News UAE

UAE traffic update: Morning congestion slows Dubai–Sharjah commute

News Editor 23/12/2025

Photo Credit: Google Map Morning rush hour traffic is causing slower travel times for commuters heading from Sharjah to Dubai, with congestion building across several key routes, according to real-time Google Maps data. Heavy congestion in Sharjah and Al MamzarTraffic is moving at reduced

News UAE

First specialised software for property developers launches in UK and UAE

News Editor 22/12/2025

For an industry tasked with delivering some of the world’s most complex assets, property development has long operated without technology designed specifically for its needs. That shortfall is becoming increasingly apparent as markets such as the UAE see growing demand for villa renovations, property flips and large-scale residential towers, all of which demand faster

News UAE

Ras Al Khaimah Police roll out smart services system to reduce bureaucracy

News Editor 22/12/2025

Ras Al Khaimah Police have launched a new integrated smart services and partnerships system designed to simplify procedures, boost service efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. The initiative brings together government and private-sector partners while using smart technologies to speed up service delivery and reduce administrative delays. Early results

News Transport UAE

Drones deployed to enhance Dubai Metro safety and efficiency

News Editor 22/12/2025

Photo Credit: RTA The Roads and Transport Authority has introduced advanced drone technology to inspect Dubai Metro tunnels, marking a major step forward in improving safety, efficiency, and infrastructure monitoring across the network. The initiative, rolled out in collaboration with metro operator Keolis MHI, enables faster and more precise inspections while

News Saudi Arabia

Watch Rare snowfall turns Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk and Hail into winter playgrounds

News Editor 19/12/2025

Parts of northern Saudi Arabia witnessed an unusual winter spectacle this week as snowfall blanketed mountainous areas in Tabuk and Hail, prompting residents to head outdoors and celebrate a scene rarely seen in the Kingdom. In high-altitude locations, including the Jabal Al Lawz range near the Jordanian border, snow covered hills and slopes, transforming the […]

News UAE

UAE establishes National Media Authority to oversee media sector

News Editor 18/12/2025

Image Credit : WAM The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree-Law establishing the National Media Authority, a new body tasked with regulating and developing the country’s media sector while strengthening its regional and international presence. The decree provides for the creation of a federal public authority affiliated with the Cabinet. The National Media Authority

News UAE

Abu Dhabi weather: Dh2,000 fine for entering flooded valleys, police warn

News Editor 18/12/2025

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to take extra precautions during rainy and unstable weather, warning drivers not to enter valleys or watercourses when they are flooded or flowing, regardless of how safe the situation may appear. The warning forms part of nationwide efforts to curb road accidents during adverse weather, when poor […]

Environment News UAE

UAE weather turns unstable as rain, hail and strong winds sweep across the country

News Editor 18/12/2025

Image Credit : Gulf News The UAE is experiencing a spell of unstable weather today and into the weekend, with scattered rain, thunderstorms, lightning and the possibility of hail in several areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Forecasters said partly cloudy to cloudy skies will dominate, with convective cloud formations bringing rainfall […]

Banking News UAE

No more OTPs for UAE banking as lenders roll out new in-app payment approvals by 2026

News Editor 17/12/2025

UAE banks are beginning to phase out traditional one-time passwords sent via SMS or email, replacing them with in-app transaction approvals aimed at improving speed and security. The move comes as financial institutions respond to a rise in phishing attempts, SIM-swap scams and OTP interception, which have made text-based verification increasingly vulnerable. Under the new

Education News UAE

UAE announces new school admission age criteria for 2026–27

News Editor 17/12/2025

Photo Credit : Gulf News The UAE has announced revised age cut-off criteria for school admissions starting from the 2026–27 academic year, standardising eligibility requirements across most curricula. The Ministry of Education confirmed that the official age cut-off date will now be December 31 of the admission year, replacing the previous August 31 benchmark. The […]

News Transport UAE

Dubai: RTA announces traffic diversions in Ras Al Khor for Metro Blue Line works

News Editor 17/12/2025

Photo Credit: Gulfnews Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced new traffic diversions in Ras Al Khor to support the start of construction works for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, a major public transport project aimed at expanding the emirate’s rail network. In an update shared on social media, the RTA confirmed that several […]

News UAE

What Founders in MENA Should Prepare for in 2026

News Editor 17/12/2025

Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with founders across the MENA region. The ambition, speed, and scale being built here are undeniable. But as we move toward 2026, I believe the ecosystem is entering a more mature phase, one where growth will be defined not just by speed, but […]

News UAE

UAE launches automatic passport and Emirates ID renewals for senior citizens, people of determination

News Editor 16/12/2025

Photo Credit: GN Archives The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security has rolled out a new service that enables the automatic renewal of passports and Emirates ID cards for senior citizens and people of determination registered under the social support programme. The initiative, known as the Taqdeer Package, removes the need for […]

News UAE

Dubai Police explores AI-driven innovations for next-generation VIP protection

News Editor 16/12/2025

Photo Credit : Gulfnews Dubai Police has held a high-level partner dialogue exploring how artificial intelligence and smart technologies can shape the future of VIP protection, as part of its efforts to strengthen security readiness and modernise protection operations. Titled “VIP Protection in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, the session brought together senior

News UAE

UAE weather update: Heavy rain hits Fujairah, showers reported in parts of Dubai

News Editor 16/12/2025

Photo Credit: zawya An active low-pressure system continues to affect weather conditions across the UAE, bringing heavy rain, cooler temperatures and unstable conditions in several parts of the country. Heavy rainfall was reported early Tuesday morning in Fujairah, particularly along coastal areas, leading to reduced visibility. Moderate to heavy showers were also recorded

News UAE

UAE launches public-led initiative to evaluate government services

News Editor 15/12/2025

The UAE has rolled out a new public engagement initiative aimed at involving community members directly in assessing the performance of federal government entities and improving service quality. The programme, titled Community Participation in Zero Bureaucracy, invites individuals from across society to evaluate government services based on their own experiences. The

News UAE

Emirates launches humanitarian airbridge to Sri Lanka after deadly cyclone

News Editor 15/12/2025

image credit :Emirates Emirates, in partnership with Dubai Humanitarian, has launched a humanitarian airbridge to deliver emergency aid to Sri Lanka following the widespread destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The airline said it will provide more than 100 tonnes of cargo capacity free of charge over the next two weeks on its daily passenger flights […]

Entertainment UAE

Global Village to host seven New Year countdowns and fireworks in one night

News Editor 15/12/2025

Global Village is set to welcome 2026 with a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve celebration, giving visitors the opportunity to experience seven international countdowns in a single evening. On Wednesday, December 31, the multicultural destination will extend its operating hours from 4pm to 2am, transforming the park into a global party hub. The evening will feature […]

News UAE

Dubai residents can book free driverless taxi rides via Uber in select areas

News Editor 12/12/2025

Image Credit : Dubai RTA Dubai residents can now experience driverless taxi rides in parts of the city, with up to 50 trips offered free of charge under a new pilot programme launched by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with Uber and autonomous mobility firm WeRide. The Robotaxi service is now live […]

News UAE

Abu Dhabi restricts heavy vehicles on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street this weekend

News Editor 12/12/2025

Abu Dhabi authorities have announced a temporary restriction on heavy vehicles and labour transport buses on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street this weekend to ease traffic movement and improve road safety. The Integrated Transport Centre, through its Abu Dhabi Mobility division, said the restriction will be in place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 3am […]