Author: Sam Allcock

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee by giving back to its 37 million members worldwide with 25 days of special prizes, offers, and exclusive experiences. The celebrations, running from 25 September to 20 October, will include a 25 million Miles raffle, bonus Miles on bookings and purchases, surprise airport activities, and a bespoke anniversary aircraft livery. 25 days of giving back The centrepiece of the campaign is a 25 million Skywards Miles raffle. Members who book flights with Emirates, flydubai, or spend with participating partners during the promotion period will automatically…

SimpliTrain, a next-generation learning platform that unifies training management and learner engagement, will make its regional debut at GITEX Dubai 2025, one of the Middle East’s largest gatherings for technology and innovation. Positioned as a comprehensive solution for organizations navigating the complexities of corporate and professional training, SimpliTrain integrates the functions of a learning management system (LMS), training management system (TMS), and learning experience platform (LXP) into a single framework. Its developers say the platform is designed to simplify how companies deliver, track, and measure training programmes. With businesses and educational institutions under increasing pressure to ensure effective upskilling, compliance,…

The start of a new semester in the UAE brings a shift in pace. By sunrise, cafés are busy, roads are filled, and students are racing between lectures, part-time jobs, and social commitments. In the middle of it all, the daily commute becomes either an added stress or a moment to reset. With the new KICKS, Arabian Automobiles believes it has created a car that makes student life easier to manage and more enjoyable on the move. From the outside, the compact crossover is pitched as youthful and practical. Inside, the cabin is designed to balance storage with comfort. Backpacks…

Travellers arriving from Saudi Arabia at Zayed International Airport were treated to a festive celebration this weekend, as Yas Island Abu Dhabi and the airport joined forces to mark Saudi National Day. The arrivals lounge was transformed into a scene of colour and cheer as passengers from the first inbound Saudi flight were welcomed by Warner Bros. World favourites Tom and Jerry. The iconic cartoon duo drew delighted reactions from children and adults alike, with many pausing for photographs and videos to capture the moment. The celebrations extended beyond character appearances. Each traveller was presented with a curated gift bag…

Hitachi Energy has been named the global market share leader in grid automation for electric utilities, according to a new study by ARC Advisory Group. The findings, released in June 2025 as part of ARC’s Grid Automation Global Market Study 2024–2029, place Hitachi Energy ahead of competitors in both software and hardware categories for electric power transmission and distribution. The company was recognized as number one worldwide in Grid Control & Management, Outage Management, and AI Applications. It also leads in hardware such as measurement devices, RTUs, and wireless and wired networks. Richard Rys, ARC Advisory’s director of consulting and…

As the summer heat eases in the UAE, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi has launched a new promotion designed to tempt travellers with luxury getaways at reduced prices. The resort’s “Step Into the Suite Life” offer provides 25% off suite bookings, daily breakfast, and a complimentary upgrade to half board. Available for reservations made until September 30, for stays up to December 31, the package also includes suite-specific privileges ranging from Yas Park tickets to private airport transfers. Tailored suites for every traveller Rixos Marina boasts an extensive collection of suites designed to cater to couples, families, and larger groups. Guests…

Maybelline New York has announced Miley Cyrus as its newest global spokesperson, unveiling a campaign that reimagines the brand’s world-famous jingle, “Maybe it’s Maybelline.” The partnership marks a bold new chapter for the cosmetics giant, blending beauty with music in a bid to connect with a new generation of consumers. The campaign will launch in September 2025 across TV, digital, social and in-store platforms, with Cyrus at its centre. A childhood dream realised For Cyrus, who rose to global fame as a teenager and has since become a multi-platinum recording artist, the role carries a personal resonance. “I remember singing…

Chefs across the world are rushing to buy a new gadget that promises to change the way food is prepared: the C-200 ultrasonic chef’s knife, launched by Seattle-based startup Seattle Ultrasonics. Unlike traditional knives, the C-200 incorporates vibration technology that makes chopping, slicing and dicing easier and faster. With the push of a button, the knife’s blade vibrates 40,000 times per second. These microscopic ultrasonic movements reduce friction, creating a “nonstick effect” that prevents food from clinging to the blade. According to the company, the knife requires 50% less force to cut through even the densest ingredients, making the process…

The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will take place from 19 to 23 November 2025 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The fair has revealed the artists selected for its Beyond Emerging Artists (BEA) 2025 programme: Alla Abdunabi, Salmah Almansoori, and Maktoum Al Maktoum. Their new commissions, inspired by Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be curated and mentored by internationally acclaimed artist Issam Kourbaj. The three artists bring diverse practices: Abdunabi explores the afterlives of objects, Almansoori reflects on disappearing spaces and memory, and Al Maktoum constructs…

The BRICS Urban Future Forum “Cloud City” has concluded in Moscow, drawing more than 13,000 visitors from 42 countries to debate the role of technology in tomorrow’s megacities. Held on 17–18 September, the third edition of the event brought together 460 speakers and delegates — including urbanists, futurists, architects, and senior policymakers. With robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) as key themes, discussions focused on how digital innovation can make cities smarter, more resilient, and more human-centred. Among the international figures in attendance were Ayesha Bin Bishr, global smart city expert and former head of Dubai’s Digital Development Agency, and Sultan…