Author: Sam Allcock

In a move to enhance operational efficiency and streamline border control procedures, flydubai has introduced new smart gates powered by biometric and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at its Airport Operations Centre in Dubai. The initiative, launched in collaboration with emaratech, a UAE-based technology solutions provider, is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to modernise its systems and support smoother travel experiences for its staff. The newly installed gates are designed to facilitate quicker, paperless immigration checks for flydubai’s pilots and cabin crew, integrating AI-driven facial recognition with real-time data validation. The system connects directly to both flydubai’s crew platforms and…

In a move set to reshape the city’s housing market, Dubai has unveiled a new initiative to make property ownership more accessible for both Emiratis and expatriates. The First-Time Home Buyer Programme, jointly launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), offers exclusive benefits to residents seeking to purchase their first home. Announced on 2 July at a press conference attended by senior officials and industry stakeholders, the programme is designed to boost homeownership through preferential pricing, priority access to new developments, and customised mortgage products. The scheme supports the Dubai Real…

A groundbreaking collaboration between Turkcell, Beko, and Ericsson has successfully delivered Türkiye’s first real-time remote industrial design experience using 5G-powered eXtended Reality (XR) technology. This achievement was realised under the EU-backed VERGE Project, which focuses on advancing digital production and innovation capabilities in Türkiye. The initiative connected R&D teams in Istanbul and Eskişehir, cities located over 300 kilometres apart, through high-speed 5G infrastructure. Using XR headsets, engineers at Turkcell Kartal Plaza and Beko’s R&D Centre collaborated on complex 3D product designs in a shared digital space, eliminating the need for physical presence. This marks the first time a live, cross-city…

Liverpool and Portugal international footballer Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in Spain at the age of 28. His younger brother, André Silva, 26, also a professional footballer, was killed in the same incident. The crash occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday, 3 July, near Zamora in northwestern Spain. Local authorities confirmed that the vehicle — a Lamborghini driven by Jota — veered off the road, collided, and caught fire. Both brothers were declared dead at the scene by emergency responders. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed the accident involved no other vehicles. Investigations are underway to determine the…

The third edition of the Employee Happiness Awards concluded last week at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, honouring organisations across the UAE for their outstanding efforts in building meaningful, people-first workplaces. Hosted by Eventyst Global, the awards drew over 380 entries across 26 categories, marking the program’s most competitive year yet. Companies from a wide range of industries—including aviation, banking, logistics, retail, and real estate—were recognised for excellence in employee wellness, inclusion, culture, leadership, and business transformation. Standout Winners Across Key Categories Employee-First Culture in Focus “For us at EI, creating a positive and supportive environment isn’t just part of…

Ajman Bank has unveiled its first-ever Point of Sale (POS) and instant settlement services, launched in collaboration with Dubai-based fintech company VaultsPay, marking a significant expansion of the bank’s digital offerings for business clients across the UAE. The comprehensive co-branded payment processing solution is designed to support merchants, SMEs, and entrepreneurs through secure, real-time payment acceptance and transaction settlement, further strengthening the bank’s position as a key enabler of the UAE’s digital and inclusive economy. The new service leverages VaultsPay’s Central Bank of the UAE-licensed fintech infrastructure, offering Ajman Bank’s business clients a robust suite of features, including: A Strategic…

The 2025–2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition celebrated its fifth edition with a grand ceremony at the historic Hofburg Palace in Vienna, honouring leading pet and animal brands from around the world. The evening, hosted by Mounia Berrada-Gouzi, recognised excellence across multiple categories including pet food, wellness, retail, exhibitions, and aquatic products. Out of 950 brands nominated by over 80,000 consumers in a global online survey, only 105 brands from 25 countries were crowned National, Regional, or Global Winners—representing the best in branding within the pet and animal care sector. “The Animalis Edition of the World Branding Awards recognises brands…

Leading smart device manufacturer OPPO has signed a global patent licensing agreement with Volkswagen Group, marking a significant milestone in cross-industry collaboration between consumer electronics and automotive technology. The agreement grants Volkswagen access to OPPO’s cellular standard-essential patents (SEPs)—including 5G technologies—to enhance its global lineup of connected vehicles. The agreement represents OPPO’s first bilateral licensing deal with a connected vehicle company and highlights the growing application of its technologies beyond smartphones and consumer electronics. Enhancing Connected Mobility Through this partnership, Volkswagen will integrate OPPO’s SEP portfolio into its connected car offerings to support more advanced, seamless user experiences for drivers…

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new milestone in its Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative by granting the naming rights of Jebel Ali Metro Station to National Paints Factories Co. Ltd., the Middle East’s largest paints and coatings manufacturer. The station, located in the heart of Jebel Ali Free Zone, will now be known as National Paints Metro Station for the next decade. The renaming reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and turning strategic urban infrastructure into high-impact branding platforms. The agreement was facilitated by Hypermedia, with Mada Media serving as RTA’s authorised concessionaire. Strategic Branding…

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, has officially resumed direct flights between Kuwait and Damascus after a 13-year suspension—reopening a long-awaited travel corridor for thousands of Syrians and signalling a fresh chapter in regional connectivity. The inaugural flight departed from Jazeera Terminal 5 this morning with a full passenger load. For many of the travellers, the journey represented more than just a destination — it was a homecoming after years, or even decades, of absence. The restoration of this route holds deep significance for the Syrian diaspora in Kuwait, which includes over 200,000 individuals—the second-largest Arab expatriate group in the…