Author: Editorial team
SHARJAH, 6th May, 2026 (WAM) — Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH) has achieved a major scientific milestone by successfully tracking the occultation of the dwarf planet, Haumea. In a rare astronomical event that cast its shadow across the UAE in the early hours of May 5, 2026, the team precisely captured the moment the dwarf planet obscured a distant star. The observation took place at exactly 12:11:23 a.m. UAE time, as the team documented the shift in the star’s brightness despite the significant challenge posed by its faintness, which ranged between magnitude 14 and 15. The field campaign was…
Saudi’s Public Health Authority (Weqaya) said that the likelihood of a potential spread of hantavirus in the Kingdom is very low and that the level of risk remains low. Countries worldwide have sought to prevent the further spread of the hantavirus recently, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone who had close contact with them since. Three people, a Dutch couple and a German national, died in the outbreak on the MV Hondius. To reassure the public, health authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that they are closely monitoring the situation n coordination with international health…
DUBAI, 9th May, 2026 (WAM) — The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) won the Distinguished Innovation in the Government Sector award at the Global Innovation Awards 2025, presented by the Global Innovation Institute (GInI), for its ‘Red Carpet’ project at Dubai airports. The achievement coincides with the first anniversary of the launch of the ‘Red Carpet’ smart corridor, which enables travellers to complete travel procedures within seconds through a system powered by artificial intelligence and biometric technologies, without the need to present any documents. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai,…
A man has been ordered to pay compensation totalling Dh60,000 after he was found guilty of repeatedly harassing another man through persistent phone calls that caused emotional distress and mental suffering. The court ordered the defendant to pay an additional Dh9,000 to the victim after a criminal court had earlier awarded temporary compensation of Dh51,000 in the same case. According to court records, the victim filed a civil lawsuit seeking Dh100,000 in compensation for moral and emotional damages, stating that the defendant deliberately caused him distress by repeatedly calling him over a period of time. Stay up to date with…
ABU DHABI, 7th May, 2026 (WAM) – The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) participated in the Weather Modification Association (WMA) Annual Meeting 2026, which took place from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in Reno, Nevada, United States. The event brought together leading scientists, researchers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and advance research and operational practices related to weather modification. UAEREP took part in the meeting through the active engagement of its four awardees, who delivered high quality scientific presentations across key technical sessions. UAEREP supported the event as a sponsor, enhancing the programme’s visibility throughout the…
ABU DHABI, 8th May, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has transitioned Archer’s Midnight aircraft into a Restricted Type Certificate (RTC) program, advancing the regulatory path for the aircraft’s entry into service in the UAE. Archer is the first eVTOL manufacturer to transition to an RTC certification track with the GCAA, utilising an airworthiness pathway aligned with international aviation frameworks. The RTC programme provides an established pathway for Archer to begin limited commercial operations. It also ensures that Midnight is developed under a regulatory baseline that supports long-term commercial viability within the UAE. This milestone follows…
KUWAIT, 9th May, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait on Friday strongly condemned the reprehensible Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates with ballistic missiles and drones. In an official statement issued on May 8 by the Kuwait News Agency, the ministry said the continued attacks represent a “flagrant violation” of the UAE’s sovereignty and pose a direct threat to its security and stability. It added that the escalation undermines regional efforts aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining stability. The ministry reaffirmed Kuwait’s full solidarity with the UAE and voiced support for all measures it takes…
Airfares from the UAE to major Arab destinations have surged by as much as 45 per cent ahead of the Eid Al Adha holiday, as strong seasonal demand, limited seat availability and a rise in last-minute bookings put pressure on regional routes, according to travel industry executives. Travel agencies said demand for flights to key Arab cities has accelerated sharply in recent weeks, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the strongest market amid overlapping Eid and Hajj travel demand. Praveen Choudhary, managing director of Al Saffron Travel & Tourism LLC, said flight seat occupancy on several routes has risen by around…
SHARJAH, 7th May, 2026 (WAM) — American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office to launch “Digital Talents in Sharjah” and advance the development of future-ready talent in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology fields. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to equipping students and alumni with the skills, knowledge and practical readiness needed to contribute meaningfully to national development, in line with the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. The launch was witnessed by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital…
CAIRO, 9th May, 2026 (WAM) — Egypt strongly condemned on Friday the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the territory of the United Arab Emirates, resultig in a number of injuries. Egypt affirmed in a statement carried by the Middle East News Agency (MENA) that the continuous and repeated attacks are a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, a clear violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region. Furthermore, the attacks represent an unacceptable escalation that undermines all regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation…