Author: Sam Allcock

Dubai-based public relations agency Maison Ellyse is emerging as a leading force in the regional communications landscape under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Elvira Jain. Drawing from her global modelling experience and academic background in finance, Jain has built a brand that’s winning trust across industries from fashion to aesthetic medicine. Established in the heart of Dubai, Maison Ellyse has rapidly earned a reputation for delivering authentic, results-driven strategies. With a focus on sectors including wellness, hospitality, beauty, and F&B, the agency now boasts a diverse client portfolio featuring prominent names such as Leto Café, Solomia Home, and…

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the world’s third-richest man, has tied the knot with media personality Lauren Sánchez in what has been described by some as the “Wedding of the Century.” The opulent celebration in Venice, Italy, has sparked both global fascination and local controversy. The three-day affair was shrouded in secrecy and bolstered by heavy security. While the wedding drew a guest list of elite figures from politics, business, and entertainment—including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner—it also triggered protests from activists concerned about displays of extreme wealth. According to Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto region, the…

Africa’s leading payment technology company, Flutterwave, has been recognised in the TIME100 Most Influential Companies List of 2025, marking the second time it has earned the prestigious honour. The Lagos-based fintech joins industry heavyweights like Amazon, Netflix, OpenAI, and Berkshire Hathaway in the “Titans” category of this year’s list. TIME’s annual ranking celebrates 105 companies from across the globe that are “making an extraordinary impact” through innovation, ambition, and success. Founded in 2016, Flutterwave was first featured on the TIME100 list in 2021, following a campaign that supported thousands of businesses in Africa to transition online during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has launched a year-long cultural activation in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, aiming to celebrate the UAE’s heritage and reintroduce the district as a vibrant cultural destination for residents and tourists alike. Running until the end of December, the programme offers a diverse calendar of events, including panel discussions, interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and family-focused heritage experiences. It forms part of Dubai Culture’s broader mission to preserve and promote the emirate’s tangible and intangible cultural legacy. A cornerstone of the initiative is the ‘Family Workshops’ series, designed to engage younger audiences in the preservation…

Emirates is marking its return as the Official Airline Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon, with a suite of exclusive experiences for tennis fans both in the skies and on the ground. Running from 30th June to 13th July 2025, the airline’s involvement brings a fresh serve of luxury, interactivity, and themed hospitality to one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. Onboard Emirates flights between Dubai and the UK, passengers are being treated to bespoke Wimbledon-inspired menus, including Pimm’s cocktails, strawberry mocktails, and strawberries and cream in the A380 Onboard Lounge. Premium cabin travellers can enjoy gourmet dishes such as…

Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers, has announced the launch of Azizi Ameer and Azizi Sakandar, two modern residential projects located in the high-growth area of Al Furjan, Dubai. The dual launch reinforces Azizi’s role in shaping the landscape of Al Furjan, a community known for its strategic location, strong connectivity, and family-oriented lifestyle offerings. Azizi Ameer offers a curated selection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments within walking distance of the metro and a short drive from major business districts and leisure destinations. With a focus on both design and functionality, the development features…

UAE-based telecom and digital services provider du has taken a major step toward advancing smart urban infrastructure through a strategic visit to China Mobile International (CMI) and China Mobile Shanghai. The visit, focused on exploring 5G-powered metro digitization, forms part of du’s broader commitment to reimagining urban mobility and digital innovation in the UAE. The delegation, led by CEO Fahad Al Hassawi, also visited the Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, operator of the world’s largest metro system with more than 896 kilometres of operational track. During the tour of People’s Square Station—a central hub serving up to 1.5 million passengers per…

As the global travel landscape undergoes rapid transformation, Swiss-Belhotel International is stepping up its commitment to innovation and human-centric hospitality to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travellers. With a presence in over 20 countries and 18 brands spanning economy to luxury segments, the international hospitality group is deploying a blend of technology, purposeful design, and local relevance to redefine guest experiences across its properties. Speaking on the company’s forward-looking approach, Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations & Development, EMAI, and Group Human Resources & Talent Development at Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: “Guest expectations today are shaped less by star…

OMODA&JAECOO, one of the fastest-growing smart mobility brands globally, has announced the imminent UAE launch of its highly anticipated crossover SUV, the OMODA C7. Engineered to meet the region’s climate and driving challenges, the C7 promises to blend futuristic design, advanced hybrid technology, and extreme heat resilience. Set to enter the UAE market in the coming weeks, the OMODA C7 arrives as a symbol of next-generation mobility tailored for the Gulf region’s harsh conditions and modern drivers. The vehicle underwent a series of high-temperature endurance tests in Turpan, China, one of the hottest regions on Earth. With surface temperatures reaching…

Saudi Arabia has made yet another landmark achievement on the global motorsport stage. The 2025 Jeddah E-Prix double-header has become the most-watched Formula E weekend in history, attracting a record 65 million global cumulative viewers, according to data released by Kantar Media. Staged under the lights of the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit on February 14–15, the races marked the debut of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Jeddah after six successful seasons in Diriyah. The thrilling night races not only showcased world-class electric racing but also solidified the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a premier international motorsport hub. The…