Ministry of Health targets medical facilities serving foreign workers and food sector employees as part of broader healthcare transformation initiative
GCC
Latest in GCC
quality of life
UAE named world’s safest country
Top scores in safety, talent, healthcare and digital government reflect a year of rising global competitiveness
Child protection
UAE announces major law to protect children from online harm
A new Child Digital Safety Council formed; Law applies to all digital platforms, whether operating within the UAE or directed to users in the country
bridges
Two of five bridges in Trade Centre Roundabout project opened ahead of schedule
RTA updates that all five bridges, being built at a cost of $189.5mn and benefiting over half a million Dubai population, will be completed by October 2026
Sheikh Hamdan and Elon Musk discuss technology partnerships for the greater good
Musk praises the UAE’s forward-looking vision and the significant strides it has made in technology, artificial intelligence, and space exploration
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi pet owners take note…regulatory changes made to veterinary practices
ADAFSA licence now mandatory for every establishment; Prior authorisation needed before appointing veterinarians; Fines announced for violators
Dubai
UAE weather: Dubai RTA suspends intercity bus services to Ajman and Sharjah amid heavy rains
Authority urges commuters to avoid affected routes and follow official updates as severe weather continues across the UAE
Dubai
CBUAE and Dubai Public Prosecution to accelerate blood money settlement
An electronic system has been launched following an MoU signed between Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Public Prosecution
AD Ports Group signs a logistics JV with CEI Group in Pakistan
The partnership is another step in Abu Dhabi group’s plans to directly link its port infrastructure with inland logistics networks
Sharjah
Sharjah approves new licensing system to regulate beekeeping activities
The Sharjah Executive Council has endorsed a licensing mechanism for beekeepers and apiary sites, as part of wider efforts to support local honey production, protect bee species and strengthen food security in the emirate
financial behaviour
Cash use declines among UAE low income workers – report
Cash dependency among low-income workers in the UAE has fallen from 84% to 69% over the past two years, marking the strongest multi year decline recorded to date
Artificial intelligence
Dubai launches national campaign to counter AI-driven economic fraud
The Economic Security Centre of Dubai has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at helping individuals and businesses recognise and prevent increasingly sophisticated digital fraud
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
UAE announces New Year 2026 holiday for private sector
Private sector employees in the UAE to receive paid holiday for New Year 2026, ministry announces
Mali
UAE bans travel to Mali and urges those in-country to return immediately
Foreign Ministry issues alert as security situation deteriorates amid ongoing instability
Commercial Companies Law
UAE issues major changes to Commercial Companies Law
Reforms introduce multi-class shares, private market fundraising and streamlined business relocation across emirates and free zones under updated UAE law
Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Ports Security
Four new UAE visit visas in 2025 – All you need to know
From AI specialists to entertainers and more, here’s a full breakdown of the UAE’s latest visa categories
Formula One
McLaren’s Lando Norris wins F1 championship after Yas Marina thriller
The 26-year-old Briton finishes third behind Verstappen and Piastri, but that was enough to break the Dutch driver’s four-year winning streak
