Author: Sam Allcock

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has named Professor Bassam Alameddine as its new president, marking what the institution calls a “bold new era” as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of the Fifth Industrial Revolution. Professor Alameddine, an internationally recognised academic leader, brings a track record of institutional transformation across the Gulf and beyond. He succeeds Dr David Schmidt, under whose tenure AURAK earned the prestigious QS 5 Stars Plus rating in 2023, joining an elite group of universities worldwide. In a statement, Professor Alameddine said he was “delighted” to lead the university, describing AURAK…

Ooredoo Kuwait, one of the country’s leading digital and telecommunications providers, has unveiled the Ooredoo Call of Duty Tournament 2025, a large-scale esports initiative set to capture the attention of Kuwait’s rapidly growing gaming community. The tournament, which the company describes as one of the region’s most anticipated esports events, will begin with online qualifiers before culminating in a live Grand Final on 30 August at Ooredoo’s headquarters. The final will also be streamed live across digital platforms, making it accessible to both participants and spectators nationwide. At its core, the event has been positioned as more than just a…

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is marking Emirati Women’s Day with a series of cultural and artistic events designed to honour the talent, creativity and achievements of women in the UAE. The programme, which begins on 28 August, includes an expert panel discussion, an art exhibition, an interactive design experience, and a month-long afternoon tea inspired by Emirati traditions. A panel on women building the nation The hotel will host a discussion titled Women Building the Nation at 4pm on 28 August, bringing together voices from architecture, education and the arts. Architect and academic Asma…

Jumbo Electronics, one of the UAE’s leading electronics and home appliance retailers, has relaunched two of its flagship showrooms at City Centre Deira in Dubai and City Centre Sharjah. The newly designed stores, now open to the public, feature modernised layouts, enhanced visibility and updated product sections, which the retailer says will deliver a more engaging and rewarding shopping experience. The relaunch comes as Jumbo looks to strengthen its position as a trusted technology destination in the Emirates. With monthly footfall already reaching 22,000 at City Centre Deira and 9,000 at City Centre Sharjah, the company is projecting double-digit growth…

With summer temperatures still running high, LG Electronics is leaning into indoor entertainment, unveiling its latest OLED evo and QNED evo televisions. The new models, designed with both movie lovers and gamers in mind, promise sharper visuals, brighter displays and more intelligent features. At the forefront of the OLED evo G5 and M5 series lies LG’s next-generation α11 AI Processor 4K Gen2, which analyses and adjusts more than eight million pixels in real time. The result, the company says, is nuanced, lifelike imagery with striking depth. Coupled with Brightness Booster Ultimate, these OLED screens deliver up to three times more…

The global technology group e& and Swedish telecom giant Ericsson have successfully concluded the first edition of Excelerate&, a year-long program designed to shape the UAE’s next generation of telecom leaders. Launched in 2024, Excelerate& brought together some of e&’s top young Emirati professionals, offering a mix of technical training, leadership development, and international exposure. The program concluded with an educational trip to Ericsson’s headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. During their visit, participants engaged with executives, researchers and designers at Ericsson’s Experience Center. They explored live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven networks and 5G advancements, while also networking with global…

Azizi Developments has announced the launch of Azizi Wares, its latest freehold residential and retail project in Downtown Jebel Ali, Dubai. The development, strategically located next to Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and the Middle East’s largest port, aims to attract investors and end-users seeking both connectivity and lifestyle convenience. The new project offers a mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a curated selection of retail outlets. The residences have been designed with modern interiors and contemporary finishes, while the wider community incorporates amenities tailored to families and professionals. Facilities at Azizi Wares include swimming pools for…

Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for Nissan, INFINITI, and Renault in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra Region, has launched a new back-to-school campaign offering a wide range of deals tailored for families, students, and first-time drivers. The campaign combines affordability with safety and value, as customers prepare for the start of the academic season. The company said the offers reflect its focus on providing premium vehicles through flexible payment options, aftersales benefits, and competitive trade-in deals. Nissan offers for students and families Nissan’s line-up forms the cornerstone of the initiative, with models catering to practicality and…

Turkish actress Hande Erçel and businessman Hakan Sabancı have ended their relationship after nearly three years together, according to Turkish media reports. The couple, who had become one of the most prominent public pairs in Turkey’s entertainment and social circles, were widely expected to announce wedding plans. News of their separation has surprised fans who had followed their relationship closely. Social media signs Speculation about the couple’s status began when Erçel removed photographs of herself with Sabancı from her social media accounts. Images of the pair on holidays, at public events, and in private moments had been a regular feature…

A crew member working on the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris has died in Venice while preparing for the filming of its fifth season, Italian media and the show’s producers confirmed. The man, identified by newspaper La Repubblica as 47-year-old Diego Borella, served as an assistant director on the romantic comedy series. He reportedly collapsed in front of colleagues at the Hotel Danieli on Thursday evening while the production team was preparing to shoot a scene. Emergency services were called to the luxury hotel at around 19:00 local time (18:00 BST), but medical teams were unable to save him.…