Author: Editor

ABU DHABI, 28th September, 2026 (WAM) — Sonya Yee, Chief of the Advocacy Section at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), described the UAE as a leading hub for innovation, saying that the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi provides an ideal platform to discuss technology, justice and crime prevention, and explore how technological advances can help address crime-related challenges and strengthen justice. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Yee said the United Nations Congress – Abu Dhabi 2026 represents the world’s largest gathering of specialists and leaders in…

ABU DHABI, 28th September, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has introduced a new regulatory framework that reduces the processing time for domestic heliport registration procedures from up to 135 days to just two working days by replacing the certification requirement for domestic heliports with a simplified registration system. The initiative marks a significant step in the evolution of vertical aviation in the UAE and supports the country’s vision of a more agile, efficient, and business-friendly regulatory environment while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. The new regulatory framework applies from the date of publication…

Lebanese-Armenian percussionist Rodolphe Manoukian has spent years bringing the darbuka into electronic music and live club performances.Born in Beirut, he began playing the instrument at nine before performing at Geneva’s Victoria Hall with the LEBAM Orchestra by the age of 14.His sound today brings Middle Eastern percussion together with Afro house, tribal rhythms and electronic music.His darbuka version of the Punjabi track Mundian To Bach Ke later introduced his music to a wider audience, particularly in India.Now, following his Dubai performance at Troy on September 26, Manoukian speaks about the influence of Beirut on his music, performing for different crowds and why…

ABU DHABI, 28th September, 2026 (WAM) — Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, has signed an agreement with JINGDONG Property, the infrastructure investment and asset management arm of JD.com, Inc., to establish an advanced logistics facility in KEZAD Area A – KEZAD Al Ma’mourah. The project will comprise approximately 150,000 square metres of warehousing facilities, with delivery expected in 2028. It will provide premium warehousing solutions and integrated logistics infrastructure, designed to support local and international enterprises, enhance supply chain efficiency and facilitate the…

Ariana Grande took home two awards at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards for her single Hate That I Made You Love Me.The singer won Song of Summer and Best Visual Effects for the track at the ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27. MTV confirmed both wins in its official winners list.The wins came after Ariana entered the night with seven nominations, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Visual Effects.Hate That I Made You Love Me was later added to the Song of Summer category, bringing the…

Dubai Comedy Festival is getting even bigger this October, with a fresh set of shows joining a line-up that already includes some of the biggest names in stand-up.The latest additions put a particular spotlight on homegrown and emerging talent, while bringing everything from Arabic crowd work and international stand-up to an interactive show that turns the often unpredictable world of dating into comedy.The new shows will take place at Pepperoni Comedy Club, offering audiences a more intimate setting alongside the festival’s larger performances across the city.They join a packed 2026 programme featuring Mo Gilligan, Vir Das, Jamie Lever, Munawar Faruqui,…

ABU DHABI, 28th September, 2026 (WAM) — UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Tim Wellens secured third place overall in the 2026 CRO Race after finishing safely inside the peloton on the final day, with the Belgian taking to the final podium on Sunday afternoon. The result continues Wellens’ fine run of results, with the recent Tour of Britain winner producing another consistent general classification push as his season draws to a close. The Belgian rode to third on the Queen stage on Thursday, with that ride going a long way to sealing his spot on the overall podium. Wellens ends the CRO…

Ranbir Kapoor is celebrating his 44th birthday on September 28, with his family and Love & War team among those marking the occasion on social media.His sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni shared a birthday wish for the actor on her story, posting a photo of the two together.“Happiest birthday Rans. Love you,” she wrote.She also added a message for her brother, which translates to: “You are my moon, you are my gem. Among thousands, you are my brother. May we stay together all our lives.”Their mother Neetu Kapoor also shared a photo with Ranbir on Instagram Stories, writing: “Happy happy to you Rana.…

Shahid Kapoor is bringing his signature energy back to the IIFA stage as the awards return to Abu Dhabi next year.The Bollywood star has been confirmed as a performer at the 27th IIFA Weekend & Awards, taking place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on January 22 and 23, 2027.For Shahid, it marks a return to a stage he has been closely associated with over the years, having appeared at IIFA as an actor, host and performer.“IIFA has been a special part of my journey over the years… as an actor, a host and a performer. Some of my most…

ABU DHABI, 28th September, 2026 (WAM) — Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA), witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Authority and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, hosted by Abu Dhabi from 26th September to 1st October 2026. The MoU was signed on behalf of the UAE by Rashid Hamad Al Shamsi, Director-General of the NDEA, and on behalf of Nigeria by Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba…