Author: Sam Allcock

In a move set to reshape how emotional and behavioral development is integrated into classrooms, AnaAkhtar, the first EdTech platform in the MENA region focused on social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) learning, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Jordan. The signing ceremony, held at the university’s campus in Amman, brought together leading figures in regional education. The MoU was officially signed by H.E. Dr. Nathir Obeidat, President of the University of Jordan, and Ms. Eman Al Otaibi, Founder and CEO of AnaAkhtar, underscoring a shared commitment to embedding emotional intelligence and behavioral well-being into…

Skoda is accelerating its growth in the UAE with the launch of two new flagship showrooms, reinforcing its commitment to delivering European engineering and digital-first retail experiences to a growing customer base. The first showroom has opened on Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, with a second set to debut next month on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. These launches mark a bold step in Skoda’s regional expansion strategy, which targets tripling sales volume in the UAE within five years, following three consecutive years of double-digit growth in Abu Dhabi. Each showroom spans over 1,000 square meters, featuring an immersive and intuitive layout…

Sophos, a global cybersecurity leader, has released its sixth annual State of Ransomware 2025 report, revealing that 43% of UAE organizations hit by ransomware opted to pay the ransom to recover their data. This figure, while below the global average of 50%, highlights ongoing pressure on companies to resolve attacks quickly amid growing operational and psychological impacts. The study, based on a vendor-neutral survey of 3,400 IT and cybersecurity leaders across 17 countries, offers a sobering view of the current ransomware threat landscape. Despite increased preparedness, many organizations still face serious challenges, including rising attack sophistication, data breaches, and human…

Al Tayer Motors, one of the UAE’s premier automotive retailers, has officially launched the DEEPAL S05, a compact electric SUV from DEEPAL, the intelligent mobility brand of Changan Automotive. Following the successful debut of the DEEPAL S07 earlier this year, the S05 enters the market with a strong promise of affordability, smart design, and advanced EV technology tailored for UAE drivers. Unveiled as a dual-power compact SUV, the DEEPAL S05 is available in two variants: Speaking at the launch, Ashok Khanna, CEO of Al Tayer Motors, said: “We are delighted to unveil DEEPAL’s newest model within just four months of…

Orange Jordan has hosted a specialized job fair for young programmers graduating from its Orange Digital Center’s coding programs, offering a vital bridge between emerging tech talent and employment opportunities in the local market. The event, held under the supervision of the Digital Skills Association, brought together several companies and organizations keen to tap into a pool of newly trained developers. The initiative was supported by the Youth, Technology, and Jobs (DigiSkills) program under Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and by Proparco, the investment arm of the French Development Agency (AFD). The job fair served as a practical…

Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has officially opened its representative office in Türkiye, deepening its engagement with Turkish financial institutions and corporates. The move marks a significant milestone in Mashreq’s international expansion and underscores its strategic focus on enhancing regional and global connectivity. The new office strengthens Mashreq’s position as a key partner in Türkiye, where the bank has long been a major player in correspondent banking, syndicated loans, and capital market activities. The bank has also served as a leading bookrunner for several high-profile bond transactions by Turkish borrowers, including prominent capital market issuances by…

Dubai-based airline flydubai has announced the resumption of daily flights to Damascus, the capital of Syria, starting 26 June 2025. The flights will depart from Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport (DXB), marking a significant step in the gradual reopening of regional airspace and the airline’s wider return to its full network schedule. The decision follows the easing of airspace restrictions in the region and the completion of necessary operational assessments. The carrier plans to restore its entire route network by 01 July, with a focus on maintaining flexibility and safety in a still-developing operational landscape. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO…

Deloitte Middle East and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a major expansion of their regional partnership, with a joint commitment to deliver $1 billion worth of services by 2030, aiming to accelerate digital transformation across the Middle East. Unveiled at a strategic meeting at Deloitte’s offices in Dubai, the alliance builds on the companies’ global collaboration and underscores their shared ambition to support rapid cloud adoption and advanced technology integration in key regional industries. As part of the expanded initiative, Deloitte and AWS will co-invest in scaling local capabilities, building a skilled talent pool, and launching dedicated Centers of…

Dubai-based telecom and digital services provider du has announced a strategic partnership with CRIF, a global leader in credit information and analytics, to elevate sustainability performance across its supply chain. Central to this collaboration is the adoption of Synesgy, CRIF’s digital platform designed to assess Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. As global industries place increasing emphasis on sustainability, du is integrating ESG considerations into its supplier evaluation processes. The move is part of the company’s broader commitment to responsible business practices and alignment with both international benchmarks and emerging regulatory expectations. “This partnership with CRIF and the integration of…

Amid a growing global appetite for culturally rooted travel experiences, Shaza Hotels is positioning itself as a leading hospitality brand in the Middle East and other Muslim-friendly markets. Known for its contemporary take on Eastern traditions, Shaza is gaining recognition as a regional player with global potential. Shaza Hotels, along with its lifestyle-oriented sister brand Mysk by Shaza, is actively expanding across key markets with a focus on authenticity, sustainability, and cultural immersion. With a strategy that blends traditional values and modern sensibilities, the brand is appealing to both investors and experience-driven travellers seeking something more meaningful than conventional luxury.…