also offers a bridge for cultural and intellectual exchanges between generations, strengthening the UAE’s position as a cultural capital.

Over the years, our network has grown to more than 125 destinations in 55 countries and we continue to dedicate ourselves to removing barriers and fostering strong relationships, honouring Dubai’s vision and the values inspired by the UAE’s leadership. We are proud to be part of this initiative that celebrates literature and supports the youth and we are always keen to encourage the development of young and talented minds.”

Douraid Zaghouani, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at ICD (Investment Corporation of Dubai), comments: “ICD is proud to partner with Emirates LitFest and its transformative International Youth Programme. Emirates LitFest has served as an exceptional platform over our seven years of partnership for celebrating and fostering cross-cultural understanding. The Youth Programme further exemplifies this mission by empowering talented young minds from around the world to engage in literary dialogue, immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Arabic literature, and learn about opportunities for their success in the UAE. We are continuously committed to supporting initiatives that nurture Dubai’s global standing as a hub for culture, knowledge, and innovation and look forward to the exchange of ideas and the outcomes they inspire from these exceptional young minds.”

Rami Tawfiq, Programme Director, Dubai Business Associates, said: “We are once again delighted to partner with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, in line with our shared commitment to facilitate the professional and personal growth of young talent. Access to literature plays a pivotal role in providing students with the necessary life skills to thrive, and we can’t wait to see the transformative impact that the programme has.”

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the flagship event of the Emirates Literature Foundation, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The Festival is held with the support of Title Sponsor, Emirates Airline, and Founding Partner, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, commended the Emirates Literature Foundation for its pivotal role in supporting and promoting literature in the UAE and the region through its diverse cultural programs and initiatives.

He stated, “Through our partnership with the Foundation in the ‘International Youth Program,’ we seek to enhance these distinguished efforts to enrich Arabic intellectual, cultural, and artistic content among young people worldwide, particularly university students with a keen interest in the Arabic language.”

Dr. bin Tamim further emphasized that this collaboration is driven by a shared vision of the profound impact of language, literature, and the arts in inspiring new generations. “Our goal is to encourage young people to explore innovative avenues for self-expression, fostering a deeper connection with their communities and cultural heritage through a structured and insightful engagement with the Arabic language,” he explained.

He added that the partnership will offer participating youth unique opportunities for learning, skill development, and engagement with leading intellectual and cultural figures in the creative industries and Arabic language sectors. Additionally, participants will benefit from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s specialized initiatives, including training and educational programs, exhibitions, conferences, and cutting-edge digital tools designed to support the creative industries in the Arabic language.

The Director of the Philosophy House, Mr. Ahmed Al-Samahi, stated: “We, at the House of Philosophy, are steadfast in our efforts to inspire young people to engage in creative cultural activities that foster their talents and enable them to craft a bright future. Yet, we strive even harder to transform these aspirations into reality. This visit is a testament to our unwavering commitment to meaningful collaboration with the Emirates Foundation for Literature, as we share a common goal of achieving excellence for our youth aligning seamlessly with the cherished principles of our beloved nation, the United Arab Emirates, and the aspirations of our visionary leaders for sustainable development across all domains.

Welcoming this remarkable cohort of young individuals from diverse corners of the world underscores our dedication to promoting intercultural exchange. We believe in the profound cultural benefits it entails, foremost among them being the cultivation of a culture of dialogue, the embrace of diversity, the exchange of ideas and perspectives, and the enhancement of skills in logical reasoning and critical thinking.”

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Hospitality

Cluster 2 Signs an Agreement to Advance Smart Airport Operations in Saudi Arabia

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3 weeks ago

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June 23, 2025

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Airbus and Cluster 2 sign MoU to digitally transform Saudi Arabia's airport operations nationwide.

Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cluster 2 at the Paris Air Show to deliver next generation digital solutions that enhance airport efficiency, security, and collaboration across Saudi Arabia. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President of Airbus International, Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in Middle East and Africa, and Mr. Saad A. Alajlan, General Manager of Commercial Operations and Business Development at Cluster 2.

The partnership will introduce advanced technologies including Agnet Turnaround by Airbus , a smart platform that enables real-time coordination of airport operations. This will empower Cluster 2 to streamline workflows, enhance on-time performance and elevate the passenger experience across its network of 22 international and domestic airports.

Through this MoU, Airbus and Cluster 2 aim to raise operational standards, improve situational awareness and drive seamless collaboration between ground staff, security teams and control rooms.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to driving digital innovation in aviation. With Agnet Turnaround, we are enabling smarter, safer and more connected airports that align with the Kingdom’s vision for the future of transportation.”, said Antoun Farra, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space in Saudi Arabia.

“Airports are vital gateways to the Kingdom, and digital transformation is at the heart of our strategy. Partnering with Airbus allows us to enhance safety, reduce response times and create a unified operations ecosystem across our airports.”, commented Eng. Badr Al-Dalami, Chief Executive Officer of Cluster 2.

With multiple communication and automation capabilities, Agnet Turnaround is a smart and secure solution which aims at solving daily operational challenges for aviation stakeholders and enhancing On Time Performance (OTP).

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Hospitality

How Innovations Group Is Powering the UAE’s Hospitality Workforce

Published

3 weeks ago

on

June 18, 2025

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innovations group

Exclusive Interview with Nikhil Nanda, Director, Innovations Group

Innovations Group

What are the current hiring trends in the UAE’s Hospitality sector, and how have they evolved in past few years?

Over the past few years, the UAE’s Hospitality sector has seen a remarkable shift—not so much in the types of roles being hired, but in the volume and flexibility of those roles. With the exponential growth of new hotel developments, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, hiring numbers have surged.

The most significant evolution has been the rise of flexible and seasonal staffing models, particularly for back-of-house roles. Hotels are now opting for part-time or short-term workforce models—often deployed through staffing companies—to meet peak seasonal demands. For instance, during high tourist seasons, roles like housekeeping and cleaning staff are brought in for 2–4 month stints, ensuring optimal operations without long-term cost commitments.

Are there any specific roles or skillsets that are particularly in high demand across the hospitality industry today?

Yes, there’s a clear surge in demand for back-of-house roles, including housekeeping, public attendants, lifeguards, and general cleaning staff.

This demand is closely tied to the unexpected rise in summer tourism. Traditionally, the summer was a relatively quieter season, but with more tourists choosing the UAE year-round, hotels have had to adjust. Many were not prepared for the increased occupancy, which has pushed operational teams to scale up support functions rapidly and efficiently.

Would you be able to share percentage growth of the hiring graph in this segment?

We’ve observed a 70% increase in back-of-house hiring over the past five years. This growth is directly tied to rising hotel openings, the UAE’s push to become a global tourism hub, and the increasing preference for flexible staffing models that allow employers to scale efficiently during high and low seasons.

How are hospitality employers in the UAE adapting their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent?

Hospitality employers are becoming increasingly strategic and global in their talent sourcing. They are now tapping into new geographies such as Eastern Europe (e.g., Moldova, Georgia), East Asia, Kazakhstan, and large parts of Africa, especially for English-speaking back-of-house staff. These regions are emerging as rich talent pools that offer both diversity and reliability.

Retention, on the other hand, is being driven by improvements in workplace culture—including the introduction of flexible shifts, cultural sensitivity programs, team engagement initiatives, and third-party staffing models that enable work-life balance. Hotels understand that talent today prioritizes not just pay, but respect, growth, and a positive work environment.

What solutions does Innovations Group offer to support large-scale or high-volume hospitality staffing needs in the region?

At Innovations Group, we specialize in scalable hospitality staffing solutions that cater to both ongoing and project-based needs. Whether it’s a pre-opening ramp-up or managing peak-season demand, we provide:

  • – Volume hiring support for new and expanding hotels
  • – Experienced back-of-house talent from an existing, vetted pool
  • – Flexible work models (monthly, seasonal, or quarterly contracts)
  • – Deployment-ready staff with prior hospitality experience
  • – Geographically diverse sourcing through our global recruitment channels

What sets us apart is our ability to move quickly and match hotels with hospitality professionals who understand the pace and standards of UAE’s hospitality sector. This blend of speed, scale, and service makes us a trusted partner to many leading hotel brands in the region.

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Hospitality

Phat Buns UK Opens First Global Franchise in Sharjah UAE

Published

3 weeks ago

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June 17, 2025

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a side-angle shot of the interior of the PHAT Buns Sharjah outlet

Sharjah is about to get a serious upgrade in the burger department. UK cult favourite Phat Buns is heading to the UAE, bringing its signature mix of unapologetically bold flavours, viral-worthy visuals, and stacked burgers that are engineered to impress.

Founded in Leicester in 2019, Phat Buns has become a street food success story, and co-founded by a literal aerospace engineer, there’s precision behind every layer. From the smash patty technique to the way the sauces hit the palate, Phat Buns isn’t just built different, it’s smart. As co-founder Ahtesham Moosa puts it, “With endless combinations, no two visits need to be the same”.

From well-loved menu staples like the PHAT Classic – a 4oz Aberdeen Angus beef smashed patty burger with melted cheddar cheese, or a fried chicken loaded fries, with grilled mushroom and halloumi. To one of the legends – 4oz Aberdeen Angus BBQ flavoured, 12-hour smoked pulled rib meat sandwich, topped with lettuce, tomato and cheddar.

an aesthetic shot of the PHAT Buns Smash Burger in an orange background

But that’s just the beginning…

PHAT Buns’ Build-a-Burger concept puts you firmly in the driver’s seat. Fancy a double smash patty stacked with crispy halloumi and a drizzle of that iconic PHAT sauce? Sorted. Prefer spicy chicken with jalapeños and a buttery pretzel bun? You got it. From protein and cheese to sauces and toppings, you call the shots – every burger is made exactly how you want it.

While Sharjah’s will offer a different menu, tailored to local tastes, customers can still expect the same vibrant energy that Phat Buns’ fans love. Think neon lights, bold colours, and a design that gives nods to the street food culture. The experience, as well as the burgers, are ones to be photographed for social media!

The Sharjah expansion marks a new era of growth for the brand. From starting as a single location in the UK to a now growing international footprint, Phat Buns is not one to miss. It has proved fast food can be both fun and elevated, and with a rocket scientist in the kitchen, you can trust the launch will go off with a bang.

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