Month: May 2026

Participation of 229,392 Students from 611 Schools in EDC

& 1,042 students from 361 Schools Across the UAE

Dubai , May 23, 2026 : Dubai, UAE – 22 May 2026: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) proudly concluded the 21^st Cycle of the Environmental Drawing Competition (EDC) and the 3^rd Cycle of Art from Waste (AfW) Competition with a distinguished awarding ceremony held at The Ismaili Centre Dubai. The event brought together students, educators, dignitaries, corporate representatives, jury members and families to celebrate the remarkable creativity and environmental awareness demonstrated by young participants from across the nation. 

This year’s editions witnessed exceptional participation from schools representing all seven Emirates, including institutions supporting students of determination. A total of 611 government and private schools registered for the Environmental Drawing Competition, while 361 schools participated in the Art from Waste initiative, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability education and environmental engagement among the youth of the UAE.

For more than two decades, EEG’s Environmental Drawing Competition has served as a pioneering educational platform that empowers students to explore environmental challenges through artistic expression. The initiative encourages young minds to think critically, creatively and compassionately about the future of the planet while strengthening their understanding of sustainability issues.

The 2026 Environmental Drawing Competition featured three compelling themes tailored to different age groups:

1. Ages 6 – 8: Saving the Icy Homes of My Polar Friends

2. Ages 9 – 11: Rivers & Lakes: Lifelines of Our Planet

3. Ages 12 – 14: Fast Forward –Imagine Earth in the Year 2075

Through these thought-provoking themes, students explored urgent environmental concerns including climate change, freshwater conservation and the future of life on Earth. The submissions reflected not only artistic excellence, but also a deep sense of environmental responsibility, innovation and hope for a sustainable future.

Alongside EDC, EEG also celebrated the success of the 3^rd Cycle of Art from Waste — an initiative designed to encourage students to rethink waste and embrace the principles of recycling, upcycling and circular economy practices through practical creativity. 

This year’s competition challenged students to develop innovative and purposeful creations under the following themes:

• Group Age 9 – 11: A Three-Seater Garden Bench

• Group Age 12 – 14: Solar Street Lamp: Lighting Pathways

• Group Age 15 – 17: Harnessing the Wind: Building a Windmill

The competition showcased the incredible ability of students to transform discarded materials into functional and artistic creations, reinforcing the message that waste can become a valuable resource when approached with creativity and environmental consciousness.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, stated:

“Today’s gathering is far more than a celebration of artistic talent and creativity; it is a reflection of a generation that is deeply aware of its surroundings and responsibility towards protecting our planet. Through every drawing, every innovative creation and every thoughtful idea presented, our students have demonstrated the power of art as a voice for environmental stewardship and sustainable living.”

Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi further remarked, “Since the inception of Emirates Environmental Group, we have taken immense pride in nurturing environmentally conscious young minds and grooming future generations to become compassionate leaders, responsible citizens and true ambassadors of sustainability”; she added, “through meaningful educational platforms such as these, we aim to inspire creativity, critical thinking and a lifelong commitment towards protecting our planet and preserving its precious resources for generations to come.”

She also expressed her sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Sharjah Private Education Authority for their continued support in encouraging widespread participation across schools in the UAE; she further extended heartfelt gratitude to The Ismaili Centre Dubai for graciously hosting the awarding ceremony, as well as to Almarai, Dabur, Delmonte, HP and L’Oréal for their generous contribution towards recognising and celebrating the achievements of the young participants.

Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts: 

• Bahia Shehab, Senior Specialist in Student Skills Development, Counseling and Future Skills Management, Ministry of Education

• Dr. Najat Makki, Visual Artist, Member of Dubai Cultural Council

• Pari Sagar, Artist

The awarding ceremony was divided into two parts; the first one was for the winning students in in the 21^st Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition under each theme:

“Saving the Icy Homes of My Polar Friends” (Ages 6–8) 

“Rivers & Lakes: Lifelines of Our Planet” (Ages 9–11)

“Fast Forward –Imagine Earth in the Year 2075” (Ages 12–14)

The 2^nd part of the awarding ceremony was the winning schools in the 3^rd cycle of Art from Waste Competition; they were recognised for their outstanding submissions under each theme:

EEG extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants for their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to environmental protection.

Dubai , May 21 , 2026 : The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is bringing together theatre, live
entertainment, beachside adventures and community experiences across its destinations this
Eid Al Adha, with celebrations taking place at Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach
and Khorfakkan Beach.
Running from 27 to 30 May, the programme invites residents and visitors to experience
Sharjah’s festive spirit through connected family activities across some of the emirate’s most
popular leisure destinations. From canal-side entertainment and children’s workshops to
seaside storytelling, pirate-themed play zones and cultural activations, each destination will offer
a different Eid experience while contributing to one shared celebration across the emirate.
Pirate adventures arrive at Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach
The festive journey continues at Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach, where children’s
play areas will be transformed into immersive pirate-themed adventure zones under the title
“Land of the Pirates.” Taking place from 27 to 30 May, the experience will bring themed décor,
props and interactive zones to Al Heera Beach’s Kids Area in Cluster 2 and Khorfakkan Beach’s
Sadaf Kids Area.
Children will be able to take part in treasure-map workshops, arts and crafts activities, pirate
games and live performances, while roaming characters and entertainers interact with families
throughout the celebrations. The experience will also feature themed food and beverage
offerings, giving visitors a complete beachside adventure built around play, imagination and Eid
togetherness.
Masrah Al Qasba launches its 2026 family theatre season

This year’s Eid celebrations also mark the official launch of Masrah Al Qasba’s 2026 live family
theatre season, adding a new dimension to Shurooq’s festive programme. The season opens
with “Magic Phil: Staying Silly at Sea”, taking place from 27 to 30 May, combining comedy,
magic, storytelling and audience interaction.
The theatre experience will extend beyond the stage, with Al Qasba hosting themed Eid
activities inspired by the shows, creating a festive atmosphere before and after the
performances.
For theatre schedules and tickets, visitors can go to https://sharjah.platinumlist.net/event-
tickets/105868/magic-phil-staying-silly-at-sea. Updates are also available through @AlQasba
on social media.
Al Majaz Waterfront welcomes families by the water
At Al Majaz Waterfront, Eid will be celebrated through a lively family atmosphere around the
Kids Play Area and Splash Park. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities,
rides, games and open-air experiences throughout the holiday, making the destination a
welcoming space for families to gather, relax and celebrate by the water. Families can also view
shows displayed by the Sharjah Musical Fountain in the lagoon. Additionally, to take in
sweeping views of the skyline from the water, families can board wooden abra tours by Sharjah
Boats.
Community and culture add depth to the celebrations
Adding to the festive programme are community-focused initiatives that combine culture,
creativity and family engagement. The “Proud of UAE” initiative will bring visitors together
through a traditional band, face painting, wall painting and drawing activities, an interactive 360-
degree photo booth and a UAE National Pride Gallery, creating moments that celebrate national
identity and shared joy during Eid.
At Al Heera Beach, “Books by Al Heera Beach” will offer a quieter cultural experience by the
sea through a mini beachfront book fair organised in collaboration with Bookends. Open during
Eid from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the initiative will allow families to exchange books free of charge,
purchase affordable titles starting from AED 5, and enjoy children’s storytelling, including live
storytelling sessions with an author at 7:30 PM.
A connected Eid experience across Sharjah
Across its waterfronts and public destinations, Shurooq’s Eid Al Adha programme brings
together theatre, entertainment, culture and outdoor family experiences in one connected
celebration. Beyond Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach,
families can also explore other Shurooq destinations during the holiday, including Al Noor
Island, Al Montaza Parks and Mleiha National Park, along with Shurooq-developed hotels and
nature retreats offering special Eid experiences.

Dubai , May 21, 2026 : Dubai Airports has prepared to welcome over 3,600 pilgrims during this year’s Hajj travel period, with nearly 59% of all UAE pilgrims passing through its terminals.

Hajj departure flights will operate until 23 May on services by Emirates, Saudia, flydubai and flynas. The Official Dubai Government Delegation departs today, 21 May.

An operational readiness plan, developed to ensure safe, coordinated and efficient passenger flow during travel peaks, was built in close coordination with airline and government partners including Dubai Police, GDRFA, Dubai Customs, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), dnata, Dubai Duty Free, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Preparations include dedicated check-in counters, assigned nearest departure and arrival gates to minimise walking distances for pilgrims, complimentary gift packs, multilingual Guest Experience Ambassadors, support desks, prayer rooms and Ihram changing facilities. Elderly pilgrims and those requiring additional support will benefit from expanded wheelchair availability, on-site health checks and ground assistance teams stationed throughout the airport journey. DCAS has also scaled up its on-ground presence to provide proactive medical support and respond to any health-related needs.

Pilgrims are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure and to carry all required travel documents, including Hajj permits and vaccination certificates, and follow documentation guidance issued by the relevant authorities.

Pilgrims are expected to return between 30 May and 2 June, and will be welcomed with dedicated arrival arrangements, including separate baggage belts for Zamzam water.

Ajman , May 21, 2026 :  Thumbay Group today broke ground on the UAE’s first private veterinary teaching hospital and college, a project that will care for both small and large animals under one roof and train the next generation of veterinarians on home soil. The ceremony took place at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, who served as Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group.

Until now, advanced veterinary care and formal veterinary education in the UAE have largely depended on public institutions or overseas study. Thumbay Veterinary Hospital and Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine close that gap. The hospital will treat companion animals such as dogs, cats and exotic pets, as well as large animals including horses, camels and livestock. A dedicated teaching farm is planned as the next phase, giving students hands-on training in production animal medicine, herd health and farm management.

The college operates under Gulf Medical University (GMU), the flagship academic institution of Thumbay Group. More information on GMU and its admissions process is available at gmu.ac.ae.

A new chapter for the UAE

Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, shared the vision behind the project:

“When we started Thumbay nearly three decades ago, the goal was simple — bring world-class healthcare and education to the UAE so families would not have to look elsewhere. Today we extend that promise to the animals who share our homes, our farms and our heritage. Thumbay Veterinary Hospital will deliver the same standard of care our human hospitals are known for. The college will give our students a UAE-based pathway into a profession the region urgently needs. The farm will follow soon, completing a true teaching environment from clinic to field.”

Prof. Manda Venkataramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, spoke about the academic ambition of the new college:

“A veterinary education is only as strong as the cases students learn from. By co-locating the hospital, the college and a working farm, we are giving every student a learning environment that few institutions globally can match. Our curriculum is built around clinical exposure from year one, evidence-based practice, and research that responds to the realities of this region — desert species, working animals, food-producing livestock and the companion animals so beloved by UAE families.”

Programs offered

Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine launches with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) as its flagship program — a comprehensive degree built around clinical exposure, evidence-based practice, and research grounded in regional realities. The curriculum prepares graduates to work across companion animal practice, equine and large animal medicine, food-producing livestock, wildlife, and public health. The college also plans to introduce more short term programs and other programs in the future, Admissions and program details are available at gmu.ac.ae.

Training centres and collaborators

The college runs in collaboration with a network of veterinary hospitals, specialty centres, research institutions and industry partners across the UAE and internationally. These tie-ups give students rotations across the full spectrum of veterinary practice — from companion animals to falcons, camels, equines and livestock:

• Thumbay Veterinary Clinic — in-house clinical training base

• Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research — academic and research collaboration

• Royal Veterinary College, London — globally recognised veterinary school partnership

• Sharjah Equine Hospital, UAE — equine medicine and surgery rotations

• Sharjah Falcon Hospital, UAE — avian and falcon medicine, a regional speciality

• UAQ Camel Breeding Center, UAE — camel medicine, reproduction and herd health

• City Vet Hospital Groups — multi-site companion animal practice exposure

• ABC Feed Factory, UAE — animal nutrition and production industry partnership

• Don State University, Russia — international academic and research collaboration

The hospital is being built to international standards with dedicated wings for small animal care, large animal care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, Laboratory and isolation. A teaching farm with stables, livestock pens and field facilities is planned as a phased addition, ensuring students rotate through the full spectrum of veterinary practice before they graduate.

Sharjah , May 21, 2026 : Expo Centre Sharjah , Organized as part of the Eid Al Adha celebrations, the shopping fair features a wide range of products from leading international brands. Garments, footwear, perfumes, handbags, fashion accessories, and many other products are on display, attracting large numbers of visitors and families preparing for Eid shopping.

The exhibition, which runs from the 20th to the 31st of this month, also includes entertainment activities and gaming zones for children. The venue has been designed to provide a festive atmosphere where families can enjoy shopping as well as spend quality time together.

The fair will remain open from 3 PM to midnight on Fridays and from 11 AM to midnight on all other days. Officials at Expo Centre Sharjah say the exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for shoppers to buy premium international brands at the lowest prices.

The exhibition is drawing visitors from different parts of the UAE and is emerging as one of the major Eid shopping attractions of the season. Combining shopping, entertainment, and family activities, the Eid Al Adha Exhibition is creating a vibrant festive experience for residents and visitors alike.

Dubai , May 20. 2026 : Emirates has reached a defining milestone in its ambitious multi-billion dollar retrofit programme with the successful reconfiguration of its first two-class A380 aircraft.

The newly refurbished aircraft (A6-EUX) has taken to the skies operating as EK 39/40 between Dubai and Birmingham, featuring sparkling new interiors with Emirates’ latest products in three cabin classes: 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy Seats, and 437 Economy Class seats.

This is the first of 15 two-class A380 aircraft in its fleet that Emirates will renovate as part of its commitment to offer customers a consistently superior experience in the sky.

Managed entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering in Dubai, the retrofit programme has so far completed work on 95 Emirates aircraft, including 42 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s, representing more than one-third of Emirates’ current fleet of aircraft.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said, “The Emirates retrofit programme revolves around the central premise that we will offer our customers a truly elevated experience every time they choose to travel with us. To this end, our engineering team has been working continuously and at pace in close collaboration with an ecosystem of partners and suppliers to meticulously refresh and integrate the best-in-class products to each aircraft in the programme.

“Our retrofit programme has raised the bar at every step, in terms of complexity, scale and detailed craftsmanship. The reconfiguration of our two-class A380 into three-class layout that brings our popular Premium Economy seating onto the upper deck illustrates the extensive capabilities of our team.”

As part of the retrofit, Emirates’ award-winning Premium Economy cabin will be featured, for the first time, in the upper deck of the A380.

Featuring spacious leather seats with generous recline in a 2-3-2 configuration, customers can enjoy features including full leg and footrests, 6-way adjustable headrests, built-in charging ports, side cocktail tables, as well as elevated dining experiences and an unmatched entertainment system via a 13.3-inch personal screen.

During the retrofit, the entire cabin interior of A6-EUX was taken apart, refreshed and put back together with precision.

The Emirates Engineering team had to carry out extensive modifications to the upper deck of the A380 aircraft by removing 120 Economy Class seats to accommodate 56 Premium Economy and an additional 18 Business Class seats.

To support this change in configuration, the team had to undertake structural work to remove, upgrade and reposition galley modules, stowage areas, overhead bins, partitions and other cabin features, along with associated changes to the electrical and plumbing systems in the aircraft.

It took a team of around 50 engineers and technicians investing an approximate 35,000 man-hours and utilising more than 2,500 different types of parts.

Emirates Engineering completed the retrofit of the first two-class A380 over a period of two months, including comprehensive planning and testing.

Retrofits of the other two-class A380 aircraft are expected to take around half the time, at 30 days. By the end of 2026, all 15 two-class A380 aircraft in the Emirates fleet will be retrofitted.

The ambitious Emirates retrofit programme was first announced in 2021, emerging from a bold vision to ensure that Emirates’ signature standards of customer experience could be delivered consistently and seamlessly to customers across the world. 120 aircraft were initially slated to be refurbished under the first phase of the programme.

However, by May 2024, based on the success of the programme and the positive feedback received from customers, the programme scope was expanded to 191 aircraft and then further scaled up to 219 aircraft later in the year.

A dedicated team of around 270 staff ensure that on average two refreshed aircraft emerge every month from the Emirates Engineering hangars in Dubai.

In line with its commitment to minimise its environmental footprint, materials retrieved from the 219 Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft undergoing cabin retrofit are evaluated for repurposing as part of Emirates’ upcycling programme.

This has resulted in successful initiatives, including the “Aircrafted” range of limited-edition collector pieces, such as luggage items, and “Aircrafted for Kids” backpacks made from repurposed Economy Class seat fabric.

To date, around 4,000 Aircrafted for Kids backpacks have been donated to children across 10 countries.

Abudhabi , May 20, 2026 : UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 956 inmates from correctional institutions across the country, ahead of Eid Al-Adha. His Highness has also undertaken to settle any financial obligations arising from the prisoners’ sentences.

The humanitarian gesture reflects His Highness’ commitment to promoting the values of compassion and social solidarity in ways that support family and community stability.

Sharjah, May 20,2026 : His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the release of 227 inmates from the Punishment and Correctional Institution in Sharjah after meeting the conditions for pardon, in accordance with requirements of good conduct and behaviour, ahead of Eid Al Adha.

Dubai, May 20, 2026: New Balance has announced the launch of a limited-edition version of its iconic 1080 running shoe, inspired by the vibrant communities that continue to shape life across the United Arab Emirates. The exclusive 1080v15 will be available only in the UAE starting May 22.

The special edition follows the launch of the new 1080v15 earlier this year and reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, heritage and running culture. Built around New Balance’s “Run Your Way” philosophy, the shoe celebrates movement as something personal, inclusive and driven by individual purpose.

Designed for those who continue to move forward and find their own rhythm, the UAE-exclusive 1080v15 features a clean white upper complemented by subtle detailing on the heels and lace tips in red and green, symbolizing the spirit of the Emirates.

Since establishing its Middle East subsidiary in 2019, New Balance Middle East has continued expanding its presence across the UAE through community-focused initiatives, local storytelling and investment in running culture. The launch also reinforces the brand’s “In It For The Long Run” approach and its commitment to communities across the region.

Stuart Henwood, said:

“The UAE is where our journey in this region began, and today it remains home to our regional hub for the wider MEAI business, making it an incredibly important market for us. Over the years, we’ve continued to deepen our presence here through running culture, grassroots participation, New Balance Run Clubs, and the communities that shape how people move every day.”

He added that movement in the UAE goes beyond performance and reflects community, participation and individuality.

“‘Run Your Way’ reflects the belief that there is no single way to move through sport or life, and that every pace, path and purpose is valid. This UAE-exclusive 1080v15 celebrates the communities here that keep moving, keep participating and keep finding their own rhythm.”

The UAE-exclusive 1080v15 will retail at AED 899 and will be available in select stores across the UAE while limited stocks last.