Author: Sam Allcock

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…

At least 40 people have died in Sudan’s western Darfur region amid what aid groups describe as the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years. The international medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said today that the deaths occurred over the past week as the outbreak spreads in the midst of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, now in its third year. “In addition to an all-out war, the people of Sudan are now suffering from the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years,” MSF said in a statement. The organisation reported that its teams in Darfur have treated…

A man has died and two others have been hospitalised in Jordan as the country endures one of its most extreme heatwaves in recent years. Temperatures this week have soared beyond 47°C (116°F), prompting urgent warnings from health officials. Local media outlet Al Ghad reported that the deceased, an Arab man, was admitted to hospital in critical condition after suffering from heatstroke. He was taken directly to the intensive care unit but died shortly after arrival. The other two patients remain under medical observation and are said to be in stable condition. Medical professionals say several heat-related cases have been…

Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s leading private property developers, has announced the launch of its latest premium residential venture, Azizi David, in the sought-after Al Jaddaf district. The official unveiling will take place on Monday, 18 August 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, running from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Strategically located on the banks of Dubai Creek, Azizi David will offer a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and high-end penthouses. The development promises panoramic waterfront views and direct access to a variety of lifestyle amenities, including swimming pools, a…