Author: Sam Allcock

Ajman Bank has unveiled its first-ever Point of Sale (POS) and instant settlement services, launched in collaboration with Dubai-based fintech company VaultsPay, marking a significant expansion of the bank’s digital offerings for business clients across the UAE. The comprehensive co-branded payment processing solution is designed to support merchants, SMEs, and entrepreneurs through secure, real-time payment acceptance and transaction settlement, further strengthening the bank’s position as a key enabler of the UAE’s digital and inclusive economy. The new service leverages VaultsPay’s Central Bank of the UAE-licensed fintech infrastructure, offering Ajman Bank’s business clients a robust suite of features, including: A Strategic…

The 2025–2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition celebrated its fifth edition with a grand ceremony at the historic Hofburg Palace in Vienna, honouring leading pet and animal brands from around the world. The evening, hosted by Mounia Berrada-Gouzi, recognised excellence across multiple categories including pet food, wellness, retail, exhibitions, and aquatic products. Out of 950 brands nominated by over 80,000 consumers in a global online survey, only 105 brands from 25 countries were crowned National, Regional, or Global Winners—representing the best in branding within the pet and animal care sector. “The Animalis Edition of the World Branding Awards recognises brands…

Leading smart device manufacturer OPPO has signed a global patent licensing agreement with Volkswagen Group, marking a significant milestone in cross-industry collaboration between consumer electronics and automotive technology. The agreement grants Volkswagen access to OPPO’s cellular standard-essential patents (SEPs)—including 5G technologies—to enhance its global lineup of connected vehicles. The agreement represents OPPO’s first bilateral licensing deal with a connected vehicle company and highlights the growing application of its technologies beyond smartphones and consumer electronics. Enhancing Connected Mobility Through this partnership, Volkswagen will integrate OPPO’s SEP portfolio into its connected car offerings to support more advanced, seamless user experiences for drivers…

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a new milestone in its Metro Station Naming Rights Initiative by granting the naming rights of Jebel Ali Metro Station to National Paints Factories Co. Ltd., the Middle East’s largest paints and coatings manufacturer. The station, located in the heart of Jebel Ali Free Zone, will now be known as National Paints Metro Station for the next decade. The renaming reflects Dubai’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and turning strategic urban infrastructure into high-impact branding platforms. The agreement was facilitated by Hypermedia, with Mada Media serving as RTA’s authorised concessionaire. Strategic Branding…

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, has officially resumed direct flights between Kuwait and Damascus after a 13-year suspension—reopening a long-awaited travel corridor for thousands of Syrians and signalling a fresh chapter in regional connectivity. The inaugural flight departed from Jazeera Terminal 5 this morning with a full passenger load. For many of the travellers, the journey represented more than just a destination — it was a homecoming after years, or even decades, of absence. The restoration of this route holds deep significance for the Syrian diaspora in Kuwait, which includes over 200,000 individuals—the second-largest Arab expatriate group in the…

In honour of Belgium National Day, Publiq, the city’s newest European restaurant and bar at Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, is hosting a special Moules-Frites Week from July 15 to 31, 2025. For a limited time, guests can savour one of Belgium’s most beloved culinary traditions — a generous bowl of mussels paired with unlimited Belgian fries and a glass of house white wine, all for AED 139 per person. The offer is available daily from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM throughout the promotion period. A Taste of Belgium in the Heart of Dubai With its urban design,…

In a move aimed at transforming the logistics landscape for UAE-based enterprises, DHL Express UAE and Meydan Free Zone have announced a strategic partnership to enhance international shipping capabilities for businesses operating within the Free Zone. The agreement was formalised at Meydan Free Zone’s headquarters, where Mahmoud Haj Hussein, Managing Director of DHL Express UAE, and Mohammad Bin Humaidan Al Falasi, CPA, Director of Free Zone Licensing, signed the partnership. Under this new collaboration, registered businesses in the Meydan Free Zone will gain access to DHL’s expansive global logistics network covering over 220 countries and territories. They will also benefit…

Emirates and World Rugby have announced a major new partnership for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, with the Dubai-based airline joining as an Official Partner of the tournament set to kick off on 22 August in England. The agreement continues Emirates’ longstanding commitment to rugby and includes its ongoing sponsorship of World Rugby Match Officials. Match officials will once again wear the iconic “Fly Better” branded kits across all matches, reinforcing the airline’s role in promoting excellence on the field and supporting the development of women referees in elite competitions. The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be contested…

A new wave of vibrant nightlife and culinary delight is sweeping through the city as The Copperhead, nestled within the Marriott Marquis Dubai Creek, introduces an enticing line-up of weekly promotions. With an inviting ambience and extended opening hours, the venue has become a promising destination for residents and tourists seeking memorable evenings in the heart of Dubai. Open from 1pm to 2am on weekdays and until 3am on weekends, The Copperhead caters to both early birds and night owls. The restaurant-bar hybrid is quickly gaining popularity for its blend of relaxed vibes and high-energy offerings. Happy Hour Every Day…

Ooredoo has officially launched the second phase of its flagship CSR initiative, the Goodwill Journey, from Muscat Grand Mall. The event was held under the patronage of H.E Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Wali of Samail, and attended by H.E Dr. Younis bin Hamed Al Siyabi, Member of the Shura Council representing Wilayat of Samail. Now in its 21st year, the Goodwill Journey stands as a long-running testament to Ooredoo’s focus on social investment, youth empowerment, and sustainable development across the Sultanate. This new phase takes the journey to Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, with a major highlight being the inauguration of…