Local News from Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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UAE to change Friday prayer timing from January
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sharjah Police foil two cocaine smuggling operations, seize 17kgSharjah Police have disrupted two cocaine smuggling operations, one domestic and one international, seizing a combined 17 kilograms of the drug and arresting several suspects linked to a multi-country trafficking network.
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DP World installs first 1,000 living seawalls panels at Jebel Ali PortDP World has completed the first phase of its Living Seawalls installation at Jebel Ali Port, deploying 1,000 eco-engineered panels that transform flat seawall surfaces into habitats where marine life can thrive and enhance biodiversity, setting a new benchmark for sustainable port infrastructure in the region.
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UAE 'an exceptional model' in developing AI policies, says Omar Al OlamaThe UAE’s proactive approach to regulating and deploying artificial intelligence was in focus at BRIDGE Summit 2025 on Wednesday, where the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, warned that industries and nations hesitant to adopt AI risk being left behind.
