Author: Abu Dhabi Times

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.…

Abu Dhabi’s financial centre has reported a significant 42% year-on-year increase in active companies during the first half of 2025, highlighting the emirate’s growing appeal as a global business hub. The number of operational entities within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) reached 2,972 by June 30, up from 2,381 at the end of 2024. This growth reflects a broader trend of global firms seeking proximity to Abu Dhabi’s powerful sovereign wealth funds, which collectively manage nearly $2 trillion—more than any other city globally. In addition to the increase in active companies, assets under management (AUM) within ADGM also rose…

The United Arab Emirates is accelerating its adoption of autonomous technology with plans to introduce driverless delivery vehicles nationwide within the next year. This move follows successful trials in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, where autonomous vehicles have been delivering products to customers. Tariq Al Wahedi, CEO of 7X Group, a Dubai-based trade, transport, and logistics holding group, stated, “A few autonomous trucks are already active in Masdar City, doing deliveries. We need a certain number of hours to prove that it is safe. Then it will be extended to Khalifa City. We will then do another trial in Dubai as…

As over one million students returned to schools for the 2025–26 academic year on August 25, the United Arab Emirates reinforced its commitment to digital education by distributing 46,888 laptops to public school students from Grade 5 onward. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize learning, bridge the digital divide, and prepare students for a technology-driven future. Students receiving laptops are required to sign a pledge committing to responsible and safe usage. The program aims to improve engagement, enhance learning outcomes, and foster digital literacy from an early age. Alongside device distribution, the UAE has invested in…

The United Arab Emirates has intensified enforcement of media standards after the UAE Media Council took legal action against a social media advertiser for promoting a health-related product with false and unapproved medical claims. The move underscores the country’s commitment to combating misinformation and ensuring accountability in digital advertising. The case falls under the new Media Regulation Law, which came into effect on May 29 and includes strict guidelines for advertising, particularly for health and wellness products. Authorities confirmed that the advertiser was summoned and that legal proceedings have been initiated in response to the violation. The UAE Media Council…

The United Arab Emirates has stepped up its Gulf diplomacy following Israel’s recent attack on Hamas leaders in Doha. President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan embarked on a tour of Gulf countries to coordinate regional positions and reinforce unity, a senior diplomatic adviser said. Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s diplomatic adviser, described the tour as a reflection of “a deep conviction in strengthening coordination and cooperation, and in reinforcing the concept of a common destiny.” The visit underscores the UAE’s commitment to collective security and strategic alignment among Gulf nations. The Israeli airstrike on Hamas political leaders in Qatar’s capital…

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the recent aggressive statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targeting the State of Qatar. The UAE reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Qatar, emphasizing that threats against one Gulf nation are threats against the entire region. In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined that Qatar’s security and stability are integral to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) system. The ministry noted that any hostile action toward a Gulf state undermines regional security and destabilizes the collective unity that has been a cornerstone of Gulf cooperation for decades. The ministry…

The United Arab Emirates has released a new report that highlights the benefits of remote work and hybrid policies for businesses and society. The white paper, titled Remote Work in the UAE, outlines how flexible work arrangements can boost productivity, inclusivity, and wellbeing while easing traffic congestion in cities. The study makes the case for companies to consider remote work as part of their long-term planning. Although the government has not yet announced an official policy, the white paper shows a clear preference for enabling remote work in the future. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence,…