Author: Sam Allcock

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, roared to life this weekend with the return of the Ferrari Ladies Run, an event dedicated to celebrating fitness, community and women’s empowerment. More than 500 women and girls took part under the iconic red roof, making this the second year of the event’s growing success. This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand, Celebrating the 50th”, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union, established in 1975. Organisers described the run as a symbolic reflection of the union’s mission: promoting Emirati women’s rights, leadership and social progress over five decades. The atmosphere was electric…

The American University in Cairo (AUC) is hosting the first steering committee meeting of the African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC), a major initiative in public health research. The gathering is taking place at AUC’s New Cairo campus from September 1 to 4 under the theme “Data Exchange and Harmonization Across Africa.” Launched in May 2024 in Cape Town, APCC brings together more than 40 African research groups from 16 countries, united around a shared research vision. The consortium is designed to strengthen Africa’s capacity in population health studies through long-term, large-scale research. It has received significant backing from the Wellcome…

Salesforce has launched Agentforce for Public Sector, a new AI-powered platform designed to help government agencies improve responsiveness, productivity and efficiency amid growing public demands and staffing shortages. The service introduces digital labour in the form of intelligent AI agents that can autonomously handle complex, time-consuming tasks while operating within strict regulatory guardrails. The company says this will allow government employees to focus on mission-critical work, while citizens benefit from faster and more cost-effective services. “Agentforce for Public Sector makes this future possible by integrating trusted, secure AI into the fabric of government operations,” said Nasi Jazayeri, Executive Vice President…

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has launched two new ancillary services — a Mediation Service Centre and a Notary Service — aimed at expanding access to justice and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global business hub. The announcement follows the issuance of Dubai Law No. (2) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The law laid the legislative foundation for the new services, with an accompanying resolution issued by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of…

Samsung Electronics has rolled out its Home Appliances Remote Management (HRM) service to 122 countries, offering remote diagnostics and real-time troubleshooting for connected appliances in 17 languages. The expansion marks a major step in the South Korean firm’s efforts to provide seamless, proactive customer care worldwide. HRM connects appliances linked to the SmartThings platform with Samsung’s service network, enabling advisors to monitor conditions and offer instant solutions with customer consent. The service, which has been available in Korea since 2020 and piloted in 10 countries in 2024, now supports refrigerators and washing machines in markets across Europe, the Middle East,…

Cisco has unveiled new insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming customer service in the UAE and across global markets, as companies turn to automation to meet rising consumer expectations. The technology firm outlined ten emerging trends in AI-powered customer engagement, with tools ranging from conversational chatbots to predictive analytics, reshaping the way organisations interact with clients. Ahmad Zureiki, Director of Collaboration Business for Cisco Middle East and Africa, said AI was redefining customer interactions.“AI is reshaping every touchpoint of customer service, delivering faster resolutions, deeper personalisation, and scalable business impact,” he explained. “True digital success lies in blending…

The world’s largest indoor skydiving chamber is hosting a spectacular seven-day contest, as CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi launches its Air Competition Qualifiers. From September 1 to 7, 2025, 36 elite flyers from around the globe will showcase breathtaking displays of skill, speed and precision. The contest serves as the official qualifier for the Emirates EASA International Parachuting Championships (EEIPC), set to debut in January 2026 as the first hybrid skydiving competition in history. Over the course of the week, competitors will push the boundaries of human flight inside CLYMB’s record-breaking vertical wind tunnel. The chamber, a landmark attraction in…

The AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) has concluded the second edition of its Watheq university preparatory program, designed to prepare Bahraini high school students for the challenges of higher education. Held under the patronage of H.E. Sara Ahmed Buhij, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the program ran across July and August 2025. More than 60 students, aged 16 to 18, took part in the initiative. Organisers said the Watheq program aims to strengthen both academic readiness and personal development, equipping participants with the confidence and skills needed to transition into university life. This year’s edition…

500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, has entered a strategic partnership with dcamp, South Korea’s leading foundation for entrepreneurship, to accelerate the growth of Korean startups seeking expansion into the United States. The collaboration, announced at 500 Global’s headquarters in Palo Alto on 28 August, aims to provide Korean founders with direct access to Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Select startups will be admitted into the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator programme, where they will gain market insights, connect with local networks and develop strategies for international growth. Younghoon Park, chief executive of dcamp, said the agreement…

Veteran British actor Malcolm McDowell has shared the secret behind his three-decade marriage, saying that respect and shared interests have been key to its longevity. The 82-year-old star of A Clockwork Orange has been married to visual artist Kelley Kuhr, 58, since 1991. Speaking to People magazine, McDowell said he did not consider himself an expert on relationships, but felt “very lucky” to have found a partner with whom he shares both admiration and companionship. “You know what? Honestly, I am not an expert on relationships. I wish I were,” McDowell reflected. “And I think just liking the partner you’re…