Author: Sam Allcock

Union Coop has reaffirmed its operational readiness and strategic preparedness to maintain the uninterrupted availability of essential consumer goods amid ongoing regional tensions. The UAE-based retail cooperative said its supply chains continue to operate with high efficiency and adaptability, ensuring that consumers face no disruption in accessing basic commodities. In a statement, Union Coop emphasized that it holds a sufficient strategic stock of essential goods, especially those produced locally. The organization highlighted its prioritization of national products as a vital component of its strategy to mitigate any potential supply chain disruptions. Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO of Union Coop, stated, “Our…

Dubai’s Global Village has officially opened applications for retail shops and guest services for its upcoming Season 30, inviting business owners and entrepreneurs to be part of what it promises will be its “most spectacular season to date.” The announcement follows the success of Season 29, which saw a record-breaking 10.5 million visitors from around the world. Known for its multicultural entertainment, food, and shopping experiences, Global Village continues to be one of Dubai’s most visited attractions, drawing guests of all ages and nationalities. The invitation extends to those looking to either launch or expand their businesses in the retail…

Egyptian cinema fans are abuzz with anticipation as acclaimed actor Karim Abdel Aziz is officially set to reprise his role in the third installment of the hugely successful Blue Elephant film series. The announcement, amplified by a public endorsement from Saudi entertainment chief Turki Al-Sheikh, marks a significant step toward the continuation of one of the Arab world’s most iconic psychological thrillers. A photo shared on Al-Sheikh’s official Facebook page showing him with the film’s crew sparked widespread excitement across social media platforms. Alongside the image, Al-Sheikh commented, “The Blue Elephant will be fire,” confirming that production on the third…

Trosmic Sports has announced plans for a $1bn indoor arena in the GCC that could reshape the region’s entertainment industry. Trosmic Sports has unveiled conceptual plans for Flux Halo, a $1 billion indoor megastadium that aims to set a new benchmark for live entertainment and sporting experiences in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The announcement, made on Tuesday, outlines a vision for a multi-purpose venue that will seat up to 20,000 spectators and host a wide variety of events, from football and basketball games to concerts, esports tournaments, and conventions. While the precise location of the stadium is yet…

Gradiant, a global water and resource recovery company, has announced that its lithium subsidiary, alkaLi, will launch the world’s first fully integrated lithium production facility using oilfield-produced water. Located in the Marcellus Shale Formation of Pennsylvania, the site will Extract, Concentrate, and Convert (EC²) lithium in a single, end-to-end process—marking a major advancement in sustainable mineral production. Set to be fully operational by early 2026, the facility is already achieving promising results during testing, including 97% lithium recovery and 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate purity. AlkaLi owns the entire operation—including land, equipment, water rights, and permits—enabling a vertically integrated model that…

Amazfit, the global wearable brand by Zepp Health, has launched two new devices that blend style, health, and performance—the Balance 2 smartwatch and the Helio Strap, a screen-free tracker designed to support recovery and wellbeing. Together, they deliver a seamless, subscription-free health ecosystem that caters to both athletes and everyday wellness seekers. With intelligent design and effortless syncing via the Zepp App, these two devices aim to support balanced living—tracking sleep, stress, recovery, and movement in one unified platform. Available globally starting today, the Balance 2 retails at $299.99 USD, the Helio Strap at $99.99 USD, and a special bundle…

Global flavors and fragrances leader IFF (NYSE: IFF) has officially opened a new 75,000 sq. ft. Global Business Services (GBS) center in Hyderabad’s financial district, reinforcing the company’s global commitment to operational agility, innovation, and sustainability. The new center—capable of supporting up to 600 employees—is a cornerstone in IFF’s ongoing strategy to strengthen corporate functions and enhance global service delivery. Outfitted with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, the facility features collaborative workspaces, an Innovation Studio for AI, robotics, and automation, and is on track for LEED Gold certification, thanks to its eco-conscious design elements like solar lighting and rainwater harvesting. “This move…

Hytera, a global leader in professional communication technologies, has secured the “Best Use of Critical Communications in Transport” award at the 2025 International Critical Communications Awards (ICCAs) for its groundbreaking 5G MCX Radio System deployed on Hong Kong’s MTR Light Rail 2.0. The prestigious award, presented during the ICCAs held in Brussels, honors Hytera’s innovative work integrating MCPTT (Push-to-Talk), MCVideo, and MCData over a public 5G network—creating a mission-critical communications (MCX) platform for one of Asia’s busiest transit systems. The project’s implementation is expected to dramatically boost safety, intelligence, and operational efficiency, aligning with global efforts toward smart and sustainable…

Club Privé by Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island has announced an exclusive villa offer for summer 2025, blending private beachfront luxury with Rixos’ signature all-inclusive hospitality. Running from May 10 to September 20, the promotion offers guests the chance to stay in one of the UAE’s most opulent coastal villas, with rates starting at AED 7,500 per night. Nestled along Saadiyat Island’s pristine shoreline, Club Privé promises guests a serene escape with top-tier amenities, tailored services, and uninterrupted sea views. Two distinct villa options are available: a three-bedroom Club Villa and a four-bedroom Villa Privé, the latter featuring a private pool…

The Coca-Cola Company has revealed the results of a major socio-economic impact study, highlighting its significant contribution to Africa’s economy in 2024. The findings were announced during the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, showcasing the company’s widespread footprint across the continent. Conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, the study found that the Coca-Cola system — comprising The Coca-Cola Company and its network of local bottlers and suppliers — generated a $10.4 billion value-added impact across its African value chain last year. The report also shows that Coca-Cola directly and indirectly supported over 1 million jobs throughout Africa, spanning…