FinTech Abu Dhabi begins today amid growing demand for digital payments and other financial technology services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
A number of senior officials, bankers and investors including the governor of the central bank of the UAE Abdulhamid Alahmadi and Ahmed Al Sayegh, minister of state and chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market will speak at the event, which is being held online this year due to the pandemic. Invite-only presentations were made on Tuesday, but the public event begins today.
“The FinTech Abu Dhabi Festival provides a glimpse into the future of the financial services industry by showcasing the innovative and creative developments of the industry in the past year,” Mr Alahmadi, said. “These developments have underlined the power technology harnesses in improving the way we conduct business. We are also beginning to witness the emergence of unicorn start-ups in the UAE, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading FinTech destination.”
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chairman of the UAE Banks Federation, Vanessa Colella, chief innovation officer at Citigroup, Edward Knight, vice chairman of Nasdaq and Nadya Hijazi, global head of digital at HSBC will also speak during the event.
“Our goal is to continuously develop a mature ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship and creativity in the FinTech space, by leveraging pragmatic lessons and best practices provided by our peers from around the globe,” Mr Alahmadi said. “This is part of our broader vision to establish the UAE as an international hub for financial sector innovation and growth.”
Abu Dhabi is investing in start-ups to grow the innovation ecosystem in the capital as part of a broader economic diversification strategy. The government last year established Hub71, an international technology hub at ADGM and is channelling investments in start-ups through a Dh535 million ventures fund.
Demand for digital payments and other financial technology services has surged worldwide as more people use online banking services to transfer money as well as pay for purchases amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Amir Yaron, governor of Bank of Israel, will give a keynote speech on the “promise and potential of financial tech and innovation in bridging Israel and the Middle East", during the event.
Israel and the UAE have normalised relations following the signing of the Abraham Accord in Washington DC in September.
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Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy
Rating: 4 stars
Primera Liga fixtures (all times UAE: 4 GMT)
Friday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (10.15pm)
Real Betis v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Saturday
Alaves v Barcelona (8.15pm)
Levante v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm)
Girona v Malaga (10.15pm)
Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (12.15am)
Sunday
Espanyol v Leganes (8.15pm)
Eibar v Athletic Bilbao (8.15pm)
Getafe v Sevilla (10.15pm)
Real Madrid v Valencia (10.15pm)
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.
As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Liverpool v Manchester United - 3.30pm
Burnley v West Ham United - 6pm
Crystal Palace v Chelsea - 6pm
Manchester City v Stoke City - 6pm
Swansea City v Huddersfield Town - 6pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Bournemouth - 6pm
Watford v Arsenal - 8.30pm
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Everton - 4.30pm
Southampton v Newcastle United - 7pm
Monday
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - 11pm
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
MATCH SCHEDULE
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tuesday, April 24 (10.45pm)
Liverpool v Roma
Wednesday, April 25
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (10.45pm)
Europa League semi-final, first leg
Thursday, April 26
Arsenal v Atletico Madrid (11.05pm)
Marseille v Salzburg (11.05pm)
