Author: Editor

ABU DHABI, 7th August, 2026 (WAM) — The Ministry of Finance has announced the issuance of Ministerial Decision No. (131) amending certain provisions of the Ministerial Decision on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. The amendment extends the period during which Small Business Relief may be claimed to tax periods ending on or before 31st December 2029. The decision forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses and start-ups, strengthen the business environment, and enable entrepreneurs to grow and expand their businesses, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for investment. It also reaffirms…

AJMAN, 5th August, 2026 (WAM) — Sheikh Humaid bin Ammar Al Nuaimi, Member of the Executive Council and Leader of the Ajman Artificial Intelligence Programme, announced the launch of the programme’s executive phase, marking the start of its institutional implementation across government entities. The move follows the completion of the programme’s Enablement and Governance Committee; the organisation of the Executive Team; the announcement of the programme’s launch; the issuance of the executive orders regulating the commencement of work and setting the applicable timelines, and the inventory of existing AI use cases across government entities. Sheikh Humaid said the phase aims…

GENEVA, 4th August, 2026 (WAM) — Paula Blasi retained the White Jersey as the Best Young Rider for the third consecutive day after Stage 3 of the Tour de France Femmes, as all of UAE Team L’IMAD’s leaders finished in the front group. The demanding 156.5-km stage from Geneva to Poligny marked the race’s return to France. The stage was won by Norwegian national champion Sigrid Ytterhus Haugset (Uno-X Mobility), who launched a solo attack with 88 kilometres remaining and held off the chasers to claim both the stage victory and the Yellow Jersey. Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx–Protime) finished…

If Montenegro has suddenly made it onto your summer travel wishlist, there’s good news for UAE residents. The Balkan country has introduced a temporary visa-free entry scheme for eligible residents, making it easier than ever to plan a quick European getaway. However, there’s one important thing to remember: your passport and not your Emirates ID ultimately determines how you can enter Montenegro. While the new exemption opens the door for many UAE residents, the rules differ depending on your nationality and residency status. What if you have an Emirati passport? For Emirati passport holders, travelling to Montenegro is relatively straightforward.…

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted after thousands of fans gathered outside a wedding in Madeira, mistakenly believing the football star was about to marry Georgina Rodríguez.Rumours had been circulating in recent days that Ronaldo and Rodríguez would tie the knot on August 8 at Funchal Cathedral on the Portuguese island, where the footballer was born. However, neither Ronaldo nor Rodríguez had confirmed a wedding date or venue.The speculation was apparently convincing enough to draw a huge crowd.Local newspaper JM Madeira shared footage showing people packed outside the cathedral, including fans wearing Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt and others holding up their phones…

ABU DHABI, 8th August, 2026 (WAM) — The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the attack launched by the Houthi group on the Najran Region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that these attacks constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a threat to its security and stability. The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures aimed at safeguarding its security and stability. Source: Emirates News Agency

SEOUL, 9th August, 2026 (WAM) — The Republic of Korea’s tourism balance hit a record surplus since the COVID-19 pandemic period, industry data showed Sunday. The country’s travel account was in the black by US$596.6 million in June, marking a dramatic turnaround from the same month a year earlier when the deficit stood at $846.8 million, Yonhap News Agency quoted data from the Korea Tourism Organisation as saying. The June figure is the second highest since October 2008, when the country recorded a surplus of $661.5 million from the tourism sector. Korea’s tourism balance had continued to remain in the…

DUBAI, 9th August, 2026 (WAM) — The National Programme for Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with the National Programme for Coders, has launched the eighth edition of the UAE AI Camp, as part of the UAE Government’s ongoing efforts to promote AI adoption and expand the pool of national talent capable of keeping pace with rapid technological transformations, supporting the development of a more competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy. The camp will take place from 17th to 29th August 2026, targeting a wide range of professional and age groups, including school and university students, young people, employees, small and medium-sized enterprise…

ABU DHABI, 4th August, 2026 (WAM) — Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, has attended part of the Ju-Jitsu World Championship 2026 competitions, hosted at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of elite male and female jiu-jitsu athletes from around the world. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad followed several under-18 bouts, which featured strong competitive performances by emerging talents from different countries, reflecting the prominent position the championship holds on the global jiu-jitsu calendar. Sheikh Zayed also took part in the award ceremony for athletes who secured top positions across several weight categories,…

For Benny Dayal, performing in the UAE isn’t quite the same as another international concert. The Indian playback singer, who was born in Abu Dhabi and spent his formative years in the UAE, is returning to the country for Thaalam Beats, a South Indian music festival taking place at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on August 15. And for the singer behind hits including Badtameez Dil, Let’s Nacho and Ude Dil Befikre, the performance brings his journey full circle. “It’s both for me,” Dayal told Khaleej Times when asked whether performing in the UAE feels like an international concert or a homecoming.…