Heartwarming celebrations, festive feasting and cherished holiday moments await this season. Central Hotels & Resorts warmly welcomes families, couples and friends to embrace the joy and togetherness of Christmas with a host of memorable experiences designed to capture the true spirit of the season. Across its exceptional properties — Royal Central Hotel The Palm, C Central Resort The Palm and Canal Central Hotel Business Bay — guests can indulge in festive surroundings, seasonal menus and sparkling Christmas activities created to delight all ages. As Dubai shimmers with festive décor, each Central Hotels & Resorts destination transforms into a Christmas haven,…
Author: Sam Allcock
The 2025 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships roared to life on 2 December at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, delivering an electrifying Opening Ceremony that combined world-class sport, show-stopping entertainment and cultural celebration in unforgettable style. With Dubai’s skyline as its backdrop and coinciding with UAE National Day, the event marked the beginning of the International Boxing Association’s first-ever Festival of Boxing, which runs from 2–13 December. Under dazzling lights and fireworks, fans experienced a milestone moment that showcased Dubai’s rapid rise as a global sporting destination while signalling a bold new era for world boxing under the IBA.…
The 2025 edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded with great acclaim in Dubai, honouring the region’s most influential thinkers and innovators across travel, tourism, and hospitality. Frequently described as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the ceremony brought together distinguished figures from across the GCC to celebrate a year marked by remarkable progress and industry-wide transformation. Held at Embassy Suites by Hilton Business Bay, the evening began with an address from SanJeet, Director of DDP Group, who guided the proceedings as master of ceremonies. Among the distinguished attendees were leading officials and diplomats, including Dr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi of…
The historic oasis of AlUla, long regarded as a global cultural landmark and meeting point of ancient civilisations, is preparing to usher in 2026 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration. Two of the Arab world’s most cherished stars, Assala Nasri and Adam, will headline a grand concert on 31 December 2025, marrying outstanding music with the awe-inspiring landscape of AlUla. The celebration will take place at the open-air Thanaya AlUla venue, promising an enchanting evening beneath the desert night sky. Attendees will enjoy immersive performances set against the dramatic backdrop of rock formations and sweeping canyons, creating a memorable…
Tawfeer Supermarket has unveiled a festive collaboration with Tamanna, the Lebanese charity devoted to fulfilling wishes for children battling serious health conditions. The initiative was introduced during a Christmas celebration on 29 November at the Tabarja branch, attended by representatives of Tawfeer International, including Chief Human Resources Officer Fadel Makki on behalf of Chairman & CEO Rami Bitar, alongside Tamanna President Inas Fakhreddine, the Children’s Choir of the Kfaryassin and Adma Parish, local guests, and the media. The campaign encourages customers to support the cause by donating $1 or more at checkout throughout the holiday period, helping bring joy to…
On 2 December, the United Arab Emirates observes its 54th National Day, marking the historic union of the seven emirates in 1971 and the start of an extraordinary national journey. This year’s theme, “United,” reflects the enduring sense of cohesion and collective determination that continues to drive progress across the country. Across the nation, celebrations fill streets and public spaces with cultural showcases, community gatherings and heritage events. Buildings, landmarks and neighbourhoods are adorned with flags and lights, blending tradition with the UAE’s modern spirit as citizens and residents come together to honour their shared identity. UAE Media: Documenting Progress…
Sharjah Media City (Shams) has announced the launch of Shams Studios, a major new production facility set to position Sharjah as a leading global destination for film, television and streaming content. Spanning 9,600 square metres, the newly developed soundstages have been purpose-built to international standards, establishing Shams Studios as one of the most technologically advanced studio complexes in the Middle East. With production space in short supply across North America and Europe, Shams Studios aims to provide international producers—particularly from the UK, US and India—with large-scale stages, competitive production conditions and access to key regional and global markets. Opening at…
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) has announced the debut of its new initiative, the Sustainability Futures Lab, created to enhance the Forum’s contribution to human capital development and strengthen the region’s sustainability landscape. Centred on the conviction that education, talent development and youth involvement are vital to long-term climate progress, the Challenge encourages university students across Bahrain to devise practical, future-focused solutions shaped by the themes of the Forum’s 4th edition. Powered by KPMG in Bahrain and supported by both the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and the Higher Education Council (HEC), the programme links academic capability with genuine sustainability…
Emirates GBR have claimed the ultimate prize on the Arabian Gulf, sealing the 2025 Rolex SailGP Championship after a dramatic showdown at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. In a finale defined by relentless pressure and razor-sharp execution, the British crew rose above their rivals, outmanoeuvring the league’s top contenders to secure their first championship title in electrifying fashion. The atmosphere erupted as spectators witnessed history unfold, with the British colours flying proudly as Emirates GBR etched their name into SailGP’s list of champions. Dylan Fletcher’s crew fought their…
Truecaller Insights Underscore Nation’s Digital Security Strength and Opportunities for Clearer Communication Ahead of Eid Al Etihad November 28, 2025 As the UAE prepares to mark its 54th National Day, the latest figures from Truecaller paint a detailed picture of mobile safety and communication habits across the country. Despite ranking 11th in overall spam volume regionally, confirming its status as one of the Middle East’s most digitally protected nations, the data reveals that calls linked to the financial sector continue to dominate users’ unwanted contact reports. Key Insights: With families set to reconnect and mark the Spirit of the Union,…