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Apple is set to announce its first foldable iPhone during its highly anticipated event on September 9, held at the Steve Jobs Theater at the company’s headquarters, Apple Park, with an expected live stream.Apple is also set to reveal iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with improvements to its specifications and performance, while it might delay the official release of iPhone 18 until next year.The event coincides with John Ternus taking the role of Apple’s CEO, succeeding Tim Cook. Related Story Source link
Scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives comprises nearly 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, with Dhaalu Atoll lying about 150km southwest of Male.Known for its pristine waters, rich marine life and secluded islands, the atoll is home to Kandima Maldives, a 3km-long island resort that offers a distinctly different take on the traditional Maldivian getaway. Spread across the island, Kandima combines colourful beach and overwater accommodation with a remarkable range of dining, wellness, sports and entertainment facilities. From water sports and marine excursions to a kids' club, art studio, go-kart track and indoor games arena, it positions itself as a destination for families, couples and groups seeking more than a conventional beach holiday. My first glimpse of this philosophy came even before arriving. Flying with Manta Air from Velana International Airport in Male, the 50-minute seaplane journey to Dhaalu Atoll offered spectacular aerial views of the Maldivian archipelago — tiny islands surrounded by vast expanses of turquoise water. The seaplane landed on a floating platform offshore, from where a short boat transfer brought us to Kandima. Above and beside the lagoon Kandima offers a variety of beach and overwater accommodation. We experienced two options — the Ocean Pool Villa and the Aqua Villa with Swirl Pool.The Ocean Pool Villa is an expansive overwater hideaway, with a large private deck above the crystal-clear lagoon, a private pool and sunbeds overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Aqua Villa with Swirl Pool offers a more intimate overwater experience, with a private sundeck, Swirl Pool and sun loungers overlooking the vast lagoon. Its bathroom also offers spectacular views of the water. Other accommodation includes Beach and Sky Studios, Beach Villas with Swirlpool and Sunset Beach Pool Villas with Swirlpool. The overwater category also includes Aqua Villas and Aqua Villas with Swirlpool. An island with a difference Kandima's philosophy revolves around being ‘anything but ordinary’, and the island offers plenty to support that idea. Guests can cycle around the island, snorkel the house reef, enjoy water sports, play tennis or volleyball, join fitness sessions or simply relax on the beach. Getting around is easy, too. The Kandima Express, a complimentary shuttle, runs along the island's main pathways 24 hours a day and can simply be flagged down.For families, Kandiland offers supervised children's activities and water-based fun, while PlaySpace features bowling, virtual reality, karaoke and an escape room. The 500m Fast Track circuit adds go-karting to the mix. For the family, the variety meant everyone could enjoy the holiday differently. The children had plenty to keep them occupied, while we could balance activities with time at the beach and spa. Kandima General Manager Dermot Birchall said this combination is at the heart of the island's appeal. ‘I think the biggest point of differentiation is that Kandima is a destination resort,’ he said. ‘If a couple or family are looking for a vacation that has quite a number of active lifestyle elements, then they would choose Kandima.’The island also offers professional tennis coaching, yoga, fitness classes, football, volleyball and a running club.Experiences beyond the beachOur stay was filled with experiences. A Turtle Quest with the Aquaholics team took us into the lagoon in search of marine life, while snorkelling around the house reef offered a glimpse of the underwater world.A treatment at esKape Spa provided some downtime, while a private session at KULA Art Studio brought the family together for a creative experience.Dining was equally varied, with Mediterranean cuisine at Azure, grilled specialities at Smoked and Asian dishes at Sea Dragon, alongside buffet dining at Flavour.One of the highlights was the Sundowner Meet & Greet. Instead of a formal cocktail gathering, games and friendly challenges encourage guests to interact.It was here that I quickly connected with travellers from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the GCC. The friendly exchanges continued throughout our stay.’One of our pillars is 'anything but ordinary',’ Birchall said. ‘We don't want to have a traditional sundowner, which is probably a little bit more formal and a little bit stiffer.’For him, the goal is to help guests make the most of their holiday.’Guests often don't know how to enjoy a vacation to the full because they only go on vacation once or twice a year,’ he said. ‘We know how to do it because we live the experience every day.’ Growing appeal in the GCCThe GCC is among Kandima's fastest-growing markets, with the destination particularly appealing to multi-generational and extended families.’We get multi-generational families here quite often. We also get extended families,’ Birchall said, citing one GCC family staying during our visit that had booked five villas for a group of 16.For Gulf travellers, privacy and personalised service remain important, but Birchall believes luxury is increasingly about human connection.’Our guests are finding luxury in the amount of time that our employees are sharing with them,’ he said.That warmth was evident throughout our stay, particularly in the way staff interacted with our children and remembered small details.What comes next Kandima is already looking ahead. An Adventure Park planned for 2027 will feature climbing walls, a skate park, an assault course, zip lines, a giant swing and mini golf, with stargazing facilities introducing astronomy experiences. The island is also exploring ways to turn its vegetable farms into guest experiences, allowing visitors to learn how crops are grown in the Maldives.Meanwhile, Coral Residences, a beachfront community featuring 40 two- and three-bedroom apartments, is scheduled to launch soon.For travellers from Qatar and the wider Gulf, Kandima offers a different interpretation of the Maldivian escape — one that combines turquoise waters and tropical tranquillity with family activities, adventure, wellness, dining and genuine human connection As we prepared to leave, the Maldives we were taking home was not simply the picture-perfect landscape of turquoise lagoons, white beaches and swaying palms. It was the memory of spotting turtles, children enjoying new activities, conversations with fellow travellers, creative moments at KULA and a sunset shared with new acquaintances.Kandima may call itself ‘kool and stylish’. Its real strength, however, lies in turning a beautiful island stay into a collection of experiences that remain long after the seaplane disappears towards Male. Source link
For many travelers, a tropical island holiday is synonymous with relaxation, indulgence and escaping the demands of daily life. Yet a growing number of modern travellers are seeking something more – a vacation that combines leisure with fitness, wellness and personal well-being. In the Maldives, one resort embracing this shift is Kandima Maldives, where guests are increasingly choosing to stay active while enjoying the pristine beauty of the Indian Ocean. At the heart of the resort’s wellness offerings is Joshua Nwagaba, a fitness instructor with extensive international experience spanning the Maldives, Qatar and the UAE. Holding a diploma in Leisure and Hospitality Management and certifications in fitness instruction, personal training and group exercise disciplines, including functional training, aqua aerobics, boxing, HIIT and Zumba, Joshua has worked with renowned hospitality brands such as Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, City Centre Rotana Doha and Kurumba Maldives. According to Joshua, Kandima’s appeal lies in its commitment to an active lifestyle. “Kandima offers a wide variety of fitness activities, including aqua fitness, functional training, beach workouts, yoga and stretching sessions, strength and conditioning classes, boxing, and personal training, as well as outdoor sports such as beach soccer and volleyball,” he says. “These activities allow guests to stay active while fully enjoying their holiday experience.” Joshua Nwagaba. The island’s natural environment itself plays a significant role in motivating guests to move more and embrace wellness. Joshua believes the moment visitors arrive, they experience a sense of renewal. “Stepping onto an island is like taking a breath of fresh air,” he explains. “Kandima is a large island with open spaces that encourage natural movement. The fresh air, ocean views and relaxed atmosphere help guests combine exercise, recovery and mental well-being in a balanced way.” This connection between nature and wellness is becoming increasingly important as wellness tourism continues its rapid growth worldwide. The Maldives, long celebrated for its luxury resorts and stunning marine environment, is increasingly developing its wellness offerings alongside its established luxury and leisure proposition. “The Maldives offers tranquility and opportunities for holistic experiences that attract travellers from all over the world,” Joshua notes. “Guests from countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and many others come here looking to recharge physically and mentally. Wellness-focused travel is becoming one of the strongest growth areas in tourism.” One noticeable trend Joshua has witnessed is the growing health consciousness among holidaymakers. Compared to a few years ago, today’s travellers are far more committed to maintaining their fitness routines even while on vacation. “There has been a huge change,” he says. “In the past, some classes would attract only two or three participants. Today, many sessions have more than 20 people and are often nearly full. Guests want to stay fit and healthy, even during their holidays.” The fitness programs at Kandima attract a remarkably diverse audience. Beginners often join classes to explore healthier habits and discover new forms of exercise. Fitness enthusiasts use the sessions to maintain their training routines while away from home, while experienced athletes and professionals seek structured workouts that challenge them physically and support recovery. To cater to such a broad spectrum of guests, Joshua adopts a personalized approach. Every fitness plan begins with understanding a guest’s goals, current fitness level, dietary habits, schedule and personal preferences. “Once I understand these factors, I can structure a program that suits their needs and helps them achieve their goals while still enjoying their holiday,” he explains.Among the most popular experiences are outdoor fitness sessions that take full advantage of Kandima’s spectacular surroundings. Beach workouts, sunrise yoga and open-air training sessions offer benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. “The sound of the ocean waves and the open-air environment help reduce stress much faster than indoor workouts,” Joshua says. “Sunrise yoga creates a calm and positive start to the day. These experiences improve mood and make exercise feel less like a routine and more like part of the holiday itself.” As wellness travel evolves, Joshua believes the future lies in transformative experiences rather than short-term escapes. “The future of wellness tourism is shifting away from simple getaways towards immersive transformation vacations,” he says. “Travelers increasingly want experiences that contribute to long-term personal growth, well-being and sustainable lifestyle changes.” For those looking to maintain healthy habits while traveling, Joshua emphasizes that consistency matters more than intensity. He recommends participating in short fitness classes, staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and incorporating simple activities such as walking into daily routines. Travelers increasingly want experiences that contribute to long-term personal growth, well-being and sustainable lifestyle changes. His advice also resonates with busy professionals living in fast-paced cities such as Doha, where work commitments often compete with personal well-being.”Prioritize morning workouts whenever possible,” he advises. “Getting your exercise done early prevents work commitments and fatigue from interfering with your fitness goals. Move for at least 30 minutes every day, take regular walking breaks, include short strength-training sessions during the week, stay hydrated, stretch daily and prioritize recovery.”Perhaps most importantly, he encourages people to celebrate small achievements along the way. “As humans, we are motivated by progress. If you notice even a small improvement, celebrate it. Those small wins build motivation, discipline and ultimately create long-term results,” Joshua concluded. Related Story Source link
Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) will host the International Congress on Healthy Ageing and Geriatric Rehabilitation 2026 with an expected participation of more than 1,000 in-person delegates from October29-31. A premier international congress, the event is dedicated to advancing the future of healthy ageing, brain health, rehabilitation, functional longevity, and integrated models of care for ageing populations. With the theme ‘Transforming Global Care through Innovation and Function’, the congress will bring together global leaders, clinicians, researchers, rehabilitation professionals, nurses, innovators, policy makers, and multidisciplinary healthcare experts to explore transformative approaches that support: Health span, functional longevity, brain health, independence, rehabilitation, dignity, and quality of life. According to Prof Dr Hanadi Khamis al-Hamad, the conference chairperson and deputy chief medical officer – Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation & Geriatrics at HMC, the congress aims to advance a new model of care centred on ‘Functional Longevity’, a concept that reflects the shared aspiration to help people continue to think, move, participate, connect, recover, and live with purpose throughout ageing. “The future of healthcare must move beyond lifespan toward healthspan, brain health, function, independence, dignity, and meaningful living. This vision lies at the heart of this congress. This congress was created as more than a scientific meeting. It is envisioned as a global platform and collaborative summit bringing together world leaders, clinicians, researchers, rehabilitation professionals, nurses, innovators, technologists, policy makers, and community care experts to shape the next generation of healthy ageing systems,” noted al-Hamad, who is also the medical director of Rumailah Hospital and the head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing & Dementia. Dr al-Hamad observed that, across the world, healthcare is entering a defining moment as populations are ageing rapidly, life expectancy continues to rise, and healthcare systems face unprecedented clinical, social, and economic challenges. “In Qatar, we are proud to be advancing an integrated transformation in healthy ageing, brain health, rehabilitation, long-term care, community healthcare services, and precision ageing models through Hamad Medical Corp and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia. The congress reflects this national journey and our belief that the future of healthcare must become more connected, more human-centred, more rehabilitation-driven, and more community-oriented. More importantly, this congress represents a call for global collaboration,” she highlighted. Dr al-Hamad is also a professor at the College of Medicine, Qatar University; assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar and a senior advisory board member of Geneva College of Longevity Science. The congress is designed as a multidisciplinary platform for scientific exchange, innovation, implementation, and international collaboration in response to the rapidly evolving challenges of ageing populations worldwide. The delegates will include international and regional faculty from leading healthcare and academic institutions, as well as multidisciplinary participation across medicine, rehabilitation, nursing, allied health, research, digital health, and community care. “No country can address the challenges of ageing alone. The future demands partnership, shared learning, innovation, and collective action. Through this congress, we hope to bring the world closer together around a common mission of improving well-being, preserving function, promoting active and healthy ageing, and building systems that allow people not only to live longer — but to continue living well,” added Dr al-Hamad. Source link
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) cohort of first-year medical students received their first white coats and stethoscopes at a ceremony celebrating the start of the medical curriculum.A WCM-Q’s statement on Tuesday said: “The White Coat Ceremony marked the culmination of a three-day orientation program, during which the students learned about the four-year medical curriculum, met with faculty and peers, and were fitted for their scrubs. This year’s intake of medical students numbers 55, of whom 22 are Qatari nationals”. “The traditional White Coat Ceremony, officially known as the Opening Exercises Ceremony, is an important rite of passage for students as they make the transition from pre-medical studies to the medical curriculum,” the statement added. In his keynote speech, Dean of WCM-Q Dr. Javaid Sheikh said: “It is a great pleasure to mark this joyful occasion for those of our students who are opening exciting new chapters in their careers in medicine. All of us at WCM-Q look forward to helping these extremely talented and committed young people realize their wonderful potential. We have no doubt that they will all go on to make great contributions to the pursuit of excellence in medicine and patient care.” In his speech, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs Dr. Dietrich Busselberg said: “All of the students beginning new programs have worked with great dedication and perseverance to reach this point. With these qualities, combined with their love for science, their instinct to heal, and their intellectual curiosity, we are certain they will one day become excellent physicians.” The pre-medical and foundation students had a separate orientation program, which included a tour of WCM-Q’s state-of-the-art campus followed by sessions on time management, academic expectations and integrity, student health and wellness, plus a reading project and opportunities to get to know the faculty and fellow students. There was also a completion ceremony for returning Foundation Program students entering the pre-medical curriculum. Combined, the two-year pre-medical curriculum and four-year medical curriculum form the WCM-Q integrated Six-Year Medical Program, successful completion of which leads to the Cornell University MD degree. The Foundation Program provides intensive instruction in the basic sciences, English and mathematics to prepare students for the rigors of the Six-Year Medical Program. The orientation programs, coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs, are designed to help students become familiar with the curriculum, facilities, people and processes of WCM-Q so they can quickly begin learning the material they need to master to thrive at the college. Related Story Source link
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Doha Chapter successfully hosted the fifth edition of its badminton tournament at Hamilton International School, Mesaimeer. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 70 members and their families, making it a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. The tournament featured exciting matches across various categories, providing participants with an opportunity to showcase their skills while fostering healthy competition, camaraderie, and stronger connections within the ICAI Doha Chapter community. Source link
Members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Doha Chapter participated in the ‘Drops of Hope’ Blood Donation Drive at Aster Medical Centre on July 17, reaffirming the Chapter’s commitment to community service through voluntary blood donation. Source link
The Supreme Elite Lady Eagles Club (SELEC) celebrated its first founding anniversary with a spirited Ultimate Bowling Showdown, uniting 195 participants from across the Filipino community in Qatar. The event was not only a competition but a vibrant display of camaraderie, service, and shared purpose. SELEC president Mildred B Ngoaban expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members who organised the event and extended appreciation to partner organisations — the TFOE-PE Qatar Region, the Supreme Elite Eagles Club, and the Qatar Knights Elite Eagles Club — for their steadfast leadership and support since SELEC’s inception. She also acknowledged the wider Filipino community for its unwavering encouragement of SELEC’s initiatives. The anniversary celebration highlighted SELEC’s guiding vision through its resonant tagline: “Empowering Women, Leading with Purpose, Uniting for Legacy.” The bowling showdown became more than a sporting event; it was a symbolic gathering that reinforced SELEC’s mission of empowerment and unity. With laughter, friendly competition and shared victories, the occasion underscored the club’s growing role in strengthening bonds within the Filipino community in Qatar. Related Story Source link
OpenAI has unveiled a new feature in the ChatGPT application for macOS computers that enables artificial intelligence (AI) to learn from a user’s activity on their device, including clicks, keystrokes, and various interactions.The feature, called Computer History, creates a timeline of user activities that the AI agent can use to learn how users work, continue tasks they have started, and suggest suitable automation actions.The company affirmed that the feature is optional and does not operate automatically. It also allows users to block specific applications from tracking, review stored data, and delete it, explaining that it does not rely on continuously capturing screenshots, but rather records the events and interactions that occur on the device. Related Story Source link
Doha’s badminton community came together for “Kuys Ed Cup – ED_ition 3”, a birthday tournament that saw 142 players participate in the run-up to the third anniversary of Pinoy Shuttle Smashers Qatar (PSSQ). The tournament also marked the birthday of one of the organisation’s co-founders. It attracted family members, friends, supporters, and badminton enthusiasts, who filled the venue with cheers and encouragement throughout the competition. Players entered five mixed doubles categories, with the event offering a mix of competitive matches and community spirit. It also underlined PSSQ’s focus on promoting friendship, sportsmanship, and camaraderie while bringing Filipinos and non-Filipinos together through their shared passion for badminton.In the Mixed Doubles C (MxDC) category, Ian and Betsy emerged as champions, while Gokul and Rhianne finished as runners-up. Yach and Jane claimed the MxDD championship, with Eka and Ru taking the runner-up spot. Fahad and Recca topped the MxDE+ category, followed by Vinoth and Samar as runners-up. In MxDE-, Josh and Ruby secured the championship, while D E and Mai finished second. Kris and Benson won the MxDF category, with Vee and Jea taking the runner-up position. For PSSQ, the tournament was about more than the results on the court. Organisers said its events are intended to build connections, create lasting memories and provide a sense of community for people living away from home. The successful tournament also sets the stage for PSSQ 2026: “IBA KA – 3rd Anniversary Tournament”, which will mark another milestone in the organisation’s growing badminton community. Organisers congratulated all the winners and thanked the players, volunteer umpires, spectators and supporters who contributed to the event. They also expressed appreciation to ‘Qwentong Qalye’ for providing food for participants and guests, and to American Hospital Clinics for helping support the safety and well-being of those attending the tournament. The organisers said the continued support of players, volunteers, sponsors and the wider PSSQ community remains essential to the group’s growth and its ability to stage events that bring people together. As PSSQ continues to expand, officials said its message remains centred on playing, connecting and enjoying the journey together. The organisation aims to serve as a welcoming community where Filipinos and non-Filipinos can build friendships and share their love of badminton. ‘PSSQ — The Heart of Badminton. The Comfort of Home’, remains the group’s guiding message as it moves towards its third anniversary celebration. Related Story Source link