Author: Sam Allcock

Canadian rapper Drake has set Arab social media alight after sampling Fairuz’s iconic song Wahdon in a teaser for his forthcoming ninth studio album, ICEMAN. The move, unveiled during a livestream preview, has been hailed by some as a bold cross-cultural nod to one of the Arab world’s most cherished voices, but criticised by others who feel a treasured classic has been altered beyond recognition. Fairuz: the voice of Lebanon Known as the “Voice of Lebanon,” Fairuz is one of the most revered figures in Arabic music. Her work has transcended borders for decades, her voice filling homes, cafés and…

Jordan has announced the construction of its first international car racing track, a landmark development that will place the kingdom firmly on the motorsport map. The project, known as the Aqaba International Circuit, is being developed by Engicon in partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation. Covering more than one million square metres, it is set to become the largest facility of its kind in Jordan and one of the most significant in the region. World-class design The circuit will feature a 3.6-kilometre racing track built to FIA Grade 3 standards, allowing it to host a wide range of international and…

Aldar has announced the launch of Rise by Athlon, a wellness-focused apartment community in Dubai that forms the latest addition to its Athlon masterplan. The project comprises eight themed buildings, offering more than 1,200 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments designed to promote health, fitness and wellbeing. Overlooking Athlon’s expansive central park, the development builds on the successful launch of villas and townhouses in 2024. It is being developed in partnership with Dubai Holding, with the aim of meeting growing demand for residences that combine active living with modern functionality. A lifestyle centred on wellbeing The community’s contemporary architecture reflects a…

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the all-new PALISADE SUV in the Middle East and Africa, positioning the three-row vehicle as a premium flagship designed for families, adventurers, and luxury car buyers across the region. The launch marks what Hyundai executives describe as a “significant milestone” for the company in a market where demand for large, technologically advanced SUVs continues to rise. A bold new design The PALISADE’s design sets out to create a commanding presence. A wider stance, upright A-pillar, and elevated hood combine with a bold grille flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights. Large alloy wheels of up to…

NetForChoice, a global IT hosting, web hosting, and cybersecurity provider, has announced the launch of its latest state-of-the-art data center in Dubai, underscoring its ambition to strengthen its foothold in the Middle East. The facility, which has been engineered to deliver 99.95% uptime, integrates advanced Security Operations Center (SOC) services and enterprise-grade Network Operations Center (NOC) monitoring. It is designed to support the needs of regional enterprises across finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and other regulated industries. Expanding footprint in the Middle East The opening of the UAE Data Center is being described as a strategic milestone in NetForChoice’s global expansion. From…

Emirates has announced it will operate its new Airbus A350 aircraft on the daily service between Dubai and Hangzhou, China, from 26 October 2025, just three months after the airline launched flights to the eastern Chinese city. The move marks a significant investment in Emirates’ operations in mainland China, underscoring the airline’s strategy to expand connectivity and enhance the passenger experience. Flight EK310 will depart Dubai at 04:15 and land in Hangzhou at 16:00. The return flight, EK311, will leave Hangzhou at 00:10 and arrive in Dubai at 06:10, offering travellers seamless connectivity via Dubai International Airport to the airline’s…

Mouser Electronics, Inc., the global distributor of electronic components and industrial automation products, has released the latest installment of its Empowering Innovation Together (EIT) technology series, titled That’s 3D Printed?. The series examines how additive manufacturing is reshaping engineering and production through novel materials, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced design techniques. 3D printing, once a niche method for rapid prototyping, has evolved into a transformative industrial technology. Its strength lies in producing complex geometries and intricate internal structures that are difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional subtractive methods. The integration of AI and new materials has further accelerated its…

Dubai-based real estate development and investment group Sweid & Sweid has completed the sale of River Park 10, a Class A industrial development in Atlanta, Georgia, to Georgia Power, the state’s largest public utility company. The transaction, valued at AED 350 million, marks another milestone in the company’s growing U.S. investment portfolio. River Park 10 covers 825,000 square feet and was sold to Georgia Power for its own use. The project’s scale, quality and strategic connectivity were cited as key factors behind the swift transaction. “This sale is another successful exit for our group,” said Maher Sweid, Managing Partner of…

Cognite, the Norwegian-based leader in industrial artificial intelligence (AI), has announced a significant update to its flagship product, Cognite Atlas AI™, with the aim of accelerating global adoption of AI-powered solutions in the industrial sector. The company describes Atlas AI as the world’s first low-code industrial AI agent workbench, designed to integrate operational technology (OT), information technology (IT), and engineering data in real time. The latest release, revealed ahead of the Atlas AI Summit in Tokyo on 10 September, promises to simplify and scale the deployment of production-ready AI agents across industries. Cognite says momentum around the platform is growing…

Japanese developer AGNI-FLARE CO., LTD. has announced the worldwide release of its new online competitive puzzle game SHIKA-Q, due in Fall 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5. The company, based in Yokohama, described SHIKA-Q as a “fusion of strategy, music, and competitive speed,” aiming to redefine puzzle gaming with real-time online battles, dynamic visuals, and a unique music-driven experience. Real-time puzzle combat At its core, SHIKA-Q places players on a 10×10 board, where linking blocks unleashes rapid-fire attacks and defensive manoeuvres against opponents. Unlike traditional puzzle games, developers say SHIKA-Q emphasises split-second decision-making and fast-paced tactics, likening it to…