Author: OMN AI

The United Arab Emirates is introducing a new travel perk for international visitors, including Canadians, by offering free medical insurance to tourists flying into Abu Dhabi. The move is aimed at boosting tourism and making travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi more attractive amid regional safety concerns and shifting travel advisories. The initiative was announced by Etihad Airways on June 12 and applies to all international passengers flying on Etihad-operated routes to or through Abu Dhabi. Under the programme, eligible travellers will automatically receive complimentary medical travel insurance with their ticket. The insurance is provided through the National Insurance Company,…

Abu Dhabi is preparing a major shift in how it builds public infrastructure, with a Dh55 billion public-private partnership plan expected to bring private capital into 24 large projects. The programme marks a significant expansion of the emirate’s long-running PPP model and signals a broader effort to reduce pressure on public spending while speeding up delivery of key national projects. According to S&P Global Ratings, the new Abu Dhabi PPP plan moves beyond the emirate’s traditional focus on power and water projects. Instead, it extends private-sector involvement into transport, schools, hospitals, housing, sports facilities, and flood-control systems. The ratings agency…

Abu Dhabi is strengthening its global strategy by expanding international partnerships, especially with China, in key sectors such as energy, water, and infrastructure. The move comes as the emirate aims to build more advanced and resilient systems for long-term economic growth. The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) recently completed an official visit to China. The visit focused on strengthening cooperation with leading companies, research institutions, and government bodies working in energy, technology, and industrial innovation. Officials said the goal is to speed up the development of future-ready systems that can improve efficiency in water and energy management. The discussions…

Etihad Airways has launched a new direct service between Abu Dhabi and Damascus, marking a key expansion of its regional network in the Levant. The move strengthens air links between the United Arab Emirates and Syria’s capital, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The new route officially began on Sunday and is expected to improve travel options for both passengers and businesses. Etihad said the service responds to rising demand from Syrian communities living in the UAE, as well as from families and business travelers who need direct connections between the two cities. The airline will…

Former Google executive Mo Gawdat delivered a powerful commencement address at NYU Abu Dhabi in 2026. His speech focused on uncertainty, rapid global change, and the challenges facing new graduates entering a world shaped by artificial intelligence, global conflict, and economic pressure. Gawdat opened his talk with gratitude, saying he felt honored to speak at the ceremony. He told graduates that many of them would go on to shape the future. He said being part of that journey was a privilege for him. He then shifted to a more reflective message about his own life and career. Gawdat explained that…

Abu Dhabi is moving fast to expand its green economy plans with strong support from Chinese technology firms. The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital is focusing on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced robotics as part of its long-term sustainability goals. The push was confirmed by Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy. He said the emirate is actively working with Chinese companies to speed up clean energy development and build modern infrastructure. During a recent visit to Shanghai, Abu Dhabi officials held talks with 22 Chinese firms. These companies include major…

The UAE art scene is active with a wide range of exhibitions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Galleries and cultural spaces are showcasing photography, sculpture, design, and mixed media works before the summer slowdown. These shows reflect how artists in the region explore identity, memory, nature, and the human body through different forms of expression. One of the key exhibitions is “The UAE is Beautiful” at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. It brings together photographers living in the country to present a collective visual story of landscapes, people, and national identity. The show is inspired by a public…

Abu Dhabi Police has issued a strong warning to residents about fake consumer protection websites appearing in search engine results. These fraudulent platforms are designed to trick users into sharing sensitive personal and banking information. Officials say the scam is becoming more common and more convincing. The warning comes under the police strategic focus on “Proactive Security” and “Cybercrime Readiness.” Authorities say cybercriminals are using advanced tactics to target people who search online for help with consumer complaints. These scams often look real at first glance. According to police, fraudsters build fake websites and online accounts that closely copy official…

Dense fog covered parts of Abu Dhabi early Sunday morning, creating low visibility for drivers across key roads. The fog formed before sunrise and spread over several areas, slowing traffic and reducing safe driving conditions. Officials warned motorists to stay alert and avoid speeding in affected zones. The fog came as temperatures across the United Arab Emirates were expected to rise sharply later in the day. Weather forecasts showed inland areas could reach up to 47°C. The sharp contrast between early morning fog and extreme daytime heat is common in the region during seasonal shifts. The National Centre of Meteorology…

Australian kayaker Ellecia Saffron has completed a 60-kilometre paddle around Abu Dhabi Island in a powerful display of endurance and personal reflection. The journey took more than eight hours and tested her physically and mentally as she faced headwinds, strong currents, and rising summer temperatures. Saffron, who has lived in Abu Dhabi for 19 years, started her journey early on Friday and circled key landmarks across the capital’s waters. Her route passed well-known areas such as the Cultural District, Lulu Island, and the Eastern Mangroves, turning the challenge into a moving tour of the city she now calls home. The…