20 Summers, One Abu Dhabi: One Summer Isn’t Enough To Experience It All

The most unique summer vacation recently took place, with Experience Abu Dhabi inviting 20 people named 'Summer' from around the world for the trip of a lifetime in the UAE capital.

Visiting the destination for the first time, the 20 Summers discovered that ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’ in Abu Dhabi – with something for everyone to see, do and enjoy.

Inspire your next summer adventure and watch their journey unfold: 20 Summers, One Abu Dhabi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHtVoYO0DQc

The 20 Summers and their special guests enjoyed a fun-filled three-day journey, blending cultural immersion, exhilarating activities and relaxation, guided by the 101 Abu Dhabi Do’s—a curated selection of enriching moments that highlight opportunities for adventure and discovery at every turn.

From conquering the world’s tallest indoor flight chamber at CLYMB Abu Dhabi to having breakfast with giraffes at Emirates Park Zoo, all the Summers had an epic adventure. The Summers kayaked through meandering mangroves at sunrise, lounged beachside at Café del Mar and enjoyed a traditional Emirati breakfast at Abdulrahman Al Zaabi’s home.

Adrenaline-Fueled Adventures and Cultural Explorations

With so many ways to experience Abu Dhabi, the Summers’ summer itineraries were packed with memorable moments – with snowball fights at Snow Abu Dhabi and meeting the capybaras at The National Aquarium.

The Summers sparked their creative side with a visit to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi before attending a crafts workshop at Manarat Al Saadiyat, using traditional Arabic techniques to create a bespoke souvenir. Meanwhile, the adrenaline seekers visited Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to bond over thrilling rides and meet their favourite superheroes.

Each Summer also visited some of Abu Dhabi’s iconic and architecturally renowned landmarks, including the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans.

One City, Many Flavours

The Summers were treated to a delightful culinary experience during their time in Abu Dhabi. At Bab Al Qasr, they dined in darkness, relying on their sense of taste and smell. They savoured local Emirati delights – delicious dough balls with date syrup and Emirati pancakes – at Luqaimat and Chebab. For a taste of the region, they dined at Li Beirut, a Lebanese culinary gem renowned in Abu Dhabi for its innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours.

The Summers also explored international flavours with Mediterranean cuisine at Mika, Argentinian delicacies at Mate, Peruvian dishes at COYA, and delicious Italian recipes at Antonia.

To explore the full list of 101 Abu Dhabi Do’s, visit: www.visitabudhabi.ae

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

SAP Labs India Extends Collaboration With PSGiTech To Deepen Industry Research

* With this partnership, we are aiming to leverage academic collaboration to drive significant technological innovations.

SAP Labs India and PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research (PSGiTech) Coimbatore have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two years. The renewal aims to continue to provide students with industry exposure, undertake collaborative research projects, and develop thought-leadership focused on SAP technologies.  Academia collaborations are key to SAP Labs India’s commitment to fostering an innovation mindset among students. By partnering with top educational institutes in India, SAP Labs India continues to explore research engagements on industry-relevant topics, driving progress and innovation.

This collaboration is set to engage students from PSGiTech through various initiatives, including hackathons based on challenge statements and relevant emerging topics. Additionally, SAP Labs India will conduct knowledge-sharing sessions through Research Engagement and Collaboration Hub (REACH by SAP Labs India) to empower faculty and students with expertise in SAP and related technologies. The partnership also encompasses co-authoring of books and research papers and organizing expert sessions on topics of joint interest. SAP Labs India has been working with PSGiTech on several topics including Low-Code No-Code, coding constructs for energy efficiency, cloud deployment, cloud cost management, and many more.

Sindhu Gangadharan, MD, SAP Labs India, and Vice Chairperson, nasscom, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, “At SAP, we believe that innovation is the cornerstone of progress. Partnering with academic institutions like PSGiTech allows us to tap into a rich pool of talent and fresh ideas, driving technological advancements that can shape the future. In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, particularly with the rise of generative AI, it is crucial for students to augment their education with hands-on industry experience and deep subject matter expertise. Our collaboration with PSGiTech provides students with the opportunity to build and showcase their innovative capabilities, co-develop solutions to real-world challenges, and prepare for a dynamic workforce. We are excited to continue this journey of research and innovation with the faculty members and students of PSGiTech.”

Dr N Saravanakumar, Principal-PSGiTech added, “The ongoing association between PSGiTech and SAP Labs India is more than a partnership; it’s a shared vision that recognizes the power of collaboration between academia and industry. By combining SAP Labs India’s industry knowledge and technical acumen with PSGiTech’s academic excellence, we are setting new standards for industry-academia partnerships. The collaboration with SAP provides our students with access to modern approach, cutting-edge technologies, and real-world projects, enabling them to learn, explore, and grow into industry-ready professionals. We look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to technological advancements on a global scale.”

Moreover, SAP Labs India and PSGiTech will hold joint workshops to address challenges collaboratively, explore internship and project opportunities for students, and facilitate periodic visits to SAP Labs India Bangalore campus for nominated representatives and students of PSGiTech to strengthen their ties. The collaboration also includes the Teachers Industry Immersion Program that aims to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world applications of technology in the industry. This program equips teachers with the knowledge and resources to effectively integrate SAP technology and industry trends into their curriculum, exposes them to the latest advancements and future directions of SAP technology, and sparks new ideas for engaging students in STEM fields.

About SAP

SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as a sustainable intelligent enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 87% of the world’s total global commerce touches an SAP® system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into sustainable intelligent enterprises. We help by providing people and organizations with deep business insights and foster collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. SAP simplifies technology for companies so they can consume SAP software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

Hero MotoCorp Expands Premia Network, Inaugurates First 'Hero Premia' Store In New Delhi

Aligned with its holistic premiumization strategy, Hero MotoCorp, world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, inaugurated its first ‘Premia’ store in New Delhi today.

Located in the prominent auto-hub of Naraina industrial area, the store displays eight models and features separate zones for Hero, VIDA, and Harley-Davidson products.

Hero MotoCorp has been rapidly expanding its network of premium stores across the country, with over 40 Premia stores now operating in over 35 cities.

Hero Premia stores feature modern architecture, appealing design, and engaging new-age digital technologies. They deliver a best-in-class premium experience, with professionally trained Premia Sales consultants offering personalized advice to customers. Additionally, the Premia Service delivers a delightful in-service experience through exclusive technical experts.

At the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp handed over the keys of the Mavrick 440, VIDA V1 and Harley-Davidson X440 to the store’s inaugural customers.

Hero Premia stores showcase Hero MotoCorp’s wide range of premium products such as Mavrick 440, Harley-Davidson X440, Karizma XMR, Xpulse 200 4V, Xtreme 160R and VIDA V1. The outlets also feature merchandise and accessories from Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson.

Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese Launches A One-Of-A-Kind Content Hub, “Cheeseitup.in” Bengaluru

~Curated in collaboration with Mindshare and Times Network, CheeseItUp.in is an innovation digital solution to providing awareness about everything cheese for cheese enthusiasts of all ages~

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that brings joy to meals and elevates even the simplest dishes. Embracing this essence, Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese has launched CheeseItUp.in, (https://cheeseitup.timesfoodie.com/) a unique content hub for cheese enthusiasts of all ages.

Curated in partnership with Mindshare and the Times Network, this digital hub aims to build a community for cheese lovers. It offers a wide range of information on various types of cheese, recipes, DIY videos, blogs, and more. CheeseItUp.in offers easy and snackable content that makes everyday meals tastier by incorporating different types of cheese from Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese. Whether you want quick snack ideas or gourmet recipes, the platform offers engaging, user-friendly content, ensuring that the recipes are easy to follow. Users can easily save and download recipes that are tailored to their preferences.      

In 2022, Britannia Industries and French cheese maker Bel Foods entered a joint venture and formed Britannia Bel Foods and launched the co-branded cheese portfolio as Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese. The CheeseItUp.in platform is a step forward in making cheese a beloved and versatile ingredient in every kitchen.

Abhishek Sinha, CEO Britannia Bel Foods, and CBO Britannia Dairy, said, “CheeseItUp.in is Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese’s effort for all cheese enthusiasts and novices who are constantly looking for gathering knowledge about the product category. After the joint venture between Britannia and Bel group, we began the journey of creating awareness about the category benefits, with borrowed learnings and expertise from the French conglomerate. We realised that as a nascent category in India, the awareness about cheese, its benefits, and usage is still limited and fragmented. We took up this challenge with our partners – Times Network and Mindshare to build an inclusive platform which could cater to this gap for all Indians.”

Commenting on the partnership, Rohit Gopakumar, CEO- ZENL & BCCL(TV Division) said, “Our endeavour is always to provide a balanced platform for both our audience and clients. The satisfaction of achieving brand objectives through targeted content offerings excites our team. Britannia has consistently led the way in creating cutting-edge communication ideas for its various products. This partnership between Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese and Times Network Digital platforms will undoubtedly break new ground in the cheese category. Collaborating with Britannia and Mindshare to introduce a new and innovative concept that marries content with brand thought leadership is the way forward for deep audience engagement. It's time to CHEESEITUP!"

Speaking on the partnership, Rohit Chadda, President & COO - Digital, Times Network said, “Content-driven commerce strategically integrates content into the shopping process to provide customers with the highest quality experience. Times Network Digital has the largest base of premium, influential audience in the country across news & lifestyle categories. Our brand TimesFoodie.com, an industry-leading platform in food content, is the perfect partner to create such a food destination for Britannia. The idea of ‘CheeseItUp.in’ is to instil product knowledge and usage, while also taking an innovative approach to ecommerce that directly drives revenue for the brand.”

Amin Lakhani, CEO, Mindshare, shared, “CheeseItUp.in isn't just a platform, it's your fun and flavourful culinary playground! We want to make cheese a delicious and healthy part of everyday meal planning. We use real consumer data to craft healthy and inspiring recipes with Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese. It's connected commerce powered by content. Mindshare has architected a partnership between Britannia Bel Foods and Times News Network. Get ready to experience a whole new world of cheese-based creations! We are excited to see how this platform will revolutionise the way people enjoy Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese in their daily lives.”

Additionally, the integration of quick commerce platform with ‘Cheeseitup.in’  allows consumers to purchase cheese in a few clicks, seamlessly transitioning from CheeseItUp.in to savouring the Britannia Laughing Cow cheese delights.

(https://cheeseitup.timesfoodie.com/)

Suzuki-Backed Next Bharat Ventures Signs Strategic MoU With 3one4 Capital And Antler India To Empower Early-Stage Startups

*  Next Bharat will closely work with 3one4 Capital and Antler India to nurture and empower early-stage startup ecosystems. The initiative aims to amplify support with the twin goals of creating impact by enabling entrepreneurship in both the mainstream business and social arenas across India.

*  Applications for the 4-month Next Bharat Residency Program are open until 12th August 2024. Shortlisted social impact entrepreneurs from the program will be aided with funding starting from INR 1 Cr onwards.

Next Bharat Ventures, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corp Japan, dedicated to supporting early-stage impact-based startups in India, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with renowned venture capital funds 3one4 Capital and Antler India, which invest in early-stage startups both in India and internationally.

Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner at 3one4 Capital, alongside Vipul Nath Jindal, Managing Director and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, signed the MoU. In parallel, Lakshmikant PB, Director - Finance at Antler India, also signed an MoU with Vipul Nath Jindal. Next Bharat will closely work with 3one4 Capital and Antler India to provide strategic guidance, funding opportunities, and extensive networks to early-stage startups in both the mainstream business and social arenas through a cohort-based approach.

Vipul Nath Jindal, Managing Director and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, commented on the signing of the MoUs, “At Next Bharat, we believe in the transformative power of socially driven entrepreneurship to create a positive impact on the informal and rural economies of the country. Forging strategic associations with Antler India and 3one4 Capital is a conscious move towards nurturing and empowering the early-stage startup ecosystem. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will pave the way for a new generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs in India.”

Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner at 3one4 Capital, added, “We look forward to partnering with Next Bharat Ventures to accelerate the impact entrepreneurship category in India. At 3one4 Capital, we specialize in leveraging our extensive network and data-driven insights to identify and nurture high-potential startups from the early stage. By combining our strategic expertise in early-stage investments with Next Bharat's focus on socially impactful enterprises, we aim to provide comprehensive support to further the mission of entrepreneurship and value creation in India."

Rajiv Srivatsa, Partner & Investor at Antler India, stated on the collaboration, “Our association with Next Bharat Ventures is a step towards amplifying our shared vision of driving impactful change in the world through entrepreneurial ventures. We have a tailored approach to nurturing startups through our high selectivity and Antler Residency Platform. We hope the global expertise of Antler in cohort-based investments and Next Bharat’s vision to create social impact in India 2 and India 3 can together help scale solutions that will make a significant difference in India’s current entrepreneurship landscape"

Entrepreneurs working in the social impact space can apply for the 4-month Residency Program by Next Bharat Ventures. The application process, extended until 12th August 2024 (Monday), is designed to ensure broad participation, including WhatsApp-based submissions, with a maximum 2-week application review time. The program is scheduled to commence on 14th October 2024.

Taneira Celebrates Handloom Day With A Revitalized Khadi Collection

* Revel in Handmade Khadi Sarees Inspired By Nature And Retro-Impressionism

In a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary style, Taneira, a TATA product, proudly presents its Khadi collection in celebration of National Handloom Day. Emerging from the mists of India’s ancient past, Khadi has traversed centuries and generations, evolving through the annals of time. From its origins in the ancient Indus civilization, where it was first spun and woven by skilled hands, Khadi has journeyed through history, becoming a symbol of self-reliance and resilience during the fight for freedom. This collection reimagines an iconic fabric that embodies a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and historical significance, seamlessly integrating into the realm of contemporary fashion, blending tradition with modernity.

With innovation at its heart, Taneira introduces the 'Impression Printing’ technique in their Khadi collection, a captivating fusion of nature’s artistry and contemporary aesthetics. Inspired by nature and retro-impressionism, the collection features delicate leaf imprints, intricate block prints, hand painting, prints and wovens. Each saree becomes a canvas, where nature's beauty brings alive a symphonic blend of textile heritage and contemporary aesthetics converging in a mesmerizing interplay of colors and textures. The collection also features exquisite designs crafted from Tussar silk sourced from Bhagalpur, alongside two distinctive designs adorned with intricate printed motifs from West Bengal.

On the collection, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO of Taneira, said, “We believe that Khadi is not just a fabric but a symbol of our nation’s spirit and resilience. Its significance spans across civilizations, embodying a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. By weaving contemporary design elements into this timeless fabric, we at Taneira, honor our deep-rooted traditions while catering to our discerning clientele. This collection is a heartfelt homage to the artisans who sustain our heritage, celebrating their craftsmanship and the perpetual allure of Khadi.”

Steeped in history, Khadi’s soft and breathable texture makes it an unparalleled choice for any season. The natural fibers regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Beyond comfort, Khadi exudes an understated elegance, making it a versatile choice for both casual and formal occasions. Handspun and handwoven, each piece of Khadi is a labor of love, embodying the indomitable spirit of artisans who infuse their dedication with passion and pride. Taneira continues to honor this rich tradition while pushing the boundaries of design to make it relevant and appealing to today’s discerning women.

Like the threads of Khadi that spun the fabric of our nation's independence, with 40 unique product designs, Taneira weaves together the diverse tapestry of India's handloom heritage. Starting at INR 7,999, Taneira’s Khadi collection is available at select stores and online at Taneira.com. Each piece promises to enchant and inspire, beautifully blending the timeless threads of tradition with contemporary elegance. 

Turkish Airlines Invites Indian Travelers To Experience Istanbul With Its Unique “Touristanbul” Service

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, offers its complimentary tour service “Touristanbul”, providing guests a unique opportunity to explore the rich culture and history of Istanbul during their layovers. 

Touristanbul is a free guided tour service offered by Turkish Airlines to all international transfer passengers with a layover time of 6-24 hours.  During the tours, Indian travellers can visit Istanbul’s most iconic sites and monuments, experience a taste of the city, and enjoy a fabulous view of the legendary Bosphorus. As part of the  experience, passengers also have the opportunity to sample traditional Turkish cuisine at the selected restaurants.

Turkish Airlines’ guests can book their Touristanbul adventure at the Hotel Desk in the International Arrivals Terminal or the Touristanbul Desk in the Transfer area showing their Turkish Airlines ticket numbers. Passengers can select one of the six tours according to the time frame best suited to their flight arrival and departure schedule. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, passengers are picked up and taken on a guided tour of the city before being dropped off back at the airport for their next flight.

Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye, aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers by offering them a unique opportunity to enjoy the fascinating city, Istanbul. Through its complimentary tours and award-winning services, Turkish Airlines brings world-famous Turkish hospitality to Indian travelers.

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 458 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 349 worldwide destinations as 296 international and 53 domestics in 130 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

About Star Alliance:

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 10,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 184 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.