Author: Sam Allcock

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) welcomed more than 1,100 new companies in the first half of 2025, bringing total membership to almost 26,000. The growth was driven by strong overseas demand, expanded licensing, and continued investment in technology and real estate. The DMCC Crypto Centre surpassed 700 firms after a 38% year-on-year increase, pushing the total number of technology companies in the district to over 3,300. The DMCC Gaming Centre grew to more than 140 companies, while the recently launched AI Centre reached over 110 members. Together, these three hubs now account for almost 1,000 businesses. Executive Chairman and Chief…

Ooredoo, in partnership with Tamimah Telecom, has unveiled ERSAL, a next-generation unified communication platform aimed at transforming business engagement in Oman and beyond. Announced as part of Ooredoo’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation, ERSAL integrates multiple communication channels — including SMS, WhatsApp, push notifications, voice, email, and video — into a single system accessible through one API. Saied Sadiq Al-Lawati, Acting Chief Business and Wholesale Officer at Ooredoo, said the launch addresses the needs of businesses operating in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive environment. “The launch of ERSAL reflects our commitment to accelerating Oman’s digital transformation by…

Emirates will ban the use of all power banks during flights from 1 October 2025, introducing new safety measures aimed at reducing risks linked to lithium battery devices. While passengers will still be permitted to carry one power bank under specific conditions, the devices can no longer be used to charge electronics or be charged themselves while in the aircraft cabin. The Dubai-based carrier said the decision follows a comprehensive safety review and reflects growing concerns over lithium battery-related incidents in the aviation industry. Under the updated regulations, Emirates customers may carry one power bank rated under 100 watt hours,…

Mubadala Energy, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered international energy company, has finalised its first significant investment in the United States energy market, acquiring a 24.1% equity stake in Caturus through a strategic partnership with Kimmeridge, an energy-focused alternative asset manager. The deal, which follows approval from the US Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS), marks a major step in Mubadala Energy’s strategy to expand its global gas portfolio and reinforce its role in the energy transition. Caturus, the rebranded SoTex HoldCo, is building what it describes as the leading integrated natural gas and LNG export platform in the US. The platform combines upstream…

Lebanese influencer and entrepreneur Youmna Khoury, known to her followers as Youmi Beauty, has tied the knot in an opulent ceremony on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. The event blended high fashion, cultural tradition, and a swirl of public intrigue surrounding the groom’s past. Khoury, famed for her beauty brand and luxury style, hosted the wedding in a grand Italian palace on Thursday, 7 August. The celebrations drew a select group of social media personalities, celebrities, and dignitaries. Guests were treated to a series of meticulously planned events, including a pre-wedding party where the bride dazzled in an orange…

Global superstar Jennifer Lopez encountered an unexpected setback during a shopping trip in Istanbul, just a day before her scheduled performance in the city. The singer and actress was reportedly refused entry to the Chanel store at Istinye Park after staff said the shop had reached full capacity. According to witnesses, a security guard explained that the boutique was unable to accept any more customers at the time. Lopez responded with calmness, smiling and telling the guard, “Okay, no problem,” before leaving without protest. The incident occurred on August 5, ahead of Lopez’s headline appearance at the Istanbul Festival in…

Turkish actor Burak Çelik, known internationally for his role as Kaan in the hit drama Hudutsuz Sevda (Boundless Love), has become a father for the first time. His wife, Ece Çelik, has given birth to a healthy baby boy, whom the couple have named Kaan Aslan — a name that carries special significance for fans of the television series. The name “Kaan” resonates deeply with viewers who followed the emotional and dramatic journey of Burak’s on-screen character in Hudutsuz Sevda. The series, a blend of romance and drama, has been widely praised for its compelling storytelling and strong performances, with…

Real estate group Aldar and education-focused charity Dubai Cares are joining forces again to support underprivileged students across the UAE, in line with the nation’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community. The “Back to School 2025” initiative will take place on 15 August at Nabdh Alfalah in Abu Dhabi. Around 300 volunteers will pack 10,000 school kits, which will be distributed to students from low-income families nationwide. The kits aim to ensure children start the academic year with the tools and confidence needed to succeed. The programme is part of Dubai Cares’ flagship Volunteer Emirates campaign, which mobilises…

Cybersecurity firms Sophos and Halcyon have announced a new strategic partnership to share ransomware threat intelligence in real time, aiming to strengthen defenses and accelerate response for more than 300,000 organisations worldwide. The collaboration will see the two companies exchange indicators of compromise, attacker behaviours, and attack patterns to help detect and block ransomware earlier. The move follows Halcyon’s launch of a Ransomware Research Center, which will now be informed by data from both firms’ platforms. Customers using Sophos Endpoint, Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Sophos XDR, and Halcyon’s Anti-Ransomware Platform will benefit from enriched detection models and faster…

Twenty women from across Lebanon have graduated from the QUDWA programme, an initiative aimed at empowering women working in the informal economy to transition into the formal sector. The Centre for Women in Business at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) hosted the graduation ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of participants from Tripoli, South Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Baalbeck-Hermel. Over the past five years, the women have launched and grown small businesses with the support of targeted training provided by OSB faculty. QUDWA’s curriculum focuses on business skills, market access,…