News

Exclusive Nothing Phone (2) Launch Edition Announced

The limited edition version of the hotly anticipated smartphone will drop before the first handsets ship on July 17.

Published

3 years ago

July 14, 2023

exclusive nothing phone (2) launch edition announced

On July 11, UK-based smartphone developer, Nothing launched its hotly anticipated flagship device, the “Phone (2)” with devices set to hit the market around July 17 (depending upon the region).

However, if you’re quick, it might be possible to grab an exclusive limited edition version of the handset, known as the Nothing Launch Edition, which drops in Dubai a few days before, on Saturday, July 15.

The Nothing Launch Edition bundle — priced at Dh2,799 — will contain the phone itself, plus a set of Nothing Ear (Stick) headphones, a case and a 45W charger. In addition, Nothing will also bundle in a canvas bag, hat, t-shirt and stickers with the limited edition smartphone.

To grab the early-bird version of this sort-after device, you’ll need to queue outside Sharaf DG in the Dubai Mall before 5pm. At that time, @NothingArabia will select 10 lucky winners.

In the rest of the GCC countries, pre-orders for the Nothing Phone (2) will be open between July 16 and July 20, with devices hitting stores from July 21.

Here are some of the standout features of the new handset:

Glyph Interface

The array of LEDs on the back of the Phone (2) can now be used for more functions than on the Phone (1). Brightness can be adjusted automatically, with glyphs showing a visual countdown timer, charge status and even activity progress in third-party apps.

Nothing OS 2.0

Nothing’s latest operating system is a welcome bloat and clutter-free version of Android, with a monochrome layout and plenty of customization options to make your Nothing Phone (2) truly unique.

Performance Upgrades

Phone (2) boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset with a decently sized 4700 mAh battery that can be charged to 50% in under 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the 6.7-inch edge-to-edge OLED display can refresh at variable rates, allowing for decent battery life without sacrificing quality.

Camera Specs

Nothing has chosen a pair of 50 MP rear cameras for the Phone (2), paired with an upgraded Sony IMX890 sensor that can film at 4K 60fps. An Action Mode allows for silky-smooth filming, while Motion Capture 2.0 allows precise focus on moving subjects.

News

Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

Also Read: This UAE Platform Wants To Replace Fashion Photo Shoots With AI

The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.