DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Expo 2020 Dubai will start selling tickets on July 18, international news agency, Reuters, has reported, citing organizers.

This as Khaleej Times (KT), a UAE-based national daily, citing an exclusive interview with the Expo 2020 Senior Vice President for Sales, said the tickets will be affordable and accessible.

“When the ticket prices and categories are announced mid-July, we want to ensure that they will be available, accessible and affordable for every single visitor,” KT quoted the official, Kailash Nagdev as saying in an interview.

Expo 2020 will sell three tiers of tickets: One-day tickets at $26, month-long tickets at $53 and six-month tickets at $135, according to the Reuters report.

Workers at Expo 2020 must have had COVID-19 vaccinations but that will not be mandatory for visitors, the report added.

According to KT, tickets can be bought directly from the Expo 2020 Dubai website, through the mobile app or through agents.

The world fair has been postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be held from Oct. 1 this year to March 31, 2022.

Organizers are reportedly looking at having up to 25 million visitors for the duration of the event in light of travel restrictions.  They also said Dubai is ready for the historic event.

Larry O’Reilly, CEO of ARHT Media, talks about the groundbreaking hologram technology that, he says, ‘humanizes digital communication.’

By Jojo Dass

Used to be when holograms were the stuff of sci-fi movies – from Star Wars to Total Recall, Resident Evil and Minority Report. 

Bruce Willis, a cab driver, would come home to a female hologram in “The Fifth Element,” and so did Ryan Gosling, who had “Joi” in Blade Runner 2049.

These days however, hologram technology has shot out of the movie houses and into real life, being put into practical, game-changing use redefines digital communication into its most revolutionized form thus far.

“I was introduced to the technology and it blew my mind.  I couldn’t get over how real it looked and sounded.  I knew I had to be part of this story,” Larry O’Reilly, CEO of ARHT Media, tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.

He added: “ARHT Media’s technology is beneficial to mankind in a variety of ways.  We make busy people way more productive and by reducing the need for air travel, we have a significant positive impact in reducing carbon emissions.  Our technology humanizes digital communication – I find all of this extremely exciting.”

O’Reilly was recently in Dubai to introduce their company’s groundbreaking technology. “The response has been incredibly positive.  Dubai is very much a tech-forward marketplace, eager to adopt new technologies to improve guest experiences. So, we believe the adoption of our offering here will happen quickly,” he said.

Holograms, O’Reilly said, have been used in live theatre for over a century, usually casting a shadow or as a ghost.  

But it “took off in popularity,” as O’Reilly puts it, after iconic rap star, Tupac Shakur, who died in a drive-by shooting on the night of Sept. 7, 1996 in Las Vegas, was “resurrected” at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

Entertainment aside, hologram technology has found a new niche: the MICE or Meetings, Investment, Conferences and Exhibits industry.

Says O’Reilly: “While we have done activations in the entertainment space, we are really focused on making the most in-demand people around the world more efficient by eliminating the need to travel in order to share their expertise.”

The cornerstone of their company’s technology, the CEO said, is the ARHT Engine software which enables them to take large data packs of video and audio and transfer them anywhere on the planet in 0.3 seconds or less.  

“When the presenter appears life-sized, life-like and with no noticeable latency, the audience have the feeling that the person is actually in the room with them.  We call this, ‘creating presence,’” he said. 

Through the use of their HoloPresence technology, ARHT Media can caption a person’s holographic form and beam it across the world with almost no noticeable latency. This means that speakers can appear in lifelike, high definition form in Singapore while in a studio three blocks from their Chicago office, as company representatives say.

The company also has expertise around staging, holographic capture, project management and our proprietary screen technology.

O’Reilly said challenges remain. “It takes time to change the behavior of enterprise organizations.  If they are used to flying everywhere for meetings, it takes time for them to change that behavior,” he said. 

However, he added, the pandemic “has forced everyone to embrace technology to communicate, and business travel will never go back to the way it was in 2019.”

O’Reilly said the technology is transforming the way executives communicate.

“I am going to be on this path for a while,” he said.

Toufic had a childhood life that was “a bit rough on the financial side,” he said, adding that he “had to work many jobs to have enough money to get by and help” his mother.

By Jojo Dass 

As a boy growing up in Lebanon, Toufic Kreidieh, along with his buddy, Yasser Beydoun, vowed to hit it big someday, having been coming up with business ideas at an early age.

“Looking back,” he recalls, “my childhood was a bit rough on the financial side; I had to work many jobs to have enough money to get by and help my mother.”

“During those times,” Toufic added, “I wanted to grow up and do something big not only for me, but for my family, too.”

Fast-forward to the present and – voila! Brands for Less (BFL), a chain of off-price retail shops selling branded clothing at affordable prices across 74 stores of which some 41 are in the UAE: 32 in Dubai and nine in Abu Dhabi. Plans are afoot to bring the UAE number to 52 by yearend.

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At the helm are Toufic as CEO and Yasser, who sits in as BFL Group co-founder and managing partner.

“Both Yasser and I wanted to make a mark for ourselves, and we believe that we can contribute to a bigger cause. Despite our humble beginnings, we worked very hard and slowly built our business,” Toufic said.

‘Treasure hunt’

The business partners saw an opportunity in the UAE – and a challenge too.

“When we expanded to the UAE back in 2000, we knew we had to come up with something more original. Everyone who has stepped into the UAE sees it as a land of great opportunities, and the only way for us to enter the market and become a successful brand is to offer something that will interest its buyers,” says Toufic. 

That is why, he said, they came up with the unique “treasure hunt” business model, which encourages customers to come back with the promise of exceptional pieces at discounted prices — up to 80 per cent off the original retail price for fashion designer brands. 

“Seeing the joy on people’s faces while browsing through the shops and getting the dream item for themselves contributes a large part to my definition of success. This feeling makes us work even harder to achieve more and come up with innovative ideas to support this ideal,” Toufic said.

Asked what keeps them going, Toufic said, “the easiest answer would be success.”

“But after opening our first Brands for Less store, we sensed how people appreciated us for who we are and what we can offer them. With that realization, I can say that it’s the people we serve that is the primary motivation for us to expand and to keep introducing more branded products and improving the quality of our services. 

“We aim to make our affordable branded items available to as many people as we can and to stay as one of the leading off-price retailers in our current markets and, in time, the rest of the world,” he said. 

Toufic said they decided to embark on this type of business because “customers tend to give high preference to branded items.” 

“There is a certain reputation and quality assurance that brands provide, and customers want that. However, these are generally expensive, and not everyone would want to pay or can afford the full price.

“We saw this dilemma and observed that this is a need that no one else is catering to, at least not in the way that we do. So, we founded BFL Group with the mission to offer branded merchandise at a competitive rate, which people can afford,” Toufic said.

Having become quite successful in the road he has taken, Toufic has some life lessons he wants to share:

“I learned that there is no shortcut to earning respect from people. How you get respect from your team is the same as in any other relationship. You earn it over time. 

“However, it starts when you communicate your values very clearly and articulate a clear vision for the organization. People will respect you more as you live those values every day and deliver results.”

Toufic and Yasser have also never failed to look back to their humble beginnings and are actively involved in the education of more than 100 children in Lebanon. 

“Whenever we have the chance to help others who are in need, we aim to do so to the best of our capabilities,” Toufic said. 

is the co-founder and managing partner of BFL Group

Join the first money networking app for entrepreneurs for US$1  

Dubai, UAE: A networking application called Socios Memberclub, connecting individuals willing to invest time and money and get rewarded, has launched in the UAE and will be available for a monthly fee of USD1 until Nov. 1, 2021.

Socios, which means partners in Spanish, aims to link investors, influencers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to become millionaires, live a luxurious life, and make money while enjoying the company of like-minded people. 

Danny Hendrikus, founder of Socios Member Club, explains: “We developed Socios for the eager men and women of today who are focused on leveling up. Those who would build and grow their network wherever they are, whenever they want to. An online club for the money makers, for the hunters out there looking for opportunities. Whether you’re seeking an investor to fund your business plan or looking for influencers to promote your brand, Socios will connect you with other members based on your interest. That way, you can build viable relationships that make money.”

A combination of Instagram, Linkedin, and Signal Messenger, Socios is globally present, allowing members to connect instantly. Just download the app, create your profile, explain what you are looking for, and get connected. 

“Socios is not about sharing your lifestyle like the social media apps. The functionality and design are not made for users to become addicted to the platform. Instead, we want them to focus. Say what they’re looking for. Find it, close a deal and move on,” adds Hendrikus.

A prime feature of Socios is the rewards program paying users for bringing in new club members to the Socios network. “We built the reward program because we’d rather have our members make money for promotion. So, we reward the users for their growth. In Socios, you get paid per follower.” This reward program is already built in the app but will be applicable after the free trial period till November 2021. 

Socios is also a place where lifestyle and business come together. There are member-only benefits available to enjoy, such as high-end concierge services and events. 

“In times of social distancing, networking has never been so easy with Socios. No matter where you‘re from or what background you have, this is the 2021 Business club open for everyone who wants to work. Socios Member Club is all about making the right connections because we know that your network is your net worth,” said Hendrikus.

The membership fee starts at USD29.99 after 1 November 2021. For more information, visit www.sociosmemberclub.com.

Included in the new policy are shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, retail outlets, gyms, recreational facilities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centers, theme parks, universities, as well as public and private schools.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: Effective Friday, August 20, 2021, only people who have received their vaccines against Covid-19 will be allowed in public places across Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved this move in line with the emirate’s strategy to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and complement preventive as well as precautionary measures taken to protect public health. It also comes in light of the fact that over 93 per cent of target groups in the capital city has been vaccinated. 

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO), shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and all other retail outlets, including those not within a shopping center, except supermarkets and pharmacies are included in the first phase of the decision are. 

Also covered are gyms, recreational facilities and sporting activities, health clubs, resorts, museums, cultural centers and theme parks, as well as universities, institutes, public and private schools and children nurseries in the emirate.

The committee stated that the decision does not apply to unvaccinated individuals with vaccination exemption received through the approved process and registered on Alhosn app, nor to children aged 15 and under, ADMO said. 

By Jojo Dass

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – For most people, being a lawyer is just about all they could wish for in life. What with being paid by the hour and a dolce vita lifestyle?

Such is not the case however, for Atty. Muhammad Khomaini, Director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in the UAE. 

“I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to do something for my country.  I left private legal practice so that I could make a contribution to my country,” said the 37-year-old official, who holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Law from the International Islamic University – Malaysia. 

The father of three children, who has just recently arrived in Dubai to take on his new job, said he had been practicing civil law for a year before he joined ITPC, a non-profit government organization under the supervision of the Directorate General for National Export Development of Indonesia. Both institutions are part of global trade network under Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade (MOT). 

What caught his interest?

“This was a new thing for me,” said Khomaini, who first worked at MOT’s legal bureau, where he drafted regulations, and soon after specialized in import-export policies.

Khomaini enjoys living Dubai, an international city home to over 250 nationalities.

He explains: “Back in Indonesia, we have different languages, cultures…even time zones. But one thing I can say is that there is unity among us. We are different but we are one.”

And this pretty much sums Dubai up: Different people working as one in the spirit of tolerance.

“The UAE is a unique country. It is very tolerant. The Emiratis are very polite towards people of other nationalities,” said Khomaini. “In the four months that I have lived here,” he added, “I see that there is democracy.”

Khomaini meantime said he envisions his contribution to his country by way of boosting exports.

“I am happy to be here because I can make that happen here – get more Indonesian exporters into the UAE market,” he said, noting that the Indonesian community in Dubai is “not too big and still growing.”

Exports and agreements

Indonesia is the world’s fourth largest exporter of coffee beans. Recently, ITPC held a week-long event promoting the coffee products at Dubai Festival City., the first such event in years.

Aside from coffee, top Indonesian exports include palm oil, which accounts for over a tenth of the country’s export industry; rubber; iron and steel; electrical machinery and equipment; and vehicles.

In July 2019, corporate giants in the UAE and Indonesia signed agreements worth $9.7 billion following a historic visit by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to the Southeast Asian country.

The UAE corporations include Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), Abu Dhabi investment company Mubadala and Dubai-based global ports operator DP World.

All agreements were signed in the presence of Sheikh Mohamed and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. 

Adnoc’s deal with a potential value of $2.5 billion was with Indonesia’s energy company PT Pertamina to explore opportunities for collaboration across the oil and gas value chain in the UAE, Indonesia and globally.

Mubadala and Austrian energy firm OMV sealed a deal with a potential value of $6 billion with Indonesia’s Chandra Asri Petrochemical to explore opportunities in petrochemicals, while DP World and Indonesia’s Maspion Group signed an agreement to develop a container terminal in Gresik in East Java in a deal valued at $1.2 billion.

Describing the UAE leader’s visit as a “dream come true”, Husin Bagis, Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE, said he expected to see an estimated $10 to $15 billion in deals and partnerships formed during the visit that “will not only improve the diplomatic ties between the two countries, but also expand trade and investment relations across multiple sectors including energy, petrochemicals, retail, ports and customs, tourism and finance.” 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Residents and visitors to this expat city have lately been seeing big transformations as old bus stations are replaced with ones that are a lot newer, state-of-the-art and ahead of the times.

The latest is the Oud Metha Bus Station, which features ultra-modern design rendering it a model station, said Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in an announcement on June 26, 2021 released by Dubai Media Office.

It is integrated with the metro and taxi services as it is just 300 metres off Oud Metha Metro Station.  The station offers a new concept in public transport services through integrated facilities like car parks, bike racks, office spaces, customer service areas, trading outlets and self-service kiosks. 

“The construction of stations for public bus riders complements the efforts of RTA to upgrade public transport infrastructure and encourage people to use public transit means in their daily movement. The new station boasts of a state-of-the-art design that caters to the needs of sustainability and people of determination, yet coherent with the identity and shape of RTA’s stations,” said His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.  

“The role of the new stations goes beyond the prevailing concept of commuting passengers to encompass the offering of integrated services to passengers such as car parks, bike racks and the integration with the metro and taxi services,” he added.

Spanning an area of 9,640 square metres, Oud Metha Bus Station is situated in a densely populated area neighboring Oud Metha Metro Station, schools, community clubs and business centers. The station is comprised of a ground floor, three identical floors and rooftop parking. 

Its design is integrated with the public transport means in the area as it has designated spaces for bus stops, taxi stands and private vehicles parking. The average number of riders using the station is expected to reach 10,000 riders per day in future.

Oud Metha Bus Station has abundant facilities that include 9 operational parking slots for buses, 11 parking for out-of-service buses, 350 parking slots for vehicles, 23 bicycle racks, passenger pick-up and drop-off points. 

It also includes parking for waiting and emergency buses, parking spaces for taxis, staff and visitors, furnished rest areas for the public, café and rest area for drivers, prayer rooms for males and females, staff offices, and public toilets. 

The station has retail outlets and investment areas, with designated for Emirati start-ups in coordination with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development. It also has space for self-service kiosks and e-pay, nol card machines, bus information display screens, customers happiness’ index, ATMs, refreshments and snacks vending machines.

The station serves eight bus routes; seven of them serve public transport routes and the other one is a metro link. 40 buses are deployed on these routes, which link key places and areas in the city such as Dubai Mall, Al Qusais, Burjuman, Dubai Museum, International City, Wafi City, Al Seef, Business Bay, Al Nahda, Al Safa and Al Satwa. 

Completed stations

RTA jhas opened four public bus stations namely Al Ghubaiba, Al Jaliyah, Etisalat and the Union Bus Stations. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station is comprised of six buildings and covers an area of 2,452 square metres with a capacity to serve 15,000 passengers per day. 

Al Jaliyah Bus Station is comprised of a bus terminal and a building of a ground floor, two floors and rooftop parking. The station has a total built area of 19,000 square metres and can serve 7,000 passengers per day. 

The Union Bus Station at Deira is comprised of three buildings. The station spans an area of 2,180 square metres and can serve 7,500 passengers per day. 
Etisalat Bus Station, which is connected to Etisalat Metro Station, is comprised of a ground floor and a mezzanine floor. The station covers an area of 708 square metres and can serve up to 4,500 passengers per day. 

Dubai, UAE:  OPSO, the modern Greek and Mediterranean eatery in the heart of Dubai Mall, is two years old. To celebrate its anniversary, the London-born concept announces a limited-time breakfast offer for its loyal customers.

From now until July 31, OPSO is offering a 20% discount on its tasty breakfast menu boasting an exciting selection of signature favorites including Green Kayanas, Spicy Eggs, Very Berry, Lotus Pancake, and Peanut Butter French Toast.

OPSO serves decadent pancakes, egg dishes, freshly squeezed juices and specialty coffee. Not to be missed are the Prime Smoked Salmon, Opso Omellette and The Gianduja Explosion, made of homemade choco praline spread, sugar-coated hazelnuts, and gianduja chocolate curls, is something to savor for a morning meal.

Other choices are Eggs & Vegetable or the Boughatsa, a Thessaloniki’s traditional pastry with crispy filo and semolina custard. The Greek Yoghurt comes in three flavors – Pannacotta & Passionfruit Curd, Grandma’s Favorite, and OPSO Granola.

Located on the second floor at the Fashion Avenue extension of Dubai Mall, OPSO received the royal seal of approval after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai dined here a few months after its opening in May 2019. 

Since then, the modern Greek and Mediterranean restaurant has welcomed guests from all over the world. It has become a hot spot for expatriates, Europeans, locals, Arabs, celebrities, famous football players, RnB stars and influential people who enjoy its mouthwatering food, handcrafted mocktails, aromatic coffee and unique crafted hookah blends combined with its charismatic and attentive service.

OPSO has a capacity of 284 seats, with a beautiful indoor and large terrace offering the best views of the Dubai Fountain and Souk Al Bahar.  The limited-time breakfast offer is available on weekdays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and on weekends from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Don’t forget to mention the promo code: 2nd Anniversary to avail of the 20% discount. 

Reservation not required, just bring good vibes and OPSO will take care of the rest.

For any inquiries, please call +971 54 424 4999 or email info@opso.ae.