Author: Sam Allcock

Emirates has been crowned the Best Long-Haul Airline at the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win in the prestigious category. The Dubai-based carrier received the accolade following a public vote by over 20,000 Telegraph readers, underlining its continued dominance in global air travel. The awards ceremony took place last week at the Pompadour Hotel Café Royal in London, where Helen Breen, Emirates’ Leisure Sales Manager in the UK, accepted the honour on behalf of the airline. Emirates was also recognised this month by YouGov as 2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand, making it the only airline in the…

Swiss-Belhotel International has announced its latest expansion into Africa with the signing of a new luxury property in Tanzania. The five-star Swiss-Belboutique Masaki Dar es Salaam will be located in the upmarket district of Masaki, on the Msasani Peninsula, and is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027. The agreement was formalised between Swiss-Belhotel International and Astra Capital Limited, marking a strategic partnership aimed at delivering an elevated hospitality experience in one of East Africa’s fastest-growing markets. Joel C. Makanyaga, Owner of Astra Capital Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are glad to collaborate with Swiss-Belhotel…

Oman Air has reported a remarkable near threefold increase in point-to-point passengers, soaring from 75,000 in June 2024 to 200,000 in June 2025. This leap marks a significant shift in the airline’s strategy, with 58% of all passengers now flying directly into Oman rather than transiting onward – the highest share among any airline in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This achievement comes as part of a deliberate push by the national carrier to reposition itself as a gateway for inbound tourism, aligning with Oman’s broader economic and tourism ambitions. Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, highlighted…

In a move that blends travel, creativity, and learning, Accor Waterfront Properties has partnered with Nikon to launch Createcation: Dubai Deira Gold Summer Edition — a hosted summer staycation curated exclusively for budding content creators. Running from August 2–3, 2025, the experience spans six properties in Old Dubai, offering participants the chance to craft compelling lifestyle and travel content while enjoying a full-board, two-day escape in the heart of the city’s historic district. Set against the backdrop of Deira’s vibrant streets and cultural charm, Createcation is more than a social media moment — it’s a carefully designed immersive workshop-meets-holiday. Participants…

Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has announced a robust 23% increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, with profits reaching KD 14.8 million, up from KD 12 million in the same period last year. The financial results reflect KIB’s growing momentum under its new five-year strategy focused on innovation, expansion, and customer-centric solutions. Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah described the results as a “launchpad” for KIB’s ambitious goals. Earnings per share rose to 7.11 fils from 5.70 fils in H1 2024. Total operating income hit nearly KD 46.3 million, a 10% year-on-year increase. Al-Sabah emphasized that the strong…

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) has unveiled five new specialisations in its Master of Education (MEd) programme, a move designed to equip educators with skills that match the UAE’s fast-evolving educational landscape. The expanded curriculum is aimed at professionals seeking advanced, research-informed expertise in key areas shaping modern learning environments. As global education systems pivot to meet emerging challenges—ranging from inclusion to technology integration—BUiD’s initiative offers timely support for the UAE’s national education priorities. The newly introduced concentrations include: These areas have been selected to reflect critical needs in today’s classrooms and education systems, particularly as the UAE continues…

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has entered into a strategic partnership with Emirates NBD to modernise and streamline real estate transaction processes, particularly those involving international property deals. The move is expected to strengthen investor confidence and support Dubai’s ambitions to become a global hub for real estate investment. The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of cooperation, aims to build a joint framework for regulatory and technical studies. Central to the partnership are two forward-looking studies: one to enhance the registration process for real estate transactions carried out outside the United Arab Emirates, and another to develop innovative financial services…

At least 11 Thai civilians, including an 8-year-old child, were killed in renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday, Thai military officials told Reuters. An additional 14 people were injured in a shelling incident near the disputed frontier. In retaliation, the Thai army launched airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets against what it described as Cambodian military targets. The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh issued a notice urging all Thai nationals to leave Cambodia immediately amid escalating violence. Photographs from the Preah Vihear province on July 24 show Cambodian soldiers reloading BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, indicating intensified military activity…

A disturbing rumour has gone viral across Chinese social media, claiming that a woman took her own life after failing to purchase a Labubu doll at a shopping mall. However, as of now, no credible media outlets or verified sources in China have confirmed the incident. The alleged event reportedly took place at a Labubu vending machine inside a shopping centre, where a fight broke out due to overwhelming demand. Videos circulating online show chaotic scenes near the machine, with individuals seen hoarding dolls, further fueling the frenzy. The claim that a woman committed suicide shortly after being unable to…

Terry Gene Bollea, better known to millions of fans around the world as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71, his family confirmed. The wrestling legend passed away early Thursday morning at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following a cardiac arrest. Hogan was a towering figure in professional wrestling and a global pop culture icon, whose influence reshaped the entertainment landscape during the 1980s and 1990s. With his signature handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow ring gear, and booming catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, he transcended the squared circle to become a household name. He…