ABU DHABI/WAM The United Arab Emirates solidified its position as a global humanitarian leader in 2025, ranking as the world’s third-largest aid donor with US$1.46 billion in contributions, according to OCHA’s Financial Tracking Service data. In 2025, the UAE announced a substantial pledge of US$550 million to support the UN’s Global Humanitarian Overview, which aims to raise US$33 billion in …

ABU DHABI/WAM UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to the Dr. Mohamed Yunus Al-Menfi, President of the Libyan Presidential Council, on the death of Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, and his accompanying delegation, following the crash of a Libyan military aircraft. His …

ABU DHABI / AD MEDIA OFFICE AD Ports Group has announced that the AD Ports Khalifa Port Data Center has become the first global trade and logistics company to receive Tier IV Certification of Constructed Facility, the highest standard in data centre accreditation, from the Uptime Institute – an independent New York-based certification network for data centre performance. This significant …

DUBAI / WAM His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Dr Nabil Seidah on receiving the Great Arab Minds 2025 award in the medicine category. His Highness said the Arab world has a long record in medical science and that exceptional Arab talent continues to advance medical progress today. His …

VIENNA/WAM The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) has announced up to US$2 billion in co-financing with the African Development Fund (ADF) for the period 2026–2030, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Africa and to concessional financing for the continent’s most vulnerable countries. The co-financing announcement was made by OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa during the 17th replenishment session of …

ABU DHABI/WAM The UAE National Orchestra has announced the guest artists and January performance dates for “The Beginning,” its inaugural concert series, marking the first time the Orchestra’s full ensemble of 70 musicians and 30 choir members will perform for live audiences across the UAE as part of its opening season. The series opens with the UAE National Orchestra’s debut …

DUBAI / GULF TIME To celebrate the upcoming festive season, Dubai Safari Park is announcing the launch of its first-ever Festive Village, running from 21st December 2025 to 11th January 2026. Set to transform the park’s Al Wadi area into a lively winter market, the new village will offer an immersive, family-focused experience that brings together engaging entertainment and meaningful …

GULF TIME Explora Journeys — the privately owned and ultra elegant ocean travel brand of the MSC Group — and Hilton announce an exclusive collaboration. As part of this exciting new travel offering, Hilton debuts Hilton Honors Adventures, an extension of Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty programme focused on immersive, adventure-driven travel, with Explora Journeys as the exclusive luxury ocean travel …

UAE / GULF TIME From family-friendly festivities and seasonal markets to festive menus, beauty glow-ups and wellness resets, December is one of the most vibrant months of the year in the UAE. Whether you’re looking to soak up holiday cheer, support local creatives, indulge in limited-edition flavours or prep for party season (and beyond), these festive happenings are worth adding …

GULF TIME Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most desirable destinations for luxury real estate, attracting internationally renowned figures who seek exclusivity, architectural excellence, and elevated lifestyles. The latest global icon to join this elite circle is Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian football star, who has acquired a landmark penthouse from Tiger Properties at the prestigious …