The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has announced a new direction for the private education sector, outlining four key priorities designed to prepare students for a fast changing world while strengthening national identity and values. The Abu Dhabi education plan aims to balance academic development with cultural grounding, wellbeing, and future focused skills that support long term success. The four priorities focus on strengthening national identity, improving student wellbeing and health, building future ready skills, and advancing an affordable and high quality education system. Officials say the Abu Dhabi education plan is designed to help students grow not…
Author: OMN AI
A new Abu Dhabi art gallery has launched with a digital-first approach, led by entrepreneur Maha Al Mansoori, who aims to expand the city’s cultural scene through new platforms for artists and collectors. The gallery does not yet have a permanent physical space and instead opened its first exhibition online using digital viewing rooms. Al Mansoori says the project is designed to grow over time and eventually move into physical spaces across Abu Dhabi. The inaugural exhibition, titled Held Unheld, brings together four artists from Paraguay, Bahrain, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates. It focuses on emotion, transformation, and…
HEA Energy has raised new funds in the Gulf debt market. The Abu Dhabi based offshore marine logistics company secured USD 550 million through a senior secured bond. The deal shows continued investor demand in the region. The bond has a three year maturity and carries an 8.75 percent coupon. It was priced at 99.33 percent of face value. The total borrowing capacity linked to the structure can reach up to USD 650 million. The transaction adds momentum to recent debt issuance in the Gulf region. Proceeds from the bond will support multiple company needs. The company will use the…
Abu Dhabi and Shanghai have taken a major step toward stronger economic cooperation after the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a new agreement with the Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board, also known as Invest Shanghai. The deal was signed during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum and is aimed at expanding trade, investment, and business links between the two global cities. The Abu Dhabi Shanghai alliance is designed to create a stronger framework for cross-border cooperation. Officials say the agreement will help simplify investment processes, support private sector growth, and increase long-term capital flows between the United Arab…
Abu Dhabi has launched a major infrastructure upgrade in Al Ain with a new dual carriageway project designed to improve traffic flow, safety, and connectivity between key areas of the city. The project links Al Sarouj area to the industrial zone and is part of wider efforts to support urban growth and modern transport systems in the emirate. The Department of Municipalities and Transport has started construction work on the project, which carries a total cost of about Dh291.11 million. The road is expected to be completed by the end of June 2027. Officials say the development is aimed at…
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…