Yearly Archives: 2025

This Ramadan, Fatafeat invites viewers to celebrate the spirit of the holy month with an exciting lineup of shows, a dedicated pop-up channel, an exclusive Ramadan song, special digital content,  and a meaningful social initiative. Under the inspiring campaign slogan “Life Tastes Beautiful with Every Story and Every Act,” Fatafeat will bring audiences unforgettable moments, delicious recipes, beautiful memories, and heartfelt acts of kindness.

On-Air Highlights: Must-Watch Shows on Fatafeat

Matbakh Manal Al Alem 
Renowned Chef Manal Al Alem returns with a special Ramadan edition, sharing mouthwatering recipes designed to bring families together.
Airing daily at 14:00 KSA time on Fatafeat, discovery+ via Jawwy TV, and OSN+ throughout Ramadan.

Kitchen Tales: Ramadan Edition Host Mohammed Hanafy joins forces with Fatafeat’s top chefs to craft two irresistible Ramadan dishes per episode, blending tradition with innovation.
Airing daily at 15:00 KSA time on Fatafeat, discovery+ via Jawwy TV, and OSN+ throughout Ramadan.

Delicious DishesA brand-new culinary cooking show where Chef Mohamed Salah prepares traditional Egyptian dishes with influences from different Arab countries, sharing expert tips, recipes, and cultural stories. His engaging style makes every Iftar and Suhoor special, offering viewers a culinary journey across the Arab world.Premiering on the 10th of March. The showwill air daily at 15:30 KSA time during the week and 16:00 KSA time during the weekend on Fatafeat.

Pop-Up Channel – OSNtv-Fatafeat Ramadan
Experience a world of flavors with traditional recipes and modern twists, perfect for the holy month. Tune in for daily inspiration, expert cooking tips, and heartfelt moments shared around the table.
The OSNtv Pop-Up Channel “OSNtv – Fatafeat Ramadan” will run from Monday, 17th March to Monday, 24th March.

Digital & Social: Your Ultimate Ramadan Companion
For even more inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and exclusive content, follow Fatafeat’s digital platforms for:

• Hand & Pans ASMR videos for a sensory cooking experience;
• Articles & recipes available on Fatafeat.com;
• Exclusive content & recipes curated for Ramadan;
• Mother’s Day special content to celebrate the occasion.

A Special Ramadan Song
Fatafeat proudly launches a brand-new Ramadan song, ما تخليش حاجة تزعلك, written and performed by Min Alby talent Youssef Ismail. This uplifting track captures the warmth and joy of the season.

Fatafeat x UAE Food Bank
This Ramadan, Fatafeat partners with the UAE Food Bank for a meaningful Ramadan Social Goods Campaign, “Every Bite Counts”. This six-episode video series, featuring Chef Sumaya, celebrates cultural diversity through food, highlighting different nationalities and their unique culinary traditions.The first video will air on Fatafeat’s social media platforms on the 4th of March.

Join the Celebration!
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable Ramadan with Fatafeat! FollowFatafeat on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube and Fatafeat.com for inspiring recipes, the latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and exclusive content.

Share your most delightful recipes and cherished Ramadan memories with us using #Fatafeat_Ramadan, because during Ramadan life tastes beautiful with every story and every act.

Space42 PLC (“Space42”or the “Company”), the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that seamlessly integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilitiesfor customers globally,and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange(”ADX”, under symbol: SPACE42, ISIN: AEE01122B228), today announced its2024 proforma consolidated financial results.

The Company delivered a resilient financial performance, reporting EBITDA of USD 317 million with a significant rise in margin, up 8 percentage points, and maintaining a strong balance sheet with a year-end cash position exceeding USD 1.1 billion. This reflects its continued focus on operational efficiency and disciplined capital allocation. Since its formation, the Company has made significant progress in executing its strategy, which was unveiled at its inaugural investor day in November. The strategy is built on four key objectives: becoming the preferred partner for premium geospatial data, leading in geospatial intelligence AI platform services, establishing leadership in non-terrestrial mobile connectivity,and reinforcing its position as a provider of secure connectivity solutions.

Space42 has made significant advancements in its Earth Observation and geospatial analytics capabilities. In August 2024, the Company, in partnership with ICEYE, launched Foresight-1, the UAE’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. This milestone enhances its upstream Earth Observation capabilities and reinforces its position as a provider of premium geospatial data. A second satellite was launched in January 2025, with the Foresight system set to enter operation this year. In December 2024, Space42 and ICEYE announced a strategic joint venture to manufacture SAR satellites in the UAE, bringing expertise to the region in line with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030. In February 2025, the Company signed an agreement with FADA, an EDGE company, to establish a strategic joint venture that will develop a fully integrated Earth Observation ecosystem in the UAE. The initiative will deliver dual-use Earth Observation capabilities tailored for government and commercial applications. In the same month, Space42 and EDGE announced a collaboration worth more than USD 100 million. The partnership will leverage data from Space42’s Foresight constellation and other systems to provide real-time geospatial insights for defense, security, and environmental applications.

Space42 continues to strengthen its leadership in satellite communications and connectivity. In January 2025, the Company launched the Thuraya-4 satellite, significantly expanding its mobile satellite solutions with broader coverage, enhanced security, and greater bandwidth. This reinforces its position as a leader in the global SatCom industry. As a founding member of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), established in 2024, Space42 is leading the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial network services to deliver scalable and affordable connectivity to billions of devices. The Company has also advanced the procurement of two new next-generation GEO satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, following the signing of a USD 5.1 billion, 17-year contract with the UAE Government in November. This strengthens Space42’s position as a leading provider of secure connectivity solutions.

Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, commented: “We are diligently executing on our strategic objectives. In just a few months since its founding, Space42 has significantly enhanced its upstream and downstream Earth Observation capabilities, reinforced its leadership in secure connectivity solutions, and laid the foundation for its next-generation mobile satellite solutions capabilities with the launch of the Thuraya-4 satellite.

As a founding member of the MSSA and with a strong balance sheet and a revenue backlog exceeding USD 7 billion, we are well positioned to develop the next generation of non-terrestrial networks to unlock the direct-to-device opportunity, bringing connectivity to billions of customers.

The execution of our strategy is guided by five principles. First, we focus on programmatic growth with major programs kicking off in 2025,our recently announced multi-year engagements as a case in point. Second, we pursue strategies where we can sustain a distinct advantage as demonstrated through our Foresight system and the associated GIQ platform. Third, we invest in our economic and human capital to build differentiated capabilities that evolve and grow over time. Fourth, we are expanding globally as exhibited through our recent SatCom and Earth Observation programs.Fifth, we prioritize operational optimization and strategic capital allocation, ensuring that we deploy cash effectively to achieve our objectives and deliver long-term, sustainable shareholder value.”

Highlights for the period include:

• Revenue of USD 629million, reflected a 19% year-on-year decrease, primarily due to temporary timing shifts in execution of a major multi-year program within Bayanat Smart Solutions and the Thuraya-3 service anomaly within Yahsat Space Services
• Adjusted EBITDA of USD 317 million, broadly stable vs. 2023 with a superior margin of 50%, up eight percentage points. Excluding one-off items, primarily USD 30 million income from liquidated damages and USD 13 million profit from the sale of a non-core asset, Normalized Adj. EBITDA of USD 282millionreflectsa 15% decrease vs. prior year,while margins strengthened at 45%(up from43% in 2023)
• Net Profit of USD 166 million, marginally lower than 2023 (USD 174 million), driven by first-time adoption of UAE Corporate Tax, generated an improved margin of 26%. Excluding tax, Net Profit increased by 5%. Normalized Net Profit of USD 135 million, adjusted for one-off items, decreased from USD 179 million in 2023with margins broadly stable at 21%
• Cash CapExtotaledUSD 348 million, mainly related toYahsat Space Services, primarily in respect of Al Yah 4 & 5 satellites procurement
• Contracted future revenuesof more than USD 7billion, equivalent to 11xfull-yearrevenue, includingthe landmark 17-year, USD 5.1billion UAE Government agreement signed in November 2024
• Strong balance sheet with cash and short-term deposits exceeding USD 1.1 billion,negative Net Debt of USD 505million, a net leverage ratio of -1.6x and a further USD 0.5 billion expected to be received in advance payments for Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 satellites

The full set of financial disclosures can be found within the Investor Relations section on Space42’s website.

Note

The financial information presented in this press release has been prepared on a proforma basis, as if the merger between Bayanat and Yahsathad taken place on January 1, 2023. This has been done to facilitate like-for-like comparison of financial performance of the combined Company.

Normalized Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) adjusted for material, one-off items recorded during the current and comparative periods that would otherwise distort the underlying, like-for-like performance of the business. 2024Normalized Adjusted EBITDA of USD 282million reflects adjustments for one-off costs related to the merger between Bayanat and Yahsat (USD8 million), restructuring (USD 1 million), liquidated damages in relation to the T4 procurement contract(USD 30 million) and a gain on the sale of a building (USD 13 million). 2023 Normalized Adjusted EBITDA of USD 330million reflects adjustments for one-off restructuring costs (USD 3million) and costs related to the merger between Bayanat and Yahsat (USD 2million).

2024 Normalized Net Profit of USD 135 million reflects adjustments made above to derive Normalized EBITDA as well as the related tax impact of these adjustments (USD3 million) following the introduction of UAE corporate tax. There were no further adjustments for 2023 Normalized Net Profit of USD 179 million.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) delivered an exhilarating one-two finish at Rally Sweden, solidifying its dominance in the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season. Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin exhibited exceptional performance in the No. 33 GR YARIS Rally1, securing victory with the smallest winning margin in Rally Sweden history. Takamoto Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston followed closely in second place in their No. 18 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1, marking their best-ever WRC finish and a remarkable achievement for the team.

Akio Toyoda, TGR-WRT Chairman, commented: “The top five within a 25-second gap, and three GR Yaris Rally1s among them—this year’s Rally Sweden was really exhilarating. Congratulations to Elfyn and Scott for winning the rally! It’s great to see them triumph once again. And congratulations to Takamoto and Aaron for securing second place! Next up is the Safari Rally, and I’m counting on him to showcase his spirit of ‘returning to the finish line no matter what’. Both drivers delivered fantastic performances during the Power Stage, thank you for the perfect one-two finish! I also thank everyone in the team for building cars that allowed the drivers to compete comfortably until the end.”

Rally Sweden, the WRC’s only pure winter event, witnessed one of the most intense battles in recent history, with the top five drivers separated by mere seconds. Evans and Martin led from the start, navigating the treacherous snow and ice-covered roads with precision. Katsuta delivered an impressive drive, taking the lead on the final morning after winning the first pass of the 29.35-kilometre Västervik stage. However, Evans responded decisively in the penultimate stage, reclaiming the lead with a spectacular performance. Holding just a 3.7-second advantage entering the rally-ending Power Stage, Evans clinched victory in style by setting the fastest time, edging out Katsuta by just 0.2 seconds.

With this result, Toyota now leads the manufacturers’ championship with 48 points, further cementing its place at the top of the leaderboard. Evans’ second victory in Sweden—five years to the day since his first with Toyota—also puts him at the forefront of the drivers’ standings with a 28-point lead.

The next round of the 2025 FIA WRC is Safari Rally Kenya, one of the most challenging events on the calendar, taking place from March 20-23. Known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, the rally will test both drivers and their machines to the limit.

Over the years, Toyota has been participating in many different forms of motorsports, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 ‎Hours endurance race. Toyota’s participation in these events was overseen by separate entities within the company until April 2015, when Toyota established TGR, ‎to consolidate all of its motorsport’s activities under one in-house brand. Representing ‎Toyota’s belief that ‘the roads build the people, and the people build the cars,’ TGR highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of Toyota’s commitment to ‎making ‘ever-better’ cars. Harnessing years of experience gained under the extreme conditions of various motorsports events, TGR aims to forge new technologies and solutions that bring the freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone.

Race Notes:

• 33 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 (Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin)
  • Position: 1^st
  • Time: 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 39.2 seconds
• 18 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 (Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston)
  • Position: 2^nd
  • Time: 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 43.0 seconds

Missed any movies you really wanted to watch at the cinema recently? Or perhaps you really miss a very popular show but just can’t find all its seasons in one place.STARZPLAY, the MENA region’s leading subscription video on demand (SVOD) service, has got you covered this month, with multiple movies coming to TV for the very first time exclusively on the platform, including Weekend in Taipei, Turn Me On, Die Alone and Aftermath. All seven seasons of The Good Doctor will also be making a long-awaited return to the platform – the only streaming service in the MENA region to offer this.

Arab viewers can rejoice, with popular Arabic movies like El Floos, TahtTahdeed El Selah and Ba’ad Al-Khamees coming in, while an exciting lineup of new series and seasons await avid TV lovers, with Dark City: The Cleaner, The Gold, Yellowjackets S3 and Turkish drama, Be My Sunshine, entering the picture. New episodes from season 4 of both FBI International and Ghosts will also continue to keep fans hooked.

First-Time-on-TVExclusives:

Weekend in Taipei (2024)

Set in Taipei, Taiwan, a former DEA agent and a former undercover operative revisit their romance during a fateful weekend in the city, unaware of the dangerous consequences of their past.

Starring: Luke Evans, Gwei Lun-Mei, Sung Kang

Genre: Crime, Action

Available: February 7^th

Turn Me On (2024)

The film is set in a world where the inconvenience of human emotion has been eradicated by a government-imposed daily vitamin. When a young couple skips their dose, they discover a whole new angle to life and relationships for the first time, but quickly come to realize they must also handle the emotional baggage that comes with it.

Starring: Nick Robinson, Bel Powley

Genre: Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi

Available: February 14^th

Die Alone (2024)

In a world overtaken by nature and strange creatures, amnesiac Ethan searches for his lost love, Emma. As he navigates the terrors of a zombie outbreak, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Mae, a hardened and eccentric survivor. Together, they brave dangers both human and monstrous, until a meeting with Kai unlocks a secret buried within Ethan’s fragmented memories.

Starring: Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, Frank Grillo

Genre: Zombies, Horror, Thriller

Available: February 21^st

Aftermath (2024)

A returning war veteran, stricken with PTSD, gets trapped with his teenage sister on Boston’s Tobin Memorial Bridge when a heavily armed group of ex-military revolutionaries take everyone hostage. The film takes viewers through the events as he uses his elite training to save his sister and fellow hostages.

Starring: Dylan Sprouse, Mason Gooding

Genre: Action, Thriller

Available: February 28^th

Returning to STARZPLAY

The Good Doctor S1 – 7 (2017-2024)

Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit, with strong support from his mentor. Unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues.

Starring: Freddie Highmore, Richard Schiff

Genre: Medical

Full Series Available: February 21^st

Upcoming Series

Yellowjackets S3 (2025)

The brutal winter is finally over in the wilderness timeline, but the teens are more unhinged than ever. The past is coming back to “hunt” the adult survivors as some mystery force is clearly out to kill them all, and their chances for survival keep dwindling as Shauna reveals that “the only way to truly be safe is to be the only one left.”

Starring: Tawny Cypress, Melanie Lynskey, Sophie Nélisse

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Drama

Available: February 15(2-episode premiere)

Dark City: The Cleaner (2024)

By day, Joe is a cleaner at the police station. But by night, he has another line of work – he’s an infamous serial killer who’s been dubbed The Christchurch Carver. When another woman is murdered, the police suspect The Carver. The twist? Joe knows it wasn’t him.

Starring: Cohen Holloway, Chelsie Preston Crayford, Dea Doglione

Genre: Crime

Available: February 17^th

The Gold (2023)

Inspired by Britain’s biggest gold heist. On 26 November 1983, six armed men break into the Brink’s-Mat security depot, stealing  gold bullion, diamonds, and cash worth £26m. Chaos ensues as the biggest robbery in history is born, leading to a number of international criminal investigations.

Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Emun Elliott, Charlotte Spencer

Genre: Crime

Available: February 24^th

Latest Turkish

Be My Sunshine (2021)*

The paths of city businesswoman Haziran and Poyraz, a handsome and helpful young man, intersect on Swallow Island, and the age-old saying, “opposites attract,” rings true for the pairing.

Starring: Ayça Aysin Turan, Alp Navruz, Nihan Büyükagaç

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Available: February 10^th

*Available in both original Turkish and Arabic Dubbed

Latest Arabic

TahtTahdeed El Selah (2022)

Despite his resolve to trudge through a dreary marriage for the sake of his kids, Khaled dares to chase old flames. That is until a wedding bullet knocks him into a 4-year coma, during which a maze of conspiracies forms, and he awakens in its midst to find his way out.

Starring: Hasan Al Raddad, Mai Omar, Shereen Reda

Genre: Drama, Crime

El Floos (2020)

After robbing an heiress, Saif has a change of heart, and returns what’s rightfully hers. He’s taken aback when instead of turning him in, she asks him to track down a conman who had cheated her of millions and retrieve the stolen wealth.

Starring: Tamer Hosny, Zeina, Khaled El Sawy, Mohamad Sallam

Genre: Drama, Comedy, Action

Ba’ad Al-Khamees (2020)

After inheriting their father’s fortune, brothers Naser and Sultan are unstoppable, recklessly spending it on a whim. Having had enough of their shenanigans, their uncle Rashid decides to put an end to their chaos by subjecting them to a series of hilarious situations that are sure to teach them the value of money, once and for all.

Starring: Abdullah Al-Jumairi, Muhammad Al-HashimAli, A-Tamimi

Genre: Drama, Comedy, Action

New Episodes

FBI International S4 (2024)

In the show’s latest run, the FBI’s Fly Team has their work cut out for them, as they embark on new journeys in pursuit of the season’s elusive villain, Greg Csonka. The upcoming episodes see the team navigate multiple obstacles, from Csonka’s erratic behaviour to their own complex dynamics.

Starring: Luke Kleintank, Vinessa Vidotto, Jesse Lee Soffer

Genre: Crime, Action

Ghosts S4 (2024)

The STARZPLAY exclusive series, Ghosts season 4, will continue to take you through Sam and Jay’s humorous journey to turn their inherited, but haunted, mansion into a hotel. A supernatural sitcom, this month’s upcoming episodes will show more of the sticky situations the couple’s spectral friends put them through.

Starring: Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones

Genre: Sitcom, Fantasy, Comedy

So, sit back, relax and head onto www.starzplay.com to catch the latest and greatest in streaming this February.

GAMERGY, one of the largest esports, gaming, and entertainment events in the world, announces the success of the inaugural edition of its World Tour 2025 in MENA, which took place in Egypt and it was hosted by IMKAN Misr at Alburouj New Heliopolis, Cairo. Thousands of visitors gathered from January 30 to February 1 to enjoy a multitude of activities, with official attendance by Mr. Ahmed Abdel Khaleq, General Manager of Tourism and Sports Events at the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports.

This event comes as part of the tourism and sports events agenda of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which aims to organize the best local and international events in a professional manner that suits the name of Egypt.

Brought to the region by MENATech Entertainment (a GGTech Entertainment subsidiary), the first edition of GAMERGY in MENA resulted from a strategic collaboration with ievents, Influence Group, and eProjects LLC.

The event was hosted and sponsored by IMKAN Misr, powered by e& Egypt, with entertainment partner Twist Music, official ticketing partner TicketsMarche, official energy drink Red Bull, and Samsung, which is providing mobile phones and TVs as the electronics partner. Additionally, the event is sponsored by Domty and the Export Development Bank of Egypt- EBank.

A paradise for gamers

GAMERGY Egypt offered the esports and gaming industry a combination of exciting tournaments and cosplay competitions, featuring both international and local teams, engaging experiences, daily live performances, and a delightful shopping experience in retail stores, with food and beverages available. It also provided a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with international and local content creators, influencers, and exclusive gaming figures, with Marwan Serry acting as the official ambassador of GAMERGY Egypt. The event was streamed live on Twitch and other platforms.

In addition, GAMERGY Egypt provided Egyptian talents with the opportunity for scouting in coordination with the Egyptian Esports Federation, allowing them to showcase their skills to a global audience.

The festival featured three days of competitive tournaments across various games, including FC25, VALORANT, PUBG Mobile, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Free Fire, where players showcased their skills and competed for a substantial prize pool exceeding EGP 2 million.

Mr. Ahmed Abdel Khaleq, General Manager of Tourism and Sports’ Events at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stated: “The state, represented by the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, strongly supports hosting such events that enhance our global position in the field of esports, as they not only foster community engagement and youth participation but also contribute significantly to our economy. This aligns with the directions of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, the Minister of Youth and Sports, to strengthen strategic efforts to diversify sources of economic growth and drive digital transformation. By investing in esports, we are creating new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and international partnerships, positioning Egypt as a leader in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

In this context, Mario Perez Guerreira, CEO of MENATech Entertainment, said: “We are thrilled with the unique experience GAMERGY has brought to the Egyptian esports industry. We are confident that this year will be the gateway to upcoming editions in Egypt and the region, enabling Egypt to be a major player in the global esports and gaming industry.”

Eng. Sherif Elbassiouny, CEO of eProjects LLC, also stated: “We are glad to witness the vibrant and positive feedback from all participants, highlighting the potential in the Egyptian market for such an industry, as we projected. We believe that bringing GAMERGY to Egypt will add value in many ways, starting from scouting local talents, as was successfully done in this edition, moving to gaining the support and investment of prominent companies in the coming editions as well, driving Egypt to become a regional esports hub.”

Eng. Ahmad Aref, CEO of IMKAN Misr, expressed his pride, stating: “Hosting the inaugural edition of GAMERGY Egypt at Alburouj New Heliopolis underscores IMKAN Misr’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative experiences that seamlessly blend entertainment and technology for the Egyptian market. At IMKAN Misr, our strategy revolves around creating integrated destinations that cater to all age groups, providing comprehensive and enriching experiences. This vision aligns perfectly with GAMERGY, which not only offered an unparalleled experience for esports enthusiasts but also played a vital role in empowering and driving growth within Egypt’s gaming and entertainment industry.”

It is worth mentioning that since 2011, GAMERGY has organized more than 20 successful editions in Spain, Argentina, and Mexico, in addition to its strong presence in the USA, Panama, and El Salvador, reinforcing its status as a major player in the esports scene. By 2025, the event has already begun its World Tour, with more countries to be visited throughout the current year.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) reported a mixed performance for the first quarter of 2025, as record-breaking revenue was overshadowed by disappointing iPhone sales and a significant drop in revenue from China. The tech giant announced record quarterly revenue, bolstered by its thriving services sector, but concerns over iPhone demand and competition in China remain a challenge.

In the quarter, Apple’s revenue from Greater China dropped by 11% to USD 18.5 billion, well below analysts’ expectations of USD 21.6 billion. This decline has raised further concerns among investors that Apple continues to face hurdles in one of its most critical markets. Despite their efforts, Apple has yet to provide a clear turnaround plan for China, where intensifying competition is eating into market share.

Apple’s much-anticipated AI platform, Apple Intelligence, also fell short of expectations. Market analysts hoped the platform would reignite iPhone demand, but it has not delivered the level of impact necessary to make a meaningful difference. Despite the launch, Apple remains behind its competitors in the AI race, with consumers gravitating toward more advanced AI offerings from rival tech companies.

Amidst the challenges, Apple’s services division was a bright spot. The company reported record services revenue of USD 26.3 billion, a 14% increase year-over-year. This growth was driven by in-app purchases via the App Store, alongside significant contributions from iCloud and Apple Music. Apple’s services business continues to grow rapidly, maintaining high margins and reinforcing its value to the overall portfolio. Additionally, both iPad and Mac sales showed year-over-year growth, providing further positive indicators for investors.

Despite these high points, Apple’s flagship product, the iPhone, continues to face headwinds. Sales fell below estimates, reflecting weaker-than-expected demand for the latest models, even with the integration of Apple Intelligence features. Tim Cook, CEO, and his team now face mounting pressure to deliver a stronger 2025 performance, especially as they work to revive iPhone sales and regain traction in the highly competitive Chinese market.

Looking ahead, Apple’s optimistic revenue forecast for the second quarter provides some reassurance, suggesting that the company is positioning itself for a rebound in the months to come. However, investors will remain watchful for signs of a broader turnaround.

Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, noted, “While Apple’s services revenue continues to outperform expectations, it’s clear that the company faces challenges with its core iPhone business. With heightened competition in China and underwhelming results from its AI platform, Apple’s leadership has its work cut out for 2025.”

Hyatt announced that the company’s current pipeline across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME) is set to expand its brand presence in 13 new markets where there are no Hyatt hotels currently between 2025 and 2028.

These significant expansion plans follow a strong year for Hyatt in the EAME region. According to Hyatt’s Q3 2024 earnings, Hyatt hotels in Middle East and Africa reported growth across key metrics, RevPAR (+4.9%), ADR (+3.0%), and occupancy (+1.2pts).

“Since 2017, we have strategically expanded our global portfolio by nearly 90% to over 1,350 properties. It is inspiring to see the EAME region continue to thoughtfully add hotels in markets that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members, customers, owners, and investors,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt. “Our accelerated expansion is a testament to Hyatt’s strength in luxury, lifestyle, and all-inclusive hospitality. As we continue to deliver on our promise of intentional growth, we are confident in the continued bright future ahead across the EAME region.”

Hyatt’s pipeline in EAME includes projects in new Middle Eastern destinations such as AlUla and Magna, NEOM’s coastal destination, in Saudi Arabia, as well as projects set to debut in new European and African markets like Estonia, Iceland, Romania, Cape Verde, and Mauritius. Previously revealed luxury and lifestyle properties such as Park Hyatt Johannesburg, Andaz Doha, and Miraval The Red Sea are all part of Hyatt’s plans to add 50 new hotels in these segments globally by 2026.

As of September 30, 2024, Hyatt’s portfolio in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East spans over 200 properties and 45,000+ rooms across 40+ countries, having tripled its portfolio in the past ten years across the Middle East region.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Hyatt Place AlUla recently announced and set for 2025 opening

In key growth markets like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hyatt is set to triple its number of hotel rooms across the country by 2030, and by the end of 2026, expects to have opened three new properties, including Hyatt Place AlUla, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea, and Miraval The Red Sea, which will mark the wellness brand’s highly awaited first international debut outside the U.S.

Hyatt recently announced it has entered into a management agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in AlUla, expected to open by end of 2025. Hyatt Place AlUla will add a total of 215 keys to the Hyatt room portfolio in Saudi Arabia and provide a new destination of choice for World of Hyatt members and guests visiting the region.

For more information, please visit hyatt.com.

Porsche delivered 9,509 new cars in the Middle East, Africa and India region in the 2024 calendar year.

This represents 4 per cent growth compared to 2023, and follows an 11 per cent increase the year prior. New car deliveries in the region have now grown 53 per cent since 2020.

“The global economy, and indeed our region, is experiencing uncertain times. Despite this our importers and our teams have worked harder than ever for our customers and, as a result, achieved yet another year of growth,” said Dr Manfred Bräunl, Chief Executive Officer, Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE.

A record year for 911

Sales of two-door models were especially strong, showing the passion and enthusiasm for Porsche sportscars in this region. Sales of 911 models grew 49 per cent to 1914 vehicles, a record for the region.

The 718 Cayman and Boxster models saw sales increase by 21 per cent. One in four vehicles delivered across the region in 2024 were two door sportscars.

It was a busy year for Porsche Centres and showrooms across the 16 markets of the region, with new generations of Panamera, Taycan, 911 and Macan all commencing deliveries in 2024.

Icons of Porsche continues to grow

The fourth edition of the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai attracted over 28,000 fans in November, with the classic cars, arts and culture of the region on display for all to enjoy.

Many new models were unveiled in either world or regional premiere unveiling, with famous faces such as Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Porsche AG Executive Board, and Pascal Wehrlein, the reigning FIA Formula E World Champion, on hand.

The SEO landscape is continually evolving, with several key trends shaping strategies as we move into 2025.

According to Sharad Agarwal, Founder of GuestPosts.biz, “Zero-click searches are on the rise, where a user doesn’t click on any of the displayed results.According to the Semrush Zero-Clicks Study, 57% of mobile and roughly a quarter of desktop searches leave the SERP without clicking on an organic or paid result.

It is also important for all content creators to note that Google is tightening its rules against ‘parasite SEO’ content, or articles and pages that often have little to do with the site’s focus but that exploit the website’s Google ranking.

GenAI has had an impact in all industries in all geographies. The SEO industry also now has advanced optimizing tools that site owners can use to increase organic traffic.”

AI Integration in Search Results: Google’s Search Generative Experience utilizes AI to provide concise answers directly within search results, reducing the need for users to click through to websites. This shift emphasizes the importance of creating content that directly addresses user queries to maintain visibility.

Some other important developments to focus on:

Enhanced E-E-A-T Signals: Google continues to prioritize content that demonstrates Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Establishing author credibility and notability is becoming increasingly crucial, especially with the rise of AI-generated content.

Focus on User Experience and Engagement: Metrics such as click-through rates, time on page, and overall user engagement are gaining prominence in search rankings. Providing a seamless and engaging user experience is essential for maintaining and improving search visibility.

Rise of Conversational and Long-Tail Queries: With the increasing use of voice search and AI-driven interactions, there’s a notable shift towards more conversational, long-tail search queries. Optimizing content to address these specific and nuanced queries can enhance relevance and search performance.

Emphasis on Topical Authority and Content Depth: Building comprehensive topical authority by covering subjects in depth is becoming a significant factor in SEO success. Developing detailed content clusters and topical maps can help establish authority and improve rankings.

Increased Importance of Visual and Video Content: With the growing consumption of visual content, optimizing images and videos for search is essential. Implementing effective YouTube SEO strategies and ensuring visual content is properly tagged and described can enhance visibility.

Zero-Click Searches and Featured Snippets: The prevalence of zero-click searches, where users obtain answers directly from the search results page, is rising. Optimizing content to appear in featured snippets and answer boxes is crucial for capturing this traffic.

In summary, all marketers need to focus on these top 10 evergreen tips for higher SEO rankings:

1. Search intent will be king
2. Increase in question keywords and answers
3. Creators will share more first-hand experience
4. Building topical authority will be important
5. Topical maps in content strategy will be huge
6. AI content will be created at scale
7. Content will need to be regularly updated
8. Brand signals will grow in importance
9. Google will place more emphasis on user interactions and engagement metrics
10. Mobile page performance will continue to be a big ranking factor

Staying abreast of these trends and adapting SEO strategies accordingly will be vital for maintaining and enhancing search engine visibility in 2025.

Did you know that Google handles 8.5 billion searches per day, which translates to about 99,000 searches per second globally?

For Search Engine Optimization practitioners, Google’s evolution isn’t simply fascinating, it’s essential knowledge. Its continuous technological advancements have repeatedly redefined digital marketing fundamentals, compelling businesses, and marketing professionals to adapt and thrive in a search-centric landscape.

In its formative period, Google introduced PageRank, an algorithmic advancement that revolutionized search engine functionality. Departing from conventional paid listings, Google established a system that evaluated websites based on their inbound link quality and volume effectively creating a democratic framework where authority and credibility were naturally established.

This innovation transformed SEO methodologies. The industry pivoted toward creating high-quality, authoritative content that naturally garnered valuable backlinks.

With the rise of mobile devices, Google led the charge in innovation. The transition to mobile-first indexing signified a fundamental shift in search rankings. Websites offering superior mobile experiences including rapid loading speeds, responsive designs, and seamless user engagement received improved visibility.

This evolution required SEO professionals to fundamentally rethink their approaches. Every website component, from technical infrastructure to content strategy, needed to prioritize mobile users. Additionally, Google’s focus on Core Web Vitals emphasized the significance of user experience metrics, including loading performance, responsiveness, and visual consistency. This mobile transformation also catalyzed emerging search technologies, including voice search and AI-driven queries.

Artificial intelligence has become fundamental to Google’s search operations, transforming user interactions and results delivery. Innovations such as Google Lens (visual search), voice commands, and customized recommendations have enhanced information discovery.

For SEO experts, AI presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding how machine learning comprehends search intent, analyzes content, and delivers personalized results has become crucial. Contemporary strategies emphasize semantic optimization, user-focused content development, and technical sophistication to maintain visibility in this AI-enhanced environment.

According to Sharad Agarwal, CEO of Cyber Gear, “Focus on the user, and all else will follow – a principle that continues guiding SEO specialists, businesses, and marketers through this dynamic digital landscape.”

For SEO agencies, mastering Google’s evolving ecosystem demands constant adaptation. By embracing new technologies and predicting future trends, they function as crucial partners in guiding businesses toward success in this rapidly changing digital environment.

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