Author: Sam Allcock

The first-ever Dubai Open Table Tennis Academies Championship (DOTTA) concluded at the ISD courts in Dubai Sports City, with UAE’s Mayed Nawaf Al Kaabi emerging as a standout talent, clinching the Under-12 title in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, in cooperation with the UAE Table Tennis Federation and operating partner ISD Dubai, the tournament marked a promising addition to the emirate’s grassroots sporting calendar. The event is part of Dubai’s broader initiative to identify and nurture young sporting talent across various disciplines. The championship, held at the ISD Table Tennis courts, attracted a full…

Azizi Developments, a prominent private UAE developer, has announced a strategic partnership with Thomsun Industries, a local leader in construction support services. The collaboration will bolster site operations across Azizi’s major developments in Dubai South, Al Furjan, Dubai Healthcare City, and Dubai Sports City—notably including its landmark project, Azizi Venice. The agreement positions Thomsun Industries to deliver a full spectrum of site support services, reinforcing Azizi’s rapid construction momentum and project delivery capabilities. Thomsun, known for operational reliability across the UAE’s built environment sector, is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless workflow and efficient on-ground execution. Farhad…

Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s most centrally located hotels, is inviting guests to enjoy a refined summer escape with a limited-time seasonal offer that blends modern comfort, convenience, and exceptional value. Perfectly positioned on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel places travellers within minutes of iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Museum of the Future. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or a local staycation, the property offers a smart base for making the most of the city. The hotel’s Business Suites and One-Bedroom Apartments provide expansive city views and a harmonious…

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, has announced the return of its seasonal direct flights to Abha, Saudi Arabia, starting 15 July 2025. The route will operate three times a week through September, offering convenient access to one of the Kingdom’s most scenic and temperate summer destinations. Nicknamed the “Bride of the Mountain,” Abha is located in the high-altitude Aseer region, known for its cool climate, dramatic mountain ranges, and rich cultural heritage. With summer temperatures ranging between 25–30°C, it offers a refreshing escape from the Gulf’s intense heat. Barathan Pasupathi, CEO of Jazeera Airways, highlighted the significance of the…

In a major step for cricket development in the Gulf, Kuwait Cricket Board has entered a landmark partnership with the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), marking the first time a country has been formally recognised as a strategic partner of the franchise league. The agreement was signed at Dubai International Stadium in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both sides. The partnership will see domestic cricket tournaments held annually in Kuwait, mirroring the UAE’s ILT20 Development Tournament, to identify and groom local talent for potential selection by ILT20 franchises. There are also plans to host official ILT20 matches…

More than 300 institutional investors convened with leaders from all seven Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock exchanges and over 100 listed corporates at the HSBC GCC Exchanges Conference held in London this week. Against a backdrop of shifting global capital flows and economic uncertainty, the event spotlighted the Gulf as a key destination for resilient, reform-driven investment. Now in its fourth year, the conference underscored growing investor confidence in the region’s economic diversification and maturing capital markets. Saudi Arabia took centre stage during the first two days, reflecting its rising profile in the global investment landscape. Saudi Arabia’s economy registered…

Students from the University of Birmingham Dubai have been crowned champions of the 2025 ADNOC-Bloomberg Trading Challenge, emerging victorious in the fifth edition of the UAE’s premier commodities trading competition. Sittie Rania Guinomla and Malishka Kaur Bhasin, competing under the team name ‘Fortune Traders’, secured first place for their disciplined “hold and watch” strategy—impressing judges with their thoughtful approach to commodities trading and real-time data analysis. As part of their prize, the winning team is eligible for training placements with ADNOC Global Trading, offering them an immersive opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world energy trading environment. The challenge…

At the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and global healthcare leader Abbott signed a landmark partnership aimed at advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and digital health innovation in the UAE capital. The agreement marks a major step toward localising healthcare production and reducing dependency on imports. It builds on Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a regional hub for life sciences, with a focus on self-sufficiency, resilience, and innovation in the healthcare sector. Announced during a strategic visit by a high-level Abu Dhabi delegation to the United States, the partnership is centred around four…

In a notable stride for environmental science and innovation, Dr. Rahaf Ajaj, Chair of the Department of Environmental and Public Health at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), has been awarded a German utility model patent for her work on biodegradable polymeric films. The patent, granted by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), signals a key advancement in sustainable materials research and strengthens the UAE’s growing profile in global scientific innovation. The registered innovation—titled “Composition of polymer films based on pectin containing a boswellic acid derivative for improved functionality”—was developed in collaboration with international researchers. The film leverages pectin, a…

Nissan is set to unveil two high-performance models from its NISMO lineup at a globally livestreamed event in Dubai on 24 June 2025, marking a significant moment for the brand’s presence in the Middle East. The event, scheduled for 7:30 PM GST (GMT +4), will feature the world premiere of the all-new Patrol NISMO, alongside the regional debut of the Nissan Z NISMO, offering enthusiasts an early glimpse into Nissan’s latest performance innovations. Open to customers, media, influencers, and automotive enthusiasts, the event highlights Nissan’s growing emphasis on motorsport-inspired design and performance in the region. The livestream will be broadcast…