ETIHAD AIRWAYS CELEBRATES WORLD ANIMAL DAY WITH NEW ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY AND #ETIHAD4WILDLIFE COMPETITION

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has launched a new Animal Welfare and Conservation Policy and an #Etihad4wildlife social media competition as part of the airline's ongoing efforts to promote wildlife conservation.

The policy establishes best practice for excursions offered by Etihad Holidays involving animals, and also outlines new criteria for the carriage of endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies containing any animal parts, shark fins and live animals intended for use in scientific research, which will not be permitted on aircraft. The policy also sets out commitments to the Declaration of the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products, to which Etihad Airways became a signatory in March 2016 at an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Six equity partner airlines followed suit in April and June to support efforts to prevent the growing trade in wildlife products.

To mark World Animal Day, Etihad Airways is running a social media competition until 6 October, to win a trip to Sri Lanka, including flights, hotels, tours and transfers. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants should share their best travel photos of animals in the wild using the #Etihad4wildlife hashtag on Instagram and Twitter.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Our airline is committed to the welfare and protection of wildlife. Our new policy has been developed over several months to minimise our ‘animal footprint’ and will ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards of animal welfare. By hosting the #Etihad4Wildlife campaign online, we also hope to raise awareness among our guests of the important issue of wildlife conservation.”

On 10 October, Etihad Airways will host a discussion on wildlife within the airline industry with Will Travers OBE, President of the Born Free Foundation and internationally renowned wildlife expert. The Born Free Foundation has provided technical assistance in developing the airline’s new policy by offering best practice criteria on holiday activities that involve viewing or interacting with animals. Etihad Holidays has reviewed its offerings in accordance with the Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) Global Welfare Guidance of Animals in Tourism.

In addition, the airline is supporting the Born Free Foundation’s Travellers’ Animal Alert – an online tool that gives holiday-makers around the world an opportunity to raise concerns about any cases of animal suffering encountered on their trips. Guests who wish to support the charity in the air can purchase a bracelet, featuring a silver African lion charm, or donate their Etihad Guest Miles when on the ground.

 Staff from Etihad Airways take part in an event to mark World 

Animal Day at the company’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Staff from Etihad Airways are seen using virtual reality kits to learn 

more about wildlife conservation efforts on World Anim

HEC and Microsoft organize Microsoft Academic Day at University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and Microsoft Pakistan collaborated this week to pursue a joint initiative to promote the use of advanced Information Technology and cloud computing solutions across the education segment of Pakistan. It was a pioneering and insightful initiative that proceeded with three academic days organized every Academic year in major universities.

The inaugural ‘Microsoft Academic Day’ organized at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad, is a celebration of the HEC and Microsoft commitment to delivering advanced trainings, boot-camps, state-of-the-art software packages to universities across the country. The HEC has taken a horde of ICT initiatives to provide advance services to the education and research communities at the higher education institutions in Pakistan, that include National Digital Library, Pakistan Education & Research Network (PERN), National Video Conferencing Network, Unified Communication, Access to Licensed Software, Higher Education Management Information System, and e-HEC Online Services.

Recent HEC ventures include transformation towards Smart Education through Smart Universities, EduCloud Services, ICT R&D and Innovation Centers, IT Academy at HEIs, and EduTV for Education Counselling Services. Microsoft is investing $75 million globally over the next three years to increase access to computer science education for all youth, and especially for those from under-represented backgrounds. Cloud programmes, like Office 365, play a significant role in enhancing collaboration, creativity and critical thinking in the classroom.

The academic day was chaired by Dr. Mustafa Bashir, MLA from Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Worthy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khawaja Farooq Ahmad was also present on the occasion, along with Mr. Anwar Amjad, DG IT from HEC.

Abid Zaidi, Director Enterprise Segment, Microsoft Pakistan, said, “The ‘Microsoft Academic Day' includes a 2-hour long discussion on the achievements of the past academic year, showcasing students’ success stories, the winning ‘Imagine Cup’ ideas from the previous year, a discussion on the latest education revolution taking place via cloud technologies and lastly, some facts and figures on the Education Transformation happening throughout the country as a result of Microsoft and HEC’s engagement.”

Anwar Amjad, Director General Information Technology, Higher Education Commission Pakistan, while dilating on the prospect of a continuing endeavor in partnership with Microsoft, said, “It is a pleasure for us to work in cohesion with the global technology leader – Microsoft. Together we are striving to revolutionize Pakistan’s education system and it is really heartening to see the great response from all the stakeholders.”

The Microsoft Academic Day included discussions on the Education Transformation Agreement between the two organizations, and its impact and role in the education landscape of Pakistan. Furthermore, Azure and Cloud, the latest technology trends in education, were also highlighted. Additionally, an insight into the ‘Imagine Cup’; next year’s engagement plan and past 4 year winners; a showcase on Office 365, discussion on the 250,000 plus users on the platform, it’s adoption relating to its usage in education; were also addressed on the occasion.  

As devices and technology become more accessible, and the capabilities grow, especially when the laptops (2-in-1) are being distributed by HEC under the Prime Minister’s Laptops Scheme, Microsoft will unlock the potential for all students to learn, closing the skills gap and empowering the students to achieve more.

Both HEC and Microsoft are committed to partnering with educators on their journey to redefine learning.  Core to their mission is creating immersive and inclusive learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning.

Samsung, being the technology-enabler, congratulates ‘Whisper O’ and ‘Micropower Labs’

Two Pakistani start-up companies named; ‘Whisper O’ and ‘Micorpower Labs’, have won international recognition on the basis of their unique ideas and will participate in the OSLO Start-up Challenge - Norway’s global program. Both these startup companies have been nurtured at Samsung’s ‘The Nest’ - a technology incubator established with the collaboration of Samsung and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). Samsung Pakistan – being the key technology-enabler and sponsor of this incubator, has extended sincere felicitations to both these successful start-up ventures.

Teams from ‘Whisper O’ and ‘Micropower Labs’ have been invited to take a fully-paid trip to Norway, where they will participate in the one-month free-of-cost incubation program and avail this big opportunity to get investments and support, from the Norwegian government. Micropower Labs is also selected for ‘Amazon Launchpad’, as their product – ‘Flash Pack’ will be made available on AMAZON, in a special category of startups.

The President of Samsung Electronics Pakistan (SEPAK) – Mr. J. H. Lee stated that: It is delightful to see that the innovative ideas and products developed by Pakistani start-ups are being recognized and supported on international technology platforms like the Oslo Startup Challenge. Samsung’s support to ‘The Nest' is a part of its social-development programme. Both these successful startup ventures – Whisper O and Micropower Labs have been nurtured at Samsung’s ‘The Nest’ incubator. Our CSR initiative named – ‘SEPAK Citizenship’, is designed to nurture the capabilities of the youth and empower them to get professional, academic and entrepreneurial enrichments.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS EXTENDS REACH IN AFRICA THROUGH NEW CODESHARE AGREEMENT WITH KULULA.COM

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, continues to build its presence in Africa through a new codeshare agreement with kulula, South Africa’s award-winning low cost carrier.

The codeshare deal offers Etihad Airways customers flight options to a number of key cities in South Africa that include Cape Town, Durban, George and East London via Johannesburg.

Etihad Airways will place its EY code on kulula’s scheduled flights between Johannesburg and these popular coastal cities. This agreement allows guests access to through-check-in and baggage transfer to their final destination.

The new codeshare services will go on sale from 3 October 2016, with travel from the start of the Northern Winter schedule on 30 October.

The agreement with kulula strengthens Etihad Airways’ commitment to Africa and brings the total number of destinations that it serves across the continent to 23 through its existing codeshare partnerships with Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and strategic equity partner Air Seychelles.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “kulula is an innovative and award-winning airline and this new codeshare agreement demonstrates Etihad Airways’ growing ambitions to strengthen our operations across Africa. Through the agreement, kulula will give inbound passengers direct access from Johannesburg to four key destinations along South Africa’s renowned coastline, and I am certain the extended reach offered through this partnership will appeal to business and leisure travellers alike.”

Erik Venter, Chief Executive Officer of kulula’s parent company, Comair, said: “We are delighted to be adding Etihad Airways to our growing list of strategic airline partnerships and are excited about exploring additional opportunities to expand on the relationship. We look forward to welcoming Etihad Airways’ customers on board our flights.”

Etihad Airways currently operates scheduled services to 10 destinations in Africa, namely Johannesburg, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Khartoum, Casablanca, Rabat, Lagos, Cairo and Mahé in the Seychelles. 

HUAWEI HONOR 8 LANDS IN PAKISTAN

The much-anticipated Huawei Honor 8, has officially launched in Pakistan, bringing state-of-the-art mobile and camera technology into the hands of digital natives, at a price tag of just PKR/- 48,499. Not only this, Huawei also offered an unlimited 3G internet package by Mobilink Jazz along with this device.

Perfectly embodying the tagline “Eyes to the World”, this trendy and fashionable device is uniquely designed for millennial to enhance their ambitious and fast-paced lifestyles. It combines breakthrough design with supreme speed, high-quality camera capabilities and smart functions, making it the perfect match.  

Encased in glass, which is made from fifteen layers of craftsmanship process on the back, the handset’s sleek 5.2 inch design has a matchless finish. Within the layers are lithography and 3D grating coatings that come together to create lots of fine prism lines. Although invisible to the human eye, these generate bright colors for a stunning visual experience.

Due to its 2.5D curves, the glass fits seamlessly into a diamond-cut metal frame making the device exceptional to hold, and acts as a protective layer against occasional drops and rough handling.

Following the trend of previous flagship devices by Huawei, this device also holds a dual camera with two 12 MP sensors; one RGB sensor to capture colors and one monochrome sensor for detail. Minus an optical filter, the monochrome sensor captures three times more light than normal, improving the dynamic range of the image and reducing noise – even in darkness - delivering unparalleled picture quality. The two sensors also enable photographers to utilise a range of filters, from setting focus after the shot to changing the appearance of the Bokeh effect.

On top of this, the Honor 8 camera supports an extensive set of functions and filters, from light painting and beauty mode to panorama frames, slow-motion, food mode, HDR, super night and water mark. In a world where we now turn the camera on ourselves, the Perfect Selfie mode will enhance every smile, pout or pose which, when combined with an 8 MP shooter on the front, promises a shareable snap. Perfect every photo or finesse video content with a whole host of editing tools to make the content stand-out.

The Honor 8 has been built with a Kirin Octa-core CPU chipset containing an i5 co-processor, which works in tandem to increase processing speeds, response times and battery life. Along with powerful processor this device has 4GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard memory, expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card.

Honor 8’s 3D fingerprint sensor has a self-learning capability, meaning the more it is used the faster it will perform, reaching less than 0.4 seconds  , it delivers a truly advanced experience in terms of speed, intelligence and security at users’ finger tips.

Featuring a 3,000mAh[i] battery with Smart Power 4.0 maximizing stand-by time, Honor 8 is expected to keep going for 1.77 days under normal usage and a full 1.22 days under heavy usage. The power is also enough to run offline videos for 10 hours straight. It also delivers a world-class 9V/2A charging experience, reaching almost 50% charges in just 30 minutes. For emergency situations, you’ll get two-hours of phone time or six-hours of offline music on a mere 10 minute charge. 

This Sleek flagship model is now available in four colors: Pearl White, Midnight Black, gold and Sapphire Blue. Do not miss the chance to experience this innovative new age technology and adopt a fashionable lifestyle.

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ETIHAD AIRWAYS FLIES FLAG OF EXCELLENCE AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Etihad Airways has been named The Middle East’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards Middle East, representing a decade of dominance in the category, and one of four accolades proudly collected last night during a prestigious ceremony at The St. Regis Dubai.

The national airline of the UAE also won awards for the Middle East’s Leading Airline - First Class, the Middle East's Leading Airport Lounge for its First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew.

Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “These awards are about excellence in the travel and tourism industry, and since winning The Middle East’s Leading Airline award for the first time in 2006, our journey of excellence has been remarkable.

“This recognition demonstrates a sustained focus on delivering the very best products, service and value through innovation in a competitive marketplace. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff and business partners, and, of course, the support of guests globally who have chosen to travel with us.” 

Etihad Airways has grown from 22 aircraft, flying to 43 destinations and supported by 4,369 staff in 2006 - to a fleet of 123 aircraft, serving 117 destinations with nearly 27,000 multi-national staff today.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline has become synonymous with the highest standards in products and service, including the best First Class offering in the world. The First Apartment aboard the Airbus 380 and the First Suite on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are at the forefront of luxury air travel, building on the award-winning First Class experience on the A330, A340 and Boeing 777 fleet. The Residence, with its elite Butlers, is in a league of its own within the A380. The airline continues to be the world’s only full service carrier offering a three-room suite in the sky.

Mr Baumgartner added: “It is also a major achievement to win the Middle East's Leading Airport Lounge following the opening in May of Etihad Airways’ First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport. What we now offer is quite simply the best airline hospitality experience in the world.”

Inspiration for the lounge comes from the finest examples of hotels, private members’ clubs and restaurants. The facility includes an à la carte restaurant, cigar lounge, Six Senses Spa, fitness room, Style & Shave barbers, nail bar and children’s play room – all to ensure guests can relax, re-energise and be immersed in entertainment ahead of their flights.

While Etihad Airways boasts a modern fleet of aircraft, the airline exudes a classic elegance with its Italian-designed cabin crew uniforms. The airline’s international cabin crew are highly trained, while the warmth and friendliness they bring to the cabin environment reflect the importance of personality during recruitment. Also enhancing the experience are the Onboard Chefs, Food and Beverage Managers, Butlers and Flying Nannies.

Now in its 23^rd year, the World Travel Awards celebrates excellence across key sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Winners are initially selected at six regional ceremonies, including the Middle East event, before progressing to a year-end global finale. Votes are cast by travel industry executives and travel consumers.

Nabeel Shaukat with Huawei Live stole the show at Iqra & Maju

Huawei initiated “Huawei Live” Campaign a few days back and after receiving an unbelievably awe-inspiring response from the youth, the shining star of Pakistani music industry Nabeel Shaukat himself became a part of the campaign and made an appearance in Iqra University. Nabeel’s Rocking performance at Iqra University and over whelming crowd response led to Nabeel’s visit to MAJU University the very next day. Fans were excited today as Nabeel made his visit, there was a cheer everywhere and Huawei Live kicked in with a bang at MAJU. Huawei live is breaking all records students taking part and sending video the response is through the roof. Nabeel felt so excited after his last performance that he decided to make an appearance at MAJU as his fans couldn’t have enough of him.

He is one of the judges of “Huawei Live” campaign with the purpose of finding “The Voice of Huawei Live 2016”.

A huge crowd gathered around Nabeel Shaukat, who literally stole the show by becoming the man of the day and during his appearance the energy of the crowd was over the roof which made him sing with the crowd. Every song sung by Nabeel Shaukat, the passionate crowed became more and more involved as the rhythmic lyrics took them to the unchartered realms of the music and there was a harmony in the crowd as they all sang together.

It was an amazing sight to watch passionate youngsters to be the part of the activity. When it was announced that the “Huawei Live” was about to close, they insisted the singing prodigy to sing more and more songs. Nabeel Shaukat responded to their repeated requests but off course it had to be closed down after certain time.

Huawei has a firm belief that like any other field, there is an abundance of talented young students in Pakistan who can excel in the music industry, if they are provided with a proper platform coupled with guidance. So far, the Huawei initiative has won acclaims and kudos from every quarter of the social fabric for engaging talented youths in a career-shaping activity. Youth of all ages are taking an active part and girls especially, are proving tough competition for the guys. Huawei Pakistan has once again proved that they know how to groom talent and put a big smile on everyone’s face.

Huawei live campaign is going successful, the thrill and excitement among students is more than words can describe. Students wait for hours to take part in the audition. Huawei promises more fun and excitement in the days to come, stay tuned for this mega musical event.