Apple Inc. announced on July 8, 2025 that Sabih Khan, a 30-year veteran of the company and currently Senior Vice President of Operations, will become its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) later this month. He will succeed Jeff Williams, who plans to retire at the end of the year following a nearly three-decade tenure at the iPhone maker.

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The move is part of a long-planned succession strategy, Apple said in a statement.

Williams, who has served as COO since 2015, will remain at the company through the end of 2025. During this transition period, he will continue reporting to CEO Tim Cook, overseeing the company’s acclaimed design team, Apple Watch, and health initiatives. Upon his retirement, Apple’s design team will report directly to Cook.

Veteran leadership shift

Khan joined Apple’s procurement group in 1995 and has steadily risen through the ranks. Since 2019, he has been a member of Apple’s executive team, managing the company’s global supply chain — one of the most sophisticated in the world.

Before joining Apple, Khan worked as an applications development engineer and key account technical leader at GE Plastics. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an Apple newsroom report said.

“Sabih is a brilliant strategist who has been one of the central architects of Apple’s supply chain,” said CEO Tim Cook in a statement. “He’s helped pioneer advanced manufacturing technologies, expand our footprint in the US, and ensure Apple can respond nimbly to global challenges.”

Cook also praised Khan’s leadership in environmental initiatives, crediting him with helping Apple reduce its carbon footprint by more than 60 percent. “Above all, Sabih leads with his heart and his values,” Cook added. “I know he will make an exceptional chief operating officer.”

Tribute to Jeff Williams

Cook also took time to commend Williams for his decades of contributions to Apple. Williams joined the company in 1998 and played key roles in several landmark projects, including the launch of the iPod, iPhone, and Apple Watch. He has also led Apple’s push into health technologies and overseen its design team in recent years.

“Jeff and I have worked alongside each other for as long as I can remember, and Apple wouldn’t be what it is without him,” Cook said. “He’s helped to create one of the most respected global supply chains in the world and has led our world-class team of designers with great wisdom, heart, and dedication.”

Williams expressed gratitude for his time at the company and confidence in Khan’s leadership.

“I have a deep love for Apple,” Williams said in a prepared statement. “Working with the amazing people at this company has been a privilege of a lifetime. June marked my 27th anniversary with Apple, and my 40th in the industry. Beginning next year, I plan to spend more time with friends and family — including five grandchildren and counting.”

He added, “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Sabih for 27 years, and I think he’s the most talented operations executive on the planet. I have tremendous confidence in Apple’s future under his leadership.”

Focus on sustainability and global reach

Under Khan’s leadership, Apple’s operations team has been instrumental in scaling its global supply chain while maintaining product quality and sustainability commitments. His responsibilities have included planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and product fulfillment, as well as oversight of supplier responsibility programs that protect and educate workers in production facilities worldwide.

Khan has also advanced Apple’s environmental goals by working with suppliers to improve green manufacturing practices and reduce the company’s environmental impact.

Looking ahead

The appointment of Khan comes as Apple faces a rapidly evolving global supply chain environment, growing competition in hardware and services, and increased scrutiny over labor and sustainability practices. The company’s decision to tap an experienced internal leader with deep operational knowledge underscores its commitment to continuity and long-term strategy.

Khan’s rise to the COO role reinforces Apple’s tradition of promoting from within and relying on seasoned executives with a proven track record.

As Apple navigates the post-pandemic economy, shifts in global trade, and increased pressure on climate commitments, Khan’s leadership in operations will be central to Apple’s ability to deliver innovation at scale.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department has launched an upgraded version of its official website, marking a major step in its ongoing digital transformation journey. The revamp aims to enhance the delivery of real estate services and offer an integrated digital platform that caters to a wide range of customers across the emirate.

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The new website boasts a modern, interactive design aligned with Sharjah Government’s directives to advance smart services and improve market attractiveness. The platform is tailored to serve investors, developers, homeowners’ associations, individuals, banks, and government entities, ensuring fast and user-friendly access to services, a WAM report said.

Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, Director-General of the department, said the upgraded site reflects the department’s commitment to digital excellence. “This launch represents a significant milestone in our efforts to deliver flexible, smart services to a wide spectrum of clients. It further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading real estate hub in the region,” he said.

Tailored services for every user group

The upgraded website categorizes services based on the user type, allowing for an efficient and intuitive experience. Real estate developers can access features such as project registration, certification of initial sales contracts, project tracking, and applications to form homeowners’ associations.

For homeowners’ associations, the site provides services like administrative supervision company registration, board registration certificate issuance, approval of service and maintenance fee declarations, and submission of complaints.

Integrated tools for institutions and individuals

Government agencies can now request property ownership reports, while individual users can benefit from services such as ownership certificate issuance, title deed replacement, property valuation, and ownership data updates.

Banks are also catered to with streamlined digital services including mortgage registration, release, increase, and amendment—enabling seamless integration across all sectors involved in the real estate landscape.

The website launch reinforces Sharjah’s commitment to smart governance and a sustainable investment environment in the real estate sector.

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) officially launched the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, marking the start of the world’s largest competitive gaming festival.

Running from July 10 until August 24, the event features 25 tournaments across 24 leading game titles and brings together more than 2,000 elite players from around the globe, competing for a record-breaking prize pool of over $70m

Described by organisers as the biggest esports event ever staged, EWC 2025 introduces a pioneering cross-title ‘Club Championship’ format.

Esports World Cup 2025: Format and prize money

The competition sees the world’s top 200 esports organisations accumulate points across multiple games to contend for the title of EWC Club Champion and a $7 million grand prize.

The wider prize fund also includes $38m for individual game titles, $5m in global qualifier awards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses.

Speaking at the opening press conference, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said the event represents a “pivotal moment” for the global esports industry.

“Hosting the EWC reflects our commitment to building a sustainable, world-class esports ecosystem,” he said. “Esports is no longer niche — it’s a global sport and a cultural force. And the Esports World Cup is its most unifying stage. We’re honoured to lead this transformation from Saudi Arabia.”

The EWC is a flagship initiative under Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for gaming and esports.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said this year’s tournament will offer unprecedented access and visibility.

“Through global broadcasts, original shows, and documentary storytelling, we’re opening doors and sharing esports in new and exciting ways,” he said. “With record-breaking competition, this summer is special — not just for gamers, but for everyone who joins us.”

Global reach and cultural integration

The 2025 edition will produce over 7,000 hours of live content, second only to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and will be broadcast in 35 languages across 140 countries.

Media partners include FOX Sports, DAZN, Eurosport, and South Korea’s NAVER, with streaming also available on Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok.

EWC Spotlight, a new weekly broadcast produced with IMG, will provide fans with live esports coverage mixed with celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes access.

The show will be hosted from a custom-built studio in Riyadh by Hugh Woozencroft and Rachel Stringer, and will feature more than 60 celebrity guests throughout the season.

The EWC’s opening ceremony includes performances by Post Malone, Alesso, Tina Guo, and a collaborative debut of the official 2025 Esports World Cup anthem Til My Fingers Bleed by DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith.

Global icons and game titles

Magnus Carlsen and Cristiano Ronaldo have joined the tournament as Global Ambassadors, with Carlsen also set to compete in the inaugural EWC Chess Tournament from July 29 to 31. Their participation underscores the EWC’s ambition to unite traditional sport and esports through shared values of excellence and global community.

The seven-week championship includes tournaments in top titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, EA FC 25, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, PUBG MOBILE, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Starcraft 2.

EWC Festival and sponsorships

Beyond the competitions, the EWC Festival will transform Riyadh’s Boulevard City into a citywide celebration of gaming, with fan activations, concerts, and community tournaments.

Major global brands such as Amazon, Aramco, PepsiCo, Lenovo, Sony, Spotify, stc, and Hilton are backing the event as sponsors.

Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer at EWCF, described the EWC as a “new benchmark for what it means to be a champion in the digital age.”

“At its core is a pioneering format that rewards all-around excellence and unlocks long-term value for players, organisations, and communities,” he said.

For more information, including a full tournament schedule, visit esportsworldcup.com.

The European Union has officially removed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from its list of high-risk third countries for money laundering and terrorist financing—a move hailed by the UAE’s top financial regulator as a major national achievement.

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Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and Chairman of the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, called the decision a reflection of the country’s “wise leadership” and long-term vision, a WAM report said.

Diplomatic efforts lead to key breakthrough

Balama credited the diplomatic work of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Higher Committee overseeing the National Anti-Money Laundering Strategy, for helping secure the EU’s decision.

“This marks a significant step in establishing an advanced financial ecosystem based on effective governance and a forward-looking national strategy,” he said.

Commitment to financial integrity

He emphasised that the move reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its financial systems, enhancing transparency, and aligning with international standards to boost global competitiveness.

“We appreciate the continued cooperation of regulatory authorities, licensed financial institutions, and the private sector in making this progress possible,” Balama added.

The UAE has undertaken comprehensive reforms in recent years to fortify its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks—efforts that have now been recognised by the European Union with the country’s removal from its high-risk list.