Author: Sam Allcock

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the appointment of Yousif Ahmed AlMutawa as Chief Real Estate Officer, expanding his leadership role beyond CEO of Sharjah Sustainable City to drive the emirate’s integrated real estate strategy. AlMutawa will now lead Shurooq’s entire real estate portfolio, overseeing strategic development, investor engagement, and sustainable community planning across Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. His appointment marks a strategic step in positioning Sharjah as a premier hub for values-driven urban development. With nearly two decades of experience at Shurooq, AlMutawa brings a wealth of expertise in project management, construction, operations, and investment.…

Orange Jordan is reinforcing its leadership in digital inclusion with a new initiative focused on empowering persons with disabilities. As part of its umbrella programme, “Differently Abled, Definitely Enabled,” the telecom company recently supported a specialized training session titled “The Art of Dialogue Management” for visually impaired individuals. Held at the Orange Digital Village in partnership with Al-Ataa Club Sport for the Blind, the training brought together over 20 participants with visual impairments. The event aimed to build participants’ understanding of disability rights, particularly those related to visual impairments, while addressing key psychological and social challenges. Through a series of…

Jazeera Airways is giving travellers a compelling reason to book their next getaway, offering a 25% discount across its entire network. The limited-time promotion runs from 13 to 19 July 2025, exclusively on the airline’s official website and mobile app, and applies to travel between 15 September and 31 December 2025. To avail the discount, customers simply need to enter the promo code J9SALE25 at checkout when booking their flights. The offer includes all markets and destinations served by the airline, making it ideal for both short trips and longer holiday plans. Jazeera Airways has steadily expanded its reach, connecting…

The UAE Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) to advance collaboration in engineering and technology education. The agreement aims to strengthen ties between academia and industry by promoting professional standards, innovation, and global engagement in the electrical and electronics engineering (EEE) field. It also opens the door for co-hosted conferences, guest lectures, academic exchange programs, and student competitions. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. David Schmidt, President of AURAK, described the partnership as a milestone for the university. “The importance…

The Earth intelligence industry is on a transformative trajectory, with global revenues expected to surpass $4.2 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Gartner, Inc. The surge comes as the sector transitions from being government-dominated to one increasingly shaped by the private sector. Gartner forecasts that cumulative direct revenue opportunities in Earth intelligence — which includes data, analysis services and AI-driven applications — will total $20 billion between 2025 and 2030, up from nearly $3.8 billion in 2025 alone. Defined as the use of AI to interpret Earth observation data, Earth intelligence combines satellite imaging, ground sensors, and…

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has officially launched a series of summer camps across the emirate, aimed at nurturing creativity, curiosity, and cultural awareness among children and youth. Running through July and August, the camps are held at several of Dubai’s leading cultural institutions and are part of the broader Dubai Destinations campaign, led by Brand Dubai. This year’s programme includes activities at Al Shindagha Museum, Etihad Museum, Dubai Public Libraries, and Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. Each camp offers a unique combination of education and recreation, designed to foster hands-on learning and strengthen national identity. Heritage Meets…

Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, has called for $4.3 trillion in energy investments over the next five years to meet rising global demand for natural gas and reverse a decade of underinvestment. His remarks came during the opening session of the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, where global energy leaders gathered to chart a realistic path for the future of energy. Jafar, who leads the Middle East’s oldest and largest private upstream oil and gas company, warned that “the era of renewables growing at the expense of other energy sources is over.” Instead, he advocated for an “and,…

Global live entertainment leader Cirque du Soleil has joined forces with tech innovator Epson to launch its first permanent European show, ALIZÉ, in Berlin this November. The production will debut at the Theater am Potsdamer Platz, setting a new benchmark for theatrical immersion through a blend of world-class acrobatics and next-generation projection technology. The collaboration was announced alongside the unveiling of the show’s concept — a surreal journey into the unseen, brought to life with Epson’s cutting-edge 3LCD laser projectors. These high-performance visuals are set to transform the stage into a dreamlike world, enhancing Cirque du Soleil’s signature artistry and…

Flydubai Holidays has rolled out a selection of exclusive summer packages, offering travellers across the UAE a chance to escape to stunning beach destinations for as low as AED 1,899 per person. The packages, which include return flights and hotel stays for up to three nights, are available for booking until 25 July, with travel valid through 31 August 2025. The Dubai-based airline’s holiday platform is targeting sunseekers and adventurers alike with curated trips to six scenic coastal destinations across the globe. Explore the Mediterranean in Al Alamein Starting from AED 3,349, travellers can unwind in Al Alamein, a rising…

stc group, a leading digital enabler in the Middle East, has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, revealing significant progress across its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities. The report outlines how the group is embedding sustainability into its operations through targeted initiatives under three pillars: Environmental Performance & Climate, Human Capital Development through Digital Innovation, and Governance & Ethical Excellence. Environmental Impact: Reducing Emissions and E-Waste In 2024, stc group implemented AI-driven energy management, energy-efficient technologies, and circular economy practices that led to a 3.6% drop in Scope 1 emissions, a 14.6% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, and a 9.8%…