ISTANBUL / WAM The General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has adopted a proposal submitted by the UAE, presented by the Federal National Council (FNC) delegation, to issue a resolution on the role of parliaments in safeguarding international navigation and global economic stability, to enhance maritime security and protect critical infrastructure during conflicts. During the 152nd IPU Assembly held …

ABU DHABI / WAM The UAE State Security Department (SSD) has announced the dismantling of a terrorist organisation and the arrest of its members for involvement in covert activities aimed at undermining national unity and destabilising the country through plans to carry out systematic terrorist and sabotage operations on UAE soil. Investigations revealed links between the organisation and Iran’s “Wilayat …

ABU DHABI / WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the swearing-in of a number of newly appointed UAE ambassadors. During the ceremony, His Highness wished the ambassadors success in carrying out their duties and in strengthening bilateral relations in line with the UAE’s approach to building constructive partnerships that support mutual interests and contribute …

SHARJAH / WAM The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) approved the 2026 draft law regulating the University of Arts, after incorporating several amendments. The draft law was discussed during the Council’s fourteenth session, held as part of its third regular session of the eleventh legislative term, at its headquarters in Sharjah. The session was chaired by Halima Humaid Al Owais, Chair …

ISTANBUL / WAM Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), met with Alexander Radwan, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on European Affairs of the German Bundestag and head of the German delegation, on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Istanbul. The two sides reviewed developments in …

MILAN / WAM The ninth edition of the International Festival of the Arabic Language and Culture concluded in Milan, examining the role of Arabic in shaping European literature. Held under the patronage of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), in collaboration with the Arabic Cultural Institute and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, the festival ran under the theme “The …

ABU DHABI / GULF TIME In celebration of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the UAE community, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in partnership with Zayed Charity Run, invites everyone across the nation to take part in a special 5K community run on Saturday, 18 April 2026. Titled Run for the Nation, this free, open-to-all event will begin at 8:00AM …

ABU DHABI / AD MEDIA OFFICE Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award has announced the winners of its 20th anniversary edition (2025-2026), marking two decades of sustained institutional cultural work since its establishment in 2006. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture …

ABU DHABI/WAM The United Arab Emirates welcomes the decision of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Legal Committee, adopted during its 113th session, strongly condemning the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, as well as its attacks and threats against vessels in the region and its attacks in the territories of the States in the Gulf region and …

VIENNA/WAM The OPEC Fund for International Development has approved a US$20 million loan to support a disaster risk management programme in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, aimed at strengthening national capacities for disaster preparedness, response and mitigation. A statement issued by OPEC Fund’s headquarters in Vienna noted that the programme represents a top priority for the Caribbean island state, which …