Category: MENA

Posted on

Swiss-Belhotel International Wins Leading Industry Awards

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2025 – Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality management group with a diverse portfolio of over 150+ hotels in 20 countries, has been recognised with multiple prestigious industry awards in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. These accolades highlight the group’s unwavering commitment to Passion and Professionalism™, ensuring that every aspect of its operations – from guest experiences to hotel management – reflects Swiss efficiency combined with Asian hospitality and warmth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Gavin M. Faull and Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, expressed his gratitude for the recognitions, stating: “Receiving these distinguished awards is nothing short of extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of these achievements, which are a testament to the dedication, passion, and perseverance of our entire team. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we are deeply committed to delivering value to our owners while continuously investing in our most precious asset – our people. Our success is built on a foundation of operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences. These accolades reaffirm our strategy of sustainable growth and our ability to adapt to evolving market demands while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. As we look ahead to 2025, we will continue to set new milestones – seizing new opportunities, enhancing our offerings, streamlining our operations, and further empowering our exceptional team.”

Among the awards received by the group are the Legacy Family Business Award Asia Pacific at the Family Business Association Excellence Awards 2024 (May 2024) and the EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2024 New Zealand Family Business Award (November 2024), both recognising the contributions of Gavin M. Faull and the Faull Family in shaping a legacy of excellence in hospitality. Additionally, Swiss-Belhotel International was awarded Hotel & Resort Management of the Year at the Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 by Travel Daily Media (February 2025), further reinforcing its strong market position. The group’s dedication to long-term partnerships and sustainability was acknowledged with The Most Excellence in Sustained Partnership Award at the GarudaMiles Loyalty Summit 2025 (February 2025) and the Excellence Award in the Sustainable Hospitality category from ESG Business Awards 2024 in Hong Kong (September 2024).

With 18 brands and a strong presence across 20 countries, Swiss-Belhotel International is recognised for its world-class management models, multi-brand strategy, and owner-centric approach, ensuring each property thrives in its respective market.

https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-belhotel-international/
https://www.instagram.com/swissbelhotel/

Hashtag: #swissbelhotel  #swissbelhotelinternational  #awardswinninghotel  #awardswinning  #hotelawards  #hotelrecognition  #gavinfaull  #familybusinessawards  #esgbusinessawards

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Posted on

Zoom Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025

The AI-first open work platform joins the ranks of Waymo, Nvidia, Duolingo, and more

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM), has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 for the second year in a row. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.

“Inclusion on the 2025 Fast Company List of the Most Innovative Companies for the second year in a row is a recognition of the vision, leadership, and dedication of our teams to continually advance Zoom’s AI-first open work platform to enable human connection, ” said Smita Hashim, chief product officer at Zoom. “At Zoom, we are reshaping the way people collaborate with AI at the core. This recognition is a testament to the speed and scale of our innovation as we meet our customers where they are, helping them work smarter, collaborate better, and achieve more.”

Zoom has evolved from a video meetings company into an open AI-first work platform built for human connection, helping customers accelerate their productivity, reimagine teamwork, and create seamless customer experiences with Zoom Workplace and Zoom Business Services.

Just yesterday at Enterprise Connect, Zoom announced the expansion of AI Companion across its entire platform with agentic skills, agents, and models to deliver high-quality results and help users improve productivity, get more work done, and strengthen relationships.

Additionally, Zoom continues to enhance its Zoom Business Services suite for marketing, customer care, and sales, which includes AI-first solutions that are tightly integrated with Zoom Workplace and designed to help customer-facing employees strengthen customer relationships and improve customer experiences.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 25.

Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.

About Zoom
Zoom’s mission is to provide one platform that delivers limitless human connection. Reimagine teamwork with Zoom Workplace — Zoom’s open collaboration platform with AI Companion that empowers teams to be more productive. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer care teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ: ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more information at zoom.com.

ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.

Zoom Public Relations
Bridget Moriarty
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9395758

Posted on

EAACI Congress 2025 – Breaking Boundaries in Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology: Integrating Planetary Health for a Sustainable Future

EAACI Congress 2025 banner

EAACI Congress 2025 banner

ZURICH, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) proudly presents the EAACI Congress 2025, set to take place June 13-16 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This year’s theme, “Breaking Boundaries in Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology: Integrating Planetary Health for a Sustainable Future,” highlights the critical link between environmental changes and allergic diseases.

Scientific Excellence & Global Collaboration

Bringing together leading experts from across the world, EAACI Congress 2025 is the premier event for networking and collaboration in allergy and immunology. Delegates can expect cutting-edge research presentations, interactive sessions, and invaluable opportunities to connect with peers shaping the future of the field. Visit the scientific programme to learn more.

Premier Venue & Registration Details

The congress will be hosted at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), the UK’s largest integrated conference and exhibition centre. Located in the heart of Glasgow, SEC offers state-of-the-art facilities and an engaging atmosphere for scientific exchange.

Glasgow, a vibrant city on the banks of the River Clyde, is known for its striking architecture, contemporary art scene, and renowned music venues, providing the perfect setting for this landmark event.

Standard registration fees are available until April 18th, with tailored rates for EAACI members, non-members, seniors, juniors, students, nurses, and lab technicians—ensuring accessibility for all professionals in the field.

Industry Activities & Exhibition

The EAACI Congress 2025 offers an exclusive platform for industry leaders to showcase innovations in allergy and immunology. The exhibition area will feature cutting-edge products and therapies, fostering interaction between delegates and industry partners through dynamic presentations and engaging activities.

Special Highlight: Allergy Run 2025

An exciting feature of the congress is the Allergy Run 2025, a community event promoting awareness of allergy, asthma, and immunology while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Stay tuned for details on how to participate!

Registration & More Information

Visit the EAACI Congress 2025 website to explore the full program and secure your spot. Follow EAACI on social media for the latest updates.

About EAACI

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is the leading professional organization dedicated to excellence in allergy and immunology. Learn more at https://eaaci.org.

Contact: [email protected]

+41 44 205 55 33

EAACI Congress 2025 banner

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26f65a77-9d14-450a-ae0f-52c3f689ffb4

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001054330

Posted on

New Report Exposes Climate Finance Failures, Calls for Urgent Investment Migration Solutions

LONDON , March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A groundbreaking climate finance report, released today by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and Henley & Partners, highlights the failings in funding urgent climate action and explores how investment migration can unlock vital resources for climate resilience in the world’s most at-risk nations.

The CVF, an international organization of 70 climate-vulnerable countries representing 1.75 billion people — 20% of the global population — accounts for just 6% of global emissions yet faces the most severe impacts of climate breakdown. By 2030, these nations will require an estimated USD 500 billion annually to fund climate action, development, and nature preservation.

As CVF Secretary-General and former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, points out in the Citizenship by Investment: Sustainable Climate Finance for Governments report, global climate finance remains sluggish, restrictive, and largely inaccessible to those who need it most. “While wealthy nations delay climate action and funding commitments, frontline countries are left fighting for survival. The international financial system is failing us, and we need bold solutions to shift the balance of power in climate finance. Over the past two decades, CVF countries have already lost 20% of their potential GDP growth due to climate impacts. We cannot rely on charity from industrialized nations. Urgent initiatives are needed to ensure direct and immediate access to climate finance.”

Mobilizing private capital for climate resilience

Through its globally leading international government advisory practice, Henley & Partners has been providing strategic consulting to countries on the development, implementation, and management of investment-based residence and citizenship programs. To date, the firm has facilitated over USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment in many states. Its most recent initiative led to the establishment of the first climate-related citizenship investment program, the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

Commenting in the report, H.E. Hon. David W.R. Adeang, M.P., President of the Republic of Nauru, says “our program funds critical resilience initiatives — from coastal reinforcement to modernized water management and sustainable food production. Similar models have strengthened climate resilience in small island states like Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda, but Nauru’s is the first to put climate adaptation at its core. The innovations we implement against rising seas can help shape global strategies for resilience.”

According to the UN, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have suffered USD 153 billion in climate-related losses over the past five decades, despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, and the financial burden on these nations is further exacerbated by a USD 34 billion climate adaptation finance gap. Compounding these challenges, 70% of SIDS exceed sustainable debt levels, and climate disaster damages in these regions have surged by 90% from 2011 to 2022.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, says “by mobilizing international investment, we can provide immediate, non-debt funding for climate resilience projects, offering a crucial financial lifeline for vulnerable nations while enabling investors to support global climate action. Rethinking how private wealth and capital intersects with public financing needs is key to bridging the climate finance gap.”

From sovereign debt to sovereign equity

The report outlines how investment migration programs can be structured to create Investment Migration Resilience Funds (IMRFs) that channel private capital into critical climate resilience projects without increasing national debt. By linking these programs with natural capital endowment trusts, countries can secure sustainable revenue streams to finance coastal protection, carbon offset initiatives, and the expansion of the blue economy. Successful models of this approach include leveraging blue bonds, eco-tourism, and carbon credit markets to generate funds for climate adaptation and economic diversification.

Henley & Partners’ Chief Economist Jean Paul Fabri explains how, “effective IMRFs will operate like sovereign wealth funds, aimed at reducing economic fluctuations, funding long-term sustainability initiatives, and providing a financial cushion against climate and economic challenges. However, they differ from traditional models by incorporating climate finance, risk management, and economic development into their governance.”

“For too long, climate-vulnerable nations have been told to adapt, cope, and endure — as if resilience were simply an act of will, rather than a matter of investment,” insists Sara Jane Ahmed, Managing Director of CVF and V20 Finance Advisor at the CVF-V20 Secretariat. “By funding climate resilience, the world is not just aiding at-risk nations — it is unlocking markets, strengthening economies, and shaping a shared future. The future belongs not to those who wait, but to those bold enough to build it.”

Read the Full Press Release

Media Contact: Sarah Nicklin

Group Head of PR

[email protected]

+27 72 464 8965

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001053914

Posted on

‫فنادق سويس بيل هوتيل إنترناشونال تفوز بجوائز التميز في قطاع الضيافة

هونج كونج – 18 مارس 2025 – سويس بيل هوتيل إنترناشونال، وهي مجموعة عالمية متخصصة في إدارة الضيافة وتقوم بتشغيل محفظة متنوعة تضم أكثر من 150 فندقًا في 20 دولة، حازت على العديد من جوائز قطاع الضيافة المرموقة في عام 2024 والربع الأول من عام 2025، وتدل هذه الجوائز على التزام المجموعة الراسخ بالتفاني والاحترافية لتضمن أن كل جانب من جوانب عملياتها – بدايةً من تجارب
النزلاء حتى إدارة الفنادق – يبرز الكفاءة السويسرية وكرم الضيافة والحفاوة الآسيوية.

جافين إم. فاول وكريستوفر لوكسون، رئيس وزراء نيوزيلندا.

 

 

 

 

 

 

أعرب جافين إم. فاول، رئيس مجلس إدارة شركة سويس بيل هوتيل إنترناشونال ورئيسها التنفيذي، عن امتنانه للفوز بهذه الجوائز، قائلاً: “إن الحصول على هذه الجوائز المرموقة مبهر بشدة. نحن فخورون للغاية بهذه الإنجازات التي تدل على تفاني فريقنا بأكمله وشغفه ومثابرته. في سويس بيل هوتيل إنترناشونال، نلتزم التزامًا راسخًا بتحقيق قيمة للمالكين إلى جانب الاستثمار باستمرار في أهم أصولنا – موظفينا. ينبع نجاحنا من تفوق إدارة عملياتنا وتميز تجارب نزلائنا. تُؤكد هذه الجوائز مجددًا نجاح استراتيجيتنا للنمو المستدام وقدرتنا على التكيف مع متطلبات السوق المتغيرة مع الحفاظ على تطبيق أعلى معايير الضيافة. على مدار عام ٢٠٢٥، سنواصل نجاحنا بتحقيق إنجازات جديدة – اغتنام فرص جديدة، وتحسين عروضنا، وتيسير عملياتنا، وتعزيز قدرات فريقنا الاستثنائي”.

تضمنت الجوائز التي حصلت عليها المجموعة جائزة التراث المتميز لشركة عائلية في منطقة آسيا والمحيط الهادئ، وتسلمتها في حفل توزيع جوائز التميز من جمعية الشركات العائلية لعام ٢٠٢٤ (مايو ٢٠٢٤)، وجائزة إرنست آند يانج لأفضل رائد أعمال في العام ٢٠٢٤ ضمن فئة جوائز الشركات العائلية في نيوزيلندا (نوفمبر ٢٠٢٤)، ومُنحت كلتا الجائزتين تقديرًا لمساهمات جافين إم. فاول وعائلته في بناء إرث من التميز في قطاع الضيافة. علاوة على ذلك، حصلت سويس بيل هوتيل إنترناشونال على جائزة إدارة الفنادق والمنتجعات للعام في حفل جوائز التميز في قطاع السفر لعام ٢٠٢٥ من منصة ترافل ديلي ميديا ​​لأخبار السفر (فبراير ٢٠٢٥)، مما عزز مكانتها القوية في السوق. تقديرًا لالتزام المجموعة بالشراكات طويلة الأمد والاستدامة، حازت على جائزة التميز في الشراكة المستدامة خلال قمة جارودا مايلز للولاء 2025 (فبراير 2025)، وجائزة التميز في فئة الضيافة المستدامة المقدمة ضمن جوائز مؤسسات الأعمال الرائدة في مجال الممارسات البيئية والاجتماعية وحوكمة الشركات 2024 في هونج كونج (سبتمبر 2024).

تمتلك سويس بيل هوتيل إنترناشونال 18علامة تجارية وتتمتع بمكانة متميزة في 20 دولة، وتتميز بنماذج إدارتها عالمية المستوى، واستراتيجيتها متعددة العلامات التجارية، ونهج إدارتها المرتكز على مصالح المالكين، مما يضمن ازدهار كل فندق في سوقه.

https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-belhotel-international/
https://www.instagram.com/swissbelhotel/

Hashtag: #swissbelhotel  #swissbelhotelinternational  #awardswinninghotel  #awardswinning  #hotelawards  #hotelrecognition  #gavinfaull  #familybusinessawards  #esgbusinessawards

 

Posted on

Folk Maritime becomes Middle East’s first dry container fleet to deploy ORBCOMM®’s smart container technology

Folk Maritime becomes Middle East’s first dry container fleet to deploy ORBCOMM®’s smart container technology

Richard Jacobsen, Sales Director EMEA Maritime at ORBCOMM (left), and Mohamed Badawi, Chief Operating Officer of Folk Maritime (right), shake hands on a groundbreaking partnership. Folk Maritime will be the first from the Middle East to deploy ORBCOMM’s smart container technology. This game-changing move transforms supply chain visibility and cargo security, setting a new standard for the region’s maritime industry.

ROCHELLE PARK, N.J., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ORBCOMM, the world’s largest dry and reefer container visibility solutions provider, today announced that Folk Maritime Services Company has chosen ORBCOMM’s smart container monitoring technology to enable end-to-end supply chain visibility and enhanced cargo protection for their entire container fleet.

This partnership will make Folk Maritime—a feeder and regional liner services provider from Saudi Arabia—the first container shipping line from the Middle East to deploy a smart dry container fleet, showcasing their dedication to being at the forefront of digital innovation.

“We’re always looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible. ORBCOMM’s technology will enable us to further digitalize our shipping operations so we can solve logistical problems, optimize shipment tracking and improve our cargo integrity and protection,” says Mohamed Badawi, Folk Maritime’s Chief Operating Officer. “Plus, we’ll be able to improve environmental sustainability—which is deeply rooted in our DNA—by optimizing operations, routing and asset utilization to decrease energy use and carbon emissions.”

ORBCOMM’s dry container monitoring technology provides current and historical location reporting to help shipping lines increase asset visibility, streamline operations, boost sustainability, inform routing and more. With door sensors, Folk Maritime can strengthen container security by receiving alerts when doors have been opened or closed, empowering them to react quickly to prevent potential cargo damage or theft. This solution will enable Folk Maritime to track assets and cargo across the supply chain, delivering higher levels of visibility to their customers.

For Christian Allred, ORBCOMM’s Chief Commercial Officer, being a part of the Middle East’s first smart dry container deployment is an honor. “Folk Maritime is inspiring, having launched its operation in February 2024 and already showing immense dedication to supply chain digitalization,” says Allred.

“This collaboration further cements our position as industry leaders in smart container shipping solutions. We’re excited to see how our customers, and the maritime industry at large, continue to use our solutions to create a more sustainable and streamlined supply chain.”

With 30 years of industrial IoT innovation, ORBCOMM is the world’s largest dry and reefer container solutions provider. Since 2007, ORBCOMM has helped customers track and monitor 600,000 reefer containers and shipped over one million dry container devices in 2024 alone.

About ORBCOMM

ORBCOMM is a pioneer in IoT technology, empowering customers with insight to make data-driven decisions that help them optimize their operations, maximize profitability and build a more sustainable future. With 30 years of experience and one of the most comprehensive solution portfolios in the industry, ORBCOMM enables the management of over a million assets worldwide for a diverse customer base spanning transportation, supply chain, heavy equipment, maritime, natural resources and government. For more information about how ORBCOMM is driving the evolution of industry through the power of data, visit www.orbcomm.com.

About Folk Maritime

Folk Maritime Services Company, a Public Investment Fund company, was established in 2023, with the mission to connect regional ports seamlessly, and catalyse trade across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and East Africa.

Its strategic goal is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global logistics hub, underlining the Kingdom’s premier position in leading multiple high-growth industrial sectors.

Offering regional liner and feeder services, Folk Maritime is creating new trade lanes and delivering end-to-end shipping solutions, connecting key transshipment routes in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and beyond, by delivering cost-effective and efficient logistics services that will drive transformational trade growth.

Through neutral feeder operations, the company seamlessly links smaller ports to larger hubs, while also offering end-to-end shipping solutions for cargo owners.

ORBCOMM media contact
Lina Paerez
SVP of Global Marketing and Communications
+1 613.875.1485
[email protected]

Folk Maritime media contact

Raied Abuhimed
GM of Corporate Communication
+966552361122
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f48fcd8-fc34-46eb-8596-b12c33e88cd7

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9395532