Author: Sam Allcock

Schneider Electric has announced its Q2 2025 extra-financial results, showcasing significant strides in sustainability as the company enters the final phase of its 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program. With just six months remaining in the initiative, Schneider Electric posted an SSI score of 8.06 out of 10—its strongest yet—underscoring momentum across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. The quarter was marked by both international recognition and measurable on-the-ground impact. For the second consecutive year, TIME and Statista named Schneider Electric the World’s Most Sustainable Company. The accolade followed its earlier recognition as Europe’s Most Sustainable Corporation by Corporate Knights,…

Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has received a prestigious accolade from the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB), earning the title of “Excellence in Digital Leadership and Customer-Centric Banking in Kuwait for the Year 2025”. The award was presented during the 11th Arab Banks Awards and Commendations of Excellence ceremony held in Beirut, organised by The Banking Executive Magazine, WUAB’s official publication. Representing KIB at the ceremony were Mr. Musab Al-Shalan, Deputy General Manager of the Retail Banking Department, and Ms. Marwa Marafie, Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager, who jointly accepted the award on behalf of the bank. The award reflects…

In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, InterContinental Dubai Festival City has launched a pair of curated dining experiences to honour the resilience, achievements, and enduring contributions of Emirati women to the UAE’s growth. The initiative underscores the hotel’s commitment to recognising women’s vital role in shaping the nation’s future and brings together the local community in moments of reflection, gratitude, and joy. Marking the national occasion, celebrated annually on 28 August, the hotel invites guests to participate through two distinct gastronomic offerings—each blending cultural heritage with world-class hospitality. These experiences are designed not only to delight the palate but also…

American comedian Matt Rife has gone viral this week after announcing his purchase of one of the most infamous haunted properties in the United States—Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home and Occult Museum in Connecticut. The purchase includes the notorious Annabelle doll, made famous by The Conjuring film franchise. Rife, known for his viral comedy tours and internet presence, shared the news on social media alongside YouTuber and paranormal enthusiast Elton Castee. The two now co-own the historic property and its spine-chilling contents, including cursed artefacts once collected by the late Warrens—world-renowned paranormal investigators. “I have officially purchased Ed and Lorraine…

Singapore-based startup Brilliant Labs has unveiled Halo, a new generation of smart glasses designed to help users recall names and enhance everyday memory tasks through AI-powered support. Priced at $299, the Halo glasses build upon the company’s earlier Frame model, adding a feature-rich upgrade with real-world applications for memory and vision assistance. What sets Halo apart is its Narrative system, a newly integrated AI framework that leverages data from embedded cameras, microphones, and user interactions to create a personalised knowledge base. This enables the glasses to identify people in real time, recall names, and offer contextual information based on previous…

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has opened applications for Harakat Sikka, a new stop-motion animation and visual storytelling training programme designed to cultivate creative talent across the emirate. Hosted under the Sikka Platform, the initiative offers aspiring filmmakers, designers, artists, writers, and students a chance to explore animation through a series of hands-on workshops led by renowned director and artist Boubaker Boukhari. Known for his distinctive folklore-inspired stop-motion techniques, Boukhari brings a wealth of experience to this intimate programme. Running from 18 August to 26 September 2025, the month-long course will be held at House 436 in Dubai’s Al Shindagha…

American pop star Katy Perry had a close call during her Lifetimes Tour performance in San Francisco on Friday night, when a flying stage prop malfunctioned mid-air. The incident occurred at the Chase Center on 18 July, while the 40-year-old singer was performing her 2013 hit “Roar.” As part of the show, Perry was seated on a butterfly-shaped prop suspended above the crowd. But as she soared over the audience, the rigging appeared to fail briefly—causing the butterfly to jolt suddenly and nearly throw her off balance. Fan-shot footage, which quickly spread across social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showed…

Visa has announced an exclusive global ticket presale for the FIFA World Cup 26™, giving Visa cardholders the first opportunity to apply for tickets to the biggest tournament in football history. Revealed during a high-profile reception at the Visa Payments Vault in Washington, D.C., the Visa Presale Draw marks the beginning of the official ticketing process. Attended by dignitaries from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the event celebrated North America’s trilateral collaboration and the unifying power of football ahead of the first-ever tri-nation World Cup. The presale period runs from September 10 to 19, allowing holders of Visa Debit,…

Dubai-based real estate firm BEYOND Developments has launched its flagship waterfront residential project, PASSO, on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent—marking a major expansion for the lifestyle-led developer. Unveiled in a high-profile event that featured Dubai’s first-ever “screens in the sky” drone show, PASSO comprises two sculptural towers—Avita and Bella—offering 625 high-end residences. The project signifies BEYOND’s first development outside its masterplan in Dubai Maritime City and reflects the company’s evolving ambitions in the global luxury property space. Scheduled for completion in Q3 2029, PASSO brings BEYOND’s human-centric design ethos to one of the world’s most prestigious waterfront addresses. Residences range from…

Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco footballer Achraf Hakimi has been referred to a French criminal court over an alleged rape dating back to February 2023. The move follows a request from the Nanterre Public Prosecutor’s Office, which believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. Hakimi, 26, has consistently denied the allegation and maintains his innocence. The case relates to an incident that allegedly took place at Hakimi’s residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. A young woman, whose identity has not been disclosed for legal reasons, reported the alleged assault to police but did not initially file a…