Author: Sam Allcock

Dubai – Moscow is preparing to host one of the most significant gatherings in the global fashion calendar: the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, running from 28 to 30 August. This year’s edition will shine a spotlight on the Middle East, with leading figures from the region set to present their latest projects and share insights in high-level discussions. Delegations from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, and Lebanon will take part in the event, reflecting the region’s growing impact on international fashion. The Summit brings together industry experts, designers, and organisers from across 65 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America,…

Signia by Hilton Amman has taken centre stage at the Jordan International Food Festival, presenting an innovative culinary journey that celebrated Jordan’s gastronomic heritage while reimagining it with international flair. Leading the showcase was Executive Chef Mohammad Tanbour, whose approach combined authenticity with creativity. His mission was to honour Jordan’s produce while elevating traditional flavours through refined, modern techniques. Guests were invited to experience Jordanian cuisine in unexpected ways, blending the familiar with the inventive. At the heart of the evening was a six-course tasting menu created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs David and Noelle Faure. Renowned for their bold…

Eighteen women healthcare professionals from across Lebanon have taken part in a first-of-its-kind leadership workshop aimed at strengthening female voices in a sector long dominated by men. The two-day programme, By Women, For Women—Leadership Mastery in Healthcare, was held at the American University of Beirut (AUB). It brought together doctors, nurses, and specialists to learn how to navigate leadership roles, manage teams, and build resilience. The event was jointly organised by the Center for Women in Business at AUB’s Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) and the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the AUB Medical Center (AUBMC).…

Dubai-based airline flydubai has marked Emirati Women’s Day 2025 by honouring the growing achievements of Emirati women within its workforce and recognising their vital role in shaping the country’s aviation sector. The celebration comes as the airline records a 30% increase in the number of Emirati women joining its workforce this year compared to 2023, reflecting a broader national push towards empowering women in leadership, innovation, and technical fields. Since its inception, flydubai has sought to support Emirati talent through career-building opportunities, with particular investment in training programmes for women across multiple departments. The airline says the development of its…

Four members of the American University of Beirut (AUB) community have been appointed to the newly established Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, marking a significant step in strengthening Lebanon’s engagement with global initiatives in education, culture, science, and communication. The commission, which brings together experts and public figures from across the country, is designed to advance UNESCO’s mission within Lebanon, promoting intellectual cooperation and fostering development across key sectors. Among the new appointees, two AUB faculty members will chair standing committees. Dr Nadine Panayot, curator of the AUB Archaeological Museum and associate professor of practice, will lead the Education and…

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the return of its popular initiative, the School of Life, this September with 34 interactive sessions across branches of Dubai Public Library. The programme, running under the theme “The Journey Begins Again”, aims to strengthen life skills for both adults and youth in line with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy. The wide-ranging activities span artistic expression, storytelling, identity building, language learning, and mental wellbeing. Organisers say the initiative provides a space for developing abilities and exchanging ideas in a setting that nurtures innovation and supports success in personal and professional life. Throughout…

Al Habtoor Hospitality has launched an exclusive dual-destination package, The Rewarding Escape, offering travellers the chance to experience both Budapest and Dubai in a single journey. The new promotion seeks to merge the old-world grandeur of Europe’s imperial heart with the modern luxury of the Middle East, giving guests a chance to create memories across two culturally distinct cities. Budapest beginnings The journey begins in Hungary’s capital, where the Al Habtoor Palace Budapest stands along the historic boulevards near the Danube. Guests staying at the property are welcomed into a world of regal design, ornate interiors and personalised service. The…

Tecnotree, a global provider of digital business support systems (BSS), has announced the successful delivery of a fully integrated, future-proof digital ecosystem for Emtel, marking a major step forward in the Mauritian telecom operator’s customer engagement and service delivery capabilities. The transformation covers multiple core areas, including customer lifecycle management, product and order management, inventory and point-of-sale processes, self-care, and dealer portals. All of these are seamlessly integrated with Emtel’s convergent billing system, creating a unified platform that is tailored to the operator’s specific business needs. The new system introduces advanced digital platforms that simplify dealer operations, streamline point-of-sale transactions,…

Dubai has announced the launch of the Middle East’s first Forest District by the Sea, a visionary project at Dubai Maritime City designed to combine sustainable urban living with natural ecology. The development, led by BEYOND Developments, marks a major milestone in the emirate’s efforts to reimagine coastal communities around wellness, resilience and environmental sustainability. The project aligns with Dubai’s 2040 Master Plan, the Net Zero 2050 strategy, and the D33 Agenda. The first step in the project is Talea, a residential tower that embodies the initiative’s ethos of design harmonised with nature. The tower will feature 354 homes ranging…

American-Moroccan rapper French Montana has announced his engagement to Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra, marking one of the most high-profile unions of the year. The news, first reported by TMZ citing Montana’s representatives, confirmed that the couple became engaged during Paris Fashion Week in June. The announcement comes amid a wave of celebrity engagements this season, including global pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce. A royal connection Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 31, is a prominent member of Dubai’s ruling family and the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and…