A federal district court in Virginia has ruled that Google unlawfully monopolised its publisher ad‑server and ad‑exchange markets, a decision that has now been met with a pause in Brussels, where regulators have deferred a long‑anticipated fine while awaiting developments in U. S. trade policy. A U. S. judge determined that Google secured illegal dominance in the open‑web display advertising ecosystem, by tying its ad‑server to its […]
BruteForceAI accelerates credential testing by automating form discovery and attack workflows with human‑like finesse. Security teams and penetration testers now gain a powerful tool that merges AI‑driven analysis and ethical safeguards, promising deeper insights into authentication weaknesses across web applications. BruteForceAI enables swift parsing of HTML to pinpoint login fields with near‑precise CSS selector generation— reportedly accurate in approximately 95 per cent of real‑world scenarios. Once fields are mapped, […]
Growth in the United Arab Emirates’ non‑oil private sector held above the threshold indicating expansion in August, buoyed by stronger output, even as sales registered their weakest performance in more than four years. The S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index edged up to 53.3 from July’s reading of 52.9, affirming ongoing growth but reflecting persistent underlying challenges. Despite the headline PMI maintaining expansionary territory, new orders – […]
Sobha Realty, the Dubai-based luxury developer rated Ba2 by Moody’s and BB by S&P, is advancing plans to issue its inaugural green, US dollar‑denominated, Regulation S benchmark sukuk under its established USD 1.5 billion trust issuance programme. The five‑year, fixed‑rate, senior unsecured sukuk offering carries a stable outlook from both agencies. The firm has shifted from tapping into conventional capital markets toward the growing sustainable finance segment. Preparing to launch […]
FedEx has gained an economic licence from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation to operate as a foreign air carrier, marking a significant expansion of its logistics footprint in the Kingdom. The move equips FedEx to conduct scheduled cargo services via King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with plans to operate 24 flights per month from early September 2025, establishing Riyadh as its regional hub linking continents.
The licence, granted on 2 September 2025, grants FedEx the ability to fly directly and to integrate air and ground operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council states. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Diriyah, attended by senior officials including Saleh Al‑Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of GACA; Abdulaziz Al‑Duailej, GACA President; and Dr Rumaih Al‑Rumaih, Acting President of the Transport General Authority, alongside FedEx executives.
FedEx introduced its first nonstop freighter service from the United States and Europe into Riyadh, operating six times a week with Boeing 777 aircraft. This route is the only express logistics connection offered by FedEx that bypasses other hubs, and continues onward to Guangzhou and Shanghai.
This direct link strengthens trade routes, particularly for high-priority sectors like energy, manufacturing, mining, healthcare and automotive, enabling temperature‑controlled, heavy, oversized or hazardous shipments. FedEx complements this airlift with its FedEx Logistics suite—air, road and sea freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and transit cargo support—aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience across the GCC, South Asia and Africa.
The company has developed end‑to‑end capabilities in the Kingdom, directly managing pickup, delivery and customs clearance through four gateways and four stations, supplemented by digital tools for shipping visibility and efficiency.
FedEx leadership emphasises Saudi Arabia’s role as a strategic logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe and the Americas. Richard Smith, Chief Operating Officer, International and CEO of the Airline at FedEx, cited the Kingdom’s infrastructure as a vital link in their global network. Kami Viswanathan, President of FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, underlined the integration of infrastructure, digital innovation and integrated solutions to aid Saudi businesses in competing globally.
These moves align closely with Saudi Vision 2030. The Aviation Programme aims to elevate Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector to the highest regional standards, targeting 330 million passengers, 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo, and air connectivity to 250 destinations by 2030. FedEx’s operations support these objectives by advancing industry capacity and reinforcing Riyadh’s prominence in logistics.
The expansion follows challenges earlier this year, when FedEx suspended economy parcel and freight services to the Kingdom from countries including India, Japan and the UK in March 2025. Service was halted temporarily, with FedEx noting it would resume “as soon as possible.”
Trade levels in Saudi Arabia have surged. The Kingdom posted a trade surplus of US$ 16.8 billion in Q1 2025, up 52 percent on the prior quarter, reflecting strong exports and demand for logistics infrastructure that FedEx is now well‑positioned to serve.
With strategic investments—including the creation of a global head office in Riyadh to oversee operations across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar—FedEx reinforces its long‑term commitment to the region.
This expansion signals a departure from reliance on intermediaries or regional hubs outside the Kingdom; FedEx now controls its entire customs-to-delivery chain in Riyadh, laying the groundwork for faster transit, improved service reliability and deeper integration into global trade networks.
Emerging trends include rising demand for integrated logistics services, investment in digital tools for customs and tracking, and regional consolidation of supply chain operations. Key players alongside FedEx include Saudi authorities driving Vision 2030’s transport strategy, while GCC markets and commercial sectors increasingly rely on swift, dependable global connectivity.
Etihad Airways has stressed it has no set timetable for a public listing, affirming that its $20 billion expansion over the coming decade can be financed from within.
The airline’s chief executive, Antonoaldo Neves, confirmed it is prepared for an initial public offering, yet the decision remains with its shareholder—Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ. He stated that “the time has not come yet”, emphasising that Etihad can self‑fund its next phase of growth.
Neves traced the shift in strategy to ADQ’s acquisition of Etihad in October 2022, which ushered in a focus on organic growth and strengthened regional connectivity through Abu Dhabi, rather than continuing merger or acquisition activity.
Passenger demand continues to rise, with traffic up 17 percent year‑on‑year and load factors climbing to 88 percent—up from 86 percent a year earlier. Despite a slowdown during the Israel-Iran conflict, bookings rebounded fully by the end of July, demonstrating robust consumer interest.
Etihad’s fleet exceeds 100 aircraft, spanning both Airbus and Boeing models. In May, the airline placed a major order with Boeing for 28 wide‑body jets—including 777X aircraft destined to replace its Airbus A380s after 2030. Neves also revealed plans to supplement fleet expansion via secondhand aircraft and lessor sourcing.
This public statement builds upon a broader narrative unfolding over the past year. Etihad reported profitability in 2022 and 2023—92 million dirhams and 525 million dirhams respectively—after years of losses. The airline has been enhancing transparency, governance, and operational efficiency, eliminating underperforming routes and returning grounded aircraft to service.
Earlier projections had flagged a possible IPO no earlier than 2025, allowing Etihad to bolster its financials before a listing. Speculative growth targets under its “Journey 2030” strategy include expanding to over 125 destinations and substantially growing its fleet.
Other commentary from February 2025 suggested Neves intended to float a stake of up to 20 percent on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange, possibly valuing the airline at $5 billion, and underscored his readiness for a float—though final approval again resides with ADQ.
Throughout this period, Etihad has forged strategic alliances. A landmark joint venture with China Eastern Airlines will coordinate schedules and revenues on selected routes from 2025, the first such pact between Middle East and Chinese carriers. Additionally, the airline has broadened its network through expanded service offerings to emerging and mid‑distance markets, positioning Abu Dhabi as a strategic travel hub.
Pharmaceutical developers are making headway with artificial intelligence tools to model drug absorption, distribution, and toxicity in human-relevant systems. This shift supports the U. S. Food and Drug Administration’s initiative to make animal testing an exception rather than a rule, particularly in pre‑clinical safety assessments for monoclonal antibody therapies and other drugs.
Regulatory authorities expect New Approach Methodologies—including AI-driven computational models, human-cell‑based systems like organs‑on‑chips, and organoids—to halve both development time and costs within the next three to five years. Recursion Pharmaceuticals recently advanced a cancer drug candidate to clinical trials in just 18 months, markedly faster than the 42‑month industry average.
The FDA’s April roadmap encourages drug developers to submit safety data from NAMs in Investigational New Drug applications. Firms providing robust NAM evidence may receive streamlined review processes—a concrete incentive to adopt these modern methods. A pilot programme allows select monoclonal antibody developers to use primarily non‑animal testing strategies, with results shaping future guidance.
Industry leaders at Charles River, Certara, Schrodinger, Recursion and InSphero are investing heavily in these emerging tools. Charles River’s NAM portfolio now generates roughly US $200 million annually. Certara’s president, Patrick Smith, stated the company is reaching a point where animal testing may no longer be necessary. Schrodinger utilises physics‑based simulations with AI to predict potential toxicity, while InSphero tests safety and efficacy using 3D liver microtissue models.
This transition builds on milestones such as the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which removed the default requirement for animal data in drug development and formally recognised in vitro, in silico, and organ‑based methods as valid non‑clinical evidence. The Act is part of a broader regulatory overhaul that began with the ISTAND programme—for qualifying organ-on-chip tools—and continued with acceptance of the first liver‑chip into that pathway in 2024. Additional momentum comes from shifts in funding and policy: the NIH now prioritises human‑based models and no longer supports animal‑only proposals; the U. S. Navy has ended cat and dog experiments; and a federal push is underway to align academic and industry research with NAMs adoption.
Beyond regulation, academic research underscores the promise of computational approaches. A June 2025 study highlights AI and deep learning as enablers of predictive frameworks for vaccine and immunotherapeutic design—pointing toward a future where animal testing is replaced by computational models that refine vaccine targets and immune response predictions.
In parallel, the FDA is advancing its broader modernisation agenda through pilot programmes aimed at accelerating drug review timelines. Commissioner Marty Makary has proposed a split‑submission process that allows early review of key data during clinical trials. Coupled with AI tools such as Elsa—used daily within the FDA to expedite data review—this approach is projected to compress approval times from 10–12 months to as little as one to two months in eligible cases.
Ethically, these developments carry weight. Animal testing has repeatedly fallen short in predicting human outcomes—about 90 per cent of drugs deemed safe in animals fail in humans. New methods rooted in human biology promise not just faster, cost‑efficient drug pipelines, but also greater relevance and reliability in safety assessments, while reducing ethical concerns.
Though a complete end to animal testing is not expected immediately, experts anticipate a hybrid landscape in the short term, with animal studies still used where necessary but significantly reduced in favour of AI and human‑based alternatives.
Greenlogue/AP Dubai is gearing up to host the 11th World Green Economy Summit on 1–2 October 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where green finance will sit at the forefront of global climate discussions. Under the theme ‘Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy’, the summit will convene policymakers, investors, business leaders, academics and innovators to mobilise capital toward equitable, sustainable growth. Organised […]
Pogocache, a new open‑source caching system built in C by Josh Baker—known for creating Tile38—has entered general availability, promising breakthrough performance and seamless integration across multiple protocols. According to benchmarks on AWS c8g.8xlarge hardware, Pogocache delivers around 3.14 million queries per second, leaving behind Memcache, Redis, Dragonfly, Valkey, and Garnet. This cache server distinguishes itself by supporting a range of existing communication standards—Memcache, Redis/Valkey, HTTP, and PostgreSQL wire […]
A team led by Khalil Ramadi at NYU Tandon and NYU Abu Dhabi has unveiled a swallowable, wireless capsule designed to emit light inside the gut, allowing nerve cells to be activated without surgery—a development poised to transform gastrointestinal research and therapy.
The capsule, known as ICOPS, represents a remarkable leap in non‑invasive bioengineering. It employs optogenetic technology, by which specific neurons are genetically modified to respond to light. Once the target cells become light‑sensitive, patients can ingest an LED‑equipped capsule that, when powered externally, delivers precise stimulation to regions of the gut. This allows researchers to observe and influence neuronal circuits involved in digestion with a level of control previously limited to invasive approaches.
ICOPS stands out for its battery‑free design. It receives power wirelessly via magnetic induction from an external transmitter, enabling a compact, rodent‑scale form factor suitable for testing in freely moving animals. Crafted entirely via in‑house 3D printing—micro‑LEDs and custom coils included—this capsule avoids more expensive and restrictive cleanroom fabrication techniques.
Early animal trials suggest ICOPS can target neural circuits governing critical physiological functions, offering potential new avenues for treating gut motility disorders such as gastroparesis, where the stomach fails to empty properly. Simultaneously, the ability to stimulate region‑specific neural activity may trigger metabolic and hormonal responses, hinting at applications in metabolic disease and eating disorder therapies.
ICOPS is part of a broader research portfolio pioneered by Ramadi. Earlier innovations include FLASH, an electroceutical capsule that delivers electrical stimulation to modulate hunger‑related hormones, and IMAG, which uses magnetic fields to track pill location through the gut.
Adoption of ICOPS could revolutionise how scientists study the gut’s ‘second brain’—a vast, complex neural network fundamental to bodily control but historically difficult to study in its natural state owing to the invasive nature of previous optogenetic techniques.
Materials innovation plays a central role in this advancement. By eliminating the battery and using magnetic induction, the capsule remains small and unobtrusive. Its 3D‑printed construction offers scalability, making further adaptation for varied experimental models feasible.
Looking ahead, the implications for human healthcare are significant. The precision offered by ICOPS could enable therapies targeting select neural circuits within the gut, offering fine‑tuned interventions far more sophisticated than current broad‑spectrum prokinetic or antikinetic drugs. Furthermore, the platform may evolve to provide electrical stimulation or even deliver drugs directly to targeted gut regions.
That said, the path to clinical use remains lengthy. At present, ICOPS has demonstrated efficacy in rodent models. Transition to human clinical trials may take a decade or more, as researchers must navigate regulatory approval, safety testing, and scalability concerns.
Still, the research has drawn attention across scientific and media outlets, from Gulf News dubbing it a “Light Pill” capable of unlocking gut‑brain secrets to technical summaries highlighting how light‑activated capsules are revolutionising understanding of gut‑brain interactions.
Behind the innovation is a multi‑disciplinary team including Mohammed Elsherif, Rawan Badr El‑Din, Zhansaya Makhambetova, Heba Naser, Rahul Singh, Keonghwan Oh, Revathi Sukesan, Maylis Boitet, and Sohmyung Ha, working together across divisions at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Tandon. The project has benefited from funding awarded by NYU Abu Dhabi and Tamkeen through the CENTMED research centre.
The mortgage market in Dubai and the wider UAE has entered a new stage of maturity. Once dominated almost entirely by cash buyers, today’s property landscape is increasingly shaped by mortgage financing. The first quarter of 2025 recorded AED 33 billion in cash transactions versus AED 21 billion in financed purchases. This indicates a clear rise in mortgage penetration as more residents, families, and long-term investors choose […]
Nvidia has acknowledged that its AI models do not instinctively grasp common sense—such as knowing that birds cannot fly backwards or that ice melts into water—and has adopted an unusual remedy: assembling human “teachers” to devise pop‑quiz questions that train the AI to understand physical reality more reliably. At the forefront of this initiative is Cosmos Reason, Nvidia’s vision‑language model engineered to reason using physical common‑sense. Developed […]
A succinct pledge to resolve their border differences and reinvigorate cooperation was exchanged between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a summit in Tianjin. The meeting, marking Modi’s first visit to China since the border clashes of 2020, signals a strategic effort to steady bilateral ties ahead of the meeting of regional leaders.
At the outset, Modi acknowledged that disengagement along the Line of Actual Control has created a peaceful environment, underlining that tranquility along the border is essential for bilateral development. He emphasised that relations have moved in “a meaningful direction” and stressed that both countries should pursue strategic autonomy without being viewed through the lens of a third country. Xi mirrored that sentiment, contending that border issues should not define China‑India relations. He urged a focus on economic growth and expressed a hope that their meeting would “further elevate” bilateral relations to a stable trajectory.
This diplomatic retreat from escalating tensions emerges amid broader geopolitical recalibrations. The summit, bringing together more than 20 non‑Western leaders, offered a stage for Xi to advocate a new global order more favourable to the Global South, challenging Western dominance. He proposed the creation of a SCO development bank, new financial mechanisms to reduce dependence on the US dollar, AI cooperation, and a lunar research partnership.
For his part, Putin welcomed the revival of “genuine multilateralism” through the SCO framework and lauded efforts toward building alternative Eurasian security structures. The visual solidarity among the three —occasionally dubbed the “anti‑Western bloc”— underscores their shared interest in countering US influence and economic pressure, including US‑imposed tariffs on India.
India’s engagement at Tianjin reflects a broader wave of diplomatic stepping stones: direct flights have resumed, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been revived, and Indian pilgrims are again welcome in Tibet. These developments follow mutual agreements on border patrolling mechanisms and a gradual easing of visa and tourism restrictions.
While the tone between Xi and Modi was markedly conciliatory, analysts caution that underlying issues persist. The legacy of the 2020 deadly Galwan clash remains a psychological and strategic fault line. Mistrust endures, and there is no immediate indication of a comprehensive border settlement or legally binding roadmap toward de‑escalation.
The SCO’s Tianjin gathering is the largest of its kind in the organisation’s history, with Xi presiding and an array of Eurasian leaders in attendance. The event signifies a collective push toward regional cooperation and institutional alternatives to Western‑led institutions.
Google has eliminated around 35 percent of managers overseeing small teams, opting to shift many into individual contributor roles in a decisive drive to flatten its organisational structure. Brian Welle, vice president of People Analytics and Performance, revealed during an all‑hands meeting that the company now has substantially fewer managers and direct reports compared to this time last year. The aim is to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate decision‑making […]
McLaren Racing is set to be valued at in excess of £3 billion as its Middle Eastern backers move to acquire the remaining minority stake in the team. Bahrain’s Mumtalakat sovereign wealth fund and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings are preparing to buy out the 30 per cent share previously held by investors such as MSP Sports Capital, UBS O’Connor and Ares Management in a deal expected to be confirmed imminently.
This valuation marks a substantial leap from its December 2020 valuation of approximately £560 million, when MSP Sports Capital entered the picture during a fundraising round. The outcome promises significant returns for the minority investors who backed McLaren during its earlier financial challenges.
McLaren’s resurgence under chief executive Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella has helped propel the team back to the forefront of Formula One. Following years overshadowed by dominant rivals, McLaren clinched its first constructors’ championship in 2024, and in the current season its drivers—Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris—are locked in a fierce duel at the top of the drivers’ standings.
The sport’s expanding global appeal, driven by Liberty Media’s strategic digital outreach and the cultural phenomenon of the Netflix series Drive to Survive, has magnified team valuations across the grid. McLaren’s rise is emblematic of that broader trend.
Alongside on-track performance, McLaren has diversified into other motorsport arenas. It competes in IndyCar and has confirmed plans to enter the World Endurance Championship, notably the 24 Hours of Le Mans, beginning in 2027. Mastercard has also joined as the team’s title sponsor, in a deal slated to begin in 2026.
The Gulf investors, Mumtalakat and CYVN, currently hold control of McLaren Group Limited, the parent entity of McLaren Racing. With this deal, they will consolidate full ownership of the racing arm.
Beyond this deal, McLaren’s broader corporate structure has undergone notable change. In March 2024, Mumtalakat completed a full takeover of McLaren Group. Later, in December 2024, CYVN acquired McLaren Automotive along with a non‑controlling interest in the racing division. These moves underscore a strategic integration under Gulf ownership, spanning both competition and high-performance automotive manufacturing.
The proposed stake sale is set to be formally announced in the coming days—and might already be public by the time this report is published.
Further context: Aston Martin, another Formula One team, recently sold a minority stake in its racing operation for approximately $147 million, valuing that team at around $3.2 billion.
Banque de Commerce et de Placements, the Swiss private bank based in Geneva, has elevated its presence in the Middle East by transforming its Dubai Representative Office into a fully operational branch under a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority within the Dubai International Financial Centre. This development empowers BCP to offer comprehensive advisory services across the region. The move reflects BCP’s dedication to expanding […]
A notable surge in interest marks China’s gaming community, with nearly four in 10 individuals expressing a keen desire for generative AI within gaming platforms.
A recently circulated report indicates that 39 per cent of gamers in China would welcome the integration of generative artificial intelligence into their gaming experiences. This figure underscores a significant shift in consumer expectations and highlights generative AI’s burgeoning role as a differentiator in content creation and gameplay dynamics.
The country’s generative AI gaming market is undergoing remarkable growth. A detailed forecast places market value at approximately USD 319.7 million in 2024, rising sharply to an anticipated USD 5.3 billion by 2035, driven by a robust compound annual growth rate of around 29 per cent. This surge is attributed largely to concerted efforts by major players such as Tencent, NetEase, ByteDance, MiHoYo and Alibaba – all heavily investing in generative AI technologies that promise tailored and dynamic gaming experiences.
Governmental backing is shaping much of this momentum: the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has been advancing policies to encourage AI-driven innovation within the digital economy, reinforcing investments and research in generative AI applications across the gaming landscape.
On the technological front, Tencent recently introduced its Hunyuan 3D-generation system early this year. The platform enables the creation of 3D assets and environments using text prompts, streamlining content generation and unlocking new avenues for immersive game design. NetEase has also made strides by embedding AI-driven features into its mobile games, most notably with dynamic non-player characters that respond with lifelike reactions. Its upcoming title, Justice Online Mobile, will reportedly incorporate chatbot-style AI dialogue systems to allow players to engage in nuanced conversations with NPCs that may alter game progression.
Cloud gaming is emerging as another vector for AI’s influence. Tencent’s cloud gaming platform, START, developed in partnership with NVIDIA, enables users on low-end devices to stream AAA-quality games—blending AI, cloud infrastructure and advanced hardware to expand access and redefine the gaming experience.
Emerging trends include generative AI’s application across multiple stages of game production—from content creation and level design to character animation, testing and quality assurance. Mobile platforms, PC, console and cloud gaming are all key battlegrounds, assisted by both on‑premises and cloud-based deployment models. On-premises models offer enhanced control and data security, whereas cloud deployments grant scalability, faster updates and foster collaborative development.
China’s gaming population, exceeding 600 million users, offers a vast and varied demographic. That scale is bolstering demand for personalised, generative experiences.
Beyond purely technological innovation, generative AI is starting to influence the narrative and emotional depth of gameplay. NPC interactions, procedurally generated story arcs and real‑time adaptations informed by AI are creating fresh, immersive layers of engagement. Developers – both established studios and indie creators – are experimenting to align with gamer preferences and refine the interplay between narrative and agency.
Regulatory frameworks are also evolving. The Cyberspace Administration of China and other authorities introduced “Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services” in August 2023. These regulations aim to ensure ethical application and secure deployment of generative AI technologies across public services – including gaming.
A new digital platform, the Flight Operations Centralised Unified System, has been unveiled by the General Civil Aviation Authority to drastically streamline how both foreign and national air operators seek operational approvals across the UAE. The system consolidates key regulatory links and information into a single, user‑friendly gateway, promising faster processing, greater transparency, and reduced bureaucracy. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director‑General of the GCAA, described F. O. C. U. S. […]
A landmark development has commenced as RRS International Development formally broke ground on the NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments, a US‑$100 million mixed‑use venture in collaboration with Minor Hotels. This marks the debut of the NH Collection brand on Al Marjan Island, following its earlier branded residential entry in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
Construction will yield 121 hotel keys alongside 36 branded apartments, blending five‑star hospitality with modern residential design. The project’s architecture, crafted by Arkiplan Consulting Architects & Engineers, features a wave‑inspired structure symbolising a seamless union of desert and sea, while interiors by B8 Architectural Prospective Drawings Services bring tropical motifs and lush greenery into open‑plan living spaces. HMK Engineering Consultants serve as Architect of Record, Innovate Project Development is handling project management, and Atlas Star Piling Foundation oversees enabling works.
Rakesh Mirchandani, Co‑Founder of RRS International Development, described the groundbreaking as “more than the start of construction—it’s the beginning of a new chapter,” emphasising investor confidence in both the NH Collection brand and Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as a global lifestyle destination.
The scheme has already earned multiple industry accolades, including Best Mixed‑Use Development and Best Mixed‑Use Architecture at the 2025–2026 Arabian Property Awards, Best Hospitality Project at the Architecture Leaders Awards, and a nomination for Best Design Concept at the 2025 Commercial Interior Design Awards.
Sanjay Narayandas Dhawan, another Co‑Founder of RRS International Development, noted the emirate’s evolving tourism landscape, highlighting multi‑billion‑dirham investments in leisure and gaming. He sees the new development as aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s growing international appeal and setting new benchmarks for branded residences and hospitality‑led living.
This announcement builds on Minor Hotels’ strategy to expand its NH Collection portfolio beyond traditional strongholds. Initially unveiled in February 2025, the project is scheduled to open its doors in early 2028 and will comprise 156 keys, including 120 guest rooms and suites alongside 36 serviced apartments. Planned facilities include four restaurants and bars, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ club, a games room, a retail shop and a co‑working space—designed for layered functionality and service excellence.
Minor Hotels’ CEO, Dillip Rajakarier, remarked that the expansion underscores the brand’s global ambition and commitment to establishing NH Collection in new regions including the Middle East. Dhawan reaffirmed RRS’s pride in launching their first boutique hotel on Al Marjan Island, aiming to “blend style, functionality, and exceptional value” while supporting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Architect Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan—the master developer behind Al Marjan Island—welcomed the project as integral to transforming the destination into a dynamic branded‑tourism hub. He praised the synergy between NH Collection’s service standards and Marjan’s mission to curate high‑quality lifestyle offerings across the emirate.
Located on Al Marjan Island, the hotel and residences benefit from proximity to white‑sandy beaches, resort facilities and a growing leisure‑oriented environment. The project appeals to those seeking convertible living spaces that combine permanent residence, holiday retreat and investment potential—backed by internationally recognised hospitality.
Alongside the NH Collection development, Al Marjan Island is witnessing sweeping growth, including large‑scale tourism and gaming projects such as the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort, which is under construction and slated for opening in early 2027. That mega‑resort will feature over 1,500 rooms, a casino, retail and convention facilities, and a marina for super‑yachts, reinforcing the island’s growing status as a landmark destination.
Spot gold surged past the $3,500 mark, reaching new record highs amid mounting anticipation of Federal Reserve interest rate reductions and a weakening dollar. Bullion briefly traded near $3,508 an ounce, extending its year-to-date gains to around 30%, as markets grow increasingly uneasy over central bank independence and geopolitical stress.
Markets are pricing in a high likelihood—approaching 90%—that the Fed will proceed with a 25-basis-point cut at its upcoming meeting in mid-September, following dovish signals from Fed Chair Powell and softening macro data. A key US non-farm payrolls release this Friday is expected to reinforce the case for monetary easing, given signs of cooling in the labour market. Lower rates would reduce the appeal of interest-bearing assets, boosting demand for non-yielding gold.
The US dollar’s decline has played a significant role in elevating gold’s appeal, making bullion more attractive to global buyers. Safe-haven flight intensified after mounting investor concern regarding the Fed’s autonomy, stemming from high-profile political pressure, including moves to dismiss Governor Lisa Cook—actions perceived as jeopardising monetary policy credibility.
Investor sentiment has translated into tangible market flows: holdings in gold-backed ETFs have climbed steadily, piling pressure on available stockpiles and raising lease rates, especially in London’s bullion markets. Central banks, including those in emerging economies, continue to accumulate gold, adding institutional momentum to the rally. As a result, gold is increasingly viewed as a strategic hedge amid persistent inflation uncertainty, trade tensions, and an unpredictable global political landscape.
Strategists at UBS have noted that softer economic indicators, lower interest-rate environments, and elevated macro-geopolitical risks enhance gold’s function as a portfolio diversifier. Their outlook anticipates continued upward price movement into the coming quarters. Likewise, Goldman Sachs has raised its year-end target, citing strong central bank demand and ETF inflows despite broader market volatility.
Enterprise technology budgets are increasingly tilted towards AI, with artificial intelligence infrastructure and software commanding the lion’s share of growth while traditional hardware investment shows signs of stagnation. IDC projects global AI spending will surge to over US $632 billion by 2028, propelled by an almost 30 percent compound annual growth rate between 2024 and 2028. Generative AI alone is expected to capture roughly one‑third of this, driven by a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Night Vision Pro driving glasses claim to reduce glare and enhance low-light viewing through yellow‑tinted lenses and anti‑reflective coatings. User testimonials often echo these benefits, reporting clearer contrast and less eye strain behind the wheel. But independent experts and research cast doubt on whether these lenses truly deliver improved safety and visibility. Night Vision Pro glasses are described as non‑prescription eyewear with yellow‑tinted […]
Okta Threat Intelligence has uncovered a widespread campaign exploiting malicious online ads to tempt hotel and vacation rental professionals into disclosing access credentials. Attackers have been deploying paid search advertisements on platforms such as Google Search, impersonating familiar hospitality service providers. These deceptive ads lead victims to counterfeit login portals of cloud‑based property management and guest messaging systems, with the goal of harvesting usernames, passwords and one‑time authentication codes.
The adverts specifically mimic legitimate service providers—Okta researchers identified at least thirteen hospitality‑focused brands being spoofed. Rather than redirecting users to authentic company sites, these ads channel them to typosquatted domains that host visually convincing but fraudulent login pages. Through these pages, attackers collect credentials and MFA codes, undercutting security even when multi‑factor authentication is in place.
The phishing sites also incorporate tracking capabilities—collecting geolocation, session data, bot detection metrics and analytics—to better tailor the campaign and measure its effectiveness.
This strategy exemplifies the growing menace of malvertising, where advertisements themselves become vectors for malware distribution or phishing. Malwarebytes data reflects dramatic growth in such campaigns: a 42 per cent month‑on‑month escalation in fall 2023, followed by another rise of 41 per cent between July and September. Malicious ads frequently appear alongside legitimate search results, granting them apparent credibility and increasing the chance of successful deception.
Experts point out the dual advantage these tactics offer to threat actors: extensive reach through ad networks and a veneer of trust derived from the proximity to legitimate search results.
The hospitality sector faces unique vulnerabilities as hotels and rental operators increasingly rely on cloud systems to manage bookings, guest interactions and operational workflows. With projections indicating that by 2028 some 76 per cent of travel and tourism revenues will be generated online, these sectors have become especially tempting targets.
This campaign represents a convergence of two escalating cybersecurity concerns: the explosive growth of malvertising and the rising exposure of hospitality infrastructure to credential-based attacks. While the ads serve as the initial lure, the fraudulent credential capture enables potential downstream compromises across cloud services that manage guest data, reservations and even messaging systems.
For hotel and rental operators, the implications are severe—a breach of access credentials might cascade into broader system intrusions, guest data exposure and operational disruption. Preventive measures should include rigorous verification of URLs before entering credentials, vigilant monitoring of sponsored search results for impostor ads, widespread staff awareness and training, and robust technical controls like domain-based message authentication and behavioural anomaly detection.
Journalistic integrity demands careful cross-verification of details. Okta’s findings were drawn from their threat intelligence and threat detection capabilities tailored to enterprise identity environments. Malvertising trends are substantiated by independent cybersecurity data from industry researchers such as Malwarebytes. The convergence of these findings draws a consistent picture: the hospitality industry must brace for sophisticated phishing campaigns delivered via the same channels they rely on for marketing.
StuDIYo Lab, a design‑technology and woodworking centre for young learners based in Dubai, has entered into a five‑year memorandum of understanding with the Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation, under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The agreement sets a clear trajectory for rolling out maker‑based education, inclusive workshops, bootcamps and vocational training across India and the UAE.
The collaboration begins by launching School Innovation Labs in targeted Indian states. Over the next six months, the partners plan to establish up to four pilot labs, train some 20 educators, and engage over 500 learners. The agenda emphasizes accessibility for underserved groups, including tribal communities and neurodiverse participants, aiming to extend the reach of creative, skill‑based education beyond urban centres.
As part of the initiative, vocational programmes will be tailored specifically for women and youth, while inclusive workshops will cater to special‑needs learners. Innovation and entrepreneurship bootcamps are also planned to nurture student‑led startups and ideas.
This partnership represents a strategic convergence of StuDIYo Lab’s international pedagogical expertise and BCKIC’s deep grassroots network in India, reflecting a commitment to equitable and experiential learning. Capt. G. S. R., Adviser to the foundation, and Lina Sadek, founder and CEO of StuDIYo Lab, were present during the signing of the MoU in August 2025.
StuDIYo Lab has earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation, a mark of its dedication to inclusive environments and creative engagement for sensory‑sensitive individuals. The CAC accreditation underscores the lab’s commitment to accessibility and may enhance the quality and inclusivity of programmes deployed under the new agreement.
BCKIC has a track record of forging multi‑sector partnerships to support innovation, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth across communities. Its ecosystem‑building efforts have previously included collaborations with educational institutions, startups, NGOs and research organisations.
This latest MoU follows a pattern of strategic alliances BCKIC has been cultivating. Earlier in August 2025, BCKIC signed a pact with AIIMS Bhubaneswar and KIIT‑TBI to support healthcare innovation, start‑up incubation and the development of joint Centres of Excellence. The new partnership with StuDIYo Lab signals an expansion of its mandate into design-oriented and maker-based learning pathways.
The timing reflects growing attention to bridging practical skill development with innovation ecosystems. By emphasising maker labs, vocational training, and inclusion across demographic and geographic lines, the pact contributes to a broader agenda of democratizing access to creative and technological learning.
This alliance also opens doors for corporate social responsibility initiatives from Middle Eastern and philanthropic partners, creating a channel for investment into inclusive educational infrastructure and innovation in India.
With its applied learning model and certified inclusivity, StuDIYo Lab brings a distinctive approach that complements BCKIC’s innovation cluster framework. The aim is to replicate scalable, equitable education solutions across diverse Indian regions—encompassing tribal, rural, urban and neurodiverse communities alike.
The experimental nature of the pilot labs and the focused goals for learner and teacher engagement indicate a test-and-scale strategy. If successful, this could form a template for expanding maker-based, design-driven learning nationwide.
By linking UAE’s expertise in accessible, hands-on learning with a credible Indian innovation ecosystem actor, the partnership may serve as a model of cross-border collaboration in education—a bridge between global pedagogy and local implementation at scale.
