Author: Sam Allcock

Aldar, one of the UAE’s leading real estate developers, has announced that it generated over AED 3.5 billion in sales during the launch week of Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi’s first coastal wellness destination and the world’s first Fitwel certified island. The milestone figure was driven by strong demand for the first two residential developments on the island — Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House — both of which blend luxury waterfront living with a wellness-focused lifestyle. Positioned as a global benchmark in integrated wellness and sustainable living, Fahid Island is rapidly emerging as a high-profile investment and residential destination.…

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, has become a Direct Participant in China’s Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), strengthening its role as a key player in facilitating Renminbi (RMB) transactions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. CIPS is the official payment infrastructure for cross-border RMB settlements, providing faster and more secure transactions for international trade and finance. FAB’s inclusion as a Direct Participant marks a significant milestone in regional financial integration, positioning the bank at the forefront of the China–UAE/GCC economic corridor. In a statement, FAB said the move will enhance its ability to…

Visa Inc. has appointed Tareq Muhmood as Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), the company announced today. In his new role, Muhmood will oversee operations across more than 86 markets, representing one of Visa’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions. With over three decades of experience in banking and payments, Muhmood steps into the position after serving as head of Value-Added Services for Visa Europe. He joined Visa in 2019 as Group Country Manager for Southeast Asia and has previously held senior roles at Ahli United Bank, ANZ, and HSBC. Muhmood will be based…

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is celebrating International Yoga Day with a five-day immersive retreat from June 20th to 24th, offering guests a chance to realign body and mind amid the tranquil beauty of the Indian Ocean. Set against the pristine backdrop of Raa Atoll, the retreat is led by Dubai-based yoga instructor Emilia Métaireau, a seasoned teacher with over a decade of experience and more than 2,500 hours of global practice. Métaireau brings a blend of ancient yogic tradition and modern mindfulness techniques to create what the resort calls a “soul-stirring” experience. Timed to coincide with the June 21st observance…

A rare Labubu doll sold for 1.08 million yuan (approximately $150,000) at an auction in Beijing on Tuesday, as demand for the quirky, monster-like toys designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung continues to soar worldwide. The turquoise figure, standing at 131 centimeters tall with a furry head and body, is reportedly the only one of its kind in existence. It was sold through Yongle Auction House, which noted the doll’s uniqueness contributed significantly to its final price. The auction also featured another large Labubu piece — a 160-centimeter-tall version with brown hair — that fetched 820,000 yuan (around $114,000).…

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to viral moments, but her latest post involving artificial intelligence has left the internet more baffled than impressed. On Wednesday, Kardashian shared a screenshot of a conversation with ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot app, on her Instagram Story. The post included part of their exchange in which Kim appeared to speak to the AI in a heartfelt, human-like manner — a tone that many online found confusing or even unsettling. In the shared snippet, Kardashian’s message to the AI reads: “Thanks for taking accountability. It’s huge in my opinion.” The chatbot responded with: “Thank you…

Pop star Katy Perry’s expected absence from the upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice has stirred speculation about the status of her long-term relationship with actor Orlando Bloom. While Bloom is reported to be attending the lavish three-day event alone, Perry’s absence is drawing particular attention due to her previously close relationship with Sánchez. The two couples have vacationed together multiple times in Europe, and Perry has even been involved in Sánchez’s women-led space initiatives through Blue Origin. Despite the long-standing friendship between the two women, sources close to the singer say Perry will…

mimik Technology has announced a strategic collaboration with AMD to enable real-time, ubiquitous deployment of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) through the integration of mimik’s Agentix-Native Operating and Execution Environment (mim OE) across AMD platforms. The partnership allows developers and enterprises to deploy agentic AI workflows out-of-the-box, transforming AMD-powered devices into execution-ready AI environments. From edge devices like cameras and robots to enterprise-scale servers, the collaboration provides a unified, context-aware, resilient, and adaptive compute fabric—a key step toward scalable and sovereign AI systems. “This collaboration marks a turning point,” said Fay Arjomandi, Founder and CEO of mimik. “We’re not retrofitting legacy…

FLY-R, the French aerospace company known for its rhomboid-wing drone technology, has been awarded a development contract by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) for its R2-600 UAV, the most advanced model in the company’s portfolio. The award marks a major milestone in the operational deployment of rhomboid-wing UAVs, a highly efficient yet complex aerial design never before fielded at this scale. The R2-600 will be a hybrid-powered Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, capable of flying at 45,000 feet for over 20 hours, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,700 kg. Its unique rhomboid wing configuration—a diamond-shaped wing with…

LG Electronics (LG) is set to launch a series of exclusive seasonal promotions across its expansive product lineup, offering limited-time discounts designed to enhance comfort, entertainment, and convenience during the summer months. The campaign includes major deals on everything from air conditioners and air purifiers to smart TVs, sound systems, and a wide range of energy-efficient home appliances. Whether consumers are preparing for a staycation or returning home from their travels, LG’s promotions aim to help households upgrade their living experience with cutting-edge technology. Cooling, Clean Air, and Smart Living As temperatures rise across the region, LG’s advanced air conditioning…