Author: Sam Allcock

Al Habtoor Hospitality has launched an exclusive dual-destination package, The Rewarding Escape, offering travellers the chance to experience both Budapest and Dubai in a single journey. The new promotion seeks to merge the old-world grandeur of Europe’s imperial heart with the modern luxury of the Middle East, giving guests a chance to create memories across two culturally distinct cities. Budapest beginnings The journey begins in Hungary’s capital, where the Al Habtoor Palace Budapest stands along the historic boulevards near the Danube. Guests staying at the property are welcomed into a world of regal design, ornate interiors and personalised service. The…

Tecnotree, a global provider of digital business support systems (BSS), has announced the successful delivery of a fully integrated, future-proof digital ecosystem for Emtel, marking a major step forward in the Mauritian telecom operator’s customer engagement and service delivery capabilities. The transformation covers multiple core areas, including customer lifecycle management, product and order management, inventory and point-of-sale processes, self-care, and dealer portals. All of these are seamlessly integrated with Emtel’s convergent billing system, creating a unified platform that is tailored to the operator’s specific business needs. The new system introduces advanced digital platforms that simplify dealer operations, streamline point-of-sale transactions,…

Dubai has announced the launch of the Middle East’s first Forest District by the Sea, a visionary project at Dubai Maritime City designed to combine sustainable urban living with natural ecology. The development, led by BEYOND Developments, marks a major milestone in the emirate’s efforts to reimagine coastal communities around wellness, resilience and environmental sustainability. The project aligns with Dubai’s 2040 Master Plan, the Net Zero 2050 strategy, and the D33 Agenda. The first step in the project is Talea, a residential tower that embodies the initiative’s ethos of design harmonised with nature. The tower will feature 354 homes ranging…

American-Moroccan rapper French Montana has announced his engagement to Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra, marking one of the most high-profile unions of the year. The news, first reported by TMZ citing Montana’s representatives, confirmed that the couple became engaged during Paris Fashion Week in June. The announcement comes amid a wave of celebrity engagements this season, including global pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce. A royal connection Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 31, is a prominent member of Dubai’s ruling family and the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and…

Venus Williams’ latest US Open campaign ended in disappointment on Arthur Ashe Stadium as she fell in the first round to Karolina Muchova. The 45-year-old American, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was defeated by the 11th seed in three sets, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Despite the loss, Williams received thunderous support from the New York crowd, who cheered her every point and celebrated the presence of one of tennis’ enduring icons. Not thinking of retirement After the match, Williams made it clear that retirement is not yet on her mind, though she admitted her priorities are shifting. “I love playing, but…

One of Turkey’s most admired celebrity couples, Pelin Akil and Anıl Altan, have confirmed their divorce after months of speculation about their marriage. The pair, who first met on the set of the hit TV drama Arka Sıradakiler, quickly fell in love and tied the knot in 2016. Their relationship was often celebrated as one of the most enduring and affectionate in Turkish show business. In 2019, the couple welcomed twin daughters, Alin and Lina. Fans frequently praised their joyful family life, with the actors often sharing moments of parenthood and love on social media. For years, the family projected…

Four students from Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q) have co-authored a paper proposing innovative microbiome-based strategies to help combat the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The perspective paper, published in Frontiers in Microbiomes, highlights natural methods of boosting microbial diversity as a way to reduce dependency on antibiotics. The student co-authors — Ali Al-Kuwari, Hamad Al-Karbi, and Abdulla Al-Khuzaei, all from the Class of 2029, along with Dounia Baroudi from the Class of 2030 — were guided by Dr Ghizlane Bendriss, assistant professor of biology at WCM-Q, who is the lead author of the study. The research was conducted…

Emirates Glass, a leading regional glass processing company and a subsidiary of Dubai Investments PJSC, has signed a five-year Manufacturing and Distribution Agreement with Australian firm ClearVue Technologies Limited (ASX:CPV) to introduce solar glazing solutions to the UAE and Gulf markets. The collaboration will see Emirates Glass begin local production of ClearVue’s solar-integrated glass later this year. The technology, which generates electricity from sunlight while maintaining transparency and insulation performance, is being positioned as a breakthrough for energy-efficient construction in the Middle East. Under the agreement, Emirates Glass will also hold non-exclusive distribution rights across the UAE and wider GCC.…

Shaza Hotels has carved a distinctive space in the global hospitality market, offering travellers a unique blend of Arabian elegance, cultural depth, and international luxury. The brand’s philosophy centres on transforming each property into more than just accommodation—crafting experiences rooted in the rich heritage of the Silk Route. Every Shaza property is carefully designed to tell a story. From architecture to interiors, and guest experiences to services, the brand aims to immerse visitors in a narrative that reflects centuries of cultural richness. This storytelling approach has helped Shaza create destinations with personality, where the essence of Arabian heritage is celebrated…

A high-level panel discussion in Dubai has brought together policymakers, industry leaders and sustainability experts to accelerate the UAE’s transition towards a circular economy. Organised by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) in co-organisation with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) and in collaboration with the Advancing Net Zero Volunteering Team, the event carried the theme “Advancing Circular Economy in the UAE: Innovations, Strategies and Industry Collaboration.” The panel, hosted at the Stella Di Mare Hotel in Dubai Marina, was opened by EEG Co-Founder and Chairperson Habiba Al Mar’ashi, who stressed the importance of circularity as a central pillar of…