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

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 […]

Bahrain Finance UAE

UAE and Bahrain sign major currency swap agreement to boost financial ties

Miguel Hadchity 09/04/2026

Photo credit: WAM Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — In a move set to deepen financial cooperation between two of the Gulf’s most prominent economies, the Central Bank of the UAE and the Central Bank of Bahrain have officially established a Currency Swap Agreement between the UAE Dirham and the Bahraini Dinar.  According to the […]

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

Corporate

Dubai’s legal sector surges as international law firms flock to the emirate

Miguel Hadchity 08/04/2026

Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — Dubai’s position as a global legal powerhouse continues to strengthen, with the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department reporting a notable rise in licensed international legal consultancy firms during the first quarter of 2026.  By the end of March, the total number of licensed international firms had reached 86, […]

News

Jabal Akhdar’s Damask rose season has arrive at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa

News Desk 08/04/2026

As thousands of Damask roses burst into bloom across the terraced slopes of Jabal Akhdar from late March through May, a centuries-old tradition comes vividly to life. Visitors are invited to embark on a breathtaking journey through the numerous rose terraces and farms, where they can witness the full rose-making process; from delicate hand-harvesting to […]

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

GCC Tech

GCC-Stat and Arabian Gulf University forge strategic partnership to advance regional statistics

Miguel Hadchity 07/04/2026

Photo Credit: WAM Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — A new era of collaboration in regional data and research has begun, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf and the Arabian Gulf University.  The agreement, which aims to strengthen […]

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 […]

News UAE

UAE private schools shift enrolment fully online for new academic year

News Editor 06/04/2026

Image Credit : AFP Dubai: Private schools across the UAE are moving ahead with fully digital enrolment for the upcoming academic year, with admissions now handled entirely through online platforms. School administrators confirmed that parents can complete the entire process remotely, from submitting applications and student details to scheduling interviews and taking

Health

Abu Dhabi launches eight specialised centres for autism diagnosis across emirate

News Editor 03/04/2026

Photo Credit : Gulf News Abu Dhabi has designated eight specialised centres to support the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), marking a significant step in enhancing early detection and care services across the emirate in line with World Autism Awareness Day. The initiative, led by the Department of Health (DoH), covers facilities in Abu […]

Economy

Dubai unveils AED1bn economic stimulus to support hospitality and business sectors

News Editor 03/04/2026

A new set of economic measures announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is expected to strengthen business resilience and support growth across key sectors, particularly hospitality and tourism. The initiatives are part of a broader AED1 billion stimulus package introduced this week, aligned with the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed […]

News UAE

IBPC Dubai charts bold new chapter of growth and collaboration at annual general meeting

Miguel Hadchity 03/04/2026

Photo Credit: WAM Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — The Indian Business and Professional Council convened its Annual General Meeting, underscoring its role as a catalyst for Indo-UAE collaboration. According to the Emirates News Agency, Chairman Siddharth Balachandran described the bond between the UAE and India as foundational to the Council’s purpose.  He reminded those […]

Finance

ADNOC Distribution secures shareholder approval for $350m dividend, extends payout policy through 2030

Miguel Hadchity 02/04/2026

Photo Credit: ADNOC Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — ADNOC Distribution announced that shareholders approved all agenda items at its Annual General Assembly Meeting, including a final cash dividend of $350 million for the second half of 2025.  Equivalent to 10.285 fils per share, the payout is scheduled for distribution in April 2026. This brings […]