Author: Sam Allcock

Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has announced the launch of its latest savings campaign — the Millionaire Draw — beginning 1 July 2025. The initiative is part of the bank’s strategy to promote a culture of saving while rewarding customers with major cash and luxury prizes worth up to AED 20 million. Aimed at encouraging sustainable financial habits, the campaign will be open to all savings account holders, including children and students. Customers will automatically enter the draw for every AED 10,000 maintained daily in their savings accounts throughout the month. The campaign includes a series of monthly and seasonal prize…

The Dubai Sports Council has announced the winners of the fifth edition of the Dubai Schools Games, the emirate’s largest inter-school sporting event. GEMS Modern Academy emerged as the dominant force, securing first place in both the primary and secondary school divisions. Held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council and operationally managed by ESM, the 2024–2025 edition saw record participation, with over 84,000 students from 165 public and private schools across Dubai competing in 22 sports over nine months. The closing ceremony, attended by top dignitaries including H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council,…

Mastercard has unveiled two new sonic anthems tailored for African audiences, marking a bold expansion of its global sonic brand in a region where music is a powerful cultural currency. The anthems, “Wami” in the Afrobeat genre and “Amazwe” in Amapiano, feature Nigerian pop star Mayorkun and South African icon Sho Madjozi, respectively. The initiative highlights Mastercard’s strategic focus on embedding its identity within popular culture, particularly among the continent’s young, music-savvy population. The songs were officially released this week and will be accompanied by music videos and a TikTok dance challenge. The move is part of Mastercard’s broader ambition…

Markets opened the week on a cautious note as geopolitical tensions and oil supply concerns weighed on investor sentiment. Volatility surged across asset classes, with bitcoin falling below $100,000, equity futures sliding, and gold climbing as investors rushed into safe-haven assets. The heightened risk environment follows rising fears of retaliation in sensitive regions, particularly around oil infrastructure and maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil supply. Analysts warn that any disruption could severely impact oil flows, rattling energy markets and broader investor confidence. Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, noted that this…

For families looking to combine everyday comfort with exceptional peace of mind, two new SUVs from General Motors are standing out in 2025. The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse have each earned the coveted Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—a mark of excellence in vehicle protection and reliability. These awards, announced in March and April respectively, reflect GM’s long-standing emphasis on designing vehicles that prioritise safety as much as style, comfort, and functionality. Whether it’s school runs, road trips, or daily commutes, these vehicles are tailored to meet the demands of modern family life…

Visa, the global digital payments giant, has announced a major expansion of its stablecoin initiatives across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), alongside a new strategic partnership with African fintech firm Yellow Card. The move signals Visa’s deepening commitment to blockchain-based payment infrastructure and its belief in stablecoins as a critical tool for the future of global money movement. The latest developments aim to accelerate Visa’s stablecoin settlement capabilities in the CEMEA region, bringing enhanced speed, security, and liquidity management to cross-border transactions. In particular, Visa is enabling selected issuers and acquirers in the region to…

Telecom provider Ooredoo has joined in celebrations marking the 2025 Philippine Independence Day in Oman, taking centre stage as the official telecommunications sponsor for the event. The occasion, which drew hundreds from the Filipino community and beyond, was held last week in Muscat and served as a vibrant display of national pride and cultural heritage. The annual event, commemorating the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain in 1898, has become a key date on Oman’s multicultural calendar. This year’s edition included traditional music and dance performances, Filipino cuisine, and a colourful showcase of heritage, underscoring the strong presence of the…

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – Celebrate the Islamic New Year in style with an unforgettable long weekend staycation at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, located on the serene Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The luxurious beachfront resort is offering a two-night all-inclusive package starting from AED 1,199 per night from June 26 to 28, 2025. Perfect for families looking to relax and reconnect, the resort features pyramid-style architecture, well-appointed rooms and suites, 13 restaurants and bars, and eight swimming pools, including dedicated kids’ aqua zones and a tranquil spa pool. With an expansive lineup of water sports, fitness facilities,…

Namibia claimed the championship title at the inaugural Dubai Holding Community Management UAE Netball Cup 2025, following a thrilling 62–53 win over Singapore in a high-energy final at Al Nasr Sports Hall. The week-long tournament, officially sanctioned by World Netball, marked a breakthrough moment for international netball in the Middle East. With six national teams ranked between 18th and 30th globally — Namibia (20), Singapore (19), Kenya (25), Ireland (18), UAE (23), and the United States (30) — the event showcased elite-level competition and growing global interest in women’s sport. Tournament Highlights: The UAE Falcons delivered a memorable performance in…

This summer, Dubai residents and visitors are invited to indulge in a uniquely nostalgic escape aboard one of the city’s most iconic attractions — the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2). Permanently docked at Port Rashid, the storied British ocean liner turned hotel offers a distinctive mix of heritage, comfort, and curated hospitality experiences, from sea-view staycations and royal teas to classic roasts and British pub favourites. Sea-View Getaways and Staycations The QE2 offers a serene maritime retreat without leaving the city. Guests can enjoy: With panoramic water views and a setting steeped in oceanic legacy, the QE2’s stay packages promise a…