Wed, April 22 2026

2 years ago

1,200 Permits Issued for 1.2 Million Iftar Meals to Be Served per Day in Dubai

As many as 1,200 permits have been issued for the distribution of Iftar meals in Dubai, an official at the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department in Dubai has announced. The department’s Director General Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi said these permits will ensure that 1.2 million Iftar meals will be served per day. He also announced a range of activities that citizens and expat residents can benefit from during Ramadan. The events have been classified under four categories, namely Islamic, cultural community and charitable activities. In addition to the traditional Dubai Readers initiative where renowned readers from both within and outside the UAE will lead the Taraweeh and Qiyaam prayers, a series of lectures in multiple languages will be held across mosques in the emirate to cater to the needs of worshippers, he said. The activities will be part of the Ramadan in Dubai campaign launched under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. Al Muhairi said, “We reaffirm our societal role and the entrusted responsibility following an Islamic approach that fosters closeness and love and promotes the spirit of peaceful coexistence […]

2 years ago

Dubai Announces New Tax

Dubai has announced a new tax to be levied on foreign banks in the city. In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (1) of 2024 on taxation of foreign banks. The Law applies to all foreign banks operating in Dubai, including special development zones and free zones, with the exception of foreign banks licensed to operate in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Dubai taxes foreign banksAccording to the law, foreign banks are subject to a 20 per cent tax on their annual taxable income. However, if these banks pay corporate tax in accordance with Federal Law No. (47) of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses and its amendments, the amount of corporate tax will be deducted from their total tax liability. The Law specifies the principles governing the calculation of taxable income, tax filing and payments, procedures for the audit of tax filing, voluntary disclosure, and responsibilities and procedures related to tax auditing. The law also outlines the rights of foreign banks and their branches licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE. It specifies the steps for notifying […]

2 years ago

UAE: 40 Drivers Fined for Ignoring School Bus ‘Stop’ Sign In Sharjah in 2023

As many as 40 motorists were fined in Sharjah for ignoring the school bus ‘Stop’ sign in 2023 , Sharjah Police told sources. Captain Saud Al Shaiba, Director of Traffic Awareness and Traffic Media Branch, said motorists are supposed to stop in both directions on a two-way road when the stop sign has been displayed, at a distance of five metres from the school bus. Motorists who ignore the stop sign on school buses are fined Dh1,000 and 10 black points are registered against their licences, according to the UAE Federal Traffic Law. School bus drivers are also required to display the stop sign on the bus while picking up or dropping off students. The penalty for not displaying the stop sign on a school bus is Dh500 and six black points. The traffic regulation, which is designed to ensure the safety of students boarding or stepping off from a school bus, is strictly enforced by Sharjah Police during the school year, officials said.

2 years ago

UAE, Kuwait Carry Out Major Drug Bust, Seize 3.7 Million ‘Lyrica’ Pills

Authorities in the UAE and Kuwait have carried out a major drug bust, seizing more than 3.7 million Lyrica pills and arresting three members of an alleged trafficking gang. UAE state news agency WAM said Friday that a man was arrested in the Ajman emirate after being caught with 2.75 million illegally obtained narcotic substances, including Lyrica tablets, a medicine used to treat epilepsy and anxiety. The arrest came after two other individuals were arrested at Kuwait International Airport after being found with one million tablets. “Through information exchange between the Interior Ministries of both countries, the operations of this trafficking gang, endangering community health and safety, were dismantled,” WAM said. Pregabalin, also known by the brand name Lyrica, is an anti-epileptic drug also used to relieve chronic pain. However, it can be abused, as users may feel euphoria, relaxation, and calmness. It has been linked to deaths in the UK. Brig Saeed Abdullah al-Suwaidi, director general of the Federal Narcotics Control Unit at the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, emphasised the importance of control agencies to locate, disrupt, and cut off funding sources for criminal networks. Dubai regularly carries out operations to prevent illegal substances from being trafficked across UAE […]

2 years ago

UAE: Road Collapses As Heavy Rains Strike RAK

A road in Ras Al Khaimah caved in on Saturday due to a landslide after heavy rains pounded the Emirates overnight. The Ras Al Khaimah Police have cordoned off a part of Al Shuhada Street after the mishap. The landslide happened on the street leading towards Emirates Road. The police shared photos that showed a section of the road that collapsed. No injuries have been reported. Earlier, a road leading to Ras Al Khaimah’s Wadi Shawka was closed as the dam overflowed. RAK Police alerted residents of the closure through a video shared on X and warned residents not to venture to these spots “Please steer clear of valley areas prone to water accumulation and flooding. Exercise caution when driving, reduce speed, and strictly follow competent authorities’ directives. Stay Safe,” RAK tweeted. RAK authorities also urged the public to avoid beaches as adverse weather conditions persist across the country. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Sharjah, the police have also closed road exit tunnels extending on Sharjah Maliha Road, Sharjah Al Dhaid Road, and Khor Fakkan Road due to waterlogging. The UAE Ministry of Interior called on motorists to exercise caution and remain alert while driving. Heavy rain and thunder have lashed several […]

2 years ago

UAE Announces Release Of Over 2,670 Prisoners Ahead Of Ramadan 2024

The UAE has announced the release of hundreds of prisoners ahead of Ramadan. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the release of 735 prisoners from correctional and penal facilities, ahead of the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Sheikh Mohamed will personally cover all fines and penalties imposed on the inmates, who have been sentenced to jail terms for a variety of offences Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered the release of 691 prisoners of different nationalities from Dubai’s correctional and punitive establishments, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, said the pardon reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s keenness to reunite the pardoned individuals with their families during the Holy Month. The pardon gives the released prisoners an opportunity to get a fresh start in life and reintegrate into the community, he added. Dubai Public Prosecution, in collaboration with Dubai Police, has already commenced the legal procedures to implement the order, said Al Humaidan. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the release of 484 prisoners of various nationalities from Sharjah’s […]

2 years ago

UAE Elected Vice Chair of UNESCO Committee

The UAE has been elected the Vice Chair of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for 2025. According to WAM, the appointment acknowledges the UAE’s contributions to cultural diversity and its role in fostering a multicultural and civilised tapestry both regionally and globally. The appointment was made during the 17th meeting of the committee, which was recently held at UNESCO’s HQ in Paris, France. During the meeting, the UAE’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO nominated the country for the position of Vice Chair of the Committee for the period up to 2025, in view of its extensive experience in the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The UAE Permanent Delegation previously held the position of Rapporteur of the Committee in 2023.

2 years ago

Dubai-Sharjah Intercity Bus Service Suspended Because of Heavy Rain in UAE

The intercity bus service between Dubai and Sharjah (Route E315) was suspended on Saturday morning, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said on its X account. Roads and Transport authority informs you of the temporary suspension of intercity bus service between Dubai and Sharjah (Route E315), due to weather conditions. #Your_safety_is_our_priority — RTA (@rta_dubai) March 9, 2024 The RTA added that the temporary pause in the service stems from the weather situation, which has brought heavy rain.

2 years ago

Heavy UAE rains: Several Dubai flights cancelled, delayed due to adverse weather

Several inbound and outbound flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Saturday have been rerouted to a nearby airport. “Dubai Airports can confirm that normal operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been affected due to the adverse weather conditions since early hours on Saturday, March 9. Consequently, 13 inbound flights have been rerouted to nearby airports,” DXB said in a statement. “We are actively collaborating with our service partners and airlines to minimise any inconvenience experienced by our valued guests,” the airport official added. Emirates flights An Emirates spokesperson also confirmed “some Emirates flights arriving at and departing from DXB have been delayed while others were diverted.” The airline did not give specific numbers as the weather condition is fluid. “We are monitoring the situation and will work to get our passengers to their destinations as soon as possible. Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance and will not be compromised.” According to DXB Flight Status website, EK flight 903 to Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan was moved from 2.05pm to 4pm. EK031 flight to London Heathrow Airport was also delayed. The 2.40pm flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg […]

2 years ago

Etihad Airways Announces New Abu Dhabi to Rome Flights

Etihad Airways has announced double-daily flights to Rome, enhancing links between the UAE and Italy. The national airline of the UAE is boosting its services between Abu Dhabi Zayed International (AUH) to Rome (FCO) from 11 weekly to twice a day from November 1, 2024 to meet growing customer demand. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “With our morning and afternoon departures from Abu Dhabi and sensational value fares, our double-daily Rome flights will serve up sweet timings for UAE residents wishing to have a break in Italy. Etihad announces extra Abu Dhabi to Rome flights “Moreover, the new flight schedule from Rome allows travellers reaching Abu Dhabi more options to explore what the city has to offer in terms of business and pleasure. “It further underscores our commitment to bringing more guests to enjoy Abu Dhabi, as well as connecting to our growing global network.” The combined double-daily flights will see Etihad offer almost 10,000 seats a week between Abu Dhabi and Rome, representing a year-on-year capacity increase of 22 per cent. The services will be operated on Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft from Etihad’s young wide-body fleet featuring the airline’s award-winning cabin service.

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