Author: Sam Allcock

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), which includes most Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, has become one of the regions most affected by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of CVDs in the region has risen sharply over the past three decades, largely due to preventable, lifestyle-related risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity. In the MENA region specifically, the burden of cardiovascular conditions has more than doubled in the last 30 years, creating new pressures on healthcare systems and communities. Cinfa’s…

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of seasonal summer flights to Palma de Mallorca, expanding its European network with direct service to Spain’s celebrated Balearic Islands. The new route, beginning 12 June 2026, marks the airline’s 29th new destination and establishes the only direct connection between Asia and Palma de Mallorca. The flights, operating three times a week until mid-September 2026, will give travelers from Abu Dhabi and beyond seamless access to one of Europe’s most iconic island escapes, as well as Ibiza and the wider Balearics. Luxury on Board with the A321LRThe route will be operated by Etihad’s newly…

Etihad Airways has introduced its new Airbus A321LR aircraft on flights between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata, marking the debut of the jet on Indian routes. The move strengthens Etihad’s position in the Indian aviation market and brings a new standard of luxury and comfort to one of its busiest destinations. The inaugural flight, EY222, landed at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 8:35 pm on 24 September to a sold-out cabin across First, Business, and Economy classes. All eight weekly return flights on the Abu Dhabi–Kolkata route will now be served exclusively by the A321LR. Expanding Presence in…

Elon Musk, CEO of X, SpaceX, Tesla, and Starlink, held talks with the leadership of the BRIDGE Summit during a meeting at Tesla’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The discussion explored the future of technology and media, with an invitation extended to Musk to participate in the inaugural BRIDGE Summit, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December. The BRIDGE delegation was led by H.E. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office, the UAE Media Council, and BRIDGE. The meeting forms part of BRIDGE’s strategy to deepen partnerships with global innovation…

Waldorf Astoria Residences Ras Al Khaimah has unveiled the Sky Palace, a palatial triplex residence spanning the 21st to 23rd floors of its luxury property. Rising above the Arabian Gulf, it is the only triplex Sky Palace in Ras Al Khaimah and has already earned the title of the emirate’s most expensive residence. Priced at AED 130 million (around USD 35 million), the Sky Palace combines architectural distinction with world-class hospitality to redefine elevated living in the region. With soaring double-height spaces, panoramic sea views, and meticulously crafted interiors, the property is designed as a benchmark for ultra-luxury residential offerings…

The 17th season of Stars of Science, the long-running reality competition hosted by Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), has once again placed the spotlight on Arab innovators tackling some of the region’s most pressing challenges — from surgical safety and health tracking to sustainability and marine protection. Launched in 2009 and produced by Qatar Foundation, the program has aired more than 313 episodes to date, building a network of 175 alumni across 18 Arab nations. Collectively, these innovators have gone on to establish more than 55 startups across a range of industries, underscoring the program’s role as a launchpad…

For many adults, recognising that lifelong traits might be linked to autism can be both enlightening and daunting. Questions about identity, relationships and workplace challenges often lead people to seek professional evaluation. Understanding how the diagnostic process works can make the journey smoother. This guide outlines each stage so you can approach an assessment with confidence and practical knowledge. Why Might An Adult Seek An Autism Diagnosis? Some adults notice patterns in social interaction, sensory sensitivity or communication style that differ from those of friends or colleagues. Others may have children who receive a diagnosis and then recognise similar traits…

At the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park, MetLife announced a major three-year partnership with Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement dedicated to ending extreme poverty. The collaboration is designed to harness MetLife’s financial expertise, employee volunteerism and global presence to drive impactful initiatives focused on education and economic empowerment. MetLife, one of the world’s leading providers of insurance and employee benefits, highlighted its long-standing mission of fostering economic security, resilience and opportunity for individuals and communities worldwide. The new partnership marks a significant expansion of MetLife’s corporate social responsibility efforts and aligns closely with Global Citizen’s…

YouTube superstar Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has come under intense scrutiny after releasing his latest viral video, Would You Risk Dying For $500,000? The stunt-filled upload, which featured a contestant trapped inside a burning house, has sparked widespread debate about the ethics of extreme challenges for entertainment. The 25-minute video introduced Eric, a stuntman competing in a series of increasingly dangerous tasks to win half a million dollars. Eric explained his motivation in the opening scenes: he hoped to support his parents, particularly his father, who is battling cancer. The challenges ranged from being launched out of a…

Turkish media has been abuzz with speculation after reports surfaced that Hande Erçel may have played a role in Kerem Bürsin’s breakup with Melisa Sabancı Tapan. Bürsin and Tapan, who had been together for over a year, are said to have quietly ended their relationship. According to local outlets, the split stemmed largely from busy schedules. Bürsin has been heavily involved in television and film projects, while Melisa Sabancı Tapan prefers to keep her personal life private. Sources suggest the decision to part ways was mutual and amicable. The story took a new turn when Bürsin and Erçel were spotted…