News

RAS AL KHAIMAH/WAM Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 2025 with a captivating drone and fireworks display, setting two new Guinness World Records titles for the “largest aerial display of a tree formed by multirotors/drones” and the “largest aerial image of a seashell formed by multirotors/drones”. Dubbed “Our Story in the Sky,” the show celebrated the emirate’s natural and cultural heritage, redefining ...

ABU DAHBI/AD MEDIA OFFICE Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA) has welcomed 95 students from CNN Academies around the world to join 45 locally based students in the CNN Academy Simulation Week, as the fourth successful cycle of CNN Academy Abu Dhabi comes to a close. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President and Chief Executive ...

UMM AL QAIWAIN/WAM The Emirate of Umm Al Qaiwain welcomed 2025 with a variety of events and dazzling fireworks displays along the Al Khor Waterfront, attended by large crowds of residents and visitors. The events, organised by the Department of Tourism and Archaeology – Umm Al Qaiwain, featured a wide range of entertainment activities, including musical performances, children’s activities, and ...

SHARJAH/WAM The 21st Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival will run from January 6 to 12, featuring over 70 poets, literary critics, and media personalities from across the Arab world and several African nations. The festival is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al ...

ABU DHABI/WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received messages of congratulations from Their Highnesses and Majesties, Presidents, Kings and Princes of world countries, on the occasion of the New Year 2025. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness ...

DOHA/WAM In Q3 of 2024, Qatar recorded a merchandise trade balance surplus (difference between total exports and imports) of QR 57.7 billion down from QR 60.9 billion in Q3 2023. According to figures released by the Planning and Statistics Authority and carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA), the value of Qatar’s total exports in Q3 2024 (including exports of domestic ...

DUBAI/WAM The total number of passengers using public transport, shared mobility and taxis in Dubai during the New Year’s Eve 2025 celebrations reached 2,502,474, marking a 9.3% increase compared to the 2,288,631 passengers recorded on the same occasion last year. Across its Red and Green lines, the Dubai Metro accommodated 1,133,251 riders, while the Dubai Tram transported 55,391 passengers. Public ...

DUBAI/WAM Dubai Duty Free completed 2024 on a high, establishing a new annual turnover record of AED7.901 billion ($2.16 billion), buoyed as reported by a big surge in sales towards the end of the year. December set an all-time monthly record with sales of AED821.94 million ($225.19 million), an over 2% increase compared to December 2023, which, until now, was ...

DUBAI/WAM The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) organised events for workers across the UAE to celebrate the New Year. Themed ‘Happy Workers, Thriving Business’, the celebrations were held at 18 locations across the UAE and featured various sporting and entertainment activities, competitions, and valuable prizes for participants, including a car raffle. The activities also took place at various ...

ABU DHABI/WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a Federal Decree appointing Mohammed Hamza Alqasim, as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education. Alqasim brings a wealth of leadership experience to his new role, having previously served as Director-General of the Emirates Schools Establishment. His distinguished career spans key positions in various government and private ...