Category Archives: News

It’s critical now more than ever to discover fresh approaches to attract customers and increase sales in the crowded company market. Chatbots, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, are one that’s truly making an impact.

Nearly all customer support duties, including question answering and purchase assistance, may be handled by AI-powered chatbots without the need for human intervention. However, you need to know what kind of return on investment (ROI) chatbots can provide before deciding to implement them in your company.

What Do Chatbots Do?

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chatbots are conversational assistants that mimic human speech and handle intricate consumer interactions without the need for human assistance. These sophisticated programs are capable of machine learning, which enables them to comprehend human behavior and learn from user interactions. They are able to communicate more naturally and nuancedly as a result.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots can comprehend context, adjust, and enhance the user experience over time, in contrast to traditional chatbots that depend on predefined responses.

How Chatbots Improve Customer Service and Sales

There are various ways in which chatbots can greatly improve customer service and sales:

Personalized suggestions: By basing recommendations on user behavior and preferences, chatbots can raise the possibility of a sale.

Lead generation: By asking visitors qualifying questions, chatbots are able to effectively distinguish between legitimate leads and generic inquiry. The sales team can then be tasked with following up on these leads.

Decreased cart abandonment: When used in eCommerce settings, chatbots can remind users of the things they still have in their shopping carts and provide discounts or other incentives to encourage them to finish the transaction.

Upselling and cross-selling: Chatbots can make recommendations for related products to enhance the selection that the user is already interested in, which raises the average order value.

Omnichannel communication: Chatbots facilitate smoother online interactions between customers and your brand by being present on several digital platforms, such as social media, messaging applications, and your website.

Consistent brand voice: Chatbots provide a standardized communication style that embodies the essence of your company. They boost sales by delivering a smooth and pleasurable client experience.

Language flexibility: Chatbots driven by AI are able to converse in multiple languages. They can enable a worldwide audience to access your goods and services by removing linguistic barriers.

Data gathering: Via interactions, chatbots can gather insightful data that can be examined to enhance customer support, customize marketing tactics, and hone the chatbot’s algorithms.

Cost-effectiveness: Using a chatbot instead of a full-time customer care staff, particularly for after-hours assistance, saves money. Savings can be applied to several areas of the company.

How to Use Chatbots to Boost Sales

Your sales and revenue can be increased by using chatbots in the following ways:

Put the Sales Process in Automated Mode

It is possible to build chatbots to start conversations with users of websites or social media platforms. They can gather vital data, such as contact information, and determine the visitor’s level of interest in your offerings. Certain sophisticated chatbots can even finish the sales transaction, streamlining and streamlining the procedure.

Convert Conversations into Sales

Chatbots are able to have numerous conversations at once while preserving the voice and tone of your brand. They can be especially helpful on e-commerce or health portals where users frequently post queries. By giving prompt and pertinent answers, chatbots can assist in turning these exchanges into sales.

Round-the-clock Customer Relationship Management

Because chatbots are not limited by time zones or business hours, they can communicate with clients whenever they choose. Regardless of the time or location, consistent availability may support the upkeep of consumer relationships and direct them into purchase.

Effectively Manage FAQs to Increase Revenue

Chatbots are more effective at answering repetitious inquiries than hiring human workers to do it for them. By providing routine answers to inquiries about your goods or services, chatbots can expedite the buying process for customers and free up your time for other revenue-generating tasks.

Calculating the Chatbot ROI

Understanding the ROI of chatbots is essential to determining how effective they are for your company’s operations. Here’s how to go about it:

Establish goals: Prior to calculating ROI, you must specify what constitutes a successful chatbot. Are you trying to save expenses, boost revenue, or enhance customer service? Your measuring efforts will be guided by well-defined objectives.

Monitor KPIs, or key performance indicators: Determine and monitor the key performance indicators (KPIs) that correspond with your goals, such as cost savings, conversion rate, customer satisfaction score (CSAT), and engagement rate.

Compute the costs: You need to know how much you’ve invested in order to comprehend ROI. The entire outlay covers the price of creating, setting up, and maintaining the chatbot as well as any additional services you could be utilizing from outside sources.

Assess the benefits of the chatbot by putting a number on it, such as higher revenue, lower customer support expenses, or higher customer happiness.

Methods for computing ROI

Using this formula, you can determine the ROI of a chatbot:

ROI is equal to Net Return / Investment Cost x 100.

Remember that calculating ROI is a continuous process. It is advisable to frequently examine it in order to take into consideration modifications in business strategy, advances in technology, and changes in customer behavior.

By carefully examining your chatbot’s return on investment, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize its performance and support its ongoing integration into your business’s operations.

Chatbots automate sales and customer support around-the-clock, freeing up your team to focus on retaining and growing your clientele, which will increase return on investment. Sustained business growth and consumer happiness can be ensured by regularly monitoring this return on investment.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the UAE’s food service industry, staying competitive requires more than just good food; it demands a keen understanding of changing consumer preferences and lifestyle trends. At Sumo Sushi & Bento, we’ve embraced these changes, adapting our offerings to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of our customers.

The UAE boasts a multicultural demographic that shapes the food industry in unique ways. Trends such as health consciousness, ethical eating, and digital integration are reshaping how restaurants operate. Consumers are increasingly looking for dining options that not only satisfy their palate but also align with their lifestyle choices and values.

One significant trend is the growing demand for healthier dining options. At Sumo Sushi & Bento, we’ve responded by incorporating a variety of health-conscious choices into our menu. This includes offering dishes with lower calories like salads and options of vegetarian dishes.

Our menu transparency lets customers make informed choices about what they eat, aligning with their health and wellness goals. Another critical area is ethical eating. Consumers are more aware than ever of the environmental impact of their dietary choices. In response, we strive to sourcing our ingredients responsibly.

Digital technology plays a pivotal role in adapting to consumer trends. Sumo Sushi & Bento leverages digital platforms for both marketing and operations, including a user-friendly website, online ordering system, our sumo App and active social media presence. These tools help us engage with our customers directly and gauge their preferences and feedback in real-time.

Aligning with local festivals, holidays, and cultural events is another strategy we use to stay relevant. For instance, during Ramadan, we offer special Iftar menus that cater to the dietary requirements and preferences during the holy month. Similarly, our promotions around local events and holidays help draw in customers looking for a festive dining experience.

Staying competitive in the UAE’s food service sector requires a proactive approach to understanding and adapting to consumer trends. At Sumo Sushi & Bento, we continuously evolve our offerings and marketing strategies to align with our customers’ changing preferences.

By staying attuned to eating trends, embracing sustainability, and leveraging technology, we not only meet the current needs of our customers but also anticipate future demands, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the UAE’s culinary scene.

Over the past ten years, online gaming has seen an unheard-of surge in popularity, revolutionizing the way individuals of all ages and backgrounds enjoy themselves. Online gaming has never been easier to access or more immersive thanks to technological improvements, the widespread usage of smartphones, and the availability of high-speed internet access. This section examines the elements that led to the growth of online gaming, emphasizing the effects it has had on both the gaming business and the lives of millions of players globally.

Accessibility and Convenience
The ease of accessibility and convenience that internet gaming provides is one of the main factors contributing to its boom. The days of needing to spend a lot of money on PCs or gaming consoles to play their favorite games are long gone. Currently, there is no need for expensive gear because a wide variety of online games may be played directly through web browsers or mobile applications. A larger audience has been able to enjoy gaming thanks to this accessibility, including people who might have been put off by the cost of traditional gaming platforms.

Social Interaction and Community Building
Due to its ability to promote social engagement and community development, online gaming has transcended the lonely character of traditional gaming. Players can communicate and work together with friends, family, and even strangers from all over the world when they play multiplayer online games. Online gaming has developed into a social media platform where people may meet new people and create new friendships, whether they are fighting against one another in a virtual arena or working together on cooperative missions. Online gaming fosters a sense of community that goes beyond the games themselves, with social media groups, streaming services, and forums devoted to particular games or genres.

Diverse Gaming Options
With the popularity of online gaming, a wide variety of gaming alternatives have emerged to accommodate all tastes and preferences. There is something for everyone in the world of online gaming, ranging from puzzle games to virtual reality experiences, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) to battle royale shooters. Because of the large range of options, players of various ages and interests are guaranteed to find a game that suits them, which helps to explain why online gaming is becoming more and more popular.

Gamification of Social Platforms
The popularity of online gaming has also been significantly influenced by the incorporation of game aspects into social media platforms. Gamification is a concept that platforms like Facebook have embraced, allowing users to play games right within their social media feeds. In addition to introducing gaming to a wider audience, this seamless connection has given game creators access to new money streams in the form of in-game sales and advertising. For instance, Facebook Credits completely changed the way consumers could make purchases within games by streamlining the procedure and increasing player accessibility.

Changing Business Models
The expansion of online gaming has compelled the gaming sector to modify and advance its business strategies. Digital distribution platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG have replaced traditional retail methods by enabling gamers to buy and download games instantly. Furthermore, the advent of free-to-play games that are subsidized by in-app purchases or advertisements has completely changed the monetization techniques used by game producers. This change in business strategies has not only reduced the cost of gaming for gamers but also provided new opportunities for independent developers to show off their works to a worldwide market.

Many reasons, including social connection, accessibility, a wide variety of gaming possibilities, gamification of social media platforms, and shifting business models, have contributed to the growth of online gaming. Online gaming is expected to continue its upward trajectory, influencing the future of the gaming business and capturing the hearts and minds of players everywhere as technology develops and connectivity becomes even more commonplace.

Continuous Updates and New Content
Online gaming platforms frequently give users access to new content and upgrades regularly, which keeps the gaming experience engaging and novel. To keep gamers interested and motivated to play more, developers often offer new features, game modes, and expansions. Players’ experience is improved by the frequent updates, which also instills a sense of anticipation in them and keeps them engaged with the platform. The well-known online game World of Warcraft is a perfect illustration of this; it has launched multiple expansions over the years, each of which has added fresh content and kept players interested for extended periods.

Competitive eSports Scene
The emergence of online gaming platforms has also led to the growth of the competitive eSports industry, where top players fight for big prize pools, notoriety, and popularity. Millions of people watch live streaming of ESports competitions on Twitch and YouTube, which contributes to the expansion of online gaming platforms. Titles like Overwatch, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive have established themselves as mainstays in the eSports industry, demonstrating the enormous potential for competitive gaming on online platforms.

The Growth of Remote Employment Possibilities in Online Gaming
Nowadays, playing video games online goes beyond simple enjoyment. For those looking to work from home and pursue their passion, this is a burgeoning business with plenty of options. Whether you’re an avid player, a casual player, or somewhere in between, playing and broadcasting online games can let you make money off of your abilities and ingenuity. This section will discuss some of the advantages and difficulties of working remotely while playing online video games, as well as some best practices and advice for being successful in this industry. We will also examine some of the most well-liked and lucrative online gaming platforms and games that you may use to launch or expand your online gaming business.

Conclusion
The emergence of online gaming platforms has revolutionized the gaming sector by offering players never-before-seen accessibility, social engagement, and constant updates. These platforms have increased the number of people who play video games and given professional gamers and content producers new avenues for growth. Investors must comprehend the growth potential of online gaming platforms and take into account the chances they give inside gaming industry ETFs as the industry continues to change.

Every SEO specialist has to know all the tricks and tips for effective link-building.

1. Understand Link Types

• Backlinks (Inbound Links): Links from other websites to your site.
• Internal Links: Links within your own website from one page to another.
• External Links: Links from your website to other websites.

2. Quality Over Quantity

• Focus on acquiring high-quality links from reputable and relevant websites.
• Avoid spammy or low-quality links, as they can harm your SEO.

3. Content Creation

• Create High-Quality Content: Informative, valuable, and unique content is more likely to attract links.
• Infographics and Visuals: These are often shared and linked back to your site.
• Guides and Tutorials: Comprehensive guides can attract backlinks from sites that reference your work.

4. Outreach Strategies

• Guest Blogging: Write articles for other websites in your niche and include a link back to your site.
• Influencer Outreach: Connect with influencers in your industry and ask them to share or link to your content.
• Broken Link Building: Find broken links on other sites and suggest your content as a replacement.

5. Utilize Social Media

• Share your content on social media platforms to increase visibility and the chance of getting linked.
• Engage with your audience to build relationships that can lead to link opportunities.

6. Competitor Analysis

• Analyze Competitor Links: Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to see where your competitors are getting their backlinks.
• Target Similar Opportunities: Identify and pursue the same or similar sites for backlinks.

7. Directories and Listings

• Submit your website to reputable directories and listings.
• Ensure these directories are relevant to your niche and have a good reputation.

8. Monitor and Analyze

• Use SEO Tools: Tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can help track your backlinks.
• Analyze Results: Regularly check the performance of your link-building efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.

9. Avoid Black Hat Techniques

• Do Not Buy Links: Purchasing links can lead to penalties from search engines.
• Avoid Link Farms: These are groups of websites created solely for the purpose of link building and are frowned upon by search engines.
• No Automated Link Building: Automation can lead to spammy links and penalties.

10. Anchor Text Optimization

• Diverse Anchor Texts: Use a mix of branded, exact match, partial match, and generic anchor texts.
• Avoid Over-Optimization: Too many exact match anchor texts can look unnatural and harm your SEO.

Tools for Link Building

• Ahrefs: For backlink analysis and competitor research.
• Moz: For tracking link-building efforts and analyzing domain authority.
• SEMrush: For comprehensive SEO and link-building strategies.
• BuzzStream: For managing outreach and relationships.
• Hunter.io: For finding email addresses for outreach.

Best Practices

• Consistency: Regular link-building efforts yield the best results.
• Ethical Practices: Always follow search engine guidelines to avoid penalties.
• Networking: Build relationships within your industry for better link opportunities.

Conclusion

Effective link building is a blend of creating valuable content, strategic outreach, and ethical practices. Focus on quality and relevance to improve your website’s authority and search engine rankings.

Every SEO specialist has to know all the tricks and tips for effective link-building.

1. Understand Link Types

• Backlinks (Inbound Links): Links from other websites to your site.
• Internal Links: Links within your own website from one page to another.
• External Links: Links from your website to other websites.

2. Quality Over Quantity

• Focus on acquiring high-quality links from reputable and relevant websites.
• Avoid spammy or low-quality links, as they can harm your SEO.

3. Content Creation

• Create High-Quality Content: Informative, valuable, and unique content is more likely to attract links.
• Infographics and Visuals: These are often shared and linked back to your site.
• Guides and Tutorials: Comprehensive guides can attract backlinks from sites that reference your work.

4. Outreach Strategies

• Guest Blogging: Write articles for other websites in your niche and include a link back to your site.
• Influencer Outreach: Connect with influencers in your industry and ask them to share or link to your content.
• Broken Link Building: Find broken links on other sites and suggest your content as a replacement.

5. Utilize Social Media

• Share your content on social media platforms to increase visibility and the chance of getting linked.
• Engage with your audience to build relationships that can lead to link opportunities.

6. Competitor Analysis

• Analyze Competitor Links: Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to see where your competitors are getting their backlinks.
• Target Similar Opportunities: Identify and pursue the same or similar sites for backlinks.

7. Directories and Listings

• Submit your website to reputable directories and listings.
• Ensure these directories are relevant to your niche and have a good reputation.

8. Monitor and Analyze

• Use SEO Tools: Tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can help track your backlinks.
• Analyze Results: Regularly check the performance of your link-building efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.

9. Avoid Black Hat Techniques

• Do Not Buy Links: Purchasing links can lead to penalties from search engines.
• Avoid Link Farms: These are groups of websites created solely for the purpose of link building and are frowned upon by search engines.
• No Automated Link Building: Automation can lead to spammy links and penalties.

10. Anchor Text Optimization

• Diverse Anchor Texts: Use a mix of branded, exact match, partial match, and generic anchor texts.
• Avoid Over-Optimization: Too many exact match anchor texts can look unnatural and harm your SEO.

Tools for Link Building

• Ahrefs: For backlink analysis and competitor research.
• Moz: For tracking link-building efforts and analyzing domain authority.
• SEMrush: For comprehensive SEO and link-building strategies.
• BuzzStream: For managing outreach and relationships.
• Hunter.io: For finding email addresses for outreach.

Best Practices

• Consistency: Regular link-building efforts yield the best results.
• Ethical Practices: Always follow search engine guidelines to avoid penalties.
• Networking: Build relationships within your industry for better link opportunities.

Conclusion

Effective link building is a blend of creating valuable content, strategic outreach, and ethical practices. Focus on quality and relevance to improve your website’s authority and search engine rankings.

Handmade paper infused with plant and wildflower seeds is called seed paper. Plantable seed paper decomposes into the soil when it is buried and watered, allowing the seeds to sprout because it is biodegradable. You can have your friends recycle to Earth by using seed paper to make bookmarks, gift tags, wedding invitations, and greeting cards.

What applications are there for seed paper?

In addition to addressing landfill trash, the plantable seed card makes a thoughtful gift or card. Advertisements, birthday cards, holiday cards, invitations, bookmarks, drink coasters, and business cards can all be made with plantable paper. Reusing and replanting your paper instead of tossing it away will not only help the environment look better, but it will also make a thoughtful gift for a friend or relative. Giving the plantable paper as a present will become a habit. Make sure you include a brief letter on the back with planting instructions and an explanation of the seeds contained in the paper.

Reforestation enhances the soil, wetlands, water quality, and animal habitats. Plantable seed paper can help with this. Another inventive method for improving the environment, cutting waste, and repurposing old goods is to utilize seed paper. By working together, we can transform the way we handle waste paper and add optimism to the things we can plant in our surroundings.

In what sense is plantable seed paper environmentally friendly?

Paper without trees is mostly used to make seed paper. Woodless paper is incredibly environmentally friendly and is created from mulberry, cotton, linen, banana, and corn husks.

The seeds will remain on the paper longer because this paper is chemical-free. Additionally, the handmade paper breaks down in the soil quickly enough for seeds to sprout. Plantable seed paper is therefore sustainable and kind to the environment.

How much does a plantable seed paper cost?

This plantable seed embedded paper may cost a little more than sinful paper, but it is less expensive overall.

What does seed paper serve as?

Paper with seeds embedded in it is called seed paper. This paper will sprout and the seedlings will begin to grow if you place it in the soil and water it. The paper eventually crumbles, enabling the seedlings to grow into fully grown plants.

To what extent does seed paper work?

Plantable seed paper is effective when used with robust seeds like basil and mustard. Tear the seed paper into tiny pieces, insert it into the ground, and give it some water. Seeds ought to sprout in seven to ten days.

Is the seed paper able to be colored?

Yes, indeed! You used red food coloring to dye the seed paper. It is advised to combine the seeds and add three to four drops of food coloring at the same time for coloring. Use varying amounts for light and dark colors.

Are there no trees on our seed sheets?

The seed paper does not have to be seedless. Between 60 and 80 chemicals are commonly found in wood paper, which greatly reduces the possibility of both paper breakdown and seed germination. Since seed paper facilitates the development of seeds into plants, it ought to be made of treeless paper. At BlueCatPaper, this seed paper is entirely devoid of trees.

What is the plantable seed paper’s biodegradability?

The paper has seeds embedded in it and is biodegradable, created from post-consumer waste, and safe for trees. The seeds will sprout and turn into paper compost if you place them in an earthen container. There is no waste—all you receive are flowers, herbs, or veggies.

The following are some typical uses for plantable paper:

1. Invitations and Greeting Cards: Plantable paper can be used to make holiday or personal greeting cards, as well as invites for weddings, birthdays, and other noteworthy occasions. Recipients can plant the paper to grow flowers or herbs after the event or occasion, giving the celebration a distinctive and environmentally friendly touch.

2. Promotional Materials: Plantable paper can be used by businesses to create promotional items including flyers, brochures, and business cards. This not only demonstrates their dedication to sustainability but also offers the recipients an engaging and unique experience.

3. Packaging: Plantable paper can be used to package small items like jewelry, cosmetics, or handcrafted goods in an environmentally responsible manner. Reiterating the brand’s eco-friendly reputation, the packaging can be planted to grow flowers, herbs, or even food instead of being thrown away.

4. Educational Tools: Plantable paper can be incorporated into educational activities to teach students about sustainability, gardening, and the environment. Teachers can use it for hands-on lessons in biology, ecology, or horticulture, allowing students to witness the plant growth process firsthand.

5. Event Favors and Merchandise: Plantable paper goods, like coasters, tags, and bookmarks, can be used as distinctive giveaways or conference, trade show, or fundraising material. These things are available for attendees to take home and plant as a memento of the occasion.

6. Art and Crafts: Plantable paper can be used as a medium by artists and crafters for a variety of artistic endeavors, such as creating handcrafted paper sculptures, journals, and artwork. The paper gives their works a more sustainable touch and can start discussions about environmental preservation.

7. Promotional Giveaways: Plantable paper can be given out as promotional handouts by companies, associations, and governmental groups at events, festivals, or community meetings. This encourages people to practice green living and gardening in addition to raising awareness of environmental issues.

8. Wedding Favors: For wedding favors like seed packets, plantable confetti, or favor tags, couples can utilize plantable paper. In order to symbolize the blossoming of love and commitment exchanged during the wedding celebration, guests can plant these items to grow flowers or plants.

9. Product Inserts: Plantable paper inserts are a useful way for businesses to provide their consumers more for their money and encourage environmentally friendly living. To encourage customers to plant and care for the seeds, these inserts may provide information about the seeds embedded in the paper as well as planting instructions.

10. Campaigns for the environment: Plantable paper can be used by nonprofits and environmental groups to raise awareness or funds for their projects. They can encourage good environmental activity and involve the community in environmental conservation efforts by arranging planting activities or giving plantable paper products.

For other eco-friendly products visit https://www.thegreenecostore.com.

J.P. Morgan today announced its 25^th annual Summer Reading List, a collection of books selected to reflect upon, inspire and propel us forward. With new titles by preeminent educators, creative entrepreneurs, and globally recognized artists and activists, the list takes readers on an adventure from the Peruvian jungle to a Tennessee distillery, Formula 1 racetracks and more.

“In the 25 years since we launched the J.P. Morgan Summer Reading List, the world has experienced radical changes and shifts—many of which we’ve chronicled and tracked via books that feature inspiring leaders, innovative thinking and enticing cultural happenings,” said Darin Oduyoye, Chief Communications Officer of J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management. “This summer we’ve curated a lineup that invites us to dive deeper into topics we love and explore those new to us—that’s the power and promise of summer reading.”

In celebration of the 225^th anniversary of JPMorgan Chase’s earliest predecessor—the Manhattan Company, which was founded as a water works company in 1799—J.P. Morgan is proud to introduce an Anniversary Spotlight. This special feature highlights Gary White and Matt Damon’s joint nonprofit, Water.org, and their book, The Worth of Water, which outlines their mission and effort to end the global water crisis.

To curate the list, J.P. Morgan Client Advisors worldwide submitted hundreds of nonfiction titles. That list was then culled and reviewed based on timeliness, quality and appeal to the firm’s global client base. 

The 2024 Summer Reading List selections are:

Super communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg
Sharing the latest research on what makes conversations effective, Charles Duhigg reveals how we can level up our communications and make stronger connections. Whether it’s a divided jury room or the way a CIA officer recruits a foreign agent, Duhigg uses examples to illustrate how we can deliver effective messages by recognizing and tapping into the three layers of every conversation—practical, emotional and social. Taking us from the writers’ room of one of television’s most successful sitcoms to the couches of in-demand marriage counselors, Duhigg shows us that we all have super communicators inside of us.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out urgent facts—and issues a clear call to action—to focus attention on the global epidemic of teen mental illness. Haidt identifies the pervasive use of smartphones and over a dozen other mechanisms as having contributed to the “great rewiring of childhood.” Arguing that these technologies have had a profound negative effect on children’s social and neurological development, he explores what can be done to reverse the significant rise in sleep deprivation, fragmented attention, loneliness, addiction and social comparison. Importantly, Haidt calls for collective action and outlines steps that we all must take to end this epidemic.

Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys by Phaidon
Celebrating selections from the world-class art collection of musical and cultural icons Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean), Giants highlights 100 works by nearly 40 multigenerational Black American, African and African diasporic artists. Curated by the Brooklyn Museum for its first-ever major exhibition, the Dean Collection features works by legendary—as well as emerging—artists including Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Odili Donald Odita and Kennedy Yanko. Giants also includes exclusive conversations between Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys and curator Kimberli Gant, in addition to interviews with 10 of the renowned artists featured.

Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing) by Salman Khan
Salman Khan, the visionary behind the nonprofit Khan Academy, explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform learning both in education and the workplace. Demonstrating how AI will not replace human interaction but rather enhance it with tools to encourage creativity and problem solving, he shows how AI can adapt to each student’s individual pace while identifying strengths and areas of improvement. Outlining how emerging technologies can create a more accessible education system, Khan offers practical implications for administrators, counselors and hiring managers, as well as thoughtful insights on how we all can use AI in an increasingly digital world.

Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest by Fawn Weaver
Entrepreneur Fawn Weaver reveals the untold story of one of America’s most iconic whiskey brands. Set in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Love & Whiskey follows Weaver’s quest to discover the life of Nearest Green, a 19th century African American distiller who played a pivotal role in developing Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Navigating through layers of history to unlock the truth about Green’s contributions to the spirits industry and his friendship with Daniels, Weaver uncovers a story that connects generations. Her findings inspire a new path forward, with Weaver spearheading the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey as a way to honor and celebrate Green’s legacy for generations to come.

The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World’s Fastest-Growing Sport by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg
In The Formula, Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg from The Wall Street Journal tell the riveting story of how Formula 1’s fearless reinvention led to its breakthrough in America. With fast cars, engineering geniuses, driver rivalries and glamorous settings, The Formula details how F1’s “sudden” arrival in the United States was actually decades in the making. With unfettered access to F1’s most legendary teams and icons from Ferrari to Mercedes, Robinson and Clegg give readers a thrilling look inside the drivers, corporations, cars and risks that have defined the world’s fastest-growing sport.

Secret Stays: Pioneering Hosts of the New Chic by Melinda Stevens, Issy von Simson and Tabitha Joyce
A fascinating exploration curated by Melinda Stevens, Issy von Simson and Tabitha Joyce, Secret Stays introduces 22 hidden gems that reflect the dynamic evolution of modern travel. Highlighting captivating properties and the people who own them—from a secluded Croatian monastery to a Japanese machiya townhome—this coffee table book from Assouline, the luxury brand on culture, reveals one-of-a-kind experiences that stem from a revived belief in genuine, bespoke hospitality. Through stunning photographs and compelling narratives, Secret Stays takes a fresh look at the diverse and ever-evolving face of travel today.

Finding Fortunato: How a Peruvian Adventure Inspired the Sweet Success of a Family Chocolate Business by Adam Pearson
In Finding Fortunato, Adam Pearson takes us on a journey into the northern Peruvian jungle with the inspirational story of the entrepreneurial family who struck gold and discovered the legendary Nacional white cacao bean—previously thought to be extinct. Realizing their success was predicated on disrupting a traditional, unethical supply chain to instead trade directly with local Peruvian farmers, the family pioneered Fortunato Chocolate, a company that would come to be described as the “the Rolex of chocolate.”

Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing by Laura Mae Martin
Every day, tens of thousands of Google employees, from interns to C-suite executives, rely on an executive productivity advisor—Laura Mae Martin—to make the most of their time. In Uptime, Martin provides easy-to-follow steps to boost productivity, prevent burnout and achieve a better work-life balance. Whether you face an avalanche of emails, an overloaded calendar or a difficult meeting to lead, Martin’s strategic approach lays out concrete steps to help you manage time efficiently, focus on priorities, and maintain effective systems and routines.

The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles by Jake Gyllenhaal and Greta Caruso
A whimsical and heartwarming picture book by Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and his childhood best friend Greta Caruso, The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles celebrates the unique, fun-filled role aunts and uncles play in children’s lives. Humorously exploring the call to adventure that being an aunt or uncle can bring—from flexible bedtimes to activities with a “healthy dose of danger”—this book paints a loving portrait of these special relationships.

Anniversary Spotlight
The Worth of Water: Our Story of Chasing Solutions to the World’s Greatest Challenge by Gary White and Matt Damon
In celebration of the 225th anniversary of JPMorgan Chase’s earliest predecessor—the Manhattan Company, which was founded as a water works company—we are proud to spotlight The Worth of Water by Gary White and Matt Damon. These two unlikely allies, with a shared mission to end the global water crisis, take readers on a journey to empower communities and families with tools to address their potable water shortages. Outlining their trial-and-error approach to finding a workable solution, White and Damon demonstrate how the water crisis is solvable through collective action.

For more information, visit www.jpmorgan.com/readinglist and search #SRL2024 on social media.

With non-stop action and the world’s toughest elite athletes fighting for the title of champion, UFC is the world’s biggest MMA (mixed martial arts) organisation. The sport is home to fighters of various disciplines, spotlighting their combat talents across boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, creating an intense and fast-paced combat sport.

If you’re new to the world of UFC, this guide will tell you everything you need to know ahead of the eagerly anticipated return of UFC to the region this year, including UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SANDHAGEN VS NURMAGOMEDOV in Abu Dhabi on August 3 at Etihad Arena, UFC’s first-ever event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on June 26, and UFC 308 on October 26.

UFC is big business:

• UFC was founded in 1993 which revolutionised the fight business and today is the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world producing more than 40 live events per year.
• UFC is broadcast in over 170 countries and territories to more than 975 million TV households worldwide in over 46 different languages.
• The sport has 700 million fans globally, and approximately 260 million followers across its official social media platforms. 

Inside the Octagon:

• Fights take place inside the famed Octagon®, with each round lasting 5 minutes.
• Unlike boxing or wrestling, MMA allows athletes of different backgrounds to showcase a wider range of fighting techniques, such as punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and grappling from different disciplines across the worlds of boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Freestyle & Greco-Roman Wrestling, and Tae Kwon Do.
• Male and female athletes compete by their weight divisions:
  • Men’s:
    • Heavyweight (265 lb/120kg)
    • Light Heavyweight (205 lb/93kg)
    • Middleweight (185 lb/83.9kg)
    • Welterweight (170lb/77.1kg)
    • Lightweight (155lb/70.3kg)
    • Featherweight (145lb/65.8kg)
    • Bantamweight (135lb/61.2kg)
    • Flyweight (125lb/56.7kg)
  • Women’s:
    • Bantamweight (135lb/61.2kg)
    • Flyweight (125lb/56.7kg)
    • Strawweight (115lb/52.2kg)
• Victories are awarded through different outcomes, including: knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO; referee stoppage due to fighter disadvantage), submission (tapping due to choke or lock), disqualification (illegal moves), or decision (judges’ scores after the fight).
• A panel of three judges can determine the winner in multipleways:
  • Unanimous: all judges agree the winner.
  • Split: One judge chooses one athlete. The other two judges pick the other athlete.
  • Majority: Two judges pick the same athlete as the winner. The final judge says fight was a draw.
  • Draw: A unanimous draw is when all three judges score the fight as a draw, a majority draw is when one judge selects in favour of one of the athletes while the other two score the fight as a draw, or a split draw when two judges select in favor of both athletes while the third scores the fight as a draw.

Getting to grips with fight terms:

• Common fight terms you can expect to hear on fight night include:
  • Clinch: fighters locked up close.
  • Takedown: bringing the fight from standing position to the ground.
  • Guard: A position where a fighter on their back uses their legs to control their opponent.
  • Sprawl and brawl: A fighting style focused on avoiding takedowns and exchanging strikes while standing.
  • Submission: When a fighter taps out (indicates they yield).

What to expect at a UFC Fight Night

Pre-Fight:

• Electric atmosphere: As the venue fills up with fans eager for the action, expect lively music, vendors selling food and drinks, and a general buzz of excitement and anticipation.
• Early fights: Up-and-coming fighters or those earlier on the fight card battle it out. These can be exciting displays of raw talent and a chance to discover future stars.
• Main card anticipation: As the night progresses, the crowd gets hyped for the main card fights featuring established fighters, title contenders, and potentially even championship bouts.

Fight Time:

• Epic walkouts: Fighters enter the Octagon to dramatic lighting with their entrance music pumping, and the crowd roaring.
• Fight action: The bell rings and the bout begins. Expect a mix of striking exchanges (jabs, crosses, hooks), grappling sequences (takedowns, submissions), and strategic maneuvers (footwork, defense, counters).
• Expert commentary: Commentators provide insights throughout the fight, explaining techniques, strategies, and fighters’ histories.

Fight Decisions:

• Corner time: Between rounds, fighters retreat to their corners for a short break. Coaches give instructions, strategise, and treat any injuries.
• The verdict (if it goes to the distance): Most non-championship fights are 3 rounds, occasionally extending to 5 rounds, while championship fights are 5. If the fight goes all the way, judges evaluate each round based on a points system and declare a winner.
• Post-fight interview: Following some fights, audiences can delight in seeing winners interviewed inside the Octagon, sharing their thoughts on the bout, and potentially calling out future opponents.

Ones to Watch:

• UFC has a stacked roster of athletes across nine weight divisions. Whilst almost everyone is familiar with superstar Conor McGregor, there are several more athletes who have been dubbed ‘ones to watch’ in UFC, including bantam weight Champion Sean O’Malley and welterweight Champion Leon Edwards.
• Middle Eastern favorites include, Khabib Nurmagomedov (retired but undefeated) and current UFC lightweightchampionIslam Makhachev- both originally from Russia, Morocco’s Youssef Zalal who recently made his return to UFC and the UAE’s very own Mohammad Yahya.

Where to watch UFC Tunein to STARZPLAY – UFC’s exclusive broadcast partner and the only place to stream the action in the Middle East.STARZPLAY airs every UFC event live.

Arabia Insurance, a leading insurance provider in the United Arab Emirates, and Policybazaar.ae, UAE’s leading insurance aggregator, today announced a strategic partnership to offer a wider range of insurance products to customers in the UAE through Policybazaar.ae’s user-friendly online platform.

This collaboration will enable Arabia Insurance to leverage Policybazaar.ae’s robust online insurance aggregation platform – ensuring that Arabia Insurance’s suite of products, including critical illness insurance, becomes readily accessible to a wider audience across the UAE. Customers will now be able to compare and purchase Arabia Insurance plans seamlessly online, simplifying the insurance buying journey.

Serge Flouty, Senior Country Manager-UAE of Arabia Insurance, said, “We are excited to partner with Policybazaar.ae, a leading player in the online insurance market. Their cutting-edge technology and extensive reach will allow us to offer our comprehensive insurance solutions, including critical illness plans, to a larger customer base in the UAE. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of making insurance more accessible and convenient for everyone.”

Commenting on the partnership, Neeraj Gupta, CEO, Policybazaar.ae said, “We are delighted to join forces with Arabia Insurance, a renowned name in the UAE insurance sector. This partnership allows us to expand our product offerings in the UAE and empower customers to make informed insurance decisions through a transparent and user-friendly online platform. This collaboration will particularly benefit individuals seeking critical illness insurance, making it readily available online for the first time.“

UAE customers stand to benefit significantly from this partnership, gaining access to a diverse array of products, notably critical illness plans by Arabia Insurance, along with the convenience of an online platform for swift and hassle-free purchases anytime, anywhere. This platform promotes transparency by enabling customers to compare plans, features, and prices, empowering them to make informed decisions efficiently. Together, these advantages streamline the insurance process, ensuring UAE customers find tailored coverage effortlessly.

EZDubai, the fully dedicated e-commerce zone in Dubai South, has launched the fourth edition of its ‘E-Commerce Report in the MENA Region 2023’ in collaboration with Euromonitor International, the world’s leading provider for global business intelligence, market analysis and consumer insights. The report revealed that the UAE’s total e-commerce market size reached AED 27.5 billion in 2023, and is expected to surpass AED 48.8 billion in 2028.

The rapid surge in e-commerce adoption in the UAE is fueled by the tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial population, empowered by strong government support in regulations and backed by substantial investments in digital infrastructure. The top three verticals by value in 2023 were apparel and footwear, consumer electronics and media products.

In the UAE, consumers prefer mobile-based shopping, prioritising convenience and cost-effectiveness. Credit and debit cards are the dominant payment methods for online purchases, as reported by 93.2% of respondents in Euromonitor International’s 2023 survey, showing strong confidence in traditional banking. Smartphones are a widely preferred medium for online shopping, indicating a growing reliance on seamless, mobile-centric shopping experiences, and emphasising the importance of social media.

Meanwhile, E-commerce in the MENA region continued its rise in 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 11.8% to reach nearly AED 106.5 billion after reflecting strong online adoption over the historic period, with a CAGR growth of 25% since 2018.  The e-commerce market size in the MENA is expected to reach AED 183.6 billion in 2028.

Key trends shaping MENA e-commerce include increased omnichannel adaptation, as consumers demand seamless shopping experiences, alongside a rise in digital payments and a shift towards payment apps. The popularity of membership programs and the expansion of online grocery shopping also mark significant changes. Furthermore, mobile commerce in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has seen a substantial surge, with its value nearly quadrupling from 2018 to 2023, reaching approximately AED 14.3 billion and AED 16.1 billion, respectively.

In his comments, Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of Logistics District, Dubai South said: “We are pleased to launch the fourth e-commerce report in partnership with Euromonitor and share the latest insights on the sector with our stakeholders. The region’s e-commerce industry has been witnessing impressive growth, and is primed for further robustness in the future, due to the widespread high-speed internet connectivity, and favorable policies mainly focused on development of digital payments and logistics infrastructure. The UAE has also introduced a new e-commerce law in 2023 to enhance its digital economy by encouraging investment, protecting consumer rights, and fostering innovation. At EZDubai, our mandate is to contribute to the government’s vision and cement the emirate’s position as a hub for regional e-commerce.”

EZDubaiwas designed to attract leading e-commerce companies and create a benchmark with its infrastructure. The e-commerce zone, launched in January 2019 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is strategically located in the heart of the Logistics District of Dubai South.