Dubai Media Council signs MoUs in South Korea

03

Oil & Gas 06.11.2026

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, H2G Green sign agreement targeting AED1bn in investment to enhance reliability of natural gas supplies to industrial sector

ABU DHABI, 5th November, 2026 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed an agreement with H2G Green Ltd and its subsidiary GasHubUnited Utility Private Ltd, alongside MUZN Energy, a subsidiary of SERGAS Group, and Cloud Energy Gas Company (CloudEnergi), during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2026).The agreement establishes a cooperation framework for assessing the potential development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to serve the industrial and commercial sectors in Abu Dhabi, including its local production, transportation, and distribution to meet the needs of facilities within the emirate as part of its efforts to strengthen energy security and enhance the efficiency and reliability of the emirate's energy system.The agreement will explore innovative solutions for supplying natural gas to industrial and commercial facilities, helping to diversify supply options, meet the needs of vital sectors, and advance Abu Dhabi's economic and industrial growth.The partnership supports ongoing efforts to strengthen the security of energy supply and industrial and commercial development in Abu Dhabi by identifying solutions for facilities located beyond the coverage of existing gas distribution networks. Liquefied natural gas offers a flexible and reliable supply option for these facilities, supporting business continuity and expansion while creating opportunities to transition from higher-emission fuels to lower-emission alternatives, in line with the emirate's energy efficiency and sustainability objectives.The agreement reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to developing an integrated, secure, and reliable energy system capable of supporting economic and industrial growth. By bringing together private-sector collaboration, an enabling regulatory environment for investment and innovation, and practical innovation, the collaboration explores further opportunities to diversify energy supply, improve efficiency, and respond to the evolving needs of the emirate's vital sectors.This collaboration could unlock potential investments of up to AED1 billion, supporting the development of flexible natural gas supply solutions for Abu Dhabi's industrial and commercial sectors.Under the agreement, the parties will assess opportunities to utilise LNG solutions to supply industrial and commercial facilities and locations not connected to existing gas distribution networks.Potential cooperation also includes supporting maritime and land transport operations and exploring opportunities to recover and utilise cold energy generated through LNG processes, contributing to more efficient resource utilisation and greater flexibility in Abu Dhabi's energy supply system.bdulaziz Mohammed Al Obaidli, Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said: "We continue to develop a secure, reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy system capable of supporting Abu Dhabi's economic and industrial growth, that creates an attractive environment for investors, and meets the requirements of vital sectors through diversified and efficient supply solutions.This collaboration reflects our commitment to working closely with the private sector and leveraging advanced expertise and technologies to explore practical solutions that strengthen energy security, enhance infrastructure readiness and supply resilience, and respond to future development requirements, while contributing to the emirate's sustainability objectives."Under the agreement, H2G Green will assess commercial opportunities for the development of potential projects, while GasHubUnited will contribute its technical and operational expertise in LNG technologies and associated engineering solutions.Muzn Energy will contribute its local expertise in developing, implementing, and operating gas supply solutions for the industrial and commercial sectors, while CloudEnergi will support the assessment of suitable solutions for customer supply and the transportation and distribution of gas to meet the needs of targeted facilities.DoE will facilitate coordination with relevant government entities and institutions and help identify suitable sectors and locations for assessing potential pilot projects, supporting the evaluation of the proposed solutions' feasibility and applicability in Abu Dhabi.Laith Al Madi, Chief Executive Officer of CloudEnergi, said: "CloudEnergi was the first operator to bring virtual pipeline CNG supply to the region, and virtual pipeline LNG supply is a natural progression of that same journey, thanks to our experience of over 12 years in delivering reliable natural gas solutions to industrial customers beyond conventional pipeline networks.Extending this proven model will help us support more of Abu Dhabi's industries, strengthen the emirate's energy security, and advance our commitment to reducing carbon emissions through innovative, scalable solutions. We are proud to build on our track record to lead this next phase of LNG development for industrial and commercial sectors in Abu Dhabi, alongside the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and our partners, to support Abu Dhabi's long-term energy ambitions."Mohamed Damak, Chief Executive Officer of Muzn Energy said: "As Abu Dhabi's industrial base continues to grow, so does the need for flexible, reliable, and resilient energy supply solutions. This MoU marks an important milestone in addressing that need and brings to life MUZN Energy, an initiative we have been working towards for some time.We are delighted to take this important step alongside the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, CloudEnergi, and GasHubUnited. By combining MUZN Energy's customer-conversion and gas transportation and distribution capabilities with the extensive expertise SERGAS Group has developed in the UAE gas sector since 1988, we aim to explore how LNG can provide industrial facilities beyond the existing gas network with a reliable and lower-emission energy alternative."LNG presents significant opportunities for the UAE. It enables industries to reduce their CO2 emissions by transitioning away from higher-emission fuels while accessing cleaner and more efficient energy solutions that enhance their competitiveness in regional and international markets.As natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly, LNG can also serve as a safer substitute for existing SNG systems across the UAE. Ultimately, this cooperation represents another step towards supporting the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the country's industrial energy infrastructure."Bentinck Ng, Chief Executive Officer of GasHubUnited Utility Private Ltd - Singapore, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and our partners to explore innovative LNG solutions that support the emirate's growing industrial and commercial sectors.This cooperation represents an important opportunity to leverage our technical and operational expertise in LNG technologies, last-mile distribution, and engineering solutions to assess practical and commercially viable approaches to natural gas supply beyond existing networks. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to enhancing supply reliability, strengthening energy resilience and supporting Abu Dhabi's long-term ambitions for a secure, efficient and sustainable energy system."The partnership will also support training and knowledge transfer, with the organisations exploring opportunities to build UAE capabilities in engineering, equipment assembly, operations, and maintenance.

04

Culture 06.11.2026

Bodour Al Qasimi honours winners of 18th International Award for Arabic Children's Literature

SHARJAH, 6th November, 2026 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), honoured the winners of the 18th edition of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature, presented by Etisalat and organised by UAEBBY, at a ceremony held during Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026.The ceremony was attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY; and Saood Ibrahim Saleh, Vice President of Government Sales for Dubai and the Northern Emirates at Etisalat. Also in attendance were cultural figures, representatives of organisations working in the book sector, members of the award's jury, and numerous authors, illustrators, publishers and media professionals, alongside guests of SIBF.Sheikha Bodour presented the awards across the five categories: Early Reader, Picture Book, Chapter Book, Young Adult Book and Non-Fiction. The Early Reader award went to Shapes from the Imagination, written by Nasser Al Dousari (Mr Noun), illustrated by Maya Majdalani and published by Zingo Ringo Books in Switzerland. Fahman, written by Masarra Touqan, illustrated by Maya Majdalani and published by Kalila wa Dimna Publishing in Jordan, won the Picture Book award.The Chapter Book award went to Unbesieged Minds, conceived by Lina Abou Chaban, written by Shireen Sabanegh and illustrated by Shirough Idris, Amani Albaba, Abdullah Qawariq, Naeem Ajouly and Diyala Zada, published by Jabal Amman Publishers in Jordan. The Young Adult Book award was won by The Boy Who Lost His Dream, written and illustrated by Rima Al-Shaal and published by Roya for Publishing and Distribution in Turkey. The Non-Fiction award went to The Knowledgeables Trip - A Journey with Arab and Muslim Scholars, written by Muhannad Al Akous, illustrated by Omar Lafi and published by Noon Books: Nahed AlShawa Cultural in Canada.Sheikha Bodour also honoured the jury members for their expertise and work in assessing the entries and selecting the winning books. The recognition acknowledged their contribution to highlighting outstanding work and upholding literary and artistic standards in books for children and young adults.In her address, Marwa Al Aqroubi expressed her gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his support for UAEBBY and its initiatives. She also paid tribute to the vision of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who conceived the award and has guided its continued development.Al Aqroubi said: "We are proud of the award's role in encouraging people to recognise the children's book as a complete creative work, with every element deserving care, from the idea and text to the illustrations and production. Among the achievements we value most is encouraging authors, illustrators and publishers to work together to create books that give children the pleasure of reading while respecting their intelligence and their needs at every stage of development."She added: "The growing number of participating publishers creates opportunities for a more diverse range of books and makes room for new creative approaches. Our ambition is for broader participation to lead to a wider readership, by promoting outstanding books, encouraging interest in their publishing and translation rights, and strengthening their presence in schools and libraries. An award gives a book an opportunity, and it is our shared responsibility to help it make the most of that opportunity, so that the award's success translates into better books, greater opportunities for their creators and a stronger place for reading in every child's life.''Saood Ibrahim Saleh said: "This celebration takes on greater significance at Sharjah International Book Fair, which we are also proud to sponsor. We value the direct encounters it makes possible between books and their readers, and between creative professionals and their partners in publishing. By sponsoring both the fair and the award, we help recognise outstanding work, give it exposure to wider audiences and connect it with those who can help it reach more readers.''He added: "Supporting culture is part of our social responsibility. Working in a sector where technology advances rapidly and access to information is constantly changing, we understand the value of reading in developing comprehension, discernment and independent thinking. We give particular attention to children's books because generations equipped to use the tools of the future also need knowledge to guide their choices, imagination to give them the confidence to innovate, and language through which to express their ambitions.''The award's 18th edition received 475 entries from 20 countries, submitted by 148 publishers and involving 324 authors and 231 illustrators. Entries increased by approximately 17% compared with the previous edition, while the number of participating publishers rose by 28% and authors by 16%. Of the submissions, 434 met the eligibility requirements. From these, a shortlist of 25 books published by 17 publishing houses in eight countries was selected. The winners were then chosen according to criteria covering originality of concept, the quality of the text and illustrations, correct use of language, production standards and suitability for the intended age group.By publisher location, the UAE led submissions for the second consecutive year with 149 books, followed by Egypt with 115, Jordan with 52, Saudi Arabia with 43 and Lebanon with 27. Entries from Syrian publishers increased from three to 11. Publishers from non-Arab countries also participated, including Canada with 15 entries, Türkiye with nine, Switzerland with eight and the United Kingdom with one. The geographical diversity of the participating creators extended to authors from 29 countries and illustrators from 33.Non-Fiction completed its second year as the award's rotating category, which focuses on a different area of children's publishing every two years. A new category will be introduced in the next edition. Non-Fiction received 27 entries this year, compared with 184 in Picture Book, 112 in Early Reader, 85 in Young Adult Book and 67 in Chapter Book. The figures reflect the diversity of submissions across reading needs and literary and informational formats.Launched in 2009, the award continues to encourage the development of Arabic content that combines enjoyment with literary, artistic and educational value by recognising outstanding books and introducing their creators to wider audiences. Honouring the winners at Sharjah International Book Fair offers an opportunity to present their work to readers and industry professionals, develop partnerships that help these books reach further, strengthen their presence in homes, schools and libraries, and support their translation into other languages.

05

Oil & Gas 06.11.2026

Abu Dhabi clean energy generation up 1,000% since 2020: EWEC

ABU DHABI, 5th November, 2026 (WAM) -- Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) today announced that renewable and clean energy generation across Abu Dhabi, powered by nuclear, solar, and wind, has increased by over 1,000 per cent between 2020 and 2025, reflecting the success of the Emirate's energy transition.This progress reflects EWEC's long-term capacity planning and the integration of renewable and clean energy technologies into Abu Dhabi's power system. The four units of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first nuclear energy plant in the Arab world, were brought online progressively between 2020 and 2024, establishing a continuous source of emissions-free baseload power. Over the same period, transformative projects commissioned and developed by EWEC's significantly expanded renewable generation, including Al Dhafra Solar PV and Noor Abu Dhabi, two of the world's largest single-site solar power generation plants.EWEC's latest consolidated operational data shows that renewable and clean electricity generation sources now account for almost 46 per cent of Abu Dhabi's total power generation, up from under 5 per cent in 2020. Between 2020 and 2025, renewable and clean energy generation increased from approximately 4,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) to more than 49,300GWh.Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer of EWEC, said: "The scale of progress achieved over the past five years demonstrates the impact of EWEC's long-term planning and the disciplined integration of a diversified renewable and clean energy portfolio. By integrating nuclear, solar and wind generation into the UAE's electricity system at scale, we are reducing carbon intensity while maintaining the reliability and security of supply needed to support the UAE's continued economic growth. We continue to build on this momentum by advancing further renewable and clean energy capacity, strengthening system flexibility and enabling a more resilient and sustainable energy system for Abu Dhabi and the UAE."Through the accelerated scaling of renewable and clean energy, EWEC is supporting the realisation of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy's Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in the energy transition.

06

Emirates News 06.11.2026

Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award 2026

DUBAI, 5th November, 2026 (WAM) -- His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended a ceremony honouring government entities, leaders and outstanding professionals who won the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award 2026. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, attended the event.Organised by the UAE Government, the award ceremony was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with ministers, senior officials, and government leaders.The winners included federal entities that achieved remarkable impact in government performance, and national leaders and professionals who set outstanding examples of dedication and service. Exceptional achievers and projects that advanced national priorities and strengthened the UAE's leadership and global competitiveness were also recognised.H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "Today, we attended the ceremony honouring the winners of the Government Excellence Award 2026. We honoured the leading federal entities and the government's finest directors and specialists. The highlight of the ceremony was honouring my brother, His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, with the Mohammed bin Rashid Sash, in recognition of his distinguished record of national service and his contributions to the country over many decades."H.H. added: "We congratulate all the winners of the excellence awards, which we introduced more than 30 years ago. We will continue them, because excellence is not a destination. It is a mindset and a culture. A mindset that strives for a perfection it never reaches. A mindset that constantly redefines success and has the courage to keep changing and experimenting. Excellence is one of the virtues of good governance." During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan with the Mohammed bin Rashid Sash in recognition of a lifetime of national service and his significant contributions to building the UAE and developing its institutions. Sheikh Suroor was among the men who stood alongside the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during the founding of the nation. He helped bring Sheikh Zayed's vision of a modern state to life and develop vital sectors that became cornerstones of the UAE's development.H.H. also honoured three government entities with the Leading Federal Entity Award for Excellence in Sustainability. The award recognises their success in maintaining excellence over successive cycles, embedding it as a lasting institutional approach, and sustaining advanced levels of performance and continuous improvement. The winners were the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, honoured the winners of the main institutional categories. The Leading Federal Entity Award for ministries with more than 500 employees went to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, while the award for ministries with fewer than 500 employees went to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.Among authorities, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security won in the category of more than 500 employees, and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources won in the category of fewer than 500 employees. The Most Improved Entity award for ministries was shared by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Community Empowerment, while the Most Improved Entity award for authorities went to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, honoured the winners of the institutional subcategories. The Best Entity Contributing to the UAE's Global Leadership and Competitiveness award went to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, and the Best Entity in Adopting Innovative Solutions award went to the Ministry of Interior.The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security was recognised as the Best Entity in Outstanding Value, and the Ministry of Justice won the award for Best Entity in Developing Legislation and Laws. The Best Entity in Partnership and Integration award was shared by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was recognised as the Best Entity in Proactivity and Future Readiness, and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources as the Best Entity in Artificial Intelligence Applications.H.H. also presented two Special Recognition awards to projects that delivered tangible national impact and advanced the UAE's priorities. The first went to the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology for the Make it in the Emirates initiative. The second went to the Ministry of Health and Prevention for Hayat, the National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation. The ceremony also honoured the recipients of the Prime Minister's Medals, in recognition of their contributions to advancing government performance and their outstanding achievements across various sectors.Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, honoured the recipients of eight Prime Minister's Medals. The Medal for Best Young Employee was awarded to Captain Sultan Mohammed Al Nuaimi from the Ministry of Interior. The Medal for Best Employee in Future Jobs went to Abdulla Talal Al Hammadi from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Medal for Best Chief AI Officer to Abdulla Ghuloom Al Bastaki from the Federal Tax Authority.The Medal for Best Undersecretary went to Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Medal for Best Director General to Fatma Abdulla Al Jabri from the Central Bank of the UAE. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment received the Medal for Best Assistant Undersecretary, and Abdulla Ahmed Al Naqbi from Emirates Health Services received the Medal for Best Executive Director. The Medal for Best Department Director was shared by Colonel Mohammed Abdulla Abushehab from the Ministry of Interior and Colonel Mohammed Abdulla Burahimah from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, honoured the recipients of eight Prime Minister's Medals. The Medal for Best Ambassador was awarded to HE Ahmed Wahib Al Attar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany. The Medal for Best Female Ambassador went to HE Dr. Al Saghira Wabran Hamad Al Ahbabi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Paraguay.Maimoona Hashim Al Muaini, Principal of Zayed Educational Complex in Dubai, received the Medal for Best School Principal. Eman Mohammed Al Khoori from Madinat Al Riyadh School in Abu Dhabi received the Medal for Best Teacher in the Top 5 category. The Medal for Best Doctor went to Dr. Noura Salem Marzouq, General Practitioner at Al Qassimi Hospital, and the Medal for Best Government Communication Director to Afra Mahash Al Hameli from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ali Abdulkarim Ali from Emirates Health Services received the Medal for Best Customer Happiness Employee, and Fatima Khalifa Al Anezi from the General Civil Aviation Authority received the Medal for Best Specialist Employee. The Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award is the UAE's highest honour for government excellence and a key pillar of the UAE's government performance system. It aims to inspire entities, leaders and professionals to deliver outstanding results, encourage positive competition, share best practices and raise the quality of government services.The 2026 evaluation cycle saw the participation of 30 federal government entities, with 57 leaders and 236 government employees nominated for the Prime Minister's Medals. More than 130 Emirati and international experts and assessors took part in the evaluation. It applied a comprehensive 360-degree methodology focused on results and impact, measuring performance from the perspectives of government, society, customers and employees.The award builds on a journey that began with the launch of the Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme in 2006. Since then, the UAE has continued to build an integrated government system founded on excellence, innovation and proactivity, one that delivers tangible results in people's lives and reinforces the nation's position as a global model in government administration.

07

Sports 06.11.2026

Riyan Malhan makes history with UAE's first gold medal at Youth Olympics

DAKAR, 5th November, 2026 (WAM) -- Riyan Malhan, a member of the UAE national badminton team, achieved a historic milestone by winning gold in the boys' singles event at the fourth Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, after beating France's Mady Sow 2-0 in the final. The victory secured the UAE's first gold medal in its history at the Games and opened a new chapter in the journey of Emirati badminton.Malhan's gold is the UAE's second medal in the history of the Youth Olympic Games, following the showjumping silver won by UAE national team rider Omar Al Marzooqi at Buenos Aires 2018. The champion thus continues the UAE's run of achievements, adding a golden lustre to its achievements in Dakar.The medal ceremony was attended by Saeed Hamdan Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal, and Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the UAE Olympic Committee.

08

Emirates News 05.11.2026

Dubai Police care for dogs and escort pet ambulance after resident's car accident

Officers looked after a resident's two dogs at an accident scene on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and escorted a pet ambulance to the clinic.