Author: Editorial team
DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Insurance has been appointed as the 1st official insurance provider for the newly introduced autonomous taxi fleet operated by Dubai Taxi Company, marking the first time regionally that a fully driverless commercial taxi fleet is insured under a dedicated framework. The announcement follows the recent introduction of self-driving taxis in Dubai, a pioneering initiative that reinforces the emirate’s position as a global leader in smart mobility and future-forward infrastructure. As part of Dubai’s long-term vision to transform transportation through advanced technologies, the rollout of autonomous taxis represents a significant step toward integrating artificial…
From screen time limits to concerns over harmful online content, parenting conversations in the UAE are increasingly becoming digital. That conversation took centre stage in Dubai on Monday, May 18, as Meta and Creators HQ launched a regional initiative focused on teen safety, digital wellbeing, and healthier social media habits for families across the region. The initiative, introduced during an event at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, aligns with the UAE’s “Year of the Family 2026” and aims to help parents, schools, creators, and communities navigate the growing challenges tied to teen life online. Speaking during the event, Alia Al…
DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Creators HQ, the first dedicated creators’ hub in the UAE and the Middle East, operating under Visioneers, the UAE’s largest content management and development platform, has launched a strategic partnership with Meta to promote digital safety and family protection on Instagram. The partnership is the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region and aims to enhance digital awareness among parents while protecting children and teenagers from digital risks and harmful content on Instagram. The partnership coincides with the UAE’s “Year of the Family 2026,” which aims to strengthen…
DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Gulf Mercantile Exchange (GME) on Monday announced the highest weekly trading volume in the history of the exchange, with more than 69,052 contracts traded during the week of 11 May 2026, equivalent to 69 million barrels of Oman crude oil. The milestone marks the strongest trading week recorded on the exchange in two decades. It underscores the growing importance of GME Oman Crude Oil Futures as a leading benchmark for Middle East crude pricing and risk management. “This reflects the market’s growing confidence in GME Oman as a trusted benchmark and risk management tool…
H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, flanked by Mr. Francis Alfred, Managing Director, Sobha Realty, and Dr. Mao, President, Keeta Drone, at the MOU signing ceremony on Monday in Dubai. Partnership marks a milestone in advancing sustainable, technology-enabled urban living in the UAE. Dubai — Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer renowned for innovation and building future-ready communities, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Keeta Drone, the pioneering green air delivery company, to introduce next-generation air delivery ecosystems across its integrated communities. Through this strategic partnership, Sobha…
Private sector employees in the UAE will receive a four-day paid holiday for Eid Al Adha 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said the holiday will be observed from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2026. For employees who already have Saturday and Sunday as their regular weekend, this will result in a six-day-long break. However, federal government employees will get a 5-day break during the festival. Combined with the weekends (Sat and Sun), this could give employees a 9-day extended holiday. Work will resume for public sector employees on Monday, June 1. Sharjah government employees…
DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Holding has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to embed artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of its operations, positioning the Group at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The collaboration establishes the first deployment of its kind at enterprise scale in the region and reflects Dubai Holding’s strategic direction to integrate advanced technologies as core operational capabilities, to drive a more consistent, performance-led operating model across its portfolio, aligned with the UAE’s broader ambition to lead in the adoption of artificial intelligence. Through this collaboration,…
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was recently spotted visiting Cherry House, a café concept that combines a roastery, bakery, espresso bar, and dining experience. The venue shared photos from the visit on May 17, describing it as “an unforgettable milestone.” In a post shared online, the brand wrote in Arabic: “We were honoured by the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the first supporter, as we continue following his vision and path.” The café also shared an English message thanking the Dubai Ruler, saying: “We had the privilege of welcoming His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin…
BEIJING, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — China’s value-added industrial output increased by 5.6 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, official data showed on Monday. In April alone, industrial output grew 4.1 percent year-on-year, and rose 0.05 percent compared to the previous month, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan ($2.92 million). In terms of sectors, the value added output of the mining sector increased by 5.5 percent year-on-year in…
DUBAI, 18th May, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone has announced its full-year results for 2025, reflecting continued growth across its business ecosystem and reinforcing its position as one of the UAE’s leading Free Zones. Driven by strong growth in new licence issuance, high renewal rate, and an increasingly diverse business community, the Free Zone delivered robust performance across all key indicators during the year. The number of new licences issued reached 850 in 2025, representing a 41 percent year-on-year increase and reflecting continued confidence in DWTC Free Zone as a destination for business set-up and…

