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DIFC announces decarbonation strategy, achieving Net Zero by 2045 at Future Sustainability Forum 2024

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  • DIFC has announced its Decarbonisation Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to being a sustainability leader in the region

  • DIFC is playing a key role in the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Goals, aiming to reach net zero by 2045, with targeted emission reductions across operations, construction, and supply-chain

  • The Centre published its inaugural Sustainability Progress Report, titled “Building a Sustainable Future: DIFC’s Path to Impact” 

  • The Future Sustainability Forum 2024, brought together 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to explore innovative solutions to achieve net-zero targets, advance sustainable finance, and drive green innovation

“The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a critical platform that enables global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finding practical solutions for climate change and sustainable development. In light of COP29 outcomes, we are pleased to announce DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy, where we are setting new standards for environmental leadership. We remain at the forefront of solidifying Dubai’s position as the leading sustainable financial city in the region. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for decarbonisation within global financial centres and aim to achieve Net Zero in 2045, five years ahead of the UAE’s targets.” – His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC.

Dubai, UAE, 9th December 2024, ZEX PR WIREDubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced several updates at the 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum, that advance its position as the region’s leading sustainability finance hub.

Building on the outcomes of COP29, the legacy of COP28 with its landmark UAE Consensus, which was hosted in Dubai last year, DIFC has unveiled its Decarbonisation Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to being a sustainability leader in the region. The Centre will play a vital role in contributing to the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, by committing to achieve its Net Zero targets by 2045. In its Decarbonisation Strategy, DIFC targets reducing emissions in areas it directly controls relating to its operations, construction activities and supply chain, setting an example for financial centres worldwide. DIFC’s Strategy aims to achieve real Net Zero, without offsetting or trading carbon emissions.

The event also served as a platform to launch DIFC’s inaugural Sustainability Progress Report titled ‘Building a Sustainable Future: DIFC’s Path to Impact’ detailing achievements and a roadmap for sustainability.

The Forum also hosted the Climate Tech World Cup. Organised by Trescon and powered by Ignyte, it is a call to action for entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries from across the globe. Participants were encouraged to present their ideas and solutions to the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Finalists included Acklo, Baynunah Watergeneration Technologies, Green Worms, Mahawa, The Surpluss, Sirius Energy and Zeroe.

COP29 signified the midpoint of the “COP Presidencies Troika”, a collaborative effort between the UAE (hosted COP28) and Brazil (host to COP30 in 2025) that aims to accelerate progress toward the 1.5°C goal. DIFC’s Future Sustainability Forum and announcements come amidst new targets and outcomes from COP29, which will strengthen the UAE’s efforts to mitigate climate risk.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, commented: “The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a critical platform that enables global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finding practical solutions for climate change and sustainable development. In light of COP29 outcomes, we are pleased to announce DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy, where we are setting new standards for environmental leadership. We remain at the forefront of solidifying Dubai’s position as the leading sustainable financial city in the region. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for decarbonisation within global financial centres and aim to achieve Net Zero in 2045, five years ahead of the UAE’s targets.”

Figures from Bloomberg’s Capital Markets League Tables has showed that annual issuances of green social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bonds (GSSB) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2023 hit a new record of USD 24bn, driven by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE leads regional green bond issuance, recently reaching USD 10.7bn, up nearly 170 per cent and capturing approximately 45 per cent of regional totals.

As a leader in global climate action, the UAE has strengthened its role in driving efforts to mobilise climate finance with several global initiatives. These efforts advance the global climate agenda, further international co-operation in environmental sustainability, and support the green transition. DIFC is also bolstering its position as a regional and global hub for sustainable finance, innovation, and leadership, building on the dialogues initiated during COP28 and enhanced through COP29.

Launched during COP28, the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst is a cornerstone initiative in supporting start-ups and innovation in the sustainable economy by scaling sustainable financial flows from Dubai to USD 100bn by 2030, enabled by the first AI-driven sustainability knowledge hub. A workstream for the Future Sustainability Forum will be added to the 2025 Dubai FinTech Summit, creating opportunities for cross-sectoral growth between sustainability, ESG and innovation.

Bringing together 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to explore innovative solutions for achieving net-zero targets, advancing sustainable finance, and driving sustainability-led innovation, the Future Sustainability Summit hosted over 500 global investors and more than 100 speakers.

The 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum is supported by:

Strategic Government Partners: Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

Strategic Partner: DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst

Presenting Sponsor: Commercial Bank of Dubai

Powered By: Mashreq

Platinum Sponsors: Deloitte, Esyasoft

Gold Sponsor: Emirates NBD

Mobility Partner: Salik

Silver Sponsors: Barclays, S&P Global, Hedge5, Ahya, Blue Sun

Roundtable Sponsors: LSEG, Vision Bank

Corporate Pledge Partner: TIGRUS Restaurant Holding

Bronze Sponsors: White Hydrogen, Zero, Al Masaood, United Arab Bank, GIM-UEMOA, Pasqal, Ajman Bank, Lafarge, TRST01, TENDERD

Official Media Partner: Arabian Business

Ecosystem Partner: Entrepreneur Middle East

Financial Sustainability Media Partner: The Fintech Times

Official Sustainable Economy Partner: Finance World Magazine

Technology Media Partner: Mena Tech

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn.

With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai.

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 43,800 professionals working across over 6,150 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Nivine William | Nisha Celina

Burson | bursonglobal.com

nivine.william@bursonglobal.com | nisha.celina@bursonglobal.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority  

Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications

+9714 3622451

Rasha.Mezher@difc.ae

Shadi Dawi

Senior Director – PR & Media

+971 55 498 4989

shadi@tresconglobal.com

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Press Release

ArtRewards Launches Innovative Online Art Platform A Hub for Discovering, Connecting, and Celebrating Original Artwork Worldwide

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Norway, 18th Dec 2024 – ArtRewards, the premier online art gallery based in Oslo, Norway, is transforming the art world by offering art enthusiasts, collectors, and creators a dynamic platform to buy, sell, and explore original artworks from globally acclaimed and emerging artists. Since its launch in 2021, ArtRewards has become a trusted hub for art lovers, curating exceptional pieces that inspire creativity and elevate spaces worldwide.

A Visionary Platform Connecting Art to the World

ArtRewards is more than just an art gallery; it’s a visionary platform that bridges the gap between artists and art enthusiasts across the globe. Whether you are a seasoned collector, a first-time buyer, or an emerging artist, ArtRewards provides a seamless and trusted experience to discover, purchase, and sell original art. The platform offers a vast array of mediums, from paintings and sculptures to mixed media, photography, and contemporary drawings, each tailored to suit the unique tastes and budgets of its diverse audience.

Unrivalled Collection: Art for Every Style and Space

ArtRewards is proud to feature a thoughtfully curated selection of artworks across various popular categories, ensuring that every collector finds something that resonates with their personal style. Categories available on the platform include:

  • Surrealism – Immersive and dreamlike pieces that challenge the boundaries of reality.
  • Pop Art – Bold, vibrant works that blend contemporary culture with artistic expression.
  • Impressionism – Soft, emotive pieces capturing fleeting moments and natural beauty.
  • Expressionism – Art that portrays raw emotions and intense subjectivity.
  • Abstract Art – Pieces that engage the imagination through non-representational forms and colour.
  • Contemporary Art – Works that reflect current trends, exploring both new and traditional mediums.

With prices ranging from under $500 to over $10,000, ArtRewards ensures that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to enhance your living room, office, or corporate collection, the platform offers artworks that cater to every style, size, and investment level.

Spotlight on World-Class and Rising Artists

ArtRewards is committed to showcasing exceptional talent, offering a platform for both renowned artists and emerging creators. The gallery proudly features works from celebrated artists such as:

  • Marco Battaglini – An artist known for blending classical techniques with modern pop culture references.
  • Will YU – A rising star whose work pushes the boundaries of contemporary art with dynamic forms and techniques.
  • Carlos Blanco Artero – A visionary in figurative and contemporary art who brings depth and emotion to his pieces.
  • Giovanni Sanesi – An innovative artist renowned for his expressive use of light and colour, which evokes powerful emotions.
  • Miguel Angel Saez – A celebrated artist known for his unique approach to mixed media and abstract works.
  • Andrew Ramiro Tirado – Renowned for his awe-inspiring sculptures that captivate and inspire viewers worldwide.

Alongside these globally acclaimed artists, ArtRewards also provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work, ensuring that art collectors have access to the next generation of creative visionaries.

https://www.artrewards.net/assets/uploads/media-uploader/large-20220928-093816-2-scaled-optimized1722853592.jpg

Effortless Buying and Selling: Your Art Journey Starts Here

For collectors, ArtRewards ensures a smooth and transparent purchasing process. Every artwork featured on the platform is guaranteed to be authentic, with detailed provenance provided for each piece. This commitment to transparency gives buyers the confidence to make informed decisions, knowing that each artwork has been carefully vetted and curated.

For artists, ArtRewards offers an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure on a global stage. The platform’s powerful tools and extensive promotional reach help artists present their works to an expansive audience of collectors who truly appreciate fine art. The simple and intuitive interface allows artists to manage their galleries, communicate with potential buyers, and track sales, making the entire process seamless.

Personalised Art Advisory: Elevating Your Spaces

What sets ArtRewards apart from other online galleries is its personalised art advisory service. The ArtRewards team of experts offers one-on-one guidance to help clients select the right pieces for their home, office, or collection. Whether you’re designing a luxury home, curating an art collection for your business, or seeking an investment piece, ArtRewards’ team of specialists is on hand to provide tailored advice that aligns with your unique preferences and goals.

Why ArtRewards is the Future of Art Buying and Selling

ArtRewards stands out as a global leader in the digital art market, offering several distinct advantages for both buyers and sellers:

  • Curated Excellence – Every piece is handpicked for its originality, quality, and artistic merit.
  • Global Access – Connects artists with collectors across the world, transcending geographical boundaries.
  • Tailored Pricing – Artworks are available at a range of price points to suit every collector and investment level.
  • Transparency & Authenticity – All artworks are thoroughly vetted for authenticity, with full provenance and detailed information provided.
  • Expert Guidance—Personalised art advisory services to ensure you find the perfect piece for your space.

With its diverse range of artworks, dedication to artist exposure, and commitment to delivering a transparent and curated experience, ArtRewards is reshaping how the world buys, sells, and enjoys art.

About ArtRewards

Founded in 2021, ArtRewards is a leading online art gallery headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Dedicated to promoting both acclaimed and emerging artists, ArtRewards provides a trusted platform for collectors to discover, purchase, and sell original artworks. With a strong commitment to quality, transparency, and accessibility, ArtRewards is redefining how the world experiences and appreciates art.

Media Contact

Organization: ArtRewards

Contact Person: Iyad Abbas

Website: https://www.artrewards.net/

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +4792523507

Address: Holmenveien 95, 0376, Oslo, Norway

Country: Norway

Release Id: 18122421633

The post ArtRewards Launches Innovative Online Art Platform A Hub for Discovering, Connecting, and Celebrating Original Artwork Worldwide appeared on King Newswire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

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Press Release

New and Affordable Travel Support Program for Boutique Hotels and Tour Operators Impacts US Market

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BDCG’s affordable marketing program for boutique properties, tour operators and other vendors is a one stop shop for PR, trade representation and social media.

United States, 18th Dec 2024 – There are tens of thousands of independent boutique luxury hotels around the globe, thousands of tour operators curating incredible experiences and private jet companies and others that provide exemplary experiences and services; yet they remain unknown to the majority of travelers and travel advisors, because they lack affordable marketing methods to support and grow their businesses. Many, if not most, are frustrated by competing with the “big guys,” do not have the resources, time, connections or internal marketing know-how leaving the US market beyond reach.

But now, that’s all changing! The experts at Black Dog Communications Group (BDCG) have introduced an affordable and impactful Comprehensive Travel Support Program, tailored to meet the travel representation, public relations and social media needs of independent businesses within the luxury hospitality/travel industry.

Black Dog Communications Group, Inc., www.blackdogcomm.com is a leader in travel communications/PR/Travel Representation/Travel Focused Social Media for hotels and operators around the globe. We’ve worked with the United States Virgin Islands during and in the aftermath of a hurricane, helped open Monteverdi Tuscany Hotel & Villas, provided communications support for Historic Mt. Vernon’s anniversary, and worked with one of the country’s leading travel representation companies and many of their thirty-five-plus members. Now, our comprehensive services have been streamlined, making them available to smaller, prestigious, boutique properties, Destination Management Companies (DMC’s)/tour operators and travel vendors who otherwise find it hard to compete for awareness and bookings.
 

BDCG’s new and Comprehensive Travel Support Program consists of:

• An onboarding call/meeting to assess opportunities in three strategic areas: Communications/PR, Representation, and Social Media

• A monthly communications call to uncover and develop story angles/pitches, ID key industry targets, and social promotions

• Creation of one Press Announcement per month including research, drafting and edits

• Distribution to targeted media agreed to by the client using our collective relationships/contacts and our paid subscriber media database (consumer travel media and travel trades) at no additional cost

• Monitoring of story opportunities for inclusion

• All follow up to secure coverage and interviews

• Prep client for interviews

• Work with client to re-merchandise the coverage, extend coverage, coordination with current social media efforts

• ID targets for one-on-one meetings with key luxury agents/agencies

• Setup and arrange for meetings in specific geographies, primarily on the US east coast

• Determining and assembling presentation and appropriate materials

• All meeting follow-up

• Outreach to thousands of travel advisor contacts via our database

• Development of social media content for posting and outreach 4x per month

• Selection of imagery and crafting of verbiage and relevant hashtags for use on Instagram and Facebook

“For years I have met and spoken with hundreds of small yet distinguished boutique hotel owners and managers as well as DMC’s who provide multi-star accommodations and first-class experiences but, struggle for attention among travel advisors, media, and influencers in the U.S. market. Now, these unique properties and experiences can have access to experienced, connected, proven, affordable experts all in one coordinated effort, said BDCG Founder Shep Doniger. “Raising awareness, building brand recognition and trust and driving bookings is now within reach at an affordable price point. We are receiving very strong and positive reactions to what we are doing from many operators around the world who desperately need what we are providing,”

BDCG has a unique understanding of the consumer travel market and travel trades, specifically travel advisors. “As part-owner of an agency with offices in New York and South Florida, I focus on the industry every single day and bring indisputable insider knowledge to my clients,” said Shep. “Together, our team brings decades of experience, thousands of advisor relationships, and the experience of social media management for dozens of travel clients to work for our clients. We know how to create and tell compelling stories, possess the relationships and ability to get the message out, and secure results that put our clients on the radars of the exact audiences they must reach.”

For more information about the Comprehensive Travel Support Program: www.blackdogcomm.com

Media Contact

Organization: Black Dog Communications Group, Inc.

Contact Person: Shep Doniger

Website: http://www.blackdogcomm.com

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +15616375750

Country: United States

Release Id: 18122421618

The post New and Affordable Travel Support Program for Boutique Hotels and Tour Operators Impacts US Market appeared on King Newswire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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Press Release

Revolutionary AI Voice Assistant Guarantees SMEs Never Miss a Call

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London, UK, 18th December 2024, ZEX PR WIREOnRiseAI is proud to announce the launch of Agent OnRise, an advanced AI voice assistant designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transform their inbound call management. With 24/7 conversational AI, Agent OnRise ensures businesses never miss an important call—day or night.

Research shows that SMEs miss nearly 47% of their inbound calls, leading to an average annual revenue loss of up to $130,000. Agent OnRise aims to solve this critical pain point by providing businesses with an always-on, AI-powered solution that enhances customer satisfaction and significantly reduces operational costs.

Every missed call is a missed opportunity,” said Jon Billington, Founder of OnRiseAI. Agent OnRise gives SMEs the tools they need to capture those opportunities, deliver exceptional service, and focus on what truly matters, growing their business.

The Problem SMEs Face:

Inbound calls remain a key channel for customer interactions. However, SMEs often lack the resources to manage high call volumes or provide consistent after-hours coverage. This results in:

  • Missed sales opportunities.

  • Frustrated customers unable to connect when they need help.

  • Increased operational strain on small teams.

Agent OnRise solves these challenges by offering an intelligent AI assistant capable of handling customer inquiries, booking appointments, and even qualifying leads in real-time.

Key Features and Benefits of Agent OnRise:

  1. Human-like Conversations: Agent OnRise uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) to deliver seamless, natural interactions that mimic human agents.

  2. 24/7 Availability: No missed calls, no missed opportunities. Your business is always reachable—even on weekends or holidays.

  3. Multilingual Support: Coverage in 32 languages, enabling businesses to expand their reach globally.

  4. Seamless CRM Integration: Automatically sync call data and customer interactions with existing systems, ensuring accurate and streamlined records.

  5. Custom Performance Dashboards: Monitor call performance, missed call rates, and customer engagement in real time.

To learn more about how conversational AI can handle after-hours calls, visit our blog: Conversational AI for After-Hours Call Handling.

Proven Results Across Industries:

Businesses in industries such as healthcare, real estate, and professional services are already experiencing measurable success with Agent OnRise.

  • Dental Practices: Practices using Agent OnRise have increased appointment bookings by 40% and reduced missed calls by 60%, leading to higher patient satisfaction and improved revenue.

  • Real Estate Agencies: Agents no longer miss potential buyers’ inquiries, leading to faster property transactions and better customer experiences.

Since implementing Agent OnRise, our missed calls have dropped significantly, and we’ve been able to convert more inquiries into confirmed bookings. It’s been a game-changer for us,” said Nigel Peters, owner of Elite Accountants.

About OnRiseAI:

OnRiseAI is a London-based AI automation company specialising in innovative tools that help SMEs enhance customer service, streamline operations, and drive growth. From AI voice assistants to lead reactivation tools, OnRiseAI combines cutting-edge technologies like natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions.

For more insights, visit https://agentonrise.com.

Schedule a demo today to see how Agent OnRise can revolutionise your customer service and improve your bottom line.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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