News UAE

Shams launches ‘Enta Al Sanad’ initiative to boost Emirati media entrepreneurship

News Editor 14/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Sharjah Media City (Shams) has unveiled a new initiative, “Enta Al Sanad”, aimed at empowering Emirati entrepreneurs to enter the media and content creation sector and transform creative ideas into sustainable businesses. The initiative is part of Shams’ broader strategy to

Arts & Culture

Abu Dhabi hosts literary forum spotlighting Arabic Booker 2026 shortlist

News Editor 14/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre has organised a major literary forum in collaboration with Al Multaqa Literary Salon, hosted at Louvre Abu Dhabi, to discuss the shortlisted works for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2026. The event brought together 16 reading clubs and cultural salons from across the UAE, reinforcing […]

Economy

Dubai Economy and Tourism, HSBC ink strategic deal to boost global investment inflows

News Editor 13/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic agreement with HSBC Bank Middle East Limited aimed at accelerating investment flows into Dubai and strengthening its position as a global financial and business hub. The partnership is designed to attract international corporates, institutional investors, and high-net-worth

Economy

DWTC Free Zone partners with Wio Bank to boost digital banking access for businesses

News Editor 13/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone has entered into a strategic partnership with Wio Bank PJSC to enhance digital banking access for companies operating within its ecosystem, reinforcing Dubai’s drive to simplify business operations and attract global investment. The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, will provide businesses

Economy UAE

Etihad Airways expands China network with five new destinations and increased flights

News Editor 13/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its mainland China operations, unveiling five new destinations and adding 28 weekly flights in one of its largest single-market growth moves in recent years. The expanded network will connect Zayed International Airport with key Chinese cities including Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and

News UAE

Dubai Police play key role in dismantling Scottish ‘Lyons Clan’ in global crime crackdown

News Editor 10/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM In a major international security operation, Dubai Police, in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Interior, have helped dismantle the notorious Scottish criminal network known as the Lyons Clan. The action formed part of the global operation Operation Armorum targeting money laundering and transnational organised crime. Authorities confirmed that Dubai

Economy

Salik posts AED1.55bn profit for 2025, approves AED890.3mn dividend payout

News Editor 10/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Dubai’s toll gate operator Salik Company PJSC has delivered a strong financial performance for 2025, reporting a net profit of AED1.55 billion, up 33.4% compared to the previous year. The results were approved during the company’s General Assembly held in Dubai, chaired by Mattar Al Tayer and attended by CEO Ibrahim […]

Economy

DIFC rolls out relief measures to support businesses and retailers

News Editor 10/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Dubai’s Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced a new package of temporary relief measures aimed at supporting businesses and retailers as the region navigates ongoing economic challenges. The financial hub confirmed that the initiatives are effective immediately and are designed to reduce short-term financial and operational pressures

Economy

Dubai Sets Global First with New Virtual Asset Issuance Guidance

News Editor 09/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — The national airline of the UAE, Etihad Airways, has announced it will launch a seasonal service to Dhaka, Bangladesh, beginning 26 June 2026.  According to the Emirates News Agency, the new route is designed to strengthen trade and cargo links across the South Asia corridor […]

Lifestyle UAE

Hajj leave in UAE private sector: Key rules, eligibility and how to apply

News Editor 09/04/2026

As thousands of residents prepare for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, employees in the UAE’s private sector are being reminded to plan their leave well in advance, with labour laws outlining specific provisions for those undertaking the journey. Under the UAE Labour Law — Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — Hajj leave is recognised as […]

UAE Weather

UAE Weather Alert: Rain, Dust and Reduced Visibility Prompt Safety Measures

News Editor 09/04/2026

Dubai — Authorities across the UAE have issued weather and traffic alerts as a low-pressure system brings unstable conditions, including scattered rainfall and dusty winds, expected to continue until Monday. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, the country is experiencing the impact of a surface low-pressure extension combined with a weak upper-air system. This

Health UAE

NHRI monitors human rights impact of Iranian attacks across UAE

News Editor 08/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has conducted field inspections across multiple locations in the UAE to assess the human rights impact of recent Iranian attacks, officials confirmed. A delegation led by Dr. Salem Al Neyadi, Chairman of the NHRI, visited key sites including healthcare facilities, residential areas, and other vital […]

News UAE

Abu Dhabi Police arrest 375 for spreading misleading content online

News Editor 08/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM Authorities have arrested 375 individuals of different nationalities for allegedly filming incidents and circulating misleading information on social media linked to ongoing events, Abu Dhabi Police confirmed. According to officials, the suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution, where legal proceedings will be carried out in line with UAE

Defence & Security UAE

UAE issues nationwide alerts as air defence systems respond to missile threat

News Editor 08/04/2026

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has confirmed that the country’s air defence systems are actively responding to a missile and drone threat, prompting immediate safety measures and nationwide alerts. Authorities issued emergency notifications across the UAE, urging residents to remain calm but vigilant as the situation unfolds. People

Economy

Overseas Pakistanis in UAE may face mandatory OPF membership with Rs10,000 fee

News Editor 07/04/2026

Photo Credit : KT File Pakistani expatriates, including those living in the UAE, may soon be required to obtain membership of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) under a new proposal awaiting approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The OPF has proposed making membership compulsory for all overseas Pakistanis, with a fee of Rs10,000 (approximately Dh130) […]

Arts & Culture UAE

UAE National Pavilion to showcase ‘Washwasha’ at Venice Biennale 2026

News Editor 07/04/2026

Photo Credit : WAM The UAE National Pavilion has announced its participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, where it will present its exhibition Washwasha from May 9 to November 22, 2026. Curated by Bana Kattan, with Tala Nassar, the exhibition brings together six artists — Alaa Edris, Mays Albaik, […]

Bahrain Defence & Security

Bahrain intercepts 665 missiles and drones amid escalating regional tensions

News Editor 07/04/2026

Bahrain Defence Force has successfully intercepted and destroyed a total of 665 aerial threats, including 188 ballistic missiles and 477 drones, since the beginning of Iranian attacks targeting the kingdom. According to a statement reported by Bahrain News Agency, the country’s air defence systems have been operating at high readiness to counter repeated strikes aimed […]

Transport UAE

Sharjah introduces strict EV charging law with fines up to Dh10,000

News Editor 07/04/2026

Photo Credit : Gulf News Sharjah has rolled out a new law regulating electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, introducing standard pricing, licensing requirements, and penalties reaching up to Dh10,000 as part of its push toward sustainable transport. The regulation, issued under Executive Council Resolution No. 15 of 2026, applies across the emirate, including free

News UAE

UAE to Create 1 Million Jobs by 2030 as AI and Digital Growth Accelerate Hiring

News Editor 06/04/2026

Dubai: The UAE is set to generate around one million new jobs by 2030, driven by rapid economic expansion, digital transformation and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, according to a new industry report. The findings highlight what experts describe as one of the most significant workforce expansion phases in the country’s history, with total […]

News UAE

UAE reviews Dh6 billion highway and mass transit plans linking Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman

News Editor 06/04/2026

Dubai: The UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council has reviewed a series of major transport projects, including a Dh6 billion federal highway and new mass transit proposals, aimed at improving connectivity between Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. The discussions took place during the council’s first meeting of 2026, chaired by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of […]