标签： North America

The Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) commemorated its 50th anniversary with a grand celebration at the Arabian Court, One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. The event, hosted by Chairman Hatem Farah and General Director Khodr Aldah, alongside senior executives, gathered government officials, industry leaders, financial service providers, and long-standing partners to honor ECC’s significant contributions to the UAE’s architectural and infrastructural development. Since its inception in 1975, ECC has successfully completed over 380 projects spanning residential, commercial, institutional, educational, healthcare, retail, industrial, and heritage sectors. Notable projects include Zabeel Park, Zayed University, and the world’s first 3D-printed office building. The company has expanded into eight specialized sister companies under the ECC Group, offering comprehensive construction solutions that emphasize innovation, sustainability, and quality. The celebration also featured the launch of a commemorative book, ‘A Story of Innovation, Quality and Legacy: 50 Years of ECC Contracting,’ authored by Myrna Ayad, which highlights ECC’s lasting impact on the UAE’s built environment.

Target, the prominent US retail giant, has unveiled plans to eliminate 1,800 corporate positions in a bid to revitalize its business after four consecutive years of stagnant sales. The layoffs, scheduled to commence next week, represent the company’s first significant workforce reduction in a decade and will impact approximately 8% of its global corporate staff. Incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke attributed the decision to organizational inefficiencies, stating in a memo that ‘too many layers and overlapping work have slowed decisions, making it harder to bring ideas to life.’ The move comes as Target grapples with weak sales, a declining stock price, and increasing competition from rivals like Walmart. Consumer spending on non-essential items, which constitute nearly half of Target’s revenue, has dwindled amid economic pressures and backlash over the company’s diversity policies. Fiddelke, a 20-year veteran of the company, described the layoffs as a ‘necessary step in building the future of Target.’ The restructuring will see 1,000 employees laid off, while 800 vacant roles will remain unfilled. Notably, the cuts will not affect retail staff at Target’s nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. The company, historically known for its affordable clothing, groceries, and home goods, has faced challenges from macroeconomic headwinds, inventory issues, and the fallout from its decision to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Target’s share price has plummeted 30% this year, contrasting sharply with Walmart’s 18% gain. Fiddelke, who assumed the CEO role in August, has pledged to accelerate innovation, enhance product quality, and integrate more technology into the business. Further details on the restructuring are expected to be announced next Tuesday.

Two leading U.S. sports nutrition brands, Core Nutritionals and Unmatched, are poised to make a significant impact at the Dubai Muscle Show 2025, scheduled for October 24-26 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. This event marks a strategic milestone for both brands as they strengthen their presence in the UAE through an exclusive distribution partnership with Vivandi Distribution, a move aimed at capitalizing on the region’s booming health and fitness industry.

Core Nutritionals, founded by natural bodybuilding champion Doug Miller and professional figure competitor Stephanie Miller, has gained global acclaim for its commitment to transparency and integrity in performance nutrition. The brand’s philosophy of ‘no shortcuts’ emphasizes scientifically validated ingredients, ensuring effective and flavorful products tailored for athletes. Its product lineup has become a staple for those seeking research-backed formulations that deliver both performance and taste.

Unmatched, created by fitness authority Kris Gethin, focuses on bridging the gap between sports performance and long-term wellness. Its advanced nutrient technology supports recovery, endurance, and cellular health, offering clean and naturally flavored products that cater to athletes and biohackers alike.

The Dubai Muscle Show, the Middle East’s premier fitness exhibition, will serve as a platform for both brands to engage directly with fitness professionals and consumers. Doug Miller highlighted the UAE’s role as a hub for athletic excellence, stating, ‘Core Nutritionals and Unmatched embody the same spirit of performance and passion that defines the country’s growing fitness community. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality and long-term growth in the region.’

Attendees can look forward to the CORE Nutritionals x Transformers Flavor Series, an officially licensed collaboration with Hasbro, featuring products like Energon Pre-Workout, Allspark Hydration + EAA, and Proton Protein Blend. Additionally, IFBB Pro Farouk Al Ketbi, a prominent UAE Men’s Physique athlete, will make appearances at the Vivandi Distribution booth, offering fans insights into his training and nutrition strategies.

With Vivandi Distribution spearheading brand visibility and market expansion, the Dubai Muscle Show represents a pivotal moment for Core Nutritionals and Unmatched as they solidify their foothold in the Middle East, bringing science-driven, athlete-approved formulations to one of the world’s most dynamic fitness markets.