Abu Dhabi, UAE, 22 October 2025: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (National University of Singapore) (APCEL), successfully concluded the international symposium ‘Ocean Futures: Advancing Decarbonisation and Innovation in Shipping and Marine Biodiversity through Law, Policy, and AI’, held last week at its campus on Al Reem Island.

The event gathered policymakers, academics, international organisations, NGOs, and industry leaders from across the UAE and beyond to explore how legal, technological, and policy frameworks can accelerate a more sustainable future for the world’s oceans. Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the MENA Oceans Initiative by Goumbook, the symposium formed part of SUAD’s Year of Ocean – an ongoing commitment dedicated to advancing marine science, innovation, and governance through SUAD’s Ocean Institute, launched at COP28.

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, commented: “It was inspiring to see leaders from across disciplines and regions come together with a shared purpose – to safeguard our oceans through knowledge, policy, and innovation. The symposium’s success lies not only in the quality of dialogue but in the genuine commitment expressed by all participants to turn ideas into collective action. As we move forward, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will continue to channel these learnings into impactful research and partnerships that advance sustainable ocean governance locally and globally.”

Strengthening Global Collaboration

One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the strengthened partnership between SUAD and APCEL, marking a deepened commitment to joint research and publications in environmental law, policy, and ocean governance. The symposium’s interdisciplinary approach drew engagement from key representatives of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the UN Ocean Decade (IOC-UNESCO), CMA CGM, Al Aidarous Law Firm, the Blue AI project, and regional universities including Zayed University, reflecting the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing ocean challenges.

Towards Fair and Coordinated Maritime Decarbonisation

Speakers underscored that decarbonising the maritime sector requires a coordinated global effort that links international law, national implementation, and private-sector innovation. Discussions emphasised that the International Maritime Organisation’s strategies must remain equitable, considering the capacities and needs of developing nations to ensure a fair transition towards net-zero shipping.

Integrating Biodiversity into Maritime Governance

Participants also highlighted the urgent need to embed biodiversity protection into maritime decision-making. With the shipping industry contributing to underwater noise, invasive species transfer, and pollution, experts called for stronger legal and policy mechanisms to balance economic activity with the safeguarding of marine ecosystems. Collaborative approaches involving governments, academia, and industry were recognised as essential to achieving resilient ocean governance.

Data, Technology, and the Future of Ocean Monitoring

The symposium further spotlighted the role of technology and data in enabling informed policymaking. Delegates stressed the importance of strengthening research capacity and data sharing among institutions to ensure transparency and accountability in ocean management. Emerging technologies such as AI and robotics can further enhance marine monitoring, enabling better data generation, sharing, and analysis to protect ocean ecosystems in the Gulf and beyond. The potential of new technologies was showcased through projects such as Blue AI – an innovative citizen-science platform designed to tackle plastic pollution in Gulf waters.

Future Impact

Building on the momentum of the discussions, SUAD and APCEL will jointly produce a policy brief and an academic paper for publication in a peer-reviewed environmental law journal. These outputs will be disseminated to policymakers, research institutions, and industry partners to support evidence-based decision-making and future collaboration. The recommendations and insights generated from the symposium will also be shared with relevant government agencies in the UAE to inform research priorities and inspire new partnerships focused on decarbonisation and marine conservation.

The symposium reaffirmed the UAE’s growing role as a hub for dialogue and innovation in sustainability, aligning with the nation’s long-term vision to advance climate action, responsible industry, and ocean stewardship. The programme featured keynote addresses and panel discussions on maritime decarbonisation, biodiversity protection, and the use of AI and autonomous technologies to strengthen ocean governance across the Gulf region.

To learn more about the symposium and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Year of the Ocean initiatives, visit https://sorbonne.ae/

Dubai, UAE / Riyadh, KSA, 24 September 2025 – London Business School (LBS) is proud to announce the launch of its LBS Corporate 100 alliance. This is an exclusive community of brands, multinationals, SMEs, NGOs and the third sector, uniting to tackle, challenge and solve the most existential issues facing the world of business.

LBS Corporate 100’s founding members include some of the world’s most influential, progressive and innovative companies, such as Nestlé, Rolls-Royce, Deutsche Bank, and VEON with several leading businesses from across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, expected to join in the coming months, further strengthening the initiative’s regional reach and impact.

The Corporate 100 builds on LBS’s long-standing commitment to the Middle East. Through its world-leading degree and executive education programmes in UAE and Saudi Arabia, the School is helping equip senior leaders with the skills needed to transform organisations, nurture entrepreneurial talent, and drive the region’s economic diversification goals. By developing leaders capable of tackling disruption, innovating sustainably, and operating globally, LBS is directly contributing to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

Its mission and purpose are to bring senior business leaders from across industry sectors, together with LBS’ world-class faculty, thought leaders and subject matter experts. Together they will network, learn and address the world’s most pressing and important business challenges that could drive a sustainable and positive change within society. 

Global issues under the spotlight will include the advancement of AI, climate change and sustainability, economic and supply chain disruption.

 Members will unite through a shared objective, to create a profound impact on the way the world does business, through cross-sector knowledge exchange and purposeful collaboration. The community will span industry sectors, geographies and organisational models, to become a force for good. 

Professor Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School says, “At London Business School, we advocate the power of shared ideas and collaboration with others. It is through our collective knowledge and the exchange of it, that companies large and small can have greater impact in their specialist field and raise the bar of business excellence.  It is this mindset that’s at the heart of the LBS Corporate 100 initiative.” 

Kaan Terzioglu, Group CEO, VEON, said, “I am a firm believer in the ability of businesses to support the well-being of societies. At VEON, we do this by serving underserved communities in frontier markets, creating growth opportunities through connectivity and digital services. The Corporate 100 initiative is a powerful platform for cross-sector collaboration, innovation and digital transformation, directly complementing our mission. We look forward to being a member of this platform and working closely with our peers to co-create solutions that shape the future of business and accelerate progress.”

Founding members will gain access to a suite of unique experiences: 

• Global Discovery Programme – An immersive journey for senior leaders focused on high-impact innovation and leadership
• Annual LBS Corporate 100 Summit – A flagship event bringing together members to co-create solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.
• Regular roundtables – member-curated roundtable events facilitated by LBS’ faculty 
• Executive Education Access – Priority access to LBS’ #1 FT ranked Executive Education programmes, online courses, and coaching solutions. 

Members will co-create the community’s agenda, from thematic programmes and digital learning content to exclusive events and development opportunities. This model ensures activities are directly aligned with the needs and priorities of today’s business leaders. 

LBS Corporate 100 will provide distinctive value for: 

• C-Suite Executives – Join a high-impact peer group of business leaders and LBS faculty to gain foresight, agility and strategic insight
• HR and L&D Leaders – Connect with fellow talent leaders to share best practice, explore emerging trends and access world-class development solutions
• Recruiters – Build talent pipelines by connecting with LBS’ student and alumni talent through targeted initiatives. 
• High-Potential Talent – Gain preferential access to transformative executive education, VIP events and cutting-edge thought leadership. 

In its inaugural year, LBS Corporate 100 launches with a select group of founding member organisations. These early adopters will play a critical role in shaping the direction and culture of the community.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 25: Nature’s brilliance becomes the blueprint for tomorrow in the Oakley® Latitude FW25 Collection, the next iteration of Morphware, engineered for a world in motion. Drawing on the strength and lightness of parachutes and the adaptive mastery of jellyfish, where translucency is more than aesthetic, it’s survival, the collection reflects the balance of chaos and calm found in nature’s design. Layered forms, wrap-around silhouettes, and sculptural lines echo ocean waves and airy lift, balancing elegance with resilience and honoring nature’s constant ingenuity, built to move into what’s next. 

The range of apparel, footwear, and accessories blends form and function, balancing comfort, breathability, and durability in an earthy palette. Driven by Physiomorphic Geometry, each design moves with the body while offering targeted protection from changing environments. Advanced layering with modular features that adapt to conditions for dynamic performance. 

Leading the drop is the Latitude Soar Parka, designed for those who don’t just face the weather; they move with it. Engineered from high-performance materials, it blends sleek construction with modular adaptability and cutting-edge design innovation: fine-tune the visor-shaped hood for precise coverage, sculpt the fit with drawcords at the shoulders, waist, and hem, or lock in protection with taped critical seams and a waterproof zip guard. Flap pockets keep essentials close, reflective logos enhance visibility, and a rear leash holder ensures function always comes first. 

The Latitude FW25 lineup reflects Oakley’s belief that performance gear be smart, efficient, and future-forward. The Latitude FW25 collection includes the Soar Puffer Jacket, Soar Shell Pant, Soar Base Layer and Tee, Soar Mid Layer, Oakley Pro ZW Knit Balaclava, and Pro Extreme Hood. 

Apparel is paired with eyewear in signature colorways and nature-inspired tones, featuring the boundary-pushing Oakley Plantaris in Matte Moss Green with Prizm Black and Matte Black with Prizm Grey. Inspired by nature, its signature high-wrap dual lens design, frog-like adjustable temples, removable nose cone, and Switchlock lenses with Prizm technology provide ultimate adaptability while enhancing details. Grounding the collection, rugged Meridian Low Ext Boots and future-focused EON Alpha sneakers fuse durability, grip, and everyday performance, delivering footwear built for exploration and designed for tomorrow.  

Adaptive by nature, engineered by Oakley. Step into the future with the Latitude FW25 Collection beginning Thursday, September 25 at Oakley.com and select Oakley stores and partners worldwide. 

In the GCC region, the situation is equally alarming: in Saudi Arabia, cardiovascular diseases account for more than 45% of all deaths, while in the UAE, they are responsible for roughly 34%. Cardiologists play a vital role not only in treating the heart during critical moments, but also in guiding people to prevent problems before they arise.

St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies shares expert insights and practical strategies to protect your heart, showing that small steps today can lead to a stronger, healthier tomorrow.

1. Don’t wait for symptoms, prevention is key

​​Most heart diseases, like atherosclerosis, progress silently until advanced, making regular screenings vital, especially for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or family history. Scheduling annual check-ups and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure may feel routine, but these simple habits can prevent serious complications later.

2. Make daily lifestyle choices that count

A heart-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean drastic changes overnight, it’s about consistent, sustainable habits. Eating balanced meals, staying active for at least 30 minutes most days, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco all make a measurable difference. Even small adjustments like swapping sugary drinks for water or taking the stairs can help. What matters most is sticking with these practices over the long run.

3. Learn from specialists

Cardiologists dedicate years of training in understanding and treating the heart, often pursuing additional subspecialties such as interventional cardiology. But beyond procedures, they also focus heavily on educating patients. Dr. Adam Bierzynski, MD ‘11, SGU graduate and interventional cardiologistrecalls what drew him to the field. He said:

“The ability to place a stent in someone’s artery who is having a heart attack and have them walk out as early as the next day with almost no damage done is truly one of the most rewarding feelings in medicine. The field is also always evolving with new techniques and procedures, so it is difficult for it to ever become mundane.‘’

For patients, the lesson is clear, if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, don’t ignore them. Early action can save your life.

4. Build a support system around health

Just as cardiologists rely on teamwork, patients benefit when their journey is supported by family, friends, and community. Dr. Bierzynski, MD ‘11, credits SGU’s collaborative environment for shaping his career:

“Attending SGU was a fantastic experience. Coupled with a diverse student body and accessible faculty, I can truly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SGU and would recommend it to anyone considering applying.”

The same principle applies to heart health. Sharing your goals with loved ones, joining a fitness group, or finding accountability partners can make healthy habits easier to maintain.

5. Plan for the long term

Protecting your heart is not about quick fixes, it’s a lifelong commitment. Think of your heart like your car: regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly and prevents costly breakdowns. Prioritizing exercise, stress management, sleep, and routine doctor visits ensure you are protecting yourself from risks before they escalate.

The bottom line

Heart health is built on proactive choices. On this year’s World Heart Day, SGU would like to encourage people in the region to take proactive actions to mitigate the risks of getting cardiovascular diseases. From small lifestyle changes to the guidance of specialists, every step you take today can safeguard your future.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.