Author: Editor

SHARJAH, 16th August, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority has launched a new film titled ‘From Khorfakkan, Opportunities Begin’, spotlighting the strategic importance of Khorfakkan Port and the pivotal role it plays within an integrated economic and logistics ecosystem spanning the Emirate of Sharjah and the wider UAE. Connecting ports with logistics complexes, border crossings, transport networks and trade corridors, this ecosystem enables smoother trade flows, strengthens supply chain resilience and expands access to regional and global markets. The film presents a vision that goes beyond the conventional role of ports as points where cargo…

TOKYO, 17th August, 2026 (WAM) — Japan’s economy expanded at an annualised real 1.1 percent in the second quarter of 2026, falling short of market expectations, government data showed Monday. Quarter-on-quarter, inflation-adjusted GDP rose 0.3 percent in the April-June period, the Cabinet Office said in its preliminary report. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, edged down 0.02 percent from the previous quarter, marking the first decline in eight quarters. Source: Emirates News Agency

American actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in TV shows such as Nashville and Heroes, has died at the age of 36, ABC News reported on Sunday, citing her representative.”It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her on screen,” her representative told ABC News.Reuters could immediately reach her representative outside regular business hours. She was known for her roles in NBC’s superhero series…

MADRID, 14th August, 2026 (WAM) — San Sebastián Racecourse in the Kingdom of Spain will host the Spain leg of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on Saturday, as part of the 33rd edition. It is the Prestigious Cup’s second appearance on Spanish soil. The Cup series is staged in support of plans to develop the Arabian horse racing industry and to sustain the backing of owners and breeders around the world, encouraging them to acquire and breed Arabian horses. This work helps preserve the breed’s authentic heritage, elevate its standing and strengthen its presence at the most…

ABU DHABI, 17th August, 2026 (WAM) — Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Mualla, Vice President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), said the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival 2026, currently running until 24th August, represents a significant addition to the UAE’s standing as a host of international events. He described the latest edition of the festival as a “mini-Olympiad”, with around 2,250 male and female players from various countries competing in 34 diverse events covering different categories and age groups. In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Monday while attending the events, he said the UAE is…

ABU DHABI, 16th August, 2026 (WAM) — Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that the 32nd Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival reinforces the UAE’s standing as a premier destination for world-class chess tournaments and highlights the sport’s rapid growth. Speaking at the opening ceremony, which features 2,250 players from across the globe, Al Zeyoudi commended H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, for his patronage. He also praised the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club for nurturing local talent and driving the festival’s long-term success. Al Zeyoudi…

DUBAI, 16th August, 2026 (WAM) — The 2025 performance results tracked by the 2026 Competitiveness Report reflect the growing reach of customs work in supporting UAE competitiveness, given the direct link between the efficiency of customs procedures and the pace of trade, the resilience of supply chains, the quality of government services, security, digital transformation, and the appeal of the business environment. The report, which measures 2025 performance, drew on 30 global reports and 69 competitiveness indicators — including 10 new ones — offering a more comprehensive read on the performance of the country’s institutions and private sector, and the…

ROME, 16th August, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE Sailing and Modern Rowing Federation announced that the UAE national modern sailing team, in the Elite category, will participate in the ILCA 7 World Championship in Ireland from August 23 to 30. In a statement, the federation said the team’s preparations begin today in the Italian city of Riva del Garda and will continue until August 23, ahead of participation in the championship and the Asian Games in Japan, scheduled for September and October. The national team consists of four athletes under the supervision of the federation’s technical director, Zuhair Al Labat.…

SHARJAH, 16th August, 2026 (WAM) — The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has announced the launch of the 2026 edition of the Sharjah Excellence Award, with the final registration and submission deadline set for the end of January 2027. Held annually under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the award honours companies, establishments, and individuals that demonstrate outstanding institutional performance, promoting a culture of quality, innovation, and excellence across the business environment. The Chamber encouraged private-sector companies and entrepreneurs from across the UAE and the…

SHARJAH, 16th August, 2026 (WAM) — Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Al Qasimia University (AQU) will host its 11th International Conference on 3–4 February 2027. The conference, titled “The United Arab Emirates’ Efforts in the Islamic Economy: Reality, Achievements and Future Prospects,” will be held on the university campus, with remote participation also available via Zoom. Prof. Dr Awad Al Khalaf, Chancellor of AQU, said the conference reflects the university’s commitment to examining contemporary national issues from scientific and academic perspectives and to highlighting the…