This is the most downloaded app on earth. Can you take a guess?

Data from AppMagic shows that between January and November 2025, ChatGPT was downloaded more than 902 million times, outpacing TikTok by nearly 200 million installs and leaving Instagram trailing by some 380 million. That surge has pushed ChatGPT’s total downloads to 1.36 billion since launch, a staggering achievement for an app that entered the mainstream … Read more

When oversharing in new friendships breeds control

The illusion of instant intimacy  As Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist, founder and the director of Lighthouse Arabia explains: Oversharing, for starters is when you share more and faster than the trust that is built in the relationship at the time. There is no safety, reciprocity to warrant those kinds of disclosure. “And yes, some … Read more

Why global hunger is rising despite abundant resources

The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 318 million people will face hunger in 2026, more than twice the number in 2019, while available funding covers only half of the need. This threatens assistance for 110 million people, requiring $13 billion. In the Middle East, the crisis is evident in simultaneous famines in Gaza and … Read more

Acne medication shows promising results in trials

Hair loss has long been a source of frustration, with treatments mostly limited to minoxidil or oral anti-androgens like finasteride. Lotions, oils, and supplements often promise results but rarely deliver real regrowth. Now, clascoterone—FDA-approved in 2020 for acne—is emerging as a promising topical solution for hair restoration. How it works: Targeting hair loss According to … Read more

How UAE ministry de-accredited university misused local office

Fujairah: The Fujairah office of Midocean University, which lost UAE ministry recognition this week, was operating far beyond its stated purpose, resulting in serious violations that led to the ministry’s action. The decision came after MoHESR, working alongside Fujairah Free Zone Authority, discovered fundamental breaches in the university’s operational mechanisms, programme delivery controls, and adherence … Read more

UAE life set to change in 2026

Crypto goes mainstream Crypto is also entering everyday life faster than expected. Seven in ten UAE shoppers say they’d be excited to receive cryptocurrency as a gift. That’s a big signal that digital assets no longer feel experimental. They feel normal. Younger consumers are especially open to stablecoins. Some even expect them to become common … Read more

Inter Milan vs Liverpool, Atalanta vs Chelsea live updates

LIVE Follow live updates of Inter Milan vs Liverpool, Atalanta vs Chelsea Last updated: December 10, 2025 | 00:16 footballLiverpoolChampions League It is another busy Champions League night with seven games happening at the same time. Our main focus is Inter Milan vs Liverpool, and we will follow every major moment from that match. We … Read more

Zohran Mamdani relocates to Gracie Mansion — here’s why it matters

From Astoria to Manhattan: A lifestyle shift According to media reports, Mamdani currently resides in a rent-stabilised one-bedroom apartment in Astoria, paying around $2,300 per month. The 800-square-foot unit includes heat and hot water, a communal laundry room, and an elevator, a rare feature in the area. By contrast, Gracie Mansion offers: Views of the … Read more

Deepfake scams on the rise

Sharjah: Authorities in Sharjah have issued a public warning about the growing risks of AI-driven deepfake scams. Sophisticated forgeries can now be created with minimal effort, putting residents at risk of fraud and online deception. AI makes digital deception easier than ever In an awareness video, Lieutenant Colonel Ibraheim Al Midfa and Captain Saoud Bousim … Read more

6000 fans cheer at superstar shares life lessons

Life lessons from the King of Bollywood Speaking to his frenzied fans, he shared his simple but powerful philosophy on life and success: “If you want to change something in life — whether it’s monetary, emotional, happiness — you have to work hard for it. Give it the best you’ve got.” He added that he … Read more

Sharjah rolls out fully digital rental services on Aqari platform

The initiative, launched by Sharjah Digital Department in collaboration with Sharjah Municipality under the Digital Sharjah Platform, positions Aqari as a single digital gateway for real estate services across the emirate. It replaces traditional, paper-based procedures involving multiple entities with a unified, fully digital system aligned with Sharjah Government directives and the UAE’s broader digital … Read more

BRIDGE Summit tackles privacy and misinformation in the age of AI

From engineering bridges to connecting people Richard Attias reflected on his journey from engineering to global communications, saying that his work had evolved from building physical infrastructure to building human connections. “I moved from building physical bridges to building bridges between people,” he said. He described the UAE as a long-standing source of inspiration, citing … Read more

Gaming history made as ChinaJoy debuts in UAE

Hands-on access to Asia’s biggest game titles At the ChinaJoy Pavilion, visitors can play early versions of some of Asia’s most anticipated games, including: Delta Force Black Myth: Wukong Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Games are available to play for free, while visitors can also pose with live models dressed as iconic gaming characters, adding an immersive … Read more

Govt orders IndiGo to cut flights by 10% — over 200 daily services hit

The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued the directive on Wednesday after summoning IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers to review the crisis. The move marks the government’s strongest action yet following a week of public frustration, long delays, and mounting complaints from passengers nationwide. Govt says cut needed to ‘stabilise operations’ “The ministry considers it necessary to … Read more

BRIDGE Summit 2025 panel urges bold investment to shape the future of media

The summit continues at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, through 10 December, uniting over 60,000 participants from 132 countries and more than 430 speakers across 300+ sessions, workshops, and engagements. ‘A major shift, barely scratched the surface‘ The discussion featured Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, and Dr. Ling Ge, Chief Investment & Strategy Officer … Read more

Watch up to 150 shooting stars per hour

Dubai: Stargazers in the UAE are gearing up for one of nature’s most spectacular celestial displays as the Geminids meteor shower reaches its peak this weekend, with two dedicated viewing events scheduled in Dubai. The 2025 edition of the Geminids promises exceptional viewing conditions, with minimal moonlight interference creating darker skies that will allow observers … Read more

Up to Dh5 million fine for flouting UAE residency rules

Dangers of unauthorised entry These penalties reflect the state’s deep understanding of the dangers posed by individuals entering the UAE without completing legal procedures. The presence of unidentified or unregistered individuals can lead to security threats that are difficult to detect, in addition to the risk of involvement in unlawful activities. Strict enforcement is therefore … Read more

Arab icon Yousra reveals the real foundations of lasting stardom

The evolving landscape of fame Yousra described today’s digital environment as both a gift and a challenge. Social media creates unprecedented access to audiences, yet exposes artists to misinformation, distortion, and instant judgment. “To endure today, you must know what to read, what to trust, and how to adapt,” she said. “This environment changes every … Read more

UNESCO and UAE explore the future of trustworthy information

UNESCO and UAE explore the future of trustworthy information

The roundtable, held on December 8, convened global leaders, policymakers, media experts, and technology executives to discuss shared challenges, align on priorities, and explore frameworks for safeguarding truth, trust, and societal resilience in information flow. Global experts discuss the future of trustworthy information Titled “Alliances for Legitimacy and Integrity in Global Narratives,” the hour-long session … Read more

Why Salah is wrong even if he has a point?

Senior players should lead from within If Salah felt unfairly treated, he should have dealt with it inside the club. A player of his stature can speak to the manager, or to senior figures in the boardroom. Taking it public was childish. His ego is hurt, and some fans will take his side, but this … Read more

IndiGo restores full flight operations after week-long disruption, CEO confirms

Refunds completed, bags returned Elbers acknowledged the scale of customer inconvenience, calling the disruption “a major operational setback.” He said the company’s first priority had been to move stranded passengers safely to their destinations and process full refunds. “Lakhs of customers have already received their full refunds, and we continue to do so on a … Read more

Tennis star Sania Mirza coaches son Izhaan

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, … Read more

7 best men’s watches to gift this holiday season in the UAE, 2025

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Nothing says style and thoughtful luxury quite like a wristwatch. From dress watches to sporty, adventure-ready timepieces, the UAE’s 2025 watch scene has something for every personality and occasion. So, if your husband prefers understated elegance, bold statement pieces, this list has you covered. We’ve rounded up seven of … Read more

6 key updates drivers need to know this year

1. Abu Dhabi introduces real-time variable speed limits Motorists in Abu Dhabi may have noticed fluctuating speed limits on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road. Since October, Abu Dhabi Mobility has activated a new variable speed limit (VSL) system, which adjusts the speed limit in real time based on weather, traffic conditions and road activity. The … Read more

How to play Dungeons & Dragons, the Stranger Things way — in UAE

The roles: Who does what Dungeon Master (DM) Acts as storyteller, referee, and world-builder Describes settings, plots, NPCs, and encounters Reacts to player choices (yes, you can try to be a chaos-loving rogue!) Ensures everyone is having fun Players and layer Characters (PCs) Work together to survive, solve puzzles, fight monsters, and get treasure Reddit … Read more