Day: July 23, 2026

• Dubai Municipality’s institutional framework successfully passed rigorous international assessments, demonstrating excellence in governance, business continuity, digital transformation and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.
• Achievement reflects the strength of Dubai Municipality’s institutional excellence framework and the dedication of its teams to delivering agile, future-ready government services.

Dubai , July 23 , 2026 : Dubai Municipality has been officially recognised by Official World Record (OWR) for implementing best practices and governance standards, reinforcing its position as a global benchmark for institutional excellence and innovation.

The recognition follows a comprehensive assessment by an international panel of experts and auditors, which evaluated Dubai Municipality’s institutional framework against internationally recognised standards across governance, quality and risk management, business continuity, innovation, digital transformation and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.

The achievement reflects the Municipality’s continued commitment to strengthening institutional performance through an integrated governance framework that supports operational excellence, service innovation and sustainable development while enhancing quality of life across Dubai.

The implementation of international standards has strengthened organisational performance and contributed to a more efficient customer experience through streamlined procedures, faster service delivery and the wider use of smart digital solutions and artificial intelligence. These efforts also support environmental sustainability and social responsibility, in line with Dubai’s vision of becoming the world’s best city to live and work.

His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “This global recognition reflects the vision of our wise leadership, which has made excellence a defining principle of government work. It is a testament to the dedication of our teams and their continued commitment to delivering innovative, efficient and future-ready services that enhance quality of life and reinforce Dubai’s global leadership.

“This achievement inspires us to continue raising the bar for institutional excellence while contributing to the vision of making Dubai the best city in the world to live and work. We remain committed to sharing our knowledge and experience with organisations around the world, strengthening Dubai’s role as a global centre for innovation, collaboration and government excellence.”

The recognition further strengthens Dubai Municipality’s position as an international reference for institutional excellence and knowledge exchange, supporting Dubai’s reputation as a destination for government innovation and a preferred partner for international organisations and delegations seeking to learn from its experience.

From desert pool retreats and heritage villages to destination dining, Sharjah Collection invites residents to rediscover summer in the UAE.

Sharjah , July 23 , 2026 : This summer, Sharjah Collection is encouraging UAE residents and visitors to experience a different kind of getaway without leaving the country, offering a range of unique experiences that combine nature, heritage, relaxation and authentic Emirati hospitality.

Designed for travellers seeking meaningful and slower-paced escapes, the summer programme features desert retreats, heritage destinations, refreshing pool experiences and destination dining across some of Sharjah’s most scenic locations.

Ahmed Ben Zaied, General Manager of Sharjah Collection, said today’s travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that help them reconnect with nature, culture, family and themselves. He noted that summer provides the perfect opportunity to discover a different side of the UAE through destinations that reflect Sharjah’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

One of the highlights of the season is Al Badayer Retreat, where guests can enjoy a refreshing swim surrounded by the golden dunes of central Sharjah. The retreat’s summer Day Pass, priced at AED 149 (inclusive of taxes), offers access to the swimming pool, children’s play area, bicycles within the retreat and redeemable dining credit at Al Madam Restaurant between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., making it an ideal family-friendly day out.

For culture enthusiasts, Al Rayaheen Retreat in the Heart of Khorfakkan offers an immersive journey into Emirati heritage. Visitors can stroll through restored traditional homes, peaceful courtyards and historic alleyways while experiencing the region’s architecture, traditions and hospitality.

Food lovers can also enjoy leisurely summer mornings at Wishi, where guests are served a variety of breakfast favourites including traditional Chebab, Baked Shakshuka, Al Maqsar Benedict and breakfast platters, alongside speciality coffees and refreshing beverages.

Sharjah Collection said its properties are designed to offer more than accommodation, providing immersive experiences across desert landscapes, heritage villages, coastal retreats and mountain destinations. The collection continues to focus on sustainability, authenticity and preserving the cultural identity of the Emirate while offering memorable travel experiences for visitors throughout the year.

Dubai , July 23 , 2026 : Dubai Airports has announced three senior
leadership appointments that enhance its technology, operational and national talent
capabilities as it prepares for the next phase of growth across Dubai International (DXB)
and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
The appointments see the internal promotions of Kan Ni from Vice President, Airport
Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to Senior Vice President, Airport Operations and the
promotion of Khalid Ishaq from Head of AOCC Integration to Vice President, AOCC.
Alongside, Ahmad Al Bastaki joins as Vice President, Technology Operations and
Cybersecurity within Business Technology.
Each appointment reflects Dubai Airports’ continued investment in leadership capabilities
needed to support the growth and ambitions of Dubai’s aviation sector.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said: “Our ability to deliver safely,
efficiently and at scale depends on the strength of our people, the resilience of our systems
and the way we work together as one airport community. These appointments reinforce the
leadership capability we need for the future, combining specialist technology expertise,
deep operational experience and strong Emirati talent in areas that are increasingly central
to airport performance and resilience.”
Together, the promotions of Kan Ni and Khalid Ishaq further strengthen AOCC, the real-
time operational nerve centre that coordinates the seamless daily movement of about
200,000 guests through DXB.
Kan Ni has been central to developing the AOCC into a platform for coordinated, data-led
decision-making across DXB’s operations. That capability was evident during the recent
period of regional airspace constraints, when he led his teams through a rapidly changing
operating environment, coordinating closely with the aviation network to help keep Dubai
moving safely and efficiently.
Khalid Ishaq joined Dubai Airports in 2005 and has developed extensive expertise across
its operational systems over two decades of service. His promotion reflects the
organisation’s ongoing commitment to developing national talent, with 75% of the
management team represented by Emiratis, supporting national priorities, including Nafis
and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Ahmad Al Bastaki’s appointment strengthens technology leadership at a time when airports
increasingly operate as technology businesses. He will lead cybersecurity, service
management and infrastructure operations, bringing deep expertise to an area that is
increasingly critical to airport performance and resilience.
The appointments support Dubai Airports’ continued focus on operational excellence, guest
experience, digital transformation and future capacity.

Abu Dhabi, 23 July 2026: Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles & Equipment (CVE), the authorised distributor of UD Trucks in Abu Dhabi, has concluded the 2026 edition of the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge, held at a leading driving facility in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. More than ten drivers advanced to the challenge following an initial evaluation stage carried out with the division’s fleet customers, reflecting Al Masaood CVE’s continued investment in the professionals who operate their fleets daily.

The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is one of the brand’s flagship global initiatives, built to recognise the discipline and technical ability that commercial drivers bring to their work. For Al Masaood CVE, the programme is a way of honouring customer drivers who play an important role in keeping their companies fleet moving, while strengthening ties with the driver community across the sectors.

Participants were tested across a structured set of theoretical and practical assessments, covering pre-drive inspections, vehicle handling and driving technique under real operating conditions, with safety awareness assessed throughout. The strongest performer among this year’s finalists has secured a place representing the UAE at the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge Global Finale in Japan, where the country’s driver will compete against national champions from other UD Trucks markets.

Hani El Tannir, CEO, Al Masaood Group Industrial, said: “The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is a global initiative that recognises the professionalism, skill, and dedication of the customer drivers who operate fleets across essential sectors. This challenge lets us invest in that talent, and give UAE drivers a platform to compete globally. We congratulate this year’s winner and look forward to seeing the UAE represented at the Global Finale in Japan.”

Mohamed El Zeftawi, General Manager, Al Masaood CVE, said: “Our relationship with customers extends beyond the vehicles we provide, it is also about supporting the people who operate them every day. The Extra Mile Challenge reflects our commitment to recognising customer drivers, strengthening engagement with the driver community, and fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence across the sectors we serve. The calibre of talent in this year’s competition was exceptional, and we are proud to see the winning driver earn the opportunity to represent the UAE at the Global Finale in Japan.”

Al Masaood CVE thanked its customers for nominating their drivers and UD Trucks for its continued partnership on the initiative that supports the drivers who operate its vehicles every day

Sharjah, July 23 , 2026 : Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
of Kalimat Foundation, led a joint visit by the Foundation and the UAE Board on Books for Young
People (UAEBBY) to Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi.
The visit formed part of a cultural and humanitarian initiative designed to strengthen the role of
books in the lives of children living in humanitarian settings, while using reading, art and creative
activities to support learning, self-expression and social engagement.
During the visit, Kalimat Foundation gifted a portable library containing 100 books through its
“Pledge a Library” initiative. The Foundation also distributed 50 copies of House of Wisdom, to
children participating in the programme.
This marked Kalimat Foundation’s second contribution to children at Emirates Humanitarian
City, following an earlier contribution of 400 books. Together, the contributions have expanded
access to educational and cultural resources while creating further opportunities for inspiration,
interaction and creativity.

UAEBBY also contributed 200 books through its “Kan Yama Kan” initiative, reflecting a shared
commitment to bringing books closer to children across different communities and
circumstances.
The visit included an interactive cultural programme combining reading, art and creative
expression. The activities demonstrated how books can enrich children’s experiences, broaden
their knowledge and strengthen their sense of stability and belonging, adding a valuable cultural
dimension to the comprehensive environment provided by Emirates Humanitarian City for
resident children and families.
The visiting delegation included Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAE Board on Books for
Young People (UAEBBY); Esraa Al Mulla, a member of UAEBBY’s Advisory Council; and
representatives of Kalimat Foundation.
The visit also featured a tour of the school and several community facilities, where the
delegation was briefed on the educational and humanitarian services available to children and
families, as well as the City’s efforts to provide an integrated environment that responds to their
educational, social and humanitarian needs.
An interactive programme supporting children
The visit featured an interactive cultural programme attended by 50 children between the ages
of six and 10.
The programme included a reading of Grandfather’s Tarboosh, presented by Noor Al Louh from
UAEBBY, followed by “The Magical Tarboosh”, an activity encouraging children to use their
imagination and create stories of their own.
The children also took part in a creative workshop, designing photo frames inspired by the
story’s setting and characters.
By combining listening, participation and visual expression, the programme transformed the
book from reading material into a space for play, imagination and interaction. It also
encouraged children to participate in group activities that foster joy, confidence and
communication.
Knowledge as part of comprehensive human development
Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Kalimat
Foundation, said: “The relationship between reading and knowledge on the one hand, and
humanitarian action on the other, has evolved significantly over recent decades. While
humanitarian efforts once focused primarily on meeting essential needs, the global
understanding of human development has expanded to include building capabilities, widening
opportunities and improving quality of life.”
She added: “As global awareness grows around the role of knowledge and culture in advancing
human development, this approach must be strengthened through meaningful partnerships that
bring different institutions together around a shared vision for people and their future. Today’s

challenges are too interconnected for any single organisation to address alone. Collaborative
action allows us to expand our impact and turn individual initiatives into sustainable pathways
capable of creating lasting change.”
Books give children confidence and hope
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, said: “Stories may not be able to change the
circumstances children are living through, but they can offer a sense of safety and help them
imagine a brighter future. A book opens a window onto new worlds and gives children the
opportunity to learn, express themselves and discover who they are.”
She added: “Through the ‘Kan Yama Kan’ initiative, we work to deliver books to children who
face barriers in accessing learning resources. We believe that knowledge is the right of every
child and that a story can serve as a bridge connecting children to the wider world while giving
them confidence and hope.”
Expanding access to knowledge and creative expression
The visit highlighted the role partnerships between cultural and humanitarian institutions can
play in extending the reach and impact of programmes for children.
By integrating culture into humanitarian action, such partnerships can transform books into
effective tools for supporting learning, building confidence and strengthening hope.
The initiative reflects the belief that children’s needs extend beyond essential care and services
to include their right to knowledge, imagination and creative expression.