Author: Sam Allcock

Dubai has added yet another record to its name – this time in the world of coffee. An Emirati café has secured a Guinness World Record for serving the world’s most expensive cup of coffee, priced at an eye-watering Dh 2,500 (over $650). The honour was awarded on 13 September to Roasters, a homegrown coffee brand, at its flagship branch on Boulevard Downtown Dubai. The achievement was confirmed by Guinness World Records and reported by Khaleej Times. Founded in Dubai, Roasters has built a strong reputation among coffee enthusiasts for its dedication to quality beans and precise brewing. From its…

Pop icon Rihanna and rapper A$AP Rocky have welcomed their third child together, announcing the birth on Instagram with a series of intimate family photographs. The 37-year-old “Love on the Brain” singer revealed that their daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers, was born on 13 September. The announcement was accompanied by photos of Rihanna cradling the newborn, dressed in a soft pink onesie, while other images showcased the baby’s tiny pink gloves tied with bows. Marking the milestone, Rihanna also wore a gold ring inscribed with the word “Mom”, a subtle nod to her new chapter as a mother of three. In…

Crescent Enterprises, a UAE-headquartered diversified business group, has launched a new prize in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Solve initiative, recognising start-ups applying artificial intelligence (AI) to pressing global challenges. Announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week in New York, the Crescent Enterprises AI for Social Innovation Prize will provide $100,000 in equity-free funding, alongside mentorship and access to global networks through MIT Solve’s nine-month support programme. Four pioneering teams were named as inaugural recipients: Speaking at the launch, Crescent Enterprises CEO Badr Jafar said the prize was designed to highlight how…

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee by giving back to its 37 million members worldwide with 25 days of special prizes, offers, and exclusive experiences. The celebrations, running from 25 September to 20 October, will include a 25 million Miles raffle, bonus Miles on bookings and purchases, surprise airport activities, and a bespoke anniversary aircraft livery. 25 days of giving back The centrepiece of the campaign is a 25 million Skywards Miles raffle. Members who book flights with Emirates, flydubai, or spend with participating partners during the promotion period will automatically…

SimpliTrain, a next-generation learning platform that unifies training management and learner engagement, will make its regional debut at GITEX Dubai 2025, one of the Middle East’s largest gatherings for technology and innovation. Positioned as a comprehensive solution for organizations navigating the complexities of corporate and professional training, SimpliTrain integrates the functions of a learning management system (LMS), training management system (TMS), and learning experience platform (LXP) into a single framework. Its developers say the platform is designed to simplify how companies deliver, track, and measure training programmes. With businesses and educational institutions under increasing pressure to ensure effective upskilling, compliance,…

The start of a new semester in the UAE brings a shift in pace. By sunrise, cafés are busy, roads are filled, and students are racing between lectures, part-time jobs, and social commitments. In the middle of it all, the daily commute becomes either an added stress or a moment to reset. With the new KICKS, Arabian Automobiles believes it has created a car that makes student life easier to manage and more enjoyable on the move. From the outside, the compact crossover is pitched as youthful and practical. Inside, the cabin is designed to balance storage with comfort. Backpacks…

Travellers arriving from Saudi Arabia at Zayed International Airport were treated to a festive celebration this weekend, as Yas Island Abu Dhabi and the airport joined forces to mark Saudi National Day. The arrivals lounge was transformed into a scene of colour and cheer as passengers from the first inbound Saudi flight were welcomed by Warner Bros. World favourites Tom and Jerry. The iconic cartoon duo drew delighted reactions from children and adults alike, with many pausing for photographs and videos to capture the moment. The celebrations extended beyond character appearances. Each traveller was presented with a curated gift bag…

Hitachi Energy has been named the global market share leader in grid automation for electric utilities, according to a new study by ARC Advisory Group. The findings, released in June 2025 as part of ARC’s Grid Automation Global Market Study 2024–2029, place Hitachi Energy ahead of competitors in both software and hardware categories for electric power transmission and distribution. The company was recognized as number one worldwide in Grid Control & Management, Outage Management, and AI Applications. It also leads in hardware such as measurement devices, RTUs, and wireless and wired networks. Richard Rys, ARC Advisory’s director of consulting and…

As the summer heat eases in the UAE, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi has launched a new promotion designed to tempt travellers with luxury getaways at reduced prices. The resort’s “Step Into the Suite Life” offer provides 25% off suite bookings, daily breakfast, and a complimentary upgrade to half board. Available for reservations made until September 30, for stays up to December 31, the package also includes suite-specific privileges ranging from Yas Park tickets to private airport transfers. Tailored suites for every traveller Rixos Marina boasts an extensive collection of suites designed to cater to couples, families, and larger groups. Guests…

Maybelline New York has announced Miley Cyrus as its newest global spokesperson, unveiling a campaign that reimagines the brand’s world-famous jingle, “Maybe it’s Maybelline.” The partnership marks a bold new chapter for the cosmetics giant, blending beauty with music in a bid to connect with a new generation of consumers. The campaign will launch in September 2025 across TV, digital, social and in-store platforms, with Cyrus at its centre. A childhood dream realised For Cyrus, who rose to global fame as a teenager and has since become a multi-platinum recording artist, the role carries a personal resonance. “I remember singing…