Author: Sam Allcock

Uber has announced plans to launch helicopter services from 2026, marking its boldest step yet into the fast-emerging market for urban air mobility. The San Francisco-based company confirmed a partnership with Joby Aviation, a US electric air taxi maker, to deliver the service, which will allow passengers to book flights directly through the Uber app in some of the world’s most populated cities. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said the project would allow Uber customers to “feel the magic of seamless urban air travel,” signalling a new era of convenience for city commuters. A strategic partnership The…

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Riyadh for an official state visit at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his third trip to the Gulf within a week. Mr Sharif was received at King Khalid International Airport on Wednesday by Riyadh’s Deputy Governor Prince Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, and senior Saudi officials. Streets in the Saudi capital were lined with Pakistani flags to mark the occasion. At Al-Yamamah Palace, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally welcomed the prime minister…

Dubai-based aviation services company dnata has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with Dubai Basketball, becoming a Founding Partner of the city’s first professional basketball franchise. The deal, dnata’s first major sports sponsorship, places its brand at the heart of one of the most ambitious sporting projects in the region. Dubai Basketball is preparing to compete in both the EuroLeague and the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League, marking a significant milestone for the club and the emirate’s sporting ambitions. Branding and travel partnership As part of the agreement, dnata’s logo will feature on the team’s official jerseys, at the Coca-Cola Arena…

Dubai-based airline flydubai has announced plans to expand its presence in East Africa with the launch of flights to Nairobi and the introduction of a daily service to Mombasa. The low-cost carrier will begin operating four weekly flights to Nairobi International Airport (NBO) from Dubai International’s Terminal 3 starting 15 October 2025. In parallel, its services to Mombasa will rise from four times weekly to daily beginning 1 October 2025, bringing its total number of flights to Kenya to 11 per week. The expansion underscores the growing importance of the Kenyan market to airlines in the Gulf region, with demand…

The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South has recorded strong growth in private jet traffic in the first half of 2025, underscoring Dubai’s rising profile as a global centre for business aviation. According to newly released figures, MBRAH registered 9,753 private jet movements between January and June, representing a 15% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The results strengthen Al Maktoum International Airport’s position as the busiest hub for international business aviation movements in the Middle East. Strategic role for Dubai The steady rise in movements highlights Dubai’s role in attracting global investors, entrepreneurs and…

Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites has announced a new season of fitness and wellness masterclasses, designed to inspire guests to embrace balance, movement, and mindfulness as the cooler months begin in the UAE. Running from October 2025 to May 2026, the series promises a wide-ranging programme that blends high-energy workouts, restorative practices, and expert-led sessions, available exclusively for in-house guests. The beachfront resort, located on Palm Jumeirah, has curated the line-up through its Exclusive Sports Club. The initiative is intended to complement the property’s wellness ethos, with experiences that extend beyond traditional gym workouts. The programme opens on…

Samsung Electronics has announced that its 2025 OLED TV, the S95F model, has been officially certified as a Real Black display by Germany’s Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE), one of Europe’s most respected electrical engineering certification institutes. The recognition makes Samsung one of the few manufacturers to meet the stringent standards required to claim a true black viewing experience. The certification confirms the display’s ability to deliver near-perfect blacks, measured at below 0.005 nits in dark environments, as well as consistent black accuracy in sunlit rooms and under direct lighting. This means viewers can expect crystal-clear visuals with rich contrasts and…

The summer camps organised by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) concluded on a high note, drawing strong participation from across the emirate. A total of 758 children aged between four and 14 took part in the programmes, which achieved a satisfaction rate of 98%, reflecting their success in fostering creativity, knowledge and future-ready skills. The initiatives were held across several cultural venues under the umbrella theme of nurturing the next generation. They form part of Dubai Culture’s wider commitment to investing in young people to reinforce the emirate’s role as a global hub for creativity, culture and talent.…

Ski Dubai, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, has announced the winners of the 16th edition of the Ice Warrior Challenge, an extreme obstacle race held in sub-zero conditions. The event, which took place yesterday, attracted 560 competitors aged between 15 and 60. Athletes from 69 nationalities – including 194 Emiratis – tested their mental and physical endurance by taking on 28 obstacles inside the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort. Since its launch in 2010, the Ice Warrior Challenge has grown into one of Dubai’s most popular sporting fixtures, blending fitness, fun, and the novelty of competing in snow…

Ooredoo Kuwait has announced preparations for one of the country’s most anticipated technology events of 2025, with the launch of the iPhone 17 set to take place on Friday, 19 September, at the Ooredoo Tower. Branded as “The Device You’ve All Been Waiting For”, the event promises to be a landmark occasion in Kuwait’s technology calendar, offering an immersive mix of innovation, entertainment, and exclusive offers. According to the telecoms operator, the event will feature live music, gourmet dining, and a youthful, vibrant atmosphere aimed at a broad audience, from technology enthusiasts to music and gaming fans. Attendees will also…