News NEWS DESK Travel UAE

Dubai Hotel Rates Surge as Tourism Demand Grows

News Desk 08/09/2025

Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sector continues to show remarkable strength, with average daily room rates (ADR) reaching AED 745 in the first half of 2025. This marks a 5.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the city’s growing appeal as a global destination.

Automotive Sport

Toyota targets first Texas win as WEC returns to COTA

Arnold Pinto 03/09/2025

Austin round follows summer break Toyota Gazoo Racing will return to FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) action this weekend at the Lone Star Le Mans in Austin, Texas, seeking to reverse a difficult season and secure its first-ever win at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The Japanese manufacturer enters the sixth round of the […]

Health

WHO: Mental health crisis affects over 1 billion people globally

Arnold Pinto 03/09/2025

A growing global burden More than one billion people around the world are now living with mental health conditions, according to a new report released on September 2, 2205, by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings reveal that anxiety and depression continue to drive a growing global burden, with access to treatment and services […]

Lifestyle UAE

Social media and on-demand platforms are redefining UAE media habits

News Desk 02/09/2025

MENA digital media spending to rise 14% in 2025 Media consumption in the United Arab Emirates is evolving rapidly in 2025, driven by the rise of streaming services and social media, according to a new report by YouGov. One in three residents now spends more than three hours each day consuming media, reflecting a broader […]

Automotive Markets

China and Vietnam dominate the Southeast Asia EV market

Arnold Pinto 02/09/2025

As sales double in Q2 2025 Electric vehicle sales across Southeast Asia more than doubled in the second quarter of 2025, driven by rapid growth from Chinese and Vietnamese automakers, as well as a shift in regional consumer demand towards lower-emission transport. According to data from Counterpoint Research, electric vehicle (EV) sales — including both […]

Design

Submissions open for 24th edition of Tile of Spain Awards

Arnold Pinto 01/09/2025

New focus on ceramic design and architectural practices The 24th edition of the Tile of Spain Awards has officially opened for submissions, featuring a new format that highlights a broader spectrum of ceramic design and architectural practices, amid growing interest from professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The annual awards, organised […]

Health

Vaping is illegal in Singapore, and government crackdown intensifies

News Editor 01/09/2025

Seizures are surging Singapore has intensified its enforcement of the country’s strict ban on e-vaporisers, commonly known as vapes, at its border checkpoints and airport. The new measures aim to stop illegal vapes from entering the market and curb rising use among youths. Penalties remain steep. Possession carries a fine of up to S$2,000. Importing […]

Banking Finance

Household investment booms in Europe as low bank interest drives a shift

Arnold Pinto 01/09/2025

Ireland leads the continent in growth Households across Europe are increasingly moving money out of low-interest savings bank accounts and into investment assets, with Ireland leading the continent in growth. According to a new study by decentralised exchange ApeX Protocol, Irish household investments rose by 81% between 2021 and 2024—the highest rate among all European

Lifestyle UAE

5 ways to beat the Sharjah-Dubai traffic during rush hour

News Desk 31/08/2025

When making the daily commute The daily commute between Sharjah and Dubai remains one of the most congested routes in the UAE, with peak-hour traffic often resulting in delays that extend for more than an hour. For thousands of residents who live in Sharjah and work in Dubai, the traffic challenge is part of everyday […]

Aviation Defence & Security

Sikorsky to modernise the US Army’s Black Hawk helicopters for $43 million

Arnold Pinto 31/08/2025

Involving airframe upgrades Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division has been awarded a $43 million contract by the US Army to begin work on a major modernisation programme for the Black Hawk helicopter, a key asset in global military operations, including across the Middle East and Africa. The initial phase of the contract focuses on airframe upgrades […]

Gadgets Tech

Satellite messaging comes to smartwatches in major Qualcomm upgrade

Arnold Pinto 30/08/2025

With Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 Qualcomm has introduced a new generation of smartwatch chips that enable direct satellite communication, marking a first in wearable technology and potentially reshaping how users stay connected in remote areas with no cellular coverage. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 platforms were unveiled […]

Business Logistics

UAE’s MyCrane Trading secures $50 million to expand crane sales

Arnold Pinto 30/08/2025

Across the MEA region MyCrane Trading, a Dubai-based heavy equipment firm, has finalised a $50 million investment agreement with an investment holding company headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre. The funding will support MyCrane Trading’s regional and global expansion in crane sales, leasing, and maintenance. Operating out of Jebel Ali Free Zone,

Tech

Global South AI pact agreed at Vienna summit

Arnold Pinto 29/08/2025

As investment models shift A three-day global summit in Vienna concluded recently with the signing of the Vienna Conference Consensus, a new international agreement aimed at closing the gap in artificial intelligence (AI) development between wealthy nations and the Global South. The consensus, endorsed by representatives from over 80 countries, outlines investment

Aviation

Dubai’s VTOL and drone expo to spotlight Middle East air mobility surge

Arnold Pinto 29/08/2025

From October 7-9, 2025 Dubai is set to host two major vertical aviation events from October 7-9, 2025, at Festival Arena, Dubai Festival City. VertiExpo Dubai and DroneTech Dubai will run concurrently, offering a platform for industry players to present technologies from drones to eVTOL aircraft. MEDIAC, organisers of the twin events, report that more […]

Transport UAE

Bridge expansion set to ease traffic to Terminal 1 in Dubai

Arnold Pinto 25/08/2025

As airport capacity soars Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has awarded a contract to expand the main traffic access bridge to Terminal 1 of Dubai International Airport. The move comes amid a sharp increase in passenger numbers, with the airport handling over 92 million travellers in 2024, according to Dubai Airports. The project, launched in […]

Business Space

The largest-ever space industry expo in MENA heads to Dubai this October

Arnold Pinto 25/08/2025

As regional investment surges The UAE is set to host the Middle East and North Africa’s largest-ever space industry exhibition with the debut of Space-Comm Expo Dubai, scheduled for October 8-9, 2025. The event, held under the patronage of the UAE Space Agency’s Space Economic Zones Programme, aims to position the Arabian Gulf state as […]

Environment

IUCN formally recognises 4 distinct species of giraffe in Africa

Arnold Pinto 25/08/2025

For the first time in history A landmark decision by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has formally recognised four genetically distinct giraffe species across Africa, overturning over 250 years of scientific classification. The change is expected to reshape conservation priorities for giraffe populations, whose numbers have dropped sharply in

Automotive Space

Geely’s satellite network set to reshape smart mobility in the Middle East and Africa

Arnold Pinto 25/08/2025

11 LEO satellites launched GeeSpace, the aerospace arm of China’s Geely Holding, has launched 11 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, bringing the total number in its Future Mobility Constellation – also known as GeeSatCom – to 41, with plans to reach 72 by the end of this year. The expansion is part of the company’s […]

Lifestyle Travel

10 tourist scams in Europe that Middle East travellers must watch out for

News Desk 24/08/2025

From pickpockets to fake guides Travellers from the Middle East and North Africa heading to Europe for their summer vacation should be alert to a growing range of tourist scams. At least 10 typical schemes are widespread across major destinations and pose a serious risk to both safety and savings. Middle Eastern travellers are particularly […]

Crypto Events

Bitcoin adoption debate set to dominate Amsterdam’s 2025 crypto summit

News Desk 24/08/2025

At the SugarFactory Europe’s largest Bitcoin-focused event is set to return this November, with the 2025 edition of Bitcoin Amsterdam relocating to a larger venue to meet rising interest from institutional investors, policymakers, and crypto developers. The conference, scheduled for November 13-14, will take place at the SugarFactory, a repurposed industrial site