The UAE will implement a nationwide change to the timing of Friday prayers beginning January 2, 2026, according to an announcement from the country’s religious authorities.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said the Friday sermon and congregational prayer will begin at 12:45pm across all mosques. The adjustment is intended to unify prayer timings throughout the Emirates.
The public is encouraged to arrive early to perform the prayer on time.
UAE bans travel to Mali, urges nationals to return
The UAE has imposed a travel ban on nationals traveling to Mali following concerning developments, urging those currently in the country to depart and return at the earliest opportunity.
Rain, dusty conditions forecast across UAE from December 12
The UAE’s weather bureau has forecast chances of scattered rainfall, dusty conditions and rough seas from December 12 to December 19.
UAE continues aid aircraft delivery to Sri Lanka
The UAE's eight humanitarian aid aircraft has arrived at Srilanka's capital, Colombo, on Tuesday in efforts to support the country following the impact of floods and landslides.
UAE praised for protection of privacy at BRIDGE Summit 2025
The UAE has been praised for its protection of privacy during a discussion held on its rising threat to the community at the BRIDGE Summit 2025 on Tuesday.
UAE offers condolences to Australia over death of firefighter in bushfire
The UAE has offered its condolences to Australia following the death of a firefighter during a bushfire north of Sydney.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan announces contactless hotel check-in rollout
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced on Tuesday the citywide introduction of a one-time contactless hotel guest check-in solution.
UNESCO hosts high-level talks on ‘information integrity’ at BRIDGE Summit
A high-level UNESCO diplomatic session at the BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi has warned that the erosion of trust in information, fuelled by AI, algorithms and online manipulation, is now a major global challenge affecting governance, democracy and social stability.
Fire breaks out at Al Reem Island construction site
Abu Dhabi Police and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority have responded to a fire that broke out on Tuesday afternoon at a building under construction on Al Reem Island.
Sri Lankan Army praises UAE search and rescue team
The Sri Lankan Army has praised the UAE’s search and rescue team for its speed, precision and ability to operate in challenging conditions as it continues missions in areas hit by floods and landslides.
UAE announces $550 million for UN’s 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced a pledge of $550 million to support the UN’s Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO).
Over 3.5 million interactions on BRIDGE Summit's App on opening day
The BRIDGE Summit's official application has surged to the #1 Business App in the UAE within hours of launch, the global media event earning more than 3.5 million interactions on its opening day at Abu Dhabi.
Dubai launches system to expedite funeral procedures
Bereavement formalities in Dubai will be fast-tracked under a new system that will also offer mental health support to help children cope with loss of a family member, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced on Monday.
UAE launches AI ecosystem to support farmers through climate change
Abu Dhabi has launched an AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development, with a new platform that will support farmers affected by shifting climate conditions in partnership with the Gates Foundation.
UAE royal reviews RTA’s strategic plan
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed has reviewed the strategic plan of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and its future projects aimed at enhancing the road network and public transport systems.
UAE sets model for providing highly efficient healthcare, says WHO
A senior World Health Organisation official said on Monday the UAE now ranks among the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.
BRIDGE Summit opens with global media leaders and 60,000 participants
The BRIDGE Summit 2025 opened on Monday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), marking the launch of what is being described as the world’s largest gathering for the media, content, and entertainment industries.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled attends opening of Abu Dhabi Finance Week
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, on Monday attended the opening of the fourth Abu Dhabi Finance Week.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approves Dubai residential planning model
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has approved the new planning model for developing citizens’ residential areas and the Digital Resilience Policy, which enhances Dubai’s digital leadership.
Global leaders pledge $1.9 billion in Abu Dhabi to end polio
International leaders, philanthropists, and global health partners announced on Monday in Abu Dhabi a collective $1.9 billion to advance polio eradication.
RTA expands trial taxi ride-sharing services
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to expand the scope of its taxi ride-sharing service for a six-month trial period.
The UAE has imposed a travel ban on nationals traveling to Mali following concerning developments, urging those currently in the country to depart and return at the earliest opportunity.
The UAE’s weather bureau has forecast chances of scattered rainfall, dusty conditions and rough seas from December 12 to December 19.
The UAE's eight humanitarian aid aircraft has arrived at Srilanka's capital, Colombo, on Tuesday in efforts to support the country following the impact of floods and landslides.
