Author: Sam Allcock

A bizarre trend has taken social media by storm in China, as videos of adults using pacifiers have gone viral, generating both fascination and discomfort among viewers across the globe. Typically associated with babies and toddlers, pacifiers are now being adopted by grown-ups in what is being dubbed the “adult pacifier” phenomenon. Participants claim the practice helps ease stress and anxiety, offering a sense of comfort and relaxation in the middle of fast-paced modern life. On platforms like Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), Weibo, and Xiaohongshu, countless clips show adults calmly sucking on pacifiers—some while working, commuting, or even before…

Azizi Developments, one of the UAE’s leading private real estate developers, has announced the launch of a new residential development, Azizi Abraham, within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), marking a rare opportunity for freehold ownership in the heart of one of the world’s largest logistics and trade hubs. Set along Sheikh Zayed Road and adjacent to a major metro line, Azizi Abraham promises seamless connectivity to key destinations including Dubai Marina, Expo City, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Ibn Battuta Mall. The location places residents within reach of over 100 Fortune Global 500 companies operating in JAFZA, making it…

Nintendo has officially unveiled the lead cast for its upcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, putting to rest weeks of speculation and fan theories. Shigeru Miyamoto, the game’s iconic creator, announced that English actress Bo Bragason will portray Princess Zelda, while Pinocchio star Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will take on the role of the silent hero, Link. The film is slated for a May 2027 release and is being developed in partnership with Sony Pictures. However, the casting reveal, shared by video game industry insider Geoff Keighley on X (formerly Twitter), has reignited a heated conversation online about whether…

A couple is under investigation in Spain after reportedly abandoning their 10-year-old child at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport to avoid missing a flight. The child, who was unable to board due to an expired passport, was found alone inside the terminal as his parents departed without him. The incident came to light after an airport employee, identified only as Lilian, shared the details on TikTok, expressing outrage over what she described as a “completely surreal” situation. Lilian, an aviation coordinator at El Prat, said she had witnessed many unusual events in her role but nothing quite like this. According to…

Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 17 Pro appears to have had its final design leaked on social media, revealing major changes to the device’s structure and performance features just weeks ahead of its expected September unveiling. Images circulating on X (formerly Twitter) suggest a noticeable departure from previous designs. While the phone retains its familiar rectangular frame with rounded edges, the rear now houses a reconfigured camera island, three distinct sensors, and a repositioned Apple logo. The MagSafe cutout also appears slightly lowered to accommodate the new layout. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple will launch the iPhone 17 series alongside three…

Gold prices edged higher for the fourth consecutive session on Monday, as expectations for a U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut intensified following disappointing jobs data. The rally was further supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and falling Treasury yields, bolstering investor appetite for safe-haven assets. Spot gold rose by 0.1% to $3,375.89 per ounce during early trading, while U.S. gold futures climbed by the same margin to $3,430.40. The continued upward momentum follows Friday’s release of lower-than-expected non-farm payroll figures in the United States, which have raised fresh concerns about the strength of the U.S. economy. The 10-year U.S.…

A catastrophic cloudburst struck the Dharali area near Harsil in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, triggering violent flash floods that swept away entire homes, submerged villages, and left dozens of people missing in its wake. Authorities fear multiple fatalities as the region grapples with the aftermath of the sudden deluge, which has brought widespread devastation to this Himalayan area. Dramatic videos circulating on social media captured the terrifying scale of the disaster—raging torrents of water tore through villages within seconds, carrying away houses and vehicles, while terrified residents screamed in the background. According to officials, the cloudburst—an intense weather event caused…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global travel industry, offering personalised, efficient, and tech-savvy solutions that are transforming how people plan, book, and experience their journeys. A recent report by Tourism Economics for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) reveals that 60% of travellers in the UAE already trust AI to manage every aspect of their trips, significantly ahead of the global average of 48%. This adoption is only expected to grow as AI tools become more ingrained in consumer behaviour. The study highlights a surge in the use of AI for travel planning across the Middle East, with six in…

As part of its commitment to youth empowerment, the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has launched a series of interactive financial literacy sessions during the 14th edition of Youth City 2030, a flagship summer programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of Bahraini leaders. Held in collaboration with various public and private sector partners, the initiative is designed to equip young people with the practical knowledge and life skills needed for future success. NBB’s sessions focused on smart money management through a multi-format approach blending education with engagement. Participants took part in hands-on workshops, gamified learning challenges, and roleplay-style exercises…

Toyota Motor Corporation has launched the first-ever hybrid electric model in its iconic Land Cruiser series, introducing the new Land Cruiser HEV to the Middle East market. This historic debut highlights Toyota’s vision for sustainable mobility while honouring seven decades of engineering legacy and off-road excellence. The new Land Cruiser HEV will be made available in Jordan through Markazia Toyota, marking the first regional rollout of this electrified model. It blends advanced hybrid technology with the rugged reliability and all-terrain performance that has defined the Land Cruiser since its inception in 1951. Toyota’s decision to launch the hybrid Land Cruiser…