Author: Sam Allcock

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is accelerating efforts to align student education and research with the emirate’s remarkable transformation, offering new-age programmes and partnerships tailored to future industries. With high-profile developments in tourism, property, and leisure—such as the UAE’s first integrated gaming resort—Ras Al Khaimah recorded a 12% surge in tourism revenue and a 15% increase in MICE visitors last year alone. As the emirate grows into a destination for global travellers and investors, the impact on education has been significant. Visitor numbers rose to 1.28 million in 2024 and are expected to reach 3.5 million by…

Read More

Etihad Cargo, the freight division of Etihad Airways, is marking two years of continued growth and cooperation with Ezhou Huahu Airport, demonstrating the success of its alliance with SF Airlines. Since launching operations in August 2023 after shifting from Wuhan, Etihad became the first global airline to establish regular commercial cargo services at Ezhou. In response to growing demand, a second weekly frequency was added in November 2023, and a third followed in July 2024. Initially operating two weekly flights jointly with SF Airlines, the schedule grew to four flights per week from October 2023, with two flights by each…

Read More

Global, 7 August 2025 – Bitget, a major global crypto exchange and Web3 enterprise, has introduced a new conversion payout feature, enabling users to convert cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) into fiat with immediate deposit to Visa or Mastercard. This feature modernises the off-ramp process by eliminating banking delays and providing a faster, safer alternative to peer-to-peer transfers. The system supports over 140 fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, and JPY, offering global users a real-time, borderless solution. By removing intermediary steps, Bitget’s card-based payouts reduce settlement time and eliminate exposure to P2P-related risks—delivering superior…

Read More

As mobile battery innovation moves to the forefront of device design, HONOR maintains its leadership role with the Magic V5—a foldable phone that redefines expectations for power, performance, and size. The HONOR Magic V5 debuts as the thinnest 8.8mm foldable phone featuring the industry’s highest-capacity battery in this category: a massive 5820mAh, delivering enduring performance in a compact form. Next-Level HONOR Silicon-Carbon Battery (15% High-Silicon Composition) Demonstrating its continuous investment in battery technologies, HONOR has incorporated its latest generation silicon-carbon battery into the Magic V5. This standard version boasts 15% high-silicon content, allowing for a battery that is just 2.59mm…

Read More

The world’s fastest-growing triathlon series, the Dubai T100, returns in just 100 days—and UAE endurance athlete Ghani Souleymane is launching an audacious Guinness World Record campaign to celebrate: 100 consecutive 100km triathlons, culminating in his final effort on 16 November at the T100 start line. Commencing Friday at Kite Beach, Ghani’s effort will replicate the official T100 triathlon each day—2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run—totaling an astonishing 10,000km by the end. The record bid also aims to raise funds for conflict-impacted children. “This challenge is about more than sport,” Ghani shared. “It’s about showing what’s possible when you give everything…

Read More

ADNOC Distribution has recorded a 12.2% increase in net profit for H1 2025, reaching $358 million—beating analyst projections—fuelled by the stellar performance of its non-fuel retail arm, as per results shared on Thursday. Performance Overview Dividend Expectations ADNOC Distribution reiterated its dividend policy on Thursday, which commits to a $700 million annual dividend or 75% of net profit—whichever figure is higher—through to 2028.An interim dividend of $350 million is set for October, pending board approval. At a share price of $1.01 (AED 3.7) on 6 August, this equates to an approximate 6% yield. Operational Growth 47 new service stations were…

Read More

As families in Dubai prepare to trade flip-flops for school shoes and beach days for homework, Royal Central Hotel The Palm is making sure the summer ends on a high note. The hotel’s new Back-to-School Family Staycation is designed to give parents and kids one final slice of sun, sea, and quality time before the school year begins. With up to 65% off room bookings made directly through Central Hotels’ official website, it’s the kind of offer that helps families stretch the summer magic just a little further. The package offers complimentary stays and meals for children aged 12 and…

Read More

Liminal Custody, the regulated wallet and custody infrastructure firm, has appointed fintech leader Rajesh Sabari as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Rajesh will lead the company’s global commercial strategy and spearhead adoption across high-growth markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Rajesh’s career spans over 20 years in global fintech and infrastructure growth. He joins from Telcoin, where he drove enterprise partnerships and regional revenues across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, with a focus on deploying compliant, blockchain-based solutions in challenging regulatory climates. His leadership background includes senior roles at Mastercard, Amdocs, and Syniverse, where he scaled partnerships, engaged…

Read More

The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, part of Dubai Chambers, has launched three new specialist services aimed at reinforcing the growth, governance, and strategic capabilities of family-owned businesses. These offerings are designed to help enterprises improve continuity planning, align on shared goals, and prepare for future expansion in a rapidly evolving economic context. This new initiative reflects the Centre’s commitment to supporting one of the emirate’s most important economic contributors—family businesses—by equipping them with the tools and frameworks needed for sustainable development. H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: “Family businesses remain a vital engine…

Read More

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has brought its latest ‘Children’s Literature Workshop’ to a successful close in Tunisia. Held as part of the Dubai International Programme for Writing (DIPW), the workshop took place in Tunis over a four-month period and was facilitated by children’s literature expert Dr Wafa Thabet Mezghani. Writers from a range of backgrounds joined the initiative, drawn by a shared enthusiasm for crafting stories for younger audiences. Participants took part in hands-on sessions covering creative processes, collaborative critique, and iterative feedback. Under professional mentorship, they developed their stories from initial concept through to…

Read More