Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has signed a strategic partnership with Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider. The collaboration aims to enhance the emirate’s presence on international travel platforms and attract more global visitors. Through this partnership, Abu Dhabi will leverage Trip.com’s digital marketing, booking, and promotional capabilities to showcase its cultural, historical, and leisure attractions to travelers worldwide. The initiative is expected to boost tourism and strengthen the city’s position as a top international destination. Officials highlighted that the collaboration will focus on both leisure and business tourism. By promoting hotels, resorts, events, and experiences,…
Author: Abu Dhabi Times
Disney has announced plans to construct its seventh theme park in Abu Dhabi, marking the company’s first park in the Middle East. The new attraction will be located on Yas Island, a leading entertainment destination in the UAE, and developed in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s top creator of immersive experiences. The park will be owned and operated by Miral under a license from The Walt Disney Company, while Disney’s creative team of Imagineers will lead the design and development. The new park aims to merge Disney’s iconic stories and characters with Abu Dhabi’s modern architecture, vibrant culture, and scenic…
Abu Dhabi has announced an ambitious plan to become the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027. The initiative, part of the “Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027,” aims to integrate artificial intelligence into all government operations and public services, transforming how the emirate functions. The strategy focuses on automating all government processes, reducing human error, and improving efficiency. Over 200 AI solutions will be deployed across various sectors to enhance public service delivery. In addition, the adoption of sovereign cloud computing will ensure data security and compliance with national regulations. A key component of the plan is the “AI…
Researchers at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have developed a breakthrough ingestible device that could provide a non-drug alternative to popular weight-loss medications like Ozempic. The device, called ICOPS (Ingestible Controlled Optogenetic Stimulation), is a tiny 3D-printed capsule equipped with a light-emitting diode (LED) that can be activated wirelessly using magnetic fields. Once ingested, the capsule travels naturally through the digestive system, emitting light to stimulate specific neurons in the gut. This process can potentially influence appetite and nutrient absorption, offering a drug-free approach to weight management. ICOPS uses optogenetics, a technique that makes certain neurons sensitive to light.…
Abu Dhabi has reached a major milestone in genomic research by sequencing 802,000 genomes, including 702,000 from Emirati citizens. The project, led by M42, the emirate’s largest healthcare company, is part of the Emirati Genome Programme, which aims to enhance healthcare through precision medicine and scientific innovation. The initiative has several strategic goals. First, it seeks to improve disease prevention and treatment by identifying genetic predispositions to hereditary conditions common in the UAE. This enables early intervention and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients. Second, the program supports Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification, positioning the emirate as a global hub…
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first hospital in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to deploy the Artisse Intrasaccular Flow Modulator, a cutting-edge device designed to treat wide-necked brain aneurysms. This innovative technology offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery, enhancing patient safety and treatment effectiveness. As a designated Centre of Excellence for stroke by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the hospital reinforces its leadership in advanced neurological care. A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge in a weakened area of an artery in or around the…
A high-level delegation from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), led by Chairman Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, recently visited the United States to enhance international cooperation and explore advanced solutions in energy, water, and technology sectors. During the visit, the delegation engaged with leading US organizations to exchange knowledge and insights on best practices, regulatory frameworks, and operational models. The discussions focused on strengthening technological collaboration in areas including artificial intelligence, energy storage, water desalination, and sustainable agriculture. The delegation also explored opportunities for developing smart and future-ready infrastructure, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision for sustainable growth.…
Abu Dhabi has unveiled its Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector, covering the period from 2025 to 2050. The initiative aims to protect the emirate’s natural resources and strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change. The plan focuses on three key environmental systems: groundwater, soil, and biodiversity. These areas are critical for ensuring water security, maintaining agricultural productivity, and preserving the health of local ecosystems. By targeting these systems, Abu Dhabi aims to safeguard essential resources while promoting sustainable development. A total of 142 adaptation actions are planned through 2050, with 86 high-priority projects set for immediate…
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has partnered with Amazon Alexa to make Arabic-language content more accessible to users across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The collaboration is designed to integrate ALC’s Arabic resources into Alexa’s voice assistant services, promoting the Arabic language and culture through digital platforms. Under the agreement, two of ALC’s flagship digital initiatives—the Digital Lexicon and the Poetry Encyclopedia—will be available via Alexa. The Digital Lexicon offers a comprehensive database of Arabic vocabulary, while the Poetry Encyclopedia is an open-source archive of classical and modern Arabic poetry. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC,…
Abu Dhabi has launched the ‘Golden List’ initiative, aiming to expedite the import process for food products that consistently meet safety and quality standards. This program, a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and Abu Dhabi Customs, seeks to enhance trade efficiency while maintaining rigorous food safety protocols. The Golden List is a curated registry of food products that have demonstrated a strong compliance record. Companies whose products are included on the list are granted priority for pre-clearance, allowing their items to enter the local market directly without the need for physical inspections or sampling.…
