Signatures are commonly used to signify acceptance or approval of an obligation when two parties enter into an agreement. In the UAE, Federal Decree Law No. 46 of 2021, also known as the “Electronic Transactions Law” has recently been passed granting electronic signatures the same legal validity as handwritten signatures. With this law, people can now use any form of electronic signature or stamp in their electronic transactions and documents.

Executive assistants are an indispensable part of every organization. They make the workload of executives bearable by taking charge of ad hoc tasks and responsibilities. Such tasks include scheduling meetings and coordinating with other executives and teams in and out of the organization. This helps the executives focus on more pressing matters in running the company. However, no matter how overwhelming the duties are, there are always ways to overcome these roadblocks.

In an era where people are more connected than ever, the need for face-to-face meetings has increased. But with the increase of global workforce and remote teams, it is often difficult to find a time when everyone can be in the same place at the same time. This is where hybrid meeting solutions come in.

As the pandemic unfolded, healthcare services locally and internationally performed monumental efforts to persist and remain relevant. Hospitals and medical services across Australia started shifting their healthcare systems using the latest technology to continue moving forward in a challenging economic climate.

Global crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic, have revealed the significant role that governance plays in securing health and lives. Care practices and measures in response to health crises are only a portion of healthcare governance. Concerned with the processes and systems of an organization, governance is an overarching framework that underpins the efficacy and stability of an organization’s operation.

In annual general meetings, apart from presenting annual reports and interacting with shareholders, voting is one of the most sought activities. This includes voting on electing the next board of directors, approving resolutions, and settling motions. However, as meetings are now held virtually or in a hybrid format, regulating authorities are requiring an efficient and transparent live voting technology.

There is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has completely redefined not just the workflow of businesses but also educational institutions. From holding online classes and board meetings remotely in the past two years, to shifting to yet another relatively new work setup, such changes further reinforced the need for innovation in modern governance.

Security should be the utmost concern for all financial institutions for various reasons. Top on the list is to protect customer and client assets. By strengthening cybersecurity measures, financial companies can ensure that customer data is protected — eventually securing trust from stakeholders. This calls for financial boards to integrate advanced security measures across all governance practices, including meetings and data management.

Virtual meetings have undeniably improved workplace communications. With so many remote team communication tools with advanced features like Q&A, breakout rooms, chat, reaction icons, virtual whiteboards, and so on, it has never been easier to ask questions and seek ideas from meeting attendees. But, think back to your virtual meetings this week. How many of them were successful? Are awkward silences the norm in your meetings?

Audit committees are vital in every company as they are involved in maintaining the company’s financial stability. One of their responsibilities is to prevent any misconduct in auditing and fraud in the company’s finances. Thus, they are crucial in gaining the trust and confidence of investors and stakeholders. Audit committees have an impact also on the board’s plans and decisions.