Author: Sam Allcock

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has been named among Bahrain’s Top 10 Listed Companies in 2025 by Forbes Middle East, underlining the lender’s role as one of the Kingdom’s strongest financial institutions. The annual ranking, regarded as one of the region’s most credible benchmarks, evaluates publicly listed companies across the Kingdom against a set of core financial indicators. These include sales, profits, assets, and market value — metrics that together provide a snapshot of market resilience and overall corporate health. According to Forbes Middle East, NBB’s placement reflects its consistent performance, strategic expansion, and ability to navigate economic shifts…

Warba Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Zayoom, a specialised consumer electronics retailer, to expand its digital offers marketplace with exclusive benefits for customers. The collaboration is designed to deliver special discounts, seasonal flash deals and curated e-store offers through the Warba app. The move reflects the bank’s commitment to enriching its digital ecosystem while aligning with customer aspirations and lifestyle needs. Expanding value through the Warba app Through this partnership, Warba Bank customers will gain access to Zayoom’s range of consumer electronics, bundled with unique deals accessible directly via the bank’s app. Muhannad Issa Bourahma, Director of Product…

Ooredoo has officially launched the Salalah Data Centre and Submarine Cable Landing Station, a major project aimed at transforming Oman into one of the region’s most important digital gateways. Located in the Dhofar region, Salalah is strategically placed at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, offering direct access to multiple global subsea cable systems. The new facility is the first in southern Oman to combine a Tier III–compliant data centre with a submarine cable landing station, making it a landmark for the nation’s digital infrastructure. Boost for cloud and AI services The Salalah hub has been designed to support…

Royal Jordanian Airlines has secured the top global ranking for on-time performance in July 2025, according to the latest data published by OAG, an international aviation analytics company. The carrier achieved an on-time performance rate of 95.21% for both arrivals and departures during the month, placing it first among global airlines. The recognition reflects Royal Jordanian’s consistent efforts to enhance operational efficiency and uphold punctual scheduling, particularly during the peak summer travel season. Global recognition for punctuality OAG’s monthly performance studies assess airlines worldwide based on the percentage of flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.…

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) has successfully wrapped up its 2025 Ithra Summer programs, a flagship initiative designed to prepare young Bahrainis for future challenges through skill development, leadership training, and community engagement. Running from June to August, the programs catered to three distinct age groups through Ithra Buds (10–12 years), Ithra Young Leaders (13–14 years), and Ithra Youth (15–16 years). Each track offered a mix of accredited workshops, field visits, interactive challenges, sports activities, and artistic as well as community projects. Building future-ready skills The program content was centred around future-focused themes, including artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, creative thinking, financial literacy,…

Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has launched the first draw of its “Millionaire 2025” Campaign, the largest promotional initiative in its history and one of the UAE banking sector’s most ambitious savings programmes. Launched on 1 July 2025 and running until July 2026, the campaign will distribute over AED 20 million in prizes, reaffirming SIB’s commitment to rewarding customer loyalty while promoting a culture of saving and smart investing. The inaugural draw was held at SIB’s headquarters in Sharjah in the presence of representatives from the Sharjah Department of Economic Development, alongside senior executives and employees. The event was marked by…

Samsung Electronics has announced the expansion of its One UI 8 beta programme, bringing its next-generation software to a wider range of Galaxy devices. The update introduces enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) features designed to make everyday routines simpler, while offering more natural ways for users to interact with their devices. The beta programme was first introduced in May with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Starting next week, Samsung will extend participation to owners of the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 in Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom and India. By September, the…

PFAFF, a leading global sewing machine brand under SVP Worldwide, has announced the international launch of three new models — the creative expression 750, quilt expression 725, and expression 715. The machines, which combine precision engineering, innovative technology, and the craftsmanship synonymous with the PFAFF name, will be available from 14 August 2025 in the United States and Europe. They can be purchased via the company’s official website and authorised dealers, with expanded distribution planned for Latin America and the Asia Pacific region later in the year. SVP Worldwide, which also owns the SINGER® and HUSQVARNA® VIKING® brands, described the…

A 2019 scientific study has resurfaced online after revealing that the hit dubstep track Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by Skrillex could help keep mosquitoes at bay. Published in the journal Acta Tropica, the research examined how sound waves in music could influence the behaviour of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes — the species responsible for spreading yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Researchers exposed the insects to the song for 10 minutes and recorded significant changes in their behaviour. Female mosquitoes took longer to initiate attacks on hosts, made fewer feeding attempts, and visited hosts less frequently compared to those in…

Fans of Turkish television are abuzz with anticipation after behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming drama Bize Bir Şey Olmaz (Nothing Will Happen to Us) went viral on social media. The clip shows Mert Ramazan Demir in a sleek black outfit on a sunlit beach, alongside co-star Miray Daner in an elegant wedding dress – a pairing that has already set imaginations racing. The series, consisting of eight episodes, tells the story of Aktan and Lal’s passionate yet turbulent romance. Lal, played by Daner, is a bright young editor at a publishing house whose orderly life is disrupted when she meets…