Finance
Middle East’s Most Influential Think Tank Program

Invest in Dubai Real Estate, in partnership with the International Property Show, is gearing up to organize a Property Think Tank Program on 26th and 27th of May, 2021, at The Address Hotel in Dubai Marina. The two-day event is primed to be the most influential event in the Middle East this year, as it will cater to a more diverse audience involving various sectors and industries.
Through this one-of-a-kind event, Invest in Dubai Real Estate is ready to make its mark in the events industry once again and create bigger opportunities for its attendees. It will bring together participants from different fields to develop innovative solutions towards challenges in their respective sectors which will help in the overall upliftment of the real estate sector.

The members of the Think Tank Program will consist of experts in various fields and all members will be divided into groups, with each group representing a particular sector. Members will collaborate to share their knowledge, expertise, and research works, to innovate new solutions that solve specific challenges.
The program will welcome corporate leaders, real estate developers, investors, technology providers, financial experts, educators, industry specialists, professionals and innovators from different segments. Furthermore, all public and private companies, as well as local and international organizations are also welcome to join and share their knowledge on their respective fields or explore new ideas.
The event will present solutions to address challenges faced in the key sectors of finance, facility management, real estate FDI, marketing, government services, knowledge, lifestyle, smart cities, sustainable cities and PropTech.
For the Financing Sector, the delegates discuss new financing solutions and real estate security instruments that can be made available to lenders and borrowers in real estate that are looking to access working capital for buying and renovating property with the Global CEO of Sherwoods International Property, Iseeb Rehman.

As real estate has remained a popular vehicle driving financial wealth among investors, the Knowledge Sector may discuss innovative solutions with Dr. Hiba Jaber to improve the global competitiveness of professionals in the real estate industry.
Delegates in the Facility Management group can discuss new solutions to streamline the entire facility management process to ensure more functionality, safety and efficiency of real estate properties with the leader of the sector, Dilip Khatwani.
Foreign Direct Investment is crucial in the development of emerging and developing markets. FDI Delegates can brainstorm new solutions to further maximize returns and diversify internationally through real estate investments with Stefan Hickmott.
Real estate is one of the major contributors in the economy and governments must support the real estate market during challenging times. Under the leadership of Shahram Safai, the Government Sector may brainstorm the challenges and solutions when it comes to providing support to existing players in order to prevent a downward spiral.
Lifestyle is one of the most influential factors when buying and selling real estate properties. Nowadays, consumers are constantly seeking properties that have impressive environments and structure, not only to maintain their social status, but also to ensure their safety and security, as well as get the psychological and physical comfort they need. The Lifestyle Sector can discuss challenges and solutions in terms of becoming a positive driving force in enhancing the stability of the real estate industry with sector leader Dereck Hoogenkamp.
The Marketing Sector can brainstorm new solutions on how to sell real estate properties faster and improve ROI through new marketing techniques under Marketing leader Faisal Saeed Zaidi.
The development of smart cities is associated with greater efficiency through technology, thus increasing the value of properties and contributing towards urban development. The Smart & Sustainable Cities group can generate ideas on how to utilize technology more efficiently with the sector’s leader Karim El-Jisr.
The PropTech sector can develop new solutions to improve the positive impact of PropTech in the real estate sector by changing the way properties are bought and sold, streamlining the transaction process and developing solutions for better property management with sector leader Lynnette Sacchetto.
Key learning outcomes of the Think Tank groups will be presented after the brainstorming session. All participants will be given recognition after the activity for contributing their knowledge and expertise to address key issues.
This year’s edition will be highly beneficial to exhibitors since they will have access to a large pool of visitors which will effectively showcase their world-class projects, and generate lucrative business opportunities. The special onsite event will be an important hub for networking with key stakeholders, major investors and leading organisations, offering generous opportunities to build strong partnerships and collaborations.
Invest in Dubai Real Estate is an opportune event that remains committed to generate vast business opportunities for the Dubai real estate market and to strengthen the emirate’s leading position as an investor-friendly city. According to ValuStrat Dubai 2021 Outlook, new initiatives of the government including the provision of visas for expatriate retirees as well as the expansion of the 10-year golden visa scheme to draw foreigners to reside in the UAE are anticipated to support the real estate market this year.
Also, due to the development of vaccines gradually resolving the current health crisis, the economy of Dubai is expected to further stabilize, in addition to the upcoming Dubai Expo and the UAE’s 50th anniversary.
“The real estate sector is evolving at a rapid speed and it is important that we work together to innovate ideas and nurture connections, even outside the real estate industry. There is no doubt that this year will be even more successful and bring immense benefits to both exhibitors and visitors,” stated Mr. Dawood Al Shezawi, the President of the Organizing Committee of the Invest in Dubai Real Estate.
“The Think Tank Program, the newest offering in this year’s edition will certainly help in the promotion of global opportunities by allowing innovators and forward thinkers to explore and brainstorm solutions together under one platform. This will help address the issues faced in key sectors to ultimately boost the real estate industry, educating our global audience and offering fresh perspectives from diverse audience at the event. Without a doubt, the Think Tank Program will help us find ground-breaking solutions and gain knowledge that will help in the acceleration of economic growth and prosperity,”furthered Mr. Al Shezawi.
For more information on Invest in Dubai, please visit www.iidubai.ae.
Sign up for the event through the link: https://event10x.com/event/property-think-tank-program
Finance
FORBES: Where is the Russian banking crisis?

“Sanctions were supposed to kill the Russian financial sector. It did, and it didn’t. Where is the Russian banking crisis?” – FORBES is perplexed.
Yes, sanctions have hurt Russia’s financial institutions. But a Russian banking crisis, one that looks like we have seen in the U.S. recently with Silicon Valley Bank and in Switzerland with Credit Suisse, has not occurred.
There were never any runs on Russian banks. The ruble strengthened. And while most banks are protected by the state – led by Sberbank and VTB – the Russian Central Bank has spent much of the last decade working to clean up the financial system.
For this reason, Russian banks have survived the West’s sanctions regime and stock market delistings better than anyone would have imagined. For a cynical Russian, watching Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse burn down while their bankers are gainfully employed is like smirking before the camera lens in front of a burning building.
Had the sanctions come at the time when the Russian Central Bank was cleaning up its “zombie banks” – all hell would have broken loose. But seeing how much of that mess was swept away prior to the 2022 sanctions regimes taking hold, Russia’s banks remain safe and sound, even if Russian investors in those banks have lost their shirt.
The sanctions policy, the hardest ever taken out on Russia, is 13 months old. New ones pop up regularly. It is unclear what can possibly be next, as Russia’s financial institutions have already been largely cut off from the Western system.
Russia’s financial sector, and its banks at home, aren’t making headlines like banks in the U.S. and Europe are. They have withstood the onslaught of sanctions.
They’ve lost their European and U.S. assets, which will not be recovered for years to come, if ever. Sberbank CEO Herman Gref said in press reports that Sberbank is “the most attacked entity” in the country, which experiences “unprecedented challenges in terms of complexity and power.” He said Sberbank lost nearly all of its assets abroad, leading to massive write-downs.
Yet, Russian president Vladimir Putin smirks at the burning buildings of Credit Suisse and the lost $200 billion in Silicon Valley Bank deposits, needing unprecedented FDIC support to protect account holders. The bank is now insolvent. His biggest banks remain only because most of Russia’s banks over the years have been folded and rendered insolvent. And a danger to the Russian financial system was liquidated.
“Thanks to the professional actions of our banking community, government agencies, and the efforts of the central bank, I want to emphasize that we managed to overcome all these (sanctions) difficulties in general,” Putin reportedly said in Moscow earlier this month after meeting with Sberbank’s CEO. He said that Sberbank’s current stable position was “a good signal for the whole economy.”
With sanctions expected to remain for a long time to come, will Russia’s heavily sanctioned banks fold one day, too?
“Who knows what will happen in Russia, because we all only know what we read in the press and what we read in the press is that Russia did a smart job handling their banks pre-sanctions and so after sanctions they have managed okay,” says famous commodities investor Jim Rogers from his home in Singapore, who has been a director of Russian fertilizer company PhosAgro. “We saw the ruble go down when sanctions were first imposed, then it went up. So in that case alone, the market tells me that somebody in Russia did something right,” he says.
Finance
Factors to Consider When Choosing Funeral Chairs for Memorial Services

The loss of a loved one is devastating for the entire family. For churches providing funeral and memorial services, it’s important to ensure grieving family members are as comfortable as possible throughout the service. The right funeral chairs can help you achieve this goal. To find the right chairs, there are several factors that you must consider.
Comfortable Seating: Enhancing the Memorial Experience for Attendees
Comfort is of the utmost importance when choosing chairs for funerals and memorials. Grieving attendees are already facing hardship. Providing a comfortable place to sit during the service will provide them with some comfort during this difficult time. Comfortable seating will also enhance the memorial experience because attendees can stay fully focused on the service.
Look for chairs with foam seating and comfortable fabrics. Chairs that offer full back support will allow attendees to rest or reflect without being distracted by discomfort.
Dignified Seating: Reflecting the Importance of the Occasion
For first memorial funeral services, it’s important to choose seating that is dignified and respectful of the occasion. Choose plain, solid fabrics. Patterned fabrics can be distracting or distasteful in some cases.
Acceptable colors for funeral chairs include (but are not limited to)
- Gray or charcoal;
- Black;
- Dark plum;
- Beige or brown;
- Dark red;
Choose your color and style wisely to ensure you’re providing dignified seating for attendees.
One advantage of choosing these colors is that it allows you to use these chairs for a variety of purposes. Rather than having to invest in a new set of seating for services and events, you can use the same seating for all occasions.
Improved Concentration: The Impact of Comfortable Seating on Focus
Those who attend funerals and memorial services should remain focused on the service and nothing else. Providing attendees with comfortable funeral chairs will allow them to stay focused on the service. During the funeral and memorial services, family members often share stories and thoughts about their lost loved one. A formal service may also be given.
Often, services last between 30 minutes and one hour – sometimes more. Because attendees will be asked to sit for long periods of time, it is crucial to ensure they have a comfortable place to sit.
When chairs are poorly constructed or have uncomfortable seats, attendees will be more concerned about their discomfort than listening to the service. They may become distracted or find themselves fidgeting and distracting others in the process.
However, when you invest in comfortable seating, attendees can sit quietly, reflecting on the words being spoken during the service.
Health Benefits: The Positive Impact of Comfortable Seating on Physical Health
One thing that is often overlooked when selecting funeral seating is its impact on physical health. Pain and discomfort are two common complaints when funeral attendees sit in pews.
If you have the option to offer individual seating, attendees will be much more comfortable. Cushioned seats will also ensure that guests with mobility issues can be present during the service without feeling uncomfortable.
Comfortable seating is an essential part of a memorial service; it not only provides guests with places to sit but also helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere where people can come together to honor the memory of their loved one.
When seats are uncomfortable or poorly made, guests may experience pain or other forms of discomfort that will make it difficult to be present during the service. Seats with foam padding can provide much-needed support and cushioning, allowing guests to sit comfortably even for long periods of time.
Chairs with solid, durable metal frames will also ensure that your seating stands up to frequent use. Providing safe seating is essential, and quality, durable chairs will help you achieve that.
Customizable Seating: Personalizing the Experience for Attendees
Another important factor to consider when choosing funeral seating is customization. Providing a personalized experience for attendees will allow them to experience the service in the way they envision.
Individual chairs will allow the family to choose the layout for the seating. Some chairs interlock to form pews, and some families may prefer this more traditional option.
Traditionally, the family of the deceased sits in the first row or first few rows. If the family wishes to maintain this convention, chairs of different colors can be provided, or additional space can be placed between these rows and the remainder of the seating.
When chairs are provided instead of traditional pews, there are more opportunities for customized layouts and seating for attendees. Being able to provide this level of customization may bring a small amount of comfort and peace to the family.
In Conclusion
When providing funeral and memorial services, churches and sanctuaries should not overlook the importance of providing comfortable seating for attendees. The right chairs will ensure attendees are comfortable during the service, allowing them to stay more focused on the message and less focused on discomfort or pain.
What is your experience with choosing and providing funeral chairs? Share your thoughts and comments.
Finance
Credit Suisse Collapse – this is a robbery of Arab investors

Riding an oil-price boom last year, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed government-backed Saudi National Bank to make a $1.5 billion investment in Credit Suisse. Now, the Saudi investment is almost wiped out after Credit Suisse’s emergency merger with UBS Group AG, ‘The Wall Street Journal’ claims.
Credit Suisse’s meltdown also erased billions of dollars in investments made by Qatar’s sovereign fund and the Saudi-based Olayan family, making the Persian Gulf one of the biggest losers from a slide in financial stocks since the collapse of two U.S. banks last week.
The Saudis struck the deal when oil prices were just below $100 a barrel, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine juiced energy markets.
The steep losses are a reminder of how Gulf states were burned investing in Western banks and hedge funds during the financial crisis in 2007 and 2008. The value of foreign assets in portfolios of the Gulf Cooperation Council states in 2008 fell by $100 billion to a total of $1.2 trillion, not counting the vast personal holdings of their ruling families, the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations reported in 2009.
Michael Klein, a former Citigroup Inc. banker who has long worked with Middle East clients, connected the $600 billion PIF with Credit Suisse last fall, some of the people said. The troubled bank needed billions of dollars to fund a turnaround plan that would move it away from investment banking toward wealth management. Mr. Klein was working on the overhaul as a Credit Suisse board member.
PIF connected Credit Suisse and Saudi National Bank, the kingdom’s largest bank with close ties to the government, some of the people said. Prince Mohammed gave the green light for the Saudi bank to make the Credit Suisse investment, some of the people said.
The investment made Saudi National Bank the biggest shareholder in Credit Suisse, with just less than 10% ownership.
“The Saudi market [is] the 700-pound gorilla economically in the region, and just getting them to engage with us in Saudi Arabia would be more than good enough,” Mr. Khudairy said of Credit Suisse.
The Gulf region has deep ties to Credit Suisse. Tiny natural gas-rich Qatar began snapping up shares of Credit Suisse as markets wobbled in 2008, and led a group of private investors who pumped billions of dollars into the company in the weeks after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, ultimately building up a stake worth more than $3 billion.
Qatar and the Olayan family together plowed another $6.2 billion into the company in 2011 through a special type of debt. In 2013, Qatar converted over $4.5 billion of that debt into bonds called Additional Tier 1 capital notes — which are poised to be wiped out as part of Credit Suisse’s deal with UBS.
Investor confidence in Credit Suisse began wobbling last week after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in the U.S. On Wednesday morning, Mr. Khudairy told Bloomberg TV his bank would “absolutely not” be willing to assist if Credit Suisse needed more capital.
According to the people familiar with the matter, Saudi National Bank officials felt out of the loop, finding out about the talks with UBS via the news media.
A group led by Saudi National Bank proposed injecting around $5 billion into Credit Suisse, ‘The Wall Street Journal’ previously reported. Under the plan, “Credit Suisse bondholders would have been fully protected.” But Swiss ministers rejected the offer.
-
Middle East3 days ago
Arab plan for Syria puts US and Europe in a bind
-
Economy3 days ago
Impact of technological advancements on International Trade and Finance
-
Finance3 days ago
Credit Suisse Collapse – this is a robbery of Arab investors
-
Middle East3 days ago
Iraq’s Geopolitics, Key Factor for US, EU Energy Security Strategies
-
South Asia4 days ago
India’s G20 Leadership: Challenges and Opportunities
-
Southeast Asia4 days ago
Indonesia: Climate Change Challenges
-
New Social Compact4 days ago
Dance and games offer glimpses of life – and death – in ancient Italy
-
Russia4 days ago
The Political and Diplomatic Implications of the ICC’s Arrest Warrant for Vladimir Putin