A week in review: Here are the top news stories from Dubai this week
Here’s your must-read guide to the city’s biggest news stories…
In a fast-paced city like Dubai, keeping up with all the city’s happenings and latest news can be hard. This is why we’re bringing you the week in review: a short, digestible overview of the week’s biggest news announcements, trending stories and top happenings.
From an important message from the UAE President to predicted Ramadan dates for 2025, COSPAR 2028, new RTA buses and more…
Here are the top news stories from Dubai this week…
UAE President calls on citizens and residents to uphold principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to social media platform X (previously Twitter) to speak about the importance of peaceful coexistence. “Security and safety are the bedrock of our society” he said and he further encouraged “everyone who calls the UAE home to uphold these principles of peaceful coexistence and understanding.”
Dubai launches landmark Dhs105 million mental health framework
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has unveiled a new Dhs105 million Mental Wealth Framework, set to focus on improving mental health and wellbeing for the city’s residents. It was unveiled under the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. It will be implemented over the next five years at a cost of Dhs105 million.
Dubai to introduce silent radars
Dubai Police will soon set up ‘silent radars’ across residential neighbourhoods across the city. These particular radars won’t flash like the others, nor will they look like the ones we’ve seen before. They are programmed to do much more than just record speeding violators. They can also detect drivers who aren’t wearing their seatbelts, using their phones when driving and more. Those who violate the rules will be slapped with fines starting from Dhs400.
UAE wins bid to host COSPAR 2028
The UAE has won the bid to host COSPAR (Committee on Space Research) in 2028. COSPAR is the world’s largest event focused on space research. It will be the first time COSPAR will be held in the Arab world. The win further solidifies the fact that the UAE is making huge strides in space exploration. COSPAR Scientific Assembly is a forum for presenting the most important results in space research in all disciplines and the focal point for international space science. Well done, UAE!
Dubai to get 636 new buses in Dhs1.1billion RTA deal
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans to enhance the city’s public transport network with 636 new buses. The move aims to help the city achieve the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 targets and is part of Dubai’s vision to establish a public transport system that’s both sustainable and resilient. Delivery of the buses will take place across 2024 and 2025, so over the next 18 months we can expect to see the new Dubai buses on the roads.
UAE astronomer predicts Ramadan 2025 dates
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, ‘The crescent moon of the month of Ramadan 1446 AH will be born on Friday, February 28, 2025.’ This means that astronomically, Ramadan 2025 is likely to start on Saturday, March 1, 2025. We will have to wait for UAE official confirmation closer to the time.
UAE astronomer predicts the start of better weather
While it does feel that the end of summer is so far off, we come bearing some good news that will help cool you off. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, ‘We are a month away from the rising of the star of Suhail.’ According to folklore, the rising of the Suhail star is a sign that marks the end of the intensity of heat and the start of better weather.
Dubai news bites from last week: UAE President declares July 18 as Union Pledge Day, HH Sheikh Mohammed celebrated his 75th birthday, HH Sheikh Hamdan was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Dubai trials the world’s first 3D-printed abra, Dubai Police seize 640 scooters for violations, and new bicycle and scooter tracks now open in Hatta.
Images: Getty Images, Emirates News Agency, and Unsplash
