Adnan Al-Jaziri

Writer,

icn.live

Adnan Al-Jaziri brings nearly a decade of reporting on the economy sector in the Gulf, contributing features to Arab News MENA and The Gulf Today in Business. His background in communication has shaped a career focused on explaining finance’s role in economic transformation. He studied Media and Communication at University in Dubai.

Travel

Top 10 Countries for a High Quality of Life and Longevity

What truly makes a nation one of the best in the world? Is it breathtaking natural beauty, exceptional quality of life, or unrivaled personal safety?

From the stunning fjords of New Zealand to the tech-forward streets of Japan, these nine destinations set the global gold standard. Each offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, world-class infrastructure, and inspiring landscapes that draw travelers and dreamers alike.

Which of these incredible nations is at the very top of your personal travel bucket list? Let us know below!

🇳🇿 New Zealand – #10

New Zealand captivates with its surreal landscapes, where dramatic fjords, towering snow-capped peaks, and lush rainforests sit just moments apart. Famous for its high quality of life, commitment to environmental conservation, and outdoor lifestyle, it remains a dream destination for adventurers and peace-seekers alike. The country’s rich Māori heritage adds deep cultural meaning to its natural wonders.

Whether you are exploring the serene waters of Milford Sound, trekking through untouched wilderness, or enjoying the warmth of its friendly communities, New Zealand continually sets the benchmark for living in harmony with nature and prioritizing well-being above all else.

🇦🇺 Australia – #09

Australia effortlessly combines vibrant, world-class cities with vast, ancient wilderness. Home to iconic architecture like the Sydney Opera House, golden surf beaches, and the Great Barrier Reef, life here revolves around sunshine, coastal living, and outdoor exploration. Beyond the bustling harbors and laid-back urban centers, the vast Outback offers deep connection to Indigenous history and unique biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth.

With its strong economy, thriving culture, and breezy balance of modern efficiency and relaxed lifestyle, Australia consistently ranks as one of the most desirable, dynamic, and breathtaking nations to live in or visit.

🇳🇱 Netherlands – #08

The Netherlands is a global model of progressive design, exceptional infrastructure, and an enviable work-life balance. Famous for its historic canal networks, endless tulip fields, and world-renowned cycling culture, living here centers around sustainability and effortless connectivity. From the iconic, gable-roofed architecture of Amsterdam to the modern innovation hub of Rotterdam, the country seamlessly pairs rich heritage with forward-thinking urban living.

Celebrated for its open, inclusive society, world-class healthcare, and top-ranked quality of life, the Dutch lifestyle offers a vibrant blend of cultural sophistication, eco-friendly travel, and timeless European charm.

🇨🇦 Canada – #07

Canada stands as a global beacon of natural grandeur, safety, and inclusive community values. Spanning six time zones, its territory encompasses majestic Rocky Mountain ranges, pristine glacial lakes, and sweeping boreal forests alongside cosmopolitan cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Known for its welcoming multicultural ethos, world-class healthcare, and exceptional standard of living, Canada offers dynamic seasonal beauty year-round. From quiet moments beside crystal-clear turquoise waters to the cozy charm of alpine villages, the Canadian way of life is centered around respect for nature, personal freedom, and creating warm, thriving communities despite the cold winter air.

🇫🇮 Finland – #06

Consistently crowned the world’s happiest nation, Finland showcases how simplicity, nature, and modern innovation create an extraordinary quality of life. Famous for its vast pine forests, thousands of serene lakes, and magical Nordic winters lit by the Northern Lights, Finnish living prioritizes balance, wellness, and trust. Exceptional public education, high social equality, and a deep-rooted tradition of sauna culture define daily life. Whether cozying up in a glass igloo under dancing auroras or exploring vibrant, design-forward Scandinavian cities like Helsinki, Finland offers a tranquil, forward-thinking sanctuary that inspires the rest of the world.

🇩🇰 Denmark – #05

Denmark seamlessly blends historic charm with groundbreaking modern design, defining the art of cozy, high-quality living known around the world as hygge. From the grand, fairytale-like architecture of Frederiksborg Castle to the bike-friendly streets of Copenhagen, the nation emphasizes sustainability, social well-being, and architectural elegance.

Denmark routinely ranks near the top for global happiness, work-life balance, and civic trust. Its manicured royal gardens, picturesque canals, and innovative culinary scene reflect a society built on community, comfort, and functional beauty. It stands as a shining example of how tradition and modern progress thrive together.

🇳🇴 Norway – #04

Norway is a land of raw, majestic beauty where deep coastal fjords meet soaring mountain peaks and vibrant Arctic heritage. Known for its picturesque coastal fishing villages with bright red wooden cabins like those in Reine, Norway offers an unmatched connection to the outdoors. Powered by sustainability, exceptional social welfare, and a high standard of living, Norwegian culture embraces the spirit of friluftsliv—living outdoors in all seasons. From watching winter snow fall over icy waters to witnessing the summer midnight sun, Norway delivers a tranquil, highly prosperous, and visually unforgettable living experience.

🇸🇪 Sweden – #03

Sweden represents a masterclass in modern Nordic living, perfectly balancing historic architecture, cutting-edge innovation, and sweeping natural beauty. From the historic cobblestone streets of Visby filled with summer roses to the grand water views and lush green parks of Stockholm, Sweden embodies the concept of lagom—just the right amount. Highly regarded for its social equality, environmental leadership, and rich design culture, life here is orderly yet deeply creative. Sweeping forests, archipelagos, and thriving urban centers make Sweden an inspiring, progressive nation where quality of life and stunning aesthetics go hand in hand.

🇨🇭 Switzerland – #02

Switzerland is synonymous with precision, prosperity, and alpine perfection. Nestled in the heart of Europe, its iconic snow-dusted peaks, pristine mountain lakes, and historic cities offer a picture-perfect setting that feels straight out of a storybook. World-renowned for its financial stability, exceptional infrastructure, safety, and neutrality, Switzerland delivers an unmatched quality of life. Whether enjoying world-class winter sports, tasting fine chocolates, or riding scenic mountain railways through dramatic valleys, the Swiss lifestyle blends timeless tradition with flawless modern efficiency, making it one of the most admired and prosperous nations on Earth.

🇯🇵 Japan – #01

Japan is an extraordinary country where thousands of years of deep tradition harmoniously coexist with ultra-modern innovation. From serene bamboo groves, ancient shrines, and snow-capped Mount Fuji to the neon-lit streets and high-speed rail systems of Tokyo, Japan offers a uniquely captivating cultural tapestry. Renowned globally for its safety, exquisite cuisine, incredible cleanliness, and unmatched hospitality (omotenashi), life here is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Japan continually fascinates the world by preserving its rich historical arts and tranquil gardens while remaining at the absolute forefront of global technology, architecture, and futuristic design.

Thank you for exploring the world’s most incredible destinations with us! Whether you are seeking travel inspiration, lifestyle trends, or top-tier digital media, we are dedicated to curating moments that elevate your everyday feed.

By Adnan Al-Jaziri
6 min read

Mohamed Salah

Besiktas’ offer for Mohamed Salah could exceed €40 million over two years

Besiktas’ offer for Mohamed Salah now rests on a single decision, with the Istanbul club setting a 24-hour window for the Egyptian forward to reply. The proposal runs across two seasons and reflects a level of spending rarely seen in the Turkish Super Lig. According to a report carried by beIN Sports, the club put forward a guaranteed annual salary of €15 million, along with performance bonuses of around €4 million. The agreement is also said to include clauses covering image rights. These figures come from Turkish media, and neither side has confirmed them in public.

What do the numbers show?

If every incentive triggers, Salah’s yearly income could climb to between €19 million and €20 million. Across the full term, that would take the total Mohamed Salah Besiktas contract commitment past €40 million. Reports describe the guaranteed figure as a net €15 million, a request Salah’s side raised early in the talks. The Salah salary on the table would place him among the highest earners in the league by a wide margin. Besiktas appears ready to absorb that cost to bring in a forward of his standing.

The Mohamed Salah Liverpool departure earlier in the summer sent one of the game’s most productive forwards onto the open market. His nine-year spell at Anfield brought more than 250 goals and a full set of domestic and European honors. That record explains the interest that followed his exit. Salah’s free agent status removed any transfer fee from the picture, which widened the field of possible destinations and shaped the terms now under review.

Rival interest in the background

Before the Turkish talks advanced, Salah drew interest from the Saudi Pro League and from clubs in Major League Soccer, according to widely reported accounts. Those options let the 34-year-old weigh location, level of competition, and long-term plans against the Istanbul proposal. For now, reports place Besiktas as the most concrete of the suitors. Besiktas’ offer for Mohamed Salah reaches a deadline.

After the financial package landed, attention shifted to Salah and his agent, Ramy Abbas, as Besiktas waited for a final answer. Journalist Sercan Dikme reported the two sides had moved forward on several points before the club asked for a clear response within 24 hours. Club president Serdal Adali framed the proposal as the club’s final offer and said Besiktas weighed each requested change against its own interests. Besiktas’ offer for Mohamed Salah carries a firm timeline, and Adali told Turkish media the decision now sits with the player. That deadline points to Monday evening.

What the Besiktas transfer means

For a club measuring itself against Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, adding Salah would signal clear intent. The latest Besiktas transfer news suggests the gap between the two sides narrowed through repeated rounds of talks. Besiktas has worked to build a stronger front line, and a forward with Salah’s output would change the club’s attacking shape. Whether Besiktas’ offer for Mohamed Salah closes will depend on how the forward reads the choice in front of him. A response is expected soon.

By Adnan Al-Jaziri
3 min read

Dubai Airports

Dubai Airports launched new Smart Gates service to check eligibility before arrival

Dubai Airports launched a new Smart Gates service on Friday, letting travellers run a Smart Gates eligibility check before they reach passport control. Dubai Airports developed the tool with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. The operator calls it the Smart Gates Eligibility Pre-Check. Passengers reach it through the Pocket Flights app or by scanning QR codes placed across every terminal and gate.

A traveller scans a passport and gets an answer in seconds. Those who clear it can head straight for the automated lanes. Anyone who does not can plan for a staffed counter instead. Dubai Airports said the point of the change is “making the journey through the airport more seamless for our guests.”

GDRFA runs the gates themselves. Dubai International Airport biometric gates read facial and passport data at the barrier, so there is no stamp and no officer check. Eligible groups include UAE and GCC citizens, UAE residents, and visa-on-arrival guests with biometric passports. Many travellers are enrolled the first time they pass through immigration at DXB, which means some queue at the counters without knowing they already qualify. Anyone wanting a second confirmation can use the GDRFA Dubai smart gate registration inquiry on the directorate website, entering an Emirates ID, a file number, or a passport number with nationality.

Why Dubai Airports launched new Smart Gates services

Record volume explains why DXB launched new Smart Gates service now. Dubai International handled 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1 percent year on year, the highest annual international traffic recorded at any airport. The operator forecasts 99.5 million for 2026. By the end of last year, the airport connected to 291 destinations across 110 countries, served by 108 international airlines.

DXB passport control has held up so far. In 2025, 99.35 percent of departing passengers cleared it in under ten minutes, and 98.8 percent of arriving passengers were processed within 15 minutes. Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, said in February that record traffic had become part of the airport’s operating reality rather than an exception.

What the pre-check is meant to solve

Passport control is one of the parts of an airport that cannot be widened quickly. Halls are fixed, gate counts are fixed, and staffing has limits. So the operator is working on how passengers sort themselves before they arrive at the hall. A traveller who knows the answer in advance picks the right lane the first time. Across close to 100 million journeys a year, small gains of that kind carry weight.

Capacity beyond DXB

The larger answer sits at Al Maktoum International, where Dubai is building a terminal project valued at about 35 billion dollars. First-phase capacity is expected by 2032, at 150 million passengers a year. Full build-out would take the site to 260 million. Until that capacity arrives, DXB has to find room inside the space it already uses.

DXB launched a new Smart Gates service as part of that pattern. The operator has spent recent years moving checks earlier in the journey and cutting the number of decisions a passenger makes inside the terminal. DXB launched the new Smart Gates service without changing the gates, the enrolment rules, or the biometric system behind them. It changed what the traveller knows before walking up to them.

Adnan Al-Jaziri covers the Gulf economy for ICN.live, with nearly a decade of reporting on finance and economic transformation across the region.

By Adnan Al-Jaziri
3 min read

Load More ICN Red News