Wynn Resorts' $5.1bn UAE gaming resort opening is delayed, with CEO Craig Billings citing shipping disruptions due to the US conflict with Iran. While work briefly halted, it has resumed, and the company now targets a spring 2027 opening, maintaining construction progress despite logistical challenges. Read more →

Scientists have named a new genus of parasitic wasp, Attenboroughnculus tau, after Sir David Attenborough to mark his 100th birthday on 8 May 2026. The 3.5-millimetre specimen was collected in Chile in 1983 and sat unidentified in the London Natural History Museum for decades before being recognised as something entirely new. Read more →

Halifax says UK house prices fell for a second month running in April, with the typical home now worth £299,313 and annual growth halved to 0.4%. The Middle East conflict has driven mortgage rates sharply higher, cooling a market that had started 2026 with solid momentum. Read more →

Meta has removed end-to-end encryption from Instagram direct messages, reversing a commitment made in 2019. The change, which took effect on 8 May 2026, means Instagram can now access the full content of users' DMs. Read more →

Kuwaiti travellers are planning longer, more purposeful trips for Eid Al Adha, favouring family, religious, and relaxation-focused holidays. Popular short-haul destinations include Dubai, Istanbul, Tbilisi, and Baku. Longer stays are sought in beach locations like Phuket and Bali, while cooler climates in Georgia and Turkey are also trending. Religious travel to Saudi Arabia, combining Hajj with leisure, remains significant. Read more →

Grovy Developers and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts are launching Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands, with USquare Luxe Properties as development partner. This collaboration aims to elevate residential living standards and offer long-term investor value, leveraging Wyndham's global hospitality expertise. The development, set for Q3 2027 handover, features furnished apartments and penthouses with extensive amenities and short-term leasing potential. Read more →

A Savills survey reveals nearly 45% of respondents plan UAE property purchases within a year, despite geopolitical caution. Buyers are more selective, favouring ready properties. Owners are confident, holding or expanding portfolios, indicating a balanced market transition rather than a downturn. Supply concerns, particularly for apartments, and regional uncertainty are key factors influencing buyer decisions. Read more →

Emirates has unveiled a UAE flag livery on an Airbus A380 as a tribute to the nation's unity and strength, responding to a call by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative, part of the 'This Flag Will Always Fly' campaign, will also be applied to a Boeing 777 and showcases the flag globally. Read more →