Author: Sam Allcock

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…

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…