Author: Sam Allcock

A television advert for Sanex shower gel has been banned in the United Kingdom after complaints that it portrayed black skin as “problematic” while presenting white skin as “superior.” The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) announced its decision following an investigation triggered by viewer complaints. The ad, first broadcast in June, was swiftly criticised online and by campaigners for promoting harmful stereotypes about darker skin tones. The 30-second commercial featured a voiceover saying, “To those who might scratch day and night. To those whose skin will feel dried out even by water,” while showing a black woman with visible red scratches…

Ras Al Khaimah is adding a new culinary experience to its dining scene with the launch of Salt & Spirits, a weekly seafood evening at Meze, the Turkish restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. The event, held every Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, has been curated by Turkish chef Mehmet Akif Topal. His menu blends traditional Turkish flavours with contemporary takes on seafood dishes, designed to showcase both authenticity and artistry. The evening begins with unlimited hot and cold starters, offering diners a generous prelude to a set menu built around the bounty of…

Ras Al Khaimah is undergoing an unprecedented property boom, with the northern Emirate fast emerging as one of the UAE’s most dynamic real estate markets. The growth is being shaped by the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who has placed long-term sustainability, quality of life and world-class development at the core of the Emirate’s strategy. In recent years, property sales and prices have climbed sharply, underpinned by a wave of hospitality, commercial and residential projects. Demographic growth is adding further momentum, with the population…

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced the launch of a tender process to find a new commercial rights holder for the World Rally Championship (WRC), in a move set to reshape the future of one of motorsport’s most celebrated competitions. The decision follows discussions with Red Bull and KW25, who currently hold the commercial rights to the Championship. Both parties, alongside the FIA, agreed that opening the tender would create new opportunities to drive growth, expand global audiences and strengthen WRC’s long-term commercial appeal. The WRC has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years. Figures released by…

Colombian superstar Shakira has delighted fans by posting a clip of rising artist Saint Levant performing a remix of her 2005 global hit Hips Don’t Lie. The short video, shared on her Instagram story, captured the rapper-singer delivering his own version of the track with infectious energy. Shakira’s playful caption — “I want to be in that party” — quickly caught attention across social media platforms. The moment has sparked widespread excitement among followers of both artists, with many speculating about a possible collaboration. Fans described the post as a recognition of Saint Levant’s growing influence in the international music…

A new social media campaign urging the boycott of prominent Arab influencers in Dubai has triggered fierce debate across online platforms. Under the slogans “Boycott the influencers” and “Unfollow Dubai Squad,” users on the Arab side of social media are calling on followers to cut ties with popular figures who have long dominated TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Campaigners accuse these influencers of promoting “useless” and “superficial” content that glamorises extravagant lifestyles while offering little educational or social value. Some critics argue that such portrayals create unrealistic expectations among younger audiences and contribute to “making people dumber.” Among the influencers named…

Air Arabia, the Emirati budget airline, has announced that it will begin accepting cryptocurrency payments for ticket bookings, marking a significant step towards integrating digital assets into mainstream travel. The airline revealed the move on Wednesday, stating that the new payment option is the result of a partnership with Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), the UAE’s first digital bank. The collaboration will introduce a stablecoin-based system and enable payments via AE Coin through the bank’s dedicated application, the AEC Wallet. When purchasing tickets online, passengers will now be able to select AEC Wallet as a payment option at checkout. The company…

Google is working on a new language learning app designed to compete with Duolingo, one of the most widely used platforms for language education, according to technology outlet Android Authority. The upcoming application will reportedly focus on teaching users through everyday scenarios and allow for more personalized learning experiences. Features under testing include interactive lessons in which learners can practice real-life situations such as ordering food, greeting others, or asking for directions. Unlike Duolingo’s free-to-use model, the new service is not expected to be free. While Google has not officially confirmed the project or provided details about its launch, sources…

Russia and Jordan have signed an agreement in Moscow to mutually waive visa requirements, a move both countries say will strengthen tourism, cultural exchange, and trade. The deal was signed on Wednesday by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the meeting was aimed at “further developing the traditionally friendly Russian-Jordanian relations,” with particular attention given to economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. Under the terms of the new agreement, Russians travelling to Jordan will be able to obtain a visa on arrival at airports for a fee of 40 Jordanian…

Apple will manufacture all four models of its upcoming iPhone 17 series in India, marking a significant shift in its global production strategy. According to a Bloomberg report, the American technology giant will begin assembling the devices in India a month before the official unveiling of the new iPhones, expected in September 2025. It will be the first time in Apple’s history that the entire iPhone lineup is produced outside China before launch. The iPhone 17 range is likely to include the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, with industry sources suggesting the addition of…