Author: Editorial Team
As UAE residents prepare for the Eid Al Adha holidays, many private sector employees are hoping to take Monday off to turn the official six-day break into a nine-day holiday. Private sector workers are set to be off from Tuesday, May 26, to Sunday, May 31, while public sector employees will enjoy a longer nine-day break from Saturday, May 23, to Sunday, May 31, as Monday, May 25, has been included as an official Eid holiday for government staff. For many workers, the extra leave means more time to travel, rest or be with family. However, HR experts and legal…
DUBAI, 19th May, 2026 (WAM) — DP World has attracted AED854 million in investments across Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in the first four months of 2026, underlining continued investor demand for Dubai’s trade and industrial hub. The investments reflect commitments made by Jafza tenants to develop and expand facilities across manufacturing, logistics, food production, healthcare, vehicle handling and heavy equipment. Momentum continued through March and April, with more than 43% of the total commitments by value signed during these months. The new investments reflect a broad mix of trade and industrial activity, including: Manufacturers of steel, food products and…
Described as an “exceptional visual and cultural document of the relationship between people and camels,” Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has launched Ode to a Camel, a new book featuring her photographs documenting camel culture, desert life, and Emirati heritage. The launch ceremony took place at Dubai Mall on May 16 and was attended by Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, sons of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, along with artists, intellectuals, and cultural…
ABU DHABI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — In a move that reflects the accelerating transition toward an integrated government model, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) announced that the new version of the UAE Government’s official platform (U.ae) achieved a significant milestone, attracting more than 11 million users over the past 12 months. These results demonstrate the success of the UAE leadership’s forward-looking vision in delivering a proactive and agile government model that serves as a unified gateway, ensuring seamless and direct access to services provided by various government entities. Data also revealed that the platform recorded more…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received on Tuesday a phone call from Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The ministers discussed recent regional developments. They exchanged views on these developments. Source: Saudi Gazette
Beijing — The Saudi Embassy in China reminded Saudi citizens visiting China to complete the Digital Arrival Card accurately before travel to facilitate entry procedures at Chinese ports. The embassy stressed the importance of complying with the official Chinese authorities’ procedures and instructions to ensure smooth entry. The card can be completed at: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone It is noteworthy that the Chinese government announced last November the extension of its visa exemption for Saudi citizens until December 31, 2026. This exemption allows Saudi citizens to enter China without requiring a visa in advance, subject to certain conditions. This facilitates travel and enhances…
From hoteliers to chefs, UAE-based hospitality leaders reflect on safety, service, innovation and why the country remains a global destination for memorable experiences Source: Khaleej Times
FUJAIRAH, 19th May, 2026 (WAM) — Etihad Rail has completed Fujairah Passenger Station, its first passenger station, ahead of the gradual launch of operations later this year. The station is located in Madinat Al Hilal area and spans 51,900 square metres. Adhraa Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Commercial for Etihad Rail, said the station occupies a strategic location in the Emirate of Fujairah, close to key landmarks and tourist attractions. She noted that the station is around 12 minutes from Fujairah International Airport, six minutes from Umbrella Beach Corniche, and five minutes from Sakamkam Fort. She added that the station…
Instead of speaking to therapists, counsellors, or even family members, many Arab teenagers are increasingly turning to TikTok and social media platforms for mental health advice, something UAE-based startup Elggo says reflects a deeper gap in how emotional wellbeing is being addressed across the region. “When nobody at home or at school opens that door, they go find answers on TikTok and social media instead, which is the worst possible place for it,” Mirna Mneimneh and Luma Makari, co-founders of Elggo told Khaleej Times The founders believe the issue is not that Arab youth are unwilling to discuss mental health,…
ALAIN, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Silal Group, the UAE’s leading agri-food and technology group, celebrated the graduation of the inaugural Cohort of the “Future Innovators Programme”. The programme is organised annually by the Advanced AgriTech Academy under Innovation Oasis, Silal Group’s research and development hub in Al Ain dedicated to advancing agricultural technology and innovation. The programme is a specialised national initiative aimed at empowering emerging Emirati agricultural innovators through practical experience, advanced scientific knowledge, and real-world applications. It is delivered in collaboration with the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), United Arab Emirates University, and Mawaheb,…