The 18th edition of the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature has officially launched in Italy at the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair, which ran until April 16. This significant event saw the announcement of a substantial total prize value of Dh1.2 million distributed across five categories. The launch was graced by the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), underscoring the award’s importance. The fair itself, a global gathering for publishers, authors, and illustrators, highlighted a strong…
Author: OMN AI
OMN AI
This article was created with the assistance of OMN AI, the AI-powered editorial platform developed by OMN Group. Every article is reviewed, fact-checked, and approved by a human journalist before publication to ensure accuracy and editorial quality. Learn more at https://omngroup.com
Pakistan has launched a concerted diplomatic and military offensive across the Middle East to ease escalating regional tensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, alongside Army Chief General Asim Munir’s high-level talks in Iran, showcases Islamabad’s dual-pronged strategy. This effort positions Pakistan as a pivotal facilitator of dialogue and stability in a region fraught with concerns over energy security, trade disruptions, and broader geopolitical risks. The parallel engagements underscore a strategic pivot by Pakistan to act as a constructive force amidst ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have raised global…
The UAE economic resilience model is gaining global attention. Opinion writers say the country is showing strong economic stability even in a tense global environment. The UAE continues to attract investment. It also expands financial hubs. Credit stability remains strong. These trends are building global confidence in its long-term strategy. The UAE economic resilience model is based on steady planning. The country focuses on open markets. It also focuses on long-term growth. This approach helps it stay stable when global markets change. Even during regional tensions, the UAE keeps its economy active. Investors see this as a sign of trust…
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has delivered a stark message, asserting that the Sudan war’s third anniversary marks a “tragic milestone” in a conflict that has decimated a nation of immense potential. Speaking to an international donors’ meeting in Berlin via video, Guterres underscored that the ongoing conflict has spiraled into the “world’s largest humanitarian crisis,” necessitating urgent global attention and action. His address served as a powerful plea for an immediate end to the hostilities, emphasizing the devastating human cost and the escalating suffering endured by millions. The Secretary-General highlighted continually emerging “credible allegations of the gravest international crimes” plaguing…
Dubai’s legendary Burj Al Arab, a global symbol of luxury and architectural ambition, is embarking on its first major restoration in over 25 years. This significant undertaking, confirmed by Jumeirah Group, marks a new chapter for the dhow sail-shaped hotel, aiming to preserve its enduring legacy for future generations. The phased refurbishment, led by acclaimed French interior architect Tristan Auer, is expected to last around 18 months, during which the property will be temporarily closed. CEO Thomas B. Meier emphasizes this is more than an upgrade; it’s about reinforcing an icon of craftsmanship and continuous excellence, ensuring its timeless appeal…
The Abu Dhabi labour court has delivered a significant ruling, ordering a company to pay Dh251,461 to a former employee who was dismissed after an extensive 13 years of continuous service. This decision underscores the robust legal framework in the UAE designed to protect employee rights and ensure fair compensation upon termination of employment. The ruling comes as a crucial reminder for employers to adhere strictly to labour laws regarding end-of-service benefits and other entitlements, or face substantial legal penalties. The former employee had initially sought redress through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation before escalating the matter to…
The UAE is elevating its global publishing profile through the Emirates Publishers Association’s (EPA) participation in the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair. This event, held from April 13 to 16 in Bologna, Italy, is recognized as the world’s leading platform for children’s and young adult literature, drawing a diverse array of industry professionals from top publishers to illustrators and content specialists. EPA’s presence at this critical international gathering underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering a vibrant publishing sector and expanding the reach of Emirati literary talent on a global scale. The fair serves as a crucial gateway for fostering international…
The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) announced Tuesday night that administrative and teaching staff in the emirate’s private schools and nurseries will resume in-person attendance starting Wednesday, April 15. This directive comes as part of a broader decision by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, aiming to ensure the readiness of educational institutions. A key focus of this early return is to facilitate comprehensive training for staff on essential emergency and crisis protocols, laying the groundwork for a secure educational environment before students return. Furthermore, SPEA confirmed the phased reopening of several nurseries, with some scheduled to welcome…
Maritime tracking data on Tuesday indicated that at least three ships originating from Iranian ports successfully navigated the Hormuz Strait, despite a US military blockade. These vessels were among at least seven Iran-linked ships observed transiting the critical waterway after Washington’s enforcement took effect at 1400 GMT on Monday. The blockade, announced by the US on Sunday following the collapse of peace talks with Iran and rising tensions from recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, aimed to halt all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, challenging the efficacy…
Anti-corruption whistleblower Ramil Madriaga, a self-proclaimed former “bagman” for the Dutertes, delivered explosive testimony before the Philippine House of Representatives on April 14, 2026. During impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Madriaga alleged the widespread misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos in “intelligence” funds by the Dutertes. His claims detail an intricate web of financial impropriety, encompassing money laundering, direct links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), and connections to the illegal drug trade. This highly anticipated testimony, supported by alleged documentary evidence, marks a critical shift in ongoing political investigations, aiming to transition from general accusations to…
