Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has ramped up its operations to Gatwick Airport with the addition of a third daily A380 flight. The airline continues to scale up its UK operations to meet sustained demand ahead of the holiday rush.
The additional frequency will offer enhanced capacity with more than 1,000 seats to/from Gatwick to Dubai, every day. Emirates flight EK11 will depart Dubai at 2:50hrs, flight EK15 will depart at 7:40hrs and flight EK09 will depart at 14:25hrs – offering customers even more flexibility and travel choices.
Emirates currently serves the UK with 119 weekly flights across seven UK hubs including: six times daily to London Heathrow; three times daily to London Gatwick; daily service to London Stansted; three times daily to Manchester; double daily service to Birmingham; daily flights to Newcastle; and a daily service to Glasgow.
Fly better to 130 destinations with Emirates
Emirates’ extensive network spans to 130 destinations, across six continents. Emirates’ home and hub, Dubai, remains a very popular holiday and stopover destination. Visitors from the UK can take advantage of the new Dubai Experience platform that enables customers to easily browse, create and book their own customised itineraries including flights, hotel stay, visits to key attractions, and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE.
For more information, visit emirates.com. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office, via travel agents or through online travel agents.
Without a coherent religious finance policy, none of Nigeria’s presidential candidates can address the matter of increasing GDP, boosting manufacturing and increasing productivity
[1] No matter how you look at things, religious capital presents Nigeria with the biggest potential source of internal finance for investment. Even if we appoint the most brilliant economist on earth as our finance minister, he or she will never be able to crack the Nigerian economy without tapping into religious finance
[2] As you all know, elsewhere, thousands of examples abound as to how capital from faith groups has dramatically turned economies around. Europe would not be the developed continent it is today had the Catholic Church not spent billions upgrading its infrastructure and more recently, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Qatar, etc, have all used Islamic Finance to fund colossal infrastructural projects
[3] Nigeria needs about $75bn annually to invest in infrastructure and I fail to see where else it can come from other than faith groups. If you look at the sum total of budgetary allocations, foreign direct investment and diaspora remittances, they simply cannot fill this void. The first thing I think we need to do is calculate the sum total of church tithes and Friday Jummah collections in Nigeria. I put it to you all that the figure will be staggering. It will dwarf or at least double our $30bn annual budget and it is time we invest this capital for the common good of all of us
[4] As we look to diversify our economy, there has been a lot of talk about solid mineral extraction. Now, putting our thinking caps on and thinking outside the box, has it occurred to us that there is a link between religious faith and solid minerals? You know why? Many religious orders hold vigils, worship and pray on mountain tops. As we all know, most of the earth’s solid minerals are located in rock formations. Has it occurred to anyone that all these prayer meetings are actually taking place on top of rich mineral deposits?
[5] I have a proposal that will kill two birds with one stone. First of all, people complain about noise pollution from loudspeakers in built-up areas, so let us licence faith houses to open churches and mosques on out-of-town mountain top locations. Grant them licences to build facilities on such locations
[6] However, I would want responsibility for these licences transferred to the minister for solid minerals with one small caveat. Every licence holder most prospects for minerals on their location to ascertain if it contains any hidden gems. You may find the results staggering
[6] I do not think it is demanding too much to ask every church and mosque group in Nigeria to employ one geologist, buy two dozen pick axes and shovels and ask their young members to spend say one hour a week prospecting for solid minerals. Our ministry of solid minerals should supply heavy machinery if anything is discovered or provide high-tech equipment if the geologist requires it
[8] This is a win-win for everyone as we reduce noise pollution in our urban centres, the prospect for solid minerals cheaply and if anything is discovered the faith house should get to keep about 25% of all proceeds. Over the long term, faith houses should be encouraged to create investment arms that will take out stakes in these mining companies
[9] There is nothing dramatic or revolutionary about religious investment. This is how we got the Islamic Development Bank and how all those Quaker companies like Cadbury’s, Kellogg’s, Quaker Oats, etc were formed. Confectionery in particular benefitted immensely from Christian capital historically because it did not involve the production of alcohol. Christian groups saw it as an ethical industry in which to invest their capital and I think we can make a similar case for solid minerals in Nigeria
[10] In North America, coal and crushed stone are two major minerals found in the Appalachian Mountains that straddle the US and Canada. Coal is mined by a technique called mountain top removal which involves blasting away mountain tops. The removed mountain tops provide crushed stones for construction industries. There are other minor mining activities such as iron ore and gold prospecting that also take place in the Appalachian Mountains. Is there any reason why we cannot prospect for minerals this way across Nigeria?
It is well known to everyone that Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (https://www.Jumeirah.com) is an architectural marvel that has put Dubai on the world map. The sail-shaped hotel was designed to become the icon of Dubai; a hotel that reflected the emirate’s past and its future as well as its bold ambition to become one of the most culturally diverse and dynamic cities in the world. The all-suite hotel not only challenges the norms of hotel design but has also redefined the meaning of luxury hospitality in both Dubai and around the world. Dubai’s most iconic hotel and a global icon of Arabian luxury, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is the flagship hotel of Jumeirah Group’s portfolio of exceptional properties, representing a timeless pinnacle of luxury.
In addition to being home to some of Dubai’s most exquisite destination dining experiences, from the Michelin-starred, three Toque Al Muntaha and the ultimate lifestyle destination at SAL, to the first man-made luxury beach facility of its kind at The Terrace with 24 luxury private cabanas, including 8 Royal Cabanas, we have wrapped up 6 facts that you’ve probably didn’t know about Burj Al Arab Jumeirah but are key contributors to creating a memorable experience.
Arrive in style: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers its own fleet of Rolls-Royces available for guests’ transfers to and from Dubai International Airport or around the emirate. For the ultimate arrival, guests can arrive by helicopter, landing on the iconic cantilevered helipad, suspended 212 meters above sea level.
A golden dream: The interiors of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah are gilded in 24-carat gold, with approximately 2,000sqm of 24-carat gold leaf used to embellish the hotel’s opulent interiors.
Taking wellness to the next level: Located on the 25th floor, Talise Spa at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is the first and only location in the Middle East – and second worldwide after the luxurious Capri Palace Jumeirah – to offer guests the exclusive Leg School®. Known throughout the world for its excellence in the prevention and cure of cellulite, water retention and all vascular problems in the legs, the unique programme has been developed over several years of practice and research to help improve the blood circulation of the lower limbs. The methodology, formulated and patented by Professor Francesco Canonaco, consists of the application of rich active substances and vaso-active elements, which produce a bio-stimulation on the outer and innermost layers of skin increasing elasticity and preventing stretch marks.
Michelin star dining: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s exceptional culinary talent and gastronomic experiences have been lauded in the inaugural Michelin Guide Dubai 2022, with its signature restaurant, Al Muntaha, gaining one Michelin star for its outstanding expertise and artistry. Serving up the finest Italian cuisine by acclaimed Chef Saverio Sbaragli, the stunning restaurant was recognised for its harmony of flavours and spectacular setting overlooking the city and crystalline Arabian Gulf.
Soak up the luxury with your own butler: The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Terrace is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind restaurant, pool, beach and cabana space, offering hotel guests and Burj Al Arab members the finest Arabian hospitality. The private 10,000sqm outdoor luxury leisure facility stretches 100 metres out into the sea and is home to SAL Restaurant and two stunning pools, ideal for relaxing, cooling down and soaking up the Arabian sun within plush surroundings. The private cabanas offer unrivalled poolside facilities along with dedicated butler service, a dining, beverage and bar menu, spa menu, fully stocked mini-bars, espresso machines, as well as a private bathroom, shower area and a veranda overlooking the sea.
24-Carat Gold Cappuccino: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is offering guests the chance to indulge in a cappuccino sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. Dubai’s most iconic hotel introduced The Ultimate Gold Cappuccino served at its Sahn Eddar lounge, which is located within the hotel’s atrium, from 8am to 11pm. The coffee is made using 100% Arabica beans, mixed with foamed milk that is then blended with 24-carat gold. The drink boasts the hotel’s iconic sail-shaped design, and is served alongside a Grand Cru Guanaja, a chocolate marshmallow also sprinkled with gold.
…seals baron’s 7 mansions in Lagos, Ibadan; blocks N217million in bank account
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has declared wanted Lagos socialite and owner of Adekaz Hotels, Alhaji Ademola Afolabi Kazeem (a.k.a Alhaji Abdallah Kazeem Muhammed) over offences bordering on exportation and trafficking of illicit drugs as well as money laundering.
The decision to declare the suspect wanted followed his failure to honour NDLEA invitations and an order granted to the Agency by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday 17th October 2022. The wanted drug kingpin was uncovered as the sponsor of some traffickers arrested by the anti-narcotics agency in their recent attempt to export cocaine to Dubai, UAE and other destinations outside Nigeria.
Soon after the arrest of one of his mules, Bolujoko Muyiwa Babalola, a Lagos BRT driver on 27th June at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Alhaji Ademola Kazeem who is also the Chairman of Adekaz Global Integrated Services, went underground. Following his failure to honour invitations sent to him, the Agency approached a Federal High Court in Lagos with three prayers: to attach and seal his identified properties in Lagos and Ibadan; declare him wanted and block his bank account with a cash balance of Two Hundred and Seventeen Million Naira (N217,000,000.00), all of which were granted.
As a result, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 26th October 2022 sealed six of the identified properties located on Lagos Island. They include: 105 Tokunbo street off Broad street, Lagos Island; 1 Abibu Oki street off Marina, Lagos Island; 3 Abibu Oki street off Marina, Lagos Island; 54 Palm Church street, Lagos Island; 26 Agarawu street, Lagos Island; and 41 Foresythe street, Lagos Island. The other one is located at 1 Irepodun zone, Adepoju bus stop, Ajoda Ayedun, Ibadan, Oyo state.
In a related development, the Agency on Friday 28th October arrested another drug baron, Udemezue Obunike William at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on his return from Brazil. His arrest with the support of the Nigeria Immigration Service followed the earlier arrest of some drug couriers linked to Udemezue as their sponsor. They include two mules: Messrs Adolphus Anayochukwu Okeke and Anayo Michael Nnanna. The 52-year-old father of four children who claimed to be a businessman, Okeke Adolphus Anayochukwu was arrested at the Abuja airport by NDLEA operatives with 20.75 kilograms of black liquid cocaine on Tuesday 15th March upon his arrival onboard Qatar Airways flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil through Doha, Qatar to Abuja. The liquid was discovered upon search of his luggage stuffed with six smaller bags containing 32-makeup mascara, which tested positive to cocaine.
On the other hand, a Brazilian returnee, Nnanna Anayo Michael, 39, was arrested at the Port Harcourt International Airport, PHIA, during the inward screening of passengers on board Qatar Airline flight QR1433 from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Doha to Port Harcourt on Tuesday, 29th March. Nnanna was arrested with 73 sachets weighing 8.15 kilograms of cocaine, which is the largest seizure of such at the airport, since it began international flight operations years ago.
Further investigations of the two traffickers revealed Udemezue Obunike William as the drug baron behind the cocaine cartel. As a result, he was watch-listed and arrested upon his return from Brazil on Friday 28th October.
In his reaction, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), CON, OFR, commended the officers and men of the Agency involved in the clinical investigation that led to the unmasking of the two barons. He said gone are the days when drug kingpins can hide behind traffickers and remain faceless, warning that the new NDLEA will continue to unravel them one after the other if they fail to back out of the criminal trade.
Emirates has announced today the return of its popular My Emirates Pass. Starting from 1st November 2022 to 31st March 2023, the special pass enables customers to get more from their trip with exclusive offers at over 500 locations in the UAE, throughout the December holiday season and beyond.
Emirates customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to hundreds of retail, leisure and dining outlets, as well as famous attractions and luxury spas, to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai and the UAE www.emirates.com/myemiratespass.
In addition, Emirates passengers can also enjoy a complimentary ticket to Tour Dubai’s one hour Creek Sightseeing Cruise, which gives unrivalled panoramic views of Dubai’s historic district from a traditional show boat.
Whether it’s catching up on major sports events such as the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens and DP World Tour golf events, or immersing yourself in the festive celebrations this December, there is something for every traveller when visiting Dubai this Christmas holiday season.
From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences.
Customers can book their holiday to Dubai through Emirates Holidays. All Emirates Holidays include flexible booking options and a dedicated 24/7 On Holiday Service team which will be available to support holidaymakers for every moment that they’re away. Members of Emirates’ award-winning loyalty programme, Skywards, can earn Miles on everyday spending at retail outlets in the UAE, and redeem these Miles for reward tickets, upgrades, as well as tickets for concerts and sports events. Customers will also be availed the Dubai Experience that enables them to browse, create and book their own customised itineraries including flights, hotel stay, visits to key attractions, and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE.
In recognition of its efforts to deepen digital payments acceptance for businesses on the continent, the fintech payment product of HabariPay, Squad, has received an award for “Accelerating Digital Acceptance in Africa” at the inaugural session of the Mastercard EDGE 2022. The event was held to recognize outstanding fintech companies and business leaders that are revolutionizing payments in various ecosystems.
The Mastercard EDGE – “Envision the Future of Digital, Gateways & e-Commerce Forum” – took place on Wednesday, 12 October 2022, at the Internet City, Dubai. The event hosted tech industry experts from across acquirers, PSPs, and payment technology innovators who convened to discuss the future of digital payments in EEMEA and witness the recognition of brands that are leading payment innovation in Africa and beyond.
HabariPay was awarded for creating a turnkey solution, Squad, that allows merchants to easily accept cashless payments in-store and online. Under Squad’s portfolio is its flagship SquadPOS solution, which is a first-of-its-kind payment technology in Nigeria that enables merchants to accept card payments with NFC-enabled android devices. Its other solutions include Squad Virtual Account, Squad Payment Link, Squad Storefront, and Squad USSD.
Speaking about the award, the Managing Director, HabariPay, Eduofon Japhet, said, “It is indeed an honor for us to be recognized for our efforts toward driving digital payment acceptance within the African landscape. We are deeply motivated by a passion for helping merchants receive payments in an easy, efficient, and cost-effective way so that they can thrive in this ever-evolving digital economy. In building Squad, our goal was to create a level-playing field for businesses to access a complete, affordable, and efficient tool that helps them receive payments online or in-store.”
“Though this product has only been in the market for a few months, we are excited to see how much businesses are steadily adopting it to help simplify their daily business processes. We are also inspired to see that our work at HabariPay is not going unnoticed, and we are grateful to the Mastercard team for this recognition. We are encouraged to accelerate our mission to simplify payments for businesses in Africa and will continue to work toward leading innovation within this payment ecosystem.” She added.
This recognition comes on the heels of the brand’s first honor for “Innovative Mobile Payment Solution of the Year” by Tech Innovation Awards. The Tech Innovation Awards program was held in September 2022 to celebrate outstanding tech companies and leaders deploying innovative technology services in Nigeria.
With a vision where every payment in Africa is digital, HabariPay launched Squad on the 1st of June 2022 to provide reliable, affordable, and secure solutions to ensure that the process of receiving online and offline payments are made easy.
As schools break for mid-term holidays and a peak travel period kicks off from the 14 October onwards, Emirates announces a myriad of ways to ensure a smooth and swift travel experience for families, including new updates to the Emirates app and digital check-in options. All passengers are advised to arrive at the airport up to 3 hours before their flight and take advantage of Emirates’ multiple smart technologies to ensure seamless travel during the busy period.
1. Plan everything on the Emirates App
Passengers are encouraged to download the Emirates app on their mobile phones to get all the flight details at their fingertips. Users can now track their baggage, as well as book and change flights, download a digital boarding pass for most destinations, check what meals will be served onboard, book their chauffeur drive service and even pre-select and plan movies to watch via the ice inflight entertainment- so that no time is wasted in getting the kids comfortable and happy onboard.
2. Check in online, or remotely in Ajman
All passengers can check-in online 48 hours ahead of their flight using the online check-in option on www.emirates.com. In a few clicks, they can select a seat and preferred meal, and take advantage of any last-minute upgrade options. At the airport, it’s easy to drop bags at the dedicated baggage drop desks and download a digital boarding pass.
Those starting their journeys from Ajman can also take advantage of a 24‑hour City Check‑in at Ajman Central Bus Terminal. Passengers can check in up to 4 hours before the flight departs, present health documents, check-in baggage and collect boarding passes, buy a bus ticket for AED 20 and head directly to Emirates Terminal 3, with regular bus departures throughout the day from 4am to 11.30pm. Upon arrival at the airport, travellers can simply continue through to their flight.
3. Sort your luggage out in advance or check in from home
An excellent and complimentary option – especially for families travelling with children – is to drop luggage the night before travel. Passengers who are departing from Dubai can check-in early and drop off their bags to the airport 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before departure if flying to the US or Tel Aviv, and then arrive to the airport and proceed directly to immigration.
Making travel swift and smooth, Emirates also offers a home check-in service in Dubai and Sharjah, fulfilled by DUBZ. DUBZ agents complete the check-in process in the customer’s home, hotel or office, and take the bags to the flight while customers are free to breeze through the airport later. Book and pay for the service at least 24 hours before the flight and passengers can proceed to the Airport check-in up to six hours before the flight departs. When a person books First Class, the home check-in service is complimentary.
4. Self Check-in kiosks at the airport
A quick and easy option once at the airport are the self check-in kiosks. Travellers can follow the steps on the touchscreen kiosk and complete the check-in process or operate the kiosk without touch using a mobile phone. It’s possible to view the travel itinerary, choose a preferred seat and add Emirates Skywards numbers, and if you’ve already checked in online, there is also an option to use the baggage drop area to check-in bags.
5. Get smart with Biometrics
For First and Business Class customers departing Dubai, the Smart Tunnel at Dubai International Airport is a world-first for passport control, whereby passengers simply walk through a tunnel and are cleared by immigration authorities without human intervention or the need for a physical passport stamp. All it takes to register is a quick photo at check-in to capture facial data. Travellers can check-in, clear immigration, access the airport lounge in Concourse B, and board flights at selected gates purely by facial recognition or using their boarding pass.
Passengers can also register to use the Smart Gates at Emirates Terminal 3 and speed through Immigration every time they return to Dubai. If a UAE citizen or resident, passengers can use their passport, boarding pass or a valid UAE ID. Smart Gates can also be used by GCC national’s or a visa on arrival visitor with a biometric passport.
EFG Hermes’ One-on-One, the world’s largest investment forum dedicated to frontier emerging markets (FEM), commences this morning, with 655 institutional investors connecting with c-suite executives from 205 companies spanning 33 countries
EFG Hermes Holding, an impact-driven universal bank in Egypt and the leading investment bank franchise in Frontier Emerging Markets (FEM), kicked off its 16th annual One-on-One Conference today in Dubai under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the United Arab Emirates.
The conference, taking place today at Atlantis, The Palm hotel, will play host to a vast number of meetings with key executives and investors until its conclusion on 22 September 2022.
Headlined “Weathering Inflation – Finding Focus in FEM”, the One-on-One Conference continues to unlock unparalleled prospects for global institutional investors and active fund managers to gain insights on key trends influencing FEMs and to explore investment opportunities through one-on-one meetings with c-suite executives representing prominent equities across four continents. The conference witnesses the participation of 205 companies from 33 countries, in direct meetings with over 655 institutional investors and fund managers representing 270 international institutions.
“We’re excited to finally bring back the physical iteration of the One-on-One since the onset of Covid-19 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This year’s conference – our biggest and most highly anticipated one to date – comes at a riveting time for FEMs as the global economy stands in the face of ongoing challenges. While the world has certainly managed to weather the storm of the covid-19 aftermath, supply chain disruptions, paired with rising inflationary pressures that reached an all-time high, continue to dampen economic recovery. In light of this economic backdrop, our role has become more vital to act as a conduit for investments. We feel extremely committed to ensuring investors find localized growth stories across FEM,” said Karim Awad, EFG Hermes Holding’s Group Chief Executive Officer.
This year, presenting companies come from a broad range of industries including consumer-driven sectors, energy, banking, finance, healthcare, industrials, information communications technology, telecommunications, utilities, real estate, and many more.
“Our performance over the last few years has been remarkable, as we continue to witness FEM-wide expansions. EFG Hermes has managed to sustain its leading position in the markets in which it operates, and this enables us to help steer the region forward as we once again host what has grown to be the world’s largest annual forum dedicated to investing in FEMs. We continue to unlock unmatched prospects for institutional investors from all over the world, connecting them with business pioneers from some of the most attractive and promising markets in the region. We could not be prouder of this year’s tremendous turnout, and we look forward to continuing the tradition of our flagship conference in the years to come.” added Mohamed Ebeid, Co-CEO of the Investment Bank at EFG Hermes Holding.
Over the last two years, and in 2021 specifically, the GCC region witnessed a substantial uptick in activity, spurring investor confidence as financial stability risks remained at bay on the back of the continuous monetary and fiscal policy support, and the solid recovery in global economic activity following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. ECM activity in emerging markets began booming significantly, as the region witnessed a substantial increase in IPOs, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have certainly proven to be promising investment landscapes, as they continue to make headlines with super offerings that contribute to bolstering economic growth and further diversifying regional investment prospects.
Since its inception, the EFG Hermes One-on-One Investor Conference has played an undeniable role in presenting global investors with the most attractive opportunities in the MENA region. This year, the conference’s main session will kick off with a note from EFG Hermes Holding’s Group CEO Karim Awad, followed by an interview with the session’s main speaker, H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, member of the Executive Council of Dubai, member of the Board of Directors of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), Chairman of Dubai Financial Market, and board member at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted by Simon Kitchen, MD, Head of Strategy at EFG Hermes Research.
During the conference, attendees will also get the chance to vote in ‘The Consensus for 2023’, the largest (and only live) research poll of FEM market investors and executives that provides key insights into trends and expectations for global markets in the near and medium term.
Emirates and United announced a historic commercial agreement today that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations* within the United States and around the world.
From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston – three of the biggest business hubs in the U.S – will be able to easily connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket. At the eight other U.S. airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.
United will launch a new direct flight between New York/Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 – from there, customers will be able to travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 cities. Tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale.
Emirates and United announced their agreement today at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO, Scott Kirby and Emirates President, Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier.
Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline said: “Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance.
“It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer. We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai. We look forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term.”
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines said: “This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies. United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties.
“This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together.” Customers of both airlines can soon book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier. For example – travelers will be able to visit United.com or use the United app to book a flight from New York/Newark to Karachi, Pakistan or go to Emirates.com to book a flight from Dubai to Atlanta or Honolulu.
This agreement will also give the loyalty program members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards: Emirates Skywards members can soon earn miles when they travel on United-operated flights, and United Mileage Plus members flying on United’s New York/Newark to Dubai flight will be able to earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai.
Eligible customers traveling on codeshare flights will also soon enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges. More details on frequent flyer awards and lounge-sharing benefits will be communicated in the coming weeks. Both airlines have recently announced significant investments in the customer experience.
Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2 billion effort that includes elevated meal choices, a brand-new vegan menu, a ‘cinema in the sky’ experience, cabin interior upgrades, and sustainable choices.
At United, the airline will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior that includes seat-back screens in every seat, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity throughout, and the industry’s fastest available in-flight WiFi.
I hope Nigeria’s tourism minister is looking at how the British are packaging this whole royal affair into one huge tourist package that will generate revenue for the treasury
[1] Anyone who follows the economics of the British monarchy will know that they use it as a money spinner to woo tourists and sell memorabilia
[2] They open up their palaces to fee-paying tourists, lease out estates and sell the use of the royal crests to big businesses
[3] Like Nigeria, Dubai started out as wholly dependent on oil but today, less than 5% of the emirate’s revenue comes from oil. Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade stood at $362bn as far back as 2014. In Dubai, the government’s decision to diversify from a trade-based, oil-reliant economy to one that is service and tourism-oriented made property more valuable
[4] Like the UK, everyone else is getting the message. Do you know that Dubai city hosted 14.9m, overnight visitors, in 2016, and this is expected to reach 20m by 2020? Dubai has been called the shopping capital of the Middle East as it has more than 70 shopping centres, including the world’s largest shopping centre, the Dubai Mall
[5] Over the last 15 years, Dubai has invested massively in infrastructure like rail metros, roads, security, hotels beaches, holiday resorts, conference centres, etc. The only place in Nigeria that can compare with it in any way shape or form with regards to upgrading its infrastructure over the last 15 years is Akwa Ibom State but hey, more has been spent in Akwa Ibom than in Dubai. One is a global tourist economy and the other is still struggling
[6] Now, we have to live in the world as it is and not as we would want the world to be, so it is not realistic to expect the whole of Nigeria to become Dubai overnight. However, we can adapt the Tasmania model of developing an island tourist paradise, which could easily bring in a sum identical to the $50bn or so we are getting from crude oil sales annually
[7] Australia has sought to develop Tasmania as a tourist paradise, away from the mainland. We will not, however, copy their example of depopulating it of local people because that is tantamount to genocide. After hostilities between settlers and Aboriginals ceased in 1832, almost all of the remnants of the indigenous population were persuaded or forced by government agent George Robinson to move to Flinders Island. Many quickly succumbed to infectious diseases to which they had no immunity, reducing the population further. Of those removed from Tasmania, the last to die was Truganini, in 1876
[8] What we can do is build an artificial island off the coast somewhere and turn it into a dedicated tourist destination. Off the coast of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Lagos states, we have the potential to create an island where security, power, water, transport, hotels, etc can sustain a world class tourist industry. Such ventures should be easy to attract capital for as they pay for themselves within five to 10 years
[9] If you ask me, it is highly irresponsible of Nigerian leaders to go on these jamborees to Dubai while our own tourist industry languishes in ruins. Dubai is a great destination because of its lovely weather, similar to that of Nigeria. There is absolutely no reason why many of those weddings, parties, birthdays, AGMs etc they hold cannot take place at say Tinapa in Calabar, the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Uyo Ibom Le Meridien Golf Resort, the Apex Holiday resort in Abuja or the La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lekki, Lagos. Do you know that Muammar Gaddafi lived in an armoured tent until he had provided a home for every Libyan?
[10] I am surprised that Nigerian tourist officials have not flown to London to ask how Britain is funding this funeral and how it intends to exploit the tourist potential going forward
9 Payment Service Bank (9PSB), Nigeria’s digital payment service bank focused on financial inclusion has been named the Best New Payment Service Bank by UK-based international publication, Global Brands Magazine in its 2022 edition of the Global Brand Awards, an annual event, through which it recognizes and rewards companies and titans of the industry for their exceptional performances.
According to the publication, the felicitation ceremony will hold at the Palm Jumeirah- Waldorf, Dubai, on the 1st of December 2022. 9PSB clinched the award following a thorough evaluation process based on the following parameters: customer service, satisfaction, digital innovation, strategic relationships, and new business development.
Commending 9PSB on the award, Shiv Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Global Brands Magazine, remarked, “9PSB has a very strategic approach towards building and developing Nigeria as a whole and this holistic approach along with providing seamless digital banking are just some of the reasons why this brand has become so successful.’’
In her reaction, the Chief Executive Officer, 9PSB, Branka Mracajac, reiterated the bank’s commitment to partnerships that deepen Nigeria’s financial inclusion, stating, “I’m very proud that we have a group of young Nigerians who are innovative and progressive enough to have come up with ideas in collaboration with other FinTechs, to create the very first banking platform that provides seamless payment services to both the financially excluded and underserved, as well as to the already banked and technology savvy. At 9PSB our mandate is to bring the two worlds together, and we are set on that mission: the mission to Bank9ja.”
Similarly, the bank has also been awarded, Africa’s Most Reliable Payment Service Bank of the Year 2022 by the African Brands Congress at the 7th edition of its African Brand Leadership Merit Awards, themed: Digital Technology; AI and IoT, A Catalyst for Brand Growth, which held recently at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
The award is in recognition of the bank’s giant strides in closing the financial inclusion gap and excellent service delivery, particularly to the unbanked and under-served population.
Presenting the award to 9PSB, Desmond Esorougwe, the convener, stated that, the award is based on the bank’s impact in providing innovative service delivery using technologically driven products and services, complemented with its wide agent banking network to serve particularly the unbanked and the under-served population across all strata since it began operations in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.”
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, Head, Business Development and Strategy, 9PSB, Martina Medac described the prestigious award as recognition of the values and services the bank has been offering to Nigerians as well as meeting its mandate to drive inclusive financial services and lifestyle improvement, especially among the segments of the population who lack access.
On the bank’s approach to driving true financial inclusion, Medac noted that 9PSB provides cost-effective simple solutions and tailored made products and services that speak to those who do not have access to financial services.
…seizes tons of narcotics in Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, Edo, Delta, others
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, Ohiagu Sunday, who leads a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.
He was nabbed on Tuesday 23rd August following the arrest of an intending passenger on Airpeace flight to Dubai, UAE, Obinna Jacob Osita who was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg concealed in cassava product, gari and crayfish.
One other member of the airport syndicate who works with Ohiagu has also been arrested while operatives are after another suspect.
Investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State to traffic the drugs and equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Orlu West Local Government Area of Imo State to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker.
The drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the new terminal of the MMIA comes on the heels of the seizure of a consignment of bottles of viju and fearless energy drinks used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, UAE through the NAHCO export shed on Monday 15th Aug. A freight agent has already been arrested in connection with the seizure.
In the same vein, attempt by a syndicate to export illicit drugs through the Lagos airport on Wednesday 24th Aug was foiled during an outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline to Oman via Addis Ababa.
A suspect Jonah Chukwuemeka was arrested with a total of 1,995 Tramadol tablets with a gross weight of 900 grams hidden in locust beans in his luggage. The bag containing the illicit substance was handed over to him at the airport by one Olagunju Abbas who was promptly arrested.
Packs of Tramadol 225mg containing 119,500 capsules were Thursday 25th Aug transferred to NDLEA by the Nigeria Customs, cargo wing of MMIA. The consignment had come in through Ethiopian Airline from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives on Saturday raided a car shop, Bolak Motors at Ewela bus stop, Oshodi where bags of 615.2kg cannabis were recovered along with nine vehicles. Efforts are ongoing to track the car dealer, Alhaji Ismail who is currently at large.
No fewer than eight suspects were arrested and bags of illicit drugs seized from them when Akerele area of Agege, Shogunle and Mafoluku areas of Oshodi, Fagba area of Ogba, Ipodo area of Ikeja and Iyana Ipaja park were raided in the state.
In Yobe state, two suspected fake security agents taking 14kg cannabis to Maiduguri, Borno state were intercepted along Potiskum- Damaturu road. While Adetula Olarenwaju was arrested with four blocks of the substance on Thursday 25th Aug on his way from Lagos, Sadiq Garba returning from Gombe was nabbed with 22 blocks of the substance on Saturday 27th Aug.
In Edo, Abu Segun Sunday was arrested with 48.4kg cannabis at Idk quarter, Ibilo, while Rosemary Afekhuai was caught with 1,130 tramadol caps, among others at Oluma quarters, Otuo, Owan East LGA.
In Delta, Mustapha Isah, was arrested at Oko Market with 9, 800 Tramadol caps weighing 6.4kg while NDLEA operatives in Kaduna also nabbed Chinedu Onnuka, at Narayi Kaduna with 33,000 tablets of Bromazepam.
No fewer than 80 blocks of cannabis sativa were recovered from an abandoned tricycle with reg. no: BAU 70 WL while 25,000 tablets of exol-5 were seized from a dealer, Usman Muhammed who was nabbed along Bauchi-Gombe road.
A raid operation at a market in Mubi, Adamawa state on Wednesday 24th Aug led to the seizure of 62,360 tablets of tramadol, diazepam and exol-5 while two suspects, Sirajo Idris and Anas Abubakar were arrested same day with 107 pallets of cannabis at Kamba, a border town in Kebbi State. The skunk weighing 90kg was smuggled in from Benin Republic.
In Kano, a drug dealer Lawal Adamu, 31, was arrested along Zaria-Kano road, Kwanar Dangora, with 203 blocks of cannabis weighing 136kg, while another suspect, Taheer Abdullahi was nabbed on Friday 26th Aug. at Gadar Tamburawa, with 3000 ampules of tramadol injection.
A raid operation at Kara Masaka, back of Mararaba market and Zamani estate on Saturday 27th Aug. led to the arrest of 26 suspects, while 25.7kg cannabis, 4.5kg codeine and 300 tablets of rohypnol tablets were seized from the drug joints raided. In Sokoto state, the village head of Ruga, Shagari LGA, Alhaji Umaru Mohammed (aka Danbala), a notorious drug dealer who was arrested on Monday 22nd Aug. will be facing charges any moment from now.
Before his recent arrest during which 436.381kg cannabis and 1kg diazepam were recovered from his house, an earlier raid on his home on July 20th 2022 had also led to the seizure of 11.5kg cannabis, 2.259kg exol5 and 500grams of diazepam.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Edo, Delta and Lagos Commands for the arrests and seizures. He charged them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their oars.
…Group operating revenues grew by 28% Y-o-Y to EGP2.1 billion in 2Q2022 despite a turbulent global macro-economic backdrop
EFG Hermes Holding, an impact-driven universal bank in Egypt and the leading investment bank franchise in Frontier Emerging Markets (FEM), announced today its results for the second quarter of 2022. The Group recorded a 28% Y-o-Y increase in revenues to EGP 2.1 billion on the back of strong growth at the sell-side business coupled with the consolidation of aiBANK’s revenues in 2Q2022. This translated into a Group net profit before tax of EGP 623 million, up by 8% Y-o-Y in 2Q2022 and reflects the resilient performance of EFG Hermes’ core operations.
The Group’s increasingly diversified business model, which aligns with EFG Hermes’ overarching strategy to unlock and generate increased value for stakeholders from multiple channels, has seen the Group generate 48% of its revenues from the Investment Bank, 24% from the NBFI platform, and the remaining 27% from the consolidation of its recent majority stake acquisition in aiBANK in 2Q2022.
“We have successfully carried forward our strong momentum from the start of the year and delivered strong top-line results driven by our various businesses and the consolidation of the Group’s recent majority stake acquisition in aiBANK,” said EFG Hermes Holding’s Group CEO, Karim Awad. “We have continued to reap the rewards from our agile operations, with the NBFI platform delivering healthy growth despite challenging inflationary and macroeconomic pressures curbing consumer appetites. On the sell-side, the Group’s Brokerage division maintained its leading positions in Cairo, Dubai, and Nairobi, reflecting our ability to remain ahead amidst global market headwinds. Parallel to this, the Group’s Investment Banking division closed eight transactions valued at USD 9.1 billion, one of those being for public service infrastructure company DEWA, marking the largest listing in the MENA since 2019 and the first-ever listing of a state company in Dubai. The transaction is testament to our long- standing position as the investment bank of choice for key and strategic transactions across the markets the Group operates in,” added Awad.
Sell-side revenues recorded strong growth of 40% Y-o-Y to EGP 704 million in 2Q2022 driven by increased revenues at the Investment Banking and Brokerage divisions. Investment Banking revenues grew by 82% Y-o-Y to EGP 293 million in 2Q2022 on the back of higher advisory fees generated from strong deal executions during the period. Brokerage revenues increased by 19% Y-o-Y to EGP 410 million driven by growing revenues from executions in the GCC market in 2Q2022.
Buy-side revenues increased by 14% Y-o-Y to EGP 148 million in 2Q2022 due to healthy performance from the Group’s Asset Management and Private Equity divisions. Asset Management revenues increased by 7% Y-o-Y to EGP 120 million as higher management fees generated during the period offset the lower incentive fees recorded in 2Q2022. Parallel to this, higher management fees from growing AUMs at Vortex IV drove a 61% Y-o-Y increase in Private Equity revenues to EGP 28 million in 2Q2022.
The NBFI platform’s revenues increased by 3% Y-o-Y to EGP 503 million in 2Q2022 driven by growing revenues at the Group’s Buy- Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) fintech platform “valU” as well as the leasing business. Revenues at valU grew by 9% Y-o-Y to EGP 71 million in 2Q2022, while EFG Hermes Corp-Solutions’ leasing business recorded a revenue increase of 39% Y-o-Y to EGP 59 million due to higher interest income driven by portfolio expansion during the period. valU recorded a market share of 29.6%, the leasing business booked 13.4%, and the factoring business recorded 14.7% as of 30 June 2022. As for Tanmeyah, it reported revenues of EGP 357 million, edging down 4% Y-o-Y despite stronger sales, as net interest income and fees & commissions were largely flat Y-o-Y in 2Q2022.
Revenues generated from the Group’s Holding & Treasury Activities declined by 71% Y-o-Y to EGP 137 million in 2Q2022, primarily driven by lower net interest income and unrealized losses on investments due to challenging macroeconomic conditions.
The Group’s operating expenses increased by 42% Y-o-Y to EGP 1.4 billion in 2Q2022 primarily due to the consolidation of aiBANK’s operating expenses and an increase in other G&A expenses reported by the Investment Bank and the NBFI platform.
The Group’s net profit before tax increased by 8% Y-o-Y to EGP 623 million, while net profit after tax and minority interest declined by 15% Y-o-Y to EGP 344 million in 2Q2022. The decline in net profit after tax and minority interest was driven by a 23% Y-o-Y increase in taxes coupled with higher minority interest in 2Q2022 due to the consolidation of aiBANK during the period.
“Looking ahead, the Group will remain focused on continuously growing its operations across all its core operations. Parallel to this, we will focus on bolstering the commercial bank’s offering and enhancing its operations to further generate healthy returns. Our increasingly diversified business model leaves us well-positioned to capitalize on our new standing as a universal bank in Egypt in addition to leveraging our leading position as the investment bank of choice in FEM to always providing our clients with best-in-class services and products. I am confident that our talented team’s commitment and deep expertise will continue to propel the Group forward, and allow us to seamlessly navigate through challenges, create effective synergies, and unlock value for our shareholders over the coming quarters and beyond,” concluded Awad.
The multi-skillful creative shared this in a recent chat while speaking about his passion for cars.
He said “I currently have two cars. I recently acquired a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach worth $202,500. I love fast and luxurious cars, especially when it’s not common. I enjoy the feeling that my cars catch the eyes of people when I drive out.”
Rucci says he sometimes indulges in car racing and plans to add more to his two-car fleet.”I plan to get an SUV. Cadillac Escalade ESV, McLaren and 2022 Mercedez S Class Maybach”
“I love driving more than I love cars. I love the pure freedom you get when you disconnect from the human body’s confines and explore the speeds and sensations you can only experience in a car.”
A look through Darvey Rucci’s social media page shows his sense of style displayed through photos. He has a few photos posing with cars.”When a car gives you an unfiltered connection to that experience and really talks to you, it bends perfectly to your will so that you become almost unaware that you’re driving a car — and that’s when I fall in love with it.”
According to the singer whose net worth is $1,600,000 from his profits from real estate properties in Lagos, Dubai and Turkey, with which he runs short-stay apartments, He fell in love with fast cars in childhood. The attraction is what flamed his desire to become a supercar lover.
The real name Ugochukwu Emmanuel Chinonso, Darvey Rucci, is best known for his 2021 debut single ‘Down for you and several other features.
…nabs 90-year-old bandits’ drug supplier, others at Lagos airport, 6 states
A trans-border drug dealer, Pastor Anietie Okon Effiong, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, with three drums of crystal methamphetamine, locally called Mkpuru Mmiri, believed to have been imported from India.
The consignment weighing 90 kilograms and loaded into a commercial bus with registration number RSH 691XC at Ojuelegba in Lagos was intercepted during a stop and search operation along Umuahia – Ikot Ekpene highway on Saturday 6th August 2022. The dangerous drug packed 30kg in each drum was meant for Pastor Anietie Okon Effiong, who was arrested in a follow-up operation at Oron beach in Oron. The recovered Meth drums were meant for onward delivery to the Republic of Cameroon.
This comes on the heels of four seizures of the same illicit substance weighing 4.074kg going to Australia, Indonesia and Philippines with a 3kg cannabis sativa heading to Dubai, United Arab Emirates at some courier companies in Lagos. The consignments were concealed in body cream, hot burner iron and beads.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto, a 90-year-old retired soldier, Usman Adamu was arrested on Wednesday 3rd August in Mailalle, Sabon Birni LGA for supplying bandits illicit drugs. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was caught with 5.1kg cannabis sativa.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, a 37-year-old indigene of Ovia LGA, Edo State and resident in Italy; Solo Osamede has been arrested for ingesting 41 wraps of heroin. He was nabbed and taken into custody for excretion while attempting to board a Turkish Airline flight to Milan, Italy via Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday 30th July. The swallowed wraps of the illicit drug were recovered in four excretions, which the suspect completed on Monday 1st Aug.
In the same vein, a female passenger Jatau Lydia Lami was arrested at the Lagos airport for attempting to export 1,700 tablets of Tramadol 225mg concealed in her luggage to Istanbul, Turkey via a Turkish Airline flight on Sunday 31st July.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, a mother of three, hails from Zango Kataf LGA, Kaduna State and lives in Istanbul, Turkey with her family. She blamed her action on pressure to raise N5million ransom to free her mother from the captivity of bandits who kidnapped her in June.
Also at the SAHCO export shed of the airport, attempts by some freight agents to export two consignments of cannabis in a consolidated cargo to Dubai, UAE on Thursday 4th Aug were thwarted by NDLEA operatives who have arrested two of them in follow-up operations. They are: Oladipupo Oladapo Fatai and Animashaun Qudus, while two others are still at large.
In Zamfara, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 4th Aug intercepted a truck from Benin, Edo state enroute Sokoto with 50,000 tablets of Diazepam owned by a drug dealer, Umaru Attahiru, while in Kogi, 14 sacks containing 1,376 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 190.4kg were seized along Okene-Abuja highway on Wednesday 3rd Aug. The exhibits were found in a delivery bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra and heading to Abuja. The follow-up operation in Abuja same day led to the arrest of Jude Ikenna and Ozoemene Cornelius.
In Kaduna, four suspects: Sulaiman Rabi’u; Sanusi Sha’aibu; Ma’aruf Habibu and Christian Nnachor, were arrested in Zaria, Tafa and Romi Kaduna with 106, 770 tablets of Tramadol 225mg, Diazepam, Exol-5 and 100 bottles of codeine cough syrup.
In Enugu, 143.5kg cannabis sativa was recovered from locked up stores in new market area of the state capital on Saturday 6th Aug, while in Delta, a suspect, Ike Okparachi, 42, was arrested at Abraka Junction, Asaba with 10,550 tablets of Tramadol 225mg; Swinol; Rohypnol; and 3,105 bottles of codeine syrup as well as 69grams of Molly.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the Akwa Ibom, MMIA, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kogi, Delta, Enugu, and Kaduna Commands of the Agency as well as those of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation, DOGI for their recent feats. He charged them and others across the country to remain focused and vigilant.
