Author: Sam Allcock

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…

Emirates has announced the opening of a new state-of-the-art flight crew training centre, part of the airline’s AED 500 million investment to prepare for future fleet expansion and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub. The 63,318 sq. ft. facility houses six full flight simulator bays and will train current and future pilots on the airline’s Airbus A350s and upcoming Boeing 777Xs. Located close to other Emirates training centres, the facility is designed to provide an integrated hub for pilot development. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, described…

Oman Air, the Sultanate’s national carrier, has achieved its busiest Khareef season on record, flying more than 200,000 guests into Salalah between June and August 2025—a 15% increase over last year. The milestone was driven by an increase in daily flights—up to 14 per day—and the deployment of widebody aircraft, boosting capacity on some services by as much as 75%. The airline also continued to offer its popular fixed national fare, with more than 70% of passengers benefitting from the OMR 54 return ticket during the season. The OMR 64 fare remains available year-round. Ahmed Al Mahrouqy, Oman Air’s Vice…

Students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently returned from a two-week service learning trip to Tanzania, where they gained hands-on experience in cross-cultural communication and delivering healthcare in resource-limited settings. The group of eleven students worked alongside local doctors and nurses in the Kilimanjaro region, setting up field clinics, conducting free health checks, and assisting with home visits. They also visited Kibosho Hospital—a 225-bed facility near Moshi—and the Amani Centre orphanage. Beyond medical service, the students immersed themselves in Tanzanian culture, meeting members of the Maasai and Hadza communities, attending a traditional batik class, shopping at local markets, and exploring…

HSBC has opened the region’s first wealth centre in Dubai, marking a significant step in its strategy to strengthen its international wealth and premier banking (IWPB) services. The new facility, located within the bank’s flagship Jumeirah branch, is tailored to meet the needs of affluent and high-net-worth clients, offering them a private and exclusive environment for wealth management. Clients will be able to hold consultations with specialist HSBC relationship managers and access customised solutions designed to help them grow, manage and protect their assets. In addition to client services, the wealth centre includes a dedicated event space, which will host…

Maserati has taken centre stage at the second edition of the TUTTO BENE Hillclimb, a celebration of automotive culture held last week against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. The event, which combines design, lifestyle and motoring passion, attracted an audience of enthusiasts eager to see the brand’s latest showcase: the GT2 Stradale, presented in a striking Giallo Genio body colour with black and grey interior finishes. Unlike traditional hill climbs, there were no speed trials or timed competitions. Instead, the experience embraced the philosophy encapsulated in the slogan “slow down to go fast”. The emphasis was…