Silicon Valley may be notorious for its boys’ club culture, but the Middle East’s start-up scene is booming thanks to the efforts of female entrepreneurs and scientists. What social and economic factors are leading these women into tech? And how can gender equality benefit their home countries?

Unlike traditional stars, online micro-celebrities regularly share their private lives through social media, using Insta Stories and Snapchat to build a sense of intimacy. Live-streaming app Bigo Live goes a step further, letting fans show their devotion with a system of gifts and one-on-one chats.

With more news than ever being shared online, it can be tricky to separate fact from fiction. Citizens of the UAE prefer social media news for its speed and ease of access, but most say they doubt its accuracy, hinting at a desire for information sources that are both verifiable and convenient.

Social media may present parenthood as a breeze, but often neglects to depict the tough realities of raising a child new parents face. Research shows that such idealisation of parenthood is affecting people's self-esteem, as they feel pressured to live up to unrealistic portrayals of family life.