The Global Fighting Championship, or GFC, was a strong presence in the combat sports world of the Middle East, hosting a series of adrenaline-charged events from 2014. GFC is known for attracting elite talent, and the lineup included powerful fighters, such as Moroccan-Dutch superstar Badr Hari and kickboxing icon Peter Aerts. Thrilling action from fighters into the ring characterized these fights as each showed unique skills and strategies in their fight for a top spot in the championship. Held in Dubai, such events attracted viewers from far and wide as the city further cements its status as a growing center for sports and entertainment.

Each GFC event consisted of a heavy-weight 4-Man Tournament where the prize was an AED 1 million. This tournament format also added a new excitement because the strongest contenders would advance through an extremely fast progression of high-stakes matches. Besides the tournament, GFC held seven “superfights” where international kickboxers and MMA fighters tested their skills in highly publicized bouts. The GFC events were building up toward eight planned fight series, a grand prix leading to an impressive $1 million prize, upping the stakes with every performance by each fighter.

Dubai World Trade Centre was the venue for the first GFC Fight Series in the combat sports scene for May 29, 2014, to be remembered. Badr Hari trashed Australian Peter Graham into submission during the last show of the series, thus emerging as the overall winner of the series. The event was highly publicized and presented with legendary announcer Michael Buffer and commentators like Michael Schiavello adding to the show. Dewey Cooper, Stefan Leko, and Erkan Varol were some other fighters who added excitement to the night.

The GFC Fight Series II happened on October 16, 2014, at Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium with Ismael Lazaar defeating Sem Tevette in the final. Though marred by a couple of last-minute changes, for example, the injury that forced Melvin Manhoef out to pave the way for Tevette, this tournament was equal to an intense experience. Badr Hari was scheduled to fight Patrice Quarteron in an exhibition match, though after Quarteron had been removed from the contest owing to unsportsmanly behavior, Hari then fought Arnold Oborotov and knocked him out in the first round. This fight epitomized GFC’s commitment to offering the best fights, whereby they fought for whatever stumbled into their way.

April 2015 saw GFC return to the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium for its third fight series. This would feature the names Zabit Samedov and Danyo Ilunga but the most notable appearance, of course, was for Gökhan Saki as he would face off Sebastian Ciobanu for the main event. How much more GFC made its reputation grow with a spectacular fight night as superstars battled their way for a place in the grand prix.

Although GFC did exceptionally well, the fights still brought controversies to itself because of the hype regarding Badr Hari and Patrice Quarteron. Many fans got excited due to the social media taunts thrown at Hari by Quarteron, but Quarteron’s acts made him not compete with the other fighter scheduled, while Hari played it off, saying the theatrics didn’t matter; it was all about being ready in the ring.

The Global Fighting Championship left its mark in Dubai and the Middle East to attract many fans and fighters into the exciting realm in which only the best could be called victorious. Through the stages of high-stakes tournaments, international matchups, and all the dramatic rivalries of GFC, it did much more for Dubai than increase its presence in the world of fight sports, thus paving the way for upcoming MMA and kickboxing tournaments in the region.

GEMS Education is a visionary initiative, starting as a family-owned school in Dubai to become one of the largest private school networks around the world today. Founded by Sunny Varkey, the company has continued to build its mission on providing quality education to a diverse global student base. GEMS today operates over 60 schools in the Middle East, North Africa, and other places committed to excellence in academics and sensitivity towards cultures. The exceptional journey that GEMS Education undertook, its philosophy, and its effect on the minds of the learners are discussed further in the article.

GEMS Education had begun its journey as a small tutorial centre all the way back in 1959 initiated by Indian educators Mariama and K.S. Varkey. They answered a need for English language education to the children of expatriates who were flooding into Dubai following the discovery of oil in 1966. Sunny Varkey then took it over and under the banner of the Varkey Group, expanded this network adding schools that were offering all sorts of curricula-Indian, American and British. GEMS is distinctive in the private education arena because of its network of schools that is diversified in terms of education at various price points and serving communities around the world.

Its approach has always run along cultural awareness, academic rigor, and holistic development of students. Empowering students to thrive in multicultural environments, instil universal values, and prepare them to become international citizens’ lies in the philosophy of the company. Based on the policy of inclusiveness and diversity, GEMS schools have adopted the curriculum according to local conditions by collaborating with various agencies in the host country. Such practice has been of essence for the successful entry into the markets and good relations with the host countries.

Global Education Management Systems was officially incorporated in 2000 as GEMS, establishing its name and establishing its operational expansion. This expansion led to school institutions being set up throughout countries around the world, starting from the United Kingdom and extending into Africa, Asia, and America. In the MENA region, GEMS has primarily contributed to filling the needs of the rapidly increasing expatriate population. Significantly, in 2012, it became one of the World Economic Forum’s Global Growth Partners, considered one of its most prominent destinations on the world education map. GEMS Education has also received many awards over the years. In 2012, it was Education Company of the Year at the Gulf Business Industry Awards. The Efficiency Index also made it a hit on a “study on the world’s education systems ranked based on value for money.” Such initiatives help place GEMS Education in a good light among its private and public educational spheres as having critical input about efficiency systems across schools all over the world.

GEMS Education Solutions is a consultancy arm that GEMS launched in 2011. The consultancy aims to offer advisory services across UK, Africa, and Asia. It has been helping governments and non-profits along with various projects regarding the accessibility and quality enhancement of education in developing regions. For example, the “Making Ghana Girls Great” (MGCubed) initiative of its consultancy has set up distance learning classrooms throughout Ghana, for the first time an interactive learning program in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Leadership skills and community commitment are the bedrock of what GEMS Education schools focus on, along with academic achievements. Students are encouraged to contribute actively to their local and global communities through active social responsibility. For instance, the Emirates Innovative Teacher Award, launched in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, seeks to recognize those teachers who personify such ideals- a yardstick for teaching excellence in the UAE.

Through its commitment to quality and adaptive approach to education, GEMS Education has demonstrated the power of private schooling within cultural gaps; in building an informed and compassionate global citizenry. This legacy, based on the original Varkey family values, is inspiring the future of education on continents. Plans for further extension, the GEMS model of academic excellence balanced with cultural inclusivity now offers a pathway for other educational institutions seeking to make a lasting, meaningful impact.

The First Group has evolved as a distinctive position in the real estate and hospitality sectors of Dubai, thereby playing a central role in the architecture and tourism landscape. Since its formation in 2005, The First Group has evolved as a powerful residential, hospitality, and leisure property developer and operator. Creating sustainable luxury, this will keep on changing new standards in urban living and hospitality services.

Launched in the middle of Dubai’s rapid expansion in 2005, The First Group first opened with a solid strategy of apartment building development. However, within short notice, an apparently brilliant strategic move into the hospitality industry thrust the company’s ambition. Currently, The First Group has ownership of seven hotels in the United Arab Emirates and manages all aspects for its owner-partner, thus providing an unmatched level of service and expertise.

Some of the stand-out properties that the company has accomplished over years include upscale hotels, residences, and dining outlets that it says represent innovation and sustainability – each located in key areas across the UAE. The company is not just an entity that is only considered a real estate developer but is more so a hospitality leader as they combine superior architectural designs with great guest experiences. It was able to develop world-class services, which attracted the world’s investors into a partnership agreement in an effort to cement its leadership position in the market.

In 2017, The First Group took several industry accolades through a prominent “Leisure and Hospitality Project of the Year” award at the Middle East Architect Awards. The win proved testament to the excellence portrayed by the company in design and operation of leisure and hospitality assets. Such recognition has proved that the First Group is capable of executing projects bearing resonant value for the needs of modern investors and customers alike-from sleek residential apartments to the lavish hotels.

Sustainability is one of the core features of the success of The First Group. As the demand for eco-friendly practices across the globe is on the rise, the company has made efforts to incorporate sustainability in the very core of its processes. The First Group Hotels have initiated a number of measures that would reduce water and energy consumption at these establishments while doing away with plastic key cards instead of using more environmentally friendly options. These practices essentially reflect a company’s ability toward environmental responsibility besides creating value through the provision of eco-sensitive travel choices for guests.

The First Group is also expanding its footprint in the food and beverage sector, with several boutique offerings designed to enhance its hospitality offerings. The company adds a new dimension to its hotels and residential properties with unique dining experiences and world-class service which creates vibrant communities that locals and international travellers can enjoy.

The future also holds nothing but promise for The First Group, as the company continues its expansion efforts across the UAE and beyond with its well-articulated vision and resilience in light of a market dynamics which are likely to change over the course of time. It has a strong reputation for innovation, luxury, and sustainability and therefore, is in the way of maintaining at the top position in the competition of the highly competitive Dubai real estate and hospitality markets in the coming years.

Summarily, what once started as just a real estate company has developed into one of the giants that shapes hospitality within this group. Winning award-producing properties will only speak of its increasing portfolio, all aimed at achieving sustainability in its operations. Be it luxury living, world-class hospitality, or sustainable innovation, The First Group stands out as a beacon of success in this competitive and challenging market.