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Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Scotsman
UK airport lounge access from £11 – Wowcher, Lounge Pass, Holiday Extras
Enjoy a pre-flight bite and a drink in peace with airport lounge access – no business class ticket required. | Canva This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Lounge access isn't just for business class anymore – here's how to unlock cheap entry at UK airports from just £11, with drinks and snacks included. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... If you're flying from a UK airport this year, there's one affordable way to start your holiday in style – and it doesn't involve splashing out on a business class ticket. Lounge access is no longer just for elite travellers, and with the right booking option, you can enjoy a quieter, comfier airport experience from as little as £11. Whether you're heading off solo or travelling as a group, here are three of the best-value ways to pre-book lounge access – complete with drinks, snacks and a seat away from the crowds. Holiday Extras – save up to 60% on lounge access at 22 UK airports Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Holiday Extras is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to book airport lounges in the UK. Prices start from £24.99, and the booking process is fast and hassle-free. You'll find lounges at 22 major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham. Each lounge offers a quiet place to relax for up to three hours before departure, with free drinks (including alcoholic options), snacks, Wi-Fi, and seating that's far more comfortable than anything you'll find in the terminal. Many lounges also welcome children, and there's often entertainment, TVs and flight boards so you stay updated without needing to hover at the gate. To compare prices and pre-book with Holiday Extras, visit this booking page. Relax in a lounge to get your holiday off to the right start. Wowcher voucher – get up to 25% off lounge access for you and up to six others This Wowcher offer is one of the cheapest ways to book a lounge, especially for groups or families. For just £2, you get a voucher from Sky Parking Services that knocks up to 25% off the price of lounge access at more than 20 UK airports. The offer covers lounges at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and many more. It's valid until 19 September 2025 and can be used for up to seven people travelling together. The lounges themselves offer free drinks and snacks, entertainment zones, newspapers and magazines, Wi-Fi, and a far more relaxing vibe than the public departure hall. More than 29,000 travellers have used this deal already. To get your Wowcher voucher and claim the discount, go to this page. Lounge Pass – worldwide lounge bookings from just £11 Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you're flying internationally or want to book a return lounge at your destination, Lounge Pass is a great-value option. It offers access to more than 800 airport lounges across 400 airports worldwide, including 48 in the UK, with prices starting from just £11 per person. Lounge Pass is part of the same group behind Priority Pass and offers lounges in cities like Miami, Singapore, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Toronto and Tenerife South. You'll get access to a quiet, air-conditioned lounge with free drinks and light refreshments, reading materials, TV and internet. Some lounges even include free access for children. To book your Lounge Pass and explore the full list of UK and international locations, visit the Lounge Pass site here. Book early to avoid disappointment
Time Out Dubai
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
Sinar Daily
6 hours ago
- Science
- Sinar Daily
Relying on AI could be weakening the way we think, researchers warn
ARTIFICIAL intelligence is progressively transforming how we write, research, and communicate in this new age of technological renaissance. But according to MIT's latest study, this digital shortcut might come at a steep price: our brainpower. A new study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has raised red flags over the long-term cognitive effects of using AI chatbots like ChatGPT, suggesting that outsourcing our thinking to machines may be dulling our minds, reducing critical thinking, and increasing our 'cognitive debt.' Researchers at MIT found that participants who used ChatGPT to write essays exhibited significantly lower brain activity, weaker memory recall, and poorer performance in critical thinking tasks than those who completed the same assignments using only their own thoughts or traditional search engines. 'Reliance on AI systems can lead to a passive approach and diminished activation of critical thinking skills when the person later performs tasks alone,' the research paper elaborated. While AI tools can and have supported learning, overreliance on artificial intelligence risks undermining the very skills schools aim to develop. Photo: Canva The MIT Study The conducted study in question involved 54 participants, who were divided into three groups: one used ChatGPT, another relied on search engines, and the last used only their brainpower to write four essays. Using electroencephalogram (EEG) scans, the researchers measured brain activity during and after the writing tasks. The results were stark. 'EEG revealed significant differences in brain connectivity. Brain-only participants exhibited the strongest, most distributed networks; Search Engine users showed moderate engagement; and LLM (Large Language Model) users displayed the weakest connectivity,' the researchers reported. As seen in the study, those who used AI chatbots displayed reduced 'theta' brainwaves, which are associated with learning and memory formation. Researchers described this as 'offloading human thinking and planning,' indicating that the brain was doing less work because it was leaning on the AI. Interestingly, when later asked to quote or discuss the content of their essays without AI help, 83 per cent of the chatbot users failed to provide a single correct quote, compared to just 10 per cent among the search engine and brain-only groups. The researchers warned that overuse of AI could cause our 'cognitive muscles to atrophy' — essentially, if we don't use our brains, we lose them. Photo: Canva In context to the study, this would likely suggest they either didn't engage deeply with the content or simply didn't remember it. 'Frequent AI tool users often bypass deeper engagement with material, leading to 'skill atrophy' in tasks like brainstorming and problem-solving,' lead researcher Dr Nataliya Kosmyna warned. The chatbot-written essays were also found to be homogenous, with repetitive themes and language, suggesting that while AI might produce polished results, it lacks diversity of thought and originality. Are our minds getting lazy? The MIT findings echo earlier warnings about the dangers of 'cognitive offloading' — a term used when people rely on external tools to think for them. An earlier February 2025 study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that workers who heavily relied on AI tools reported lower levels of critical thinking and reduced confidence in their own reasoning abilities. The researchers warned that overuse of AI could cause our 'cognitive muscles to atrophy' — essentially, if we don't use our brains, we lose them. This particular trend is steadily increasing concerns of having serious consequences for education and workforce development. Moving forward, the MIT team cautioned that relying too much on AI could diminish creativity, increase vulnerability to manipulation, and weaken long-term memory and language skills. As seen in the study, those who used AI chatbots displayed reduced 'theta' brainwaves, which are associated with learning and memory formation. Photo: Canva The dawn of a new era? With AI chatbots becoming increasingly common in classrooms and homework help, educators are facing a difficult balancing act. While these said tools can and have supported learning, overreliance on artificial intelligence risks undermining the very skills schools aim to develop. Teachers have been voicing concerns that students are using AI to cheat or shortcut their assignments. The aforementioned MIT study provides hard evidence that such practices don't just break rules — they may actually hinder intellectual development. As such, the primary takeaway is not that AI is inherently bad — but that how we use it matters greatly. The study thus reinforces the importance of engaging actively with information, rather than blindly outsourcing thinking to machines. As the researchers put it: 'AI-assisted tools should be integrated carefully, ensuring that human cognition remains at the centre of learning and decision-making.'
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ways to maintain hydrated skin in peak summers and avoid dehydration
Source: Canva Rising temperatures can make it challenging to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Heat often leads to dryness, dullness, and irritation, making it essential to prioritize hydration, both from within and on the skin's surface. Whether you're dealing with a heatwave or simply trying to stay radiant all summer long, these hydration hacks will help you feel refreshed and glowing. Hydration is the key to healthy skin. Proper water balance supports skin elasticity, combats dryness, and helps protect against damage from sun exposure and pollution. In warm weather, our skin loses moisture more quickly, leading to dehydration, flakiness, and even premature aging. That's why a holistic hydration plan, incorporating both internal and topical nourishment, is essential Must have summer skincare products for deep hydration and protection Source: Canva Use lightweight, water-based moisturizers: Swap heavy creams for lightweight, gel-based moisturizers that absorb quickly and lock in moisture without clogging pores. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera are excellent for intense hydration. Incorporate hydrating face mists: Facial mists infused with rose water or cucumber extract can refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day, especially in dry, air-conditioned environments. Opt for soothing masks: Use hydrating sheet masks or cooling gel masks 2-3 times a week to replenish moisture and soothe irritated skin. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 유일한 공식 무료 SOC 게임! 설치도 없습니다! 경복의 바다 다운로드 Undo Protect your skin with sunscreen: Sunscreens with moisturizing properties help prevent moisture loss while shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for formulas containing nourishing ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides. Hydrating beverages and food for healthy skin Source: Canva Drink plenty of water: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily to flush out toxins and maintain optimal skin hydration. Infuse water with lemon, mint, or cucumber for added flavor and antioxidants. Source: Canva - Consume water-rich food: Eating fruits and vegetables with water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries, can aid in a more natural state of hydration. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol: These can dehydrate your body and skin, so limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol, and balance it with plenty of water. Include hydrating drinks: Herbal tea and coconut water are great sources of hydration and provide a range of vitamins and minerals for overall skin health. Simple everyday habits to protect your skin from dehydration Avoid hot showers: Hot water removes the natural oils on your skin. Lukewarm showers are better because they leave your skin intact and maintain the moisture of your skin Use a humidifier: As we spend a lot of time indoors, a humidifier can add moisture to dry air, which prevents skin from dehydration. Wear breathable fabrics: Natural fabrics, such as cotton, allow the skin to breathe while simultaneously reducing sweat build-up and areas of perspiration that can cause irritation. Also read | Struggling with weak nails? Know how to get strong, healthy nails naturally without spending a fortune One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Scotsman
a day ago
- General
- Scotsman
National Take Your Pet to Work Day 2025: Here are 7 expert tips to ease your dog into office life
Some dogs love a trip to the office! | Canva/Getty Images Everybody loves an office dog. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's National Bring Your Pet to Work Day (Friday, June 20) - the perfect time to offer some tips to help owners smoothly and safely introduce their furry friend to the workplace. Whether it's a first-time visit or a regular fixture, their top tips aim to ensure a stress-free experience for both pooch, owner and colleagues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Research shows 91 per cent of employees in pet-friendly workplaces say they feel supported in their wellbeing, compared to just 53 per cent in non-pet-friendly offices- and bringing dogs to work has been proven to boost morale, lower stress, improve attitudes, and increase overall productivity. However, it only works when both employers and colleagues are on board, so proper preparation is key to ensuring the dog feels safe, comfortable, and calm. Being unprepared can affect the dog's behaviour, disrupt the work environment, and undermine the benefits of a pet-friendly policy. Ben McFarlane, expert from ACME Kennels , said: 'As long as you have permission from an employer, bringing a dog to work offers proven benefits for everyone in the workplace, but success depends on proper preparation, whether that be creating a calm, safe space for the pup or clearly communicating the dog's needs and boundaries to colleagues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Your dog's wellbeing should be the top priority at work, so always watch for signs of stress or frustration, and take steps to ensure they're calm and settled, also minimising distractions for colleagues. To help make the transition into the workplace smooth, we've created a checklist of essentials to prepare your dog for the office or to improve their experience in a workplace setting.' Here are seven tips to benefit you, your dog and your work colleagues. Create a safe space To keep your dog comfortable, provide a designated area with easy access to water, toys, and their familiar blanket or bed, which helps them feel secure. Ensure the space is quiet, safe, away from busy walkways, and free from hazards like exposed wiring or excessive heat. Communicate with colleagues Before bringing your dog to work, have a clear conversation with colleagues about their comfort levels and any allergies. Make sure everyone understands your dog's needs, boundaries, and what behaviour to expect. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, let your team know to help keep them safe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Introduce colleagues gradually To help your dog adjust to the office, start with calm, one-on-one introductions to colleagues. Meeting people gradually prevents overwhelm and encourages positive interactions. Bring supplies To help your dog settle in at work, pack the essentials, for example, a water bowl, food, poo bags, a few toys, and a chew. Without proper supplies, they may get bored and act out, so being prepared is key to keeping them content and well-behaved. Nail basic commands and training No matter your workplace, certain dog behaviours like barking, jumping, or running around are likely to cause disruption. While it's natural for dogs to be excited by new sights and smells, basic training such as "sit," "stay," and quiet commands can prevent issues and help ensure a well-behaved companion at work. Walks Before heading to the office, a long walk or run will tire your dog, help them relax, and give them a chance to relieve themselves. Exercising your dog beforehand expends excess energy, leading to a calmer pooch and fewer disruptions in the office Make sure to also take it out on lunch breaks for the same reason. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Maintain a consistent routine
