Author: Editorial team

A student-designed emergency app inspired by deadly floods in the Philippines. Solar-powered schools bringing electricity to remote indigenous communities in Guatemala. A bubble-based system that has already stopped more than one million pieces of plastic from reaching Amsterdam’s waterways. None of these projects won the Zayed Sustainability Prize this year. Yet all of them are receiving funding. For years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has celebrated the world’s most promising sustainability innovators. This year, it is changing the rules. In a significant expansion of its impact model, the UAE-based prize is funding 22 finalists that did not take home the top…

Dubai’s thriving food scene is getting a community-powered spotlight, thanks to a new initiative that puts residents at the heart of discovery. Launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in collaboration with Google, ‘Map Your Dubai’ is inviting UAE residents and visitors to explore curated lists of homegrown eateries and vote for the ones that best capture the flavour of the city. Unveiled at the Etihad Museum, the initiative sits under DET’s wider ‘From Dubai, For Dubai’ movement, which champions local businesses. From June 22 to July 6, the public will be able to visit the Map…

SHARJAH, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) hosted a high-level meeting and commemorative event to mark the National Day of the Portuguese Republic, in coordination with the Portuguese Business Council. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the business communities of Sharjah and Portugal, enhancing frameworks for commercial and economic partnership, increasing trade exchange, and unlocking new investment and business opportunities for private-sector enterprises in both markets. The event was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Fernando Figueirinhas, Ambassador of Portugal to the UAE; and Raghda Hamad Omran Taryam, Board Member…

As competition for attention intensifies across social media, a new UAE initiative is taking a different approach to influencer marketing, one that focuses less on paid promotions and more on community support. Launched by creative agency Bukhash Brothers, ‘BB Local Love’ brings together influencers and homegrown businesses through curated product boxes designed to introduce creators to local brands and encourage authentic, unscripted exposure. The concept emerged from a desire to use the agency’s platform to create meaningful connections within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. “The idea came from wanting to use our platform in a way that felt genuinely meaningful to…

ABU DHABI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — Emirati startup founders showcased AI-powered and advanced technology solutions during Hub71’s Impact 2026 event at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the role of the emirate’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in accelerating business growth and supporting regional and global expansion. The founders said Abu Dhabi’s startup support programmes, led by Hub71 and Hub71+ Digital Assets, have created an integrated ecosystem for growth through mentorship, funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. This support, they said, has enabled their companies to develop innovative solutions across sectors including digital marketing, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Maryam Alabbar,…

ABU DHABI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, has built STEM labs in schools and universities across the UAE, supporting the development of future industrial talent in the nation. EGA is a major employer of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals, with over 1,500 people working in these fields at the company, including more than 500 UAE nationals. The new STEM labs offer students with hands-on experience using methods and equipment commonly applied across engineering, fabrication, and product development, supporting the development of essential…

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah has issued orders to divert truck traffic away from Al Dhaid city centre via an alternative route. The move is expected to ease traffic flow, enhance safety, and improve the quality of life for residents who have faced disruptions from heavy truck movement through the city. Speaking during a phone interview on the ‘Direct Line’ programme broadcast by Sharjah Broadcasting Corporation, Sheikh Dr Sultan explained that truck movement through the city was causing significant inconvenience to residents. He said it was in the public’s interest to…

DUBAI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the successful completion of the scientific experiment developed by students from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) representing the UAE, aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment was conducted as part of the Asian Try Zero-G 2025 competition, led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with space agencies and entities, including MBRSC. The Asian Try Zero-G 2025 competition saw participation from 11 teams representing nine countries, reflecting strong regional engagement in space science and student innovation. The UAE’s participation was facilitated…

BERLIN, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — Emirates today confirmed it stands ready to launch daily services to Berlin and Stuttgart, committing more than 100 million EUR each year in operational expenses, staff, airport charges, fuel and other expenditures, subject to the approval of the German Federal Ministry of Transport. Berlin sits as the political heart of Europe’s largest economy. A city of 3.9 million people, it is home to a thriving start-up ecosystem, a well-established diplomatic community, and a cultural scene that draws millions of visitors each year. Yet its long-haul connectivity has not kept pace with the city’s strong…

DUBAI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — Her Royal Highness Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée, Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Sweden, met with H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in Stockholm during her visit to Sweden leading a high level UAE delegation. The meeting reviewed the growing bilateral relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Sweden, and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise across several vital and future focused sectors, supporting shared development goals and enhancing efforts towards sustainable development and prosperity in both countries. As…