The UAE and Senegal are set to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10, focusing on the urgent need for investment to address a staggering $6.7 trillion financing gap in global water infrastructure. This conference aims to achieve universal access to safe water and sanitation, a critical goal as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasized the importance of water in development during a media briefing. He stated, “Water issues may not always appear as a standalone line item in budgets, but they underpin every aspect of development and economic activity. If we are serious about implementation, we must be equally serious about financing. Investing in water is investing in people.”
A Dedicated Investment Dialogue at the UN Water Conference
This conference will mark a significant milestone as it will be only the third UN Water Conference since 1977 and the first led by two countries from the Global South. For the first time, the agenda will include a sixth Interactive Dialogue specifically focused on mobilizing finance, technology, and innovation, titled ‘Investments for Water.’ This dialogue will run alongside five existing tracks: Water for People, Water for Prosperity, Water for Planet, Water for Cooperation, and Water in Multilateral Processes.
Balalaa noted that the scale...
Ex-Wall Street Trader Launches WashWise, Achieving $10,000 in Sales in Under 36 Hours
Maria Cabral Menezes, a 27-year-old former trader at Citadel and JPMorgan, has successfully transitioned from finance to entrepreneurship with the launch of her innovative product, WashWise. The company’s flagship item, the Reset Spray, achieved $10,000 in sales within the first 36 hours of its debut in early August.
Identifying a Market Need
Menezes, who moved to the U.S. from Brazil to study at the University of Pennsylvania, identified a gap in the market while working as a trader. She often found herself with clothes that were too clean to wash but not fresh enough to wear confidently. This experience inspired her to create a product akin to “dry shampoo for clothes.”
The Reset Spray, retailing at $29, is marketed as a “dry clean in a bottle.” It aims to reduce wrinkles, cleanse, and neutralize odors in a way that is safe for...
In a historic win, “La Bola Negra,” directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, has secured the People’s Choice Award at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This marks a significant achievement as it is the first non-English-language film to receive this honor since “Where Do We Go Now?” in 2011. The announcement was made during an awards...
Ed Sheeran took to the stage at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday night, addressing the recent fallout from Macklemore’s removal from his Loop Tour. This decision followed Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments made during performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5.
Sheeran performed solo after all supporting acts withdrew in solidarity with Macklemore. The rapper...
As September rolls in, it’s the perfect time to settle in with some exciting new films streaming across various platforms. This month brings a mix of genres, from animated classics to thrilling dramas, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the best new movies available to stream this September, including a fresh “Star Wars” installment...
As the competition series “The Traitors” transitions to NBC for its civilian season this fall, viewers can anticipate a blend of treachery and family-friendly fun. Executive Producer Sam Rees-Jones highlighted a "nuanced tonal shift," noting that while the show revolves around murder and betrayal, it retains a tongue-in-cheek quality suitable for multi-generational audiences.
A Shift in Casting
This season marks a...
Ahead of the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Formula 1 reflects on its memorable crossovers with the iconic Star Wars franchise. Over the years, F1 has welcomed numerous celebrities, but few have made an entrance quite like George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. From Stormtroopers performing pit stops to Darth Vader posing alongside F1 cars,...
Lautaro Martínez's impressive performance helped Inter Milan secure a 2-2 draw against AS Roma in a thrilling Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico. The match featured two teams that had started the season with perfect records, making the stakes even higher.
Roma took an early lead with a double from Manu Koné, who scored twice before halftime. His first...
RIYADH: The regional technology sector has witnessed a significant influx of equity, debt, and institutional capital over the past week, primarily driven by substantial funding rounds in the fintech space. This surge has enabled small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to secure major financial deals across various sectors.
Major Funding Rounds in Fintech
Among the notable developments, Saudi fintech Lendo has partnered...
On Wednesday evening, the McLaren Technology Centre was transformed into a vibrant fashion runway, showcasing a unique collaboration between motorsport and fashion. The event, titled Designed to Race: Front Row, featured 46 MA fashion students from Central Saint Martins who presented 12 looks inspired by over six decades of McLaren's racing history. This innovative show highlighted the...
High-Stakes Old Firm Derby Highlights Weekend Sports Action
This weekend promises thrilling sports action, with the highlight being the Old Firm derby as Celtic faces Rangers in a crucial Scottish Premiership clash. The match is set to kick off at 12pm on Sunday at Celtic Park, where both teams will be looking to assert their dominance in a rivalry that...
The Saudi Embassy in Washington has expressed support for the proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to the Kingdom, highlighting it as a significant step in the enduring strategic partnership and defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The embassy stated, “The proposed F-35 sale reflects the strength and enduring nature of the Saudi-US strategic partnership and...
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