As families seek alternatives to traditional schooling, online education providers are investing in physical community spaces that blend digital learning with in-person interaction
Read News
ABU DHABI, 7th October, 2026 (WAM) -- A delegation from the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), headed by Dr. Salem Suhail Al Neyadi, Chairperson of the NHRI, visited Al Rayyan Workers' Residential City in Al Mafraq, Abu Dhabi, to conduct a field assessment of workers' living conditions and the services and facilities provided to them, as well as to assess safety standards, preparedness, and emergency response capabilities.The visit forms part of the mandate vested in the NHRI under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021 and reflects its commitment to direct field observation and monitoring of the availability of safe and healthy living conditions for workers, thereby supporting their enjoyment of the rights guaranteed to them under national legislation and international human rights instruments and conventions.The visit also featured the active participation of representatives from the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority as part of the NHRI's official delegation. Their participation was aimed at strengthening institutional coordination and complementarity of roles, while providing a specialised technical assessment of fire prevention and safety requirements, evacuation systems, and the readiness of workers' residential facilities to respond to and manage emergencies.Dr. Al Neyadi commended the leading role played by Al Rayyan Workers' Residential City and the comprehensive services it provides in accordance with the highest international standards. He noted that the city reflects the UAE's strong commitment to safeguarding workers' rights and providing them with a suitable living environment that contributes positively to their quality of work and life.At the conclusion of the visit, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution expressed his sincere appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, and the management of Al Rayyan Workers' City for their fruitful cooperation and support for the NHRI's national human rights mandate.The visit forms part of the NHRI's National Field Visits Programme, which seeks to monitor workers' conditions, working environments, and access to decent housing; engage directly with workers and listen to their views and observations; and assess matters relating to their safety, health, and dignity. Through such field engagement, the NHRI seeks to strengthen the protection and promotion of workers' rights.The UAE places particular emphasis on the welfare of workers and the conditions of their accommodation, supported by an advanced legislative framework and proactive measures aimed at safeguarding workers' dignity and rights. The country has established and developed integrated workers' cities that provide high-quality residential environments in line with leading international standards. These efforts have contributed to strengthening the UAE's position as an investment destination at both the regional and global levels, while supporting the attraction of further investment and the workforce required to advance the country's sustainable development.
Read News
Sharjah, 8th October, 2026 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Sir Bu Nair Festival 2026 at Al Heera Beach in Sharjah, held by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA).Running from 7th to 18th October at Al Heera Beach, the festival offers a diverse programme that combines environmental education, knowledge-sharing, community engagement and entertainment. It highlights the ecological significance of Sir Bu Nair Island and showcases its rich biodiversity and unique marine ecosystem.The opening featured a maritime-themed performance by the Zeina Al Sharjah troupe of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, celebrating a relationship between the UAE people and the ocean.Visitors also enjoyed an innovative visual presentation that brought the story of Sir Bu Nair Island to life, exploring its history, natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The show highlighted the island's pristine beaches, distinctive landscapes and rich environmental heritage.During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed honoured strategic partners, supporting organisations and collaborating entities in recognition of their contributions to the festival's success. He expressed his appreciation for their efforts before watching a series of accompanying performances presented by traditional folk groups.H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan toured several sections of the festival, starting with the educational workshops area, where His Highness was briefed on the interactive activities designed to make environmental concepts more accessible to visitors and to strengthen public awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources and supporting conservation efforts.H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan also visited the "Discover Sir Bu Nair Island Reserve" exhibition, which offers an immersive experience through photographs, specimens and informative displays about the island's history and natural environment; the exhibition also introduces coral reefs and coral restoration initiatives, aiming to raise awareness about marine ecosystems importance.H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan then visited the Sir Bu Nair Festival Village, where he looked around at the different pavilions and activities offered by the participating organisations. The village also has a food and beverage area, together with a variety of other experiences which enhance the festival atmosphere.The 2026 edition gives particular attention to coral reefs and the important part they play in supporting biodiversity and in keeping the balance of marine ecosystems; it also highlights the environmental and natural value of Sir Bu Nair Island, which reflects the Environment and Protected Areas Authority's dedication to promoting awareness of the need to protect marine habitats and to strengthen the community's ties to Sharjah's natural heritage.The festival programme includes workshops, interactive activities, mini exhibitions, hands-on environmental experiences, and a variety of sporting and maritime events. Together, these activities provide visitors with an engaging mix of learning, recreation and community participation, while offering a closer look at the island's natural and marine characteristics and the ongoing efforts to preserve its biodiversity and habitats. The programme aligns with Sharjah's vision of promoting environmental responsibility and fostering a stronger connection between people and nature.Also attending the opening ceremony were Sheikh Majid bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Districts Affairs Department; Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah International Airport Authority; Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and Chairman of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club; Aisha Rashid Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH; Majid Salem Al Junaid, Chairman of Sharjah Co-operative Society; and several other senior officials.
Read News
Retired brigadier recounts how a driver's honesty persuaded a visiting family to make the emirate their home
Read News
Anjana Sanalkumar, who taught generations of students at The Westminster School, is remembered by colleagues and families
Read News
SHARJAH, 7th October, 2026 (WAM) -- The Xposure International Photography and Film Awards 2026-2027 have received over 22,000 photography and film submissions from 108 countries, including 21,587 photographs and 543 film entries. Judging has now begun, with finalists and winners to be selected across the various categories.Photography entries covered nature, portraiture and urban environments, alongside work incorporating new technologies. Film submissions explored human, social and environmental themes in different genres.This broad participation comes ahead of the 11th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB). Finalists and winners in photography and film will be announced during the festival, with selected works also featured in its exhibition programme.Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, said: "This high level of participation reflects the festival's international appeal and its ability to attract creatives from diverse cultures and backgrounds, reinforcing Xposure's standing as a global destination for visual storytelling."Allay said Xposure reflects Sharjah's wider approach to supporting creative talent, giving photographers and filmmakers opportunities to present their work while recognising projects with both artistic value and human relevance.He noted that investment in photography recognises creativity as an essential part of cultural expression and helps pass its value to future generations.He added that the Xposure Awards recognise the dedication and effort behind every creative work, whether expressed through photography or film, while supporting creators whose work can raise public awareness and create long-term impact.The photography awards feature 10 categories, including Architectural Photography, Mobile Photography, Nature & Landscape, Night Photography, Portraiture, Photomanipulation and AI, Sports Photography, Street Photography, Visual Storytelling, and the Junior category for UAE residents under the age of 18.Nature & Landscape attracted the largest share of photography entries at 23%, followed by Street Photography at 19% and Portraiture at 15%.Entries came from around the world, with China, the UAE and India leading participation, reflecting the awards' global reach among photographers and visual content creators.The film awards feature four updated categories this season comprising Narrative Short Film, Documentary Short Film, Environmental or Social Impact Film, and Action, Innovation and New Tools.An international judging panel of 37 photographers, experts and industry professionals is evaluating the entries based on originality, visual appeal and artistic impact. Shortlisted works will then go through a more detailed assessment of composition, technical quality, storytelling and relevance to the category theme.A winner and runner-up will be selected in each category, alongside an overall winner. The Awards Oversight Committee will review the judges' scores before the results are approved to ensure consistency in the evaluation process and adherence to the established criteria.
Read News
ABU DHABI, 7th October, 2026 (WAM) -- The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced that the 2026-2027 traditional hunting season for falconry will run from 20 October 2026 to 31 January 2027. The season is regulated under Law No. (22) of 2005 concerning hunting in Abu Dhabi and its Executive Regulations.The season supports EAD's commitment to preserving falconry as an integral part of the UAE's cultural heritage, while protecting wildlife and natural habitats.Hunting during the 2026 - 2027 season is restricted to licensed falconers, and only captive-bred Houbara bustards may be hunted. It is permitted in open areas across Abu Dhabi, at least two kilometres away from main and secondary roads, and from restricted areas, including protected areas, forests, residential and military areas, petroleum facilities, private property.EAD issues falconry licences under Resolution No. (5) of 2021, which amended certain provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Hunting Law. Applicants must be UAE nationals aged 18 or over, and any falcon used for hunting must be registered in the national falcon registration system of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.Applications for a traditional hunting licence for falconry can be submitted through the 'TAMM' smart application or website using UAE Pass. Applicants should select "Leisure" under Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, followed by the "Issuance of Falconry Licence" service, accept the terms and conditions, and pay the seasonal fee of AED 127. The licence is then issued electronically.Falconers must comply with all environmental requirements specified in the licence. Hunting is permitted only between sunrise and sunset, and licences are valid for one season. Falconers must not hunt or disturb any other wild animals, birds or reptiles; drive over or damage vegetation; or transfer their licence to another person.Licence holders must carry their licence while hunting and present it to the relevant authorities upon request. They must also keep natural areas clean and dispose of all waste responsibly.Through its close cooperation with strategic partners, particularly the Emirates Falconers' Club, EAD continues to establish science-based controls and clear implementation measures that enable falconry to be conducted to the highest standards and in line with international best practice.
Read News
DUBAI, 7th October, 2026 (WAM) -- The e-Crimes and Cybersecurity Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation of Dubai Police has set up an interactive awareness platform at Dubai Mall to enhance community awareness of all types of cybercrimes, in conjunction with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed every October.The platform, which welcomes visitors until the 10th of this month, comes as part of the electronic crime awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Dubai Police General Command and the Dubai Electronic Security Center, under the slogan "UAE is Safe With Your Digital Awareness". The campaign aims to raise public awareness of emerging cyber threats, fraud tactics and safe online practices through a series of awareness initiatives and events.The awareness platform introduces the public to various types of electronic crimes and the fraudulent methods scammers use to seize people's money. It also offers an integrated interactive experience combining educational games and artificial intelligence technologies to deliver an innovative awareness journey that reinforces the concepts of cybersecurity and safe behaviour in the digital space, along with raising awareness of deepfakes, ways to protect children from electronic crimes, and methods of protecting personal data.The platform also familiarises visitors with the official platform for reporting electronic crimes, "eCrime", which receives reports from members of the public relating to electronic crimes smoothly and easily through the website www.ecrime.ae. This platform is dedicated to receiving reports and complaints of internet-related crimes, which include electronic extortion, electronic hacking, financial fraud, and unlawful uses of credit cards.Complainants can file a report by visiting the website, selecting the relevant electronic crime category, confirming their contact number through a text message, and entering the complaint details.The platform at Dubai Mall also familiarises visitors with the eCrime Hub (https://ecrimehub.gov.ae ), which spreads awareness of cybercrimes. The bilingual platform covers all aspects of prevention and fraud detection, targeting all segments of society, including children and parents, individuals, business owners, employees, and social media and internet users.
Read News
DUBAI, 7th October, 2026 (WAM) -- The UAE has taken first place in the world for customer satisfaction with digital government services, with 89% of participants in the country giving these services a high rating, according to the 2026 Digital Government Citizen Survey Report issued by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The survey covered 48,500 participants in 44 countries.The UAE also ranked first globally in the use of digital government services, at 53%, a result that reflects the continuous evolution of the country's government services system, the ease of access to these services, their efficiency, and the quality of the customer experience.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said: "In an international survey on digital government services conducted by BCG Group, the UAE ranked first in the world in customer satisfaction with its digital government services. Contrary to the prevailing international trend, more than 75% believe that UAE Government services outperform the digital services offered by the private sector."H.H. also said: "We are proud of our teams, proud of our journey in making people's lives easier, and proud of our country, which offers the best in the world to its citizens, visitors and everyone who lives on its land. Our best is yet to come. We announce to everyone that this coming November, the UAE Government will unveil, at a major event, the biggest change in the form of its services and the way they are delivered to the public."This progress is the result of a continuous journey of developing government services, built on redesigning them around customer needs, adopting proactive and integrated government work models, and investing in digital infrastructure, national talent and advanced technologies. It strengthens the Government's readiness for the future and its ability to meet the aspirations of society.Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, affirmed that the UAE's global lead in customer satisfaction with digital government services reflects the vision of the UAE's wise leadership in building a government that puts people first. He added that it confirms the success of a government model that places quality of life and the customer experience at the heart of designing and developing services.He said: "The leadership's vision is clear: for the UAE Government to be the world's best in its services, efficiency and readiness for the future. What is being achieved today is the result of a continuous journey of development, of redesigning services around human needs, and of investing in digital infrastructure, national talent and advanced technologies."He added: "We are entering a new phase in developing government services, led by artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Our goal is to move from digital services to services that are smarter, more proactive, easier and faster, that anticipate the customer's needs and offer an integrated government experience with the highest levels of efficiency and trust."The BCG 2026 Digital Government Citizen Survey Report showed that 76% of participants in the UAE believe that the digital government services experience outperforms their experience with private sector services. It also showed that 82% of participants in the country use AI weekly, which provides a strong foundation for developing a new generation of government services powered by AI.The report also stressed the importance of strengthening frameworks for the responsible use of AI, developing technical and procedural safeguards, and raising awareness of AI capabilities. It identified a set of pathways to maximise the impact of AI on government services, including redesigning services, promoting responsible use, developing hybrid models, expanding Agentic AI applications, and raising AI literacy.These results reflect the UAE's advanced position in developing a government model for the future that harnesses technology and AI to serve people, ties innovation to a better quality of life, and strengthens the country's leadership and global competitiveness in designing and delivering government services.
Read News
DUBAI, 7th October, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai Police, represented by the General Department of Human Rights, is continuing the 12th edition of its Human Trafficking Specialist Programme, bringing together 66 participants from nine GCC and Arab countries to strengthen specialised capabilities in combating human trafficking.The programme is organised by Dubai Police in cooperation with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, the Dubai Judicial Institute and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the Gulf Cooperation Council region.During its second week, the programme examined the concept of forced labour and its criminalisation under international and regional instruments and conventions.Dr Ehab Abdelhamid El Meniawy, an international expert from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC region, addressed the elements constituting the crime of forced labour, rules governing criminal liability, the international legal framework, and national policies and institutional frameworks for preventing forced labour.International expert Muhannad Fayez Al Dweikat, Regional Coordinator of Anti Human Trafficking Programmes at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the GCC region, explored the role of artificial intelligence in investigating human trafficking cases.His sessions also addressed parallel financial investigations and electronic banking investigations in human trafficking cases, highlighting the growing role of specialised investigative tools in tackling these crimes.Participation in the programme has increased to 66 specialists representing nine GCC and Arab countries, all working in fields related to combating human trafficking.The programme reflects continued cooperation between Dubai Police and its national, regional and international partners to strengthen specialised expertise and enhance capabilities in preventing, detecting and investigating human trafficking crimes.
Read News
DUBAI, 6th October, 2026 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), today opened the 30th edition of Beautyworld Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre.Running until 8 October, the exhibition showcases the latest global trends in beauty, haircare, fragrance, health and wellbeing.Celebrating its 30th edition under a new name, Beautyworld Dubai reinforces its connection to the city, which has emerged as a global meeting point for the beauty industry. The three-day event brings together industry professionals through exhibitions, conferences and live demonstrations.During her tour, accompanied by Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, she was briefed by Dubai Municipality experts on the latest developments and services in health and safety and central laboratory services.H.H. Sheikha Latifa was also briefed on the latest products and innovations in the beauty industry, and visited several exhibitors, including Lattafa Perfumes, Gissah Perfumes, Armaf and Fragrance Network Factory (FNF), which specialises in custom perfume manufacturing, private-label products and bespoke fragrance solutions. She also visited the beautyLIVE platform.H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised Beautyworld Dubai's continued growth, highlighting its role in strengthening Dubai's position as a global hub for showcasing innovation and exchanging expertise with the world.Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Beautyworld Dubai brings together leading figures and experts from the global beauty industry, providing a platform to discover new products, expand business opportunities and build partnerships across international markets.The exhibition showcases a wide range of products and innovations across fragrance, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, personal care, packaging, beauty technology and wellbeing, reflecting Dubai's growing position as a leading destination for international exhibitions and a gateway to new business opportunities.The fragrance sector takes centre stage at this year's edition, with its exhibition space having more than tripled since 2017, marking its largest presence in the event's history. A new hall in Za'abeel has been dedicated entirely to the sector.First-time exhibitors include Kuwait's Gissah Perfumes and Saudi Arabia's Al Majed for Oud, joining established regional fragrance houses. UK-based Lush Cosmetics has also chosen Beautyworld Dubai to officially unveil its new fragrance collection.The Next in Fragrance and Next in Beauty conferences are among the highlights of this year's event, alongside the return of Natural Notes, which connects producers of natural ingredients directly with industry professionals.The exhibition's live stages also feature internationally renowned makeup artists, hairstylists and educators, including Mounir, Mary Phillips, Patrick Ta, Dimitris Giannetos and Josh Lamonaca.The Beautyworld Dubai Awards 2026 will be held on 7 October, recognising excellence across 17 categories spanning the beauty industry. This year, Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, will receive the Beautyworld Icon Award in recognition of her influence on the global beauty industry.
Read News
Dubai schools are reminding parents and visitors not to take or share photos and videos on campus that include other students or staff without consent.
Read News
The suspects pressured victims to transfer funds overseas, sell gold and isolate themselves during the scam
Read News
TR 
EN 
AR 
RU 
ZH 
DE 
FR 
ES 
HI 
FA