MUSCAT / WAM The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries recorded strong performance in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors during 2024, reflecting the growing role of these sectors in supporting food security and advancing economic diversification across the GCC, despite the environmental and natural challenges facing the region, particularly limited arable land and scarce water resources. Data released by the …

ABU DHABI / AD MEDIA OFFICE The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has named TAQA, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, as Official Partner of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) partnership programme. Under the two-year agreement, TAQA will serve as the Lead and Exclusive Sponsor for two flagship environmental initiatives. The first initiative will see TAQA support the …

ABU DHABI / WAM UAE air defences on Monday detected 15 ballistic missiles, of which 12 were destroyed, while three missiles fell into the sea. A total of 18 drones were also detected, with 17 intercepted, while one fell within the country’s territory. Since the start of the Iranian attacks, 253 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 233 were …

SHARJAH / WAM The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST), through its astronomical observatory, has delivered a precise astronomical verdict on the Shawwal crescent moon for 1447 A.H. Friday, March 20, 2026, will mark the first day of Eid al-Fitr across the UAE, the announcement confirms, as Ramadan completes its full 30 days.​ Calculations reveal no visible …

NEW YORK / WAM The United Nations Statistical Commission has selected the UAE as a member of the Advisory Board on the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, marking a first-of-its-kind achievement for the region and reflecting growing global confidence in the country’s leadership in developing statistical systems and strengthening data governance at the international level. The announcement was made during …

ABU DHABI / WAM Silal, Abu Dhabi’s leading agri-food and technology company, has announced the expansion of its operations in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in collaboration with the National Agricultural Centre. The strategic initiative reflects Silal’s continued efforts to expand its footprint across the UAE while supporting local farmers, strengthening the marketing of Emirati agricultural products, and expanding …

ABU DHABI / WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday received a phone call from His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic, who affirmed his country’s condemnation of the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and other countries in the region. His Excellency Gnassingbé also expressed Togo’s …

DUBAI / WAM In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (2) of 2026 on public safety in the Emirate of Dubai, aimed at establishing a clear legislative framework to ensure high safety standards for individuals and property and support sustainable …

GULF TIME In honour of the remarkable women who inspire, nurture and lead, Sharjah Collection invites guests to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March with a series of thoughtfully curated experiences designed to honour strength, grace and meaningful connection. Set across the Emirate’s most extraordinary landscapes, desert dunes and mountain villages to tranquil mangrove shores, Sharjah Collection’s retreats offer women the opportunity to …

Natasha Hatherall, Founder and CEO of TishTash Group DUBAI / GULF TIME In the UAE and wider GCC, we talk a lot about transformation. Economies are diversifying, mega projects are breaking ground, and policy is moving faster than ever. Yet culture does not change at the same speed, especially around women’s careers, money, health and family life.​ For me, the …