Author: Sam Allcock

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has sparked widespread debate online after appearing noticeably slimmer at the Venice Film Festival, where his latest film The Smashing Machine received a lengthy standing ovation. The former professional wrestler, widely known as one of Hollywood’s most muscular figures, walked the red carpet alongside co-star Emily Blunt, showcasing a leaner frame that surprised many fans. The transformation is tied to his role as former MMA champion Mark Kerr, whose story of success and personal struggles forms the basis of the upcoming biopic. Social media reaction was immediate and divided. YouTube reviewer The Critical Drinker wrote on…

Doctors at King’s College London have unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered stethoscope capable of detecting serious heart conditions within 15 seconds, offering the potential for faster diagnosis and earlier treatment. The device, which resembles a playing card in size, combines traditional auscultation with advanced digital technology. Placed on the patient’s chest, it records an electrocardiogram while a built-in microphone captures heart sounds. The information is instantly uploaded to the cloud, with results delivered to a doctor’s smartphone in seconds. Researchers say the stethoscope can identify three major conditions — heart failure, heart valve defects, and arrhythmias — all of which can…

Aldar Properties has announced the launch of 450 townhomes exclusively for UAE nationals at Al Deem, a family-oriented community northeast of Yas Island. Sales will officially open on 12 September. The new release forms part of the wider Al Deem masterplan, formerly known as Balghaiylam, and is designed to combine modern convenience with traditional Emirati values. Each three- and four-bedroom unit prioritises space and comfort, featuring a majlis and multiple entrances to ensure privacy and flexibility. In a first for the UAE, 26 live-work homes will also be included in the launch. These three-bedroom residences integrate commercial space on the…

Nissan has expanded its presence in the Middle East SUV market with the launch of the first-ever Nissan Magnite, a compact urban crossover designed to meet the region’s rising demand for versatile and affordable vehicles. The debut marks a milestone for the brand, which now offers six SUV and crossover nameplates across 47 variants in the region. Company figures show that SUVs accounted for more than 55% of Nissan’s regional sales in the 2024 fiscal year, reflecting a 17% increase compared with the previous year. Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President and President for the Middle East, KSA, CIS – Nissan…

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, roared to life this weekend with the return of the Ferrari Ladies Run, an event dedicated to celebrating fitness, community and women’s empowerment. More than 500 women and girls took part under the iconic red roof, making this the second year of the event’s growing success. This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand, Celebrating the 50th”, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union, established in 1975. Organisers described the run as a symbolic reflection of the union’s mission: promoting Emirati women’s rights, leadership and social progress over five decades. The atmosphere was electric…

The American University in Cairo (AUC) is hosting the first steering committee meeting of the African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC), a major initiative in public health research. The gathering is taking place at AUC’s New Cairo campus from September 1 to 4 under the theme “Data Exchange and Harmonization Across Africa.” Launched in May 2024 in Cape Town, APCC brings together more than 40 African research groups from 16 countries, united around a shared research vision. The consortium is designed to strengthen Africa’s capacity in population health studies through long-term, large-scale research. It has received significant backing from the Wellcome…

Salesforce has launched Agentforce for Public Sector, a new AI-powered platform designed to help government agencies improve responsiveness, productivity and efficiency amid growing public demands and staffing shortages. The service introduces digital labour in the form of intelligent AI agents that can autonomously handle complex, time-consuming tasks while operating within strict regulatory guardrails. The company says this will allow government employees to focus on mission-critical work, while citizens benefit from faster and more cost-effective services. “Agentforce for Public Sector makes this future possible by integrating trusted, secure AI into the fabric of government operations,” said Nasi Jazayeri, Executive Vice President…

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has launched two new ancillary services — a Mediation Service Centre and a Notary Service — aimed at expanding access to justice and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global business hub. The announcement follows the issuance of Dubai Law No. (2) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The law laid the legislative foundation for the new services, with an accompanying resolution issued by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of…

Samsung Electronics has rolled out its Home Appliances Remote Management (HRM) service to 122 countries, offering remote diagnostics and real-time troubleshooting for connected appliances in 17 languages. The expansion marks a major step in the South Korean firm’s efforts to provide seamless, proactive customer care worldwide. HRM connects appliances linked to the SmartThings platform with Samsung’s service network, enabling advisors to monitor conditions and offer instant solutions with customer consent. The service, which has been available in Korea since 2020 and piloted in 10 countries in 2024, now supports refrigerators and washing machines in markets across Europe, the Middle East,…

Cisco has unveiled new insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming customer service in the UAE and across global markets, as companies turn to automation to meet rising consumer expectations. The technology firm outlined ten emerging trends in AI-powered customer engagement, with tools ranging from conversational chatbots to predictive analytics, reshaping the way organisations interact with clients. Ahmad Zureiki, Director of Collaboration Business for Cisco Middle East and Africa, said AI was redefining customer interactions.“AI is reshaping every touchpoint of customer service, delivering faster resolutions, deeper personalisation, and scalable business impact,” he explained. “True digital success lies in blending…