ABU DHABI / GULF TIME In a significant move towards sustainability, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi has officially launched its in-house water bottling plant, which has been approved by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). Opened in January 2025, the new bottling room is set to eliminate 1,097,328 single-use plastic bottles per year from the hotel’s operations. The ...

SAUDI ARABIA / GULF TIME Step into the season of elegance with ECCO’s latest Ramadan collection — a perfect fusion of style, comfort, and timeless craftsmanship. Designed to accompany you through every occasion during the holy month, this beautifully curated collection blends contemporary aesthetics with ECCO’s signature innovation, ensuring comfort in every step. For women, the spotlight shines on the ...

DUBAI / GULF TIME In honor of Women’s Day, Arjaan by Rotana Hotel, in collaboration with JoinMe-Empower Her, organized The Giving Iftar, a tribute to exceptional women that blended empowerment with generosity. Held in collaboration with Thukhr Al Watan Charity Organisation, a non-profit organization committed to supporting vulnerable communities, the heartfelt gathering brought together 25 accomplished women from the community ...

SHARJAH/ WAM Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) has been a cornerstone in the emirate’s cultural and intellectual renaissance for decades, catalysing knowledge, literature, and scientific progress. As they mark their centenary, cultural and heritage leaders recognise their enduring role in shaping an informed society and elevating Sharjah’s status as a global cultural hub. Sharjah’s cultural institutions have aligned with the UAE’s ...

DUBAI/WAM Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Municipality to enrich Dubai’s visual identity and enhance artistic experiences in public spaces and residential neighbourhoods. This aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to achieve sustainable urban development centred around people. The agreement reflects Dubai Culture’s social and cultural ...

DUBAI/WAM The Ministry of Culture announced that key entities across the UAE will organise a diverse range of cultural and knowledge programmes during the UAE Reading Month in March 2025. This initiative aligns with the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance reading habits and individuals’ skills. The initiative reflects the UAE’s long-term vision and the wise leadership’s commitment to fostering a ...

BEIJING / WAM Chinese scientists have successfully conducted an ice-cap detection experiment in Antarctica using a domestically developed ultra-wideband hyperspectral microwave radiometer, as reported by China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team. According to Xinhua, the team conducted joint air-ground experiments using helicopters and snowmobiles to successfully carry out remote sensing detection of temperature distribution beneath the Antarctic ice. Zhu Di, a ...

BARCELONA / WAM Commuters in the centre of the Spanish city of Barcelona have been able to ride the bus for free this week. There’s just one catch: this mini-bus has no one at the wheel, AP reported. Renault is testing a new driverless mini-bus in Barcelona this week. The autonomous vehicle is running on a 2.2-km (1.3-mile) circular route ...

ABU DHABI/AD MEDIA OFFICE His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has issued a resolution appointing His Excellency Ibrahim Nassir as Undersecretary of the Department of Government Enablement.

STOCKHOLM/WAM H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, accompanied by H.R.H. Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée, Crown Princess of Sweden, received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during an official working visit to Stockholm. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin ...