Author: Sam Allcock

Lebanese entrepreneur Elie Hanna has opened Sip and Sign, the country’s first café where communication takes place through sign language. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between Lebanon’s deaf community and the wider public, offering both a welcoming space and an opportunity to learn. Hanna, 34, was born deaf and studied fashion design at ESMOD Beirut before pursuing a project that would break barriers. He says his personal struggles with everyday communication inspired the idea. “When I went to restaurants, hospitals or banks, I always needed someone with me to explain what I wanted. That’s when I realised…

Netflix has officially confirmed that its hit series Wednesday will return for a third season, following the dramatic conclusion of Season 2 earlier this week. The gothic coming-of-age drama, inspired by the Addams Family, has been one of Netflix’s most successful titles since its debut in November 2022. The series stars Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, a sharp-witted and enigmatic teenager navigating life at Nevermore Academy while confronting mysteries tied to her family’s past. A global phenomenon Since launch, Wednesday has attracted millions of viewers worldwide and became one of the platform’s most-watched series within its first 90 days. Its…

Giorgio Armani, the Italian fashion designer who reshaped global style and built one of the world’s most successful luxury empires, has died at the age of 91. The Armani Group confirmed his death on Thursday in a statement describing him as its “creator, founder, and tireless driving force”. It said Armani died peacefully in Milan “surrounded by his loved ones.” Often referred to by colleagues as “Il Signor Armani,” the designer continued working until his final days, despite health concerns that had forced him to cancel appearances earlier this year. A career that defined an era Born in Piacenza in…

Fuze, a regulated financial services infrastructure provider active across the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, has officially opened its new regional headquarters at Expo City Dubai. The 8,000 square foot office, designed by Seen Architects with interiors fitted by Dubai studio Livespace, reflects the company’s ambition to expand its presence in the UAE and reinforce its operations across the wider region. A hub for innovation and compliance Fuze is locally regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and has positioned the new headquarters as both an innovation centre and operational anchor. The company is currently recruiting for a…

A Dubai-based online therapy service is aiming to break down stigma and make mental health support more affordable across the United Arab Emirates. Counsel Clinic, launched in 2024, offers fully digital sessions that allow Emiratis and expatriates to seek help from the privacy of their homes. The platform has seen strong uptake in its first year, reflecting growing acceptance of therapy when delivered in a discreet, accessible format. Tackling stigma and access barriers Mental health remains a sensitive subject for many in the UAE, where cultural stigma and limited services have historically kept residents from seeking support. By removing the…

Zad Food Industries, a homegrown UAE snack producer, has launched two new chocolate collections that blend regional heritage with global confectionery trends. The Kunafa Chocolate Range and Mango Pops Chocolate aim to bring traditional Middle Eastern flavours into modern formats, making them accessible to a wider audience. The announcement highlights Zad’s continued efforts to position itself as a leading Emirati brand with a strong local identity. Founded as part of J.0 Investments, a Belgium-based conglomerate, Zad manufactures all its products at its Dubai Industrial City facility, combining international expertise with locally rooted recipes. A modern twist on a classic dessert…

Dubai Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2026 edition continued its vibrant run on Tuesday evening, with an eclectic mix of designers from across the world presenting collections that fused heritage, craftsmanship and bold storytelling. Co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, the event is widely regarded as the region’s definitive fashion platform. Running until 6 September, it has drawn international attention for placing Dubai at the centre of the global style calendar. Emerging voices and bold perspectives Day two opened with FLTRD, which set the tone with its showcase “Brings Bold Voices and…

The online gaming platform Roblox has suspended all chat functions, including voice and text, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia following regulatory discussions about child safety. The decision, reported by Gulf News, is effective immediately and comes after consultations with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Officials said the move is designed to give younger players a safer and more controlled environment. In a joint statement, TDRA and Roblox said: “The safety and well-being of children online is a top priority for TDRA and Roblox. We will continue to work together to ensure a safe,…

Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, has reopened its fully redesigned Al Sama Pool Bar, introducing a contemporary swim-up concept that blends tropical charm with modern luxury. The refreshed venue, set at the edge of the resort’s pool, offers guests the chance to sip cocktails and enjoy light bites while relaxing in the water. Inspired by its name — “Al Sama,” meaning “sky” in Arabic — the space is designed as an open-air retreat, inviting visitors to unwind beneath the Dubai skyline. Elevated outdoor experience The redesign aims to create an inclusive space for all types of visitors, whether solo…

LG Electronics has unveiled its latest xboom series of speakers, developed in partnership with Grammy-winning artist and entrepreneur will.i.am, in a bid to redefine portable and home audio experiences. The new lineup, which includes speakers, portable devices and earbuds, aims to provide powerful and immersive sound while appealing to both casual listeners and music enthusiasts. LG said the collaboration with will.i.am has helped establish a consistent sonic identity across the entire series, blending advanced engineering with creative influence from the American musician. “Through this collaboration, we have enhanced the sound quality of the xboom range, creating a listening experience that…