23, Sep 2025
Dr Santosh G. Honavar Tops the Stanford List of Researchers in Ophthalmology for Career-long Impact

The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide

Dr Santosh G Honavar

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Sept 23, 2025:.Dr. Santosh G. Honavar, Honorary Secretary of the All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), Director of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Ocular Oncology at Centre for Sight Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, former Associate Director of LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and the past Editor of the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, has yet again emerged as the top-ranked Ophthalmology researcher from India.

For the fifth consecutive year, Dr Honavar has secured the number one position in the annual impact ranking and, for the first time, has also topped the career-long impact ranking in Ophthalmology from India. A panel of experts from Stanford University and Elsevier announced the prestigious lifetime and annual global rankings for 2025. The rankings feature the top 2% of researchers worldwide, based on the influence and impact of their work, both career-long and during the year 2024.

Dr Santosh G. Honavar is an internationally renowned ophthalmologist with expertise in eye cancers, and his illustrious career has earned him accolades such as the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award from the Government of India and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is the sole ophthalmologist from the Indian subcontinent to receive the Honorary Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the UK. Dr Santosh G. Honavar also holds the second position in the Stanford List based on his lifelong contributions to the field. He has over 17000 citations and a high H-index of 69.

Dr. Partha Biswas, the President of AIOS, extended his congratulations to the Indian researchers featured in the Stanford list. He highlighted AIOS’s commitment to promoting Indian research through its Journals (Indian Journal of Ophthalmology and IJO Case Reports), scientific activities, and research as part of the Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to support and nurture the research potential of Indian ophthalmologists. He expressed optimism about witnessing more young Indian ophthalmologists making their mark on the Stanford list soon. The consistent rise in representation of Indian Ophthalmology in such prestigious global lists reflects the growing trajectory of high-quality research across the country and it underlines the strength of our institutions, the dedication of our researchers, and India’s emergence as a global leader in ophthalmology and vision sciences, Dr Biswas emphasised.

There are 27 Indian Ophthalmologists who are part of the list of the top 2% of researchers in the world in terms of career-long impact. Sixty-one Indian Ophthalmologists figure in the list of the top 2% of world researchers, considering the impact of their work in 2024. This year’s list includes eminent Ophthalmology researchers from across India, representing leading institutions such as LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad (17 researchers); Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi (12); Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai (5); Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai (4); Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru (4); Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chennai (3); Centre for Sight, Hyderabad (2); and PGIMER, Chandigarh (2), among others.

The Top 10 in the Stanford 2025 list for career-long impact are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Gullapalli N. Rao, 3. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 4. Virender S. Sangwan, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Muthiah K. Srinivasan, 7. D. Balasubramanian, 8. Amod Gupta, 9. GVS Murthy, and 10. Mohd Javed Ali

The top 10 Indian researchers in ophthalmology included in the 2025 Stanford list are: 1. Santosh G. Honavar, 2. Mohammad Javed Ali, 3. Swathi Kaliki, 4. GVS Murthy, 5. Savitri Sharma, 6. Namrata Sharma, 7. Vinod Kumar, 8. Philip Aloysius Thomas, 9. Virender S. Sangwan, and 10. Dr. Prashant Garg

All India Ophthalmological Society is the world’s second-largest professional organisation of Ophthalmologists, with over 26000 members.

23, Sep 2025
Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Appoints Reshma Godbole as Director of Sales & Marketing

India ,23rd september 2025: Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the appointment of Reshma Godbole as the Director of Sales & Marketing. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Reshma brings a strong track record of driving sales strategies, building market presence, and delivering business growth for leading luxury hotel brands.

Reshma Godbole, Director of Sales and Marketing, Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa

In her new role, Reshma will spearhead the resort’s sales and marketing initiatives, overseeing strategic partnerships, market expansion, and revenue growth, while further enhancing the property’s positioning as a premier leisure and MICE & wedding destination in Mahabaleshwar.

Reshma joins Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar from The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, where she served as Sr. Director of Sales – Domestic Leisure, managing pan-India operations for the segment. Prior to this, she held leadership roles with The St. Regis Mumbai, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, and other renowned hospitality brands, specializing in travel trade, corporate, MICE, guest relations, and event sales.

An alumna of S.N.D.T. Women’s University, Mumbai, Reshma holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Administration with majors in Front Office Management, Guest Relations, and Sales & Marketing. She also completed her graduation in Home Science with Hotel Hospitality Management as a major.

Speaking on her appointment, Anand Choubey, General Manager of Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Reshma to the Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar family. Her rich experience, dynamic leadership, and strong industry relationships will be invaluable in elevating our sales and marketing efforts as we continue to strengthen our brand presence and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.”

Outside of work, Reshma enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with family, and playing the sitar, reflecting her passion for creativity and balance in life.

23, Sep 2025
OnMobile Powers Master Aggregator Platform for Dialog Sri Lanka’s Value-Added Services Portfolio

Bangalore, 23 September 2025 :OnMobile, a global leader in mobile gaming and entertainment, has entered into a strategic partnership with Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, as the Master Aggregator for its Value-Added Services (VAS) portfolio. The agreement marks a significant expansion of the long-standing relationship between the two companies.

The Master Aggregator platform plays a critical role in bridging Dialog with a broad range of third-party content providers. By consolidating services across entertainment, mobile gaming, infotainment and education into a unified ecosystem, the platform breaks down operational silos within the VAS delivery chain, streamlines processes, ensures regulatory compliance, and simplifies payouts to the content providers, allowing Dialog to focus on expanding its VAS offerings and business growth in Sri Lanka.   

OnMobile’s mandate covers the full spectrum of the VAS ecosystem, from customer lifecycle management to technical integration, billing, support and analytics. This end-to-end solution enables Dialog to scale its offerings efficiently, deliver more personalized content to prepaid and postpaid customers and focus on driving customer engagement, ensuring consistency and speed across services. 

Mr. Bikram Sherawat, President & COO, OnMobile Global Ltd., said, “Our partnership with Dialog reflects a broader industry shift toward platforms that reduce friction and deliver measurable business impact. With our Master Aggregator model, we’re providing a one-stop solution for managing value-added services, so Dialog can enhance its VAS portfolio, act on real-time insights and build sustainable digital growth, paving the way for future scalability across both consumer and enterprise use cases.”

Mr. Viranga Seneviratne, Head of ICT and Platforms Business, Dialog Axiata PLC, added, “The shift to a Master Aggregator model is not just an operational decision; it’s a strategic one. With a unified approach to managing our content partnerships and services, we gain sharper control over execution, visibility into performance and the agility to respond faster to evolving customer needs. OnMobile’s platform and expertise are helping us turn VAS into a more intelligent and future-ready line of business.”

23, Sep 2025
A Symphony in Pastels: Discover Kalyan Jewellers’ Huescape

The world of fine jewellery is witnessing a refreshing shift from traditional all-gold pieces to vibrant designs adorned with coloured gemstones. More and more people, including today’s modern-day brides, are embracing coloured jewellery as a way to express individuality and add personality to their look. With their soft yet striking appeal, coloured gemstones are redefining what heirloom-worthy jewellery can look like. Kalyan Jewellers’ Huescape collection captures this very essence, where handcrafted gold meets a delicate palette of pastel-hued stones, creating pieces that are timeless yet contemporary.

Product Description

Pastel Heritage Set

This gold choker and earring duo reimagines heritage craft with a playful pastel twist. Rounded gemstones in ametrine, aquamarine, morganite, prehnite, chrysoprase, and sunstone, sit like soft drops of colour against intricate gold. The design balances ornate detailing with a light, whimsical mood, while echoing the growing trend of coloured gemstone jewellery that even today’s modern brides are embracing. The earrings mirror the necklace with gentle movement and pastel charm. A statement of tradition made refreshingly modern, perfect for adding a pop of colour to everyday elegance.

Pastel Mosaic Necklace Set

A tapestry of design, this long necklace pairs intricate gold craft with pastel stones in aqua, blush, and amber tones featuring aquamarine, morganite, sunstone, and prehnite. The centrepiece glows with a mosaic of gemstones, framed by layered golden detailing. Delicate pearl strands soften the look, adding fluidity to the structured pendant. Matching earrings echo the pastel play, balancing tradition with a modern touch. An artistic statement that turns jewellery into a wearable design, reflecting the growing allure of coloured gemstones among contemporary connoisseurs and brides alike.

Pastel Harmony Necklace Set

Gold meets colour in perfect balance, with gemstones like morganite in blush pink, aquamarine in soft blue, and tiger’s eye in earthy browns set against intricate detailing. The necklace flows with ornate motifs and dangling elements that add lightness and rhythm. A central green chrysoprase stone anchors the design, lending depth to the pastel palette. The matching earrings highlight soft pink morganite drops with a playful finish. A piece that blends tradition with a softer, more modern mood.

Pastel Radiance Necklace Set

A golden canvas lit up with gemstones in lilac ametrine, aqua aquamarine, blush morganite, and deep berry hessonite garnet. The necklace’s centrepiece features a striking green chrysoprase framed by pastel accents and intricate gold danglers.

Each gem along the neckline tells its own story, creating a spectrum of soft yet vivid hues. The earrings echo the bold palette with stacked colour and ornate goldwork.
A radiant expression of how tradition can shine in softer shades.

Pastel Blossom Necklace Set

Teardrop green chrysoprase gemstones framed in delicate pearls form the heart of this gold necklace. Blush pink rhodochrosite stones add a soft contrast, creating a fresh pastel harmony. The ornate gold detailing flows around each gem, giving depth and texture to the design. Matching earrings mirror the teardrop motif, balancing boldness with grace. A piece that feels rooted in tradition yet painted in lighter, modern hues.

Pastel Prism Necklace Set

A radiant line-up of gemstones in lilac amethyst, rich emerald, deep ruby, and soft rose quartz, each framed in gold.

The necklace forms a rhythmic pattern, where every pastel gem feels like a brushstroke of colour. Dangling gold motifs add light movement, enhancing the playful charm. Matching earrings pick up the same vibrant palette in a compact form.

A piece that transforms gold into a kaleidoscope of soft, modern hues.

23, Sep 2025
DPDP Act Marks a Permanent Shift: Urgent Call for Businesses to Embed Data Protection at Their Core
By:Vikas Bansal, Partner, IT Risk Advisory and Assurance, BDO India
The DPDP Act, with its forthcoming rules, represents a fundamental and permanent shift in the business landscape. It requires a completely new approach to data, one where “Data Principals”  are empowered with unprecedented rights, and “Data Fiduciaries”  are subject to new responsibilities. The financial penalties for non-compliance are severe, with fines of up to INR250 crore. In a move that links data protection with the future of technology, the Minister also announced that a national AI governance framework will be released by the same date.
This is a real and present concern. With these rules expected shortly, organisations must adopt a structured compliance framework. Data mapping and creating ROPA style inventories become critical to track all the data processing activities. Drafting and updating privacy policies, retention schedules, data principal rights, and breach notifications is now mandatory. 
It is no longer a matter of if you will be compliant, but when. The businesses that will not only survive but thrive are those that take this news seriously, act with urgency, and embed data protection as a core principle of their operations.
23, Sep 2025
Synopsys Marks 30 Years of Operations in India with Inauguration of New Bengaluru Site

Bengaluru, India, September 23, 2025, Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), the global leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, celebrated 30 years of operations in India with the opening of a new research and development facility in Bengaluru. Synopsys president and CEO, Sassine Ghazi, and Synopsys exec chair and founder, Dr. Aart de Geus, spoke at the inauguration of the new office at Bagmane Capital. The new facility spans more than 455,000 square feet, providing ample space for advanced R&D in EDA, semiconductor IP, verification and system design solutions to enable global and regional customers to bring next-generation technologies to market. Ghazi commented on the significance of the company’s presence in India, which spans seven cities, including offices of recently acquired simulation and analysis leader, Ansys. 

Synopsys Marks 30 Years

“India has been a key part of the Synopsys story for 30 years,” said Sassine Ghazi, President and CEO of Synopsys. “From our very first R&D center in Bengaluru, to the blooming network of engineers and partners that we have here now, India is an important center of innovation and talent. As India is building its semiconductor future, Synopsys can provide the holistic, silicon-to-systems design solutions that technology R&D teams need to realize their innovations,” he added.

30 Years of Synopsys in India

Synopsys commenced its India operations in 1995 with an R&D center in Bengaluru, followed by a field organization in 1997. At present, approximately one-third of Synopsys’ global workforce is based in India – with the majority in engineering roles. From facilitating semiconductor manufacturing to leading advances in automotive, AI, and next-generation computing, Synopsys’ India teams are in the forefront in solving the industry’s most complex problems. 

Over the past 30 years, Synopsys has played a pivotal role in the advancement of India’s technology and semiconductor ecosystem. The company collaborates with more than 100 leading global and regional organizations, including market-leading semiconductor design centres, AI startup companies, and regional design and manufacturing firms, empowering them to accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions with greater efficiency and proficiency.

Synopsys’ Ansys acquisition

The 30 years in India milestone of Synopsys comes shortly after the company completed its acquisition of Ansys in July 2025. It is a bold move that unites leaders in silicon design, IP, simulation, and analysis. This integration expands Synopsys’ total addressable market to 31 billion dolar, accelerating the company’s strategy to deliver advanced engineering solutions for the AI era using multiphysics simulation tightly integrated with the full EDA stack.

With Ansys’ predictive simulation capabilities part of Synopsys, engineers across industries, including semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, industrial, and healthcare, can innovate faster, reduce time-to-market, and improve real-world product performance. Synopsys expects to deliver the first set of combined solutions in the first half of 2026.

As India advances its semiconductor industry ambitions, Synopsys will continue to aid as a mission-critical enabler and trusted advisor. The new office inauguration in Bengaluru reflects Synopsys’ dual commitment: continue to grow India as a global innovation hub and leverage its integration with Ansys to re-engineer engineering from silicon to systems.

23, Sep 2025
Novotel Hyderabad Airport Kicks Off Festive Season with Cake Mixing & Grape Stomping

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Rings in the Festive Season with a Lively Cake Mixing and Grape Stomping Celebration

Mumbai / Hyderabad, 23nd September 2025: Novotel Hyderabad Airport ushered in the festive season with its much-loved Cake Mixing and Grape Stomping celebration on Sunday, 21st September 2025. The event, which has become a cherished tradition for the hotel, was made even more spectacular this year with the unveiling of a 25-foot-long cake displayed inside the Food Exchange. This surprise element, along with the lively grape stomping and cake mixing, created an atmosphere of joy and festivity for all guests.

Chefs of NHA at the Cake Mixing Event.

The celebration began with the traditional cake mixing, where guests joined hands with the culinary team to blend dry fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices with rich flavors to prepare the base for the hotel’s signature Christmas cakes. The grape stomping added a playful touch, reminiscent of old-world winemaking, with participants thoroughly enjoying the fun-filled activity.

The afternoon was further elevated by a specially curated Sunday Brunch. Guests relished a selection of local favorites such as Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani and Awadhi Paneer Korma, alongside global specialties including Chicken Tori Katsu and Root Vegetable Gratin. A vibrant mix of salads and live grills added to the indulgence, offering something for every palate.

Speaking on the occasion, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport, said, “The Cake Mixing and Grape Stomping is a tradition that brings immense joy to both our guests and our team. This year, the 25-foot-long cake was our way of making the event even more special, creating a memorable experience for everyone who joined us. We are proud to usher in the festive season with such enthusiasm and warmth.”

Pastry Chef Divya Goppanagari, who led the cake mixing, shared, “This event is very close to our hearts as it marks the beginning of the festive season in our kitchen. The mix of fruits and spices prepared today will slowly mature, giving our Christmas cakes their signature richness and flavor.”

Head Chef Amanna Raju added, “Our Sunday Brunch was designed to complement the festivities, combining the essence of local cuisine with global favorites. It was wonderful to see our guests savor these dishes while celebrating such a joyful tradition.”

The day was further elevated by live music, laughter, and the contagious festive cheer that filled the air. With this successful celebration, Novotel Hyderabad Airport kickstarts the festive season and sets the tone for an exciting line-up of holiday festivities in the months ahead.

23, Sep 2025
National Nutrition Month: Cut Down on Sugar, Salt, and Oil, Experts Warn
Mumbai, 23 september 2025:-  As India observes National Nutrition Month, health experts are raising a red flag on the rising burden of obesity and related lifestyle diseases. Dr. Mrinali Dwivedi, Consulting Nutrition and Clinical Dietician at Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, has urged citizens to reduce their daily intake of sugar, oil, and salt, the three hidden culprits behind a surge in diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 24% of Indian adults are overweight or obese, a figure that has nearly doubled in the past two decades. At the same time, India is home to over 77 million people living with diabetes, making it the second-highest in the world. High blood pressure affects more than 220 million Indians, silently raising risks of stroke, kidney failure, and cardiovascular complications.

Dr. Mrinali Dwivedi

Dr. Mrinali Dwivedi explained that excessive sugar consumption fuels obesity and increases insulin resistance, a direct pathway to diabetes. High salt intake is strongly linked to hypertension and heart disease, while overuse of cooking oils and processed fats contributes to obesity and clogged arteries. “What makes the situation alarming is that many people do not realize how much hidden sugar, salt, and oil they consume daily through packaged foods, fried snacks, and sugary beverages,” she said.

The theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month emphasizes making small but consistent lifestyle changes. Dr. Mrinali Dwivedi advises citizens to adopt simple practices such as switching to whole grains, limiting processed foods, using minimal oil while cooking, and seasoning meals with natural herbs and spices instead of excess salt. Replacing sugary drinks with water, buttermilk, or fresh fruit can also significantly cut daily calorie intake.

“Nutrition is the foundation of good health. By reducing sugar, salt, and oil in our diets, we can not only manage weight but also prevent serious health problems that are becoming increasingly common among young and middle-aged Indians,” said Dr. Mrinali Dwivedi. She further added, “Reduce the amount of total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake to help prevent unhealthy weight gain. Lower your risk of developing noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers) by: reducing saturated fats (found in fatty meat, butter, coconut oil, cream, cheese, ghee and lard) to less than 10% of total energy intake; reducing total trans fats (found in processed food, fast food, snack food, fried food, frozen pizza, pies, cookies, margarines and spreads) to less than 1% of total energy intake; and replacing both with unsaturated fats (found in fish, avocado, nuts, olive oil, soy, canola, sunflower and corn oils). Apex Group of Hospitals has launched awareness drives during Nutrition Month to encourage families to rethink their food habits. The message is clear: a balanced plate today is the strongest investment in a healthier tomorrow.”
23, Sep 2025
Aster DM Healthcare joins the United Nations’ Race to Zero’ Campaign, Commits to Net Zero status by 2050

Kochi, September 23, 2025: Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in India, is proud to announce its official membership in the United Nations’ ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, a global alliance committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Aster joins United Nations Race to Zero campaign

As part of its Race to Zero campaign, Aster has successfully commissioned an 8.5 MW solar park in Kasargod, Kerala committing to sustainability and promotion of renewable energy usage.

As part of the Race to Zero commitment, Aster DM Healthcare has pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions across all its operations by 2050, aligning with the 1.5°C global warming target. To achieve this goal, Aster will reduce energy consumption, shift to renewable energy sources, and upgrade its infrastructure to meet high sustainability standards. The company will enhance waste management through strong reduction and recycling practices, improve water conservation via rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, and prioritize green procurement by sourcing eco-friendly products and materials. Aster will also invest in carbon accounting and energy monitoring technologies to track and accelerate its decarbonization efforts. Internal sustainability workshops, employee initiatives, and community awareness campaigns will also be rolled out as part of its broader climate action program.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “At Aster, our mission to ‘care for all’ naturally extends to the planet as climate change directly impacts health. Our decision to join the Race to Zero campaign is driven by our core belief that healthcare must include nurturing the environment that sustains us all. By joining the campaign, we are taking a significant step towards embedding sustainability into our operations and setting a benchmark for responsible healthcare”.

The Race to Zero campaign, backed by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, brings together over 16,000 non-state actors across sectors worldwide, all committed to halving emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050.

22, Sep 2025
Atlantis Dubai Raises Over Half a Million Dollars for Conservation & Sustainability Through Atlantis Atlas Project

ATLANTIS DUBAI ANNOUNCES OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS OF FUNDING SINCE THE  INCEPTION OF ATLANTIS ATLAS PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF CONSERVATION AND  SUSTAINABILITY

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 22nd september 2025: Atlantis Dubai announces the selection of seven local and international  conservation and sustainability projects set to receive funding from the Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution  Programme 2025-26 cycle. From June 2024 to May 2025, for every green meeting event and marine  animal experience participated in by a guest, Atlantis Dubai contributed a portion of earnings, resulting in  a $123,000 (USD) fund, which aims to support projects that help protect the ocean and our environment.  Since the programme was launched in 2021, the initiative has now raised over half a million dollars  ($509,000) and supported 30 projects. 

1920_atlantisatlasprojectcontributionprogramme_partnerannouncement_25-26

Since April, organisations around the world have been invited to apply for funding, after which proposals  were assessed against their contributions to scientific advancement, conservation, and sustainability by  the internal Atlantis Dubai Conservation & Science Committee. Atlantis Atlas Project currently focuses on  four key groups of wildlife: sharks, rays, dolphins, and coral reefs, and a key threat to their existence in  the wild; marine pollution. This year, the Contribution Programme will continue to support six  organisations from previous years, as well as welcoming one new organisation.  

2025-26 New Project Partner 

A new partner this year is the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund to support and  encourage UAE youth under 18 who are passionate about conservation by offering funding, mentorship,  and hands-on experience. It will engage local young people through schools, media, and social campaigns,  highlighting a joint commitment to biodiversity and empowering the next generation of environmental  leaders.

Kerzner business use 

2025-26 Returning Project Partners 

A further year of funding has been initiated with Zayed University and lead UAE-based researcher, Dr Ada Natoli, for the UAE Dolphin Project, which supports boat-based research of local dolphin populations.  During the first three years (2021-2024) this project conducted a total of 142 boat surveys spanning a  distance of 11,106 km along the UAE coastline and totalling 591 observational hours, recording 44  sightings across three species of dolphins and porpoises. Over four consecutive years, the survey has  yielded unprecedented insights into the presence, behaviour, and habitat preferences of cetaceans in an  urban marine environment. Now, in collaboration with Xclusive Yachts, the project will go into its 5th year  of surveys and acoustic monitoring of marine mammals within UAE waters, focusing on the Northern  Emirates waters to better inform conservation actions. 

The Contribution Programme will continue to support the UAE’s leading social enterprise Goumbook to  build upon their ‘Save The Butts – Waste to Value’ campaign. This year’s project will focus on expanding  the Empowering Ocean Stewards project, which combines ocean literacy, citizen science, and data  collection to study microplastics in UAE waters. It aims to engage high school students through workshops,  training over 100 youth in sampling and analysis, while linking microplastics pollution to coral reef health  and climate change. The Project outcomes include open-access data, building local conservation capacity,  and fostering regional collaboration through the MENA Oceans Network, advancing education,  awareness, and sustainability. 

The Atlantis Atlas Project Contribution Programme will provide a further year of funding to support the  IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group, led by UAE-based Dr Rima Jabado. Sharks and rays are a key  conservation focus for Atlantis Atlas Project, and this IUCN specialist group is the leading authority on the  status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras globally. They remain pivotal in the development and  implementation of conservation strategies for these species, including the publication of the Global  Report on the Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras, last year.  

Funding will also be provided to SAFE Shark and Ray, adding to our focus on these marine animals. This  project will develop standardised methods for genetic sampling and data storage of threatened sharks 

Kerzner business use 

and rays in human care. It will create an accessible Genetics Database, support testing, and gather data.  The information will guide breeding, reintroduction, and rewilding efforts, supporting global conservation  of these species. 

Funding will also be continued for the Whale and Dolphin Protection Team at Environmental Voluntary  Foundation (EVF) and its project to further understand the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin in Kuwait  waters. The study will continue to investigate the status and support the conservation of this endangered  species through boat surveys located in the southern area of Khiran. 

Finally, another year of funding has been initiated with Marine Megafauna Foundation led by Simon  Pierce. Last year, the Marine Megafauna Foundation was supported in launching the Oman Whale Shark  Project, which successfully identified and tagged individual whale sharks while engaging local  stakeholders. Expanding research in the Gulf of Oman, a vital yet threatened habitat, the project involves  divers, snorkelers, and marine operators in a citizen science program. Through photo-identification and  tagging, it tracks whale shark abundance, movements, and threats, generating data to guide ecotourism  best practices, strengthen conservation, and support the protection of this endangered species. 

Kelly Timmins, Executive Director of Marine Animal Operations and Sustainability, Atlantis Dubai,  commented: “We are extremely proud to share that, since the inception of Atlantis Atlas Project, we have  raised over half a million dollars and supported 30 impactful initiatives. This year’s seven selected projects  showcase remarkable expertise, creativity, and innovation in advancing ocean conservation and  environmental protection, while aligning with our shared sustainability goals. At Atlantis Dubai, driving  conservation beyond our destination and transforming our operations within it are both essential pillars  of Atlantis Atlas Project’s long-term vision. Together, these efforts reflect our collective commitment to  creating measurable, positive change for our planet and its people.”