Author: Kasun Illankoon

For the past three months, the COVID-19 outbreak has radically changed people’s daily lives and preferences around the world. Across the globe, people are being encouraged to stay at home in order to ensure their health and safety. As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to grow, technology usage and habits are also seeing major changes. AdColony distributed the Coronavirus Impact Survey to the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and LATAM (Latin America) regions this past week to analyze behavior changes due to COVID-19. Respondents’ ages ranged from 14 to 75 and were typically aged 25 to 54 in EMEA and…

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As Pakistan steps up its fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), Dubai’s resident philanthropist, Hussain Dawood, has pledged a contribution in services, kind and cash of US$6 million (AED22 million) on behalf of his family and the flagship entities of Dawood Hercules Group (DH Group) of which he is chairman, including Dawood Hercules Corporation, Engro Corporation, The Dawood Foundation and Karachi School of Business & Leadership. Commenting on the donation Mr. Dawood said: “We as a family and as a Group are committed to playing our part in helping solve the most pressing issues of our time and are donating…

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Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has accelerated work on Aura in Jebel Ali and is now marking the 85 per cent construction milestone. Working with established contractors and consultants, Azizi is well on track to complete the excellently connected 479-unit development, which comprises 349 studios, 87 one-bedroom, and 43 two-bedroom apartments, by Q2, 2020, highlighting its commitment to timely project delivery. The structure is 100% complete, while the blockwork and internal plastering are at 99% and 98% respectively. The second mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) fix is now at 93%, with façade works and tiling both…

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Improving the energy performance of existing buildings may not be the highest profile trend in the UAE real estate sector right now, but I would argue it is one of the most important.  Similarly, the work the Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (RSB) is doing to create an operational energy rating system for existing buildings, may be one of Dubai’s best kept secrets. There is a recognition that more needs to be done to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the UAE.  It is estimated that around 40% of the world’s carbon emissions emanate from buildings (and construction thereof) and…

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WeMENA, the startup online marketplace for wholesalers is pulling out all the stops to keep up with regional demand for the products that help companies and workers avoid contracting coronavirus. Among the website’s 50,000 strong product line – with 1,000+ more products being added every week – is everything companies might need to protect key workers, staff and their families from contracting and spreading the virus. Pali Banwait, co-founder, says: “In this especially difficult time for everybody, our site, which launched at the beginning of 2020, is proving to be a cost-effective way of helping companies stay afloat during this…

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SAFEEN, Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime service arm, has announced a successful acquisition of a Post Panamax bulk carrier, making it largest vessel ever to join its inventory. Built in Romania and in service since 2006, the vessel will operate under the name “HAFEET” and will initially undergo an extensive conversion, prior to commencing operations. The refitting will include state-of-the-art cranes and conveyor system, which, when combined with other design parameters, will render the vessel a potent and efficient transhipment platform, enabling SAFEEN to provide solid bulk cargo transhipment services. Once its conversion is fully complete in the latter part of…

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With the extra hours everyone is spending at home, now could be the right time to revamp your space. Want to add more colourful touches to your living room, get your bedroom more organised or even make more space in your kitchen? IKEA has got you covered with its recently launched online home planning & interior design services. IKEA consultants will help you create the perfect room setting and choose the right product design that suits your needs and meets your style. The platform offers free digital consultation from IKEA’s experts for kitchen, wardrobe, and storage space planning. Meanwhile, the…

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The Chamber will be assisting blue collar workers in the construction and real estate projects, especially those who completed their work and were unable to return home as airports closed around the world. The Chamber will make an initial contribution of AED10 million, towards the newly established fund. The Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business will be playing a larger role in the upcoming period, incentivising companies to fulfill their social responsibilities. To find out more about this visit: https://www.dubaichamber.com/community-solidarity-fund-against-covid-19 The Community Solidarity Fund Against COVID-19 is a major step towards mitigating the economic, social, and health challenges posed by…

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Bobcat is proud to announce that the company’s T590 compact track loader has won the 2020 Lowest Cost of Ownership (LCO) Award in the Loaders Compact Track category for a second consecutive year. Having won the Award for the MT55 in 2018, Bobcat has proven to be the dominant force in the category for the past three years. The Bobcat S70 skid-steer loader also triumphed in the 2020 LCO Awards, winning the Skid Steer Loaders Small category for the third year in a row. The company’s smallest loader has also been awarded the Highest Retained Value (HRV) Award in 2020,…

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Andreas Marquardt, 52 years old, was appointed as new Managing Director of Streumaster Maschinenbau GmbH in Egglkofen, Bavaria, since February 2020. He is the successor of Didier Gutzwiller, who died in an accident last year. The Streumaster management consists, besides Mr. Marquardt, of Catherine Gutzwiller, who owns the company. Streumaster belongs to the family-run French Gutzwiller Group that employs 120 people in total in the field of soil stabilization, recycling and road reconstruction. Mr. Marquardt looks back on 30 years of international experience in the construction- and supply industry. During the last 20 years, he held different positions within the…

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