Connect with us

News

Published

on

Spread the love

SurveySparrow expands footprint in MENA region with regional office and State-of-the-art Data Center

SurveySparrow, has announced further expansion of its operations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by opening a state-of-the-art data center in the UAE and a regional office in Dubai Silicon Oasis. This strategic move underscores SurveySparrow’s commitment to serving clients with unparalleled, localized service in the buoyant MENA market.

The cutting-edge data center highlights SurveySparrow’s dedication to data security. The company firmly believes in ensuring that customer data remains safe and secure, a top priority in today’s digital landscape.

Shihab Muhammed, Founder and CEO of SurveySparrow said, “We are thrilled to embark on this new journey in the MENA market. This region is a dynamic hub of innovation, culture, and growth. Dubai is a gateway to the MENA and GCC region, which has some of the best global brands such as Emirates, and Etisalat and prominent banks like Mashreq. With our expertise in crafting highly engaging feedback surveys and delivering better completion rates, we look forward to helping businesses in the region connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.”

Aldrin Kenneth, an industry veteran with over two decades of experience in the GCC region, has joined SurveySparrow as the Director of the Middle East and Africa division. His expertise is expected to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory in this promising market.

Aldrin Kenneth, Director of Middle East and Africa, SurveySparrow said, “I’m determined to establish SurveySparrow as a leader in innovative customer experience solutions and the voice of customer segment in the GCC market. SurveySparrow’s commitment to creating engaging and conversational surveys resonates with my belief in the power of personalized interactions. I’m excited to contribute my expertise to provide a distinctive insight into customer expectations and challenges.”

SurveySparrow’s expansion plans in the MENA region include offering multilingual surveys with Arabic support to enable brands to communicate effectively in specific customer languages. The company’s capabilities cater to various industries, such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and automobiles, among others. Some of the notable clients include Dubai Tourism, Neom, Shurooq, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), and Eros Group. As a prominent thought leader in experience management, SurveySparrow will host a premium event titled RefineCX where eminent CX leaders will engage and share their industry expertise and future outlook on October 17, 2023, at Hotel Taj, Business Bay, Dubai.

SurveySparrow’s unique approach to surveys, with the help of a conversational UI, has reimagined the feedback collection process. Shihab Muhammed had earlier stated that the shift toward personalized communication inspired the creation of conversational surveys. This approach adds a human touch, enhances engagement, and boosts response rates, ultimately ensuring that customers feel heard.

The platform’s mobile-first design and customizable domain names for branding purposes have played a significant role in achieving higher completion rates and more effective feedback collection. SurveySparrow has consistently delivered response rates exceeding 40%, far surpassing the industry average of 15%, and sometimes even reaching an impressive 80-90%.

The platform’s key features include AI-generated surveys, an extensive library of over 900 survey templates, white-labeling options, WhatsApp integration for distribution and feedback collection, ticket management for issue resolution, and reputation management for cross-platform brand reviews. These help brands enhance customer experiences across every touch point.

SurveySparrow’s journey has been supported by a significant seed funding round of $1.4 million from Prime Venture Partners, which has accelerated its product and technology development. Shihab’s personal investment has further fueled its growth, leading to innovative solutions in the realm of experience management.

The experience management software market is poised for significant growth, with a projected worth of 52.54 billion USD by 2030 and a remarkable CAGR of 16.6%. SurveySparrow is a pioneer in this market, offering innovative solutions tailored to meet evolving business needs.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Abu Dhabi updates traffic diversion rules, Darb tolls to boost road safety and efficiency

Published

on

Spread the love

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced new amendments to Abu Dhabi’s traffic diversion regulations, aimed at improving traffic flow, safety and compliance at construction and roadwork sites across the emirate.

The updated framework strengthens oversight of traffic permits, enhances enforcement powers and introduces clearer procedures for emergency works.

Key Changes to Traffic Diversion Rules

Under the revised regulations:

  • Definitions related to traffic permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been updated to improve clarity
  • Traffic permits are non-transferable; any attempt to transfer a permit will render it invalid
  • Emergency works may proceed without prior permit approval, provided all road safety requirements are met
  • ITC must be notified before emergency work begins, and a formal permit application must be submitted within 24 hours if work exceeds 12 hours

Permit Suspension and Enforcement Powers

The amendments grant ITC expanded authority to:

  • Temporarily suspend issuing traffic permits based on site conditions or safety risks
  • Reject extension requests or cancel permits if requirements are not met
  • Take action against entities that exceed approved timelines or commit repeated administrative violations

The schedule of violations and fines has also been updated to reflect current standards, with conflicting older provisions officially repealed.

Training, Inspections and Compliance

ITC said the changes followed specialised workshops and training programmes for contractors, consultants and relevant stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of safety standards.

The Centre will continue inspection campaigns and field visits, with fines imposed on violators to:

  • Protect road users and workers
  • Maintain public safety
  • Safeguard road infrastructure

Changes to Abu Dhabi’s Darb Road Toll System

Separately, ITC (Abu Dhabi Mobility) confirmed updates to the Darb road toll system.

New Darb Toll Timings

  • Morning peak: 7am to 9am (unchanged)
  • Evening peak: 3pm to 7pm
  • Toll-free: Sundays and official public holidays

The Dh4 toll per gate crossing remains unchanged.

Removal of Toll Caps

The revised system removes:

  • Daily toll cap of Dh16
  • Monthly caps of Dh200, Dh150 and Dh100 for first, second and additional vehicles

Exemptions Remain

Existing exemptions continue for eligible groups, including:

  • People of Determination
  • Low-income families
  • Senior citizens and retirees

The Darb system is operated by Q Mobility, a subsidiary of ADQ, in coordination with relevant authorities.







Continue Reading

Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

Published

on

Spread the love

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

  • Local and Emirati productions
  • Arab series and films
  • International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said. 

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

  • Enhance local production capabilities
  • Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
  • Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.








Continue Reading

Business

Your face or palm could soon pay for purchases in the UAE

Published

on

Spread the love

Paying for everyday services in the UAE could soon be as simple as showing your face or palm.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced the region’s first biometric payment solution, allowing users to make payments using facial recognition or palm biometrics, without cards, cash, or mobile phones.

The new system is currently being tested in a pilot phase at the Dubai Land Department, where customers authenticate payments through biometric scans in a controlled environment.

How Biometric Payments Work

The pilot enables:

  • Payments using face or palm recognition
  • No need for physical cards or smartphones
  • Faster, more secure transactions

The initiative is part of the CBUAE Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance, developed in collaboration with Network International and powered by PopID.

Focus on Security and User Experience

The Central Bank said the pilot is designed to assess security, efficiency, and operational readiness before any wider rollout. No timeline has yet been announced for expanding the system beyond the testing phase.

CBUAE officials say biometric payments could significantly enhance transaction security while improving customer convenience. Industry leaders also expect biometric technology to play a growing role in digital commerce and cashless payments globally.

A Step Towards Cashless Payments

The pilot reflects the UAE’s broader push towards financial innovation, smart services, and cashless payment systems, positioning the country at the forefront of next-generation payment technology in the region.









Continue Reading

Popular

Exit mobile version
https://headline.ae/