Author: Sam Allcock

Truecaller, the global communications platform best known for its caller identification services, has appointed Saraswati Agarwal as its Regional Sales Head for Ad Solutions in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The appointment signals a strategic push by the company to expand its advertising footprint across key African and Middle Eastern markets. Agarwal will lead Truecaller’s regional advertising efforts, helping brands better connect with local consumers through tailored digital experiences. With a career spanning over 15 years, Agarwal brings with her a wealth of experience from previous roles at Bloomberg, CNN, and ITP Media Group. She holds a degree in…

Renowned rock singer and former frontman of Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, has died aged 76. He passed away peacefully on 22 July 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Osbourne, often dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” and the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” rose to fame in the early 1970s. His haunting vocals and theatrical performances helped define the metal genre, with songs like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath leaving an indelible mark on music history. Despite enduring numerous health struggles—including a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s disease—Osbourne delivered his final performance on 5 July 2025 during a farewell concert titled…

Taiwan has unveiled what is being described as the world’s first robotic nurse, a landmark innovation in healthcare that combines cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to assist with clinical and logistical duties in hospitals. The robot, known informally as Nurabot, was introduced in a press event attended by key government and industry figures. Its development is a joint initiative between Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant; NVIDIA, the U.S.-based AI and GPU leader; and Kawasaki, the Japanese industrial conglomerate known for advanced machinery. With the healthcare sector facing an increasing shortage of nurses globally, the launch comes at a critical…

Adidas, the global German sportswear giant, is under legal scrutiny after a former employee filed a $6.2 million lawsuit, accusing the company of racism, retaliation, and workplace discrimination. April Burton, who worked at Adidas in a full-time role, alleges she was referred to as a “monkey” by colleagues and that the Human Resources (HR) department internally labelled her as “Ape.” When she raised concerns about the terminology, she claims HR dismissed it as a coincidence — insisting “Ape” was merely an abbreviation of her first name, April. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the corporate world, particularly given Adidas’ public…

North Korea has inaugurated a grand new seaside resort on its eastern coast, with President Kim Jong Un attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony of what state media is calling a “national treasure-level tourism city.” Yet questions remain over who will actually be allowed to visit. The Kalma Beach Resort, officially known as the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, features luxury hotels, waterparks, and vast lodging facilities capable of accommodating up to 20,000 guests at a time. The launch ceremony was held on 24 June, and local reports confirm that services for domestic visitors will begin on 1 July. According to North Korea’s…

In an innovative twist on traditional hiring practices, Saudi-based event staffing company Shine is inviting aspiring recruiters to join its Recruiter Challenge — a competitive, multi-stage selection process where candidates interview the company, not the other way around. Instead of standard job interviews, the company has devised a real-time test of recruitment skills through practical challenges such as CV scanning, conducting interviews, and situational assessments. The campaign tagline says it all: “We’re hiring, but we don’t want to interview you — we want you to interview us.” The Recruiter Challenge reflects Shine’s broader approach to talent acquisition — one that…

OPPO is set to launch its much-anticipated Reno14 Series in the United Arab Emirates on July 31, introducing advanced AI-powered features, bold new design aesthetics, and a deeper integration with Google’s Gemini AI. The latest lineup includes the Reno14 F 5G, Reno14 5G, and Reno14 Pro 5G, all built to enhance mobile photography, productivity, and creativity. Positioned as a fusion of form, function, and smart imaging, the Reno14 Series brings to the region cutting-edge mobile photography backed by OPPO’s proprietary AI Flash Photography and AI Livephoto 2.0 technologies. According to Lay Ren, President of OPPO MENA, the new phones are…

Uber has launched a new feature designed to support older adults in the Middle East and North Africa, offering increased independence and accessibility for seniors using the ride-hailing app. Senior Accounts, now available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon, are part of Uber’s ongoing efforts to serve users across all age groups. The feature simplifies the Uber app interface for older adults, allowing them to travel more easily to medical appointments, visit loved ones, or complete everyday errands. The new rollout includes Simple Mode, a streamlined version of the app with larger text, fewer steps,…

OMODA&JAECOO UAE has officially announced the arrival of the JAECOO J5, a new urban SUV set to launch in August 2025. With a design language that draws inspiration from luxury off-roaders like the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the JAECOO J5 is tailored for the UAE’s urban drivers seeking bold aesthetics, modern features, and competitive pricing. Striking a Balance Between Ruggedness and RefinementThe JAECOO J5 is set to appeal to drivers looking for a visual statement. Designed by a team that includes former Land Rover experts, the J5 carries a muscular stance, squared edges, and adventure-inspired styling—positioning it as a stylish…

Samsung Gulf Electronics has launched its latest generation of foldable smartphones — the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 — alongside the Galaxy Watch8 Series at a high-profile event held at BCH:CLB beach club in Dubai. The event marked the UAE debut of Samsung’s most advanced AI-powered devices, designed to adapt seamlessly to modern, mobile lifestyles. Spanning four interactive zones — business, lifestyle and fashion, health and fitness, and travel and photography — the immersive launch experience allowed guests to explore how Samsung’s new devices integrate into everyday life. A Leap in Foldable Innovation Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President…