Author: Editorial team

ABU DHABI, 20th October, 2026 (WAM) — The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has launched the Financial Health Innovation Challenge to identify ready-to-implement solutions that improve the financial health of individuals and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the UAE, with applications open until 30th November 2026. The challenge is organised in collaboration with the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the Emirates Institute of Finance. The initiative is aligned with the UAE National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2026–2030 and the UAE National Financial Literacy Strategy 2027–2031, which aim to advance inclusive finance…

DUBAI, 20th October, 2026 (WAM) — DP World Foundation, the philanthropic arm of DP World, together with Belawan New Container Terminal (BNCT), has marked the groundbreaking of a new AED 3.7 million junior high school in Belawan, Medan, Indonesia, under its Classrooms of Hope initiative. The project, whose investment came from DP World Foundation, aims to expand access to quality education and provide a modern learning environment for the local community. The project is being undertaken in partnership with the City Government of Medan and PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) (Pelindo), which is providing approximately 5,000 square metres of land for…

SHARJAH, 20th October, 2026 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, explained that the Holy Quran monument stands at Cultural Square in Sharjah as a symbol of the Holy Quran’s role as the guiding reference for Muslims. His Highness noted that the square could also be called Quran Square or Book Square. His Highness announced a project to build an underground pedestrian tunnel linking Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Mosque to Cultural Square. His Highness also revealed that the second part of His Highness’ Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopaedia would be presented…

DUBAI, 21st October, 2026 (WAM) — The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has announced the findings of its “Family Communication and Cohesion” study, which revealed a high level of awareness of the importance of family communication within UAE society. The findings were announced as part of an accompanying exhibition at the second Family Forum, organised by the Foundation under the theme “A Closer Family… A Stronger Society.” The forum was held in conjunction with the Year of the Family 2026. Sheikha Saeed Al Mansoori, Director General of the Foundation, affirmed that the study’s findings reflect the importance participants…

ABU DHABI, 21st October, 2026 (WAM) — Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi – has released Embedding Wearables into the Future of Health and Wellbeing, a new whitepaper examining how wearable technologies could support more preventive, personalised and continuous models of care. Developed in collaboration with Knowledge Contributor Deloitte, the whitepaper sets out a five-pillar framework for the next phase of wearable-enabled healthcare, spanning technology and interoperability; data governance and privacy; regulatory and policy enablement; consumer and clinical adoption; and ecosystem partnerships and innovation. Together, the pillars demonstrate the technical, regulatory, clinical and organisational considerations required for…

ABU DHABI, 21st October, 2026 (WAM) — Future Health – A Global Initiative by Abu Dhabi – premiered on Tuesday a documentary film about the inaugural Future Health Impact Challenge during the first day of the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit. The film’s global launch, alongside the announcement of the second Challenge connects the Challenge’s initial results with its next phase with Expressions of Interest now open for the second edition. Delivered in collaboration with MIT Solve, the inaugural Impact Challenge demonstrates the transformative power of innovative solutions that accelerate the shift from reactive to anticipatory healthcare systems. With scenes…

A former OpenAI employee accused of planting a recording device at the company’s San Francisco offices was ordered held without bail Monday after a federal judge deemed him a flight risk.US District Judge Alex Tse ruled that there was “significant” risk that Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, would fail to appear in court, rejecting his attorneys’ request for release.Alfozan, 35, appeared in court on Monday, dressed in orange prison clothing. He did not speak during the hour-long hearing. He was arrested on October 9 and faces up to five years in prison on charges of intercepting oral communications.Stay up to date with…

Indian singer Jonita is set to perform in Abu Dhabi after joining the lineup for UNIFYD, a music festival curated by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.The one-day event will take place on March 20, 2027, at Etihad Live on Yas Island, with more than 15 artistes expected to perform across multiple stages.Jonita Gandhi, credited mononymously as Jonita, will join Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam and Karan Aujla, who were previously confirmed for the festival. Other artists on the lineup include Shalmali Kholgade, Patiala Mehfil, Simran Choudhary, Nooriyah, Curtain Blue, Tech Panda x Kenzani, Rusha & Blizza, Stick No Bills, BOH!B, Priyanka…

All-rounder Arafat Minhas struck a maiden ODI half-century and grabbed a career-best six wickets to anchor Pakistan’s convincing 87-run win over England in the tri-series in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.Minhas hit 59 off 58 balls and was ably assisted by Hasan Nawaz, whose 74-ball 79 lifted Pakistan to a solid 302-9.The versatile Minhas then took 6-40 with his beguiling left-arm spin as England were reduced to 215 all out in 38.4 overs. He also ran out the last England batter to cap a superb showing. England lost their last nine wickets for 95 runs after being well set at 120-1, with Tom…

ABU DHABI, 20th October, 2026 (WAM) — The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a new, integrated digital platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds to tourists, the latest of its kind worldwide. The launch forms part of the FTA’s strategy to expand the adoption of AI technologies, continuously enhance the efficiency of its operational systems and advance its initiatives under the Digital Zero Bureaucracy Programme. These efforts align with the directives and prudent guidance of the UAE’s leadership to achieve global influence in areas of government operations, while also strengthening the country’s competitiveness across…