Author: Sam Allcock

Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s largest private developers, has signed an agreement with AkzoNobel Decorative Paints LLC, the supplier of Dulux Paints in the UAE. The deal will see Dulux decorative wall paints and floor coatings used across multiple Azizi projects in Dubai, including the developer’s ambitious AED 75 billion Azizi Milan master community. AkzoNobel, founded in the Netherlands, is a global leader in paints and coatings, with Dulux recognised worldwide for its durability, design appeal and sustainable formulations. Its products are used in both residential and commercial projects globally, with a focus on long-lasting performance and reduced environmental…

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has signed a strategic agreement with Ajman Bank to bolster cooperation in infrastructure development, sustainability and long-term growth across the Northern Emirates. The deal, announced this week, aligns with the UAE’s wider national development priorities, particularly in enhancing resilience and efficiency in the utilities sector. The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EtihadWE, and Mustafa Al Khalfawi, Chief Executive Officer of Ajman Bank, alongside senior representatives from both organisations. Speaking at the ceremony, Eng. Al Ali said the partnership reflects a shared vision to accelerate infrastructure delivery.“Joining…

Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has officially introduced flight rewards for Premium Economy travel. The move, announced this week, allows its 35 million members worldwide to redeem miles for both Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards on the airline’s newest cabin. The change reflects growing demand from travellers for more flexible options beyond standard Economy and Business Class, particularly on long-haul routes such as London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York. Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, said the decision followed sustained interest from members since the cabin was launched. “We’re thrilled to…

Apple has unveiled its latest line-up of products, including four new iPhone models, refreshed AirPods Pro and an updated Watch range. While the event delivered hardware improvements, analysts noted the absence of major advances in artificial intelligence. The new smartphones include the base iPhone 17, the slimline iPhone 17 Air, the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and the top-tier Pro Max. The standout is the iPhone Air, measuring just 5.6mm thick and weighing 165 grams. Josh Gilbert, market analyst at eToro, said the model demonstrates Apple’s strength in turning subtle changes into headline features. “Apple has always had a unique ability…

Global fintech company Rapyd has launched a new suite of stablecoin payment solutions, offering businesses the ability to accept, settle and pay out using stablecoins. The move positions the firm as a single provider for companies looking to navigate volatile currencies, slow settlement times and fragmented payment systems. Rapyd’s platform allows businesses to: “Stablecoins have moved from early-stage concept to global utility, and companies need partners who can bridge digital assets with real-world business needs,” said Arik Shtilman, Rapyd’s CEO and co-founder. “Rapyd’s role is to strip away the complexity, integrate stablecoins into global money movement, and give businesses more…

HEINZ has launched a new global campaign suggesting that french fry boxes around the world bear a striking resemblance to its iconic keystone logo. The campaign, called “Looks Familiar”, is running across eight major markets, including the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Brazil, Germany, the UAE and China. It highlights the brand’s claim that fries and HEINZ ketchup are an inseparable pairing. According to HEINZ, french fries remain one of the most popular foods worldwide, featuring on more than half of all restaurant menus and ranking as the most-ordered item on Uber Eats. But despite this popularity, the company points…

IFF (NYSE: IFF), a global leader in food, beverage, health and wellness, has launched SipScape, a digital platform designed to help brands innovate in the fast-changing adult beverage market. The initiative provides actionable insights on product design, flavor modulation and sweetness reduction, with a particular focus on no- and low-alcohol beverages. It also highlights the growing use of botanicals, natural colors and functional ingredients, reflecting current consumer demand for health-conscious and experience-driven drinks. Rethinking why people drink Fernanda De Paula, vice president of global beverages category for IFF Taste, said SipScape was about redefining drinking occasions in line with modern…

Gold prices have climbed to fresh record highs, extending a nine-month rally as investors anticipate interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve. The precious metal rose 0.55% to $3,655.5 per ounce in early trading on Tuesday (9 September 2025), an increase of $20 per ounce from the previous day. The surge comes just a week before the Fed’s key policy meeting, where markets widely expect monetary easing. Fed rate cut expectations drive rally Analysts say the move was fuelled by speculation that the US central bank may cut rates by as much as 50 basis points following last week’s…

A major exhibition tracing Moscow’s image through centuries of Russian art has opened at VDNH, the capital’s vast museum and exhibition complex. Titled The Image of Moscow in Russian Art from the Collection of the State Russian Museum, the project brings 115 works—including 104 paintings and 11 sculptures—from St. Petersburg’s State Russian Museum to Pavilion No. 1 “Central.” For many pieces, it is the first time they have been shown in Moscow. Occupying 9,400 square metres, the exhibition is billed as the season’s must-see cultural event. It offers a sweeping panorama of Moscow’s history, from sacred medieval icons and pre-1812…

As Saudi Arabia attracts record visitor numbers under its ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, security in the hospitality sector is set to be a central theme at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025, when the event returns to the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) from 29 September to 1 October. The flagship Future Security Summit, held alongside the exhibition, will bring together industry leaders to discuss how technology and human-centred design can safeguard the Kingdom’s booming tourism industry, which saw 116 million visitors in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Spotlight on hospitality security Delivering a keynote presentation titled “Securing…