Month: August 2026

Madinah, August 31, 2026 : Lulu has expanded its presence in the holy city of Madinah with the opening of a new hypermarket, further strengthening its retail network serving pilgrims, residents and visitors.

The new store is Lulu’s biggest and its second store in Madinah and 79th store in Saudi Arabia. The Group operates four stores within the Holy Sites, providing pilgrims with convenient access to essential products during the Hajj season.

The new hypermarket in Madinah Al Munawwarah, was inaugurated by Fahad Alyan Al-Mughir, Chairman of the Board, Madinah Chamber of Commerce, in the presence of Ahmed Bakr Zaidan, Secretary General, Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group, along with other dignitaries and senior officials.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to providing convenient shopping experiences for pilgrims, residents and visitors, while supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Our continued expansion in the Kingdom will also create more employment opportunities and contribute to the development of local economy,” said Yusuffali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their continued support,” he added.

Strategically located near the Haramain Train Station on King Khalid Road in Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the new hypermarket spans approximately 95,648 square feet across two floors. It offers a modern and convenient shopping experience, with a wide selection of fresh food, groceries, daily essentials and other departmental products, including home essentials, electronics and mobile accessories, catering to the needs of pilgrims, visitors and residents.

The hypermarket also features ample parking facilities, ensuring a convenient shopping experience.

Also present on the occasion were Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Lulu; Ashraf Ali M.A., Executive Director of Lulu; Mohammed Harris, Director of Lulu Saudi Arabia, and other senior officials.

Dubai, August 31, 2026 : As multigenerational travel continues to
evolve across the Middle East, Shaza Hotels is seeing a significant shift in
what families expect from luxury hospitality, with travellers increasingly
seeking meaningful experiences, greater personalisation and the freedom for
different generations to enjoy a holiday in their own way. Families today are
looking for destinations where they can spend quality time together while also
having the space and choice to pursue individual interests.
“Family travel has evolved considerably,” said Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President
of Business Development & Growth, Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza.
“Families are no longer simply looking for a hotel with good rooms and leisure
facilities. They are looking for experiences that bring generations together,
create lasting memories and, at the same time, recognise that every member
of the family may want something different from the holiday.”
The trend is particularly evident among families travelling from the GCC and
wider region, where Shaza Hotels is witnessing greater demand for spacious
and flexible accommodation, privacy, diverse dining, wellness and recreation,
engaging experiences for younger guests and environments in which families
feel genuinely comfortable.
For Shaza Hotels, who has long placed family at its heart, this evolution is
closely aligned with the brand’s approach to the guest experience.
“A multigenerational family cannot be viewed as one guest segment,” Shaji
explained. “Children, teenagers, parents and grandparents may have
completely different expectations. The opportunity for hotels is to create an
environment that gives them choice when they want it and brings them
naturally together when it matters.”
This balance between ‘togetherness and individuality’ is becoming an
increasingly important consideration in the design of family hospitality.
Spacious accommodation and family-friendly room configurations remain
important, but families are equally influenced by varied dining experiences,
children’s activities, wellness facilities, recreation and inviting social spaces
where different generations can spend time together.

Personalisation is also emerging as an important driver of loyalty.
Understanding dietary requirements, remembering individual preferences,
recognising returning guests and anticipating the needs of different family
members can turn a hotel stay into a much deeper relationship between the
guest and the brand.
“Ultimately, repeat business is built through emotional connection,” said Shaji.
“Families return to places where they feel recognised, comfortable and
genuinely looked after. That sense of belonging is one of the most powerful
forms of loyalty we can create.
Our objective is simple: every generation should be able to experience the
hotel differently, while the family remembers the journey as one shared
experience,” concluded Shaji.

Sharjah, August 31, 2026 : Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is accepting publisher submissions for the AED 1.4 million Turjuman Award until September 15, 2026. One of the world’s highest-value translation awards,
the prize will be presented at the opening ceremony of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.
The award welcomes Arabic works whose first printed translation, in any language, was
published anywhere in the world between 2016 and 2026. Eligible works span intellectual,
cultural and creative fields, rooted in or inspired by Arab and Islamic civilisations. The award
seeks to expand the presence and circulation of Arabic books in international publishing
markets and encourage the translation of Arabic works into new languages. It is the first award
of its kind globally to simultaneously honour both foreign-language translations and the original
Arabic works from which they are translated.
Expanding the impact of Arabic books
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority, said: “The Turjuman Award
has given Arabic books an active role in the relationship between Arab culture and the world.
When a book is translated into a new language, it reaches a wider readership and enters new
contexts, including research, criticism and education, extending its contribution to cultural
dialogue beyond its original language. For this reason, the award assesses the value of a
translated work through two complementary elements, the significance of the original Arabic

book and its intellectual and creative value, and the quality of the translation in conveying its
ideas.”
He added: “The Turjuman Award embodies a practical dimension of the vision of His Highness
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to
strengthen the contribution of Arab intellectual and cultural production to global knowledge.
Guided by the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of
SBA, the award reflects a clear understanding of a book’s journey into new markets, from
protecting publishing rights and ensuring high-quality translation to empowering Arab publishers
to bring their books to the world’s languages and readers. Dividing the award value among the
translator and the Arab and international publishers provides tangible recognition of the role
played by each party and encourages professional relationships that can extend to further
works, languages and markets.”
Honouring all contributors to the creative process
The award allocates AED 910,000, equivalent to 65% of the total prize value, to the winning
international publisher. The Arab publisher holding the original publishing rights to the Arabic
edition receives AED 390,000, representing 27.8% of the prize value, while the translator of the
winning work receives AED 100,000.
Professional submission and judging criteria
Interested publishers can visit the Sharjah Book Authority website for details on applying for and
participating in the Turjuman Award. All submissions must be received by the September 15,
2026 deadline.

Dubai​,  August​ 30​,  2026:​ In line with the directives of the leadership to continue developing
and enhancing the efficiency of Dubai’s road infrastructure to keep
pace with the emirate’s rapid urban and economic growth, while
improving traffic flow and quality of life, Dubai’s Roads and
Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded two contracts for Al Meydan
Street Development Project, one of RTA’s key strategic projects to
enhance Dubai’s main road network, at a total cost of AED 1.161
billion.
Given the scale of the project, the works have been divided into two
contracts to accelerate delivery, realise traffic and development
benefits, strengthen the road network’s readiness to accommodate
future growth, and support urban development and development
projects across the emirate.
The project includes the development of several key intersections
along Al Meydan Street through the construction of 3,700 metres of
bridges and 17 kilometres of roads, in addition to cycling tracks that
will enhance connectivity with the existing cycling network.
The project will serve a number of residential and development
areas with a combined population of more than 500,000 and is
scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
Highly Efficient Road Network
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the
Board of Executive Directors, Roads and Transport Authority, said:
“RTA continues to deliver strategic projects to develop Dubai’s road
network, guided by the leadership’s vision, which regards
investment in infrastructure as a fundamental pillar of
comprehensive development, enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness
and reinforcing its position as a leading global city in which to live,
work and invest.
“RTA follows a proactive approach to planning and delivery, focused
on developing an integrated and highly efficient road network that
keeps pace with urban, population and economic growth and
delivers high levels of traffic flow and mobility flexibility. This
contributes positively to quality of life and supports the objectives of
the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda
D33.”
He added: “Al Meydan Street is one of Dubai’s key strategic
corridors, running parallel to and supporting Sheikh Mohammed bin
Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The project will strengthen
connectivity across the main road network, provide alternative
routes that improve traffic distribution, enhance traffic flow, and
increase mobility efficiency between key areas.

“It will also raise the capacity of north–south traffic corridors by 18%
and reduce travel time from Al Manama Street and Dubai–Al Ain
Road to Umm Suqeim Street from 30 minutes to 10 minutes, an
improvement of 66%. The project will also support the emirate’s
rapid urban growth.”

Project Details

Al Meydan Street Development Project extends from its intersection
with First Al Khail Street to Umm Suqeim Street, passing through
several key roads, including Al Khail Road, Latifa bint Hamdan
Street and Al Marabea’ Street. The project also includes the
development of Al Marabea’ Street up to Sheikh Mohammed bin
Zayed Road.

Sharjah, August 30, 2026 : Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) has announced the opening of
participation for the third edition of its student photography competition and
exhibition, “I Am at Sharjah Museums – Through Their Lens: Traditional
Emirati Ornaments,” inviting Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 students from public and
private schools across the United Arab Emirates to submit their entries
starting from Monday, 31 August 2026.
Designed to combine visual creativity with museum-based learning, this
year’s competition theme, “Traditional Emirati Ornaments,” encourages
students to explore and document the beauty of traditional Emirati
ornaments found across various museums under Sharjah Museums
Authority, fostering a deeper appreciation of the nation’s cultural heritage
while strengthening young people’s connection with museums as inspiring
spaces for learning, creativity, and cultural discovery.
The competition invites students to discover traditional Emirati ornaments
across the Authority’s various museums, spanning art, heritage,
archaeology, Islamic civilisation, science, and maritime history in Sharjah,
Khorfakkan, and Kalba.
The third edition of the exhibition will be hosted at Taymiyyah School,
where the winning photographs will be showcased. The exhibition will
officially open on Thursday, 28 January 2027, during a ceremony that will
also announce the competition winners, continuing the initiative’s mission
of celebrating young talent and showcasing students’ artistic interpretations
of Emirati heritage through photography.

Building on the success of its previous editions, the competition has
established itself as a platform for nurturing young creative talent. The
inaugural exhibition was held at Bait Al Naboodah, while the second edition
took place at Al Qasimia School – Museum of Education in Sharjah,
attracting more than 547 submissions from students representing public
and private schools across the UAE. The initiative has played an important
role in reinforcing museums as educational and cultural institutions that
inspire creativity while encouraging students to express their perspectives
on heritage and national identity.
This year’s competition focuses on Traditional Emirati Ornaments, one of
the most distinctive expressions of the UAE’s cultural identity. Students are
invited to capture ornaments found throughout Sharjah Museums
Authority’s museums, including decorative elements featured in traditional
architecture, clothing and textiles, furniture, household objects, and
traditional crafts, with particular emphasis on geometric patterns, floral
motifs, and heritage-inspired decorative designs that reflect the richness
and diversity of Emirati culture.
The competition is open to Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 students enrolled in public
and private schools across the UAE. Winners from both categories will
receive cash prizes, while their photographs will be featured in the
accompanying exhibition, providing participants with an opportunity to
present their work to the public and to photography, heritage, and culture
enthusiasts.
SMA has encouraged students wishing to participate to carefully follow the
competition guidelines. Entries must be original photographs taken during
2026 at one of the Authority’s museums, must not have been submitted to
any previous competition or earlier edition of “I Am at Sharjah Museums,”
and should be submitted as a single JPG image with a minimum resolution
of 300 dpi and without digital manipulation. Photographs will be evaluated
based on their relevance to the competition theme, creativity, originality,
composition, and technical quality.
The Authority noted that the deadline for submissions is Sunday, 25
October 2026. Entries should be submitted via the competition’s
designated email together with the official application form and all required

supporting documents. Winners will be announced during the exhibition
opening ceremony on 28 January 2027.
Through this initiative, Sharjah Museums Authority continues to reinforce its
vision of positioning museums as dynamic educational environments that
nurture creativity, observation, visual storytelling, and critical thinking
among young learners.
At the same time, the competition strengthens appreciation for Emirati
heritage and national identity while encouraging students to reinterpret
traditional cultural elements through a contemporary artistic perspective,
contributing to a lasting relationship between young generations, museums,
and culture.

Sharjah, August 29, 2026 : The Sharjah Collection has announced an exclusive 30% summer discount on stays across its luxury retreats, giving residents and international visitors an opportunity to explore Sharjah’s natural landscapes, heritage and Emirati hospitality at special rates.

The limited-time offer is available at four participating retreats — Kingfisher Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar Retreat and Al Rayaheen Retreat.

From pristine beaches and desert landscapes to mountain escapes and nature reserves, the retreats offer guests a combination of luxury, privacy and authentic experiences.

The summer promotion is designed for a range of travellers, including couples looking for a romantic getaway, families seeking an outdoor adventure, and guests looking for wellness or a peaceful break from city life.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, local culinary experiences and nature-based experiences while staying in luxurious surroundings.

Ahmed Ben Zaied, General Manager of Sharjah Collection, said summer is an ideal time to reconnect with nature and experience the diversity of Sharjah’s landscapes.

“Our retreats offer far more than accommodation; they provide immersive journeys where guests can discover nature, heritage and authentic Arabian hospitality in truly distinctive settings,” he said.

Sharjah Collection is known for its portfolio of luxury retreats that combine the emirate’s cultural heritage and natural beauty with sustainable tourism practices.

The 30% Summer Offer is available for a limited period.

Participating retreats

• Kingfisher Retreat
• Al Badayer Retreat
• Najd Al Meqsar Retreat
• Al Rayaheen Retreat

For reservations: +971 6 801 2020
Email: reservations@sharjahcollection.ae

Abudhabi , August 29, 2026 : The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026 is highlighting the close connection between heritage and sustainability, with participating institutions at its 23rd edition, which opened yesterday, showcasing traditional environmental practices that reflect Emirati society’s awareness of the value of resources and the importance of preserving them, alongside the use of modern technologies and solutions to improve resource efficiency and support the transition to a circular economy.

In this context, Tadweer Group is showcasing, through its “Legacy of Sustainability” experience, the connection between environmental protection, responsible resource use and Emirati heritage. The experience highlights the deeply rooted values of environmental responsibility and mindful resource use embedded in the UAE’s heritage, while offering visitors a range of interactive and educational experiences that present traditional sustainability values in a contemporary way.

Tadweer Group is participating in the exhibition for the first time with a dedicated pavilion at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 28th August to 6th September 2026, while also sponsoring the “Environmental Conservation and Cultural Heritage” sector through its “Legacy of Sustainability” experience.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the 23rd edition of ADIHEX, Etienne Petit, CEO of Tadweer Group, said sustainability is not new to the UAE, but is deeply rooted in the country’s heritage. He explained that earlier generations understood the value of every resource and lived with respect for nature through reuse, repair and mindful consumption.

He added, “Through our ‘Legacy of Sustainability’ experience, Tadweer Group is bringing these values into today’s context, demonstrating how our heritage can guide modern resource management, support the transition to a circular economy and help build a more sustainable future for Abu Dhabi and future generations.”

He also noted that Tadweer Group’s participation in ADIHEX reflects its commitment to recycling and reusing resources, promoting modern behaviours that help preserve resources, recover their value and reduce waste, ultimately supporting a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Petit noted that Tadweer Group is using the exhibition to highlight its broader transformation from waste management to resource management, including investments in advanced material recovery facilities.

He said the Group recently awarded the contract to develop Abu Dhabi’s first advanced material recovery facility to Urbaser, a global leader in environmental solutions. The facility will have an annual processing capacity of 400,000 tonnes.

“These initiatives form part of an integrated model that combines infrastructure, technology, strategic partnerships and community participation,” Petit said, noting that they support the ambition to divert 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste away from landfills by 2031 and contribute to building a circular waste management system in the emirate.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Abdulwahed Juma, Executive Director of Communications and Awareness at Tadweer Group, said the Group’s key message to exhibition visitors is that “every resource has value, and every individual has a role in preserving it.”

He explained that while infrastructure and technology are essential components of the circular economy, the success of this system also depends on community awareness and active participation.

Dubai , August 29, 2026 : The UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has received the DIHAD Humanthropy Sustainability Award 2026 in recognition of its outstanding efforts to provide sustainable water solutions and strengthen community resilience against water scarcity worldwide.

The accolade was presented as part of the DIHAD Humanthropy Awards during the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD 2026), held from 24th to 26th August under the theme ‘Humanitarianism in Transition: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Action’.

“We are delighted that Suqia UAE has received the DIHAD Humanthropy Sustainability Award 2026 in recognition of its humanitarian mission, sustainable impact and ongoing efforts to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to water-related challenges in the world’s most vulnerable communities. This recognition reflects Suqia’s positive impact on beneficiary communities, with its projects improving the lives of around 15 million people in 37 countries. This achievement embodies the UAE’s vision and steadfast commitment to sustainable humanitarian action and to harnessing innovation in the service of humanity. We will continue working closely with our local and international partners to create a positive and lasting impact, improve quality of life and empower communities to build a more sustainable future,” said Saeed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia UAE.

Mohammed Abdulkareem Alshamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia, said, “Winning the DIHAD Humanthropy Sustainability Award 2026 is a testament to Suqia UAE’s impactful efforts, projects and initiatives aimed at addressing water scarcity through innovative and sustainable solutions. This recognition reflects Suqia UAE’s commitment to alleviating human suffering through initiatives that combine humanitarian impact with sustainable development.”

During its participation in DIHAD 2026, Suqia UAE showcased its sustainable humanitarian initiatives and projects that provide safe drinking water to communities in need around the world.

The foundation also highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, which offers a total prize pool of US$1 million. The award encourages individuals, organisations and research centres to develop innovative technologies for the production, distribution, desalination and purification of water using renewable energy. The fifth cycle of the award is open for submissions until 30th September 2026.

The DIHAD Humanthropy Awards honour individuals and institutions whose efforts advance humanitarian action and deliver positive, sustainable outcomes for communities around the world.

Sharjah ,August 27, 2026 : Sharjah Youth, an affiliate of the Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, has launched the first edition of its “Professional Swimming” programme to develop participants’ sporting skills and create pathways to advanced competition.

The programme forms part of the “Your Summer With Us 2026” activities and follows a professional training methodology designed to accommodate different skill levels and abilities.

It comprises five training levels, starting with the fundamentals of swimming and progressing to advanced competitive skills and mastery of the four main strokes: freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke.

The programme is being implemented across eight Sharjah Youth centres: Wasit Youth, Al Dhaid Youth, Mleiha Youth, Al Madam Youth, Al Thameed Youth, Kalba Youth, Khorfakkan Youth and Dibba Al Hisn Youth.

It targets male participants aged 13 to 18 to develop their swimming abilities through an integrated system based on unified training methods, best practices in safety, and a secure, motivating environment.

Sharjah Youth has adopted a unified digital platform that enables programme supervisors to monitor participants’ performance and progress across training levels.

The platform records swimmers’ times and training results, providing an accurate picture of each participant’s development. It also helps identify promising swimming talent and highlights individual strengths and areas requiring further development throughout the programme.

The programme provides participants with opportunities to test their abilities through a series of competitive championships featuring races at different distances.

It will culminate in an Elite Championship, bringing together outstanding participants from all Sharjah Youth centres and encouraging them to achieve their best times and deliver competitive performances.

Abudhabi , August 27, 2026 : Q Mobility announced “Darb” and “Mawaqif” timing and fees during the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday holiday to facilitate movement and improve traffic flow.

The company stated that toll charges at the Darb toll gates, including Sas Al Nakhl, Al Maqta’, Rabdan, and Al Saadiyat gates, will be free on Friday, 28th August 2026. Toll charges will resume on Saturday, 29th August 2026, according to the approved schedule.

Meanwhile, toll fees at Al Qurm and Ghantout gates will remain operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a fee of AED4 per crossing.

Q Mobility also announced that public parking spaces in Abu Dhabi, excluding multi-storey public parking buildings, will be free of charge on Friday.

Regular parking fees will resume on Saturday, 29th August 2026, according to the standard timings and tariffs.

Parking fees at multi-storey public parking buildings will continue to apply around the clock throughout the week at the usual rates.

Regarding the service hours of Customer Happiness Centres in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the company said that they will be closed on Friday. Operations will resume on Monday, 31st August 2026, during regular working hours.

Q Mobility also emphasised that its digital services will remain available 24/7 through its official channels, including the website, the “Darb” application, and the “TAMM” platform.