Author: Sam Allcock

Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Wahab has issued a statement clarifying her position on recent controversies, firmly denying rumours of a reunion with her ex-husband Hossam Habib and announcing the end of her relationship with lawyer Yasser Kantoush. In a post shared on her official social media pages, the star stressed that Kantoush no longer represents her legally and that she has no professional or personal ties with him. “Artist Sherine Abdel Wahab announces to her esteemed fans and the public that Mr. Yasser Kantoush does not legally represent her in any matter, and she has no current relationship with him,”…

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has officially released its Grok 2.5 model as an open-source system, a move the billionaire says is intended to promote transparency and collaboration in AI development. The announcement was made on Musk’s social media platform X, where he also confirmed that Grok 3, the company’s next major release, would be open-sourced within six months. The Grok series of AI models is positioned as a rival to leading frameworks from companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. By making Grok 2.5 publicly available, xAI aims to allow researchers, developers, and hobbyists worldwide to test, refine,…

Apple’s smartwatch line offers a wide range of features, but one area where users should exercise caution is water exposure. Despite its sleek design and high price tag, the Apple Watch is not entirely waterproof. Apple has been deliberate in its language, consistently describing the device as “water resistant” rather than “waterproof.” This distinction is crucial for users who might assume the device can withstand extended water exposure without issue. According to Apple’s official classifications, models from the Apple Watch Series 2 onwards — including the Apple Watch SE — carry a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters,…

SBC Medical Group Holdings, a global provider of consulting and management services for medical corporations and clinics, has announced the appointment of Dr Ewen Chee as President of Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings (AHH) and Lead Doctor for Asia Strategy. The Singapore-based physician, widely regarded as a pioneer in the country’s aesthetic medicine sector, will oversee physician recruitment and training across the Asia-Pacific region. His new role is expected to enhance SBC’s efforts in strengthening its global strategy for the fast-growing industry. Founded in 1999, Dr Chee’s Chelsea Clinic was among the first in Singapore to introduce IPL treatments, a move that…

As families prepare for the return to school, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is keeping the summer spirit alive with its seasonal programme, The Summer of Cool. Located on Palm Jumeirah’s shoreline, the resort is highlighting its mix of leisure, entertainment, and hospitality as it encourages families, couples, and solo travellers to make the most of the final weeks of summer. General Manager Murat Zorlu said the aim was to capture the energy of the season while offering guests a way to “beat the heat” through carefully curated experiences. Suites and stays The property is offering a range…

Hyundai Motor Group’s leadership across three generations has been recognised with the Automotive News Centennial Award for outstanding contributions to the global automotive industry. Executive Chair Euisun Chung, his father Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung, and grandfather Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung were named as influential figures who have reshaped global mobility and built Hyundai into one of the world’s leading carmakers. The award, part of Automotive News’ 100th anniversary celebrations, will be presented at the Automotive News Congress in Detroit on 11 September 2025. Global rise under Euisun Chung Since becoming Executive Chair in 2020, Euisun Chung has propelled Hyundai Motor…

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has named Professor Bassam Alameddine as its new president, marking what the institution calls a “bold new era” as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of the Fifth Industrial Revolution. Professor Alameddine, an internationally recognised academic leader, brings a track record of institutional transformation across the Gulf and beyond. He succeeds Dr David Schmidt, under whose tenure AURAK earned the prestigious QS 5 Stars Plus rating in 2023, joining an elite group of universities worldwide. In a statement, Professor Alameddine said he was “delighted” to lead the university, describing AURAK…

Ooredoo Kuwait, one of the country’s leading digital and telecommunications providers, has unveiled the Ooredoo Call of Duty Tournament 2025, a large-scale esports initiative set to capture the attention of Kuwait’s rapidly growing gaming community. The tournament, which the company describes as one of the region’s most anticipated esports events, will begin with online qualifiers before culminating in a live Grand Final on 30 August at Ooredoo’s headquarters. The final will also be streamed live across digital platforms, making it accessible to both participants and spectators nationwide. At its core, the event has been positioned as more than just a…

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is marking Emirati Women’s Day with a series of cultural and artistic events designed to honour the talent, creativity and achievements of women in the UAE. The programme, which begins on 28 August, includes an expert panel discussion, an art exhibition, an interactive design experience, and a month-long afternoon tea inspired by Emirati traditions. A panel on women building the nation The hotel will host a discussion titled Women Building the Nation at 4pm on 28 August, bringing together voices from architecture, education and the arts. Architect and academic Asma…

Jumbo Electronics, one of the UAE’s leading electronics and home appliance retailers, has relaunched two of its flagship showrooms at City Centre Deira in Dubai and City Centre Sharjah. The newly designed stores, now open to the public, feature modernised layouts, enhanced visibility and updated product sections, which the retailer says will deliver a more engaging and rewarding shopping experience. The relaunch comes as Jumbo looks to strengthen its position as a trusted technology destination in the Emirates. With monthly footfall already reaching 22,000 at City Centre Deira and 9,000 at City Centre Sharjah, the company is projecting double-digit growth…