Author: Editorial team

DUBAI, 8th June, 2026 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, visited Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, along with other senior officials, and was briefed on the Centre’s strategic priorities and innovation ambitions. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed…

DUBAI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched a new initiative to expand the scope of expenses eligible for VAT refunds for UAE nationals constructing new residences, allowing citizens to claim refunds on an additional range of construction costs. This move aligns with the UAE leadership’s directives, coinciding with the Year of Family and supporting family growth and cohesion. Expanding the scope of eligible expenses is expected to yield an estimated AED200 million in VAT savings for UAE nationals, averaging AED25,000 approximately per claim. This highlights the initiative’s role in supporting home ownership and alleviating…

Launches Arancia as the first residential cluster within the Mediterranean-inspired destination set to shape Dubai’s next great growth corridor Published: Tue 9 Jun 2026, 10:32 AM BEYOND Developments today unveiled The Yards, a master-planned destination in City of Arabia, and simultaneously launched Arancia, the project’s first residential cluster. Situated in one of Dubai’s most strategically positioned and fast-evolving urban districts, BEYOND’s first inland masterplan represents a significant milestone in the developer’s expansion across the UAE. The Yards reflects the company’s conviction in the long-term potential of one of Dubai’s most compelling future growth corridors. The Yards spans 2.3 million sq…

Football fans across Abu Dhabi will have no shortage of places to catch the FIFA World Cup 2026 action, with dedicated fan zones, sports venues, and viewing parties promising big screens, lively atmospheres, and match-day experiences throughout the tournament. Here are some of the venues screening the games: 1. McGettigan’s Fan Zone at Reem Mall One of the largest dedicated World Cup viewing experiences in the capital, McGettigan’s is bringing its official Fifa Fan Zone to Reem Mall. The venue will screen every match live throughout the tournament, featuring giant screens, live entertainment, food and beverage offerings, and special activations…

ABU DHABI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — Emirati individual sports athletes continue to build on a legacy of international success, proving that podium finishes require years of discipline and sacrifice rather than talent alone. This weekly WAM report highlights the inspiring journeys of four national champions motivating the next generation of Emirati athletes. National snooker team captain Mohamed Shehab has built an exceptional three-decade career since his international debut in 1993, securing 130 medals, including 74 golds. Aiming to reach 100 gold medals, Shehab notes his greatest challenge is maintaining peak performance against evolving competition. Mental focus and rigorous daily…

ABU DHABI, 8th June, 2026 (WAM) — Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has reviewed its future projects aimed at implementing advanced artificial intelligence technologies across the judicial ecosystem and notary services, while exploring the optimal integration of smart systems to keep pace with global technological advances and enhance judicial and notary performance. The discussion took place during a meeting of the Committee for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Judicial and Notary Services, chaired by Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of ADJD. The meeting examined ways to strengthen cooperation with the Department of Government Enablement to support the Abu…

ABU DHABI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with global reach, today announced that the Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5 satellites are fully operational. This milestone advances the Foresight Earth Observation (EO) constellation, now comprising five Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, enabling continuous data acquisition and decision-grade geospatial intelligence. The three satellites were manufactured in partnership with ICEYE in Finland, supporting technology transfer and sustainable access to capabilities, while localising the supply chain. Aligned with this mandate, critical integration and testing processes were completed at Space42’s Space Systems’ Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility in Abu…

ABU DHABI, 9th June, 2026 (WAM) — President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to President Ferdinand Marcos of the Republic of the Philippines over the victims of the earthquake that struck southern Philippines, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries, and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured. Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH, 8th June, 2026 (WAM) — The Child Safety Organisation, affiliated with the Sharjah Family and Community Council, has warned that many risks facing children are hidden in the most familiar places: homes, residential buildings and play areas that adults often consider safe. In an awareness message on the dangers of falls and unintentional injuries, the organisation called on families and caregivers to carry out regular safety checks of the spaces where children live, move and play, stressing that child safety should be treated as an essential part of everyday care, not as a response after an incident occurs. The…

As schools across the UAE enter the final stretch of the academic year, many students may feel their schedules have become increasingly packed. But educators said the apparent rise in intensity is less about adding pressure and more about fitting assessments, enrichment activities, transition programmes and celebrations into a shorter timeframe. Some institutions have also deliberately strengthened their end-of-year plans. In certain UAE schools, students are already preparing for the next academic stage, with senior learners moving into advanced coursework almost immediately after completing key examinations. “We intentionally intensify this period by conducting robust transition classes for all students from…