Tiny Apples, Big Ambitions: Rockit's Family Pack Arrives in the Middle East



Innovative New Zealand snack sized apple brand, Rockit has gone big with its miniature apples and launched a new Family Pack in the Middle East to meet strong consumer demand for every day sharing occasions.



Rockit's recent product launch exemplifies strategic innovation in response to consumer behaviour. Moreover, the new Family Pack builds upon the brand’s occasion-based marketing strategy by offering an accessible, shareable format that suits contemporary family life. Consequently, retailers and consumers alike should anticipate heightened interest during the upcoming Back-to-School season.

Furthermore, the Family Pack mirrors the well‑established attributes of the iconic Rockit Daily Pack. Just like the iconic Rockit Daily Pack, the Family Pack features a resealable lid keeping each Rockit™ apple in peak, ready-to-eat condition, and a grab-and-go handle made for sharing during all of life's little moments. Therefore, it preserves freshness while enabling convenient distribution at events, picnics, and school activities.

Market Position and Strategic Timing

Rockit General Manager Global Marketing, Julian Smith says the Family Pack has arrived just in time for the peak Back-to-School selling period and is expected to drive strong sales, open new distribution channels and introduce Rockit to new consumers. He explains that launching during this key period will satisfy increasing consumer demand by providing a sharing option tailored for diverse consumption occasions.

Moreover, Rockit’s omnichannel promotional plan promises robust in-store and digital activations. "Launching the Family Pack during this key period will help meet increasing consumer demand for Rockit, by providing a new sharing option to cater for a wider range of consumption occasions. From the busy weekday hustle to exciting weekend adventures, our Family Pack makes all of life's special little moments even better – whether it's a refreshing healthy snack in the school lunchbox, on the sports sideline, or at picnics, parties and events."

Brand Momentum and Consumer Engagement

Global consumer awareness and engagement for Rockit is continuing to improve each year, with Rockit brand sentiment recently reaching a record 90 percent (up four percent on Q4, 2024). Rockit Global Brand Manager, Hannah de Valda says this trend looks set to continue with the Family Pack featuring in its annual Back-to-School campaign, launching across the GCC countries from mid-August.

She adds that the campaign will emphasise shared experiences and participatory activations. "Focusing on sharing special moments, the Back-to-School campaign capitalises on the momentum of the 'Rockit Every Little Moment' promotion delivered earlier this year. The omnichannel campaign includes strong promotional activity including instore activations, giveaways, consumer events, gift with purchase and influencer collaborations to drive consumer engagement and sales."



Ultimately, Rockit seeks to consolidate its position as a leading premium apple brand while responding to regional consumer needs. The Rockit Family Pack is now available in stores and online across many GCC countries. Accordingly, families and retailers in the UAE and beyond can now enjoy a fresh, portable and shareable snacking solution that aligns with modern lifestyles.

Level Up Your Game: The New Global Sport Conference 2025 in Riyadh


Hey there, fellow gaming enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the esports scene, then you’ll want to mark your calendars for August 23-24, 2025. Why, you ask? Well, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is rolling out the red carpet for the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia! This isn’t just any conference; it’s set to be the ultimate playground for gaming, esports, and sports innovation. Think of it as the Comic-Con of the gaming world, but with way more suits and ties—no offense to the cosplay crowd!
This year, they’re cranking it up a notch with a lineup of legendary speakers that reads like a who’s who of the gaming universe. We’re talking about Hideo Kojima, the genius behind some of your favorite games, and Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot, who’s responsible for classics like Assassin's Creed. And let’s not forget Matthew Ball and Steven Bartlett, who’ll be dropping knowledge bombs on everything from tech to entrepreneurship. With over 1,500 delegates expected, including more than 500 CEOs and board members, this is where the big players in gaming come to share ideas, make connections, and shape the future of the industry. So, whether you’re a budding game developer or just a passionate gamer, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!
Unpacking the Excitement: What’s New at NGSC 2025?

Now, you might be wondering what’s new this year. Well, NGSC 2025 is introducing some cool formats that’ll make your experience even more engaging! One of the highlights is The Foundry—a dedicated stage for masterclasses, workshops, and exclusive roundtable discussions. While most sessions are open to all attendees, some high-level discussions will be invite-only, giving you a taste of the VIP treatment. This is where the heavy hitters in gaming and sport will come together to concoct the next big thing.

But wait, there’s more! The NGSC Studio stage will be buzzing with live podcasts and interviews, featuring voices that are at the forefront of sport and entertainment. Plus, the expanded Media Village will be the hub for press activity, offering real-time content and storytelling. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of being part of an exclusive gaming conversation, this is your chance! Just remember, registration closes on August 16, 2025, and tickets are limited. Get yours before they’re all gone!

So, whether you’re a die-hard esports fan or just curious about the future of gaming, NGSC 2025 in Riyadh is the place to be. With groundbreaking speakers and innovative formats, you’ll walk away with insights that could change the way you think about gaming forever. Don’t miss out—see you in Riyadh! 

Embracing the Future: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence Welcomes Its Largest Cohort


A New Era of AI Education at MBZUAI

In the heart of Abu Dhabi, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has taken a monumental step forward by welcoming its largest cohort for the Fall 2025 intake. This year, MBZUAI has enrolled 403 new students, marking a significant milestone that includes the university's inaugural undergraduate class. The acceptance rate of merely 5% from over 8,000 applications underlines the institution's prestigious reputation and its ability to attract top-tier talent, both locally and globally.

Among the new students are graduate cohorts in various advanced programs, including Computer Science, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. Furthermore, MBZUAI has introduced Master’s programs in Statistics & Data Science and Applied Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancement. Timothy Baldwin, the Provost of MBZUAI, eloquently stated that the rapid transformation brought about by artificial intelligence necessitates a shift in traditional education models. This philosophy is reflected in their updated curricula, which are designed to prepare students for the real-world applications of AI.

A Diverse and Talented Cohort

The Fall 2025 cohort not only represents a significant quantitative achievement for MBZUAI but also showcases remarkable diversity. The student body now comprises over 700 individuals from more than 47 nationalities, fostering an enriching multicultural environment. Notably, the undergraduate programs welcome students from over 25 countries, with more than 25% being UAE Nationals. This diversity enhances the learning experience, as students bring varied perspectives and backgrounds to the classroom.

Moreover, MBZUAI has garnered attention for its academic excellence, with 151 of the incoming graduate students holding degrees from the world’s top 100 computer science universities. This remarkable statistic reinforces the university’s position as a leader in AI education and research. The new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program offers two specialized streams—AI for Business and AI for Engineering—ensuring that graduates are not only technically proficient but also equipped with leadership skills that are vital in today’s job market.

MBZUAI's commitment to academic excellence and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence is evident in its latest cohort. As the university embarks on this new academic year, it continues to lay the groundwork for a brighter, AI-driven future. For more information about MBZUAI and its programs, please visit [www.mbzuai.ac.ae](http://www.mbzuai.ac.ae).

One Marine: Sailing into a New Era of Offshore Excellence

The Birth of a Maritime Powerhouse In the heart of **Abu Dhabi, UAE**, a new chapter in offshore marine history has begun. Two g...