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The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued a public warning over the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake videos and audio clips, urging residents to remain vigilant against realistic but deceptive content circulating online. The Council said deepfake technology is advancing rapidly alongside the evolution of AI tools, making it easier than ever to replicate real people’s voices and appearances with high accuracy. It warned that such manipulated content can easily mislead audiences and spread false or harmful information. Public urged to verify before sharing The Council urged the public to act responsibly when consuming and sharing digital content and to avoid reposting any material of doubtful authenticity. It advised that any content attributed to public figures or national institutions should be verified through official and trusted sources before being shared. The Council emphasised that raising public awareness about the dangers of deepfake technology forms the first line of defence against digital misinformation and plays a key role in protecting the reputation of the UAE’s national symbols and official institutions. UAE cybercrime law The Council also highlighted that Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes imposes strict penalties on perpetrators of such offenses. The legislation aims […]
9 minutes ago
The Emirates Drug Authority (EDA) has withdrawn the Thai-made product “Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler (Yadom)” from the UAE market after confirming microbial contamination in several locally distributed batches. The decision follows an official warning from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which reported contamination in one batch of the inhaler. The EDA said laboratory tests conducted by its quality control unit confirmed that multiple samples contained microbial levels exceeding international safety limits for inhalers, posing potential health risks to users. To ensure consumer safety, the EDA has ordered a full market withdrawal of the product, not limited to the batches cited by Thai authorities. The agency said the recall is being carried out in coordination with municipalities and other regulatory bodies to ensure the removal of the product from all points of sale, including online platforms. The authority is monitoring the implementation of recall operations to ensure completion and requested that members of the public refrain from using the product and dispose of any packages they have.
17 minutes ago
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued a new ministerial resolution setting out strict responsibilities, obligations, and penalties for private business centres operating under its jurisdiction. Ministerial Resolution No. (0702) of 2025 defines the standards these centres must meet to provide MoHRE’s services to establishments and individuals, as well as the administrative and legal consequences of non-compliance. The new framework forms part of MoHRE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing service quality, and ensuring data security across business centres that act as intermediaries between the Ministry and the public. UAE business centre rules It aims to improve efficiency, protect customers, and reinforce the safety, reliability, and transparency of services provided. Under the new rules, business centres are required to pre-screen employees before granting them user access to MoHRE’s systems. This authorisation allows staff to support establishments and individuals accessing Ministry services. Centres must also maintain the privacy of customer data, information, and documents at all times. MoHRE has also outlined a comprehensive list of violations that could trigger administrative or legal penalties. Key breaches include operating outside the authorised scope of activity, failing to maintain legitimate employment relationships, committing human trafficking offences, hiring workers without valid […]
27 minutes ago
The Fujairah Adventure Center has announced that, starting next season, individuals or groups will not be allowed to lead mountain trails in the emirate without official certification as approved mountain guides or assistant guides, Emarat Al Youm reported. The move forms part of Fujairah’s broader efforts to enhance safety in mountain activities, protect lives, and regulate its fast-growing adventure tourism sector. Framework for safer adventure tourism Amr Zein Al Din, Director of the Fujairah Adventure Center, said a comprehensive framework of laws and regulations is being developed in coordination with public and private entities. The goal, he said, is to create a sustainable and secure environment for adventure enthusiasts while supporting local businesses in the field. Digital platform for training and route registration The centre has also launched a regional-first digital platform where users can register mountain routes and trips, access a digital library with global best practices, and enrol in training programmes accredited by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). Successful participants receive official certification allowing them to operate legally and safely. Promoting local knowledge and heritage Zein Al Din explained that the framework distinguishes between commercially licensed mountain guides and local guides — residents who possess deep […]
1 day ago
A Dubai civil court has ordered a 23-year-old Asian man to pay Dh1 million (Dh3.67 million) to his car insurance company after he was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a severe road accident, which left his European passenger seriously injured, Emarat Al Youm reported. The ruling followed an earlier criminal conviction against the driver, who lost control of his vehicle while speeding and crashed into a roadside barrier. The impact left his passenger with major injuries that required substantial compensation, which the insurance company was legally obligated to pay before trying to recover the sum from the motorist. Investigations and a forensic traffic report confirmed that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash, leading the Criminal Court to convict him of driving under the influence, endangering others, and damaging property. He was fined Dh15,000, and the judgment became final. The injured passenger subsequently filed a claim with the Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee, demanding compensation for his physical and emotional damages. After reviewing his medical condition, the committee ruled in his favor, ordering the insurance firm to pay Dh1.5 million. The amount was later reduced to Dh1 million plus 5 per cent annual interest […]
1 day ago
Dubai Garden Glow is making a comeback — this time in daylight as well. For the first time since it opened a decade ago, the popular family attraction will operate as a day park, welcoming visitors from 10am to 9pm daily. Previously, the glow-in-the-dark park opened after 5pm. The park, which had announced its closure after 10 seasons, has been relocated next to Dubai Frame at Zabeel Park Gate 3. Organisers confirmed the move on Instagram, saying it will reopen soon with all-new attractions, including an upgraded Dinosaur Park and a Fantasy Park. The new location marks a fresh chapter for Dubai Garden Glow — shifting from an evening-only spectacle to an all-day experience. Visitors will be able to access two experiences under one ticket, although the official reopening date and entry fees have yet to be revealed. At the Dinosaur Park, guests can explore a collection of life-size animatronic dinosaurs, brought to life with movement and sound effects. This season, the park will also introduce new interactive displays, allowing visitors to learn more about prehistoric creatures through hands-on exhibits. The adjoining Fantasy Park will feature “huge, whimsical, and perfectly Instagramable structures at every turn”, blending natural scenery with imaginative art […]
2 days ago
The Cruise Arabia Alliance has expanded its membership with Saudi Arabia and Qatar joining the regional partnership, in a move set to strengthen cruise tourism and promote closer cooperation across the GCC. The announcement was made at the World Travel Market in London, where representatives from all six member destinations — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar — signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the collaboration. [From left: Lars Clasen, Tarek Magdy, – Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi, Omar Al Jaber] The alliance aims to position the Gulf as a world-class, sustainable cruise destination by combining efforts in marketing, infrastructure development, and operational standards. Officials said the partnership will help attract more cruise lines, create seamless travel experiences, and showcase the region’s shared culture and heritage. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the expansion reflects a shared vision to unlock the full potential of the Arabian Gulf. “With the inclusion of Qatar Tourism and Cruise Saudi, we are growing a collective offering that is richer, more diverse, and more compelling for travellers worldwide,” he said. Global cruise […]
2 days ago
The United States is working with its Arab partners to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Nov. 4, describing the situation as “very complicated.” Speaking at a press briefing, Leavitt said Washington is “actively engaged in efforts” to mediate peace and remains “committed to working with our international partners, including Quad members—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE—as well as others, to lead a negotiated peace process that addresses both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the longer-term political challenges.” The Quad refers to an informal diplomatic grouping of the United States and the three Arab countries that coordinate over shared regional interests. As Evgenia Filimianova details for The Epoch Times, last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was appalled by reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, killed more than 460 people at a hospital in the western city of el-Fasher. The RSF denied the accusations. Click here to read more…
2 days ago
Dubai taxi fares are set to change following an announcement by the Roads and Transport Authority. The announcement was made on social media and identifies minimum fares, peak times and charges during weekend trips. The RTA confirmed that price changes will only apply to trips made via ride-hailing apps and services, and not for taxis flagged down in the street. New Dubai taxi fares explained Monday to Thursday Peak hours are defined as There will be a fee of AED7.5 ($2) booking fee as well as a fixed AED5 ($1.36) flagfall fee. Off-peak hours are defined as There will be a booking fee of AED4 ($1.1) booking fee as well as a fixed AED5 ($1.36) flagfall fee. Night hours are defined as There will be a booking fee of AED4.5 ($1.2) booking fee as well as a fixed AED5.5 ($1.50) flagfall fee. Friday Peak hours are defined as There will be a fee of AED7.5 ($2) booking fee as well as a fixed AED5 ($1.36) flagfall fee. Off-peak hours are defined as There will be a booking fee of AED4 ($1.1) booking fee as well as a fixed AED5 ($1.36) flagfall fee. Night hours are defined as There will be a booking fee […]
2 days ago
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a AED170bn ($46.3bn) package of national transport and road projects to be implemented by 2030, aimed at easing traffic congestion, expanding major highways, and improving mobility across the country. The projects form part of a comprehensive national strategy to develop transport infrastructure that keeps pace with population and economic growth, while improving the quality of life for citizens and residents. Announcing the plan during his keynote at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the ministry will enhance federal road efficiency by 73 per cent over the next five years. UAE road plan The plan includes expanding the number of lanes from 19 to 33 in each direction across key highways, alongside multiple capacity upgrades: The ministry is also conducting a feasibility study for a fourth federal highway, a 120 km, 12-lane route with the capacity for 360,000 trips per day, designed to further ease inter-emirate travel. $204m Emirates Road upgrade Al Mazrouei confirmed that work is already underway on a AED750m ($204m) project to upgrade and develop Emirates Road, scheduled for completion within two years. He said the project forms part of […]