Author: Sam Allcock

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), part of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced the release of Falcon H1R 7B, an artificial intelligence model designed to deliver strong reasoning performance using fewer computing resources. Falcon H1R 7B contains 7 billion parameters and focuses on practical deployment needs such as speed, memory use, and energy demand. Independent testing shows the model competing with and often outperforming larger open-source models from Microsoft, Alibaba, and NVIDIA. The release reflects TII’s research direction and the UAE’s growing role in global AI development. His Excellency Faisal al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President…

Thumbay Healthcare has reported the birth of two healthy newborns at its facilities in Ajman and Fujairah, marking the beginning of 2026 with positive outcomes for families from different communities. At Thumbay University Hospital Ajman, Mrs. Kafayat Uyomide, a Nigerian national, gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 2:41 a.m. The newborn, named Baby of Kafayat, had a birth weight of 3.27 kg. Mrs. Kafayat and her husband welcomed their first child. Speaking after the delivery, she said, “I am very happy; I cannot explain my joy. This is my first baby.” Both mother and baby are progressing well…

Manama, 29 December 2025 – National Bank of Bahrain has been announced as a Forum Partner for the fourth edition of Sustainability Forum Middle East. The event will be held on 27–28 January 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain, with the support of the Supreme Council for Environment and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil & Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. The Forum will take place under the theme “Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation”. Proceedings will begin with a Special Address by H.E.…

MGE Events has confirmed plans to launch the Dhofar Marathon in partnership with Experience Oman. The announcement took place at a press conference on 16 December at Anantara Al Baleed Resort Salalah, under the theme “Dhofar Moves, A Generation Growths”. Organisers say the region is seeing a shift in how sport is viewed. Physical activity is being used as a tool to support healthier lifestyles and community engagement. Programmes linked to this movement have already reached more than 10,000 children, along with adults across Dhofar. The Dhofar Marathon will take place in November 2026 and will be hosted alongside Anantara…

OMODA&JAECOO UAE hosted its first official JAECOO J8 SHS test drive at the Dubai Autodrome on 24 December. The on-track event marked an important stage in the brand’s UAE rollout of its Super Hybrid System technology. The invite-only session included company staff, dealer partners, and more than 40 members of the regional media. Participants drove the JAECOO J8 SHS on the circuit and shared first-hand impressions based on live driving experience. The day began with a technical presentation and track briefing. The session outlined the vehicle’s core features and explained how the Super Hybrid System operates across different driving conditions.…

Al Habtoor Motors has launched three new JAC vehicles in the UAE as part of an expanded product line-up. The new models include the JS6 PRO SUV, the T8 Pro Petrol Pickup, and the RF8 Luxury MPV, covering key segments in the local market. The vehicles were revealed at a launch event held at the Al Joud Ballroom at Hilton Habtoor City. The launch reflects JAC’s continued development in the UAE, where the brand has operated since 2014. It also shows how the company has moved from its manufacturing origins in 1967 towards a focus on modern vehicle technology and…

Comera Financial Holdings, a member of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group, and SC Ventures have entered into a strategic collaboration through a signed memorandum of understanding. The agreement focuses on developing financial solutions that support SMEs and align with the UAE’s wider economic goals. The partnership will explore solutions designed for corporates that work closely with SME networks. Areas under review include supply chain finance, improved access to working capital, and tailored funding models for specific sectors. By combining Comera’s digital finance platforms with SC Ventures’ knowledge of venture development and credit analysis, the organisations aim to support business stability and…

Ford Middle East and North Africa unveiled the 2026 Ford Everest at the Liwa International Festival, highlighting a new V6 engine developed for the region and presenting the Everest Tremor to local audiences for the first time. Ravi Ravichandran, President, Ford Middle East and North Africa, said:” The unveiling of the 2026 Ford Everest marks a new chapter for Ford in the region under our Ready.Set.Ford. direction. For more than 40 years, we’ve listened to our customers across the Middle East, and the new Everest reflects what they expect from a modern SUV: capability, everyday comfort, and advanced technology—ready for…

Stirling Hospitality Advisors has been appointed to advise on the launch of the St. Regis Residences on Dubai Islands, in partnership with Avenew Development. The project is positioned as a major luxury residential scheme along Dubai’s northern waterfront. As lead advisory partner, Stirling Hospitality Advisors is responsible for feasibility planning, brand selection, and early-stage development work across the hospitality and branded residences components. This includes assessing hotel performance potential and managing the search and negotiation process with operators. A final operator decision is expected by the end of the year. The St. Regis Residences, Dubai Islands, will feature about 250…

A dedicated dinner and live show experience marks the final night of the year in Dubai. Dubai, UAE; December 2025 – DREAM Dubai will host a single New Year’s Eve celebration created specifically for the night. The event brings together a tailored stage production and selected signature performances from the venue’s festive programme. Guests will be served a shared 10-course menu, featuring oysters prepared to order, truffle burrata with caviar, Canadian lobster, premium prawns, Angus beef tenderloin, and a range of desserts. Drinks will be available on a free-flow basis from 9 PM to 1 AM. The evening follows an…