Author: Sam Allcock

Under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Farhan Al Saud, CEO of the Liajlehum Association, more than 300 people with disabilities and their families took part in the “Ma’an Namshi” (Together We Walk) initiative in Riyadh. The event, hosted at the Radisson Riyadh Airport Hotel, aimed to strengthen community engagement and inclusion, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to a more vibrant and inclusive society. Guests were welcomed with Saudi coffee, dates, flowers, and chocolates before joining the “Walking Together” march. The procession saw persons of determination and their families walking side by side in…

Volkswagen Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, represented by Ali & Sons, have rolled out a series of September offers, giving customers savings of up to AED 22,000 on selected models. The campaign also features a raffle draw, with one buyer set to drive away in a brand-new Volkswagen T-Roc. Running throughout September, the promotion spans several of Volkswagen’s most popular models, including the Touareg, Teramont, T-Roc, Golf GTI and Golf R. Every customer purchasing one of these vehicles during the campaign will automatically be entered into the raffle. The live draw will take place on 9 October 2025 at the…

Dubai’s DMCC and global crypto exchange Bybit have opened applications for the third edition of their international Web3 hackathon, offering a prize pool of $140,000. The competition, titled Web3 Unleashed #3: Shaping the Next Wave of Web3, will run from September to November 2025 and aims to spotlight new talent across the blockchain, decentralised finance, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation sectors. Organisers say the event will build on the success of earlier editions while introducing two new categories: DeFAI – linking decentralised finance and artificial intelligence – and DeSci, which will focus on decentralised science and research innovation. These join…

UAE retailers are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape customer experiences, but shoppers remain unconvinced, according to the new AI in Retail Report 2025 by SAP Emarsys. Now in its third year, the report draws on insights from more than 200 marketers and 1,000 consumers across the UAE. It highlights a growing disconnect between retailers’ ambitions and customer perceptions. While 82% of UAE marketers say AI is central to their personalization efforts, only 31% of consumers feel brands tailor content to their needs. Just 18% believe they receive fair value in exchange for their personal data. The findings…

Consumers in the Gulf are adopting digital technologies at a faster pace than many global markets, according to Deloitte’s latest Digital Consumer Trends 2025 report. The survey of 2,000 people in the UAE and Saudi Arabia found rising use of generative AI, widespread reliance on smartphones, and rapid growth in social commerce. The study reveals that 58% of respondents have already used generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, a figure far higher than that reported in the UK and Europe. Of these, more than half engage with AI-powered tools on a weekly or daily basis, employing them…

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced a curated collection of festive experiences for the 2025 holiday season, offering guests around the world the opportunity to celebrate with tailored stays that blend tradition, indulgence and innovation. As travellers begin planning their seasonal getaways earlier than ever, the luxury brand has positioned itself as a leading destination for holiday escapes, whether in tropical villas, alpine lodges or cosmopolitan city retreats. From candlelit dinners under the stars to teddy bear tea parties for children and festive rooftop villages, the programmes are designed to spark joy and create lasting memories. Family-first celebrations Four…

Ooredoo has confirmed its role as the Digital Innovation Partner at COMEX 2025, Oman’s largest technology and digital transformation exhibition. The event, which runs from 8 to 11 September at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center, will see the telecom giant highlight its vision for enabling the Sultanate’s digital future in line with Oman Vision 2040. This year’s participation holds particular significance as it marks the company’s first major public showcase under its new leadership. Earlier in 2025, Ooredoo appointed Saoud Al Riyami as its first Omani Chief Executive Officer, signaling a new chapter in the company’s growth. With over…

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, home to some of the world’s most celebrated theme parks, is reporting record demand for its annual passes, with supplies now close to running out. The passes grant year-round access to the island’s four flagship attractions — Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Collectively, the parks have been instrumental in shaping the capital’s reputation as a hub for leisure tourism in the Gulf. Officials say the surge reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a family-friendly destination. Tourism to the emirate has been rising steadily, with Yas…

Azizi Developments has renewed its partnership with Finpower Aircon L.L.C, one of the UAE’s leading providers of HVAC systems, for the supply of Fresh Air Handling Units (FAHUs) and Fan Coil Units (FCUs) across all of its upcoming projects. Finpower, founded in 2012, has built a reputation for delivering durable and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions. Its FCUs are designed to offer strong cooling performance while reducing power consumption, a feature that aligns with Dubai’s wider focus on sustainable urban living. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments, said:“We are pleased to be extending our partnership with Finpower Aircon, a trusted…

LG Electronics has unveiled its latest home appliance, the LG XD2 Dishwasher, in the Gulf region, positioning it as a premium solution for modern households seeking efficiency, hygiene, and convenience. The XD2, finished in sleek black, combines advanced cleaning technology with energy efficiency, reflecting LG’s focus on meeting the diverse demands of families, professionals, and entertainers across the Emirates. At the centre of its performance is LG’s 100°C TrueSteam™ technology, which eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria. The company says the high-temperature steam not only ensures hygienic cleaning for items like baby bottles and dinnerware but also reduces water spots,…