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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. 

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.

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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 

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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.” 

Turkish Airlines Launches Flights to Port Sudan

Bengaluru, 22 September 2025: Connecting more destinations across Africa than any other global carrier, Turkish Airlines has launched flights to Port Sudan, increasing its number of destinations in Africa to 63. The national flag carrier will operate its Port Sudan flights as two weekly frequencies until 29 September, and by this date as three weekly frequencies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Commenting on this new route, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat said; “As Turkish Airlines, we are delighted to launching flights to Port Sudan, one of historically and strategically significant port cities in Africa. The launch of this route marks an important step in connecting Port Sudan’s commercial potential, cultural heritage and tourism values to the world. We believe that these flights will build new bridges in many areas from trade to tourism, and from education to cultural exchange. We will continue to expand our network in Africa, and connect the continent with the rest of the world.”

Turkish Airlines guests will be able to travel from Istanbul to Port Sudan until 31 March 2026, with tickets purchased by 15 December 2025, starting from USD 585; and from Port Sudan to Istanbul starting from USD 638. These promotional fares are based on Turkish Airlines’ official website and may vary in sales offices and agencies.

Flight Schedule:

All times are in LMT:

Port Sudan, Sudan’s largest port city, is located on the Red Sea coast and serves as the country’s gateway to international trade. The city is a critical hub for exports of oil, agricultural products and natural resources, providing significant industrial and logistical contributions to Sudan. Reflecting both the African and Ottoman heritage, Port Sudan offers cultural diversity through its traditional markets, historical landmarks and sea tourism.

K J Somaiya Institute of Management & Jio Creative Labs Launch Work-Integrated MBA in Marketing Communications

K J Somaiya Institute of Management partners with Jio Creative Labs for work-integrated MBA in Marketing Communications A First-of-its-Kind Industry-Academia Collaboration

National, 22nd September 2025: K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM), one of India’s leading management institutes, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jio Creative Labs (JCL), the advertising and communications arm of Reliance Jio. As part of this strategic collaboration, they have welcomed the inaugural batch of the two-year MBA in Marketing Communications (2025–27). Every student is guaranteed a summer internship at Jio Creative Labs, where they will participate in live projects and work on real campaign briefs from the outset.

The curriculum combines foundational management courses with cutting-edge specialisations tailored to today’s digital-first marketing landscape. Core subjects such as Integrated Marketing Communication and Consumer Behaviour are complemented by advanced modules including Brand Storytelling, Generative AI, Influencer Marketing, Customer Experience Design, Immersive Technologies, Celebrity and Reputation Management, and Luxury Brand Marketing. In their final year, students will undertake a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to merge strategic thinking with creative execution.

The programme follows a blended learning model: three days of academic instruction at KJSIM’s Vidyavihar campus, paired with two days of immersive studio learning at Jio Creative Labs’ headquarters in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. This structure enables students to apply classroom concepts directly to real-world campaigns, ensuring continuous industry engagement throughout the two years.

Congratulating the new batch, Dr Raman Ramachandran, Director and Dean of K J Somaiya Institute of Management, said, “This is a truly unique programme in India. It is based on work-integrated learning. By the end of these two years, students will not only understand concepts but also know how the industry truly works. Our vision has always been to bring academia and industry closer so that students graduate work-ready. This programme is a collaboration between two institutions with strong legacies of innovation and education.”

Aditya Bhat, Head of Jio Creative Labs, added, “The inaugural cohort has the unique opportunity to engage deeply with both classroom learning and real-world projects. By building a strong foundation over these two years, students can prepare themselves for long-term success. Continuous learning and adaptability are key. What is learned here and at JCL is just the beginning. In a rapidly evolving world, especially with AI, degrees alone are not enough; knowledge, adaptability, and a commitment to learning will define the future.”

Through this collaboration, K J Somaiya Institute of Management reinforces its commitment to reimagining management education. By fostering industry-led alliances and embedding experiential learning into its programmes, KJSIM continues to innovate new models of education that equip students with the skills and adaptability required to excel in India’s dynamic marketing and communications sectors. 

Asha Geetanjali 2025: BITS Pilani Hyderabad to Host Landmark Book Launch, Village Adoption

Hyderabad, 22 September 2025: BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus is proud to host Asha Geetanjali 2025 on 21st September 2025,  in its auditorium  a transformative event that celebrates grassroots action, social impact and community empowerment. The occasion will mark the launch of the book “Amma Vodi Na Telangana”, the adoption of Patha Routa Sankepalli village, and the unveiling of a dedicated website to scale these initiatives.

The event will be graced by an eminent lineup of dignitaries including The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana Sri Jishnu Dev Varma will serve as Chief Guest, joined by the former Governor of Haryana Sri Bandaru Dattatreya. Union Minister Sri Kishan Reddy, Telangana Ministers Sri Jupally Krishna Rao and Smt. Seethakka, along with local representatives such as Sri Etela Rajender (MP) and Sri K. Venkataramana Reddy (MLA), Smt Kova Laxmi (MLA), Sri Palvai Harish Babu (MLA), and other MLAs and MPs, will also be present. With an expected audience of 1,700–2,000 participants, Asha Geetanjali 2025 will be one of the most significant gatherings of community stakeholders in recent times.

This initiative is being spearheaded by the Director Prof Soumyo Mukherji and the Dean Prof Yogeeswari Perumal, of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, who have mobilized institutional, faculty, and student resources to ensure the event is not just ceremonial but rooted deeply in sustained action. Significant involvement from students is central: beyond helping organise logistics, hosting sessions, and outreach, large teams from four major student‐led clubs — NIRMAAN, BITS Embryo, SAFHAR and SPIC MACAY — are integral to how the programmes are structured and will be executed.

• NIRMAAN (BITS Hyderabad Chapter) is bringing its expertise in volunteer‐led social leadership, education outreach, and community development. Given its history at BITS Hyderabad, NIRMAAN volunteers will lead many ground-level activities in Patha Sankepalli, assist in organising school and village level sessions, coordinating with local officials, managing feedback from beneficiaries, and helping mobilize the self-employment empowerment component.
• BITS Embryo contributes its strength in knowledge-sharing, connecting students with alumni and experts. The club will manage the lecture series and interactive workshops associated with the book and website launch, curate content for the website, host panels or talks that align with Nagendra’s field journey (visits to government projects, schools, villages), and mentor students in research or documentation related to the empowerment initiatives.
• SAFHAR (Students’ Association for Heritage And TouRism) will bring a cultural, heritage, and local identity dimension to the event. SAFHAR’s involvement includes curating parts of the programme that celebrate Telangana’s culture, perhaps organising heritage walk elements or displays, helping contextualize the villages visited, ensuring the events are inclusive of local narrative, and making sure that the adoption of the village also respects the local heritage, traditions, and tourism potential.
• SPIC MACAY (BITS Hyderabad Chapter) will enliven the event with cultural performances, classical arts, and interactive sessions. Their role involves arranging performances, music or dance segments that draw on Telangana’s classical and folk arts traditions, bringing a sense of cultural dignity to the programme, helping in making the launch emotionally resonant, and supporting student artists in contributing.

Authored by Smt Rayapudi Asha Latha and her son, Sri Rayapudi Nagendra, a Ranji Trophy cricketer trained in the United Kingdom, Amma Odi – Na Telangana chronicles the extraordinary journey of the mother and son duo, across Telangana. During the course of this journey, they visited more than 8,000 villages, 4,000 government schools, 429 government hospitals and all thermal power plants and over 700 industries in Telangana. This experience not only shaped the book but also inspired a commitment to empower 100 Adivasis through adopting a village to encourage and empower self employment for a sustainable Telangana.

BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus: A Platform for Social Impact
As one of India’s leading higher education institutions, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus has long been committed to blending academic excellence with societal responsibility. Through student-led rural development programs, technology-driven social innovations and partnerships with government agencies, the campus continues to pioneer models of inclusive growth. Hosting Asha Geetanjali 2025 underscores BITS Hyderabad’s dedication to fostering impactful collaborations that translate ideas into tangible benefits for communities across the state.

“Sri Nagendra’s journey epitomises the power of empathy, commitment and action. By hosting Asha Geetanjali 2025, we are proud to amplify stories of transformation and strengthen our efforts to align institutional resources with the needs of society”, remarked the Dean of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus.