Author: Editorial team

CAIRO, 15th July, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Award in Public Finance, in collaboration with the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (ARADO) of the League of Arab States, officially launched its fourth cycle (2026–2027) during a ceremony held at ARADO headquarters in Cairo, marking the beginning of a new phase of institutional and individual excellence across the Arab world. The new cycle reinforces the Award’s position as a leading Arab platform for promoting excellence in public finance, encouraging innovation, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and enhancing the efficiency of public financial management. It also supports institutional performance, financial sustainability, and…

DUBAI, 15th July, 2026 (WAM) — The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has revealed the key projects and initiatives undertaken by its Entry Permits and Residency Sector during the first half of 2026, reflecting significant growth in both the volume and efficiency of services delivered. During the period, the Directorate issued 1,051,978 new residence permits, renewed 910,552 residence permits, and issued 5,078,078 entry permits. It also achieved 100% digital transformation and a 100% service completion rate, with an average processing time of no more than four minutes, while customer happiness reached 95%—indicators that reflect…

Sheikh Mohammed once said, “They say the sky is the limit for ambition. We say: The sky is only the beginning.” This admirable quote is one that he has lived by — with the rapid growth of Dubai being a testament to this philosophy of his. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and the Ruler of Dubai, turns 77 today, July 15. While wishes from residents and royals pour in, some choose to celebrate him through his achievements. Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, took to Instagram…

When it comes to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, it’s no surprise the city does birthdays differently. As the Ruler turned 77 on July 15, tributes have been pouring in from Emiratis and expats alike who speak of the Ruler with a sense of proximity that feels almost familial. Unique to the city is a shared feeling that its visionary leader is not a distant figurehead but a constant presence woven into daily life, in the way Dubai functions, the way it dreams and the way it…

ABU DHABI, 15th July, 2026 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Group today made global capital markets history with the world’s first bell-ringing ceremony aboard a moving passenger train, transforming Etihad Rail’s Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service into a stock market trading hall. The landmark activation celebrated the continued expansion of ADX’s fast-growing derivatives market, following the launch of six new single-stock futures, which increased ADX’s total derivatives suite to 17 futures products, comprising 50 contracts that offer investors more sophisticated hedging and portfolio management tools. Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, said, “This milestone reflects how Etihad…

Amplifai Health introduced NUR, a connected Thermal Intelligence platform that combines AI and thermal imaging to help athletes and performance professionals make more informed decisions around recovery, readiness, training, and return to play. Launched in Miami, Florida, recently, NUR transforms surface temperature patterns into clear visual insights, revealing what may be difficult to see through observation alone. The platform can be experienced through the NUR smart mirror, along with tablet, mobile, and web applications, while keeping thermal imaging at its core. “Your body always tells a story, but some of its most important signals are difficult to see,” said Dr.…

DUBAI, 15th July, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a traffic awareness campaign targeting truck drivers and transport and freight companies, in cooperation with Dubai Police General Headquarters. The campaign runs throughout the summer from June to August, at truck rest areas and on main roads across Dubai. The campaign features a series of field activities and awareness workshops aimed at promoting safe driving practices, protecting lives and property, reinforcing traffic responsibility, and highlighting the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. RTA will also distribute awareness publications and leaflets explaining traffic safety requirements, ways to avoid…

SUVs remained the preferred choice for motorists in the UAE during the first half of 2026, with buyers increasingly prioritising spacious, family-friendly vehicles that combine practicality, comfort and long-term value, according to new data from dubizzle. The online marketplace said Toyota topped SUV search demand, attracting more than 10.4 million views between January and June, followed by Nissan with 8.6 million, Land Rover with 7.2 million, Mercedes-Benz with 6 million, and BMW with nearly 3.5 million. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The findings suggest UAE motorists continue to favour vehicles offering spacious…

J1 Beach has changed the conversation around beachfront dining in Dubai. Rather than simply creating another stretch of stylish restaurants by the sea, it has brought together a collection of venues where the food is every bit as compelling as the setting. The view may get people through the door, but it’s the cooking that gives them a reason to return. Few restaurants demonstrate that better than Bâoli. While its Riviera-inspired interiors and electric atmosphere inevitably catch your attention first, it’s the consistency of the food that keeps people coming back. The menu effortlessly blends Mediterranean cooking with Japanese influences, delivering dishes that…

VIENNA, 15th July, 2026 (WAM) — The European Central Bank (ECB) has selected 36 payment service providers to help test the digital euro in a year-long pilot from 2027, marking the latest milestone in the EU’s effort to create a digital form of central bank money while reducing reliance on foreign payment networks. According to the ECB, the participants were selected from more than 50 applicants across the euro area and will work alongside the ECB and 19 of the euro area’s national central banks, excluding Bulgaria and Malta, during a 12-month testing exercise. The selected providers include traditional banks,…