Chalhoub Group’s web3 sneaker brand ‘SOL3MATES’ reveals first NFT collection

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Updated 16 April 2023
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Chalhoub Group’s web3 sneaker brand ‘SOL3MATES’ reveals first NFT collection

SOL3MATES, Chalhoub Group’s web3-native sneaker brand, revealed its first NFT collection “SOL3MATES OG NFTs.” Only 10,000 NFTs will be available at 0.03 ETH ($55) on May 4 for a limited time only. Purchasers of the collection become members of the SOL3MATES community and receive exclusive membership benefits such as early access to future collections, preferred pricing, free merchandise and more. The NFT will be available for purchase on the luxury NFT marketplace Exclusible.

SOL3MATES OG NFT holders will receive priority access to the first limited-edition sneaker drop from SOL3MATES — “Sirocco 1,” designed in collaboration with French designer Kacimi Latamène, renowned on social media for his viral sneaker designs. Sirocco 1, which is inspired by the Mediterranean wind, will be available for pre-order from September with delivery expected by year end. The maximum supply will be equal to the number of unique OG NFT owners to ensure exclusivity and avoid overproduction. NFT owners will experience preferred pricing and delivery ahead of the public.

“We are a sneaker brand first, and an NFT project second,” said Nick Vinckier, head of corporate innovation at Chalhoub Group and founder of SOL3MATES. “Our aim is to create the sneaker brand of the future, born from web3 technology and mechanics such as gamification, community and decentralization. The entire customer journey is created in such a way where we merge the best of the virtual and physical experience. With the launch of our first collection, and all future collections, our focus is on adding value to our community over time.”

The NFT pre-sale starts on May 4 for a selected audience. The public sale starts on May 5 and will last 48 hours (or until supply lasts).

SOL3MATES is also actively growing its event, retailer and brand partnerships to increase benefits for its NFT collection owners. For example, with this collection launch, 1,110 lucky NFT owners living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will be able to upgrade to Sapphire-tier membership of MUSE, Chalhoub Group’s loyalty program.


Gulf Air celebrates inaugural flight to London Gatwick

Updated 31 March 2025
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Gulf Air celebrates inaugural flight to London Gatwick

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, celebrated the inaugural flight of its new direct route from Bahrain International Airport to London Gatwick Airport with special events held at both airports. This milestone marks a significant step in Gulf Air’s network expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to offering passengers enhanced connectivity and greater travel options.

This launch adds London Gatwick as Gulf Air’s second destination in London, complementing its longstanding operations to London Heathrow Airport, which has been serving passengers for over 55 years since 1970. 

The addition of Gatwick strengthens Gulf Air’s presence in the United Kingdom, providing travelers with access to two major international gateways in London.

The departure event at Bahrain International Airport included a welcome reception for passengers and guests, celebrating the airline’s ongoing efforts to connect Bahrain to key global destinations. Upon arrival at London Gatwick Airport, the inaugural flight was marked by a ceremonial reception attended by Gulf Air and London Gatwick Airport representatives, including Hanadi AlAali, Gulf Air chief customer experience officer, and Jonathan Pollard, London Gatwick Airport chief commercial officer.

As part of Gulf Air’s broader network restructuring and expansion strategy, the introduction of this route aligns with the airline’s vision to enhance customer experience by offering seamless connections and more choices for travelers.


Cleveland Clinic and G42 to advance healthcare through artificial intelligence

Updated 31 March 2025
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Cleveland Clinic and G42 to advance healthcare through artificial intelligence

Cleveland Clinic and G42, a global leader in artificial intelligence, are collaborating to drive AI-powered advancements in healthcare.

As part of this initiative, the organizations will form a joint task force to evaluate, prioritize and accelerate potential projects and collaborative opportunities aimed at advancing AI adoption in healthcare.

G42 is a technology group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, known for its advanced innovation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and big data analytics solutions across a wide range of industries. Its healthcare portfolio company spanning 480 clinics in 26 countries, M42, leads some of the most groundbreaking health advancements in the industry, such as the Emirati Genome Program, the world’s largest genomics initiative, and Malaffi, Abu Dhabi’s Health Information Exchange.

Cleveland Clinic is a global health system that includes 23 hospitals, 280 outpatient facilities, and American locations in northeast Ohio, Florida and Nevada and international locations in Toronto, Abu Dhabi, and London. In 2024, Cleveland Clinic provided 15.7 million outpatient encounters, 333,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 320,000 surgeries and procedures worldwide.

“Cleveland Clinic is committed to finding opportunities that improve patient safety, patient experience, patient outcomes and access,” said Cleveland Clinic CEO and president Tom Mihaljevic, MD, holder of the Morton L. Mandel CEO Chair. “Artificial intelligence offers a tremendous opportunity to continue to advance and fulfill our mission of caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve.”

As part of the collaboration, G42 and Cleveland Clinic will explore and implement transformative AI-driven healthcare initiatives that have the potential to redefine patient care, enhance medical innovation, and drive operational efficiencies. These efforts will benefit not only the UAE and the wider region but extend globally, shaping the future of healthcare through intelligent, data-driven solutions.

“AI’s potential to transform the healthcare industry remains largely untapped,” said Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42. “From deciphering the source code of life — our genome — to optimizing efficiencies across the entire patient journey, AI is paving the way for a future where care is not only more precise but also deeply personalized and preventative. We look forward to embarking on this journey alongside Cleveland Clinic and other global partners, harnessing AI to unlock new frontiers in medicine, empower clinicians with unprecedented insights, and ultimately, reshape the way humanity experiences health and longevity.”

For the seventh consecutive year, Cleveland Clinic is the No. 2 hospital in the world, according to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025 list. The global healthcare system has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery, deep brain stimulation surgery to restore function after a stroke, and the first face transplant in the United States. 

In 2023, the IBM Quantum System One was installed at Cleveland Clinic; it is the first quantum computer in the world to be dedicated to healthcare research with an aim to help Cleveland Clinic accelerate biomedical discoveries.


Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with Grand Millennium Muscat

Updated 30 March 2025
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Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with Grand Millennium Muscat

As the joyous celebrations of Eid Al Fitr approach, Grand Millennium Muscat warmly invites residents and visitors from across the GCC to embark on a memorable escape, blending serene luxury with authentic Omani hospitality. The hotel has curated a remarkable experience for families and individuals alike, offering a harmonious blend of relaxation, festive indulgence, and cultural heritage.

From March 27 to April 6, Grand Millennium Muscat is offering a special Eid package designed to bring families closer together. The package promises an ambiance of indulgence and tranquility, with exclusive offers such as free stays for two children up to 6 years old, making it an ideal destination for family-friendly holidays. Guests are invited to create cherished moments in a haven of comfort and exceptional service.

Adding to the festivities, guests can savor the finest flavors of Oman at Bahriyat Restaurant, where a 50 percent discount on the menu invites diners to explore a culinary journey through the spices and textures of local seafood and traditional recipes. Known for its elegance and exquisite seafood, Bahriyat promises an unforgettable dining experience.

For those seeking relaxation, the exclusive Zanta Spa offers a tranquil retreat with a 20 percent discount on selected treatments. From rejuvenating massages to refreshing facials, the spa provides the perfect setting to unwind and prepare for the holiday season.

Elevating the celebrations, the hotel will host a delightful Eid brunch buffet on April 1 and 2, featuring a delectable selection of authentic Omani dishes and desserts.

Open to both in-house guests and visitors, the brunch promises a festive atmosphere, with a special treat for families: Children under six dine for free, and children aged six to 12 enjoy 50 percent off the meal rate. Engaging activities for kids further enhance the experience, making it a perfect outing for families.

Speaking about the hotel’s Eid offerings, Glenn Nobbs, general manager of Grand Millennium Muscat, said: “Our hotel is primed and ready for guests —both from Oman and the region—seeking a getaway filled with comfort, exceptional dining, and rejuvenation.”

“We promise an experience that goes beyond just a stay. The welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by our signature services and exclusive choices, is tailored to provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable Eid celebrations. For example, our 3 and 4 bedroom pool villas offer a beautiful opportunity for families to enjoy the best of an Eid vacation with their own private pool and option for a private chef to do the work for them.”


Msheireb Properties unveils Eid festivities at Msheireb Downtown Doha

Updated 30 March 2025
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Msheireb Properties unveils Eid festivities at Msheireb Downtown Doha

Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable property developer that operates a thriving, culturally diverse community in Msheireb Downtown Doha, is unveiling an expanded lineup of Eid Al-Fitr festivities, promising a lively, family-friendly experience from the first day of Eid to April 5, daily from 2:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Building on the success of previous years, the celebrations will feature immersive installations and live entertainment, uniting the community in joy and tradition.

Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla, senior director of corporate communications at Msheireb Properties, said: “This Eid, we’ve decided to re-image our approach to festivities in Msheireb Downtown Doha. Inspired by Qatari heritage and infused with engaging new experiences, Eid at Msheireb will be truly unforgettable for families and visitors alike. Our vision is to make Msheireb the heart of Eid festivities in Doha, offering something for everyone to enjoy.”

“Eid is a time for community, reflection, and celebration. At Msheireb Downtown Doha, we’ve carefully curated experiences that honor our cultural heritage while embracing the diversity of our global audience. From the roaming entertainment on Sikkat Al Wadi to the serene Mindfulness Mirror Installation, every detail is designed to inspire connection and well-being,” he added.

This year’s expanded program reflects the spirit of Eid, offering culturally authentic interactive entertainment. Baraha Msheireb, the largest courtyard in the region, will host family games, and live performances featuring a guitarist, saxophonist, violinist, as well as duo and trio musicians throughout the day.

Sikkat Al Wadi will come alive with international roaming entertainment, featuring performers from diverse backgrounds, alongside live music and interactive shows. Guests can also participate in the popular painting workshop, where they can craft personalized Eid decorations, and unwind at the Mindfulness Mirror Installation, designed for moments of reflection amid the excitement.

At Sahat Al Nakheel, visitors can enjoy stage performances, engaging children’s activities, giveaways, and an Eid Q&A session, creating an interactive experience for all ages. Meanwhile, at Al Kahraba street, pop-up stalls will be installed offering traditional Eid specialties.

For food enthusiasts, pop-up stalls will serve traditional Eid specialties, offering a culinary journey through the holiday’s signature flavors. Visitors can unwind at gathering spots like the Ghori shop.


Rally Jameel 2025 expands across borders

Updated 29 March 2025
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Rally Jameel 2025 expands across borders

Jameel Motorsport, part of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor for Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has announced the official closure of registration for the fourth edition of Rally Jameel, the region’s first-ever women’s only navigational rally in the Middle East.

 This year’s event attracted applications from 70 teams representing 39 countries and 25 motorsport federations, underscoring its global appeal and growing status as a premier motorsport event for women. A rigorous evaluation process has been conducted to determine the final lineup of teams eligible to compete, which will be announced soon. Notably, the majority of international participants were nominated by their respective country’s motorsport federation.

For the first time, Rally Jameel will commence in Petra, Jordan, one of the world’s most breathtaking archeological wonders, before crossing into Saudi Arabia.

The six-day journey will cover 1,500km, traversing five cities, including Tabuk, AlUla, Hail, and Qassim. Competitors will navigate through some of the region’s most stunning and historically rich landscapes, with many stages set against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reinforcing the rally’s role in promoting adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia.

Munir Khoja, managing director of Jameel Motorsport and marketing communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The rising interest in Rally Jameel 2025 underlines its significance as a pioneering platform in women’s motorsport. This year’s edition not only builds on past successes but also introduces new challenges and opportunities for competitors. With an expanded route, the rally elevates the competition, allowing participants to experience a blend of history, strategy, and adventure like never before. We look forward to welcoming all participants for what promises to be a milestone edition.”

The 2025 edition promises an unparalleled adventure, taking competitors on a journey through some of the most breathtaking and rarely explored landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This year’s expanded route offers a true test of endurance and skill, blending the thrill of motorsport with the essence of adventure tourism, as participants navigate diverse terrains, from desert dunes to rugged mountain trails.

Reflecting on her experience, last year’s champion Ewelina Chlebowska said: “Rally Jameel 2024 was an unforgettable experience and winning it was a proud moment that pushed me to my limits. Every stage tested my ability to adapt, strategize, and stay focused under pressure. Coming back this year, I’m excited to take on new challenges and see how the rally’s expansion elevates the competition even further.”

Second-place winner Maha Al Hamali added:” This rally is about determination, strategic thinking, and skill. Competing alongside incredible women from around the world not only pushes you to be your best but also fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. The upcoming edition will set a new benchmark, bringing even greater competition and opportunities for growth, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”