UK luxury department store, Knightsbridge, since 1834
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan has announced. He has been credited with transforming Qatar into an energy and diplomatic power by expanding LNG production, founding Al Jazeera, building sovereign investment vehicles and stepping down voluntarily in 2013 to hand power to his son.
The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74. Officials declare days of mourning; tens of thousands attend funeral prayers in Doha before burial at Lusail Cemetery. Sheikh Hamad abdicated in 2013, leaving a legacy of rapid development and international influence.
Craneware has identified a cyber incident affecting its software used by thousands of US hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. The company says a portion of employee, customer and partner data has been accessed and exfiltrated, with the investigation ongoing and regulatory authorities notified.
The Met Police has questioned six suspects in connection with Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged offences, raising the total number of victims reporting sexual assault, rape, exploitation and human trafficking to 157. The inquiry is described as one of the force’s largest and most complex investigations.
Sainsbury’s has agreed to sell Argos and the Habitat brand to Swift Partners. The deal will complete in February 2027 with full separation by 2029. Argos will continue to operate normally during the transition, and staff will transfer to Swift. The move allows Sainsbury’s to focus on its core groceries business.
Federal agencies and state officials have reported coordinated cyberattacks that have targeted internet-connected controllers at water and wastewater utilities in at least a dozen states since late July. Operators have had passwords changed and been locked out, forcing many plants to revert to manual control; officials say drinking water remains broadly safe while investigations continue.
A group of women linked to the Harrods abuse case have received conclusive grounds decisions confirming they are victims of modern slavery. The decisions, processed by the National Referral Mechanism, follow earlier recognitions for one survivor and come as police widen inquiries into possible facilitators of Mohamed Al Fayed’s crimes.
Victims’ minister says the prime minister has agreed to meet Epstein’s victims and is reviewing a public inquiry into the UK activities of the late financier and related cases. Harrods survivor and Al Fayed inquiries are also under consideration. Authorities say reviews are ongoing and no formal inquiry is announced yet.
Harvey Nichols has been put up for sale and is undergoing a turnaround led by Frasers Group. The six-storefront estate, including Edinburgh’s flagship, will continue operating while a broader restructuring is pursued, with potential integration of Flannels and the wider Frasers luxury ecosystem.
The Metropolitan Police has disclosed further suspects in the Operation Cornpoppy inquiry into Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged offences. A routine victims’ update leaked email addresses to multiple recipients, triggering a formal ICO referral and urgent process reviews. Victims are being offered support as the force investigates the breach.
Beauty retailers are rolling out advent calendars for 2026, featuring luxury and budget options. LookFantastic, M&S, Boots, and Boots’ fragrance line unveil calendars with full-size products, elite brands, and online exclusives. The range includes premium, mid-range, and affordable options, with clear savings versus listed values.
The Attire, a UAE-based marketplace for pre-owned fashion, is expanding from UAE to Saudi Arabia in 2027. It authenticates luxury items, uses an AI tool to flag counterfeits, and offers buyer protection as it shifts secondhand fashion into more mainstream appeal.