Here's your daily podcast from the ARN News Centre with the latest updates regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic in the UAE.

Thursday, 16 July 2020 22:58
By Noni Edwards
Here's your daily podcast from the ARN News Centre with the latest updates regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic in the UAE.


UAE scraps 15-day grace period for payment delays for private sector
Starting June 1, private firms in the UAE will need to pay employees on the first of each month or face strict penalties as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) removes the 15-day grace period for payments under a new resolution.
UN Chief 'deeply alarmed' by drone attacks on Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was "deeply alarmed" by reports of drones targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.
Eid Al Adha holidays announced for private sector
Eid Al Adha holidays have been announced for private sector employees in the UAE.
UAE denounces attack targeting Barakah nuclear plant
The UAE has strongly condemned the unprovoked drone attack targeting Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra region, stressing it reserves its right to respond to any threats to its national security and safety of its people.
UAE condemns drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia
The UAE has strongly condemned the drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia that were launched from Iraqi airspace and intercepted on Sunday.
Sheikh Abdullah discusses Barakah drone strike with Arab ministers
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed the drone strike near the Barakah nuclear power plant with several Arab foreign ministers during a series of phone calls on Sunday.
UAE confirms Eid Al Adha to begin on May 27
The UAE Fatwa Council has announced that Eid Al Adha will begin on Wednesday, May 27, after confirming the sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent moon on Sunday evening.
UAE says two drones intercepted as third strikes generator near Barakah plant
UAE air defences responded to three drones that entered the country from the western border area on Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
Abdullah bin Zayed condemns drone strike in call with IAEA chief
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, condemned the drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant during a phone call on Sunday with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi.
UAE ranked among world’s top 10 governments in global index
The UAE has ranked among the world’s top 10 governments in the 2026 Chandler Good Government Index, which measures government effectiveness across 133 countries.
Abu Dhabi authorities respond to fire from drone strike in Al Dhafra
Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded on Sunday to a fire that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike.
Dubai's Al Khaleej Tunnel Project targets huge cut to travel time by 2030
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 80 per cent of the Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project, which is set to reduce the journey time from 104 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030.
Sharjah launches Oman logistics corridor through land border crossings
The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority has launched an integrated logistics corridor connecting the emirate with ports in Oman through land border crossings to strengthen regional trade connectivity and supply chain resilience.
Putin thanks UAE President for Russia-Ukraine mediation efforts
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, during which they discussed various aspects of cooperation and joint efforts aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Dubai Police warns of videos promoting excessive energy drink consumption
Dubai Police have urged parents to monitor the social media usage of their children when it comes to videos encouraging and promoting the excessive consumption of energy drinks.
UAE President, Australian Deputy PM discuss defence, regional security
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
UAE, IMO discuss Strait of Hormuz shipping security
UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh has held talks with International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf.
UAE says OPEC, OPEC+ exit was sovereign strategic decision
The UAE's decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+) was a "sovereign strategic choice" and not "driven by political considerations", Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said on Saturday.
UAE, Maldives FMs discuss bilateral ties
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam on Saturday to discuss bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
UAE reaffirms it took defensive actions to protect sovereignty, civilians
Strongly condemning Iran's "unprovoked" attacks on the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that all its actions were defensive, aimed at protecting its sovereignty and in line with the country’s legitimate right to safeguard its national security.
Starting June 1, private firms in the UAE will need to pay employees on the first of each month or face strict penalties as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) removes the 15-day grace period for payments under a new resolution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was "deeply alarmed" by reports of drones targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.
Eid Al Adha holidays have been announced for private sector employees in the UAE.