Nina Hargrave, founder of Serene Body Health, shares how a period of grief led her to launch a thriving health and wellness brand built on purpose and passion. With a background in horticulture, herbalism and aromatherapy, what began as a deeply personal ritual quickly evolved into a passion for formulation and a mission to share the power of whole plant ingredients with others.

Spotting a clear gap in the market, Hargrave recognised the disconnect between natural aromatherapy and mainstream synthetic fragrances often labelled simply as fragrance, a term that can hide undisclosed synthetic ingredients. She set out to bridge that divide, combining transparency with performance and carving out a new space between natural wellness and conventional scent.

Starting as a side project while balancing motherhood, the business grew from sole trader to a registered proprietary limited company, accelerating after the launch of a magnesium oil and essential oil blend designed for topical use. The signature product supports muscle repair, skin hydration and delivers a calming aroma, resonating strongly with consumers seeking clean and functional beauty solutions.

More details and product availability can be found at Serene Body Health website and on Instagram at @serenebodyhealth.

At just 13 years old, Maya Ahmed has made her literary debut with Operation R.A.D., a gripping sci-fi mystery. Set in the vibrant 1980s, the novel follows a group of teens as they navigate friendship, loyalty, and bullying while facing a global threat. Maya’s love for ’80s sci-fi, combined with her own teenage experiences, gives the story a unique and authentic perspective.

Balancing schoolwork and writing, Maya dedicated early mornings and after-school hours to bring her novel to life. She began with detailed character sketches and a structured plot outline before expanding them into a full narrative filled with suspenseful scenes and an exciting climax.

Her father, Santo Ahmed, highlights Maya’s determination and the unwavering support of their family in pursuing her dreams. Maya encourages other young writers to stay focused, avoid distractions, and follow their passions. She hopes Operation R.A.D. will not only inspire readers but also one day be adapted for the big screen.

Operation R.A.D. was published by Hembury Books and is now available on Amazon.

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The Middle East is fast emerging as a global gaming hotspot, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia driving growth. Once considered secondary markets, both nations are now positioning the MENA region as a central player in a sector worth billions, supported by ambitious government strategies.

Chris Hewish, president of Xsolla, says this growth is intentional. Governments are creating the infrastructure, policies, and investment frameworks needed for long-term, sustainable gaming ecosystems, focusing on attracting talent, capital, and leading global companies.

Gaming powerhouse

UAE has become a focal point with its Gaming 2033 initiative, which simplifies visas, business licences, and access to funding. The country has attracted more than 350 gaming companies, including international giants like Riot and Ubisoft, while drawing talent from the UK and beyond. Saudi Arabia, through Vision 2030, is taking a complementary but distinct approach, investing heavily in local studios and acquiring stakes in global firms such as Savvy Games and Electronic Arts, aiming to build a strong domestic gaming ecosystem.

The MENA gaming market has surged from $3 billion to $8 billion annually, powered by a young, tech-savvy population with disposable income and high digital adoption. The Gulf is rapidly becoming a gaming powerhouse, with both Dubai and Riyadh contributing in their own ways. For Hewish, this is more than market expansion — it’s a strategic push to diversify economies and cement the MENA region as a major force in the global gaming industry.