Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 8 February 2024: The Green Planet™ Dubai, the Middle East’s largest and only indoor tropical rainforest in Dubai, is re-introducing its exciting Junior Ranger* experience tailored for young explorers aged 15 and below during the mid-term break, where families are welcome to invite their little ones to join fun-educational adventures during mid-term break from 12th to 18th February 2024.

A range of interesting activities await all young eco-explorers including the new Junior Ranger experience that offers an adventurous journey through the rainforest, allowing them to discover 10 unique trials by finding clues on the helpful signs around the biome. Explorers can expect to gain interesting insights on animals and nature through each trail, as well as enjoy enlightening ‘Nature Talks’ led by The Green Planet Dubai’s expert educators at 1:30PM, 2:30PM and 4:30PM at the outdoor Nature Park, igniting curiosity and nurturing a fun learning experience while deepening their knowledge of the 3,000 plants and animals.

Every young explorer that joins the Junior Ranger programme, receives a passport with 10 engaging trails, a bio-degradable bag and pen with plantable seeds to complete this interesting mission and upon successfully completing all the challenges, the young guests will be awarded The Green Planet™ Dubai Ambassador Pin as a token of their dedication and hard work. 

To extend the fun even further during the day, young guests are welcome to engage with The Green Planet Dubai’s resident mascots from 12:00PM onwards, aimed to educate and drive awareness of ecological sustainability, aligned with the UAE's commitment to the 'Year of Sustainability' in 2024. That’s not all as all families are invited to explore the tropical weather at the biodome with the Thunderstorm in the Rainforest that brings the vibrant ecosystem to life, occurring at 12:00PM*, 1:00PM, 3:00PM and 5:00PM. 

Junior Ranger experience is priced at AED 35 as an add-on to The Green Planet™ Dubai Day Pass (starting from AED 155). For an exclusive behind the scenes adventure, adults and children aged 8 and above can experience the exclusive Zookeeper for a Day** programme priced at AED 410, where young adventurers get hands-on experience caring for the diverse range of inhabitants, assisting biologists prepare animal terrariums, nurturing endangered species, curating animal diets and more. The Zookeeper for a Day experience is available daily from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Outdoor lovers will enjoy an exceptional adventure while exploring the outdoor Nature Park’s nine vibrant botanical gardens, treehouse adventure trail, skyline walks, and nine viewing platforms designed for the youngsters. Additionally, guests will encounter over 20 giant animatronic bugs – larger-than-life replicas of real species, offering a fun learning experience before discovering the biodome’s resident insect species up close. 

For more information and booking The Junior Ranger programme, please visit https://thegreenplanetdubai.com/Midtermbreak. 
For more information on the Zookeeper experience, please visit, https://thegreenplanetdubai.com/en/events/zookeeper.

Al Ain, UAE: The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced Souq Al Wahat, a pop-market set to open later this month in Al Ain Oasis. The event presents visitors with an opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in Emirati and global cultures, featuring live entertainment, diverse shopping experiences and a range of family-friendly activities.

For a full month, every weekend Souq Al Wahat will invite the community to gather and enjoy musical performances along with street artist displays, children’s games and workshops, pony rides, a pop-up cinema, and additional attractions. Visitors can browse over 25 stalls showcasing local artisanal creations, including fashion, homeware, jewellery, organic food items and more. The souq will feature a diverse range of food concepts, with 16 live cooking stations offering a delectable array of cuisines to satisfy every craving.

Embracing the overarching theme of "Fusion", each weekend of the event will celebrate a global culture. The first weekend will focus on Emirati traditions, opening with an Al Ayyala display and hosting other UAE heritage and musical performances such as Tagrooda, Harbeiyah, Rebabah, Oud, and Shilla throughout the festivities. Servers will offer visitors Gahwa (Arabic coffee) while an Al Azee marching band provides roaming entertainment.

For the second weekend, 24-25 February, the focus will be on Indian culture, featuring a diverse array of musical and dance performances as well as screenings of on-theme films such as The Jungle Book. On March 2 and 3, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic essence of African culture, enjoying traditional drum performances, Ethiopian coffee, jugglers and a roaming parade. Wrapping up the international theme with a focus on American culture on March 9 and 10, the weekend will showcase food and beverage options like burgers and hot dogs, along with Country-western dancing and other activities.

Souq Al Wahat will welcome visitors every Saturday and Sunday from 17 February to 10 March from 3 pm to 10 pm. Admission is priced at AED 5 for adults, and children under 12 can enter for free.

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi’s iconic destination, celebrated the launch of its Public Art Programme during Art of Living 2024, Architectural Digest Middle East’s immersive art show that returned to Jubail Island for its second edition.

The event, which underscores Jubail Island’s commitment to culture and community welcomed various galleries as artists from across the world exhibited their works in the community’s show villas, where guests had the opportunity to discover the work of regional creatives, as well as Jubail Island’s villas simultaneously - all in an immersive ambiance of lights, music, live performances, and food stations.

As part of the annual event, Jubail Island launched its Public Arts Programme, a new initiative that introduces art to Jubail Island’s community, lifestyle and beautiful landscaped public spaces. Tarek Elkassouf’s artwork, “Transformative Energy” was the first piece in Jubail Island’s Public Art series, unveiled at this year’s Art of Living event.

Mahmoud Dandashly, Chief Business Officer of LEAD Real Estate Developer, said: “The Public Art initiative is tailored towards residents, and visitors, encouraging them to engage with art on a daily basis. Art has a proven ability to stimulate thoughts and perceptions, evoking a deep appreciation for its beauty and emotional impact. An art programme mirroring Jubail’s essence will add to the island’s charm and beauty, spreading a positive impact on the Abu Dhabi community and the broader UAE, whilst creating a legacy for future generations.” 

Dandashly, added: “The Emirate of Abu Dhabi places great emphasis on the promotion of arts and culture, and the Jubail Island’s Public Arts Programme is an initiative aimed at continuing Abu Dhabi’s journey, as a talent hub and leading global destination for arts and culture. The Programme is geared towards enriching the experience of Jubail Island community. Jubail Island is proud to play its part in bolstering Abu Dhabi’s art and culture scene.”

Tarek Elkassouf is an acclaimed Sculptor who is consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of sculpture. In his Artist Statement, he explores the concept of balance after transformation.

Elkassouf has meticulously sculpted six unique and awe-inspiring outdoor sculptures, each possessing its own distinctive character and message. The Artwork entitled "transformative Energy' are thoughtfully crafted using Basalt and lime stone, ensuring their durability and resistance to environmental factors. Transformative Energy embodies the dynamic spirit and rapid progress of the UAE, and draws inspiration from the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage.

In reflecting on being part of Jubail Island's Public Art programme, Tarek shared: "This Artwork finds its home in a place of unparalleled beauty. I am filled with pride to be a contributing brushstroke to the burgeoning canvas of art that is flourishing in Jubail Island and the broader Abu Dhabi landscape."

Commenting on his artwork, Tarek Elkassouf said “The proximity of the stone sculpture and the living, breathing mangrove reserve of Jubail Island might seem like a contrast, but delving deeper into their symbolic interplay reveals an intricate relationship that celebrates both the permanence of art and the ephemeral beauty of nature. Together, they create a holistic experience, intertwining the tales of human creativity and nature being a constant inspiration.”

Standing tall at 3.25m, the artwork was unveiled at Jubail Island during AD’s Art of Living exhibition, where Jubail Island community members and guests discovered a new experience of island life, where architecture, art, and nature met.

The AED15 billion Jubail Island, a project owned by JIIC and developed and managed by LEAD Real Estate Developer, will be home to an idyllic collection of six residential village estates located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

Nestled among the breath-taking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the mangroves, the landmark community will offer residents every convenience and amenity, seamlessly blending sustainable living, luxury, and wellness in an iconic new addition to Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape.

LONDON: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading logistics company, Eurus Express. Together, they will explore the opportunities to create a joint venture (JV) that will support future business growth and cultivate sustainable progress in Hainan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Eurus Express, a leading integrated logistics solution provider, offers highly customized supply chain solutions to their partners through a global network of 58 locations in 17 countries. 

As part of this opportunity, the proposed JV would see Menzies Aviation and Eurus Express work together to provide best-in-class cargo and logistics services in China. Hainan’s free trade port status means that it is a growth priority for the JV, with both companies determined to play a key role in helping the province become an international logistics and aviation leader. 

Hassan El-Houry, Executive Chairman, Menzies Aviation, said: “The signing of this MoU is further evidence of Menzies’ commitment to growth in the wider Asia-Pacific region. We are entering a new chapter for the business, and we’re immensely excited for what lies ahead. Eurus Express is one of the leading logistics companies in China, and forging new strategic partnerships like this, creates countless opportunities across a commercially important region. We look forward to working with Eurus as we explore collaborative opportunities to provide safe, secure and reliable cargo and logistics services to new and existing customers across the region.”

Philipp Joeinig, Group CEO, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Jackie Mung, CEO of Eurus Express, and his team, whose outlook and ambition is strategically aligned with our own vision. The creation of this JV presents a valuable opportunity for us to accelerate business growth in China and beyond to deliver best in class aviation services across the region. We are looking forward to working with Eurus Express to deliver market leading, high quality aviation services in Hainan and beyond.”

Jackie Mung, CEO, Eurus Express, said: “Our vision is to empower our people, partners, and communities in Hainan to thrive, as this market transforms at breakneck speed. The future of progress relies on imagination and vision to see beyond today. By combining vast local insight and global best practices, together we can facilitate pioneering solutions for sustainable growth.”

The number one money exchange company in Kuwait, Al-Muzaini Exchange Company recently opened its newest branch in Kuwait in Hadiya Co-op on Feb 1, 2024. This opening was extremely significant and the rapid expansion reflects the company's endeavor to always be near its customers. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to providing the highest quality of financial services such as money transfers, foreign currency exchange and bill payments with convenience, comfort and safety and at the most competitive prices, seven days a week. 

The General Manager of Al Muzaini Exchange Company, Mr. Hugh Fernandes and the company's department managers and various senior personnel inaugurated the new branch in Hadiya Co-op and Mr. Fernandes stated: “We take great pride in strengthening our leading position in the local market and always place focus in ensuring that we provide the best financial services experience to our customers in order to meet all their money transfer needs. We always want to stay true to our mission; to always be near to our customers and to add to their convenience.”

In addition to its strong network of branches, Al Muzaini application provides simple and safe financial solutions and offers a variety of features to its customers. Customers can also use Al Muzaini self-service kiosks placed at strategic locations to perform transactions. 

Customers can also participate in Al Muzaini’s new Transfer and Win Campaign. Transfer your money through Al Muzaini and use any of Al Muzaini Exchange services for a chance to win incredible prizes up to $30,000. Daily, weekly and monthly prizes are up for grabs with the grand prize being $10,000. The campaign lasts from December 26, 2023 to February 29, 2024.

Al Muzaini, always near you!

Kuwait:  The "Top Industries in the Middle East and North Africa 2023" survey, conducted by Bayt.com, the middle east’s top job site, and YouGov, a market research agency, has been released. This survey offers crucial insights into the preferred industries, job satisfaction levels, and salary expectations of professionals in Kuwait.

The survey highlighted industries where professionals are currently working and the most sought-after industries for job seekers in the region. Advertising/ Marketing/ Public Relations (9%) and Consumer Goods/ FMCG (9%) emerged as the top industries where respondents are currently working or have worked most recently. On the other hand, Automotive, Education/Academia, and Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations (all at 6%) were the most popular industries for job seekers in Kuwait.

Ola Haddad, Director of Human Resources at Bayt.com said: "The Kuwait job market is dynamic and ever-evolving, and it is crucial for professionals, job seekers, and employers to stay informed about the latest trends and preferences. This survey provides valuable insights for both individuals and organizations looking to navigate the job market effectively and make informed decisions."

The survey reveals a dichotomy in job satisfaction in Kuwait: while many professionals are content with their working hours, there is a significant portion who feel dissatisfied with their salary packages. One of the key findings of the survey revealed that 69% of Kuwait residents are satisfied with their working hours, highlighting a positive aspect of the job landscape in Kuwait. However, nearly half of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their salary packages, followed by career growth, where 42% of respondents claimed dissatisfaction.

The widespread view that industries with high salaries are key, highlights the critical role of competitive pay in attracting the best talent in Kuwait. When asked about the industries offering the best salary packages, 43% of respondents believed that Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals ranked the highest in their country of residence, which includes non-monetary benefits. Additionally, 26% of respondents believed that Banking/Finance/Accounting offered the best salaries after Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals.

In addition, the survey provides valuable insights into job preferences and availability of job opportunities for women and local talent in Kuwait. Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals (21%), Banking/Finance/Accounting (26%), and Government/Civil Service (15%) emerged as the most attractive industries for women in terms of job preferences. Furthermore, Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals (26%), IT/Internet/E-commerce (11%), and Banking/Finance/Accounting (17%) were the top three industries in terms of attracting the highest proportion of local talent.

Insights on Industries and Career Changes

It has been increasingly evident that digital skills are in high demand across various sectors, with IT/Internet/E-commerce leading the pack. IT/ Internet/E-commerce emerges as the top industry expected to record the strongest growth (34%) this year. The findings indicate the importance of acquiring and honing digital skills to remain competitive in the job market.

Further highlighting the relevance of specialized education in terms of employability, IT/ Internet/E-commerce (19%), Healthcare/ Medical services (13%), Military/ Defence/ Police (11%), and Education/ Academia (11%) emerge as industries hiring the highest proportion of fresh graduates. 

The survey findings demonstrate that working for the government remains a highly desirable option in Kuwait, with many professionals valuing the stability, benefits, and career opportunities that come with working for the government. The majority of respondents (44%) believe that the government is a favorable employer, with 38% claiming that the government is an extremely favorable employer. 

The survey provides valuable insights into the factors driving professionals in Kuwait to change industries and the industries that are most appealing for a potential change. Notably, 30% of working respondents have changed their industry in the last two years, with better salaries (38%), lack of recognition (31%), and better opportunities for career growth (31%) being the top three reasons for having made the change. 

In terms of industry preferences, 51% of respondents are considering an industry change in the next few months, with Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals (18%), Transport/ Travel and Automotive (both at 9%) emerging as the most appealing industries. Better salary (68%) is the top reason for considering an industry change, followed by better career growth at 50%. The emphasis on better salaries as a primary motive for both past and potential industry changes highlight the importance of financial stability and rewards in attracting and retaining talent.

Zafar Shah, Account Director at YouGov said: "In today's rapidly changing job market, it is crucial for professionals and organizations to stay informed and adaptable. By understanding the trends and preferences of Kuwait job market, we empower employers to make informed decisions and job seekers to reach their career goals.  Our data-driven approach enables stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the market, identify opportunities, and drive success." 

Data for the Top Industries in the Middle East and North Africa 2023 survey was collected online from 29 November to 27 December, 2023. Results are based on a sample of 2,237 respondents from the following countries: UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, and others.

About Bayt.com:

Bayt.com is the leading job site in the Gulf and Middle East, connecting job seekers with employers looking to hire. Every day, the award-winning platform lists thousands of new job vacancies from the region's top employers. It is used by over 40,000 global employers and boasts a database of over 44,000,000 professionals.

Bayt.com envisions becoming the MENA's greatest business success – a global institution that is an indispensable extension of people's lives. The platform prioritizes empowering individuals worldwide with tools and information to build a lifestyle of choice. It offers career solutions, resources, guidance, and opportunities to transform job seekers' lives and help them achieve their full potential.