Author: Editorial team

Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa is Chief Real Estate Officer at Shurooq. His role encompasses the strategic development, investor engagement, and sustainable community planning of Shurooq’s real estate portfolio across Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. Every parent carries a quiet, constant question: Am I doing enough to secure my children’s future? We invest in education, save diligently, and plan for every milestone. But in a region where property has long been a cornerstone of generational wealth, one of the most meaningful steps a family can take today is often delayed, not because it’s unrealistic, but because it requires looking beyond the…

After two UAE residents collapsed and died while playing sports within four days of each other, there’s a renewed focus on heart health and the dangers of undiagnosed cardiac conditions. The incidents involving a 38-year-old cricketer in Dubai on June 14 and a 42-year-old badminton player in Ajman on June 17 have prompted doctors to urge people not to assume that an active lifestyle alone guarantees a healthy heart. While doctors stress that every medical case is different and caution against linking any incident to a specific cause without medical findings, the two cases have raised an important question: Do…

DUBAI, 24th June, 2026 (WAM) — The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has held the first meeting of the VAT Business Advisory Group for 2026 as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening communication with the UAE business community. The meeting was held in the presence of Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Director-General of the FTA, with the participation of taxpayer representatives from various economic sectors, both in person and online. The meeting was held as part of the Business Advisory Groups launched by the FTA, alongside specialised business groups dedicated to different sectors. These groups form part of the authority’s ongoing efforts…

ABU DHABI, 23rd June, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced the Cabinet’s approval of a new resolution on scholarships and financial allowances for students sent on scholarships by the Ministry or by a scholarship decision issued by it. The move marks a significant advancement in the national scholarship system. The decision supports the development of skilled national talent empowered to lead priority economic sectors and future-focused industries. The resolution reflects the Ministry’s commitment to modernising the UAE’s scholarship ecosystem, enhancing investment in national human capital and aligning educational opportunities with future workforce…

Gold prices fell sharply in Dubai on Wednesday morning, extending recent losses and keeping the precious metal below the Dh500-per-gram mark, offering a more attractive buying opportunity for jewellery shoppers and investors across the UAE. The 24K gold price was trading at Dh489.75 per gram at the opening of the markets on Wednesday, down from Dh498.75 per gram at the close on Tuesday, a loss of Dh9 per gram. Other variants of the precious metals, 22K, 21K, 21K and 18K gold prices were trading lower at Dh453.50, Dh434.75, Dh372.75 and Dh290.75 per gram, respectively. Stay up to date with the…

ABU DHABI, 23rd June, 2026 (WAM) — President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, over the victims of the incident at a factory in the Ras Laffan industrial zone, which resulted in a number of death and inuries. His Highness wished a speedy recovery to the injured. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of…

ABU DHABI, 24th June, 2026 (WAM) — AD Ports Group on Wednesday announced that it has acquired an additional 30 percent equity stake valued at AED1.1 billion (US$300 million) in one of its most strategic assets, Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), raising its holding to 81 percent. In February 2024, AD Ports Group acquired a 51 percent stake in Dubai-based GFS, the world’s fourth-largest container feeder shipping line by capacity, with a call option to increase its ownership by December 2026. The Group has now exercised this call option at the same total Enterprise Value of AED3.67 billion ($1 billion) set…

As anticipation builds ahead of the Etihad Rail passenger services launch on June 30, residents across the UAE are already planning how they will be among the first to experience the long-awaited national rail journey, a project set to transform inter-emirate travel. For many, the new service is more than just a mode of transport; it is a promise of easier connections, reduced travel fatigue, and a new way of experiencing the country. Among those preparing for the first journeys is Aisha Salem, who sees the rail as a practical and personal lifeline connecting her daily life across emirates. “I…

DUBAI, 23rd June, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE Gender Balance Council convened a national dialogue bringing together more than 100 representatives from government entities and private-sector signatories to the SDG 5 Pledge to contribute to the development of the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031. Through an interactive workshop and discussion sessions, participants discussed national priorities and explored future opportunities to advance gender balance. The event also marked the addition of eight new organisations to the SDG 5 Pledge, bringing the total number of participating companies to 88. The national dialogue forms part of the UAE’s collaborative approach to policy development,…

Booking a seat on Etihad Rail’s first passenger service will come with choices similar to those travellers are used to when booking flights or long-distance transport: Fare tiers, flexible tickets and premium options. For the inaugural Abu Dhabi-Fujairah route, which rolls out on June 30, introductory fares start from Dh55 in Comfort Class and Dh120 in Premium Class, with multiple ticket options depending on the level of flexibility passengers need. Infants under the age of two travel for free on their guardians’ laps, while children aged 2 to 17 and seniors aged over 60 get discounted rates. According to Etihad…