Author: Sam Allcock

Moving into a new residence in Abu Dhabi’s discerning luxury landscape is a significant milestone – a moment to not only settle in but also to unveil a new chapter of one’s lifestyle. The traditional housewarming party has, for many, evolved into a meticulously curated event: a grand debut that celebrates the new address while simultaneously showcasing the unique character of the home and its discerning residents. To truly make an indelible first impression and set the perfect tone for years of sophisticated entertaining, a strategic approach is essential. Beyond simply celebrating, the ultimate luxury housewarming is an art form.…

Turkish actor Burak Özçivit has stunned fans by debuting a dramatically different appearance, appearing without his signature beard for the first time in years. The move comes shortly after his official departure from the hit historical drama Kuruluş Osman, in which he played the lead role of Osman Bey for six seasons. Özçivit’s transformation was unveiled on social media through his Instagram stories, where he shared images of his new clean-shaven look. The post quickly went viral, prompting an avalanche of reactions from fans who had grown used to his bearded, battle-worn portrayal of the iconic Ottoman founder. The 39-year-old…

1GLOBAL, the international mobile communications provider, has officially established its global headquarters in Amsterdam and expanded its board of directors as part of a broader strategy to accelerate growth in the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and enabler (MVNE) space. The creation of 1GLOBAL Holdings B.V. on 27 June 2025 marks a significant shift in the company’s structure, positioning it at the regulatory heart of the European Union while benefiting from the Netherlands’ favourable business environment and rich technology talent pool. The restructuring coincides with a strengthened governance framework. Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter, formerly CEO of Vodafone Germany and Group CEO…

The Sustainable City – Yiti has launched The Arc, a striking new addition to Oman’s flagship net-zero community. The development introduces 132 luxury serviced residences that blend coastal living with sustainability and smart design, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. Announced by Diamond Developers in partnership with the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), The Arc is positioned as a modern icon at the heart of the nearly one-million-square-metre city. The residences are offered in two, three, and four-bedroom layouts, with panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Each unit incorporates smart home technology and energy-efficient infrastructure. Among the three…

In a strategic move to spotlight the UAE’s cultural heritage on a global stage, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Racing Club (DRC). This landmark partnership aims to integrate Emirati customs and creativity into the Dubai World Cup experience, positioning it as a celebration of both sport and national identity. Signed by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and Ali Abdulrahman Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of DRC, the agreement sets the stage for joint initiatives that elevate both tangible and intangible aspects of heritage. The…

In a move aimed at strengthening regional financial ties, Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has signed a landmark cooperation agreement with Alawneh Exchange, one of Jordan’s largest exchange companies. The partnership is set to transform cross-border remittance solutions between the UAE and Jordan, making them faster, more secure, efficient, and cost-effective. The agreement was formalised at a high-profile ceremony attended by Mr. Hakam Abu Zarour, Chief Operating Officer of SIB, and Mr. Ayman Alawneh, CEO of Alawneh Exchange. Also present were H.E. Hamad Abdullah Al Matroushi, Acting Head of the UAE Embassy in Jordan, along with senior officials from both organisations…

Ooredoo Oman has announced a strategic partnership with Mursi United Company to launch ESG-as-a-Service, a pioneering digital platform designed to help businesses monitor and enhance their sustainability performance. The AI-driven solution enables organisations across sectors such as industry, oil and gas, and banking to measure, manage, and report on key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. By offering a unified platform, ESG-as-a-Service empowers enterprises to track compliance, reduce emissions, and take concrete steps towards carbon neutrality. The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Ooredoo’s headquarters in Muscat, attended by senior executives from both companies. The initiative aligns with…

Samsung Electronics Levant has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Jordan, marking a strategic step to enhance higher education through technology integration and practical learning. The agreement was formalised by Jongho Kang, President of Samsung Electronics Levant, and Dr. Nathir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and hands-on technological experience, ensuring university graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of a fast-evolving digital job market. The collaboration reflects Samsung’s long-term commitment to sustainable investment…

DP World has announced that its trade finance division has surpassed $1 billion in working capital mobilisation, delivering vital financial support to businesses across emerging markets and helping close the global trade finance gap. This milestone combines DP World’s own lending capabilities with a network of over 32 global financial institutions, including J.P. Morgan, Standard Bank, and Nedbank. Together, these partners have created tailored financing solutions aimed at supporting small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors ranging from agriculture to engineering. The initiative forms part of DP World’s broader mission to build a more inclusive and resilient global trade system,…

Crédit Agricole Egypt has partnered with renewable energy leader Infinity to offer financing solutions aimed at making solar energy more accessible to Egyptian households. The strategic agreement was formally signed by Mr. Jean-Pierre Trinelle, Managing Director of Crédit Agricole Egypt, and Mr. Ashraf El Bishry, General Manager of Infinity, along with senior executives from both organizations. The initiative introduces a tailored solar loan from Crédit Agricole Egypt, providing Infinity customers with preferential interest rates and repayment terms of up to seven years. The financing is designed to make clean energy products — particularly solar home systems — more affordable for…