DMS partners with Wamda Mix N’ Mentor Beirut

Participating as “Marketplace Partner” to further its support and mentorship of Lebanese entrepreneurs.

September 1, 2015 – Dubai United Arab Emirates.

(ME NewsWire)DMS, which serves as the official digital arm of Choueiri Group, announced it has partnered with Wamda to sponsor the upcoming Mix N’ Mentor Beirut – Marketplace Edition event, due to take place on September 5, 2015. DMS will serve as one of the event’s “Marketplace Partner” held at the Beirut Digital District.

Mix N’ Mentoris designed to empower entrepreneurs in the MENA region and features a casual setup and free flow, with roundtable discussions and workshop sessions to engage with the attendees. Topics of interest to entrepreneurs such as monetization, engagement and tactics will be discussed, in addition to other key issues. The event in its marketplace edition also aims to help startups understand how large corporates think and how to land deals with them.

With a host of confirmed high-profile attendees from the region’s corporate circles, senior management from DMS are also envisioned to be on-hand. Their attendance will be aimed at discussing business development opportunities with startups during the marketplace. DMS sponsorship is aligned with the Company’s goal of positioning itself as sought–after mentors and promoters of innovation, in support of upcoming Lebanese entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the scope of the partnership, DMS’ Chief Operating Officer, Michel Malkoun stated that “Wamda is undoubtedly a premier platform for entrepreneurs in the MENA region, and our sponsorship is aligned with DMS’ goal of supporting innovative thinkers and doers out of the Lebanese market. We’re very excited to be a part of Mix N’ Mentor and look forward to making the best of it”. 

ديجيتال ميديا سيرفيسيز تتشارك مع ومضة ميكس أن منتور بيروت

تشارك بصفتها "شريكاً لتمكين الوصول الى السوق" لتعزيز دعمها وإرشادها لرواد الأعمال اللبنانيين

1 سبتمبر 2015 – دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة

(ميدل ايست نيوز واير)أعلنت "ديجيتال ميديا سيرفيسيز" ("دي إم إس")، الذراع الإعلام الرقمي الرسمي التابع لـ"مجموعة شويري" مؤخراً، عن شراكتها مع ومضة لرعاية فعالية "ميكس أن منتور" بيروت النسخة المخصّصة للوصول الى الأسواق المقبلة، والمزمع عقدها في 5 سبتمبر 2015. وستقوم "دي إم إس" بدور أحد "الشركاء لتمكين الوصول الى السوق" في الفعالية التي ستقام في منطقة بيروت الرقمية.

وتم تصميم فعالية "ميكس أن منتور" لتمكين رواد الأعمال في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا. وتتميز بتصميمها العفوي والمريح، حيث تعقد جلسات نقاش حوارية وورش عمل لإشراك الحاضرين. وستتم مناقشة العديد من المواضيع التي تهم رواد الأعمال مثل الاستفادة المادية والمشاركة وأساليب العمل التكتيكية وغيرها من المواضيع الرئيسية الأخرى. وتهدف هذه الفعالية في النسخة المخصصة للوصول الى الأسواق إلى مساعدة الشركات الناشئة على فهم كيفية تفكير الشركات الكبرى وكيف يمكن التوصل الى عقد صفقات معها.

ومن المتوقع حضور أفراد الإدارة لدى "دي إم إس"، بالإضافة إلى مجموعة من الشخصيات البارزة من مجتمع الشركات في المنطقة. وسيهدف حضورهم إلى مناقشة فرص تطوير الأعمال مع الشركات الناشئة في إطار النشاط الاقتصادي. وتتوافق رعاية "دي إم إس" للفعالية مع هدف الشركة في تعزيز مكانتها كمرشد ومطوّر منشود للابتكار، دعماً لرواد الأعمال اللبنانيين الناشئين.

وتعليقاً على هذه الشراكة، قال ميشال ملكون الرئيس التنفيذي للعمليات في شركة "دي إم إس": "تعتبر ومضة، دون أدنى شك، منصة متميزة لرواد الأعمال في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، وتتوافق رعايتنا للفعالية مع هدف ’دي إم إس‘ في دعم المبتكرين من مفكرين ومنفذين في السوق اللبناني. نحن متحمسون للغاية بأن نكون جزءاً من فعالية ’ميكس أن منتور‘ كما نتطلع للاستفادة من هذه الفعالية إلى أقصى حد".

Global Ethical Finance Forum all set as landmark platform to forge future of responsible investments industry

Dr. Zeti Azi, Governor of Malaysia’s Central Bank, delivered the inaugural Keynote Address at historic forum in the UK 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1 September 2015: Ethical finance leaders from Europe, East Asia, the Middle East and Africa gathered today at a historic forum for the global responsible investments industry. The Global Ethical Finance Forum (GEFF), with the official support of the Scottish Government, become host to over 250 leaders from the Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and faith-based investing sectors. Key asset managers, institutional investors, services providers, regulators and academics converged at the prestigious Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. GEFF is providing the first meaningful global discussion on opportunities for convergence and collaboration across the disconnected segments of ethical finance.

Opening the historic forum was Keith Brown MSP, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment & Cities, who said: “We have created an opportunity in Scotland with a focus on international opportunities to foster opportunities in ethical finance” Scotland as the backdrop for the inaugural forum was very fitting given its very strong heritage in ethical finance and immeasurable contribution to the creation of financial institutions and early professional bodies specializing in ethical finance. Indeed, Mr. Brown reiterated that “Creating a fairer society is not just a good on its own, it is also essential for long-term prosperity.”

The historic nature of GEFF was premised partly on the fact that it brought together leading players from both emerging and developed markets. Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, provided the Opening Keynote Speech. Globally renowned as the voice of emerging economies in highlighting their role in the global economy, Dr. Zeti articulated the ways in which we can build a financial system that supports sustainable economic development. She said: “the value of financial intermediation includes mobilize savings, promoting the efficient allocation of resource, reducing informational asymmetry, and manage risks. Emerging markets have benefited from transformative role of finance in the development of emerging markets in the 21st century”.

The Governor’s speech will be followed with an exceptional line of experienced and respected industry practitioners who assembled from various jurisdictions to provide valuable insights into developing the responsible finance sector, building an SRI Sukuk market, ESG screens, international standardisation and much more. The day will culminate with what promises to be an engaging discussion with economic historians on the importance of ethics in finance, tracing the history of ethical finance from its roots with the Quakers. This history demonstrates that the industry’s origins are faith-based and indeed the faith motivation has made a resurgence recently with Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment and the Istanbul Declaration of Muslim leaders demonstrating how secular and spiritually-driven approaches can support one another.

The conveners of GEFF, Middle East Global Advisors - an intelligence platform serving the Middle East North Africa Southeast Asia (MENASEA) region for the last 22 years - partnered with institutions that are leading by example in the financial industry. They include Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Alliance Trust Investments, DDCAP, Global Alliance for Banking on Values, The Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI), Islamic Finance Council UK, Inclusive Finance Network Luxembourg, Thomson Reuters, Luxembourg for Finance, SEDCO Capital and the UK Sustainable Investment & Finance Association.

The lineup of speakers for Day 1 include powerhouses such as Ted Malloch, Professor at Oxford’s Said Business School, Dr. Marcos Eguiguren, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Sasja Beslik, Head of Responsible Investments at Nordea Asset Management, Edward Mason, Head of Responsible Investment at Church Commissioners for England, Michael Bennett, Head of Derivatives and Structured Finance at the World Bank, and Sir Ewan Brown CBE, Chairman of Scottish Financial Enterprise.

The GEFF Exhibition was held along the side-lines of the forum and showcased the latest products, services and innovations from exhibitors representing leading industry organisations. The exhibition was formally conjointly opened by Dr. Zati Aziz and Hamza Yousaf MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Europe and International Development.

The 2nd day of GEFF 2015 continues on the 2nd of September and will witness the highly anticipated onstage interview of HRH Emir Muhammad Saunsi II, Emir of Kano by Dr. Sayd Farook, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Middle East Global Advisors.

Speaking ahead of his one-on-one, HRH Sanusi shared: "It is now evident in the aftermath of the financial crisis that the importance of values cannot be overlooked in the financial system. The major stakeholders especially the regulators are expected to play a key role in making sure that the financial institutions not only abide by law but remain ethical in their practices and work towards the betterment of society in addition to achieving their financial goals.” Looking forward to the event, he said, “The global ethical finance forum will address these issues and I look forward to sharing my experiences at the forum."

Day two will also feature high-profile sessions that include the launch of the Thomson Reuters Responsible Finance Report 2015, as well as engaging panels and speeches on a wide range of issues including:

-          Lessons from Islamic financial governance for regulation of ethically focused banking

-          Role of technology and disruptive innovation to facilitate responsible finance

-          Taking responsible financing into the mainstream without compromising values

To find out more about GEFF, download the comprehensive brochure at www.geff2015.com.

Light Middle East 2015’s Future Zone to showcase dazzling new trends and innovative solutions from global manufacturers

LED fixtures at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in 2015-16 English Premier League among new technologies on display

Dubai, UAE: The LED fixtures currently lighting up Arsenal Football Club’s Emirates Stadium in the 2015-16 English Premier League will be one of many new technologies on show at the Middle East’s dedicated lighting design trade show next month in Dubai.

American manufacturer Musco Lighting, a world-leader in customised lighting solutions for sports and large-area venues, will launch its new LED floodlights and LED Sports Fixtures at Light Middle East 2015, which takes place from 6-8 October 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The LED floodlights use the same technology as those installed in 2015 at Emirates Stadium in London, the home of one of English football’s most successful clubs, and will be showcased at Light Middle East’s Future Zone – a dedicated stage for the world’s leading trends, technologies and concepts shaping the future of the lighting industry.

The illumination systems will be of immense interest to Middle East buyers in a region that will host large-scale events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and the Dubai Expo 2020, while large outdoor industrial sites can also benefit, according to Musco.

Brett Paulsen, General Manager of Musco’s Gulf operations, said: “The growth in Middle East sports venues and large area lighting such as shipping terminals is going to have a big impact on our business.”

“Musco’s focus on delivering light directly to the surface or area makes us different from most lighting companies.  We offer the ability to light with LED the largest of venues to the highest of FIFA standards.  There are only a couple of companies in the world that can achieve this,” added Paulsen.

Musco’s stadium LED fixtures will be one of many innovations at Light Middle East’s Future Zone, which this year will feature more than 40 leading lighting brands, 60 per cent more than in 2014.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Light Middle East, said: “The increasing emphasis on efficient and environmentally-friendly lighting systems has taken hold across the Middle East and this is driving demand for lighting solutions that use innovative technologies and design to meet low-energy goals.

“Light Middle East’s Future Zone offers an exciting snapshot of the latest developments in global lighting design and technology, presenting a clear indication of the direction in which the industry is moving.”

Other innovations at Light Middle East’s Future Zone include ‘Tsubaki Seamless Light Series’ by Japanese manufacturer Atex.  The light series are pliable LED strips that can be bent vertically and horizontally, and designed for façade and other architectural features.

Hiroaki Nishimura, Vice President of Atex said: “Our LED lighting products are designed and built for both direct and indirect, exterior facade and linear lighting applications, backlighting, under shelf, and even highly flexible lighting for art, sculpture, chandeliers and architectural signage applications.”

Other headline companies at Light Middle East’s Future Zone include the show’s Gold Sponsors Debbas, Huda Lighting, Speclight, and Platinum Sponsor Cinmar, which as regional distributors are co-exhibiting with 25 manufacturers from across Europe, including Lucent from the UK, German manufacturer Hess, Italian brand Reggiani, and French-based Dietal.

Now in its 10th edition, Light Middle East is the region’s only dedicated trade fair for lighting design and technology, and will this year feature more than 350 exhibitors and 430 brands from 27 countries.

Other returning features include the Light Middle East Conference on 7-8 October, highlighting key issues impacting the regional lighting industry, while the prestigious Light Middle East Awards will celebrate the region’s most outstanding lighting projects and designers.

MCAFEE LABS REPORT REVIEWS FIVE YEARS OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE THREAT EVOLUTION

Report Provides Five-Year Threat Retrospective, GPU Malware Assessment, and Techniques for Exfiltrating Data from Corporate Networks; Ransomware Rises 127% from Q2 2014 to Q2 2015

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – September 2, 2015 -- Intel® Security today released its McAfee Labs Threats Report: August 2015, which includes a critique of graphics processing unit (GPU) malware claims, an investigation of the top cybercriminal exfiltration techniques, and a five-year retrospective on the evolution of the threat landscape since Intel Corporation’s announcement of the McAfee acquisition.

McAfee Labs commemorates the five-year anniversary of the Intel-McAfee union by comparing what researchers thought would happen beginning in 2010 with what actually happened in the realm of hardware and software security threats. Key researchers and executives reviewed our predictions on the security capabilities of silicon, the challenges of emerging hard-to-detect attacks, and our 2010 expectations for new device types versus the reality of the marketplace.

The five-year threat landscape analysis suggests:

• Intel Security foresaw threats targeting hardware and firmware components and threatening runtime integrity.
• Increasingly evasive malware and long-running attacks did not surprise us but some of the specific tactics and techniques were unimagined five years ago.
• Although the volume of mobile devices has increased even faster than we expected, serious broad-based attacks on those devices has grown much more slowly than we thought.
• We are seeing just the beginnings of attacks and breaches against IoT devices.
• Cloud adoption has changed the nature of some attacks, as devices are attacked not for the small amount of data that they store, but as a path to where the important data resides.
• Cybercrime has grown into a full-fledged industry with suppliers, markets, service providers, financing, trading systems, and a proliferation of business models.
• Businesses and consumers still do not pay sufficient attention to updates, patches, password security, security alerts, default configurations, and other easy but critical ways to secure cyber and physical assets.
• The discovery and exploitation of core Internet vulnerabilities has demonstrated how some foundational technologies are underfunded and understaffed.
• There is growing, positive collaboration between the security industry, academia, law enforcement, and governments to take down cybercriminal operations.

“We were impressed by the degree to which three key factors – expanding attack surfaces, the industrialization of hacking, and the complexity and fragmentation of the IT security market – accelerated the evolution of threats, and size and frequency of attacks,” said Hamed Diab, MENA regional director, Intel Security. “To keep pace with such momentum, the cybersecurity community must continue to improve threat intelligence sharing, recruit more security professionals, accelerate security technology innovation, and continue to engage governments so they can fulfill their role to protect citizens in cyberspace.”

The August report also probes into the details of three proofs-of-concept (PoC) for malware exploiting GPUs in attacks. While nearly all of today’s malware is designed to run from main system memory on the central processing unit (CPU), these PoCs leverage the efficiencies of these specialized hardware components designed to accelerate the creation of images for output to a display. The scenarios suggest hackers will attempt to leverage GPUs for their raw processing power, using them to evade traditional malware defenses by running code and storing data where traditional defenses do not normally watch for malicious code.

Reviewing the PoCs, Intel Security agrees that moving portions of malicious code off of the CPU and host memory reduces the detection surface for host-based defenses. However, researchers argue that, at a minimum, trace elements of malicious activity remain in memory or CPUs, allowing endpoint security products to detect and remediate threats.

McAfee Labs also details techniques cybercriminals use to exfiltrate a wide variety of information on individuals from corporate networks: names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, credit and debit card numbers, health care information, account credentials, and even sexual preferences. In addition to tactics and techniques used by attackers, this analysis examines attacker types, their motivations, and their likely targets, as well as the policies businesses should embrace to better detect exfiltration.

The August 2015 report also identified a number of other developments in the second quarter of 2015:

• Ransomware. Ransomware continues to grow very rapidly – with the number of new ransomware samples rising 58% in Q2. The total number of ransomware samples grew 127% from Q2 2014 to Q2 2015. We attribute the increase to fast-growing new families such as CTB-Locker, CryptoWall, and others.
• Mobile slump. The total number of mobile malware samples grew 17% in Q2. But mobile malware infection rates declined about 1% per region this quarter, with the exception of North America, which dropped almost 4%, and Africa, which was unchanged.
• Spam botnets. The trend of decreasing botnet-generated spam volume continued through Q2, as the Kelihos botnet remained inactive. Slenfbot again claims the top rank, followed closely by Gamut, with Cutwail rounding out the top three.
• Suspect URLs. Every hour in Q2 more than 6.7 million attempts were made to entice McAfee customers into connecting to risky URLs via emails, browser searches, etc.
• Infected files. Every hour in Q2 more than 19.2 million infected files were exposed to McAfee customers’ networks.
• PUPs up. Every hour in Q2 an additional 7 million potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) attempted installation or launch on McAfee-protected networks.

For more information, please read the full report: McAfee Labs Threats Report: August 2015.

For guidance on how organizations can better protect their enterprise from the threats detailed in this quarter’s report, please visit: Enterprise Blog. 

Dabur International announces Middle East launch of Vatika Naturals 10-minute Hair Colouring Powder for men

Ammonia-free, shampoo-based formula in two shades of brown and black ensures rich, natural hair colour with complete grey coverage

Dubai, UAE, 2 September, 2015 - Dabur International, one of the most trusted and recognized personal and healthcare companies in the world, has announced the launch of Vatika Naturals 10-minute Hair Colouring Powder in the Middle East. The unique hair colour product is especially developed for the region’s young, modern male who leads a fast-paced, active and competitive life and need a quick fix to create a lasting impression in their professional and personal life. Its natural and efficacious formula not only covers greys in just 10 minutes but also imparts a rich natural colour along with good health, shine, and nourishment.

Vatika Naturals 10-minute Hair Colouring Powder combines the goodness of naturally available ingredients with the latest technology to offer a pioneering solution in powder hair dyes. Unlike other hair colour products available in the market that contain harsh chemicals, its ammonia-free and gentle formula helps retain hair protein for healthy and nourished hair. Vatika Naturals 10-minutes Hair Colouring Powder has a no-mess, shampoo-based formula that easily spreads on hair to give an even colour. Moreover, it can be conveniently applied and left for just 10 minutes, eliminating the need of lengthy procedures at salon.

Vivek Dhir, Chief Marketing Officer, Dabur international, said: “Dabur International is known for introducing unique, innovative and new products to address the evolving needs of consumers in the Middle East. Remaining true to our commitment, we have introduced Vatika Naturals 10-minutes Hair Colouring Powder in the region following consumer insights for a fast and easy hair colouring product for men that can be used within the convenience of home. Ammonia-free and enriched with natural ingredients, the revolutionary product comes in pre-measured sachets and bottles for extreme comfort. We are upbeat that Vatika Naturals 10-minutes Hair Colouring Powder will gain popularity among male consumers for its rich, natural colour and safe and easy application. ”

Vatika Naturals 10 minutes Hair Colouring Powder is available in two shades of Olive Black and Walnut Brown. While the black variant is enriched with olives and blackberries, the brown colour is fortified with walnuts and coffee. The product is available in the Middle East in an attractive monocarton that contains five sachets of 3 grams each. It also comes in a 6-gram bottle.

Dabur International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dabur India, has an overall turnover of over USD 1.3 billion and a market capitalization of over USD 8 billion. Dabur’s International Business Division headquartered in Dubai is the cornerstone of its growth strategy, reaching a milestone of AED 1 billion within only eight years of its existence.

"دابر إنترناشيونال" تطرح "مسحوق فاتيكا بالمواد الطبيعية لتلوين الشعر في 10 دقائق" للرجال في أسواق الشرق الأوسط

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتّحدة – 2 سبتمبر 2015 - أعلنت شركة "دابر إنترناشيونال"، إحدى أكثر العلامات التجارية الموثوق بها والمعترف بها في مجالي العناية الصحية والشخصية، عن طرح "مسحوق فاتيكا بالمواد الطبيعية لتلوين الشعر في 10 دقائق" للرجال في منطقة الشرق الأوسط. وقد تم تطوير المنتج الجديد خصيصاً للشباب والرجال العصريين الذين يعيشون أسلوب حياة سريع الإيقاع ومفعم بالنشاط ويرغبون في الحصول على حل سريع لتحسين إطلالتهم ومظهرهم الخارجي. وينفرد المنتج الجديد بتركيبة فعّالة من المواد الطبيعية المختارة بعناية لتغطية الشعر الشائب خلال 10 دقائق فقط وإعادة لون الشعر الطبيعي وتغذيته وزيادته صحّةً وتألّقاً ولمعاناً.

ويجمع المنتج الجديد بين جودة العناصر الطبيعية وأحدث التقنيات المستخدمة في عالم العناية بالشعر من أجل تقديم حل متكامل لتلوين الشعر باستخدام المساحيق. وعلى خلاف المنتجات الأخرى المتوفّرة في السوق والتي تحتوي على مواد كيميائية ضارة، فإنّ "مسحوق فاتيكا" خالٍ تماماً من مادّة الأمونياك ويستند في تكوينه إلى تركيبة لطيفة تساعد في الحفاظ على بروتينات الشعر وتمنحه الصحّة والتغذية اللازمة. كما تتميّز هذه التركيبة بأنّها سهلة الاستخدام ومماثلة لتركيبة الشامبو حيث تمتد بسهولة في الشعر لضمان توزيع اللون بالتساوي على كامل الشعر من الجذور حتّى الأطراف. ويمكن تطبيق التركيبة بسهولة على الشعر وتركها لمدّة 10 دقائق فقط دون الحاجة إلى الانتظار طويلاً كما في صالونات الحلاقة.

وقال فيفيك دهير، مدير قسم التسويق في شركة "دابر إنترناشيونال": "تلتزم "دابر إنترناشيونال" بتقديم أجود المنتجات المتطوّرة والمبتكرة لتلبية الاحتياجات المتغيّرة للعملاء في منطقة الشرق الأوسط. ومن هنا جاء إطلاق "مسحوق فاتيكا بالمواد الطبيعية لتلوين الشعر في 10 دقائق" الذي نهدف من خلاله إلى تمكين الرجال من الحصول على منتج سهل الاستخدام وسريع المفعول لتلوين شعرهم في راحة المنزل. ويتوفّر المنتج الخالي من الأمونياك والذي يتميّز بتركيبة ثورية غنية بالمواد الطبيعية، في أكياس وزجاجات محدّدة الكمية لتوفير أقصى درجات الراحة للمستخدمين. ونحن على ثقة تامّة بأن "مسحوق فاتيكا" سيحظى بشعبية كبيرة بين الرجال بفضل تركيبته الغنيّة بالألوان الطبيعية وسهولة وأمان استخدامه".

ويتوفّر "مسحوق فاتيكا بالمواد الطبيعية لتلوين الشعر في 10 دقائق" بلونين مختلفين هما اللون الأسود الغني بخلاصة الزيتون والتوت الأسود واللون البني الذي يجمع بين مسخلصات الجوز والقهوة. ويتوفّر المنتج في منطقة الشرق الأوسط في علبة كرتون تحتوي على خمسة أكياس بسعة 3 جرامات للكيس، ويتوفّر أيضاً في زجاجات بسعة 6 جرامات للزجاجة.

ويذكر أنّ "دابر إنترناشيونال" هي شركة فرعية مملوكة بالكامل لصالح شركة "دابر الهند". وتبلغ العائدات الإجمالية للشركة 1.3 مليار دولار وتبلغ قيمتها السوقية 8 مليار دولار. ويمثل قسم الأعمال الرئيسي لـ "دابر إنترناشيونال" ومقره دبي ركيزة إستراتيجية النمو التي تنتهجها الشركة، حيث وصل حجمه إلى 1 مليار درهم إماراتي بعد مضي 8 سنوات على استحداثه.