Author: Sam Allcock

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly looking to automation to streamline expense management and invoice processing — tasks that traditionally consume significant time and resources. Finance teams in many SMBs often navigate a patchwork of spreadsheets, email threads, PDFs and paper-based workflows. Experts say this fragmented approach not only slows productivity but also increases the risk of errors, delays and data privacy concerns. IT departments, typically called upon to fix these inefficiencies, often operate with lean staffing and limited budgets. For some, high-end financial technology systems appear out of reach due to the investment required in infrastructure, time and…

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has concluded its first Made For Trade Live roadshow in Jakarta, aimed at boosting business connections between the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. The event follows the UAE-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in 2023. Officials say bilateral non-oil trade between the two nations has grown from $3bn in 2020 to $5bn in 2024, with investments spanning renewable energy, technology, and agri-food sectors. DMCC announced that the number of Southeast Asian companies operating within its district rose by 13% in the past year, reaching more than 650 – over 30…

Warba Bank has launched a new partnership with Kuwait Flour Mills & Bakeries Company, giving travelling customers a complimentary coffee at Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4. The collaboration coincides with the opening of Kuwait Flour Mills’ new branch in the terminal and is part of the bank’s strategy to enhance travel experiences while promoting local businesses. Customers of Warba Bank passing through T4 can claim their free drink by redeeming a special electronic code via the bank’s mobile app. The code is presented at the Kuwait Flour Mills counter before payment, making the process quick and accessible for travellers on…

Canon has introduced its new Subscription Security Services, a flexible, tiered offering designed to provide end-to-end protection for business devices, documents and data. The service builds on Canon’s existing print security solutions and aims to simplify security management for organisations of all sizes. The service is available in two packages — Enhanced Security and Premium Security. Both tiers include device hardening, automated firmware updates, secure data destruction and data backup as standard. The Premium tier extends protection with proactive device monitoring, real-time threat detection, rapid recovery and detailed security insights. Addressing rising security risks With the global average cost of…

SAIC Motor, the parent company of MG Motor, has been ranked 138th on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 list, reporting revenues of USD 87.2bn in 2024. It is the company’s 21st consecutive year on the list, reflecting its sustained growth and global influence across key markets, including the Middle East. The Shanghai-based automaker remains the only Chinese manufacturer to sell over one million New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and more than one million vehicles overseas for three years running. This track record has played a pivotal role in strengthening MG’s credibility and appeal in the Middle East. Middle East momentum MG…

The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) has launched a new blended learning model that combines 49% digital content with 51% in-person teaching, aiming to advance flexible education for government professionals and strengthen the UAE’s position in administrative excellence. The initiative is aligned with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which emphasises digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and future-ready education. It also supports the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025 and the Dubai Digital Agenda, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a leading smart city with advanced digital education capabilities. Innovation in government education His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al…

The worldwide infrastructure as a service (IaaS) market expanded 22.5% in 2024 to reach $171.8bn, according to new figures from technology research firm Gartner. Amazon retained its position as the leading global provider, ahead of Microsoft, Google, Alibaba and Huawei. The latest data shows the top five IaaS providers accounted for 82.1% of the market last year, underscoring the sector’s concentration among a handful of hyperscale players. Amazon Web Services (AWS) posted revenue of $64.8bn, capturing 37.7% of the market. Microsoft followed with a 23.9% share, while Google, Alibaba Group and Huawei maintained their rankings year-on-year. Shifting enterprise priorities Hardeep…

LG Electronics has unveiled plans to launch its next-generation portable lifestyle TV, the StanbyME 2, this summer. The device is expected to build on the success of the original StanbyME with greater versatility, mobility and design appeal aimed at both home and outdoor use. While the company has not disclosed full specifications, LG says the StanbyME 2 will offer an “essential companion for work, play and relaxation” with features designed to adapt to modern living. The launch reflects LG’s ongoing focus on merging cutting-edge technology with flexible design to suit different environments. Ahead of its global release, LG will partner…

Daniel Radcliffe has confirmed he will not make a cameo appearance in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series. The English actor, who played the boy wizard in all eight film adaptations, said he is “very excited to have that torch passed” but added, “I don’t think it needs me to physically pass it.” Radcliffe’s absence has prompted speculation online, with some suggesting his decision may be linked to ongoing controversy over author J.K. Rowling’s comments on transgender issues. Radcliffe, alongside co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, has previously voiced support for the trans community, stating in 2020: “Transgender women are…

Filming has begun for Aşk ve Gözyaşı, the highly anticipated Turkish adaptation of the Korean hit Queen of Tears, with stars Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç returning to the screen together. The series, produced by O3 Medya and Dass Yapım for ATV, is scheduled to premiere in September, airing Friday nights. The first rehearsals have already drawn attention online, as fans praised the on-screen chemistry between Erçel and Arduç. The pair play Meyra and Selim, a married couple navigating the complexities of life after what appeared to be their “happy ending.” The drama promises a poignant exploration of love tested…