Uber Unveils UberOne Membership Program In Indian Market

* Making ridesharing more affordable and convenient, UberOne members can enjoy daily savings, exclusive benefits, top rated drivers and more!

Uber, one of India’s leading ridesharing apps, announced the launch of UberOne, its first membership program in India, aimed at bringing unprecedented savings and exclusive benefits to millions of riders across the country. Uber’s global membership program offers discounts and exclusive experiences for rides, helping members navigate everyday life more easily.

Uber One membership has two plans: INR 149 per month or INR 1499 annually.  Uber will also offer exciting launch period discounts on the monthly plan. With UberOne, members can access exclusive savings and benefits, making it a smart choice for riders. Members can enjoy up to 10% UberOne credits on each ride, resulting in significant savings and valuable perks. As a first-of-its-kind program in the Indian ridesharing market, UberOne reflects Uber's commitment to understanding local preferences, ensuring that its tailored offerings cater to the needs of its riders in India.

One of the key features of UberOne is preferential access to the highest-rated drivers. By prioritizing quality and reliability, members can expect an elevated experience every time they ride with Uber, ensuring their safety and convenience. Additionally, UberOne provides premium, round-the-clock customer support exclusively for members. This dedicated support team ensures quick and efficient resolutions to any issues, enhancing the overall experience for riders.

Commenting on the launch, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Mobility is essential and affordability is paramount and with the launch of Uber One, we’re excited to bring a unique membership experience to our riders in India. We understand the importance of value and convenience in everyday travel, and we’re committed to delivering a program that offers just that. Uber One is designed to enhance our riders' experience and make every journey even more rewarding.”

The membership program is available across all Uber ride options, including UberGo, Premier, XL, Reserve, Auto, Moto, Intercity, Rental, Shuttle and Package - making it accessible for a wide range of travel preferences. Uber users can sign up directly from the latest version of the Uber app, gaining immediate access to the benefits.

Here’s how to become an Uber One member:

Update the Uber app to the latest version

Open the Uber app

Tap on ‘Account’ and select ‘Uber One’

Review the benefits and terms, then tap ‘Join Now’

Choose between the monthly or annual membership options.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. More than 10 years and over 3 billion trips later, we continue to build products to help people get where they need to be. Today, Uber is available across 125 cities in India and has become #IndiaKiRide where people can go where they have to on Moto, Auto, Cars and even Buses - designed for their various intracity and intercity travel needs. With just a swipe on the app we make mobility seamless for millions and support over 1 million Indians making a sustainable income by getting in the driver's seat. We continue to reimagine the way the world moves for the better in ever expanding ways and as we mark our ten-year milestone - we remain committed to keep India Moving Forward.

IEIC Certifies Over 100 Games For Preponderance Of Skill To Combat Consumer Harm And Drive Industry Growth

* The certification employs a groundbreaking statistical method, developed in collaboration with experts from IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, and Stanford University, analyzing the gameplay behavior of over 100 million users across billions of sessions to verify the preponderance of skill over chance.

* This initiative resolves the long-standing issue of objectively differentiating games of skill from games of chance, bringing much-needed clarity to the online gaming sector.

* The model has tested and certified games from over 50 leading developers, including Artoon, AppOn, Chennai Games, Hash Byte, MaxPlay, Smash Head, WinZO, and Play Bytes, covering genres like arcade, sports, puzzles, card games, and board games.

The Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) has successfully certified over 100 games for their preponderance of skill using a pioneering statistical method. Developed in collaboration with experts from IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, and Stanford University, this innovative method analyzes user behavior across billions of gameplays from over 100 million users. This initiative addresses the long-standing challenge of objectively distinguishing games of skill from games of chance, providing clarity that benefits both the industry and consumers.

This certification empowers consumers by enabling them to differentiate between legitimate skill-based gaming platforms and illegal betting and gambling platforms, safeguarding them from potential harm. By promoting a thriving evaluation methodology based on the Supreme Court of India’s test for preponderance of skill, IEIC is fostering a fair, transparent, and responsible gaming ecosystem.

The certified games—developed by over 50 leading studios, including Artoon, AppOn, Chennai Games, Hash Byte, MaxPlay, Smash Head, WinZO, and Play Bytes—span diverse genres such as arcade games, sports simulations, puzzles, card games, and board games. This certification not only validates the ingenuity of these developers but also reinforces the enduring appeal of skill-based games in the interactive entertainment sector.

IEIC’s certification process leverages a multifaceted assessment methodology that examines player behavior, skill consistency, strategic decision-making, and statistical analyses. By addressing the conflation of gaming and gambling, this initiative resolves regulatory ambiguities that have stifled industry growth, such as the recent 400% GST hike on legitimate gaming businesses.

India’s online gaming industry, currently valued at USD 3.1 billion with a 14% CAGR, is projected to reach USD 6 billion by 2028. With regulatory clarity and initiatives like the IEIC certification, India could capture a 20% share of the global market, unlocking a USD 60 billion opportunity by 2034. This growth would generate 20x more employment opportunities and position India as a global leader in gaming.

Naresh Khokhaneshiya, co-founder, Artoon," said, "As a game developer committed to pushing boundaries and delivering experiences that resonate with players on a deeper level, I commend the IEIC for their critical initiative. This certification process not only helps us test new products in the early stages but also provides a cost-effective way to validate the skill element in gaming."

Mohan Doss, co-founder of Chennai Games, added, "This initiative should have ideally happened much sooner. Skill-testing methodologies are already widely adopted worldwide, and it's high time that India embraces and integrates them into our gaming ecosystem. By doing so, we can differentiate games of skill, ensuring that player success is determined by genuine skill rather than mere chance. I believe IEIC's initiative will elevate the standard of skill-based gaming in India and pave the way for a more competitive and rewarding gaming landscape."

A panel of experts from the institutes had developed scientific tests for skill elements in games through a multifaceted assessment methodology. This methodology included statistical analyses, observation of player behavior, consistency of skill manifestation over time, and the impact of strategic decisions on game outcomes. The statistical method or test of verifying preponderance of skill over chance were designed after utilising game play data and user behavior of over 100 million users, across billions of game plays, and other relevant factors. This initiative has the potential to reduce the compliance burden for the online gaming sector and resolve regulatory challenges in the era of rapid innovation in tech and business models. The panel of experts will closely work with IEIC as it scales its certification process to include more game developers willing to examine and certify their games for pre-ponderance of skill.

The statistical tests, integral to this certification process, align with global research and standards developed across jurisdictions to differentiate between games of skill and games of chance. IEIC’s certification program, in collaboration with premier research institutions, highlights its commitment to safety, transparency, and accountability. This initiative has provided game developers with scientific clarity about the element of skill in their games.

This scalable model paves the way for broader industry adoption, offering regulatory clarity essential for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), promoting public market forays, and driving innovation in game design and intellectual property creation. Recognition of this framework by the Government and certification through empanelled institutes of eminence will not only protect consumers but also facilitate a robust regulatory environment. This will unlock opportunities for local content creation, global talent acquisition, and high-productivity job generation. By leveraging such initiatives, the Indian gaming sector can propel the nation’s digital economy toward the ambitious goal of USD 1 trillion by 2030.

“The conflation of gaming with gambling is a serious concern. Our initiative aims to democratize the process and establish a scalable, credible model to differentiate games of skill from games of chance, eliminating any overlap between the two. This is a crucial step in safeguarding consumer and national interests. As advocates for innovation and consumer protection in the industry, we are proud to introduce a solution that is objective, scalable, and accessible. By integrating this certification into the self-declaration process, we reduce reliance on external assessments, streamlining compliance and fostering ease of doing business while enhancing innovation,” Spokesperson IEIC.

FlixBus India Launched A New Lounge In Bengaluru’s Madiwala

* The 30-seater lounge offers enhanced comfort, safety, and convenience for passengers traveling to key South Indian destinations

FlixBus, a global leader in intercity bus travel, announced opening of its new customer lounge at Madiwala, Bangalore, further strengthening its commitment to enhance travel experiences in South India. This 30-seater lounge started its operations from 27th November 2024. This lounge aims to offer customers a comfortable and secure waiting area, elevating the boarding experience for passengers traveling on FlixBus routes.

The Madiwala lounge will cater primarily to passengers traveling to key destinations, including Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Belagavi, and Hyderabad. Strategically located at FlixBus’s second-busiest boarding point after Majestic, the lounge reflects company’s recognition of positioning Bangalore as a significant hub in its South India network.

Commenting on this launch, Surya Khurana, MD, FlixBus India said, “South India, and particularly Bangalore, represents a large and dynamic market for FlixBus. With the launch of our Madiwala lounge, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-centric travel solutions in the region while maintaining our global standards in intercity travel. We believe this initiative will re-define the boarding experience for our passengers, offering them certainty and security as they embark on their journeys."

Amenities for an Enhanced Customer Experience

·         Essential Facilities: The lounge includes washrooms, device charging points, and CCTV surveillance, providing both convenience and security for passengers.

·         Operating Hours: The lounge will be operational daily from 6 AM to 12 AM, accommodating the needs of early morning and late-night travellers.

FlixBus remains committed to making sustainable and comfortable travel accessible to all while expanding its footprint in South India. 

Uber Introduces New Features To Elevate Safety Features For Female Riders & Drivers

* Empowering riders with automatic safety tools and a sharper focus on women’s safety

Uber today unveiled a suite of features aimed at enhancing the safety of its riders in India, with a special focus on female riders and drivers. The company has announced Audio Recording and Women Rider Preferred to offer increased safety on Uber trips. Partnering with Bengaluru-based NGO Durga, Uber is also stepping up efforts to sensitize drivers on appropriate conduct, especially with regards to women riders. With the launch of ‘Safety Preferences’, Uber riders can now customize safety features like RideCheck, Share My Trip, and Audio Recording to activate automatically, on every Uber trip.

These features are the latest in Uber’s efforts to make riders and drivers feel safe during every ride. The company continues to utilize a mix of technological expertise and innovations to ensure that riding with Uber is safe, seamless and hassle-free. As per the 2024 India Economic Impact Report, compiled by Public First, 95% of female riders cited safety as their top reason for using Uber. 84% of female riders believed that taking an Uber was the safest way to get home.

Sooraj Nair, Head - Safety Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, “We believe that our work on safety never stops. We’ve continually innovated to lead the industry on safety and enhance the overall experience on every Uber trip. Whether it’s through tech-driven solutions like SOS integration and Women Rider Preference, or through initiatives such as gender sensitization, we remain focussed on building a platform that riders and drivers can trust every time they choose Uber."

Key safety features:

SOS integration

This feature ensures quick emergency assistance by allowing riders and drivers to share live location and trip details directly with police during critical situations. This feature is designed to provide immediate support when every second counts. The feature is live in Telengana. Uber has completed testing in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and is set to roll-out as the State Police greenlights the collaboration.

Women Rider Preference | Industry-first

Female drivers now have the option to choose to accept only female riders, a feature that is particularly useful during late hours. Introduced based on driver feedback, this optional feature has already enabled over 21,000 trips. It helps female earners prioritise their safety, drive for longer hours, and boost their earnings.

Audio recording | Industry-first

Riders can now record audio if they feel uncomfortable or concerned about their safety during trips. The encrypted recordings are not accessible to the rider, ensuring privacy. Uber does not access the audio unless the rider chooses to submit it as part of a safety report. This feature, compliant with India’s one-party consent law, is available nationwide for riders and drivers.

Gender sensitization

Uber has partnered with Durga, a Bangalore-based NGO, dedicated to promoting gender equity and safety. This partnership will include virtual sessions for drivers to understand and address the unique safety concerns of women riders, fostering a safer and more respectful experience for all.

The company has also bolstered existing features to boost women safety on the platform. Uber’s tech-enabled RideCheck detects irregularities such as route deviations or long stops, prompting a proactive check-in with riders and drivers. The 24x7 Safety Line offers round-the-clock access to safety experts for urgent but non-emergency issues during and after trips. Additionally, phone and address anonymization ensure privacy by concealing personal contact details and trip locations, protecting both riders and drivers.

With Uber’s new feature ‘Safety Preferences’ riders can now automatically activate tech-driven safety features on every trip. The feature allows riders to customize their safety settings for added peace of mind. From automatically sharing trip details with trusted contacts to enabling audio recording and RideCheck alerts, riders can tailor safety features to activate based on time or location—such as late-night trips or rides from specific areas. This one-stop destination within the app ensures a safer and more personalized experience for every trip.

These initiatives reinforce Uber’s dedication to enhanced safety through use of technology and collaboration with experts.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. More than 10 years and over 3 billion trips later, we continue to build products to help people get where they need to be. Today, Uber is available across 125 cities in India and has become #IndiaKiRide where people can go where they have to on Moto, Auto, Cars and even Buses - designed for their various intracity and intercity travel needs. With just a swipe on the app we make mobility seamless for millions and support over 1 million Indians making a sustainable income by getting in the driver's seat. We continue to reimagine the way the world moves for the better in ever expanding ways and as we mark our ten-year milestone - we remain committed to keep India Moving Forward.

Emirates Airline Officially Unveils Its First A350 Aircraft In Dubai

 

* Delivery milestone celebrated today at a special event and showcase in Dubai 

* Airline reveals latest interiors, industry-first technologies and innovations onboard

* Addition of A350 to Emirates fleet primes airline for growth amid robust travel demand

Emirates has officially unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 to join its fleet at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai.

 The event, led by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy,  was attended by VIP guests, aerospace partners, government officials and dignitaries, members of the media, as well as aviation enthusiasts. Guests were able to experience the aircraft’s interiors, equipped with its next generation products and latest technologies. 

 The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats. The latest onboard products reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering a premium passenger experience while optimising operational efficiency. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008.

 His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “Today is an exciting milestone for Emirates as we showcase our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network growth. This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to spread its wings farther by offering added range, efficiency and flexibility to our network, enabling us to meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities that we serve. Onboard, our updated interiors and seating configurations will help us deliver a more elevated and comfortable experience to travellers across every cabin class. The 65 Emirates A350s joining our fleet in the coming years fit into the airline’s broader plans to support our visionary leadership’s Dubai’s D33 Strategy, which will transform the city into a pivotal hub in the global economy by expanding its connectivity and reach.”

 Phillipe Mhun, Executive Vice President Programmes & Services for Airbus said: “We are proud to further expand our strategic partnership with Emirates which has flourished nearly 4 decades ago with the A300, the A330, the A340 and the A380.  Marking a new chapter for Airbus, we expect the A350 to become an integral member of the Emirates’ fleet and support its continued growth and sustainability ambitions.”

 Omar Ali Adib, SVP Customer – Middle East and Africa for Rolls-Royce, said: “The collaborative effort between Emirates, Airbus and Rolls-Royce exemplifies what can be achieved when we share a commitment to excellence and build a long-term partnership that makes us all stronger. With our £1bn investment in durability across our Trent engine family, we are committed to continuing to evolve and improve in the years ahead.”

 Apart from its newly delivered A350, Emirates operates two other aircraft types around the world to 140 destinations - the widebody Boeing 777 aircraft and the iconic ‘double decker’ Airbus A380 aircraft. The A350’s introduction will enable Emirates to expand into new destinations globally, including mid-sized airports unsuited for larger aircraft. The Emirates A350 will be delivered in two versions - one for regional routes and one for ultra long-haul routes.

 The airline plans to make its first scheduled commercial A350 flight to Edinburgh on 3 January 2025. In the months to follow, customers can look forward to experiencing the Emirates A350 in existing GCC points like Bahrain, Muscat and Kuwait, Lyon and Bologna in Europe, and Colombo, Mumbai and Ahmedabad in West Asia in addition to new travel opportunities that are up to 15 hours from Dubai– to be announced in 2025.

 Newly designed, more comfortable Economy Class seats

 Economy Class customers will notice two distinct improvements to their seats on the Emirates A350. Firstly, similar to the newest Emirates 777 and A380 aircraft, the Emirates A350 Economy Class seat has a new fabric in an uplifting and elegant light blue, with luxurious bronze-coloured armrests creating a very sophisticated look. Secondly, Emirates will soon introduce a brand new 6-way adjustable headrest to Economy Class on the A350, designed with customer comfort at the forefront and allowing customers the option of sleep with full neck support. Expected in early 2025, this new headrest is set to significantly improve customer experience in Economy Class and eliminate the need for neck pillows.

 Emirates A350 - The best of Business Class

 Business Class on the Emirates A350 will feature 32 luxurious leather ‘S Lounge seats’, inspired by the Mercedes S Class for an exceptional travel experience. The A350 aircraft will feature brand new additions of wireless charging on the side cocktail table in Business Class, and in-seat lighting controls with 5 streams of light. The 1-2-1 seat configuration in the A350 Business Class ensures a very private, exclusive experience where customers can enjoy the latest iteration of the Emirates Experience including lie-flat seats, 4k ice screen, multiple sockets and charging ports including a wireless port, minibar, improved storage, inflight shopping and an abundance of multi award-winning food and beverages served with world class Emirates hospitality.

 More chances to try Emirates Premium Economy

 Emirates Premium Economy Class has been widely hailed as an outstanding product and has already won multiple awards since its introduction in 2022. All 65 incoming Emirates A350s will feature Premium Economy Class, making luxury travel more accessible to a wider audience. For a competitive price, Premium Economy offers a travel experience similar to Business Class on many airlines, with spacious leather reclining seats with full leg and footrests and adjustable headrests. It features in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights and a globally exclusive sparkling wine - Chandon Vintage Brut 2017. The award-winning catering onboard features a selection of generous meals made with seasonal ingredients served on Royal Doulton chinaware, accompanied by Robert Welch cutlery wrapped in a linen napkin. Onboard the A350, Premium Economy Class will have a maximum of 28 seats, providing an exclusive and intimate feel for customers.

 More space and storage

 With extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes, the Emirates A350 is sleek yet spacious inside. Customer comfort is a top priority, and the seat configurations offer more space and privacy to every traveller. In the Emirates A350 Business Class cabin, the configuration is one seat by the left window, 2 seats in the middle, and one seat by the right window (1-2-1). In Premium Economy, the configuration is 2 seats by the left window, 3 seats in the middle, and 2 seats by the right window (2-3-2). In Economy Class, the configuration is 3 seats by the left window, 3 seats in the middle and 3 seats by the right window (3-3-3). With this configuration, all customers have easier access to the aisle. The A350 galley area is notably spacious, offering Economy Class customers an area to stretch their legs and grab a complimentary snack on long haul flights. Storage has been improved on the Emirates A350, with compartmentalised pockets and larger overhead storage bins.

 Seamless technology at every touch

 The Emirates A350 takes technology to another level. Customers can now adjust their electric window blinds at the touch of a button. The aerBlade dual blind system will feature in Business and Premium Economy Class offering two shaded options, and the aerBlade single blind systems will make a debut in Economy Class, with all blinds showing the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed. Customers will also enjoy new touchscreen call bell buttons for cabin crew service, on the ice inflight entertainment screens. Other features include the ability to instantly view your inflight menu on your screen, digital newspapers and magazines from around the world, 5 aircraft camera views and improved inflight live map experience, and 60-watt USB C charging in every seat, with the ability to pair two Bluetooth connections for personal headphones.

 The next generation of Inflight Entertainment on ice

 The Emirates A350 will introduce an impressive, next-generation version of the iceinflight entertainment system with a suite of ground-breaking features designed to enhance the customer experience. Offering a cinematic display to Emirates customers, this includes the best picture quality on any aircraft with stunning 4K and 4K HDR, ultra-responsive touchscreens for seamless navigation and a vast media selection—up to triple the current content capacity. Customers will also enjoy handy new features like ‘eye comfort mode’ to reduce blue light exposure, the ability to skip credits and intros on videos, enhanced live TV, and simplified volume and brightness controls. An improved search function is complemented by iceMoments, a revolutionary way to explore content on ice in a short form video format.  Kids will enjoy a new pictorially driven interface, while parents will appreciate the seat side parental controls for family-friendly settings.

 Faster wi-fi

 Marking a first in aviation history, the Emirates A350 will feature a high performance, new generation antennae which will significantly improve inflight connectivity taking full advantage of ViaSat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network. Customers will enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity across all destinations, including over the North Pole for flights going to the Americas. At an investment of more than USD 2 million per aircraft, customers will notice an improved user portal with a faster sign in for new users and a swifter log in for Skywards customers. Improved Wireless Access Points (WAPs) onboard will mean more customers can connect at the same time with the potential to enjoy up to 10 times the current total aircraft bandwidth on average, whether for work or to stay connected with family and friends.

 Seamless online shopping

 From 2025 onwards, customers on the Emirates A350 will be able to enjoy Duty Free shopping from their seat in a few taps. EmiratesRED will offer an extensive catalogue of luxury gifts on ice, where customers can shop online, create a basket and conveniently transition to their personal device to complete the checkout and payment process, including payment via ApplePay and G-Pay.

 More inclusive, accessible travel

 A new user interface on ice has been designed in partnership with Thales and advocacy groups for visually impaired customers, to ensure all customers have an intuitive, high quality inflight entertainment experience. This imparts best practice experiences for visually impaired customers including audio-cue navigation assistance, voice metadata feedback, touch and swipe gesturing support and presents the large selection of audio-descriptive (AD) content available on ice.

 Quieter cabins

 The Emirates A350 is celebrated as the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft, and also offers customers a substantial reduction in noise. Emirates customers can take advantage of the peaceful ambience and elevated comfort in the quietest twin aisle cabin of any aircraft.

 Award-winning inflight dining and the world’s best beverage selection in the sky

 Emirates is renowned for its award-winning inflight dining and the world’s best beverage selection in the sky across all aircraft types. The same premium quality, regionally inspired cuisine will be available onboard the Emirates A350, alongside an impressive wine collection, exclusive Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot in Business Class and Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 in Premium Economy Class. Chef crafted dishes and multi course meals are served in all classes, with dedicated nutritious meals for children.

 More complimentary snacks

 Business Class customers will have their own minibar on the Emirates A350, which includes still and sparkling water, and 2 snack packs - one sweet and one savoury, as well as a new snack display area at the back of the cabin, where customers can come and grab fresh fruit, sandwiches and sweet treats anytime they like. Premium Economy customers will have a snack service on long haul flights and Economy Class customers will also be able to access complimentary snacks on long haul flights on a newly designed island in the galley area.

 A sleek interior designed for relaxation

 The Emirates A350 will feature the latest sophisticated and luxurious design by Emirates, including key motifs like the illuminated Ghaf Tree – the symbolic tree of the UAE, and the signature bronze and gold of the Emirates brand, combined with crisp cream leather and elegant wood grain for a soothing and sleek neutral palette. The aircraft features customised mood lighting designed for a relaxing ambiance. The washrooms are a luxurious and pristine white with bronze accents, offering a spacious feel as they are the same size as the current washrooms on the larger Emirates A380 aircraft.

World class hospitality from Emirates’ Cabin Crew

 Emirates’ world class cabin crew have received specialised training to ensure the airline’s signature customer experiences are delivered consistently onboard the Emirates A350. The training blends classroom learning with practical sessions, on a dedicated simulator in the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College, Dubai. Cabin crew learn the intricacies of the new inflight entertainment system, as well as the service procedures unique to the A350.

About Emirates

Emirates’ 39 years in India have been defined by progressive investment, partnership, and growth. In October 1985, Emirates launched flights from Dubai to Delhi and Mumbai which formed the base of its initial route network. Since then, Emirates has grown its India operations to serve a total of nine destinations across India – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. For more information on Emirates’ current operations, network, travel support, guidance, customer, and employee safety, visit www.emirates.com 

Ohm Mobility Rebrands As Ohm Daily; Offers Sachet Financial Services To Daily Income Workers Like Mobility Drivers

* From delivering financing solutions to thousands of EV users as Ohm Mobility, the end-to-end clean mobility financing technology platform, in its new avatar as Ohm Daily, will now offer sachet products and financial services targeting the 140 million daily income earners like auto drivers and mobility workers.

Ohm Mobility, an EV financing technology platform that has enabled thousands of EV users to efficiently access institutional capital from financial institutions like IDFC, EvFin, Bike Bazaar, and Ecofy has rechristened the brand as Ohm Daily.

Founded by Oxford alumni and Skoll scholars Nikhil Nair and Nikhil Saigal, Ohm Daily aims to address a critical cash-flow challenge faced by gig workers and mobility professionals: aligning their irregular, daily income with monthly financial obligations. The shift to Ohm Daily marks an evolution in the company’s focus—from financing electric vehicles to becoming a platform offering sachet products and financial services for daily earners, particularly auto drivers and mobility workers.

As part of the new brand vision, Ohm Daily’s innovative sachet-style financial products and services will enable their customers to make small, daily payments, towards the repayment of their loans, that match their income streams. Most gig-workers in India struggle to avail loans from traditional financial institutions, and when they do, find it challenging to make large monthly payments. Through their new offering, Ohm daily aims to reduce the financial stress of their customers and help them improve their overall financial management.

“Why should a driver struggle to pay Rs 9,000 at the end of the month when they can break it down into manageable daily payments? Our proposition is simple: we transform all your financial obligations into manageable, daily sachet payments and we simplify financial access for the informal workforce, giving them tools that align with their cash flows,” said Nikhil Nair, Co-founder and CEO of Ohm Daily. “Now is the right time for solutions of this nature, thanks to the rise of UPI and the rapid formalisation of incomes for daily earners. Our product aims to drive meaningful change for a historically underserved segment. Financial inclusion isn’t just about having a bank account—it’s about ensuring that all products and services are accessible to everyone in ways that truly work for them”.

From processing over 120,000 micro payments during its validation phase, Ohm Daily is now gearing up to scale its operations, leveraging digital payment adoption and increasing financial formalisation among daily earners. The company is focused on creating a robust financial ecosystem for the 25 million mobility workers and eventually expanding its services to 140 million informal workers living on daily-income.

www.ohmdaily.in

Experience The First Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: New Displays Turn Abu Dhabi And Al Ain Into Open-Air Galleries

* Running until 30 April 2025, this showcase features curated installations and performances, making art accessible to all

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative.  This landmark event transforms Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into vibrant open-air galleries, celebrating creativity and culture.

Running until 30 April 2025, the Biennial explores the concept of ‘public’ in the context of Abu Dhabi, showcasing how art cultivates connections across communities. Designed with accessibility in mind, the exhibition is strategically located in the downtown areas of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to welcome visitors and residents alike to engage and explore with its installations.

Visitors and residents can explore works by over 70 artists from around the world. The Biennial brings together site-specific installations and performances that directly engage with communities and reflect on the intersection of community, environment and identity.

Key highlights include:

Farah Al Qasimi's Homesickeness: An auditory sculpture immersing listeners in ocean sounds, symbolising the sea's cultural and environmental significance in the region.

Seema Nusrat’s Floating Fragments: Depicting a terracotta-roofed house submerged by an imagined flood, it explores urban life and the increasing risks of flooding due to climate change.

Christopher Benton’s Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home: A transformation of the traditional Carpet Souk to a vibrant community space, encouraging attendees to engage and connect with the community.

Afra Al Dhaheri’s D-constructing Collective Exhaustion: A thought-provoking piece which draws on time, presence, and attention in an immersive installation made of wooden structures, tangled ropes, light, and sound. 

Wael Al Awar’s Barzakh: The installation refers to a boundary or liminal space, and rethinks how these materials and processes could shape future architecture. 

Designed to be explored on foot or by car, the Biennial’s especially curated routes invite visitors to discover prominent landmarks and hidden gems, all through an artistic lens. Even as Abu Dhabi continues to grow, its warm welcome and generous spirit remain at its heart. The Biennial celebrates these cherished traditions, sharing them with the world.

The Biennial will unveil another wave of art installations and activities beginning in January 2025, kicking off the second phase of the exhibition.

The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial provides a unique opportunity for visitors  to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and connect with its vibrant community, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists in the city from November – April 2025. For more information on the Biennial artists, programming, and locations, please visit: https://paad.ae/biennial

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, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

About Public Art Abu Dhabi

Public Art Abu Dhabi is the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)’s new initiative under its ongoing commitment to commissioning public art for the emirate. Integral to this initiative is its community engagement efforts. The initiative advances the creative legacy, cultural infrastructure, liveability, and wellbeing of the UAE capital’s residents through placemaking and collective memory. An investment of over 35 million US dollars is dedicated to the initiative annually, to support the emirate’s wider creative industries through public art.