Author: Sam Allcock

Telecom provider Ooredoo has joined in celebrations marking the 2025 Philippine Independence Day in Oman, taking centre stage as the official telecommunications sponsor for the event. The occasion, which drew hundreds from the Filipino community and beyond, was held last week in Muscat and served as a vibrant display of national pride and cultural heritage. The annual event, commemorating the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spain in 1898, has become a key date on Oman’s multicultural calendar. This year’s edition included traditional music and dance performances, Filipino cuisine, and a colourful showcase of heritage, underscoring the strong presence of the…

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – Celebrate the Islamic New Year in style with an unforgettable long weekend staycation at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, located on the serene Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The luxurious beachfront resort is offering a two-night all-inclusive package starting from AED 1,199 per night from June 26 to 28, 2025. Perfect for families looking to relax and reconnect, the resort features pyramid-style architecture, well-appointed rooms and suites, 13 restaurants and bars, and eight swimming pools, including dedicated kids’ aqua zones and a tranquil spa pool. With an expansive lineup of water sports, fitness facilities,…

Namibia claimed the championship title at the inaugural Dubai Holding Community Management UAE Netball Cup 2025, following a thrilling 62–53 win over Singapore in a high-energy final at Al Nasr Sports Hall. The week-long tournament, officially sanctioned by World Netball, marked a breakthrough moment for international netball in the Middle East. With six national teams ranked between 18th and 30th globally — Namibia (20), Singapore (19), Kenya (25), Ireland (18), UAE (23), and the United States (30) — the event showcased elite-level competition and growing global interest in women’s sport. Tournament Highlights: The UAE Falcons delivered a memorable performance in…

This summer, Dubai residents and visitors are invited to indulge in a uniquely nostalgic escape aboard one of the city’s most iconic attractions — the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2). Permanently docked at Port Rashid, the storied British ocean liner turned hotel offers a distinctive mix of heritage, comfort, and curated hospitality experiences, from sea-view staycations and royal teas to classic roasts and British pub favourites. Sea-View Getaways and Staycations The QE2 offers a serene maritime retreat without leaving the city. Guests can enjoy: With panoramic water views and a setting steeped in oceanic legacy, the QE2’s stay packages promise a…

Škoda Auto has appointed Q-Auto as its exclusive distributor in Qatar, marking a strategic expansion for the Czech brand into one of the Gulf’s most dynamic automotive markets. The announcement includes plans for a new showroom launch in late 2025, reinforcing the brand’s long-term investment in the country’s growing demand for intelligent and reliable mobility. With a focus on high-value vehicles and top-tier customer service, the partnership is set to revamp Škoda’s market presence in Qatar. Q-Auto, well known for its previous partnerships with Volkswagen and Audi, brings a proven track record of premium customer engagement, operational excellence, and aftersales…

Canon Inc. has announced that three of its specialized RF dual fisheye lenses for 3D VR video will soon be compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro spatial computer, reinforcing a growing collaboration between Canon and Apple in immersive content creation. Canon’s RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE and RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE lenses will support Apple’s newly introduced Apple Projected Media Profile (APMP), a QuickTime movie format designed for spatial video playback on the Apple Vision Pro. These lenses are part of Canon’s EOS VR System, which launched in 2021 to serve the evolving needs of content creators working in VR…

SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor marine life theme park, is diving into summer with the return of its vibrant Electric Ocean Festival. Running daily from 28 June to 31 August, the second edition of the festival promises immersive entertainment, neon-lit spectacles, and educational experiences for guests of all ages. A core celebration of SeaWorld’s One Ocean story, the festival highlights humanity’s connection with the ocean, offering interactive experiences that blend entertainment with marine conservation. Electrifying Entertainment and Immersive Experiences Visitors will be welcomed with a high-energy pre-show party designed to warm up the crowd with music…

As summer travel trends shift towards local experiences, Dubai’s Deira district is re-emerging as a weekend escape for UAE residents, powered by a cluster of urban hotels offering culturally rich and wallet-friendly stays. Hospitality brands including Novotel, Mercure, ibis Styles, and Adagio Aparthotel are redefining Deira as a heritage-infused staycation hub, blending old-world charm with modern comfort. With domestic travel on the rise, these properties are tailoring their offerings to fit the preferences of solo explorers, families, digital nomads, and hybrid workers looking to balance affordability with authenticity. A limited-time offer provides up to 25% off stays of two nights…

In a significant international recognition of Dubai Customs’ efforts in empowering women and fostering innovation, Eman Badr Al Suwaidi, Director of the Clients Happiness Department and Head of the Authorized Economic Operator Program, was awarded the Harvard Business Awards Council (HBC) honor and gold medal at a prestigious ceremony in London. Held at the historic Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), the awards ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Al Suwaidi was recognized for her transformative role in advancing inclusive leadership, enhancing customer experiences, and spearheading innovative solutions within Dubai Customs. Her initiatives have streamlined…

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has marked a significant milestone in its talent development journey with the graduation of the first cohort from its High-Flyer Development Programme, a key initiative designed to cultivate internal leadership and accelerate career growth across the organisation. The graduation ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. Jawaan Awaidha Al Khaili, Chairman of ADIB, along with board members, Group CEO Mohamed Abdelbary, and senior executives. The event celebrated the accomplishments of employees who completed the six-month programme focused on building future-ready leaders. Launched in September 2024 in collaboration with AFAQ, the High-Flyer Programme was tailored…