Google.org, the philanthropic arm of the Alphabet-owned internet company, set up a $1.3 million fund that aims to equip women, people with disabilities and refugees in the Mena region with the digital skills needed to run businesses and boost their career opportunities.
Three non-profit organisations – Cairo-based Helm, Amman-based Idare and Amsterdam-based Spark – are the beneficiaries of the grants, receiving $400,000, $300,000 and $600,000, respectively.
The funds will be used to reach out to people from diverse backgrounds in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and the UAE.
The data-driven investment programme will provide the skills needed amid the global digital pivot, Google.org president Jacquelline Fuller said.
"Digital skills are something that we have identified several years ago as being the most critical area globally where we thought Google could offer help and make the biggest impact on people's well-being," Ms Fuller, who is also a Google vice president, told The National in an exclusive interview on Monday.
"Looking at data, the growth of jobs – middle-income jobs in particular – all require digital skills ... we are big believers in artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance technology and advance the business sector."
Google.org, which invests more than $200m annually in non-profits, has contributed $15.5m to Mena non-governmental organisations over the past five years.
All grants are primarily aimed at improving job opportunities for both the unemployed and underemployed.
Ms Fuller said that women, in particular, are being disproportionately hit hard by the transition to a digital economy, which was only made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic.
About six million jobs are at risk in the Arab world due to the pandemic alone, according to the Arab Monetary Fund, with 64 per cent and 39 per cent of women in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, respectively, at high risk of displacement if they are unable to acquire digital skills, according to McKinsey.
Meanwhile, refugees can contribute to the societies that welcome them as workers, innovators, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, consumers and investors, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
In turn, these efforts can help to create jobs, raise productivity and the wages of local workers, stimulate international trade and investment, lift capital returns and improve innovation.
Employing people with disabilities in the private sector can be a part of wider efforts to improve workforce diversity, resulting in concrete economic benefits for these companies.
These benefits include increased innovation and staff commitment, more effective problem solving and a more positive reputation among clients, business partners and society, according to the International Labour Organisation and OECD.
California-based Google's support for Mena technology sectors is also well documented. Earlier this year, the company launched its Grow My Store tool in both Arabic and English to help local retailers build their business through the use of data analytics.
It selected 12 start-ups to join the second cohort of its accelerator programme. In September, it began to accept applications for the third cohort.
Looking at data, the growth of jobs – middle-income jobs in particular – all require digital skills ... we are big believers in artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance technology and advance the business sector
Jacquelline Fuller,
president of Google.org
Ms Fuller said that Google.org wants to assist in the achievement of these goals and address the prevailing challenges. The organisation looks at hard data to determine viability, with reinvestments often made if it finds solutions that are scalable.
These would also lead to the creation of small businesses, the "absolute cornerstones of economies", Ms Fuller said.
"Before we fund entities, we sit down together, look at what they are doing and their available data evidence. Together, we set metrics for how they will use the grants to reach a specific set of beneficiaries," she said.
Google.org has invested $15m over the past several years in the Mena region. Its biggest funding was a $25m open call this year for organisations serving women and young girls.
Ms Fuller also dismissed the notion that new-age technology is a threat to human jobs. New industries are being created that are opening up new job opportunities as a result of emerging technology, she said.
"It is a conversation that we are having globally, to think and understand [more about] new technology – machine learning and artificial intelligence – and how these forces are going to play out in the global economic sphere," she said.
"But we know these technologies are going to help spur innovation. We will see the biggest impact on how people's skills specifically needed for job roles are going to change over time and have a need to have advanced digital skills."
New jobs will also be created because of new technology. Citing the example of self-driving cars – a segment that did not exist some years back – Ms Fuller said that new roles such as those in the technical and manufacturing aspects will be required.
Google.org's newest grantees will be using the funds for various purposes. Helm will run workshops that will focus on digital literacy and business communication in Egypt, Jordan and the UAE over the next 18 months, with the intention of reaching more than 1,000 persons with disabilities.
Idare will train 200 young women in Jordan, including those without previous work experience, on a range of competencies such as product marketing and design thinking.
Spark will host digital skills training sessions for 250 young refugees and also offer coaching and mentoring sessions, as well as launch a regional start-up competition.
"We need to make sure we are addressing the full spectrum, from the basic end, making sure people have those skills to participate in the digital economy," Ms Fuller said.
Last month, Google.org's Impact Challenge for Women and Girls committed $25m to fund organisations creating pathways to prosperity for women and girls, with initiatives eligible to receive up to $2m.
In April, Impact Challenge on Climate was set up to help 11 groups to build a greener and more sustainable Europe.
It also committed $100m and 50,000 hours of pro bono support – professional services rendered voluntarily – to the global Covid-19 response, focusing on health and science, economic relief and recovery, and distance learning.
Since 2015, it has granted $32m to fund to organisations using data science to advance racial justice.
The%20Roundup
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Lee%20Sang-yong%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Ma%20Dong-seok%2C%20Sukku%20Son%2C%20Choi%20Gwi-hwa%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fixtures:
Thursday:
Hatta v Al Jazira, 4.55pm
Al Wasl v Dibba, 7.45pm
Friday:
Al Dhafra v Al Nasr, 5.05pm
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Al Wahda, 7.45pm
Saturday:
Ajman v Emirates, 4.55pm
Al Ain v Sharjah, 7.45pm
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Race card for Super Saturday
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$250,000 (Dh918,125) (Dirt) 1,900m.
4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Conditions $200,000 (Turf) 1,200m.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,600m.
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m.
7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m.
TOURNAMENT INFO
2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Regional Qualifier
The top three teams progress to the Asia Qualifier
Thursday results
UAE beat Kuwait by 86 runs
Qatar beat Bahrain by five wickets
Saudi Arabia beat Maldives by 35 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, third-place playoff – Saudi Arabia v Kuwait
3pm, final – UAE v Qatar
The five pillars of Islam
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETuhoon%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYear%20started%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFares%20Ghandour%2C%20Dr%20Naif%20Almutawa%2C%20Aymane%20Sennoussi%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Ehealth%20care%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E15%20employees%2C%20%24250%2C000%20in%20revenue%0D%3Cbr%3EI%3Cstrong%3Envestment%20stage%3A%20s%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWamda%20Capital%2C%20Nuwa%20Capital%2C%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test India won by innings and 53 runs at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Where to buy art books in the UAE
There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.
In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show.
In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.
In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
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Women & Power: A Manifesto
Mary Beard
Profile Books and London Review of Books
WRESTLING HIGHLIGHTS
Inside%20Out%202
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The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
Children: She has one son, Casey, 28
Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite Author: CJ Sansom
Favourite holiday destination: Bali
Favourite food: A Sunday roast
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Virtual banks explained
What is a virtual bank?
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority defines it as a bank that delivers services through the internet or other electronic channels instead of physical branches. That means not only facilitating payments but accepting deposits and making loans, just like traditional ones. Other terms used interchangeably include digital or digital-only banks or neobanks. By contrast, so-called digital wallets or e-wallets such as Apple Pay, PayPal or Google Pay usually serve as intermediaries between a consumer’s traditional account or credit card and a merchant, usually via a smartphone or computer.
What’s the draw in Asia?
Hundreds of millions of people under-served by traditional institutions, for one thing. In China, India and elsewhere, digital wallets such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and Paytm have already become ubiquitous, offering millions of people an easy way to store and spend their money via mobile phone. Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are also among the world’s biggest under-banked countries; together they have almost half a billion people.
Is Hong Kong short of banks?
No, but the city is among the most cash-reliant major economies, leaving room for newcomers to disrupt the entrenched industry. Ant Financial, an Alibaba Group Holding affiliate that runs Alipay and MYBank, and Tencent Holdings, the company behind WeBank and WeChat Pay, are among the owners of the eight ventures licensed to create virtual banks in Hong Kong, with operations expected to start as early as the end of the year.
US PGA Championship in numbers
1 Joost Luiten produced a memorable hole in one at the par-three fourth in the first round.
2 To date, the only two players to win the PGA Championship after winning the week before are Rory McIlroy (2014 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational) and Tiger Woods (2007, WGC-Bridgestone Invitational). Hideki Matsuyama or Chris Stroud could have made it three.
3 Number of seasons without a major for McIlroy, who finished in a tie for 22nd.
4 Louis Oosthuizen has now finished second in all four of the game's major championships.
5 In the fifth hole of the final round, McIlroy holed his longest putt of the week - from 16ft 8in - for birdie.
6 For the sixth successive year, play was disrupted by bad weather with a delay of one hour and 43 minutes on Friday.
7 Seven under par (64) was the best round of the week, shot by Matsuyama and Francesco Molinari on Day 2.
8 Number of shots taken by Jason Day on the 18th hole in round three after a risky recovery shot backfired.
9 Jon Rahm's age in months the last time Phil Mickelson missed the cut in the US PGA, in 1995.
10 Jimmy Walker's opening round as defending champion was a 10-over-par 81.
11 The par-four 11th coincidentally ranked as the 11th hardest hole overall with a scoring average of 4.192.
12 Paul Casey was a combined 12 under par for his first round in this year's majors.
13 The average world ranking of the last 13 PGA winners before this week was 25. Kevin Kisner began the week ranked 25th.
14 The world ranking of Justin Thomas before his victory.
15 Of the top 15 players after 54 holes, only Oosthuizen had previously won a major.
16 The par-four 16th marks the start of Quail Hollow's so-called "Green Mile" of finishing holes, some of the toughest in golf.
17 The first round scoring average of the last 17 major champions was 67.2. Kisner and Thorbjorn Olesen shot 67 on day one at Quail Hollow.
18 For the first time in 18 majors, the eventual winner was over par after round one (Thomas shot 73).
