Author: Sam Allcock

Taylor Swift has announced her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, during an appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason Kelce. The surprise reveal came on 12 August, when Swift joined the show and produced a vinyl copy of the new record from a bright green bag. The album’s cover art, however, was blurred in the video clip shared on Instagram, with her official website stating it would be “revealed at a later date”. A note on Swift’s site clarified that the official release date has yet…

Dubai’s Al Jalila Foundation says it has helped save the lives of 60 patients by funding organ transplant surgeries through its Your Donation Saves Lives campaign, which has now become a permanent programme. The announcement coincides with World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on 13 August, and highlights the foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting patients with organ failure while promoting a culture of donation. Since its launch in April 2021, the initiative has supported 53 kidney transplants and seven liver transplants, including operations for 29 children. More than 65 other patients are currently receiving ongoing support for life-saving procedures they…

India and China are preparing to resume direct passenger flights as early as next month, ending a suspension that has lasted for more than five years. The move, first reported by Bloomberg, is being seen as a significant step towards improving ties between the two Asian powers after years of strained relations. According to the report, the Indian government has instructed airlines including Air India and IndiGo to be ready to operate services to China at short notice. A formal announcement is expected during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, scheduled for late August. The suspension of flights between the…

Lufthansa will resume flights between Riyadh and Munich from 27 October 2025, adding a new non-stop service three times a week and increasing its capacity in Saudi Arabia by around 50%. The route, last operated in 2017, will connect the Saudi capital to the German airline’s Munich hub in just over five hours. Flights will depart Riyadh on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 06:25, arriving in Munich at 10:25 local time. The return service will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing at 21:45 and landing in Riyadh at 04:50 the following morning. Modern aircraft and competitive fares The service…

Jazeera Airways has reported a sharp rise in profitability for the first half of 2025, achieving net profits of KD 9.6 million — a 249.5% increase on the same period last year. The Kuwaiti low-cost carrier generated operating revenue of KD 102.2 million, up 3.3% year-on-year, supported by capacity growth, network expansion, and rising ancillary income. Passenger numbers reached 2.3 million with a load factor of 75.5%, while the airline maintained its leading position at Kuwait International Airport with a 29.5% market share. Operational resilience The airline improved on-time performance from 79.7% in H1 2024 to 82%, despite temporary airspace…

InterContinental Abu Dhabi has been shortlisted in three categories at the upcoming Hotelier Middle East Awards 2025, recognising excellence across the region’s luxury hospitality sector. The five-star property is a finalist for Hotel Team of the Year – High-End & Luxury, F&B Manager of the Year, and IT Person of the Year. The recognition reflects both team achievement and individual contributions within the hotel’s operations. A team transformed Under the leadership of Sayed Tayoun, Cluster General Manager of InterContinental Abu Dhabi and InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi, the hotel has undergone a period of transformation. The team has focused on raising…

Nissan Formula E Team has confirmed that Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato will remain as its driver pairing for the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The decision follows a strong 2024/25 campaign in which the Japanese manufacturer finished third in the Teams’ Championship – its best result since taking full control of its Formula E operations. Champion stays put Reigning Formula E World Champion Rowland will continue with Nissan for a sixth season under a multi-year deal. The British driver secured three pole positions and seven podiums, including four victories, on his way to his first world title…

OMODA&JAECOO has unveiled its new light off-road SUV, the JAECOO J5, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a coordinated regional rollout. The August 9 event, branded “JAECOO DAY”, marked the start of launches across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. The Dubai debut is set for August 14 at the JAECOO showroom, where the UAE edition will be revealed with features tailored to local conditions and driving preferences. Star power and tech highlights The Riyadh event featured a surprise appearance by Kuwaiti singer and theatre director Bader Alshuaibi, named as JAECOO’s regional brand ambassador. Alongside the J5, the…

Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC) has reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025, with profit growth driven by contributions from all core business segments. The insurer posted a net profit before tax of AED 261.2 million, an increase of 16.5% compared with the same period in 2024. Gross written premiums reached AED 5.54 billion, up 25.7% year-on-year. The company maintained a combined ratio of 92.9%, reflecting strong underwriting discipline and operational efficiency. Strategic partnerships and innovation During the period, ADNIC partnered with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme to provide specialised life insurance solutions for eligible UAE…

Aldar Properties has announced the launch of Fahid Beach Terraces, a six-building residential development set along the shoreline of Fahid Island, billed as Abu Dhabi’s first coastal wellness destination. The community is designed to combine luxury living with wellness-focused amenities, offering residents what Aldar describes as a “retreat-like experience” in a natural setting. At the heart of the project is The Club House, a beachfront facility with a gym overlooking the sea, fitness studios, a spa featuring salt relaxation zones, cold plunge pools, and private treatment suites. Social spaces include a cinema and private dining areas. Wellness at the core…