Author: Sam Allcock

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, home to some of the world’s most celebrated theme parks, is reporting record demand for its annual passes, with supplies now close to running out. The passes grant year-round access to the island’s four flagship attractions — Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Collectively, the parks have been instrumental in shaping the capital’s reputation as a hub for leisure tourism in the Gulf. Officials say the surge reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a family-friendly destination. Tourism to the emirate has been rising steadily, with Yas…

Azizi Developments has renewed its partnership with Finpower Aircon L.L.C, one of the UAE’s leading providers of HVAC systems, for the supply of Fresh Air Handling Units (FAHUs) and Fan Coil Units (FCUs) across all of its upcoming projects. Finpower, founded in 2012, has built a reputation for delivering durable and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions. Its FCUs are designed to offer strong cooling performance while reducing power consumption, a feature that aligns with Dubai’s wider focus on sustainable urban living. Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments, said:“We are pleased to be extending our partnership with Finpower Aircon, a trusted…

LG Electronics has unveiled its latest home appliance, the LG XD2 Dishwasher, in the Gulf region, positioning it as a premium solution for modern households seeking efficiency, hygiene, and convenience. The XD2, finished in sleek black, combines advanced cleaning technology with energy efficiency, reflecting LG’s focus on meeting the diverse demands of families, professionals, and entertainers across the Emirates. At the centre of its performance is LG’s 100°C TrueSteam™ technology, which eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria. The company says the high-temperature steam not only ensures hygienic cleaning for items like baby bottles and dinnerware but also reduces water spots,…

Ski Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, is preparing to stage the 16th edition of the Ice Warrior Challenge on Sunday, 14 September 2025. The event will be held inside the award-winning Ski Dubai Snow Park at the Mall of the Emirates, voted the World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort. Organisers say this year’s edition has already surpassed previous records for registration, with only a limited number of places left before the September 12 cut-off date. Demand has been so high that they expect tickets to sell out quickly through Premier Online. A test of strength and endurance The…

Union Coop, one of the UAE’s largest consumer cooperatives, has reported a sharp increase in retail activity during the back-to-school period, with August seeing peak demand at shopping centres and outlets across the country. The surge came as families prepared for the new academic year, driving higher sales of essential school and household items. Major campaigns launched To meet the seasonal demand, Union Coop rolled out three promotional campaigns covering a wide range of categories, including stationery, electronics, school bags, office supplies, food items and consumer products. The promotions featured discounts of up to 50 per cent on hundreds of…

Warba Bank, one of Kuwait’s leading Islamic financial institutions, has unveiled a new youth-focused digital platform called Wave Banking, marking a significant step in its digital transformation strategy. The service, launched under the slogan “Your Wave, Your Way”, is designed to give young customers more independence and confidence in managing their finances through a fully digital journey, from account opening to daily transactions. Ahmad Faisal Al-Qatami, Warba’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, described the initiative as a “strategic milestone” for the bank. “We believe youth are the driving force of change and progress in society,” he said. “Wave Banking provides them…

The American University of Beirut (AUB) inaugurated its 160th academic year on Monday, September 1, 2025, with an opening ceremony at Assembly Hall. Trustees, faculty, students, alumni, and friends gathered to mark a milestone that links the university’s historic roots to its present-day resilience. The ceremony featured the traditional academic procession followed by an address from AUB president Dr Fadlo Khuri, titled “In the Moment.” In his speech, Khuri reflected on the pressures faced by individuals and institutions in Lebanon and beyond, emphasising that adversity can serve as a catalyst for growth. “Here in Lebanon, and here at AUB, embracing…

IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City is introducing a line-up of new food and entertainment offerings this September, aiming to bring together families, friends, and the wider community as the city transitions into the back-to-school season. According to Thomas Schmelter, Area General Manager of IHG Hotels at Dubai Festival City, the programme reflects the group’s focus on creating “moments that matter” for every guest. “September is about reconnecting after summer,” he said. “Our focus is to offer welcoming spaces where families and friends can relax, recharge, and share memorable experiences—whether through our signature brunches, live music evenings, or refined dining.”…

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has revealed he underwent treatment to remove skin cancer, urging people to take sun safety seriously. The 58-year-old, known for his fiery television persona, said he was “grateful and so appreciative” to his medical team after they treated a basal cell carcinoma – a common form of skin cancer that is not melanoma. Writing on Instagram on Saturday, Ramsay thanked the “incredible” doctors and nurses for their “fast reactive work,” while also reminding followers to wear sunscreen. “Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend,” he wrote. “I promise you it’s not a face lift! I’d need…

Google’s latest artificial intelligence tool, Gemini Nano Banana, is being hailed as a breakthrough in image editing—but not everyone is celebrating. While the model has impressed technologists with its ability to outperform rivals such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Elon Musk’s Grok, it has also triggered a new wave of anxiety among artists worldwide. The clash between AI innovation and creative industries is long-standing. Yet, Nano Banana’s capabilities—such as generating base sketches, building comic panels in specific styles, and producing poses and reactions from a single illustration—have intensified the debate. Many fear that the technology will further blur the line between…