Author: Sam Allcock

Factory-backed integration revolutionises vehicle reporting standards AutoData Middle East, the UAE’s premier automotive data solutions company, has signed a landmark partnership with Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH, making it the first in the region to secure OEM factory-level data integration through its Vehicle Report platform. By delivering specifications via secure API connections, AutoData sets a new benchmark for transparency and trust. With partnerships spanning more than 40 organisations and over 42,000 users already benefiting, Vehicle Report is rapidly becoming central to safe and informed vehicle purchasing. Historically, vehicle decoding in the UAE has been hindered by bespoke local adaptations and the…

The Knowledge Lounge, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), is staging an inspiring August programme filled with knowledge-sharing, literary discussions, and creative workshops. The initiative reflects MBRF’s long-standing goal of cultivating a society built on learning and imagination while embedding the joy of reading into everyday routines. In Canada, the schedule began with an exploration of Our Children Are Gems, But We Are Blacksmiths, complemented by the interactive What Are You Reading? activity that invited participants to recommend books via Instagram videos. Among other highlights were the Writer of the Future workshop for emerging authors…

Dubai’s reimagined summer retail strategy for DSS 2025 has delivered an impressive mid-season boost, with the Great Dubai Summer Sale (GDSS) at the forefront of record-breaking economic performance. Average retail spending has jumped by more than 100% across over 1,000 brands and 3,500 outlets, located in more than 100 shopping destinations across the city. This firmly positions Dubai’s summer as a peak season for commercial activity and visitor engagement. Over the first six weeks of DSS 2025 — organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and running until 31 August — malls and retailers have reported exceptional rises in…

Park Properties, part of the renowned Park Group, has officially entered the UAE’s thriving real estate market, pledging to bring unmatched value, superior quality, and trust to property buyers and investors. Under its ambitious expansion drive, Park Properties is extending its presence throughout prominent emirates, with a strong focus on high-demand waterfront and urban developments. Alongside its flagship venture, the firm is advancing luxury projects such as Park Beach Residence 1 and 2 — state-of-the-art beachfront residences offering striking coastal panoramas. These initiatives reflect the company’s determination to secure a leading role in the region’s competitive property arena. As the…

Modesh and Dana are back to inspire and entertain, as Modesh World 2025 unveils 24 interactive workshops in collaboration with Dubai Government departments. Taking place daily until 28 August at Dubai World Trade Centre Halls 4–7, the event offers young visitors a chance to engage in crafts, cultural sessions, games, science experiments, and more — all wrapped into a single unlimited access ticket. Organised by DXB LIVE, the experiential division of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and supported by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the programme highlights the strong role of public-private cooperation in family entertainment. Key partners include…

As the MENA Golf Tour readies its return later this year, former DP World Tour Chief Operating Officer and OWGR board member Keith Waters has been announced as the new Chairman and Commissioner. With decades of strategic leadership in professional golf, Waters’ arrival signals a bold step towards enhancing the Tour’s influence and prestige. Launched in 2011, the MENA Golf Tour holds the distinction of being the sole OWGR-recognised tour based in the Middle East, creating vital opportunities for professionals from the region and beyond. Waters’ career spans over 40 years of advancing the DP World Tour’s success, and his…

Families looking for one last holiday before the new school term can take advantage of Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City’s “Splash into Back-to-School Fun” package, available until 30 September. The offer includes complimentary entry to top attractions such as LEGOLAND®, MOTIONGATE™, Real Madrid World, or Wild Wadi Waterpark, along with exclusive dining and stay perks. With the academic year fast approaching, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City provides the perfect opportunity to round off summer in style. The “Splash into Back-to-School Fun” offer gives families the chance to enjoy world-class facilities while experiencing some of Dubai’s best-loved entertainment destinations. Located along…

As temperatures rise, IZU Brasserie at Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall, offers the perfect way to stay refreshed—its newly introduced Açaí Bowl, a vibrant, cooling creation ideal for summer days in Dubai. Topped generously with fresh fruit and crunchy granola, the bowl is a feast for the senses—nutritious, flavourful, and visually stunning—combining the pleasure of indulgence with the benefits of healthy eating. Perfect as a post-shopping energiser or a light seasonal bite with friends, this Açaí Bowl is set to become the must-try dish of the summer. Price: AED 53Location: IZU Brasserie, Galeries Lafayette, Dubai MallFor more information: +971 56 5452558

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) is showcasing its Bil Arabi initiative at the 10th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair, running from 9 to 17 August 2025 at the Yenikapı Exhibition Centre in Istanbul, Turkey, under the theme ‘Arabic Lives On’. The foundation’s participation is part of its strategy to maintain a strong presence at prominent global and regional knowledge events, championing its innovative initiatives—especially Bil Arabi. This flagship programme aims to elevate the Arabic language’s global profile, integrate it into digital and social media spaces, and emphasise its role in advancing knowledge and innovation. It further…

Abu Dhabi-based digital infrastructure specialist Zero Two has secured a co-controlling interest in Singapore’s Evolution Data Centres, marking its entry into Southeast Asia, the Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed on Tuesday. Transaction Overview The investment will provide long-term financing to accelerate the creation of hyperscale-ready data centres in major Southeast Asian markets. The financial terms, including the stake size, were not disclosed. Under the agreement, ADQ-backed Zero Two will share control with Warburg Pincus, which became a shareholder in Evolution in 2022 via a joint venture. Evolution, a sustainable operator, has since extended its footprint into Thailand, the Philippines, and…