KUALA LUMPUR — Authorities launched a rescue and relief operation after a major fire swept through a floating village in Malaysia early Sunday, destroying hundreds of homes, local media reported. At least 200 houses were burned in Kampung Bahagia, a floating village in the coastal city of Sandakan, according to the Malay Mail. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was shocked after learning of the fire. He said the federal government and the Sabah state government are coordinating emergency aid and temporary accommodation for those affected. Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Jimmy Lagung said dozens of firefighters were dispatched…
Author: Editorial Team
Dubai’s hospitality scene has entered its “workation” era and we’re so here for it. Who doesn’t want an “office” that comes with pool access, spa discounts and a skyline or sea view? Recently, hotels across the UAE have started actively promoting irresistible offers for remote workers and hybrid employees with packages that blur the lines between work and holiday. So, here are some of the best work-from-hotel offers to check out right now: Fairmont The Palm For those who can’t quite switch off but are done with working from the dining table, the Fairmont Workation offers a considered middle ground.…
Jeddah’s stadiums, hosting the knockout stages of the 2026 AFC Champions League Elite from April 13 to 25, have deployed advanced smart systems and artificial intelligence at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium to streamline the fan experience through digital recognition and sophisticated crowd-management solutions that ensure seamless entry, exit, and navigation for thousands of international spectators. A key highlight of the tournament’s technological infrastructure is the Ahlan application, a unified digital platform that integrates ticketing, match schedules, transportation, and stadium access. This transition toward smart stadiums is complemented by interactive entertainment zones organized by the…
Dubai-based art and culture studio Malhaar has released a moving new video that captures young Indian children performing the UAE National Anthem on traditional Indian instruments. In the video, a group of young expat students — who call the UAE their home away from home — come together in a simple, intimate setting to perform a powerful instrumental rendition of the national anthem as an ensemble. Their performance is rooted in Indian classical training, but the music they offer is a heartfelt salute to the country that has given their families opportunity, safety and a sense of belonging. A tribute…
During the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™️, stadiums in Jeddah have evolved into dynamic cultural spaces where a rich tapestry of identities extends beyond the boundaries of sport, transforming the stands into platforms as cultures from across Asia converge, united by a shared passion for football. Fans from the Kingdom, the Gulf, and across the continent have brought diverse chants, languages, and traditions, creating a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the depth of the fan experience. The participation of clubs from various regions has further enriched this diversity, with teams from West and East Asia contributing to a blend of…
At a time when it is recommended to avoid doomscrolling, content creators are finding themselves in a fix. Logging off may be good for mental health, but for those whose work depends on staying visible, it is not always an option. For many, the challenge is no longer just about managing screen time, but about redefining their relationship with platforms that are both a source of income and a constant pull on their attention. For Yusra Youssif, a digital creator with over 363,000 followers on Instagram, logging off is not really an option. As social media becomes both her workspace…
On World Heritage Day, Jazan Region stands as a living model where history is woven into the fabric of daily life, with its heritage reflected across mountains, plains, and coasts in diverse architectural styles ranging from the sturdy stone buildings of the highlands to the climate-responsive mud-brick houses of the Tihama plains and the maritime dwellings of the islands. Beyond its structures, Jazan’s identity is preserved through its vibrant folk arts and revived handicrafts. Supported by Heritage Commission initiatives, traditional skills like palm weaving and leather tanning have been modernized into sustainable economic resources. These efforts ensure that Jazan’s cultural legacy…
It was a frightening moment for a family when their four-year-old son suddenly began vomiting and choking, struggling to breathe after swallowing a coin. What was scarier was that the split-second incident could have turned far more serious. Muhammad Shahzain Awan was brought to Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Al Qusais in distress, with doctors quickly identifying that the coin had become lodged in his upper oesophagus, an area where even slight movement can lead to serious complications. The medical team moved swiftly, carrying out an emergency endoscopic procedure to remove the object. The coin was retrieved in just two…
The first flights carrying beneficiaries of the ‘Makkah Route Initiative’ arrived from Pakistan at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, via the initiative’s terminal at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The initiative facilitates a seamless journey by completing all entry requirements at the point of departure. This includes the electronic issuance of Hajj visas, biometric data collection, and passport control. Additionally, luggage is coded and sorted according to accommodation arrangements in the Kingdom, allowing pilgrims to bypass airport procedures upon arrival and transfer directly to their residences in Makkah and Madinah via designated bus routes. Since its launch in 2017,…
Shoppers browsing Primark’s Dubai Mall store on Wednesday were in for an unexpected royal encounter as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid a surprise visit to the brand’s first UAE outlet. The Dubai Ruler was seen touring the store with other officials, as surprised customers paused mid-shopping to greet him. Photos shared by Primark on its official social channels show Sheikh Mohammed walking through the aisles, while staff and visitors look on. In its caption, the retailer said it was “truly honoured” and “humbled” to welcome him to…