Category: Press releases

NFT-Creator Icecap Moves to Dubai in DMCC, Launches NFT Diamond Collectibles

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Icecap, LLC, the first company to offer diamonds via NFT “token” technology, has moved its headquarters to Dubai within DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Center) and has launched a line of high-end diamond and jewelry collectibles. The tokenized “Icecap Collectibles” will include very high-end, natural diamonds in red, yellow, green and other colors, plus unique finished jewelry pieces.  A US$3 million red diamond is included in the first offering.  The announcement came during the Company’s prestigious launch event held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Dubai International Financial Center. 

Non-Fungible Token (“NFT”) technology, gained worldwide attention in March when an NFT representing ownership of a piece of digital art was sold by Christie’s for $69 million.  NFTs are blockchain-based “tokens” which document ownership of real world or virtual world assets.  As blockchain tokens, once sold they can move efficiently between buyers/sellers for trading purposes, on NFT exchanges.

“NFT technology has opened up diamonds as an asset class for diversification,” explained Jacques Voorhees, CEO Icecap.  “Diamonds typically out-perform inflation, but now—with NFT technology—diamonds can be bought, sold, and traded almost as efficiently as gold and silver.  Thanks to NFTs, we might say the world’s hardest asset is now liquid.”

Icecap is the brainchild of the father/son team of Jacques Voorhees, who revolutionized the diamond industry in the 1980’s by introducing online trading technology via Polygon, and Erik Voorhees, the well-known bitcoin advocate and founder of ShapeShift. 

“Interest in diamonds as an investment goes back over a thousand years,” continued Voorhees.  “But diamonds are not fungible—each one is unique.  The technology of non-fungible tokens now makes it easy to trade this asset class without the friction of having to track the physical product itself—which is kept secure, vaulted, and insured.”

Icecap’s diamond tokens are traded on the world’s largest NFT exchange, OpenSea.io.  A buyer can hold the token as a hard-asset for diversification or for collecting, sell the token to liquidate, or redeem the token and take delivery of the physical diamond itself—which can later be re-tokenized if desired. 

Icecap’s relocation from the United States to Dubai was an easy one, according to Voorhees.  “In the last twelve months, Dubai has become the primary trading center for diamonds, globally.  And the UAE is a world leader in having a stable and well-evolved regulatory framework for the trading of blockchain assets.  Dubai in general and the DMCC free-zone in particular, is a natural home for a company that combines diamonds with NFT trading.”

Ramadan – Eid Trends – Crescent Jewellery from House of Biori

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This year let’s make Ramadan & Eid more meaningful by starting with what we wear and what we gift. Yes it is these small choices that make a big difference. 


Marking the onset of Ramadan, the crescent moon and star motifs have always been intertwined with sentiments of this holy occasion. House of Biori – a sustainable jewellery brand, offers an exquisite range of celestial ornaments that aptly reflect these sentiments in more ways than one. Complement your Ramadan-Eid look with fashionable moon & star jewellery that represents your spiritual side and also fulfills your desire to contribute towards the society and environment. 


House of Biori is a homegrown, evolving contemporary brand of handcrafted ethical fashion jewellery for men and women, created by artisans in sustainable communities.  

Shop House of Biori Ramadan – Eid Collection online on www.houseofbiori.com

Design International celebrates the opening of Silicon Central, designed by their team

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Silicon Central, designed by Design International, opens its doors to the public of Dubai who will experience the latest Lulu hypermarket, a new 9,000 sqm flagship store by Lulu Group.

The project, already considered a new landmark in Dubai, represents a step forward in the now well-established collaboration between Design International and Line Investments & Property FZE, the shopping mall division of Lulu Group International, a world-renowned purveyor of an international business portfolio that ranges from hypermarket operations to shopping mall development.

Strategically positioned 12 km from the city-centre and 15 km from Dubai Airport, Silicon Central is located at Dubai Silicon Oasis, the first eco sustainable district in Dubai focused on low carbon footprint, AI, and technology, masterminded by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA).

The innovative design of the project is well embedded in the iconography of the place: 5 large dunes inspired by the natural movement of the desert sand frame large internal areas populated by plants, water, and natural light, recreating an oasis in the city. Lulu Group and Design International, assisted by local practice Eng. Adnan Saffarini Office, have targeted the highest certification possible – LEED Platinum – and therefore paid great attention to create an environmentally friendly project, using state-of-the-art technologies for waste management, energy savings, and a plethora of sustainable services provided within the mall, such as a bio-farming facility and electrical charging stations in the car-parking area.

Davide Padoa, Design International’s CEO, explains: “All of the parties involved in this project share the same values: the development of the community, as well as the desire to be at the forefront of style, technology and sustainable innovation, which is what Silicon Central stands out for.”

With a total of 81,500 sqm GLA and 3,500 car park spaces, Silicon Central will include 218 retail shops and services, 50 restaurant outlets with dedicated home delivery services, 12 cinema screens, 5,000 sqm fitness and a 7,000 sqm family entertainment centre. During its latest months of construction, Silicon Central has been adapted to integrate physical spaces with a digital application, moving boundaries to deliver a fully integrated customer experience both inside and outside the mall premises. Davide Padoa, CEO of Design International, summarizes saying: “Silicon Central is one of the first major projects that boldly symbolizes the rebirth, and the recovery to normal daily life, after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in one of the most dynamic cities in the world”.

Three scents to help you find your signature

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“Purchasing perfume is a delicate and very individual process so you must pace yourself, to find the perfect one,” says Julien Sprecher, Creative Director of Parfums de Marly. 

Finding the right perfume is nothing but a series of trial and error. To find your signature scent you’ll have to put your olfactory senses to work  – inhale, exhale and think about the notes, are these fruity, floral, musky or spicy? Only then will you be a step closer to finding your scent soulmate. Below are some of our favourite scents from the Parfums de Marly, to get you on your way.

New Qarar and CredoLab partner offers Alternative Credit Risk Score Solutions

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Mobile and web digital footprints to detect fraud and credit risk using big data, machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms

Qarar, a leading regional credit risk and decision analytics company, announces a new partnership with CredoLab, the most seamless, transparent, and accurate alternative-data credit risk scoring provider in the market today.

Lenders often face a shortage of relevant data to score and assess a big pool of the population. Consequently, lenders are often unable to make decisions on the so-called ‘thin files’ due to a lack of data. Thin file customers then remain excluded from formal finance.

Qarar’s partnership with CredoLab will focus on applying its Embedded Scoring solution to assess credit risk and detect early fraud, relying on alternative Mobile and Web data.  The partnership combines Qarar’s credit risk expertise and market knowledge with CredoLab’s modern approach to risk assessment that provides highly predictive insights to businesses while preserving the privacy and focusing on seamless customer experiences.

Peter Barcak, Founder and CEO of CredoLab said: “We are delighted to welcome Qarar to our growing partner network.  Qarar’s expertise in credit risk management and decision automation tools together with their well-established presence and client base in the Middle East and North Africa will add great value to expansion plans in the region.”

Zaid Kamhawi, CEO of Qarar, commented: “CredoLab has developed an impressive alternative data scoring solution that we believe has particularly strong potential in countries where there is a high transient population and an underbanked population.  Alternative data for credit scoring has proven to help organisations be more inclusive in their lending decisions and accurate in their credit decisions when used alongside traditional scoring models.  Through our partnership with CredoLab, we aim to help our clients expand their acquisition strategies with confidence. ”   

Qarar is the region’s leading decision analytics company. Headquartered in Dubai and serving customers across the Middle East and North Africa, Qarar helps companies in the banking and finance sector to solve business challenges with a mix of predictive analytics, advisory, and decision technologies.

New wireless earbuds from soundcore

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Features PureNoteTM Driver Technology Offers Accuracy and Clarity

Soundcore​, Anker Innovations’ premium audio brand, today introduces the next generation in its popular Liberty true-wireless earbud line, the ​Liberty Air 2 Pro, featuring​ ​advanced active noise-cancellation (ANC), transparency and PureNote driver technology.

DESIGNED BY ENGINEERS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

The Liberty Air 2 Pro was designed to sound great, even with noise-canceling turned on. To do this, Soundcore engineers developed PureNote driver technology, that utilizes ten hardened nano layers to make up the 11mm driver in each earbud, offering accurate sound and clarity at all frequencies. Soundcore then worked to tune the earbuds, both with ANC turned on and off, to make sure that music always sounded like artists originally intended.

“In 2019, Soundcore launched the Liberty 2 Pro, the first in the company’s Pro line of earbuds,” said Faraz Mehdi, General Manager Sales – MEA for Anker Innovations “The focus then, was to bring premium sound to the true-wireless headphone space. Today, we launch our new Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds and unveil a new noise cancelling experience that doesn’t compromise the sound in any environment. With an assortment of user customizable elements, from sound profiles to customizable ANC and transparency modes, the Liberty Air 2 Pro allows users to get the best sound for themselves.”

MULTI-MODE ANC FOR DAILY LIFE

The Liberty Air 2 Pro offers users the ability to change between three noise cancellation modes including Transport mode​, when needed to block out low frequency noises from airplanes, trains or city buses; Outdoor mode​, which use a less powerful ANC setting but wider bandwidth to block out street noise, and finally ​Indoor mode​, which primarily reduces mid-range frequencies to help block out voices that are commonly found in an office or at a café.

Additionally, the Liberty Air 2 Pro also features ​Transparency​ ​mode​ with two different settings. Mode 1 is for total transparency which helps enhance all ambient sounds. This is ideal for runners and bicyclists that need to safely hear noises around them on a city street. The second transparency mode focuses on vocals to enhance voices in the immediate vicinity while simultaneously reducing background noise. This mode is ideal for users who may be waiting for a flight or a bus but still need to hear announcements from a P.A. speaker or flight attendant.

CUSTOMIZED LISTENER EXPERIENCE

Using the updated Soundcore app, the Liberty Air 2 Pro, offers users HearID 2.0, the next generation in audio frequency customization. After performing a simple hearing test with the earbuds, the Liberty Air 2 Pro tunes the sound for the individual to ensure the best possible listening experience. New to version 2.0, users can make changes to these individualized audio settings, or can choose from one of the preset sound profiles.

KEY FEATURES

● PureNote Driver technology with 11mm drivers for accurate sound and clarity at all frequencies.

● Multi-mode ANC with Transport, Indoor and Outdoor settings for customizable usage levels

● Two transparency modes enhance the environment including voices without removing earbuds.

● 7-hour battery in earbuds with ANC off / 6-hour battery with ANC on

● Qi wireless charging case with 26-hour battery with ANC off / 21-hour battery with ANC on as well as USB-C charging.

● Anker Fast Charging technology – 10 minutes charging earbuds = 2 hours of playtime

● Premium call quality using 6-mic uplink noise reduction helps optimize voices and minimize background noise.

● Customizable user touch controls to set preferences for play/pause, track advance, volume, etc.

● Voice-assistant compatibility with Siri®​ ​at launch and other popular voice-assistants in the future.

● Nine sets of silicone ear tips, ranging from XXXS to XL and L+ in ensure a proper fit.

● Bluetooth version – 5.0

● Waterproof rating – IPX4

● Available in Four Colors: Onyx Black, Titanium White, Sapphire Blue, and Crystal Pink

● Earbud size // Case size – 1.47” x 0.87” x 0.91” // 2.44” x 2.35” x 1.18”

● Earbud weight / Case weight – 0.37 oz // 1.78 oz


The Liberty Air 2 Pro will be available today in four colors including Onyx Black, Titanium White, Sapphire Blue, and Crystal Pink with an RRP of AED 529 which is available at Sharaf DG, Jumbo, Virgin, Emax, Carrefour & other electronics stores and online on Amazon.ae and Noon.com

𝙀𝙓𝘾𝙇𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙍𝘼𝙈𝘼𝘿𝘼𝙉 𝘾𝙊𝙇𝙇𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 – Steve Madden

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The chic and fashionable can add a little sparkle to their wardrobe this Ramadan with an alluring footwear and bag collection from Steve Madden. The collection features the bright spirit of the season with glittering pairs of bold metallic wedges, heels, peep-toes, strappy sandals and relaxed flats in vibrant hues embellished with rhinestones that will amp up the glam quotient for any trendsetter.

Step out in  style with sandals complete with delicate buckles, wide platform fronts, and enticing gold metal covered block heels that will leave you standing out from the crowd at events all through the season.

The Face Oil by Augustinus Bader is finally here

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Ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing with effects that are long-lasting

The newest member of Augustinus Bader’s luxurious skincare range is finally in the UAE. The Face Oil is here to help support with skin hydration and moisture retention throughout the day. Designed for everyday use, The Face Oil is light-weight, which doesn’t leave any greasy residue, won’t clog any pores, and is allergen-free, without any harsh ingredients. Richly nourishing, it’s comprised of cold-pressed oils and Professor Augustinus Bader’s famously patented TFC8® technology, which delivers essential nutrients directly to skin cells, where they’re quickly absorbed.

“We wanted to offer our customers the option between a rich cream, a light cream, and now, an oil, so they can select the texture that works best for their facial skincare routine. Each of these offerings contains our specialized compound TFC8®, which transport natural mechanisms for skin repair. As long as you have one product with TFC8®, you will see results”

  • Professor Augustinus Bader

The Face Oil enhances facial skin wellness overall. From boosting cellular renewal to minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, it adjusts to the skin, and provides an array of unique solutions, all for a strong, renewed and evenly-toned complexion. The Face Oil combines Augustinus Bader’s innovative skincare technology with some of mother nature’s most potent ingredients that have been prized for centuries for their healing capabilities.

It contains:

  1. TFC8®: A complex of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesized molecules naturally found in skin, which guides key nutrients and powerful natural ingredients to the skin cells, creating an optimal environment for the cellular renewal.
  2. Babassu Oil: A vitamin-rich seed oil that helps enhance the skin’s natural defenses against environmental aggression and water loss.
  3. Argan Oil: This cold-pressed seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids including linoleic acid (omega-6), supports the skin’s ability to restore its hydrolipidic film and prevents trans-epidermal water loss.
  4. Hazelnut Oil: Sourced from southwestern France, it is a nourishing oil that’s high in omega fatty acid content and supports improved moisture retention.
  5. Karanja Oil: Rich in flavonoids, this oil supports skin’s defense  against  the  damaging  effects of environmental aggressors and helps prevent premature aging. It also delivers soothing, antimicrobial  properties.
  6. Pomegranate Seed Extract: This anti-aging, antioxidant-rich oil optimizes the skin’s self-renewal mechanism, supports improved elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles thanks to more than 60% punicic acid and linolenic acid.

The benefits:

  • Hydrates and soothes the skin, giving it a youthful, radiant glow.
  • Offers antioxidant and environmental protection.
  • Gives skin a supple, smoothened appearance.
  • Softens appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves hyper pigmentation.
  • Evens tone and texture.

Augustinus Bader’s promise is that you don’t need to use the entire range, or even multiple products from Bader family to see skin improvement – the power lies in using one product consistently. Just like all Augustinus Bader products that are filled to the brim with the most-nourishing ingredients, The Face Oil in and of itself is effective and will produce results.

The Face Oil (30ml) retails at AED 974 (including VAT) and is available exclusively in store at Harvey Nichols – Dubai and Bloomingdales Middle East, and online at Ounass.com and Bloomingdales.ae

Parfums de Marly Launch Delina La Rosée for Spring

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Spring is upon us, and whether or not you’re going to be focused on spring cleaning and changing up your wardrobe or beauty closets, there’s no doubt it’s time for new, new and more new stuff. This means that if there was ever a time to switch up your perfume collection, now would be best.
 
Enter in Delina la Rosée from luxury French perfume house, Parfums de Marly, a sensorial delight, capturing nature’s most captivating marvels, the beauty of fresh blooms, in a fragrance. This fragrance is a treasure trove of surprising notes that embody a timeless olfactive narrative with a touch of freshness that delicately brightens the skin from morning to night.

‘Be Our Guest’ campaign held across three Line Investments & Property malls in Northern Emirates

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Line Investments & Property (LIP)malls initiates five weeks of Spend and Win promotions with Valentine’s and Mission Mars Celebrations

Dubai, UAE: The shopping mall and management division of Lulu Group International, Line Investments & Property (LIP) introduces the ‘Be Our Guest’ campaign with a number of initiatives for the month of February across three Malls in Northern Emirates, RAK Mall, Lulu Mall Fujairah and Mall of Umm Al Quwain.

The Spend and Win promotion will have 35 daily prize winners and a grand prize winner in each mall. From February 7th to March 13th, shoppers can be part of the Spend & Win promotion by spending AED 100/- at any store and AED 200/- at Lulu Hypermarket to stand an additional chance of winning.

Shoppers spending AED 100/- at any F&B outlet can double their chances of winning a daily Prize of AED 1,000/- for 35 days or win a grand prize of AED 10,000/-. The prize adds up to AED 50,000 in Tenant Vouchers and there will be Social Media Contests to give away AED 2,000 worth of vouchers as prizes.

For Mission Mars celebrations, there will be amazing photo opportunities with replicas of space shuttle and astronauts. Visitors to the Malls can attend information sessions on Mission Mars and get detailed knowledge from the experts at hand. Customers are also encouraged to take their pictures at the Mars lookalike photo wall, post them on their channels and tag the mall.

 
For Valentine’s, there will be special offers by numerous retailers and special activations in the mall on the 14th of February.  Each mall will be distributing flowers and gifts to couples and customers next to Valentine’s picture frame. People can also click a memorable picture while receiving the flowers.

The Food Festival, Valentine’s Day and the Mission Mars celebrations with two weeks of engaging entertainment will enrich the mall visit experience further, in addition to the giveaway prizes.

All Line Investments & Property Malls place great emphasis on safety measures regarding COVID-19, ensuring the public areas remain a safe place to shop and dine in.