Author: Editorial Team
On February 28, 2026, Stephanie Skourti, co-founder of flourishing UAE/Jordan-based occasionwear label Nafsika Skourti, gave birth in Dubai. The same day, Iran launched retaliatory strikes into the UAE, following the US-Israel offensive two days prior. Poised to turn on her out-of-office and begin maternity leave from her role handling the business side of the fashion brand, Skourti was faced with both navigating motherhood amidst regional conflict, and steering a label that thrives on dressing women for events through a time with no events. “It has been a lot to process and navigate,” says Skourti, with the pragmatic resilience that characterises…
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative by Aramco, has announced the opening of registration for the fifth edition of its Summer Youth Program, starting today, April 16, and continuing through June 30, 2026. The program offers young participants an immersive journey into the cultural and creative industries by introducing them to the nature of the sector, broadening their knowledge of its field, and providing them with hands-on experience that strengthens their skills and supports their engagement in cultural professions. The four-week program will run from July 13 to August 6, 2026, at Ithra’s headquarters in Dhahran,…
Sergei Kukharev, Head of VAS product, Fortis. The UAE is a global leader in AI adoption, with 64% of working-age individuals using AI tools. Government bodies report 97% usage, backed by more than Dh543 billion in investments for 2024 and 2025. Still, many small businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have yet to join this wave. This gap can be seen as a real opportunity. Small businesses that move now can use AI to boost sales with smarter recommendations, automate routine tasks to save time, and build customer loyalty through personalised service. The result is leaner operations, lower costs, and a clearer picture…
RIYADH — The 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its associated meetings commenced in Istanbul on Thursday. The assembly brought together speakers of parliaments from around the world, along with parliamentarians and representatives of international organizations. Saudi Arabia’s delegation attending the session is headed by Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh. The delegation includes Secretary General of the Shoura Council Mohammed Al-Mutairi; Shoura Council member and member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Muhanna; and Shoura Council members and IPU members Maj. Gen. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, Waleed Abdulshakoor, Raida Abu Nayan, Dr.…
RIYADH — Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah announced on Thursday an initiative to support local communities in restoring heritage towns. The minister made the announcement at the concluding session of the Nonprofit Cultural Sector Forum at King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh. The forum was held in the presence of several officials, cultural figures, leaders and members of non-profit cultural organizations, representatives of relevant government entities, as well as donors, private-sector supporters, and those interested in the cultural sector. Prince Badr said the initiative aims to enhance communityparticipation in preserving and rehabilitating valuable heritage assets. In its first…
The Quran memorization circles department at the Prophet’s Mosque has announced an intensive review program for memorizers, as part of its ongoing efforts to support those who have memorized the Holy Quran. The department stated that the program is available across several levels, including the entire Quran, 20 parts, and 10 parts, allowing participants to enroll in accordance with their current level of memorization. The program will be held from April 17 to 18 at the Quran memorization circles area in the Prophet’s Mosque, near Gate 22. Those interested are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative, which aims to…
Lenovo has announced the official opening of its Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META) Regional Headquarters in Riyadh (RHQ), marking a strategic milestone in the company’s long-term investment in the Kingdom and its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. The official opening was marked by a formal ceremony attended by the Minister of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mr. Fahad bin Abduljalil Al‑Saif, alongside senior government officials, strategic partners, and Lenovo leaders. His Excellency Mr. Fahad bin Abduljalil Al‑Saif, Minister of Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stated: “Lenovo’s decision to establish its…
OMODA&JAECOO, one of the world’s fastest-growing smart mobility and technology brands, has announced its third anniversary while approaching the one million global sales milestone. To mark this celebration, the company is launching exclusive UAE offers, providing customers with flexible payment plans, substantial savings, and premium benefits across the range of vehicles. Special Offers on SHS Models OMODA&JAECOO’s Super Hybrid System (SHS) models in the UAE are positioned with a strong, value-driven ownership package, featuring 0% interest financing for up to three years across the line-up, complemented by a flexible six-month deferred payment plan. Customers benefit from fuel vouchers covering up…
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia welcomed on Thursday the announcement by United States President Donald Trump of a ceasefire in Lebanon. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the significant positive role played by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese government headed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in achieving the ceasefire. “Saudi Arabia reiterates its support for the Lebanese state in asserting its sovereignty, ensuring that weapons remain exclusively in the hands of the state and its legitimate institutions, as well as for the reform steps it has taken,…
A new studio is turning Emirati heritage into large-scale artworks finished in pure 24K gold, positioning cultural symbols as collectible pieces within the UAE’s growing luxury art scene. Golden Emarat, founded by Aaron Tal, introduces a concept that moves beyond traditional prints or decorative objects, handcrafted metal artworks plated in genuine 24-carat gold, designed to be long-lasting cultural pieces that sit in homes, majlis spaces, and private collections. “Golden Emarat is not about creating decorative pieces,” said the founder of the studio. “Each artwork is conceived as a cultural object, something that carries meaning, something that belongs, and something that…