Author: Sam Allcock

LuLu Group, the region’s leading retailer, has taken a major step in its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy with the launch of a landmark solar energy initiative across five of its flagship facilities in Dubai. The ambitious project, developed in partnership with Positive Zero, aims to significantly reduce LuLu’s carbon footprint while generating long-term energy savings, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 vision and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Solar rooftop installations are being deployed at LuLu Hypermarkets in Al Warqa, Rashidiya, and Dubai Investment Park (DIP), as well as at the LuLu Central Logistics hub…

Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping malls, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced the expansion of its long-standing partnership with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) for its Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister brands. The new agreement significantly broadens the scope of collaboration, granting e-commerce rights across multiple markets and enabling the launch of A&F Co.’s first regional online platforms. Dedicated sites are now live in Saudi Arabia, with Qatar expected to follow in the coming months, alongside additional regional rollouts. Each platform is designed to offer a curated range aligned with…

The Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), together with the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council), co-hosted the second Annual Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Think Tank Forum, bringing together regional and international policy experts to examine how global shifts impact the Arab region. Held over two days, the forum convened members of the Arab Think Tank Network, alongside leading regional and international think tanks, to explore how global public goods are defined and prioritized in the Arab world. Discussions focused on trade and migration, development…

Orange Jordan reaffirmed its commitment to employee well-being and community spirit by hosting its annual Family Day event, bringing together employees and their families in a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment, interaction, and celebration. The day was designed to strengthen team spirit and nurture a sense of belonging, not just among employees but also their families. It offered a valuable opportunity to connect outside the workplace and highlighted the company’s ongoing dedication to building a supportive and inclusive environment. The highlight of the event was the 2025 Orange Employees Football Championship final, which energized the crowd with spirited competition. The…

Salesforce, the global leader in AI-driven customer relationship management (CRM), will showcase its latest agentic AI innovations at GITEX Global 2025, taking place in Dubai from October 13–17. The company aims to demonstrate how regional organisations can adopt intelligent automation and digital labour to evolve into authentic “Agentic Enterprises.” At its 264-square-metre booth in Hall 4, Stand B15, Salesforce will host a series of talks, live sessions, and solution demonstrations. The spotlight will be on Agentforce, Data Cloud, and Hyperforce, platforms designed to enhance customer service, boost efficiency, and redefine how businesses leverage AI in real time. Salesforce solutions are…

Careem is redefining convenience with Careem Quik, its ultra-fast delivery service that brings customers access to more than 12,000 products in just 15 minutes across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From premium fresh produce to electronics and household essentials, Careem Quik is positioning itself as the UAE’s go-to platform for everyday needs. Launched in 2022, Careem Quik operates through its own network of quick commerce stores, enabling rapid fulfillment and ensuring products reach customers faster than traditional grocery delivery services. Everyday essentials such as fruits, vegetables, pantry staples, fresh meat, seafood, baked goods, electronics, and home supplies are all available on…

In a global hospitality market crowded with formula-driven concepts, Shaza Hotels is carving a distinct identity by offering properties that immerse guests in the cultural and emotional essence of their destinations. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Silk Route, each Shaza hotel is envisioned not merely as accommodation, but as a statement in architecture, a guest favorite, and a commercially sound investment for owners. This philosophy ensures that every Shaza property delivers memorable experiences while creating tangible value for stakeholders. Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President of Business Development and Growth at Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza, emphasized the brand’s vision:…

A groundbreaking research study published in Information (MDPI) has unveiled the transformative potential of Educational Cyber-Physical Systems (ECPSs) in reshaping higher education for the digital age. The research, titled “Educational Cyber-Physical Systems (ECPSs) for University 4.0”, explores how ECPSs can revolutionize teaching practices, enhance learning outcomes, and support student success by integrating physical classrooms with digital technologies, sensors, and artificial intelligence. Operating within the Internet of Everything framework, ECPSs connect people, devices, services, and data to create intelligent, responsive learning ecosystems. By continuously monitoring student activities and enabling real-time feedback loops, ECPSs empower educators to dynamically adapt instruction while giving…

Gulf Medical University (GMU), owned by Thumbay Group, marked a major academic milestone this week as 1,189 students formally entered the healthcare profession through the university’s annual White Coat Ceremony 2025. The ceremony, a defining tradition for aspiring health professionals worldwide, saw every undergraduate student don the symbolic white coat and recite the professional oath, underscoring their commitment to patient care, confidentiality, and ethical practice. This year’s intake reflects GMU’s broad academic spectrum across medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, management, and AI in healthcare programs. Students were enrolled at multiple levels—foundation, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, internship, and residency—bringing the university’s…

After a five-month pause, the world’s largest choreographed fountain is ready to make a spectacular comeback. On October 1, the Dubai Fountain will resume its role as the beating heart of Downtown Dubai, bringing back its dazzling displays of water, light, and music. The reopening has been eagerly awaited, drawing excitement from both UAE residents and international tourists. Many visitors have been closely following updates on social media, with some planning their trips to Dubai specifically to coincide with the fountain’s relaunch. The moment is expected to attract large crowds for its first shows, reaffirming the global appeal of one…