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The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
How puzzle video games can improve brain health and focus
There's a reason Sherlock Holmes and his escapades haven't gone out of style since he made his debut in A Study in Scarlet back in 1887. That's the enduring popularity of a good puzzle. And who doesn't love to pit their wits and flex their powers of deduction against a powerful video game? Puzzles are having a major moment. This includes books, such as the popular Murdle series of mysteries; escape rooms where groups must solve the clues together to unlock the door; and even Wordle, which has maintained its pandemic-era popularity. Released this year, video game Blue Prince has proved wildly popular thanks to its mix of storytelling and puzzle-solving. Gamers play as Simon P Jones, a young man who is set to inherit the Mt Holly Estate from his grandfather, Herbert S Sinclair, but only if he can find the manor's hidden 46th room. Players need to build the interior of the estate to create a maze-like layout that leads to the hidden room. 'I'm at that age where a wild Friday night involves staying in and playing video games with my better half,' says Nathan Irvine, radio and podcast producer at Dubai Eye. ' Blue Prince is our current favourite. We play it together – one uses the controller to wander around the mansion, and the other takes notes on clues. Before Blue Prince, our evening's entertainment revolved around other multiplayer puzzle games, such as Tetris Effect, PixelJunk Monsters 2 and Lumines Remastered.' Are puzzle games good for the brain? While parents often lament the amount of time their children spend on their computers, not all video games are created equal. Puzzle-focused games can have an array of benefits. 'I've seen first-hand the cognitive and behavioural benefits of puzzle and logic games,' says Gayatri Govind Gajjam a clinical psychologist at Aster DYU Child Development Centre. 'These games offer far more than entertainment, they can be powerful tools for cognitive development and mental well-being. Puzzle and logic games are more than just a form of entertainment; they provide meaningful cognitive stimulation, and enhance critical thinking, working memory and mental flexibility.' Mental stimulation is a key component when choosing video games that aid growth. Structured challenges such as puzzle and clue-solving strengthen executive functioning and encourage sustained focus. Key brain health benefits can include improved problem-solving skills, enhanced working memory, improved cognitive flexibility and, interestingly for those with ADHD or other inattention disorders, increased attention and concentration. 'These games activate multiple regions of the brain,' says Gajjam. 'The prefrontal cortex is heavily engaged as players plan, strategise and solve problems. The hippocampus supports memory formation and recall, while the parietal lobes assist with spatial awareness and logical reasoning. Engaging these areas regularly promotes interconnectivity between brain regions, which enhances overall cognitive efficiency.' Benefits for young and old Video games are often considered the preserve of the young, but puzzle games are cross-generational, with benefits for younger and older brains alike. 'One of the most fascinating aspects of logic and puzzle gameplay is that their impact is age-specific, yet universally beneficial,' says Yasir Shafi, a homeopathy practitioner at Wellth. 'While the mechanisms of benefit may differ by age, the underlying principle remains the same: consistent, challenging mental activity is one of the most effective ways to support brain health across the lifespan.' Puzzle video games such as Blue Prince change on a daily basis, engaging you to constantly learn and take notes as you proceed, while the game Chants of Sennaar involves decoding fictional languages and writing to advance, enhancing critical thinking and improved cognitive processing speed. 'There have always been plenty of puzzle and logic games around,' says Irvine. ' Tetris is a great example that has stood the test of time. Originally released in 1984, its many iterations – but simple formula – make it one of the top-selling games of all time.' Four puzzle video games to download now The Case of the Golden Idol Available on: Nintendo Switch, MacOS, Xbox, Mobile, PlayStation and PC If murder puzzles are your thing, step into The Case of the Golden Idol in which you must find the murderer at each stage of the game. With clues and evidence all around, this is the ideal game to play with friends and family as you work to eliminate suspects and find connections between the deceased. Return of the Obra Dinn Available on: PlayStation, PC, MacOS, Xbox and Nintendo Switch Mystery fans will be in their element with this old-school game in which the merchant vessel Obra Dinn which disappeared in 1803 suddenly reappears off the coast of England five years later. Surprise, surprise, everyone on board is dead and it's up to you to discover how each person died using a pocket watch that allows you to see their final moments. Outer Wilds Available on: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and PC In Outer Wilds you'll find yourself stuck in a 22-minute time loop in a dying solar system trying to discover what is happening and how you can save everyone. Working out why the system is degenerating is the key, and you must visit nearby planets to try to escape the loop, solving mysteries along the way. Gorogoa Available on: Mobile, PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch Simpler than many puzzle games on the market, Gorogoa 's gentle sketch-style scenes hold hidden meanings. It's reminiscent of hand-held sliding puzzles in which you move square tiles to complete the image. In this slow-paced game the screen is divided into four panels, each featuring a scene you can interact with and deconstruct to move the story along.
TimesLIVE
21-04-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Saudi Arabia not ruling out a bid for 2035 Rugby World Cup
Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2034 Soccer World Cup, could make a bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup despite barely playing the game. Sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal was not ruling it out when he met reporters on the sidelines of Sunday's floodlit Formula One grand prix in Jeddah. 'We're interested in rugby, we're interested in developing the sport locally, so we created a federation to see what we can do to develop the sport,' he said. 'I don't think we're on the level of hosting yet but 2035 is in 10 years so maybe it grows in that direction and we see a big interest in that, then why not?' The Times newspaper reported last month Saudi Arabia could join with Qatar, who hosted the 2022 Soccer World Cup, and the United Arab Emirates in a joint bid for 2035 or 2039. It quoted Asia Rugby president Qais Al Dhalai, an Emirati, as saying it could happen. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are officially teaming up to launch a joint bid to host the 2035 or 2039 Rugby World Cup - a first for the region and potentially, a very big moment for the global game. Georgia Tolley gets the take of Benjamin Van Rooyen, CEO of Asia Rugby. - Dubai Eye 103.8 'A multi-host could be a successful story and a new model for rugby. UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Why not? The stadiums are ready there. It will be the most successful event in the history of rugby,' he said. The UAE are ranked 49th in the world, with Qatar 87th and Saudi Arabia not in the top 113. Australia hosts the next men's tournament in 2027 with the US in 2031. Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia, which has also been awarded the 2029 Asian Winter Games, has 97 sports federations and could not host everything. 'But why do we have 97 federations? Because we want to promote sports, even the smallest sports that maybe a small number of people participate in, in Saudi or there isn't that big of an interest, so at least someone can play that sport in the kingdom.' The country has spent heavily on sport but critics accuse it of 'sportswashing' its human rights record. The country denies rights abuses and says it protects national security through its laws. Al-Faisal said boxing was showing rapid growth, with more and more gyms opening as the country hosted world title fights, and golf was the same. 'We had a very small percentage of youth playing in golf but now after LIV Golf, and after the tournaments that we've hosted in the kingdom, we see a big number of participation,' he said. Cricket was another sport with potential due to the large number of foreign workers from elsewhere in Asia. 'I think in the cricket league we have around 35,000 players already, 90% of them are not Saudi, but we want to accommodate that because they live here, we want to provide for them,' said the prince. 'So does it mean we're going to host a big cricket tournament or match in the future? Maybe. But we'll see how it goes towards that, and if it makes sense to host these events.'
Dubai Eye
18-03-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai Airports hand out 60,000 Iftar boxes
Coming Up on Dubai Eye The Score 7:00pm - 9:00pm Hosted by Chris McHardy, The Score is your comprehensive guide to the world of sport. 9:00pm - 11:00pm Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to the USA UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI. New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple? Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm's new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn't ready? Working From Home or Hardly Working? Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance? On Dubai Eye Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE Dubai's current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market? Noon's First Female Delivery Driver Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon's first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!
What's On
21-02-2025
- What's On
DXB Airport to welcome 2.5 million passengers over the next week
It's a busy one… 2.5 million passengers are set to be welcomed into Dubai International Airport from February 20 to 28, with daily number of people predicted to be averaging 280,000 people. Dubai Eye has reported that the peak is likely to be tomorrow, Saturday, February 22, when more than 295,000 guests are expected on the day. This large number is due to school holiday and various global events happening. Travellers are encouraged to use the Dubai Metro for easy access to and from the airport, and to reduce traffic on the roads. For those arriving at Terminal 1, such as those arriving on carrier British Airways, the Arrivals bus stop will be out of service from February 21. Alternative transport options and updated bus schedules are available via the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) website. Emirates issued an update for passengers travelling on these dates too. Some roads in Dubai are also closed this weekend with The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle is taking place in Dubai this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 22 and 23. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
21-02-2025
- Sport
- What's On
These Dubai roads are closed this weekend
Some roads will be fully closed for a few hours… The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle is taking place in Dubai this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 22 and 23 and some roads will have no access for motorists for parts of the weekend. Riders are preparing for the annual 92km race plus other shorter 35km and 12km events. Some areas affected are JVC, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Sports City, Springs, Damac Hills. Dubai Eye has reported the road closures are the following: Saturday, February 22 From 6.15am until 9.30 am no access to the D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan to Expo City Dubai direction or from Expo City Dubai D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan Road. Restricted and limited traffic flow at the traffic lights of D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan / Hessa Street. Tilal Al Ghaf and Remraam will be affected also. Sunday, February 23 On Sunday, February 23 there will be a larger number of roads closed for the main event. From 6.10am until 8.22am, no access to D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan or the passing of the Traffic circle Al Qudra Road / Umm Sequim & D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan. The affected areas include Al Reem, Damac Hills, Damac Hills 2 Akoya (DAMAC), Mira, Mira Oasis, Town Square, Cherry Woods, Serena, Arabian Ranches 2, The Sustainable City, Al Waha, Layan. From 6.22am until 8.22am there will be no access to D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan or the passing of the traffic circle Al Qudra Road / Umm Sequim and D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan. Affected areas are Global Village, The Villa, City Land Mall, Arabian Ranches. From 6.50am until 8.40am, no access to Hessa Street. Affected areas are Studio City and Motor City. From 6.10am. until 9.50am, no access to Hessa Street or D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nayan. Affected area is Tilal Al Ghaf. From 7.25am until 9.50am, no access to Hessa Street. Affected areas will be Sports City, Jumeriah Golf Estates, Al Barsha, Al Barsha South, Jumeriah Village Circle. From 7.00am until 9.30am, no access to Al Asayel Street (there are controlled exits and a diverted route in place). Affected areas will be Springs, Jumeirah Park, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Islands, JLT (DMCC), Meadows diversion. Don't worry though, there are lots of things to do this weekend that won't be affected by traffic or why not do a pool day nearby instead? Best of luck to everyone completing the cycle… > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
