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Dubai Cares, UAE Food Bank and Choithrams launch fifth “Double Blessings” Ramadan campaign, uniting the community in giving as one family

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Popular campaign continues to support education and food security programmes across vulnerable communities, reaching hundreds and thousands of beneficiaries

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – EQS Newswire – 10 February 2026 – Choithrams (www.Choithrams.com), the UAE’s favourite community supermarket brand, has launched the fifth edition of its “Double Blessings” Ramadan campaign, strengthening its partnership with Dubai Cares and the UAE Food Bank, both operating under the umbrella of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). The initiative, now a familiar fixture of the holy month, seeks to mobilise residents and visitors alike in support of education and food‑relief programmes for communities most in need.

Download Inforgraphic: https://apo-opa.co/4qpRhGo

Running until the end of March 2026, the campaign invites customers to donate virtual biryani boxes for AED 10 or food boxes for AED 20 at checkout counters across all Choithrams stores in Dubai, as well as online at www.Choithrams.com. All proceeds will be directed through Dubai Cares and the UAE Food Bank to ensure that essential food supplies and educational resources reach vulnerable families locally and globally.

L.T. Pagarani, Chairman of Choithrams Group, said: “Double Blessings has grown into a shared tradition of giving, shaped by the generosity of our customers and partners. Each year, we witness how small acts of kindness multiply into meaningful impact. We are grateful for the support of our customers, partners and stakeholders and remain committed to ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan reaches those who need it most.”

Double Blessings has grown into a shared tradition of giving, shaped by the generosity of our customers and partners

Now recognised as one of the UAE’s most consistent community‑driven Ramadan initiatives, Double Blessings continues to bring together diverse groups—residents, tourists, families, and young volunteers—around a common purpose: extending compassion beyond one’s immediate circle.

Dubai Cares, which has partnered with Choithrams since 2007, said the initiative continues to play a role in sustaining education programmes in communities facing protracted crises. “The needs are growing, not shrinking,” said Abdulla Ahmed Alshehhi, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Cares. “Partnerships like this allow us to maintain support for children whose access to education is fragile at the best of times. Ramadan is a moment when the UAE comes together, and we hope that momentum carries through this year as well.”

The UAE Food Bank, which distributes donated meals through its network of partners, said the 2026 campaign aligns with the country’s designation of the year as the Year of the Family.

Manal Obaid Bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team of the UAE Food Bank, said: “This campaign reflects the UAE Food Bank’s commitment to strengthening food security while reinforcing the values of compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility that define our society, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. By supporting families in need, we are not only addressing food insecurity, but also contributing to stronger, more resilient communities. Initiatives such as Double Blessings demonstrate how collaboration between the public, private, and humanitarian sectors can translate generosity into meaningful, lasting impact.”

Every year, Choithrams’ Double Blessings campaign continues to demonstrate how corporate partnerships, community participation and humanitarian values can converge to deliver tangible, life‑changing support during the holy month.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Choithram International Foundation.

Download Image:https://apo-opa.co/3O2v1oR (Running until the end of March 2026, the Double Blessings campaign invites customers to donate virtual biryani boxes for AED 10 or food boxes for AED 20 at checkout counters across all Choithrams stores in Dubai, as well as online at Choithrams.com; All proceeds will be directed through Dubai Cares and the UAE Food Bank to ensure that essential food supplies and educational resources reach vulnerable families locally and globally (Photo Courtesy: Dubai Cares)

Download Audio:https://apo-opa.co/3O6SOE7 (Dubai Cares, UAE Food Bank and Choithrams launch fifth “Double Blessings” Ramadan campaign, uniting the community in giving as one family)

Download Video: https://apo-opa.co/4trrNv3 (Running until the end of March 2026, the Double Blessings campaign invites customers to donate virtual biryani boxes for AED 10 or food boxes for AED 20 at checkout counters across all Choithrams stores in Dubai, as well as online at Choithrams.com; All proceeds will be directed through Dubai Cares and the UAE Food Bank to ensure that essential food supplies and educational resources reach vulnerable families locally and globally (Photo Courtesy: Dubai Cares))

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Hashtag: #CIF #Choithrams

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About Choithrams:

Choithrams is a successful group with associates in diverse fields including manufacturing, distribution, commodities, retailing This rich combination brings to the group a huge fund of experience and resources. Choithrams came to UAE in 1974 and its chain of over 50 supermarkets have made it a household name in the Emirates.

Follow us on Twitter at @ choithramsuae or check our website:

About Dubai Cares:

Since its inception in 2007, Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has been working towards providing children and youth in developing countries with access to quality education through the design and funding of programs that aim to be impactful, sustainable and scalable. To date, the UAE-based global philanthropic organization has successfully launched education programs reaching over 116 million beneficiaries in 60 developing countries.

Dubai Cares plays a key role in helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all, and promote lifelong learning by 2030, by supporting programs in early childhood development, access to quality primary and secondary education, technical and vocational education and training for youth as well as a particular focus on education in emergencies and protracted crises. Moreover, Dubai Cares adopts a strategic approach to improve student enrollment and learning outcomes through an integrated school health and nutrition model that is made up of school-based deworming activities, school feeding, and WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) in schools.

Dubai Cares is a civil society organization formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), as well as a registered non-government organization under IACAD, the charitable activities regulator in Dubai. The UAE-based global philanthropic organization is authorized to raise funds through direct donations and fundraising campaigns, as well as process all permit approvals with IACAD.

Volunteerism is a powerful tool to Dubai Cares in order to engage people in tackling development challenges. Dubai Cares rallies the UAE wider community through a large spectrum of volunteering and awareness initiatives that are linked to its global mandate.

To learn more, please visit

About UAE Food Bank:

The UAE Food Bank is a non-profit charitable organisation launched January 4th 2017 under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

It is committed to distributing food to those in need while eliminating food waste by collaborating with local authorities, as well as local and international charities, to create a comprehensive ecosystem to efficiently store, package and distribute excess fresh food from hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. It is the first Food Bank in the United Arab Emirates.

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Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair and Home InStyle to Unveil Market Trends in April 2026

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 April 2026 – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will unite the global lifestyle industry with its seven lifestyle and licensing events from 27 to 30 April 2026. Encompassing gifts, houseware, fashion, printing, packaging, and licensing, these events offer buyers a streamlined and cross-sector sourcing journey. The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle will be hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where exhibitors will showcase curated international collection, enabling efficient and diverse sourcing across key lifestyle categories in one central location.

Connecting global suppliers and buyers with trending lifestyle products and innovative ideas.

In 2026, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will spotlight four key focuses – personalisation, sustainability, health & wellness, and culture & creativity – guiding buyers to discover products that reflect the latest market trends and consumer preferences.

The fair will once again feature the highly acclaimed Hall of Fine Designs, a convergence point of reputed brands. First time exhibitors include Alpha Art Gifts LLC (United Arab Emirates), known for its unique and high-quality gift solutions; Crown Decor Pvt Ltd (India), a leading manufacturer for premium laminates. And the distinguished Hong Kong brands Camel and RedA will continue showcase their products at the fair. In addition, the Shanxi Pavilion will make its debut at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2026. This year, the Zhejiang Pavilion, for the first time led by the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, will bring a large number of exhibitors. Meanwhile, the Korea Pavilion and Busan Pavilion will return with even greater presence.

Furthermore, the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association will assemble Hong Kong companies to form a pavilion, showcasing the design skills and branding excellence of Hong Kong’s product designers. The Smart Design Global, organised by Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, will also showcase shortlisted entries and signature products from its participating companies at the Gifts & Premium Fair, leveraging the fair as a platform to promote Hong Kong original designs to international markets.

Running concurrently, Home InStyle will focus on new materials, culture & creativity, and gerontechnology for silver‑age living, aligning with emerging lifestyle and consumer trends. The fair completes the sourcing journey by fostering meaningful connections and spark fresh inspiration across the design and lifestyle community.

A key highlight remains the signature Cultural and Creative Avenue, which will showcase distinguished designs from around the world and welcome international brands that blend unique design concepts with cultural heritage. The fair’s collaboration with Pantone will be elevated, with the Colour of the Year 2026 “Cloud Dancer” prominently featured in this zone. Through trend-focused displays and real-life applications, visitors will see the colour brought to life, helping buyers and exhibitors visualise its use in contemporary home and lifestyle products.

Furthermore, funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, Home InStyle will launch the Gerontech and Innovative Material Pavilion, where nearly 20 local enterprises will present a wide range of innovative technology products and solutions designed for senior living, while highlighting the application of new materials in home spaces.

“Adding to the fair’s design-led highlights, the 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture exhibition, organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) under the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), invites emerging designers to reinterpret traditional Chinese elements for contemporary contexts. The project seamlessly integrating historical components into modern objects, interiors, and lifestyle products while deepening new generations’ engagement with their cultural heritage.”

Home InStyle will also host a selection of international brands known for their craftsmanship and creativity. Highlights include vibrant hand-blown Bohemian glassware, handmade baskets and bags woven from wild grapevines alongside classic bamboo steamers, and licensed DC Comics illuminated signs.

Throughout the fairs, a series of seminars and forums will bring together leading industry experts to share forward-looking insights on key trends and future developments, from creative thinking and the silver economy to sustainability and beyond. These sessions are crafted to foster meaningful dialogue and equip attendees with the latest market intelligence. As a comprehensive one-stop sourcing platform, the fairs unlock exciting business opportunities and deliver a diverse, world-class selection of lifestyle products and services tailored to every buyer’s needs.

Digital platform creates efficient exhibition experience
Under the EXHIBITION+ model, the fairs integrate offline and online elements. Buyers can continue searching for products and services on the hktdc.com Sourcing platform and network through the Click2Match smart business-matching platform. During the physical fair, buyers can use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ exclusive QR codes, bookmark favourite suppliers, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online during or after the show.

One stop registration for HKTDC trade fairs:
https://tinyurl.com/yc8jvdpp

Hashtag: #HKTDC #GiftsFair #HongKong #TradeFair #Innovation #sustainable

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Supporting ASEAN’s creative economy through UK partnership and research

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – The success and impact of the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme was on show at the recent 2nd ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026 in Manila. The Symposium showcased how research, capacity building, and regional collaboration are shaping the future of the creative economy across Southeast Asia, further advancing the goals of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit. The Symposium also celebrated the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership, focused on deepening cooperation and connection.

The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, together with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat, convened over 270 leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors from ASEAN and the United Kingdom in Manila for the ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026, reinforcing the region’s push to harness the creative economy as a key driver of growth, innovation, and cultural identity.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Satvinder Singh, said:
“ASEAN is well-positioned to harness the full potential of the creative economy. Six out of eleven ASEAN Member States now rank among the top 70 globally in the WIPO Global Innovation Index’s creative outputs dimension. ASEAN recognises that intangible assets, such as intellectual property, brands, and design as the currencies of modern creative economy. The ideas, expressions, and innovations our creators produce must be protected, valued, and commercialised.”

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, said:
“The UK and ASEAN are advancing together through trust, cooperation, and shared priorities. This partnership reflects a strong and growing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared ambition to support sustainable economic growth, innovation, and opportunity across the region. Through initiatives like the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme, we are deepening collaboration, strengthening people-to-people links, and supporting the development of vibrant and resilient creative sectors.”

ASEAN-focused research highlights pathways for growth in the creative economy
New research under the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative is providing critical insights into the evolution and economic potential of cultural industries across the region.

Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts, commissioned by the British Council, examines the fast-growing creative technology landscape across ASEAN. Drawing on more than 60 interviews and case studies, the report explores how artists are using digital tools—from AI to immersive media—while also analysing the regulatory environments shaping innovation. It highlights both the dynamism of the sector and the need for stronger support systems to sustain growth.

Complementing this, the Regional Perception Poll on the ASEAN Creative Economy offers a comprehensive view of how the sector is understood across the region. Based on insights from over 4,000 respondents, including both producers and audiences, the study highlights the interconnected nature of creative ecosystems and the relationships between artists, industries, policymakers, and communities. Its findings underscore the need for tailored, context-specific strategies and stronger regional collaboration to unlock further growth.

Together, these research outputs provide valuable evidence to inform policy, guide investment, and strengthen UK–ASEAN partnerships.Building on this work, a new ASEAN festival research and mapping initiative is underway, expanding earlier studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s diverse festival landscape and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

Country Director Indonesia and Director South East Asia, Summer Xia, said:
“Through the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative, we are investing in the research, skills, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth in the creative sector. The symposium in Manila was an important opportunity to share these resources and ensure they are shaped by and for the region. By working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected creative economy across ASEAN countries.”

Underscoring the broader vision of the initiative, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) San Lwin has reaffirmed, in separate engagements, that the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme maximises the region’s creative potential to fuel socio-economic growth and cultural exchange. He reiterated the shared commitment to leveraging innovation and creativity as key connectors to drive prosperity, deepen cultural unity, advance social equity, and promote sustainable, inclusive development in order to forge an “ASEAN Community of Opportunities for All.”

Learn more at: ASEAN Creative Economy Initiative
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About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international culture and education organisation. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories. In 2024–25, we reached 600 million people.

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Bangkok Unveils “KUDTHAI” Cultural Showcase in Emerging Songwat District During Songkran

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BANGKOK , THAILAND –

Presented in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative reflects a growing effort to spotlight Thailand’s cultural identity through contemporary retail and experiential tourism.

“KUDTHAI” — derived from the Thai word “Kud,” meaning “to carefully select” — brings together a refined selection of Thai brands, artisans, and culinary talents, highlighting craftsmanship, local wisdom, and modern design for both local and international audiences.

The inaugural “Song Wat KUDTHAI 2026,” taking place from April 9–12 at Lost in Songwat, marks the first time The Mall Group extends its retail experience beyond its flagship developments into one of Bangkok’s most talked-about neighborhoods. Once a historic trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, Songwat is now re-emerging as a vibrant cultural enclave attracting a new generation of creatives and global travelers.

Extending this experience into the city’s premier retail destinations, “KUDTHAI 2026” will also be held from April 8–19, 2026 across the EM District — Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere — creating a connected journey between Bangkok’s emerging cultural quarters and its established lifestyle hubs.

This multi-location approach reflects a broader shift in how visitors experience Bangkok — moving fluidly between heritage neighborhoods and contemporary retail environments.

While Songkran remains one of Thailand’s most globally recognized celebrations, “KUDTHAI 2026” offers an alternative lens — focusing on curated cultural discovery through design, gastronomy, and local creativity.

At the EM District, the “EM District Thai Hansa Maha Songkran: A Summer of Thai Celebration” from April 10–15, 2026 further enhances the experience with immersive installations, signature water attractions, and themed markets including THAI-POP MARKET at Emporium, THAI LOCAL MARKET at EmQuartier, and THAI-TAINMENT MARKET at Emsphere.

A highlight includes “Little Song Wat,” bringing culinary names from the historic Songwat community into the heart of the city, reinforcing the connection between Bangkok’s evolving cultural districts and its modern retail landscape.

Together, these activations position Bangkok as more than a festive destination during Songkran — but also as a city redefining how tradition is experienced through innovation, culture, and commerce.
Hashtag: #KudThai2026 #SongwatKudThai #FriendsOfSongwat #bangkoksongkarn #Bangkokshopping #TheMall #EMDISTRICT

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