Author: Sam Allcock

In a major step toward rebuilding Lebanon’s deteriorating public sector, the Ministry of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking, driving innovation in public service delivery, and fostering academic-government collaboration. The agreement, signed on July 17, 2025, by Minister of State Dr. Fadi Makki and AUB President Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, establishes a broad framework for cooperation at a time when Lebanon’s public institutions face unprecedented challenges. The ceremony was held at AUB and attended by senior government officials, university leadership, and academics.…

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) recently celebrated the creative achievements of its graduating Interior Design students with a high-profile jury review and design exhibition held at its main campus. The event brought together industry experts, accomplished alumni, and academic leaders to evaluate 26 capstone design projects, marking a pivotal milestone in the students’ academic journey. The jury panel featured eight senior professionals from leading regional firms, including Minotti, Bloomingdale’s Dubai, Aati, INSITE Contracting and Interiors, AECOM, Canadian University Dubai, and Amalya Decoration. Notably, several jury members were also ADU alumni, now established designers returning to mentor the next generation. Dr. Ahmed…

Al Tayer Motors, the official importer-distributor of Ford Trucks in the United Arab Emirates, has been awarded the prestigious Champions Award 2024 for its excellence across sales, after-sales service, and marketing. This marks the seventh time the dealership has earned the accolade—making it the only distributor in the Middle East to do so. The recognition comes amid a strong year for Al Tayer Motors’ commercial vehicles division, which reported a 40% growth in the construction sector and a 24% increase in logistics sector sales for 2024. “Winning the Champions Award from Ford Trucks for the seventh time is incredible,” said…

Emirates has officially launched Emirates First — a redesigned and exclusive check-in area at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB) — offering its First Class passengers and Skywards Platinum members an elevated, seamless start to their journey. Described as a luxurious and private space, Emirates First has been created to enhance the ground experience for the airline’s premium clientele. Located just steps inside the dedicated Emirates departures area, the grand golden entryway sets the tone for what follows: a quiet, refined environment offering hospitality, comfort, and privacy from the moment customers arrive. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief…

Gulf Air has announced a major expansion of its long-haul fleet with a new agreement to purchase 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, along with options for six more. The move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its international network and improve passenger experience. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Joining them were Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Khalid Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group. “This agreement marks a transformative step…

Platform Global 2025, the premier gathering for data centre investors and decision-makers, is set to return for its fourth edition with a sharp spotlight on the energy transition required to power the AI era. Scheduled to take place at the Palais des Congrès in Antibes/Juan-les-Pins, the event will feature a newly announced Energy Transition Forum, addressing the critical intersection of data infrastructure growth and energy sustainability. With data centre campuses and AI-powered factories rapidly expanding worldwide, the forum will explore how current grid infrastructure—particularly in the US and Europe—is under-equipped to support this growth. The program will dive into two…

Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate landscape has entered a new era of upscale, nature-inspired living with the official launch of two major residential developments by Al Hamra — Al Hamra Greens and Aila Homes. Announced on 5th July at a high-profile event at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, the two projects carry a combined investment value exceeding AED 3 billion. The launch attracted over 1,000 real estate brokers and industry professionals, underscoring the strong market interest in the emirate’s evolving lifestyle offerings. Situated in the heart of Al Hamra Village, both developments reflect the developer’s strategy of blending thoughtful design with…

Netflix has reported better-than-expected financial results for the second quarter of 2025, reinforcing its leadership in the global streaming market. The company announced revenue of USD 11.1 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of USD 7.19—both beating Wall Street estimates. The surge in revenue was largely attributed to a strong international performance and the positive effect of a weaker US dollar. Buoyed by this momentum, Netflix has revised its full-year guidance upwards. It now expects revenue to reach USD 45.2 billion and is targeting an operating margin of 29.5%, suggesting improved financial efficiency and leverage. The streaming giant also revealed…

LG Electronics is bringing a new level of intelligence to household chores in the Gulf region with the launch of its latest AI Core-powered washing machines. Combining smart performance, energy efficiency, and emotional intelligence, LG’s new line of appliances aims to redefine the role of artificial intelligence in the modern home. Part of LG’s broader “Affectionate Intelligence” vision, the appliances promise a more empathetic, responsive approach to everyday living. Rather than simply automating tasks, the company says its AI Core technology is designed to understand users’ routines, fabric care preferences, and energy-saving needs, transforming laundry from a chore into a…

Samsung Galaxy has announced ambitious plans to extend its Galaxy AI platform to 400 million devices globally by the end of 2025, following a year of exponential growth and increasing user reliance on mobile artificial intelligence. Launched with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy AI has played a central role in Samsung’s strategy to democratize next-gen mobile intelligence. Its suite of tools, built in partnership with Google AI, includes productivity boosters such as real-time translation, personalized notifications, AI-powered search, and advanced voice command functionality. Recent data from Symmetry Research, released during Samsung’s second Galaxy AI Forum, highlights how deeply mobile AI…