The Force Awakens in Abu Dhabi as the latest Star Wars film premieres today. The seventh edition of the franchise will be screened for the first time in the Middle East at the Emirates Palace. A number of scenes were filmed in the Abu Dhabi desert in May last year, with more than 650 crew working across two locations. On Tuesday, six Stormtroopers arrived in the emirate ahead of the premiere.
Reddit sues Australia over social media ban
Message board website Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia's highest court on Friday seeking to overturn the country's social media ban for children, calling it an intrusion on free speech and setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.
Eurovision winner Nemo to send trophy back in protest over Israel's participation
Swiss Eurovision winner Nemo announced on Thursday they were handing back their trophy in the latest protest about Israel's continued participation in the contest over the war in Gaza.
World-famous cellist Hauser to perform in Abu Dhabi
Known for transforming the cello into a powerful, expressive voice that bridges classical music with pop and rock, celebrated star Hauser will headline a special night at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 on May 2.
BRIDGE Summit: Bassem Yousef says satire isn't meant to fix the world
Celebrated political satirist Bassem Yousef said he will continue to "make jokes at the powerful" but clarified that satire does not attempt to change world issues "because it was not designed to".
Jared Harris tells content creators to prioritise storytelling over tech at BRIDGE
British actor Jared Harris has warned creators on the use of generative AI and its ethical risks at the BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, advising to focus on human narratives rather than algorithmic output.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, fresh from a meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin, said he hopes to discuss a Ukraine-Russia peace plan with US President Donald Trump, adding that "peace is not far away".
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Đurić. have agreed to deepen political coordination after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during talks in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has introduced changes to its laws governing the care of children of unknown parentage, expanding custody options and strengthening child protection measures.
