Author: Sam Allcock

The death toll from a suspected case of methyl alcohol (methanol) poisoning in Jordan has risen to nine, with 17 total infections, according to a statement issued Monday by the Public Security Directorate. Authorities said that all patients are currently receiving treatment, and investigations into the source of the contaminated alcohol are ongoing. The incident has raised public health concerns across the country, particularly in the city of Zarqa, where several of the cases were first reported. The victims reportedly consumed alcohol laced with methanol, a highly toxic substance often used industrially and not fit for human consumption. Dr. Imad…

Jadwa Investment has announced a major $50 million investment in Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing digital fuel management platform, PetroApp, as part of a funding round that also included Bunat Ventures. The deal was led through Jadwa’s GCC Diversified Private Equity Fund, a blind-pool vehicle launched in late 2024 aimed at backing scalable, high-growth businesses in the region. The PetroApp transaction marks the fund’s fifth investment and follows its acquisition of Makhazen Alenaya, a leading beauty and personal care retailer in Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2018, PetroApp is Saudi Arabia’s first independent provider of cashless fuel payment and fleet management solutions. The…

The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, convened the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025 in Dubai, bringing together First Ladies from 14 African and Asian nations to collaborate on healthcare advancement and social transformation. The summit was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of MFFLI. Together, they welcomed an influential gathering of First Ladies, who joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. The attending dignitaries included: The summit served as…

Sportswear giant PUMA has officially extended its long-standing partnership with Borussia Dortmund (BVB), reinforcing a collaboration that has shaped both brand and club identities since the 2012/13 season. The renewed agreement ensures that PUMA will continue as official kit supplier for BVB’s men’s, women’s, and youth teams, and will produce a range of replica kits and fanwear for the club’s global fanbase. The extension comes amid a strong period for the Bundesliga club, which recently reached the UEFA Champions League final in the 2023/24 season and currently competes in the FIFA Club World Cup, where it has advanced to the…

Emirates Aviation University (EAU) celebrated a significant milestone this week as it held its 35th graduation ceremony, honouring 154 accomplished students poised to make their mark in the global aviation industry. Since its inception in 1991, EAU has graduated over 26,000 students, contributing substantially to both the UAE’s and the world’s aviation workforce. The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chancellor of EAU, who personally presented certificates to the graduates. Also present were senior Emirates Group executives, faculty members, and proud families and friends.…

The Bank of Jordan has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Amman Vision Transport, marking a significant step toward modernising Amman’s public transportation system and supporting Jordan’s national development goals. The agreement, signed by Saleh Rajab Hammad, CEO of Bank of Jordan, and Mohammad Attia Allimon, CEO of Amman Vision Transport, aims to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and smart integration of urban transport in the Jordanian capital. This collaboration reflects the bank’s broader vision of contributing to infrastructure development and community well-being through targeted financial support. It also underscores the increasing role of the private sector in driving public service…

Epson, the global leader in visual and printing solutions, has officially named international music icon Shakira as its brand ambassador for the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, Central and West Asia (META-CWA) region. The partnership is part of Epson’s new regional campaign, “Imagine New Possibilities,” launching July 1st. The collaboration aims to amplify Epson’s ongoing mission to make sustainable and accessible technology available to a wider audience while supporting creativity, innovation, and empowerment across diverse communities. Best known as a multi-Grammy award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Shakira also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for global education initiatives. Her deep…

Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has officially unveiled its major new expansion — the Lost City, a sprawling 13,445sqm adventure zone that adds over 20 new rides, slides, and experiences to the region’s award-winning waterpark. The grand opening, held on June 30, was attended by HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, alongside media, VIPs, and influencers. The new zone marks a significant milestone in the park’s growth, bringing Yas Waterworld’s total offerings to over 60 world-class…

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a new global partnership with tech giant Lenovo, naming its gaming division Lenovo Legion as the Official PC & Gaming Hardware Partner for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC). Set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 7 July to 24 August 2025, the EWC is positioning itself as the premier global esports event, with 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2,000 elite players, and over $70 million in prize money — the largest pool in esports history. Through this new collaboration, Lenovo Legion’s high-performance gaming PCs and laptops will become the backbone…

Two of Deira’s landmark hotels—Novotel Dubai Gold District and Mercure Dubai Deira—are shaking up Dubai’s hospitality scene this summer with the launch of their limited-edition beverage menus, combining chilled mocktails, bold cocktails, and flavourful bites inspired by local heritage. Targeting both travellers and locals looking to escape the city’s sweltering heat, the rooftop and poolside venues are offering a distinctly Deira experience: cool sips with cultural depth, served alongside panoramic views of the historic Dubai Creek. At Mercure Dubai Deira, the ATMOS Rooftop Lounge leads the initiative with its Sweet Summer Sips collection—crafted with regional ingredients and global flair. Standouts…