Author: Sam Allcock

Astronomers have detected a mysterious object from beyond our solar system on a fast trajectory that will bring it close to Earth later this year. The object, designated A11pl3Z, is currently traveling at more than 66 kilometers per second (about 241,000 kilometers per hour), a speed that renders it largely unaffected by the gravitational forces of the Sun or other planets. First observed in late June by astronomer Sam Dean, A11pl3Z was recently confirmed to be of interstellar origin by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), making it one of only a handful of known objects to enter our solar system…

Nissan has revealed the next generation of its e-POWER system, marking a major milestone in the company’s push toward electrified mobility. Nearly a decade since the original global debut, the new e-POWER promises improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and a driving experience that’s even closer to a fully electric vehicle—without the need to plug in. Set to debut in the Qashqai from September 2025, the new e-POWER system has been completely re-engineered, combining Nissan’s expertise in electric motor systems with real-world insights from European drivers. At the heart of e-POWER is a distinctive setup: the petrol engine doesn’t drive the…

Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) has claimed a hard-fought second-place finish at the Acropolis Rally Greece, one of the most demanding rounds of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. The result helps Toyota extend its lead in both the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship standings, keeping the team in strong contention as the season progresses. Sébastien Ogier, alongside co-driver Vincent Landais, steered the No. 17 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 to the podium after navigating through some of the toughest terrain the championship has to offer. Greece’s infamous rocky roads, soaring summer temperatures exceeding 40°C, and narrow mountain…

The mountain town of Hatta is transforming into a hub for outdoor adventure and community fitness this July, as the Dubai Sports Council rolls out its vibrant summer initiative, ‘Our Summer is Sporty’. Designed to promote healthy living and active lifestyles, the initiative will bring over 6,000 participants to Hatta across a full calendar of sports and recreational events, including mountain hiking, kayaking, yoga, and indoor tournaments. The events, taking place throughout July, are held in collaboration with the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta and various local and private sector partners. Kicking off on July 4 and running…

Dubai Customs, in collaboration with the Dubai Police Academy, has announced the graduation of the first cohort of participants from its Customs Inspector Training Program, marking a key step in efforts to enhance integrated border protection and national security. The ceremony, attended by Brigadier Dr Sultan Abdul Hamid Al Jamal, Director of Dubai Police Academy, and Khamis Al Muhairi, Acting Director of Human Resources at Dubai Customs, celebrated the achievements of 84 young Emiratis who recently completed an intensive security refresher course. The program is part of a broader strategy to empower national talent, particularly recent high school graduates, by…

Cargill has announced a sweeping transformation of its global cocoa supply chain, unveiling a series of strategic investments aimed at reducing carbon emissions, eliminating waste, and increasing operational efficiency from cocoa farms in West Africa to factories and warehouses in Europe. The initiative integrates clean energy, circular logistics, and low-emission transport to support the company’s broader climate goal of reducing supply chain emissions by 30% per ton of product by 2030, while also cutting operational emissions by 10% by 2025. “Sustainability isn’t a single project at Cargill—it’s how we operate,” said Emiel van Dijk, Managing Director of Cocoa & Chocolate…

Swiss-based AMINA Bank AG has become the first bank in the world to directly support Ripple’s USD stablecoin (RLUSD), marking a significant development in the intersection of traditional banking and digital assets. The announcement positions AMINA Bank—regulated by Switzerland’s FINMA—at the forefront of stablecoin adoption within the regulated financial sector. Effective immediately, clients of AMINA Bank will have access to custody and trading services for RLUSD, offering exposure to a stable, US dollar-pegged digital asset backed by Ripple, one of the best-known players in blockchain technology. “With RLUSD gaining momentum in the market, we are proud to be the first…

Curve, the London-based digital wallet provider, has announced an expansion of its partnership with global tech leader Thales to enable secure NFC contactless payments for iOS users, marking a major advancement in the European fintech space. The move comes as Curve launches Curve Pay on iOS, bringing in-app NFC contactless payments directly to iPhone users—a first for the platform. The development underscores Curve’s ambition to offer seamless, secure, and flexible digital payment experiences across both Android and iOS, without the need for third-party apps or hardware restrictions. Powered by Thales’ D1 digital payment platform, Curve Pay allows customers to digitise…

As temperatures across the UAE begin their annual climb towards 50°C, LG Electronics has rolled out a new series of air conditioners specifically designed to withstand the country’s extreme summer conditions while cutting energy consumption. The company’s latest DualCool and ArtCool split air conditioning systems boast enhanced performance, reduced noise levels, and smart control features—offering a timely solution for residents preparing for months of relentless heat. At the heart of LG’s innovation is its Dual Inverter Compressor technology, engineered to handle temperatures as high as 50°C without compromising efficiency. The compressors automatically adjust speed to maintain the desired indoor climate…

Joby Aviation has completed its first series of piloted electric air taxi flights in Dubai, marking a major milestone in the race to launch commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) services. The test flights are the first of their kind in the UAE and represent a crucial step in Joby’s plan to begin passenger operations by 2026. The California-based aerospace company has partnered with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to integrate air taxi services into the city’s transportation network. Construction has already begun on…