Author: Sam Allcock

The American University of Beirut (AUB) marked a milestone on Monday, September 22, 2025, with the Legacy Ceremony, a tradition that brings together generations of alumni and their families. This year’s event at Assembly Hall welcomed 422 legacy students—sons, daughters, and grandchildren of alumni—who are beginning their academic journey at the university. The gathering, attended by AUB president Dr. Fadlo Khuri, senior administrators, faculty, alumni, families, and students, highlighted the role of legacy in shaping AUB’s enduring community. Inspiring a new generation Opening the evening, Salma Oueida, Associate Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations, and University Events, urged students to…

Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor of Renault in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, has launched a special weekend trade-in campaign on the new Renault Koleos, giving drivers an opportunity to upgrade their lifestyle with added savings. Running from 25–28 September 2025, the promotion allows customers to exchange their current vehicles and enjoy up to AED 13,000 off the flagship SUV. Designed for everyday life The Renault Koleos has been designed to cater to modern family and individual needs, blending style, comfort, and practicality. The SUV features a spacious interior, a panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and a…

Dubai is preparing to host the 7th Labor Sports Tournament, a 10-month sporting festival organised by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) under the theme “Their Happiness is Our Goal.” The tournament opens on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and runs until June 30, 2026, making it the largest and longest edition to date. This year’s event features 19 competitions across 14 different sports, drawing thousands of male and female workers from diverse nationalities and professional backgrounds. The expansion underscores DSC’s commitment to promoting physical activity, cultural inclusivity, and workplace wellbeing. Badminton kicks off the season The opening event is the men’s…

OMODA&JAECOO, the fastest-growing new automotive brand globally, has officially entered the German market with a major showcase at IAA Mobility 2025, highlighting its commitment to the fast-expanding New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sector. The brand drew attention with a strong line-up, including the OMODA 5 BEV and the much-anticipated JAECOO J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System). Together, the vehicles represented a complete product offering across the battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) categories. Spotlight on JAECOO J7 SHS The JAECOO J7 SHS became the centrepiece of OMODA&JAECOO’s presentation, attracting acclaim for its advanced hybrid technology and positioning the model as a…

Dubai Investments PJSC, a leading investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is reaffirming its commitment to nurturing Emirati talent by participating in Ru’ya Careers UAE 2025, taking place from 23–25 September at Dubai World Trade Centre. The company has been a longstanding supporter of Ru’ya — one of the UAE’s largest career fairs dedicated to Emirati job seekers — and has leveraged the platform over the years to attract, develop, and retain national talent across its diverse portfolio of businesses. Building long-term careers Dubai Investments has consistently emphasised that the UAE’s most valuable resource lies in its people.…

Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers, has announced that construction of its landmark project, Rêve, has now reached 56% completion. The high-profile development is part of the fourth phase of Riviera, Azizi’s French Mediterranean-inspired waterfront community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City), Meydan. According to the latest update, the development has achieved 94% of its structural build, while blockwork has reached 74%, internal plastering 66%, and tiling 30%. Work on HVAC systems is at 48%, MEP systems at 42%, and façade installation at 18%, while external works stand at 55%. Overall finishes are now…

The UAE has once again entered the global spotlight with a record-breaking creation that blends heritage, luxury, and artistry. Al Romaizan Gold and Jewelry Company has officially received a Guinness World Records certificate for its extraordinary creation, the “Dubai Dress”, now recognised as the world’s heaviest dress made from pure 21-carat gold. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at Expo Sharjah, held on the sidelines of the 56th Middle East Watch and Jewelry Exhibition. The achievement not only underscores Emirati craftsmanship but also reinforces Dubai’s reputation as an international hub for innovation in the gold and jewelry industry.…

Dubai has added yet another record to its name – this time in the world of coffee. An Emirati café has secured a Guinness World Record for serving the world’s most expensive cup of coffee, priced at an eye-watering Dh 2,500 (over $650). The honour was awarded on 13 September to Roasters, a homegrown coffee brand, at its flagship branch on Boulevard Downtown Dubai. The achievement was confirmed by Guinness World Records and reported by Khaleej Times. Founded in Dubai, Roasters has built a strong reputation among coffee enthusiasts for its dedication to quality beans and precise brewing. From its…

Pop icon Rihanna and rapper A$AP Rocky have welcomed their third child together, announcing the birth on Instagram with a series of intimate family photographs. The 37-year-old “Love on the Brain” singer revealed that their daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers, was born on 13 September. The announcement was accompanied by photos of Rihanna cradling the newborn, dressed in a soft pink onesie, while other images showcased the baby’s tiny pink gloves tied with bows. Marking the milestone, Rihanna also wore a gold ring inscribed with the word “Mom”, a subtle nod to her new chapter as a mother of three. In…

Crescent Enterprises, a UAE-headquartered diversified business group, has launched a new prize in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Solve initiative, recognising start-ups applying artificial intelligence (AI) to pressing global challenges. Announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week in New York, the Crescent Enterprises AI for Social Innovation Prize will provide $100,000 in equity-free funding, alongside mentorship and access to global networks through MIT Solve’s nine-month support programme. Four pioneering teams were named as inaugural recipients: Speaking at the launch, Crescent Enterprises CEO Badr Jafar said the prize was designed to highlight how…