Motorsport meets magic as Formula 1 partners with The Walt Disney Company to introduce Mickey Mouse and friends to the global racing stage, starting in 2026
World
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Moody's
US stock futures and dollar slide after Moody’s downgrade
The ratings agency dropped the US government from Aaa to Aa1, citing budget deficit concerns; Asian stocks fall, but DFMGI rise
consumer behaviour
Labubu: What the ‘Monster’ doll says about modern consumerism, emotional spending, social media hype
From teens to fashion enthusiasts and collectors, the ‘monster’ doll has gone viral around the world with influencers, celebrities seen sporting these collectibles on luxury handbags, cars and homes
Darkness retreats
The silence revolution: Phone-free retreats, silent travel gains momentum amid rising burnout, stress, digital addiction
These practices range from “phone-free” holidays to more intensive darkness retreats, and are rising in popularity around the world with significant interest also seen in the Middle East
Mastercard
2025 travel trends: Nature, food and wellness drive holiday spending says Mastercard
Travel with purpose and currency fluctuation have an impact on holiday spending, according to Mastercard research
crude oil price
Oil prices climb as US-China trade progress eases demand concerns
Oil prices rose Monday after positive US-China trade talks boosted market sentiment
catholic church
Pope Leo XIV: Vatican elects Robert Prevost to lead Catholic Church
The Chicago born cardinal is the first American pontiff to lead the church and spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and became a cardinal only in 2023
Bill Gates
Bill Gates announces plan to give away $200bn fortune
Bill Gates to give away “virtually all his wealth” as he confirms largest philanthropic commitment in modern history
Maldives
UAE travel to Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles surges amid growing demand for luxury holidays
The surge reflects a broader trend, Indian Ocean destinations are gaining ground as top choices for UAE travellers seeking both luxury and authenticity
Oil price
Oil prices plunge over $2 as OPEC+ accelerates output hikes
Brent crude futures dropped 3.61 per cent, to $59.08 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $56.00 a barrel, down by 3.93 per cent
FIFA
FIFA selects Hisense as official partner for Club World Cup 2025
Hisense will provide VAR screens and broadcast tech for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, supporting core tournament operations
ATM 2025 travel trends revealed as air travel tipped to hit $5.4bn and visa policies drive growth
ATM 2025 research identifies travel trends in the UAE and across the GCC
Aviation
Middle East airline traffic dipped 1 per cent in March: IATA
Slight decline in Middle East airline traffic attributed to timing of Ramadan
Chelsea FC
DAMAC partners with Chelsea FC for first football-themed luxury residences in Dubai
Dubai developer to feature on club’s shirts as 1,400-unit seafront project launches in Maritime City
Bitcoin
Crypto market: Retail participation in the sector predicted to see a major boost in Bitcoin as a result of Trump’s IRS overturned
Bitcoin prices shot up in early trading hours on Monday, April 28, to cross the $94,000 mark, touching $94,083 briefly, gaining close to 8% in 7 days
Qatar
Saudi Arabia, Qatar clear Syria’s $15mn World Bank debt: Report
This financial intervention will allow the World Bank to resume operations in Syria after a 14-year suspension of activities
OpenAI expands deep research access to free ChatGPT users
OpenAI revealed the ChatGPT update through its official X account