712 cross the vertical line at the inaugural Climb to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 30, 2017 – (ME NewsWire) - Under the initiative of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, The Climb to Abu Dhabi Vertical Marathon presented by Daman’s ActiveLife was held at the iconic Etihad Towers on Friday the 27th of January 2017. A total of 712 participants took up the challenge across 6 different race categories climbing 82 Floors / 1,617 Steps or 32 Floors / 720 Steps with winners taking home $25,000 USD in prize money.

Speaking at the event H.E Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, commented, “Stair climbing is one of the best forms of exercise and the easiest way to work fitness into our busy lives. We are delighted with the inaugural event and encourage everyone to join the stair climbing movement not just from today but into the future.”

Brand Ambassador of the event and current World Champion, Piotr Lobodzinski expressed his delight at the engagement of the community and worlds best runners, he stated “The Climb to Abu Dhabi was a very new race for many of today’s participants. Its fantastic to see such a great response which hopefully sees the sport of tower running become even more popular in the Middle East Region.”

Christian Riedl winner of the men’s elites category, and current world number 2 ranked tower runner expressed his delight at crossing the vertical line in the ultimate winning time of 9mins and 21seconds. He stated “I am very happy to win the event, obviously with such prize money on stake we had a strong field so to hear my name announced as the winner was a great feeling. The race itself was considerably difficult with a fast track approaching the stairs but overall a fantastic event and look forward to defending my title next year already.”

Australia’s world champion Suzy Walsham whom took home the Female Elite title in an impressive 10mins and 30seconds was also delighted with her performance, stating “what a wonderful event to see so many of the community take part in tower running. Today’s event was a good test as it was a building that no one has ever run up. Delighted to take home the title and look forward to seeing many more of the Abu Dhabi community take on the challenge next year.”  

Richard Foulds, Head of Property Management at Etihad Towers; the home of the Climb to Abu Dhabi, stated “on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, it was a pleasure for the 2017 “Climb to Abu Dhabi Vertical Marathon” to be hosted at the iconic Etihad Towers in conjunction with Abu Dhabi’s sports council, Daman Health Insurance and of course our hotel partners Jumeirah Group.

Tower 2, where this year’s event took place, is one of three residential towers, measuring 310m in height and remains one of the tallest iconic residential towers in Abu Dhabi. The event also happily coincides with the 5th anniversary of the opening of Etihad Towers, which remains the largest mixed use development in Abu Dhabi. It was a pleasure for Etihad Towers for Real Estate (ETRE) to award Ms. Alice McNamara, who flew in all the way from Sydney Australia, the trophy and prize money for coming runner up in the female elite category

On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Suroor and the Etihad Towers team, we would like to thank all the supporters and participants both professional athletes and family & friends and welcome them back to Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi for next year’s edition.

An exhibition race in 2017 under the sanctioning of the World Tower Running Association, the Climb to Abu Dhabi is also the first destination city for the newly formed Climb to Vertical Series, which will see cities around the Middle East & North Africa form part of the a MENA vertical series to launch in 2018.

An initiative of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and presented by Daman’s ActiveLife, the Climb to Abu Dhabi is hosted and sponsored by Etihad Towers and supported by Reebok, Etisalat, Technogym, National Ambulance, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and Sport360.

Further details including full results and partners are available on www.climbtoabudhabi.com.

*End

- Results of winners below

2017 Winning Prize Money Results - 82 Floors / 1,617 Steps
Elite Male (34 starters)
Pos	Athlete	Final Time		Prize Money	Nationality
1	Christian  Riedl	0:09:19		$3250	German
2	Tomas  Celko	0:09:23		$2250	Slovakia
3	Shaun  Stephens-Whale	0:09:28		$1250	Canada
4	Emanuele  Manzi	0:09:37		$750	Italy
5	Stefan  Stefina	0:09:55		$600	Slovakia
6	Gorge Heimann	0:10:00		$500	Germany
7	Karol  Galicz	0:10:07		$400	Poland
8	Henry  Kipkurui Kipsang	0:10:20		$300	Kenya
9	Rolf  Majcen	0:10:28		$250	Austrian
10	Ralf  Hascher	0:10:35		$200	Germany
Elite Female (16 starters)
Pos	Athlete		Final Time	Prize Money	Nationality
1	Suzy Walsham		0:10:30	$3250	Australia
2	Alice McMamara		0:11:37	$2250	Australia
3	Brooke Logan		0:11:50	$1250	Australia
4	Zuzana Krchova		0:12:09	$750	Czech
5	Lenka Svabikova		0:12:46	$600	Czech
Challenger Male (169 starters)
Pos	Athlete		Final Time	Prize Money
1	Ismail Ssenyanga		0:09:30	$1500
2	Paul Faulkner		0:10:09	$1000
3	Pierluca Armati		0:10:17	$500
4	Abdelali Bouazzaoui		0:10:27	$300
5	Abdelmajid Elakhdar		0:11:15	$200
Challenger Female (108 starters)
Pos	Athlete		Final Time	Prize Money
1	Euliter Jepchirchir Tanui		0:11:56	$1500
2	Amina Mhih		0:13:06	$1000
3	Rebecca Faulkner		0:14:12	$500
4	Nicoleta Hodorogea		0:14:46	$300
5	Toni Metcalfe		0:15:10	$200

HUAWEI Mate 9 Wins Eight Awards at CES 2017 Following Entrance to the U.S. Market and Integration with Amazon Alexa

The Wall Street Journal, TechAdvisor, TechnoBuffalo and more publications recognize Huawei for its breakthrough Mate 9, citing its Outstanding Performance, Design and Integration with Amazon Alexa

Beirut, January 30th, 2017 – Top global technology media outlets have recognized Huawei with multiple awards at CES 2017. Following the HUAWEI Mate 9’s global launch in November, Huawei announced availability in the U.S. market and new partnerships with Amazon Alexa and Google Daydream. Highlighting the Mate 9’s new partnerships, power, performance, design and dual-lens camera, global media presented Huawei with eight awards. CES also recognized the HUAWEI MateBook as a CES Innovation Award 2017 Honoree for its impressive design and performance.

In addition to the accolades received at CES, Android Authority named Huawei Manufacturer of the Year, crediting the company’s great devices, business acumen and technological leadership for its breakout success in 2016. The awards HUAWEI Mate 9 received at CES 2017:

The Wall Street Journal selected the HUAWEI Mate 9 as one of its ‘Best of CES 2017’ products. The editors highlighted the device’s display, processor, charging capabilities and Leica dual-lens camera. The Wall Street Journal is one of the top publications in the world and considered the most widely-read newspaper in the U.S. business and investment community.

Android Police awarded the HUAWEI Mate 9 the ‘Best of Smartphones’ for its integration with Amazon Alexa, which makes it a standout device at CES. Android Police is a blog dedicated to everything related to Android that is read by Android and technology enthusiasts.

BGR named the HUAWEI Mate 9 a ‘CES 2017 Winner’ because of its display, performance, battery and integration with Amazon Alexa. BGR is a leading online destination for news and commentary focused on the mobile and consumer electronics markets. It attracts readers that are early adopters, savvy technology fans and casual readers.

Chip Chick recognized the HUAWEI Mate 9 as a ‘Top Pick of CES 2017’ following the smartphone’s launch in the U.S. and collaboration with Amazon Alexa. Established in 2004, Chip Chick was one of the first sites to focus on technology for women, offering a lifestyle perspective on the world of consumer electronics.

Talk Android named the HUAWEI Mate 9 a ‘Best of CES 2017’ product, crediting its impressive dual-camera and powerful Kirin 960 chip. Talk Android is a site dedicated to reporting on Android and Google related mobile news. Its content is focused on new handsets, software developments, apps, and everything Android.

TechAdvisor/PC Advisor included the HUAWEI Mate 9 in its CES ‘Top Picks 2017’, highlighting the device’s integration with Amazon Alexa. TechAdvisor/PC Advisor is a leading global consumer technology publication that provides advice to users who want to purchase the best devices at a great value.

TechnoBuffalo awarded the HUAWEI Mate 9 ‘Best of CES 2017’ for its integration with Amazon Alexa, processor, smart app management, battery and beautiful display. TechnoBuffalo covers a wide range of technology-related topics from devices to industry trends. The site provides value to the reader through editorial commentary, descriptive ‘how-to’ guides, and immersive video.

Techaeris included the HUAWEI Mate 9 on its ‘Best of CES 2017’ list due to the device’s powerful Kirin 960 chipset, SuperCharge technology, Leica dual-lens camera and Amazon Alexa integration. Techaeris publishes in-depth stories, news coverage and product information and reviews. It covers everything from technology to science, art, photography and lifestyle.

هاتف هواوي Mate 9 يفوز بثمانية جوائز

خلال معرض الإلكترونيات الاستهلاكية 2017 CES

بيروت، في 30 كانون الثاني 2017: حصدت شركة هواوي عدة جوائز مرموقة خلال معرض الإلكترونيات الإستهلاكية CES 2017 منحتها أبرز المجلات العالمية والمواقع المتخصّصة بأخبار الإلكترونيات. وعقب إطلاقها Mate 9 الجديد في تشرين الثاني الماضي، أعلنت هواوي توفّر هاتفها في الأسواق الأميركية خلال المعرض، فضلاً عن الكشف عن شراكات جديدة مع أمازون أليكسا، ومنصة جوجل للواقع الافتراضي Google Daydream. وحاز Mate 9 على ثمانية جوائز مرموقة تقديراً لتصميمه، وأدائه المميّز، وكاميرته ثنائية العدسات، ومدة تشغيل بطاريته، والشراكات التي أضافت الكثير لهذا الهاتف. كما فاز الجهاز اللوحي MateBook من هواوي بجائزة CES للإبتكار للعام 2017، تقديراً لتصميمه الرائع وأدائه المميّز. واختار موقع Android Authority المتخصص بالإلكترونيات والتكنولوجيا "هواوي" لتكون "صانع العام" تكريماً لأجهزتها واستراتيجياتها التجارية وريادتها التكنولوجية التي بفضلها سجّلت نجاحاً خارقاً في العام 2016. وفي ما يلي الجوائز الثماني التي حصدها هواوي Mate 9 للعام 2017:

اختار صحيفة وول ستريت جورنال هاتف هواوي Mate 9 ضمن قائمتها لأفضل الأجهزة الذكية في معرض الإلكترونيات الاستهلاكية 2017 CES. وأثنى محرّرو الجريدة على شاشة عرضه عالية الدقة، وقوة أداء معالج البيانات، وسرعة شحن البطارية وطول عمر التشغيل، وكاميراته الخلفية ثنائية العدسات من صنع ليكا. وتعتبر جريدة وول ستريت جورنال إحدى أبرز صحف العالم والأوسع انتشاراً وقراءة  في الولايات المتحدة الأميركية.

ومنحت مدونة أندرويد بوليس Android Police هواوي Mate 9 جائزة أفضل هاتف للعام 2017، تقديراً لتعاون الشركة المثمر مع "أمازون أليكسا" ما حوّله لأحد أبرز الأجهزة المطروحة في 2017 CES. يذكر أن أندرويد بوليس مدونة متخصصة بنظام تشغيل أندرويد، والأجهزة العاملة بموجبه، ويقصده متابعو أخبار التكنولوجيا والإلكترونيات.

وأعلن موقع Boy Genius Report عن فوز هاتف هواوي Mate 9 بجائزة أفضل هاتف ذكي خلال معرض الإلكترونيات الاستهلاكية 2017 CES تقديراً لدقة وجودة شاشة عرضه، والكفاءة العالية لمعالج البيانات، وطول عمر بطاريته، ودعم المساعد الشخصي "أمازون أليكسا". يذكر أن Boy Genius Report هو أحد أبرز مواقع أخبار الإلكترونيات والهواتف النقّالة وأسواق الإلكترونيات الاستهلاكية على الإنترنت. ويستقطب الموقع قاعدة واسعة  من القراء، غالبيتهم من عشاق التكنولوجيا المهتمين بمعرفة كل جديد عن عالم التقنية.

كما منح موقع Chip Chick هاتف هواوي Mate 9 جائزة "الاختيار الأبرز في 2017 CES" فور صدوره في أسواق الولايات المتحدة الأميركية، وبعد دعم تشغيل المساعد الشخصي "أمازون أليكسا". يذكر أن موقع Chip Chick تأسس في العام 2004 وكان أول موقع يتناول أخبار التكنولوجيا والإلكترونيات من منظور نسائي، حيث يسلّط الضوء على مختلف الخيارات التي تتلائم مع أساليب الحياة المختلفة للمستهلكات.

وأدرج موقع Talk Android هواوي Mate 9 ضمن قائمته لأفضل الأجهزة الذكية المطروحة في 2017 CES، مشيداً بقوة أداء معالج هذا الهاتف المزوّد برقاقة Kirin 960، وجودة صوره العالية بفضل كاميراته ثنائية العدسات. ويتناول موقع Talk Android أخبار نظام تشغيل أندرويد وتحديثاته، وآخر مستجدات التطبيقات التي يدعمها.

أما موقع TechAdvisor الشهير، فأدرج هواوي Mate 9 ضمن قائمة "أفضل الأجهزة الإلكترونية المطروحة في 2017 CES" مسلّطاً الضوء على دعمه للمساعد الشخصي "أمازون أليكسا". ويعتبر موقع TechAdvisor من أكثر المواقع رواجاً بين مستخدمي ومتتبعي أخبار التكنولوجيا وعالم التقنية والإلكترونيات حول العالم لأنه يقدم تقارير تحليلة ترشح أبرز الأجهزة الذكية للإقتناء الشخصي بعد تعداد مزاياها.

وبدوره، منح TechnoBuffalo هواوي Mate 9 جائزة أفضل الأجهزة الذكية المطروحة في 2017 CES، مشيداً بدعمه للمساعد الشخصي أمازون "أليكسا"، وقوة أداء معالجة البيانات، والإدارة المتطورة لتطبيقات الهاتف، وطول عمر البطارية، وشاشة العرض عالية الدقة والوضوح. يذكر أن هذا الموقع يغطّي مواضيع عالم الإلكترونيات من أجهزة ذكية واتجاهات سائدة. ويضمّ مقالات تحليلية، ودليل كيفية استخدامها فضلاً عن فيديوهات توضيحية.

وأخيراً أدرج موقع Techaeris هواوي Mate 9 ضمن لائحة أفضل الأجهزة المطروحة في 2017 CES، وأثنى محرروه على قوة أداء معالج البيانات طراز Kirin 960، وسرعة شحن البطارية وطول عمر التشغيل، وكاميرته الخلفية ثنائية العدسات، ودعم المساعد الشخصي الذكي من أمازون أليكسا. يذكر أن الموقع  ينشر مقالات تتعمق في تغطية مميزات ومواصفات الأجهزة الذكية، وكل ما يتعلق بجديد العلوم، والفنون، والتصوير، وأسلوب الحياة.

UK EXPATS SHOULD CONSIDER FINAL SALARY PENSION TRANSFERS WITH FCA-REGULATED FIRMS ONLY, ADVISES GUARDIAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Record-high transfer values offering lucrative lump sums for pension pots at risk, says Global Pensions Specialists Clare Bruce

January 30th 2017, Dubai: Expats who have a UK-based pension should consider transferring their final salary pensions, according to financial planning firm Guardian Wealth Management.

The company’s chartered financial advisor, Clare Bruce, who is one of the only FCA-permitted pension transfer specialists in the region, says that current record-high transfer values are making it a good opportunity for UAE expats to transfer their UK private sector pensions. However, such a complex process should only be conducted by firms in the UAE who are regulated by the UK financial regulator.

“We have just heard the news that the former UK pensions minister Ros Altmann has cashed in two of her final salary pensions, which gives a high indication that now is a good time for some people to follow suit,” she said.

“With one in six private sector pensions at serious risk, firms are actively trying to de-risk their liabilities by incentivising members to transfer their pensions out of the scheme with attractive transfer values. Guardian Wealth Management is one of the only financial planning firms in the region with advisors FCA-approved to give advice on pension transfers.”

In the UK, a final salary pension scheme was traditionally seen as the best type of pension to have, often referred to as a ‘gold plated’ pension. A scheme such as this is a rigid income-contract style of pension, funded by contributions from employee and employer and payable from a pre-defined retirement age such as 65. However, the alternative is to claim the transfer value on offer and, combined with investment growth over time, provide the person with a flexible and tax efficient income at retirement, with much improved death benefits for loved ones.

Unfortunately, as the pension and economic landscape has developed in recent years, a final salary (“defined benefit”) scheme no longer represent a safe bet for retirement and a growing number of schemes have closed their doors to new members. The risk of these schemes is largely down to record-low gilt yields (UK government bonds) that these pension funds had been invested into, meaning potentially large deficits in pension pots. Of course, while that scheme has promised an income at retirement, it is dependent on the health of the pension to allow it to keep that promise.

A final salary transfer is the name given to the process of switching the balance of this pension into a HMRC recognised pension scheme. When a transfer value is calculated, it is based on how much it would cost the person to buy an annuity like-for-like (insurance that guarantees income for life), so effectively a matching private income contract capable of providing the same income and any benefits that the person’s scheme would provide in retirement.

The figure is calculated by the scheme actuary who follows pre-determined guidelines based on principles such as how many years left before retirement, personal circumstances, average life expectancy and so on.

“Many of the recent cases of pension transfers that we have done for our clients have seen transfer values be as much as 40 times the value of the preserved pension income, so in essence the transfer opportunity can be very lucrative,” said Clare.

“There are many reasons why a final salary transfer might be advantageous. For instance, if you are concerned about your company’s ability to support your pension scheme or if you want greater flexibility and control over your fund, which will allow you to decide when and how much you draw throughout retirement”.

“For expats in particular, transferring your pension offshore can allow much improved income tax planning opportunities and allows you to pass down the total amount of the pension fund to your loved ones rather than be limited to a taxable widow’s pension, if the worse should happen”.

However, it is important to note that there are some risks with final salary pension transfers, such as penalties for transferring out early. In addition, not all members of final salary schemes can transfer. With a final salary scheme, the person is essentially guaranteed an income for life. So by accepting the transfer value, they begin an irreversible process where they surrender the existing benefits in return for a cash lump sum and are discharged from the pension scheme.

The success of the new pension is, of course, determined by the success of the investments made within it. If the fund struggles, then there is a possibility they could end up with less money to draw income from, highlighting the importance of having an approved, regulated advisor.

“Such an important decision should never be taken without receiving sound advice from a financial planning firm that can be held accountable under FCA rules should anything go wrong. Additionally, a bespoke plan should be made for each transfer so that the funds are being re-invested into a suitable vehicle”, said Clare.

Guardian Wealth Management uses UK Crown Dependencies or territories with similar protection and the same transparent regulations, offering higher levels of protection. All GWM advisers are UK qualified and regulated in the jurisdiction which they operate.

For more information and advice on pensions, visit www.guardianwealthmanagement.com

Cayan Group Recognized as Most Innovative Leading Property Developer

Global Brands magazine honours real estate giant at annual awards ceremony

Dubai/Riyadh 31, January, 2017-- Cayan Group, the leading property developer in the Middle East, was recently awarded the ‘Most Innovative Leading Property Developer Brand in Saudi Arabia’ by the Global Brands magazine.  

The award, which is a global recognition for excellent service, was bestowed upon Cayan Group after a rigorous screening process involving independent research agencies which verify short-listed nominations using publicly available information.

“We have attained a commanding position in the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia and the GCC, and importantly in the public’s mind through our iconic buildings. However, to reach this pinnacle of success we have had to continuously innovate, whether it was in concept, design, construction, or service delivery. To have our efforts verified by independent research agencies and recognized by the Global Brands magazine makes us very proud,’’ commented Ahmed Al Hatti, Chairman of Cayan Group.

The Global Brands magazine awards occurs annually and acknowledges companies from various industries but specifically those in the banking & finance, education and hospitality sectors from around the world. The awards aim at honouring and acknowledging excellence in performance by key players in the markets by providing companies a platform, and creating awareness of the need for exceptional service and delivery.

مجموعة كيان تحصد جائزة "الشركة الأكثر ابتكاراً في مجال التطوير العقاري"

مجلة "جلوبال براندز" تكرم رواد القطاع العقاري خلال حفلها السنوي

]دبي / الرياض، 31 ، يناير 2017[ - حازت مجموعة كيان، الرائدة في مجال التطوير العقاري في منطقة الشرق الأوسط، حديثاً على جائزة "الشركة الأكثر ابتكاراً في مجال التطوير العقاري في المملكة العربية السعودية" من قبل مجلة جلوبال براندز.

ونالت مجموعة كيان هذه الجائزة العالمية التي تعتبر بمثابة تقدير عن الخدمات المتميزة للشركات، عقب عملية اختيار دقيقة شاركت فيها وكالات بحوث مستقلة، وضعت قائمة الترشيحات بناءً على المعلومات المتاحة أمام العامة.

وتعقيباً على الفوز بهذه الجائزة قال أحمد الحاطي، رئيس مجلس إدارة المجموعة: "أثبتت مجموعة كيان نفسها بقوة على قطاع العقارات في المملكة العربية السعودية ودول مجلس التعاون الخليجي، والأهم من ذلك أنها ميزت مشروعاتها من خلال انشاء و توفير مباني أيقونية للمجموعة. ولتحقيق هذا النجاح، عملنا جاهدين على الاستثمار في الابتكار، سواء من حيث المفهوم، أو التصميم، أو البناء، أو الخدمات التي تقدمها الشركة. ونحن فخورون بتقدير جهودنا من قبل جهات بارزة مثل وكالات الأبحاث المستقلة، ومجلة جلوبال براندز".

وتقدم جوائز مجلة جلوبال براندز بشكل سنوي، وتغطي الشركات العاملة في مختلف القطاعات، وعلى وجه الخصوص قطاعات المصارف، والتعليم، والضيافة  من جميع أنحاء العالم. وتهدف هذه الجوائز إلى تكريم الشركات و العلامات التجارية الرائدة في السوق على أدائها المتميز، من خلال تسليط الضوء على أهمية تقديم مشاريع و خدمات استثنائية و مبتكرة.