Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade grew 34.7% in H1 2025, up from AED145 billion during the same period in 2024/ Representative image Abu Dhabi’s non-oil trade sector delivered a standout performance in the first half of 2025, driven by a robust surge in exports, steady growth in imports, and a rise in re-exports. The 34.7% […]
The new National Anti-Narcotics Authority has been established to replace the existing General Department of Anti-Narcotics in the Ministry of Interior In a landmark move to reinforce its national drug control strategy, the UAE has established a new federal body, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, through a decree-law issued by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al […]
AlDhabi AlMheiri, four times Guinness record holder, builds AI academy for kids/Image: Instagram TL;DR: Eleven-year-old AlDhabi AlMheiri has launched an AI academy for children and holds multiple Guinness World Records. She earned the title of youngest female to publish a bilingual book at just seven years and 360 days. Her entrepreneurial and publishing ventures, Rainbow […]
UAE law draws a line between scandal and crime/Image: File TL;DR: A Coldplay concert kiss-cam incident has reignited debate about infidelity and public exposure in the UAE and beyond. UAE law considers adultery a criminal offence but only with clear proof, a private complaint, and physical involvement. Emotional or digital cheating, while socially condemned, does […]
Etihad Rail is a 1,200km national railway project that began in 2016 and is being developed in phases at a cost of Dh40 billion/ Image: X In a significant step toward reshaping the UAE’s transportation landscape, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, travelled aboard a […]
RAKTDA reports strongest-ever first half tourism results of 654,000 arrivals/Image: Shutterstock TL;DR: 654,000 visitors arrived in Ras Al Khaimah during H1 2025, a record high, up 6% year-on-year, with tourism revenues rising 9%. MICE and wedding tourism exploded by 36%, fueled by global events and destination weddings. Growth was driven by new direct flights (to […]
UAE hosts over 44 million date palms, produces 76,000 tons annually, with 160 varieties, ranking sixth globally in production In a country known globally for its steel and skyline, it’s the date palm, not the skyscraper, that’s emerging as the UAE’s most enduring emblem. This year, that symbolism took tangible form when H.H. Sheikh Hamdan […]
RAKBANK’s mobile app now lets customers trade major cryptocurrencies using UAE dirhams/Image: Instagram TL;DR: RAKBANK is the first traditional UAE bank to enable retail crypto trading via its mobile app. The service is delivered in collaboration with Bitpanda Broker MENA DMCC, a licensed VARA-regulated platform. Customers can buy, sell and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and […]
Influencers in the UAE must now get a Advertisers permit to legally post promotional content on social media/ Representative Image TL;DR If you post ads on social media in the UAE, paid or unpaid, you’ll need a new permit. It’s free for the first three years and becomes mandatory after a three-month grace period. The […]
Probation Period Extended from 6 to 9 months for all new government employees in Sharjah/ Image: WAM TL;DR Probation periods extended from 6 to 9 months, with a possible 3-month extension. New job grades created for Emiratis and children of Emirati mothers. Clear structures introduced for hiring, job descriptions, and internal HR committees. The Sharjah […]
