Local News

UAE nationals who are currently stranded overseas will be flown home for free by Emirates Airline.

Dubai has announced the launch of a ‘Social Solidarity Fund’ to support the fight against COVID-19.

Hotels in Dubai have displayed glowing hearts on their windows in solidarity with communities around the world battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ban on holding events and wedding parties in Abu Dhabi has been extended until further notice.

Dubai Airports has been working closely with airlines, embassies and government authorities abroad to provide solutions to the 600 passengers currently stranded at DXB.

The UAE is lifting its seasonal ban on fishing and selling sharks.

JA Resorts & Hotels are giving away 1000 free overnight stays across their resorts for medical workers in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi residents have been advised to contact Estijaba in case of a suspected COVID-19 infection.

Three more months have been added to the validity of expired health cards in Dubai.

Legal action will be taken against companies that increase prices on essential products in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE's national carrier Etihad Airways will be renewing flights to select destinations, starting Sunday April 5.

UAE residents who have not been able to return to the country will be unable to do so for two more weeks, starting Thursday April 2.

The UAE has confirmed 210 new cases of COVID-19.

More than 600 residential properties are being disinfected in Dubai.

Nine pharmacies and two pharmaceutical suppliers in Dubai have been fined for increasing the price of face masks.

The UAE's Ministry of Education (MoE) has banned private tutoring at homes and educational institutions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Home delivery taxis are now operating in Abu Dhabi, helping customers receive their orders from retail outlets that don’t traditionally have online platforms.

The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has appointed a new governor of the UAE Central Bank.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has lifted annual fishing bans starting April 5.

The UAE has confirmed 150 new cases of COVID-19 and the death of two people.

The UAE has an efficient supply chain system to ensure there’s adequate stock of essential items in the country.

The Innoventures education group has announced its fee relief measures for families affected by the global shutdown from COVID-19.

Inspections are being stepped up in Dubai to ensure that the cost of essential commodities are kept under check.

All remaining board exams for students in CBSE curriculum schools in the UAE and several other countries have been cancelled this year.

Al Ain Hospital has been closed to the public as it’s now a facility dedicated to treating and isolating patients with COVID-19.

Residents and healthcare workers in Dubai who need rides to hospitals or medical facilities will be offered discounted taxi fares.

Burj Khalifa lit up to thank all frontline teams combating COVID-19 in the UAE.

Dubai-based companies will be using taxi services to deliver their products to customers.

The UAE is supporting global efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Partners of Expo 2020 around the world have offered their support following the decision to look at postponing the event.

Dubai's Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA) answers parents' queries on the refund of school bus fees.

One of Dubai’s largest education providers has announced it will provide a discount on school fees to families directly impacted by the economic and financial impact of the global shutdown.

Dubai Economy has launched a 'Price Monitor' portal to ensure supermarkets don't manipulate the costs of essential supplies.

Buses and taxis will operate limited services during the national disinfection programme that will run between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.

Dubai Municipality on Wednesday withdrew six types of hand sanitisers from the local market for not meeting the approved health and safety standards.

People who need to step out for emergencies during the hours of the UAE's National Sterilisation Programme don't need to apply for a 'move permit' anymore.

There are only two reasons we may need to get tested for coronavirus, according to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Dubai's private schools regulator has addressed concerns surrounding tuition fees as e-learning initiative gets extended until June.

A UAE-led initiative to raise awareness about COVID-19 has drawn an incredible global response within a week of its launch.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has praised citizens and residents for helping keep the community safe.

There’s a new resource to find reliable, accurate information about COVID-19 that’s been published by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

If you have racked up traffic fines in Sharjah, now is the time to settle them.

The UAE has set-up the largest testing laboratory in the world for COVID-19 outside of China.

A total of 51 stores in the UAE have launched mobile applications to provide services remotely to consumers.

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The UAE government has helped repatriate a pregnant UAE resident who was stranded in the United States with her family.

The UAE has participated in the second virtual G20 meeting for ministers of finance and central bank governors.

The UAE has announced 53 new cases of COVID-19.

A total of 1,743 Emiratis have been successfully evacuated by the UAE from other countries.

Traffic violations will be waived for medical personnel in Ajman.

Additional restrictions are in place on the movement of people and traffic in Dubai’s Al Ras area over the next two weeks to help with the sterilisation programme.

UAE residents, whose visas have expired, need not worry.

The UAE will offer free counselling to help members of the community deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubai Ambulance has launched a new sanitising facility for its employees to help paramedics safeguard against infection.

A Dubai-based couple, who tested positive for COVID-19, has highlighted the importance of social distancing and following the stay at home rules.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is closing some of its service centres and will change the business hours of others from Wednesday, April 1.

While staying at home, Dubai Municipality is reminding us that all service requests can be lodged through its mobile app, 'Dubai 24|7'.

Dubai Economy has fined three pharmacies in Jumeirah, Al Khawaneej and Mirdif for tampering with the prices of face masks and sanitisers.

Health authorities in Abu Dhabi have dismissed reports suggesting a discrepancy in the official number of COVID-19 infections in the UAE as "untrue".

The UAE is taking further steps to ensure there’s enough stock of food items during emergencies and disasters.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has extended the registration deadline for the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme until May 1.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the closure of three Metro stations as part of precautionary measures taken to fight the novel coronavirus.

Dubai has announced plans to set up a Centre for Coronavirus Control.

All paid and multi-storey public parking spaces in Dubai will be free for two weeks starting Tuesday, March 31.

A new link has been set-up for people to apply for ‘move permits’, should they need to buy essentials like food or medicine during the night.

Expo 2020 Dubai organisers have discussed the potential postponement of the event to 2021 with stakeholders.

All UAE schools and universities will continue the remote learning programme until the end of the current academic year (2019 - 2020).

The UAE has confirmed 41 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections to 611.

Establishments in the UAE cannot force people to wear face masks.

Eight pharmacies in Sharjah have been shut down after they were caught sharply increasing the price of face marks, sanitisers and gloves.

Dubai Municipality has reassured the public on the safety of products used in the sterilisation operations in the country.

Dubai Police cars have been patrolling the streets of the emirate to ensure that people are abiding by the National Disinfection Programme's rules and guidelines.

Over the next 10 days, the UAE will open more drive-through coronavirus testing centres across the country.

Authorities are warning residents about bank scams currently making the rounds in the UAE.

Motorists in the UAE will pay less at the pumps in April.

Authorities will now be able to respond rapidly to senior citizens and residents across Dubai.

A man who posted a video on social media ridiculing the UAE's National Sterilisation Programme has been arrested in Sharjah.

The UAE's frontline health workers are being honoured in a new social media campaign.

An Indian businessman has donated a fully-equipped building in Jumeirah Lake Towers to quarantine people who've tested positive for COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced it has carried out more than 220,000 laboratory tests across the UAE for coronavirus.

Dubai saved 178 megawatts of electricity during Earth Hour, according to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), equivalent to 74 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince has spoken with Pope Francis about the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 146 endangered birds and animals into the UAE.

The Sharjah Executive Council has announced that it will extend the suspension of all events throughout the emirate until the end of April.

One-hundred-and-two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the UAE, bringing the total number to 570 cases.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will continue to suspend metro, tram and marine services during the overnight sterilisation programme.

Starting Monday, motorists in Abu Dhabi will not have to pay for parking.

Dubai Economy have urged residents to shop responsibly when it comes to faces masks, sanitiser and gloves.

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has detailed a set of fines for those violating the COVID-19 preventive measures.

Abu Dhabi has set up a website to issue 'move permits' for residents during the National Sterilisation Programme. 

As many as 29,000 UAE residents, who've been stranded abroad due to the latest travel restrictions, have registered with the UAE ministry to facilitate their return home.

A mobile drive-through test centre for COVID-19 has been set up in Abu Dhabi for all community members.

The Big Heart Foundation will be donating AED300,000 to schools in Sharjah.

Forces in Saudi Arabia have intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels.

All lab tests conducted on the people recently evacuated from China and brought to the UAE came back negative for COVID-19.

Hundreds of German tourists have been repatriated from Ras Al Khaimah after being stranded in the UAE.

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention announced that the National Disinfection Programme has been a success and will be extended.

Sixty-three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the UAE, bringing the total number to 468 cases.

Millions of dirhams have been donated by Dubai-based charity organisations to battle coronavirus in the UAE.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority have sterilised many trains, trams, buses and taxis.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) are asking us all to switch off all lights and  appliances between 8.30 and 9.30 tonight. 

Dubai Police catch motorists disobeying rules to stay off the roads from 8pm to 6am.

Seventy-two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the UAE, while three people have recovered.

Two people have been rescued following a gas cylinder explosion at a house in Dubai’s Al Khawaneej area.

Mobile phone subscribers with expired ID documents need not worry as their connections will not be disrupted.

Dubai residents who wish to step out of their homes to buy essentials like food or medicine during the overnight disinfection drive will need to get approval online.

Business establishments in the UAE are extending further support to the country in the fight against COVID-19.

Dubai has announced free parking for motorists during the sterilisation programme, which runs until Sunday morning.

Majority of private sector employees have been directed to work from home for two weeks, starting Sunday, March 29.

Motorists in the UAE whose driving licences are due to expire over the next three months can now renew them online.

People caught violating the measures put in place to fight COVID-19 in the UAE will be fined between AED 500 and AED 50,000. 

Majority of the UAE's public sector workers have been directed to work from home for two weeks, starting Sunday, March 29.

The UAE has stressed the need for an "international response" to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will suspend metro, tram and marine services during overnight sterilisation programme across the weekend.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have praised students, teachers and parents for getting through the first week of distance learning.

A nationwide disinfection campaign will be carried out overnight in the UAE for three days to clean all public transport facilities and communal areas.

Several public bus services in Abu Dhabi have been suspended as a precaution during the Covid-19 outbreak.

All banks in the UAE have been directed to replenish ATMs with new banknotes, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to ensure the health and safety of bank customers.

Work permits and residence visas will be renewed automatically in the UAE as part of efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The UAE has condemned this week's terrorist attack in western Chad that left more than 90 soldiers dead.

Fewer people are being arrested in Abu Dhabi.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is joining hands with Twitter to provide more accurate information on COVID-19 to the public.

The US Secretary of State has praised the UAE for the steps its taken to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Authorities have temporarily lifted the ban on the movement of trucks weighing 2.5 tonnes on Dubai’s roads.

Parts of Dubai erupted in applause for healthcare professionals on Wednesday night.

Officials in the UAE have arrested 64 people who were infected with COVID-19 and did not follow the health and safety guidelines.

Dubai Economy have directed all private sector companies to implement remote working for 80% of their employees from Wednesday, March 25 until April 9.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced additional steps that will be taken to protect metro, bus and taxi passengers as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.

The UAE has announced 85 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 333 cases in the country.

All shops, barring those outlets that provide essential services, have been ordered to close for two weeks, starting today.

Abu Dhabi has launched an initiative for people to make financial and in-kind contributions.

Pharmacies, supermarkets and all other food retail outlets (including groceries and cooperative societies) in the UAE are allowed to remain open 24/7.

Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE have introduced some changes to their services as part of precautions against COVID-19.

Authorities in the UAE are reminding the public to wear masks only if they suffer from chronic diseases or flu symptoms.

Further measures are being adopted to ensure that technical faults on Dubai Metro are quickly dealt with.

The UAE has announced 50 new cases of COVID-19.

A European woman has been arrested in Dubai for violating the government’s instructions to stay at home.

The UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has enabled some apps that use video calls to support employees working from home and distance learning, amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Drones are being used to ensure that residents are avoiding public spaces in Dubai.

Medical professionals in the UAE can now volunteer using the ‘Day for Dubai’ app.

The UAE government has reiterated its full-fledged support for medical professionals and other emergency workers involved in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visitors, who are not able to leave the UAE due to flight suspensions and the closure of borders, need not worry.

The UAE is taking steps to prepare Emirati youth for dealing with pandemics and helping with disease prevention.

Sharjah has announced free parking for motorists until further notice.

The UAE has called on all Emirati students abroad to return to the country within the next 48 hours.

The UAE’s business community is extending further support to the country in the fight against COVID-19.

Supermarket chains in the UAE are reassuring customers that their stores won't be affected by the government's decision to shut commercial centres and shopping malls.

Social distancing is not a choice, but rather everyone's social responsibility in the UAE at the moment.

One of the recently confirmed COVID-19 patients returned to the UAE after his trip abroad and infected 17 others.

The UAE has confirmed 45 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 198 in the country.

Etihad Airways will be suspending all passenger flights to and from Abu Dhabi from Wednesday, March 25.

All rental property eviction cases currently underway have been put on hold in Abu Dhabi.

Renewing expired vehicle registration cards can now be done remotely for the next three months in the UAE.

The UAE government is urging the public to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to step out.

All restaurants, cafes and food outlets in Dubai will stop dine-in options for two weeks, starting today, as authorities tighten measures to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The UAE has decided to close all commercial centres and shopping malls along with fish, meat and vegetables markets for a renewable period of two weeks.

The UAE government has suspended all inbound and outbound passenger flights for two weeks.

A European man has been arrested for filming and seemingly mocking beach closure instructions issued by a Dubai Police patrol unit.

Residents are being urged to keep hand sanitisers and gloves away from any fires or open flames as they are highly flammable.

The Dubai World Cup 2020 has been cancelled in the UAE.

Students from Al Majd Model School in Sharjah were joined by an important guest during their first e-learning session today.

Abu Dhabi shops have introduced special floor stickers and placards to enable customers practice social distancing as the UAE combats the spread of coronavirus.

The UAE has announced several public areas will be closed for two weeks starting Sunday, March 22.

The distribution of all print newspapers, magazines and marketing materials will be temporarily suspended in the UAE from Tuesday, March 24.

Despite a thundering storm last night, several residents in Dubai Marina took to their balconies to honour healthcare workers across the UAE.

With the spring break for educational institutions in the UAE officially coming to an end, students are getting back to their lessons - but this time they won't be leaving their homes.

Authorities in the UAE are taking further steps to help residence visa holders who are currently outside the country.

Major streets across Dubai are being deep cleaned as part of a massive sterilisation drive to tackle the spread of COVID-19.

Parts of the UAE were hit by a thunderstorm on Saturday evening.

Residents are being told to avoid public spaces such as beaches and parks in the UAE.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) confirmed 13 new cases of Covid-19 in the country.

First Abu Dhabi Bank has partnered with the Ministry of Education to provide laptops worth AED5 million to support its distance learning platform.

It has extended the deadline for the 50% discount on traffic violations committed in the emirate until June 22, 2020.

There'll be storms with thunder and lightning across parts of the country. 

The UAE on Friday announced two people have died from coronavirus in the country.

The UAE on Friday revised its decision to allow GCC nationals to enter the country.

The UAE has maintained its top position in the Arab world for the sixth consecutive year, according to the latest edition of the World Happiness Report for 2020.

Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor has donated 50 ambulances and a quarantine building unit to help support the UAE in its fight against the coronavirus.

The UAE has launched a round-the-clock hotline to help residents, who are currently out of the country.

The UAE will allow GCC citizens to enter the country from 10:00 am on Saturday, March 21.

Despite the challenges that come with a nearly total lockdown, a resident in Philippines highlights why it's crucial to remain optimistic.

The UAE has confirmed 27 new cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Sea cruises, desert camps, safaris and floating restaurants have been shut down with immediate effect in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE has helped evacuate 80 South Korean nationals from Iran.

The UAE is suspending the entry of all its valid visa holders, who are currently outside the country.

Beaches in Abu Dhabi will reopen on Thursday, March 19.

The UAE has temporarily halted issuing all types of labour permits, including those for drivers and domestic workers.

A new online platform has been launched by Dubai's education regulatory authority to help students, teachers and parents during the distance learning period.

British curriculum schools in the UAE are closely following the UK government's decision to cancel the GCSE and A-Level exams scheduled for this year.

The UAE is taking steps to ensure that students without internet at home have access to distance education.

Countries taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai have expressed unity and solidarity amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

UAE citizens have been temporarily banned from travelling abroad as of Wednesday, March 18.

The UAE Attorney-General says anyone who violates authority restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 will be punished under the law.

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority has strongly denied a message that claims the skies over the country will be sprayed with pesticide to contain coronavirus.

The UAE will temporarily suspend issuing visas on arrival from Thursday, March 19.

From the 20th March in person services will be closed at Bur Dubai, Al Raffaa, Naif, and Al Rashidiya police stations.  

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started the trial run of autonomous vehicles at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

The UAE's Ministry of Education is soft launching its distance education platform on Wednesday, before its official roll-out next week.

Three Dubai doctors have been handed one-year jail term over a botched nose surgery.

The Dubai Sports Council is urging the public to continue exercising at home, as gyms across the country remain shut over the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince has reassured the public that the UAE is undertaking every effort to protect this country during the coronavirus outbreak.

Fifteen new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the UAE.

The Dubai Ruler has promoted Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, to the rank of Lieutenant-General.

Authorities in Dubai are getting tough on outlets flouting the ban on serving shisha.

Several major shopping centres in the UAE have changed their operating hours.

The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has praised the UAE's continued support for global efforts aimed at tackling the spread of COVID-19.

New rules are in place for restaurants and other food establishments in Dubai as part of efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

A traveller, who lost AED 50,000 while passing through Dubai International Airport, managed to retrieve the money within an hour, thanks to Dubai Police.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince has reassured the citizens and residents of the UAE that the country is well prepared to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. 

The UAE has advised its citizens who are currently outside of the country to return home.

Residents in the UAE have been told not to panic as supermarkets in the country are well stocked.

Dubai's Executive Council meeting was held remotely using digital conferencing tools.

The world's tallest skyscraper lit up in the colours of the Italian flag on Monday night.

Spreading false information is a crime punishable by law in the UAE.

Prayers in mosques, churches and all other places of worship in the UAE are being suspended temporarily for a period of four weeks.

The UAE has sent two aid planes with critical medical supplies to Iran.

The UAE has carried out more than 125,000 tests for COVID-19 so far.

Authorities in Dubai have called on the public to avoid holding parties and wedding celebrations at home.

Dubai has announced the temporary closure of all pubs, bars and lounges in the emirate until the end of the month.

The UAE has advised its citizens to leave Ukraine, Moldova and Azerbaijan before March 17.

Abu Dhabi International Airport has announced the closure of its Terminal 2 as part of efforts to improve services.

The UAE has denied reports claiming that it will be suspending all inbound and outbound flights in the country.

Dubai Customs has helped destroy 48,000 counterfeit items in the first quarter of this year.

Three more people in the UAE have recovered from COVID-19.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has thanked government teams for working to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The UAE has confirmed 12 new cases of COVID-19.

The UAE has expressed its support for Iran amid concerns over COVID-19.

Airports in Dubai will be suspending the issuance of entry visas from March 17.

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has been awarded by Google for its Popular Science Arabia magazine.

A man has been rescued near the Jebel Yanis area in Ras Al Khaimah.

Services have been suspended at cinemas, theme parks, gyms, amusement centres and spring camps in Dubai.

Dubai's Global Village has closed its doors early this season.

All events in Dubai have been called off until the end of this month, while entertainment destinations have been asked to suspend operations as well.

The UAE is suspending all flights to and from Lebanon, Turkey, Syria and Iraq as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.

A new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the UAE, while three more patients have recovered.

The UAE will temporarily suspend the issuance of all visas from March 17.

Starting Sunday, all major tourist and cultural venues in Abu Dhabi will be closed as a precautionary step to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The UAE is set to activate remote work for a segment of federal government employees for two weeks, starting Sunday.

The UAE's health ministry has advised senior citizens and residents to remain indoors as a precautionary measure to combat coronavirus.

Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson will perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena next year.