Author: Sam Allcock

The UAE’s Zayed Sustainability Prize has closed its submissions for the 2026 cycle with a record-breaking 7,761 entries from 173 countries, marking a 30% increase from the previous cycle. Now in its 17th year, the global award continues to spotlight pioneering innovations in sustainability that have already impacted over 400 million lives around the world. This year’s surge in participation, particularly from developing economies such as India, Ethiopia, Brazil, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia, underscores the growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions in health, food, energy, water, climate action, and education. According to early analysis, 85% of entries originated from developing…

Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital has been awarded a top honour by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in recognition of its pivotal role in the 8th AFC Medical Conference, which concluded this week. The accolade was presented to Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Aspetar, during the closing ceremony of the region’s flagship medical event. The award recognises Aspetar’s contribution as the principal scientific partner for the conference, which brought together hundreds of medical professionals, researchers, and sports medicine specialists from across Asia and beyond. Held over three days, the conference featured 54 lectures and sessions, in addition…

In a major step to support Emiratization in Dubai’s private sector, the Emirati Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Azizi Developments. The agreement aims to empower UAE nationals through structured employment and training pathways in the real estate industry—one of Dubai’s most vital economic sectors. The MoU was signed in the presence of top officials from both organisations and establishes a strong public-private partnership focused on nurturing Emirati talent. The initiative will bridge the gap between academic preparation and industry needs by offering job placements, tailored training programmes, and mentorship from Azizi’s…

Retail giant Union Coop has officially expanded to 30 branches across Dubai, underscoring its commitment to smart retail, community welfare, and the UAE’s national economy. The milestone reinforces Union Coop’s long-standing role as a leader in sustainable retail innovation, offering high-quality, locally sourced products while making shopping more accessible and inclusive for all members of society. Speaking about the expansion, CEO Mohamed Al Hashemi said the achievement reflects the organisation’s core vision: “Our growth is guided by a focus on quality, sustainability, and digital transformation. We are not just opening more branches — we are deepening our service to the…

Kia Corporation has officially revealed the PV5, its first purpose-built electric vehicle under the Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) banner, at Kia PV5 Tech Day held at the IVEX Studio in Gwangmyeong. The event highlighted the vehicle’s development process, technological innovations, and Kia’s ambitious push into flexible, modular mobility solutions. Under the theme “Technology that adapts, mobility that expands”, the PV5 is designed as a transformative mobility platform — not just a vehicle — intended for diverse business, utility, and accessibility needs. It represents the first step in Kia’s long-term vision for scalable electric mobility tailored to real-world customer demands. Customer-Led…

Canon will once again spotlight the power of photojournalism at the 36th edition of the Visa pour l’Image festival in Perpignan this September. Held annually in the south of France, the festival is one of the world’s most prestigious platforms for documentary photography. Canon’s longstanding partnership with the event continues this year with project grants, exhibitions, and technical support for professionals. From September 1 to 6, the festival’s Pro Week will see Canon honour two outstanding photographers, support professional development, and host an exclusive exhibit in collaboration with Reuters. Two Grants for Documentary Excellence Canon and Visa pour l’Image are…

Dubai Airports is preparing to host what promises to be one of the most memorable evenings in aviation history as the Dubai Airshow 2025 concludes with a lavish gala dinner on 20 November. Held at Atlantis The Palm, the event will gather 3,300 VIP guests from around the world to celebrate the innovation, partnerships, and human stories driving the next chapter of aviation. In line with the Dubai Airshow’s central theme, “The Future Is Here,” the gala will feature a powerful blend of entertainment, immersive storytelling, and interactive experiences. The highlight of the evening will be performances by genre-blending sensation…

In a luxury landscape increasingly shaped by cultural resonance and immersive experiences, Shaza Hotels has carved out a unique niche—one where meaning, memory, and modern elegance converge. The brand, which draws inspiration from the legendary Silk Route, offers more than high-end accommodation; it delivers a deeply rooted cultural journey. At the heart of this ethos is the belief that luxury is not in lavishness, but in intentional design, ritual, and belonging. Speaking to the media, Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President of Business Development and Growth at Shaza Hotels and its contemporary sister brand, Mysk by Shaza, explained the philosophy behind…

Chelsea are standing firm on their support for striker Nicolas Jackson, despite his reduced involvement during the recent Club World Cup, where forwards Liam Delap and Joao Pedro outshone the 24-year-old Senegalese. Sources close to the club, including Sky Sports, report that Chelsea remain confident in Jackson’s long-term value. The club points to his combined 34 goals and assists over the past two Premier League seasons as evidence of his impact—a figure that surpasses the 29 goal involvements of Hugo Ekitike in Germany, who recently moved to Liverpool in a £79 million deal. Chelsea are believed to be using Ekitike’s…

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is set to meet his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet on July 28 in Malaysia, in an urgent diplomatic effort to ease escalating border tensions. The meeting, announced by Bangkok on Sunday, follows a deadly confrontation along the Thai-Cambodian border that left one Thai soldier severely injured. According to a statement from the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, the talks will be facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The goal of the dialogue is to de-escalate the situation and restore bilateral relations between the two…