Author: Sam Allcock

Apple enthusiasts in the UAE and Kuwait can mark their calendars as pre-orders for the new iPhone 17 series open on Friday, September 12, with official availability beginning a week later on September 19. Revealed during Apple’s highly anticipated event on September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, the new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max generated buzz for their sleek upgrades, powerful performance, and AI-driven features. Alongside the phones, Apple also introduced its latest Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, SE, and the AirPods Pro 3.2. UAE & Kuwait to…

In a world first, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed a virtual, AI-generated minister to his new cabinet. Named Dela—which means “the sun” in Albanian—the digital minister will oversee government contracts with a mission to ensure total transparency and eliminate corruption. The unprecedented announcement comes just months after Rama secured a fourth consecutive term in office. With Albania’s long-standing ambition to join the European Union by 2030, good governance and anti-corruption measures remain central to the country’s reform agenda. “Every euro of public money must be handled openly, and every public tender must be free from corruption,” said Rama…

The engineering profession is experiencing a strong resurgence in the UAE, fuelled by technological innovation and the country’s sustainability agenda, according to the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK). As traditional job roles are redefined by automation, AI, and digital transformation, engineering is emerging as a key career path for future-ready students. The School of Engineering and Computing at AURAK says demand for engineers is on the rise, not only in legacy sectors such as construction and petroleum but also in cutting-edge fields like AI, robotics, and renewable energy. “AURAK has always been proactive in bridging the gap between…

Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global leader in IoT and GNSS technologies, has unveiled four new high-performance GNSS antennas, expanding its comprehensive ecosystem of precision positioning products. These latest additions are engineered to deliver centimeter-level accuracy and meet the evolving demands of industries like autonomous vehicles, robotics, agriculture, and surveying. The announcement comes as Quectel showcases its full product lineup, including live demonstrations, at Nepcon Vietnam in Hanoi, where it is exhibiting at Booth S26. Four New GNSS Antennas for a Precision-Critical World Built for the Next Generation of GNSS Modules The new antennas are optimized to pair with Quectel’s latest…

Omani data solutions provider Rihal has successfully closed the first tranche of its Series A funding round, securing $7.5 million from strategic investor ITHCA Group. The company is targeting a total raise of $15 million, with a second close now open to regional strategic investors, as demand for enterprise data solutions surges across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The fresh capital injection marks a significant milestone in Rihal’s journey, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s business model, which has posted a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 119% since its seed round in 2021. A Regional Data Pioneer on the…

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, in partnership with international law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, has released the sixth edition of its flagship publication, The Guide to Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates. The newly updated guide provides American companies with a detailed and practical overview of the evolving U.A.E. business environment. This edition comes amid a wave of economic reforms, regulatory shifts, and an intensifying U.S.-U.A.E. commercial partnership, offering a roadmap for U.S. businesses looking to enter or expand within the Emirates. Key Developments Since 2023 The 2025 guide incorporates several pivotal changes and emerging trends: Opportunities for…

In a bold move blending the worlds of automotive design and haute couture, Chinese carmaker SOUEAST and iconic Filipino designer Michael Cinco officially announced a strategic collaboration during Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) Spring/Summer 2026, held on September 5, 2025. The partnership was revealed on the runway in front of global media, fashion insiders, and industry leaders, marking a first-of-its-kind crossover between a Chinese automobile brand and the Middle East’s most influential fashion house. It also follows SOUEAST’s recent milestone as the first Chinese auto brand to become an exclusive partner of Dubai Fashion Week—co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and…

LG Electronics has unveiled a bold new vision for smart living at IFA Berlin 2025, presenting its AI Appliances Orchestra — a cohesive, AI-powered ecosystem designed to transform homes into intelligent, responsive environments. This announcement positions LG at the forefront of the next wave in AI-integrated living spaces. At the centre of this concept is LG’s AI Home Solution, brought to life by the intuitive ThinQ ON smart hub, which acts as the central “conductor” for a growing symphony of connected appliances. Harmony Through Technology The AI Appliances Orchestra aims to bring harmony to everyday routines by enabling all LG…

Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, has appointed Frank Veenstra as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO), a strategic leadership move aimed at strengthening the brand’s expansion into the ultra-luxury segment. Veenstra, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in global hospitality development, is tasked with reshaping Kempinski’s growth strategy to appeal to a new generation of high-end travellers while upholding the company’s legacy of timeless European luxury. Leading Kempinski’s Next Chapter In his new role, Veenstra will oversee the refinement of Kempinski’s global development approach, including: He joins Kempinski after senior roles at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, NH Hotels,…

Orascom Construction, a global leader in engineering, construction, and infrastructure development, has officially listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), becoming the third company to debut on the exchange in 2025. The listing further strengthens ADX’s position as the largest exchange in the UAE and one of the top 20 exchanges globally. The move underscores ADX’s ongoing commitment to expanding market access, diversifying investment opportunities, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a global financial hub. Strategic Listing to Fuel Growth Orascom Construction’s debut aligns with its broader strategy to scale operations, expand infrastructure investments, and unlock long-term value…