Weekend Digest: Pakistan’s trackless trams, iPhone 17 Pro Max launch, extreme heat in UAE and more

This week brought major updates across the region and beyond. Pakistan announced the expansion of its first trackless electric trams, while Apple prepared for the September launch of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Saudi Arabia uncovered 50,000-year-old artefacts, and Starlink introduced its direct-to-cell internet service. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa lit up for Pakistan Independence Day, Manny Pacquiao returned to No.1 in WBC rankings, and the UAE braced for 14 days of extreme heat, alongside new housing rules in Saudi Arabia and a heartwarming Dubai gesture. Scroll down for a quick recap:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced plans to launch Pakistan’s first trackless electric tram in two other major cities of Punjab. The tram system — known as the Super Autonomous Rapid Transit (SART)-- will soon be expanded to Faisalabad and Gujranwala, following a successful public road test in Lahore. Read more…

The iPhone 17 is expected to be officially announced in early September, most likely on September 9, 2025. Pre-orders are anticipated to start on Friday, September 12, followed by the official release and availability of the phone on Friday, September 19, 2025. Read more…

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has announced the discovery of prehistoric artefacts, including stone tools and pottery fragments dating back as far as 50,000 years, during a recent archaeological survey in the town of Al Quraynah, northwest of Riyadh. Read more…

No dead spots or dead zones. That's the promise of Starlink direct-to-cell (D2C) service, which works in cars and remote areas, without WiFi or router. Read more…

In a spectacular tribute to Pakistan’s Independence Day, Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated with the Pakistani flag, creating a breathtaking display visible across the city. Read more…

As the UAE prepares to welcome a new school year, traffic around school campuses reaches its peak. To enhance road safety on this busy day, the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) is urging all drivers to commit to safe driving practices. As part of the 'Accident-Free Day' campaign, the public is invited to sign a pledge through an online portal, committing to safe driving. By doing so, drivers can automatically have four black points removed from their licences for free. Read more…

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao took to social media on August 12 to share throwback photos celebrating the victories that made him the only fighter in history to win world titles in eight different weight divisions. In his post, Pacquiao reflected on his rise from flyweight to super welterweight, crediting his opponents, supporters, and faith for shaping his remarkable career. Read more…

The UAE is bracing for a prolonged period of extreme summer weather starting today, Monday, August 11, lasting until August 24, according to the Storm Centre. Over these 14 days, the country is expected to witness intense heat, frequent dust storms, and elevated humidity levels, particularly along coastal areas. Read more…

Construction noise is a familiar nuisance in Dubai’s fast-growing neighbourhoods, but in Nad Al Sheba-4, one resident has turned it into a lesson in courtesy. Outside an unfinished villa, a large printed sign from Emirati homeowner Mohammed Ali Al Falasi greets passers-by — not with a warning, but with an apology. Read more…

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has unveiled sweeping health, safety, and technical regulations for group housing facilities across the Kingdom, setting strict limits on capacity and upgrading infrastructure requirements. The framework divides group housing into three categories: Residential buildings, large residential complexes and mobile cabins. Read more…