Author: dailyguardian.ae

While not as widespread as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit remains one of the most popular smart home ecosystems of 2023. The software plays well with iOS devices, and several other gadgets such as smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled using the fancy technology. If you’re looking to build your smart home around Apple’s ecosystem, here are the best HomeKit devices available today. Locks HomeKit doesn’t have the largest selection of smart locks, but that doesn’t really matter when you have something as well-rounded as the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Not only does it…

As the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to take a look back at the events that defined 2023 for UAE residents. Every year, Google releases its ‘Year in Search’, a series of lists detailing the most-searched terms in different categories, ranging from news events to movies. The global search list includes pop culture moments, such as the movies ‘Barbie’, ‘Oppenheimer’, and ‘Jawan’, as well as Marvel actor Jeremy Renner who suffered from a near-fatal accident at the beginning of the year. The news terms most globally searched for include the war in Gaza and the Titanic…

UN Security Council ambassadors arrived on Monday in Egypt to visit the Rafah border crossing with the besieged Gaza Strip, days after the United States vetoed a council resolution for a ceasefire. The informal one-day trip organised by the UAE and Egypt comes amid a spiralling humanitarian crisis in war-torn Gaza, described as a “graveyard” by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Around a dozen ambassadors are taking part in the visit from countries including Russia and the United Kingdom. But the United States, which vetoed the Security Council resolution on Friday did not send a representative as did France. “There…

In partnership with Dubai Land Department (DLD), the International Property Show (IPS) is gearing up for its 20th edition in 2024, taking place from February 27 to 29, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. IPS 2024 is set to showcase Dubai’s thriving real estate sector, offering attendees an exclusive glimpse into the city’s dynamic property landscape. Dubai continues strengthening its position as a premier destination for real estate investments. According to experts, the Dubai real estate market has seen significant growth since the beginning of 2023, and this positive trend is expected to continue into 2024. In alignment with…

Uefa has fined Bayern Munich and threatened to ban fans from upcoming away fixtures due to supporter behaviour in European competitions. Bayern issued a statement on Monday saying the six-time Champions League winners have been penalised for the “use of prohibited fireworks and pyrotechnics and the throwing of objects from the FC Bayern fan block at Champions League matches”. While the penalty relates to several matches, it was handed down “in particular” due to fan conduct “at the away match at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen” which Bayern won 2-1 in October. In addition to a 40,000-euro ($43,000) fine, Bayern…

Dubai’s thriving real estate market takes centre stage at IPS 2024 H.E. Sultan Butti bin Mejren: “Dubai’s real estate sector has achieved rapid sustainable growth, thanks to the wise leadership’s efforts and directives, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the world.” IPS attracts exhibitors from more than 140 countries around the world. Residential real estate prices in Dubai increased by 5.6% during the first quarter of 2023. Investors and buyers set to explore Dubai’s dynamic property landscape at the event. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 December 2023: In partnership with Dubai Land Department (DLD), the International Property Show (IPS)…

In 2020, Apple started a Herculean undertaking: transitioning its Macs to Apple Silicon. Despite its success, there’s been one Mac that Apple has kept in the lineup since its initial launch over three years ago. The M1 MacBook Air. But now, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has just asserted that Apple will soon make a major change to the MacBook Air to finally bring it into the modern age, leaving behind its outdated processor once and for all. This can only be good news for Apple fans. As I’ve argued previously, there’s not really any reason to buy the M1 MacBook…

UAE-based multi-brand electric vehicle start-up has rolled out an all-in-one mobility app offering a comprehensive collection of EV brands in the region. Through this one-stop marketplace app, EVLAB aims to make adopting a sustainable lifestyle easier for drivers by enabling seamless rental, leasing, and hosting of their EVs. The EV market is growing exponentially as sales exceed 10 million in 2022. The share of electric cars in total sales has more than tripled in three years, from nearly 4 per cent in 2020 to 14 per cent in 2022. The Middle Eastern countries are among the leaders in electric mobility,…

Travelling from Dubai to Manila late next year? Plan ahead and book a ticket now for a one-way fare of only Dh8. Philippine budget carrier Cebu Pacific has rolled out yet another seat sale for those looking to “give themselves the gift of travel” this festive season. With its latest 12.12 sale, travellers could snap up seats on the airline’s Dubai-Manila flight for a base fare of Dh8. The promo is valid for trips scheduled from August 1 to November 30, 2024. However, note that the base fare doesn’t include taxes, admin fees, and surcharges. “Promo fares are limited and…

Dubai Autodrome is accelerating its transition to a sustainable venue by initiating several eco-friendly initiatives. Faisal Al Sahlawi, general manager of Dubai Autodrome, told Khaleej Times how the state-of-the-art venue supports the UAE’s efforts to create a sustainable future for all. “At Dubai Autodrome, we’ve always been exploring ways to be more environmentally friendly as a venue while our parent company, Union Properties, has set a mandate for all subsidiaries to incorporate sustainability initiatives.” Last year, more than 5,000 solar panels were installed around the venue. In its first full year of operations, Dubai Autodrome eliminated 4,544 metric tonnes of…