Author: Sam Allcock

The Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a reflective session entitled “From Local to Global: The Narrator at His Silver Jubilee.” The gathering explored how tradition can be preserved while adapting to modernity, ensuring that cultural heritage is transmitted to future generations. His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Forum’s Higher Organising Committee, remarked that “keeping pace with modernity and new developments is vital for preserving heritage.” He observed that social media travellers and influencers often wield greater influence today, making it essential to integrate…

Woodside Energy (Woodside), Japan Suiso Energy, Ltd. (JSE) and The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the creation of a liquid hydrogen supply chain linking Australia and Japan. The agreement will see the three parties work together on an innovative network in which liquid hydrogen, generated at Woodside’s proposed H2Perth Project in Western Australia, would be transported in specialised hydrogen carriers to receiving facilities in Japan. The H2Perth Project is planned for the Rockingham and Kwinana Industrial Zones in Perth, with production set to be based on natural gas reforming. The…

Türkiye’s Boru Hatları ile Petrol Taşıma A.Ş. (BOTAŞ) and Woodside have finalised a Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Under the deal, Woodside will provide BOTAŞ with around 5.8 billion cubic metres of natural gas equivalent over a period of up to nine years, beginning in 2030. The LNG will be sourced primarily from the Louisiana LNG project. The agreement was exchanged by Abdulvahit Fidan, Chairman and General Manager of BOTAŞ, and Daniel Kalms, Chief Operating Officer International at Woodside. The ceremony took place in the presence of Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy…

JMR Infotech, a global provider of digital transformation and banking technology solutions, has confirmed its support for Ethiopian banks in meeting the requirements of the National Bank of Ethiopia’s (NBE) Recovery Plan of Banks Directive No. SBB/93/2025. The directive, which came into effect on 13 May 2025, obliges all banks in Ethiopia to prepare robust recovery plans to ensure they can withstand severe financial stress without resorting to government bailouts. The first deadline for submission is 13 January 2026, with penalties set at Birr 100,000 for non-submission and Birr 50,000 for late updates. In line with Basel III global standards,…

A major cryptocurrency exchange has published research outlining how digital trading platforms can bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-based assets, addressing what it describes as the fragmented nature of current market infrastructure. The whitepaper, released on 21 January 2026 by Bitget, proposes a framework for what the company terms a Universal Exchange (UEX) – a system designed to consolidate access to cryptocurrencies, tokenised securities, and conventional financial instruments under a single unified platform. Titled “Bitget Universal Exchange (UEX): Blueprint for Financial Technologies in Crypto, Stocks, Commodities, and Emerging Markets,” the document was authored by Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst…

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFAI) (“Faraday Future”, “FF” or “the Company”), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem firm, together with Qualigen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: QLGN) (“QLGN”), today announced that they have entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) for a private investment in public equity (PIPE) in QLGN’s common and preferred shares, with plans to launch a new crypto and Web3-focused business. Subject to shareholder approval, QLGN is expected to rebrand as CXC10 and concentrate fully on its three core growth engines in crypto and Web3 ecosystem development. The PIPE financing totals approximately $41 million…

Dubai Investments PJSC is taking part in Ru’ya Careers UAE 2025, which runs from 23–25 September at Dubai World Trade Centre. The company acknowledges that the UAE’s greatest strength lies in its people. Over the years, Dubai Investments has recruited Emirati talent through Ru’ya, enabling professionals to launch careers that often grow into long-term positions within its diverse portfolio spanning real estate, manufacturing, education, healthcare, investments, and services. In addition to recruitment, the Group emphasises structured mentorship, leadership development, and cross-functional opportunities. These initiatives give Emiratis the chance to gain expertise, build confidence, and play a vital role in fostering…

Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation, has signed its first Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Luberef through its business unit, Bahri Chemicals. The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership designed to create new growth opportunities in the years ahead. This milestone demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s base oils industry and building resilience across the wider petrochemicals sector. It also reflects the principles of the Saudi Inc. initiative, which fosters collaboration and growth among national companies. Under the terms of the COA, Bahri Chemicals will transport base oils produced within the Kingdom from domestic…

Thirty years ago, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story first introduced audiences to the friendship of Woody and Buzz Lightyear, transforming the animation industry as the first computer-animated feature film and captivating generations. To mark the anniversary, the Levi’s® brand has collaborated with Disney and Pixar on a limited-edition collection celebrating both the Western frontier spirit embodied by Woody and the adventurous energy of the Toy Story series. The Levi’s® x Toy Story 30th Anniversary Collection transforms memorable characters and moments into wearable art, fusing Western authenticity with the playful imagination of Andy’s toy box. For men, the line-up features the…

Dulsco People, part of Dulsco Group and a leading workforce solutions provider, has launched Transforming Defensive Driving with Digital Innovation, an AI- and Metaverse-based driver safety programme featuring a QR Code Driver Passport. Introduced in June 2025, the initiative is supporting the UAE Government’s road safety priorities while raising national fleet safety standards and enhancing operational performance. The programme is delivered via DigiSkills’ immersive heads-up-display (HUB), Dulsco People’s digital learning and assessment platform, created in collaboration with Connected Safety Net (CSN). It incorporates digital micro learning, psychometric profiling, dynamic performance tracking, tailored learning paths, and ongoing upskilling. The QR-enabled Driver…