Author: Sam Allcock

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled a new global campaign for its luxury brand Alila, designed to invite travellers to explore not only new destinations but also deeper personal journeys. The campaign, titled “A World Awaits,” highlights immersive guest experiences called Alila Moments, crafted to connect visitors with local culture, tradition, and nature. A focus on immersion and connection Hyatt describes the campaign as a reflection of how travel can be both outward and inward. Guests are encouraged to “experience place with presence,” pairing the beauty of Alila’s natural settings with intimate, mindful activities. The campaign imagery juxtaposes sweeping landscapes with…

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have announced a major expansion of their codeshare partnership, increasing flight frequencies between Doha and Beijing ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday. The move strengthens connectivity between China and more than 170 destinations worldwide through Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which was voted the “Best Airport in the Middle East” by Skytrax in 2025. Expanded flights and codeshares From 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will place its code on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing International Airport and Doha. At the same time, China Southern will extend its “CZ” code to Qatar…

Show TV has begun production on one of the season’s most anticipated dramas, Bereketli Topraklar (Fertile Lands), starring Engin Akyürek and Gülsim Ali. The series has already generated strong interest from both viewers and industry insiders, underlining the continued global appeal of Turkish television. Produced by Süreç Film, the drama officially went on set this week. It is written by Hasan Tolga Pulat, Ozan Ağaç, and Seçil Çömlekçi, with creative supervision by Yağız Alp Akaydın, a director and producer best known for shaping some of Turkey’s most successful screen projects. A story of love, power and sacrifice Described by producers…

The upcoming ATV drama Abi has ignited controversy before cameras have even started rolling, after the casting of Kenan İmirzalioğlu, 50, and Afra Saraçoğlu, 26, in leading roles revealed a 24-year age difference between the stars. While Turkish television is no stranger to bold casting choices, the significant age gap has sparked a heated debate among fans and critics, with many questioning whether the pairing will be convincing on screen. A story of family and disruption In the series, İmirzalioğlu takes on the role of Cerrah Doğan Hancıoğlu, a man who distanced himself from his family years ago to build…

Turkey’s internet-famous chef Burak Özdemir, better known as CZN Burak, has drawn renewed attention on social media after purchasing a luxury Mercedes-Benz once owned by popular actor and model Burak Özçivit. The deal, reported by Turkish daily Hürriyet, was closed for around 14 million Turkish lira — approximately $400,000 — a price described by local media as a “fantastic sum.” The purchase has sparked debate about the chef’s high-profile lifestyle and growing portfolio of investments beyond the restaurant industry. From kitchen star to social media icon CZN Burak rose to fame through viral cooking videos showcasing enormous portions, warm hospitality,…

A full-length artificial intelligence (AI) movie called Critterz, backed by Sam Altman’s OpenAI, has entered production — a move that has ignited heated debate over ethics, creativity and the future of artists in the film industry. According to the Wall Street Journal, the film will incorporate OpenAI’s video-generation tool Sora into its production pipeline. The project is expected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in France, with OpenAI reportedly aiming to show that its technology can create films at a fraction of Hollywood’s costs. AI versus artistry Critics argue that lower budgets do not necessarily translate into better films.…

Sudan’s civil war has displaced more than 13 million people, crippled institutions, and created one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises. Yet the conflict remains underreported on the global stage. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is now seeking to shift that narrative through “Seeing Sudan: Politics Through Art,” a three-day conference highlighting the power of culture in times of conflict. The event, running from 18 to 20 September at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha, brings together more than 50 leading scholars, artists and activists. According to GU-Q Dean Safwan M. Masri, the gathering aims to amplify Sudanese voices and…

Hyundai Motor Company is set to make its first appearance at gamescom 2025, becoming the first carmaker to host a solo presence in the event’s Retro & Family Area with a self-developed arcade-style video game. The world’s largest gaming convention will take place from 20 to 24 August at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, where Hyundai will showcase its INSTEROID Retro Arcade game alongside the INSTEROID concept car, a design study based on its INSTER sub-compact electric vehicle. Gaming meets mobility The INSTEROID Retro Arcade is a maze-style game featuring the concept car as its lead character. Players must collect electricity-shaped…

Zaatar w Zeit, one of the UAE’s most popular food chains, has launched a new catering menu designed to bring its signature fresh flavors to a wide range of occasions. The launch marks a step forward for the brand, expanding beyond its dine-in and delivery offerings to provide catering solutions for both personal gatherings and corporate events across the Emirates. Sharing made simple The catering menu focuses on variety and convenience, with generous sharing boxes tailored for office meetings, family celebrations, and social events. Customers can mix and match from a wide selection of wraps, manakeesh, pizzas, salads and more,…

Messe Frankfurt has announced the launch of a new subsidiary in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in the German trade fair giant’s regional expansion strategy. The new entity will oversee Messe Frankfurt’s business operations in the Kingdom, providing industry-specific platforms designed for the local market while strengthening ties with government bodies, associations, and private stakeholders. By localising its approach, the company aims to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030, while also positioning the Kingdom as a leading hub for global trade fairs and events. Leadership appointment To lead the new venture, Messe Frankfurt has…