Year: 2026

Contemporary steakhouse at Al Faya Retreat blends Arab heritage, desert history and premium cuisine

Sharjah, August 21, 2026 : A remarkable chapter of Arab history has found a contemporary expression at MAVIA Restaurant, a destination steakhouse located at Al Faya Retreat, part of Sharjah Collection.

Named after Queen Mavia, the fourth-century Arab warrior queen, MAVIA draws inspiration from her story of leadership, resilience and independence while connecting it with the rich heritage of the Al Faya desert.

Queen Mavia rose to prominence around 375 AD as the leader of the Tanukhid Arab tribal confederation. Known for her courage and strategic intelligence, she led a successful revolt against the Eastern Roman Empire, eventually compelling the Romans to negotiate peace.

Her legacy has continued to attract contemporary cultural interest. During a visit to MAVIA, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi became intrigued by Queen Mavia’s story and explored her history further. The historical figure was later featured in Her Highness’s book, Let Them Know She Is Here: Searching for the Queen of Mleiha.

A destination shaped by history

MAVIA’s location adds another layer to the restaurant’s identity.

Long before Al Faya Retreat became part of Sharjah Collection, the area was located along an important desert route connecting Sharjah and Oman.

The site’s original stone buildings date back to the 1960s, when they served as a medical clinic and grocery store for travellers crossing the desert. The buildings were also located close to one of the UAE’s early petroleum pumps, which remains at the site today.

In 2019, the historic structures were carefully reimagined as Al Faya Retreat, preserving key elements of their original architecture while transforming them into a contemporary hospitality destination.

Premium steakhouse experience

At MAVIA, the story continues at the dining table.

The restaurant’s culinary concept, developed by Chef Akmal Anwar, focuses on premium ingredients and precise preparation, allowing the natural flavours of the produce to take centre stage.

The menu features premium cuts including a 400g Black Angus Rib Eye, 400g Wagyu Striploin and 600g T-Bone, alongside Wagyu skewers, lamb chops and a Wagyu burger.

But the experience begins long before the food arrives.

The journey to Al Faya, the gradual transition from the city to the open desert, the historic architecture and the surrounding landscape all form part of the destination dining experience.

MAVIA brings these elements together in a setting where food, history and landscape are closely connected.

The restaurant reflects Sharjah Collection’s wider philosophy of creating experiences rooted in the emirate’s culture, heritage and natural landscapes.

At MAVIA, the desert is more than a backdrop, while the name is more than a reference to history. Together, they form the foundation of a dining experience that connects an extraordinary Arab legacy with contemporary culinary craftsmanship.

Rare discovery marks a major milestone for marine biodiversity and confirms the third nesting turtle species in the emirate

Abudhabi , August 21, 2026 : ​ The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recorded the first-ever nesting of an Olive Ridley turtle in the emirate, marking a significant milestone for marine biodiversity conservation.

The rare nest was discovered on Saadiyat Island and represents the third marine turtle species confirmed to nest in Abu Dhabi waters.

The discovery was confirmed through DNA barcoding in partnership with Khalifa University, which found a 99 per cent genetic match to Lepidochelys olivacea, the scientific name for the Olive Ridley turtle.

Abu Dhabi’s mainland coastline and offshore islands are primarily known as nesting grounds for Hawksbill turtles. The first confirmed Green turtle nest was recorded in the emirate in 2023. The Olive Ridley discovery adds another rare nesting species to Abu Dhabi’s marine ecosystem.

According to EAD, the turtle nested on March 29, 2026, laying 109 eggs. Hatchlings emerged on May 25, with 40 successfully reaching the sea, representing a hatching success rate of approximately 37 per cent.

The nest was discovered during a routine monitoring patrol by volunteers from the Saadiyat Turtle Patrol. It was monitored throughout the incubation period using a solar-powered camera and with support from EAD marine specialists.

As the expected hatching date approached, volunteers intensified patrols, returning every morning and throughout the night to monitor the emergence of the hatchlings.

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, described the discovery as a landmark moment for Abu Dhabi’s marine biodiversity.

She said the nesting record reflects the health and resilience of the emirate’s marine ecosystems and the long-term impact of sustained conservation efforts.

The successful emergence of the hatchlings confirms that local environmental conditions were sufficient to support the Olive Ridley’s complete reproductive cycle. EAD said the finding will provide an important baseline for future monitoring and conservation planning.

Scientific confirmation

Because Olive Ridley turtles had never previously been recorded nesting in Abu Dhabi, EAD partnered with Khalifa University to scientifically confirm the species.

DNA barcoding compares standardised genetic sequences with international reference databases, allowing researchers to distinguish species with a high degree of confidence.

Maitha Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said DNA analysis was essential to ensure that the discovery was supported by robust scientific evidence.

She added that the finding would contribute to a better understanding of marine turtle distribution across the region and highlight the value of long-term scientific monitoring in detecting ecological changes.

Why the discovery matters

Olive Ridley turtles are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and nest at relatively few locations around the world.

The species is also considered an indicator of marine ecosystem health. Olive Ridley turtles feed on marine invertebrates including jellyfish, crabs, shrimp and molluscs, helping maintain balance within marine food webs.

Their nesting activity also transfers nutrients from the ocean to coastal ecosystems, supporting beach vegetation and contributing to natural shoreline stability.

The discovery builds on more than 25 years of marine turtle research by EAD.

Four of the world’s seven marine turtle species have now been recorded in Abu Dhabi: Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley.

Hawksbill turtles remain the emirate’s predominant nesting species, while Green and Olive Ridley nesting are considered rare but significant occurrences. Loggerhead turtles are occasional visitors.

EAD’s latest aerial survey, conducted in 2024, estimated that Abu Dhabi’s waters support a marine turtle population of around 8,000 individuals. Nesting surveys have also identified at least 17 nesting locations on offshore islands.

The agency continues to support turtle conservation through rescue and rehabilitation programmes, satellite tracking and long-term scientific research.

The first Olive Ridley nest, together with the Green turtle nesting record established in 2023, further expands scientific understanding of Abu Dhabi’s marine ecosystems and underscores the importance of sustained monitoring and conservation efforts.

Dubai Historic Doors” presents a visual journey through Dubai’s architectural heritage in partnership with Dubai Municipality, Dubai Airports and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.

• Collaborative initiative transforms airport spaces into an interactive cultural platform reflecting the message “Dubai Welcomes the World”.

Dubai, August 21, 2026 : Dubai Municipality has launched “Dubai Historic Doors” at Dubai International Airport in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and Dubai Airports. The initiative provides travellers with an immersive visual, historical and cultural experience inspired by the historic doors that form a distinctive part of Dubai’s architectural heritage.

The experience brings together the richness of Dubai’s past and its future-facing identity, welcoming visitors through an interpretation of the traditional doors that characterised the emirate’s historic homes, markets and neighbourhoods and reflecting Dubai’s message of welcoming the world.

Running from 20 August to 7 September 2026, “Dubai Historic Doors” creates a heritage gateway through the airport arrival journey. From the moment travellers arrive, the experience introduces them to elements of Dubai’s history, culture and architectural identity, beginning with the heritage doors and continuing towards the passport control area.

The experience recreates traditional doors that once formed an important part of the architectural and social character of Dubai’s historic neighbourhoods, including Al Shindagha, Al Fahidi and Deira. Among the featured pieces is a recreation of the door of Sheikh Saeed House, displayed in Arrivals Terminal 3.

By bringing these architectural elements into the airport environment, the initiative creates a cultural passage connecting Dubai’s position as a global economic and tourism hub with its historical roots. It also uses one of the city’s principal gateways to introduce visitors to Emirati identity and the culture of hospitality from the beginning of their journey in Dubai.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, said that the traveller’s experience of Dubai begins from the moment of arrival, making entry points an important extension of the emirate’s identity and an opportunity to combine efficient procedures and high-quality services with cultural and human dimensions.

He said: “This initiative reflects the integration between government entities in delivering an exceptional experience that represents Dubai’s character and values. It transforms the arrival journey into an opportunity for visitors to discover the emirate’s history and authenticity alongside the operational efficiency they experience across the travel ecosystem.

“Strengthening national identity begins with the details visitors experience, and our entry points are among the first places through which Dubai communicates its message to the world as a city that brings together a rich heritage and an ambitious vision for the future.”

His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said that Dubai’s architectural heritage represents a living and enduring identity that continues to contribute to the emirate’s future and reinforces its appeal as a global destination combining authenticity and modernity.

He said: “In Emirati heritage, doors are more than architectural elements. They are enduring symbols of welcome and hospitality. Today, Dubai International Airport, as one of the city’s principal gateways to the world, embraces Dubai’s historic doors and carries forward our message of welcoming people and cultures from around the globe.

“Through this initiative, we are advancing our efforts to preserve and celebrate Dubai’s architectural heritage while presenting it in innovative ways within contemporary public spaces. It provides travellers with a cultural experience from the moment they arrive, highlighting the depth of our national identity, the richness of our architectural heritage and the Emirati tradition of hospitality and welcome.”

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: “We want every part of the guest journey to be seamless while also creating opportunities for travellers to experience the culture and character of Dubai. Dubai Municipality’s ‘Dubai Historic Doors’ initiative is a strong example of how we can use spaces across the airport to bring that ambition to life.

“By showcasing an important part of the emirate’s architectural heritage, the experience gives millions of guests the opportunity to discover another chapter of Dubai’s story as they travel through the airport. Initiatives such as this demonstrate how our role extends beyond operational efficiency. DXB is a global gateway to Dubai, and from the moment guests arrive, we have an opportunity to introduce them to a city that continues to look to the future while remaining deeply proud of its heritage and identity.”

The initiative forms part of Dubai Municipality’s efforts to preserve and showcase Dubai’s national identity and historic architectural character while transforming public spaces into interactive platforms that tell the story of the city.

It also contributes to enhancing Dubai’s urban and aesthetic environment, strengthening its position as a global cultural tourism destination and encouraging visitors to explore the emirate’s historic districts and cultural landmarks during their stay.

Onam campaign brings festive value and cultural experiences to UAE families, and a special two-day savings promotion at Mark & Save Al Tallah, Ajman

​Dubai ,August 21, 2026 ​: Mark & Save, one of the fastest-growing value retail chains in the GCC, is bringing the spirit of Onam closer to families and communities across the UAE through a month-long festive campaign combining traditional celebrations, attractive value offers, and engaging family experiences.

With Onam deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Kerala and celebrated by communities across the UAE, Mark & Save’s campaign is designed to go beyond festive shopping by creating a platform where customers can reconnect with traditions while enjoying quality products and meaningful savings.

The campaign is built around Mark & Save’s “Affordable Luxury” proposition, offering customers access to a broad selection of products at value-driven prices. The Onam range covers essential categories for festive preparations and everyday family shopping, including rice and grocery staples, fresh fruits and vegetables, cooking ingredients, dairy products, meat and poultry, snacks and beverages, household essentials, and selected general merchandise.

A key highlight of the campaign is the Free Sadhya promotion, available in select Mark & Save stores. From August 18 to August 23, customers who spend Dh250 or more, excluding electronics, will receive one Free Sadhya. The initiative is aimed at adding an authentic festive experience to the shopping journey while making it easier for families to celebrate one of Kerala’s most important festivals.

At Mark & Save Al Tallah in Ajman, the celebrations will receive an additional boost with a special weekend promotion titled “Great 2 Days of Savings.” The two-day initiative will bring customers a selection of special prices, value deals, combo offers, and multi-buy promotions across a wide range of products, creating additional opportunities for families to prepare for Onam while maximising their savings.

Mohammed Fasil, Head of Operations at Mark & Save, said, “Onam is much more than a festival; it is a celebration of togetherness, heritage, and the bonds that bring families and communities together. Our aim is to reflect those values through an experience that combines tradition with affordability and convenience. By bringing festive products, cultural activities, and value-led offers together, we want every customer to feel closer to the spirit of Onam.”

The festive programme will also feature a series of cultural and family-oriented activities designed to encourage community participation. These include Kids’ Fancy Dress, Thiruvathira, Cinematic Dance, Payasam, Tug of War, Pookkalam, Mr. Malayali, Malayali Manka, and a dedicated Digital Engagement Campaign.

The activities are intended to create an inclusive environment where families can participate, celebrate Kerala’s cultural traditions, and experience the festive atmosphere beyond the shopping aisles.

“Retail today is about more than simply providing products. It is about understanding customers, recognising the occasions that matter to them and creating experiences that add value to their lives. Our Onam initiative is a reflection of that approach. We are pleased to bring together attractive offers and meaningful cultural engagement while ensuring that customers can access their festive requirements conveniently under one roof,” Mr. Fasil added.

Mark & Save’s growing retail network provides a broad platform for the campaign. The brand, which was launched as a value retail concept in 2022, has expanded its presence across the GCC and has established a growing footprint in the UAE. Its stores offer an extensive assortment spanning groceries, fresh food, household essentials, electronics, fashion, bakery, hot food, and other general merchandise.

The company’s scale is also reflected in its workforce and product assortment. Mark & Save employs more than 5,000 people and offers more than 200,000 varieties of products across its retail network, according to company figures shared earlier this year.

The retailer is part of Western International Group, which operates a significant retail network across the GCC. Mark & Save currently has a presence across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the company continuing to pursue further expansion in regional and international markets.

“Our commitment has always been to make quality and choice accessible without placing unnecessary pressure on household budgets. During a culturally significant occasion such as Onam, that commitment becomes even more meaningful. We want families to have the freedom to celebrate their traditions, prepare their favourite festive dishes,and enjoy time together while benefiting from the value and convenience that Mark & Save provides,” Mr. Fasil further said.

The Onam campaign is already underway and will continue through the end of August, giving customers across the UAE multiple opportunities to participate in the festivities and benefit from the seasonal promotions.

For the Kerala and wider Malayali community, the campaign represents Mark & Save’s effort to celebrate the cultural diversity of the UAE while creating a shopping experience that combines tradition, value, convenience, and community.

From the ingredients needed for a traditional Sadhya to everyday household essentials, festive promotions, and family activities, Mark & Save aims to position its stores as convenient one-stop destinations for customers preparing to celebrate Onam.

As families come together to welcome the festive season, Mark & Save’s message is simple: celebrate the richness of tradition, enjoy the happiness of togetherness, and make every festive purchase count.

Dubai, August 19, 2026 : Dubai is accelerating its transition towards a future powered by
autonomous mobility, with Robotaxi operations recording more than
4 million kilometres travelled and 7,613 passenger trips since
launch, demonstrating growing public confidence in autonomous
transportation and laying the foundation for the next phase of
driverless mobility in the emirate.
Providing further details, Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Corporate
Technology Support Services Sector, Chair of Autonomous
Transport and Aerial Taxi Committee, said: “the Robotaxi service
currently has a fleet of 144 vehicles, including 48 vehicles in
active operation, completing around 50 trips daily. Most notably,
the service has achieved a 97% customer satisfaction rate,
reflecting strong acceptance of the technology and the quality of
customer experience.
Bahrozyan added: “the operational performance represents an
important milestone in Dubai’s journey towards its strategic target of
making 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030.”
From Safety Testing to Driverless Mobility
The Robotaxi program is being developed through a rigorous,
phased approach designed to ensure the highest standards of
safety, reliability and operational readiness. Carefully defined
operational zones enable the technology to be tested and validated
under real-world conditions, supporting the smooth transition from
safety-driver trials to fully driverless public transportation.
The extensive distance travel to date provides a substantial
operational base for evaluating autonomous driving performance,
refining customer experience and preparing the service for future
expansion.

2

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Autonomous Mobility
RTA adds a new dimension to Dubai’s public transport ecosystem
through its partnerships with Baidu’s Apollo Go, WeRide, and
Pony.ai. By leveraging autonomous driving technologies and the
fleet operation expertise of these companies. Through their
collaboration with RTA, the three companies aim to co-build a global
benchmark for smart mobility and contribute to solidifying Dubai's
position as a world-leading autonomous city.
This rapid implementation builds on agreements signed between
RTA and the three companies, ensuring timely and on-plan
execution of RTA’s roadmap to introduce autonomous taxi services
in Dubai, in line with the emirate’s continuous development across
all sectors.
The advancement of Dubai’s autonomous mobility ecosystem is
being supported by strategic partnership with leading global
technology and mobility companies. In this context, RTA is working
with its autonomous mobility partners to expand access to
driverless transportation and integrate autonomous vehicles into
Dubai’s wider mobility network.
The partnerships represent an important step in connecting
autonomous vehicle technology with Dubai’s established digital
mobility ecosystem. Through these partnerships, riders in selected
areas of Dubai can access fully driverless Robotaxi services,
supporting the integration of autonomous mobility into everyday
journeys and contributing to Dubai’s ambition to scale safe, efficient
and sustainable autonomous transportation.
In the same line, Uber Technologies, Inc (NYSE: UBER) today
announced that Baidu fully driverless Apollo Go vehicles are
officially available to riders on the Uber platform in Dubai, with
New Horizon Luxury Transport serving as the fleet operator.
Meeting Dubai’s Growing Mobility Demand
The advancement of autonomous mobility comes as Dubai
continues to experience sustained population growth, with the
emirate now home to more than 4 million residents. This growth is
generating increasing demand for convenient, efficient and
technology-enabled mobility solutions, while accelerating reliance on
shared mobility and app-based ride-hailing services.

3

The scale of this demand is reflected in the performance of Dubai’s
transport network. Public transport, shared mobility and taxis
carried 348 million riders during the first half of 2026, with
average daily ridership reaching 1.9 million. This growing mobility
ecosystem provides a strong foundation for the development and
expansion of autonomous vehicle services.
Building the Future of Urban Mobility
Robotaxis are emerging as a key component of Dubai’s next-
generation mobility ecosystem, complementing public transport,
taxis and shared mobility while offering a new model of safe,
technology-driven transportation.
With millions of kilometres already covered, thousands of customer
journeys completed and satisfaction reaching 97%, Dubai’s
Robotaxi program is moving beyond technology demonstration
towards scaled, real-world autonomous mobility.
The continued expansion of autonomous services will support
Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable
transportation and contribute directly to its ambition of making one
in every four transportation trips autonomous by 2030.

Dubai , August 19, 2026 : Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has
announced its event calendar for the remainder of 2026, featuring international exhibitions,
conferences and business events taking place from August to December 2026 across its two
venues – DWTC, in the heart of Dubai’s central business district, and Dubai Exhibition Centre
(DEC) at Expo City.
The event calendar brings together established international events and industry gatherings
across a diverse range of sectors, including tourism, technology, sustainability, healthcare, food
and beverage, energy, construction, automotive, education and consumer goods, among
others. Reflecting DWTC’s pivotal role in advancing innovation, trade and international
collaboration, featuring flagship events including Arabian Travel Market, Beautyworld, Big5,
Automechanika and GITEX Global.
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, said: “The breadth of our calendar for the
remainder of 2026 is significant, bringing together major international events and specialist
industry platforms across multiple sectors. For organisers, our priority is to provide the scale,
flexibility and support they need to deliver successful events, while creating the right
environment for businesses and industries to connect and grow.
“With DWTC and Dubai Exhibition Centre operating as complementary venues, we have the
capacity to accommodate a particularly active period ahead, including several large-scale
events within a concentrated calendar. This expanded venue capacity allows us to respond to
the needs of organisers, support events as they grow and welcome a greater diversity of
industries and audiences across Dubai. Ultimately, it is about ensuring that every event has the
platform to deliver meaningful value for the organisers, participants and the wider business
community.”
August Events Calendar
August closes out the summer season with the final weeks of Dubai Sports World and Modesh
World 2026 (both running to 25 August), alongside the return of Middle East Event Show (18-19
August) and JPEX Entertainment Exhibition (20-23 August). The month’s healthcare calendar
includes Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD)
and The International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition
(both 24-26 August), followed by Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies

Conference and Exhibition – DUPHAT and The International Family Medicine Conference &
Exhibition (both 25-27 August).
September Events Calendar
September brings a diverse programme of international and regional events across DWTC and
DEC, spanning energy, investment, healthcare, technology, travel, finance, cybersecurity and
more.
At DWTC, the month begins with Middle East Energy (1-3 September), followed by International
Property Show and AIM Congress (both 7-9 September). Healthcare and finance events
continue with Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition – Dubai Derma
(8-10 September) and Crypto Expo (9-10 September), before the much-awaited return of
Arabian Travel Market (14-17 September).
The second half of the month continues with The Forex Expo (22-23 September) and Seamless
Middle East (22-24 September), before MEIDAM – the 11th International Congress of Medical
Excellence in Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine (24-26 September). Ru’ya – Careers UAE (28-
30 September) anchors the final week, alongside GOTECH (29 September – 1 October), and
AWS Summit Dubai (30 September).
At Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), GISEC – Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (16-18
September) brings the cybersecurity community together, followed by Middle East Coatings
Show (28-30 September).
October Events Calendar
At DWTC, October features Beautyworld Dubai (6-8 October), follow by Airport Show & Global
Airport Leaders Forum (12-14 October) and RISE Global Real Estate Investment Summit &
Expo (13-14 October), alongside HR Summit and Paperworld Middle East / Gift & Lifestyle
Middle East (both 13-15 October). The month continues with AccessAbilities Expo (19-21
October), WETEX (20-22 October) and World Green Economy Summit (21-22 October), before
closing with Najah Exhibition (25-27 October), Dubai AI Festival (26-27 October), ArabLab+ and
Growtech Middle East (both 26-28 October), and EHS Public Health Conference (28-29
October).
At Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), October begins with CABSAT and SAT Expo (both 5-7
October), followed by World Tour (10-15 October), Baby & Kids Expo (22-24 October), The
School & Nursery Show (24-25 October), Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (27-29
October) and Dubai Muscle Show & Active Show (30 October – 1 November).
November Events Calendar
November opens at DWTC with Gulf Host, Gulfood Manufacturing, ISM Middle East and Private
Label Middle East (all 3-5 November), followed by the International Symposium on
Electronic/Emerging Art – ISEA (7-18 November). The month continues with World Tobacco
Middle East (10-11 November) alongside EV World Show, GESS – Global Educational Supplies
& Solutions and World Vape Show (all 10-12 November), before The Mining Show (16-17
November) and a cluster of shows running 16-18 November: Dubai International Food Safety
Conference Applied Nutrition, International Apparel & Textile Fair, Middle East Organic and
Natural Products Expo, Paper Arabia and World Police Summit. The building and construction
sector rounds out the month with Big 5 Global, GeoWorld, HVACR World and LiveableCitiesX
and Future FM (all 23-26 November).

At Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC): Automechanika Dubai, the region’s largest automotive
aftermarket event (10-12 November), the 44th ICAI Annual International Conference (14-15
November), World Art Dubai (19-22 November) and Onset Expo (20-22 November).
December Events Calendar
December brings the 2026 calendar to a close with a diverse programme spanning technology,
healthcare, aviation, mobility, jewellery and more across DWTC and DEC, anchored by GITEX
Global at Dubai Exhibition Centre.
At DWTC, the month begins with the 13th Evolving Practice of Ophthalmology Middle East
Conference (EPOMEC), Jewellery & Bride Arabia (3-6 December) and Gallery of Dreams (3-9
December). The Gitex Global Summit follows from 4-8 December, ahead of Sign & Graphic
Imaging M.E. Exhibition (7-9 December), UITP Conference (9-10 December) and MEBAA Show
Dubai (10-12 December).
GITEX Global, the world’s largest technology show, takes place from 8-11 December, bringing
together the global technology community together at its new home at Dubai Exhibition Centre
at Expo City.
The year closes with International Summit for Aviation Training/ISAT (14-15 December),
followed by a trio of consumer shows, Asia Baby Children Maternity Exhibition, International
Appliance and Electronics Show and China Products Fair (all 15-17 December).

Dubai, August 19, 2026 : The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has received a record 20,500 applications from 135 countries for its 29th edition in 2027, attracting the broadest international participation in the history of Quran awards.

The award is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

This record-breaking participation reflects the remarkable success of the award’s comprehensive developmental vision, “In Search of the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World,” which has fundamentally transformed the award by introducing direct personal applications alongside the traditional nomination process through participants’ home countries or accredited Islamic centers.

The vision also introduced the largest prize package in the history of Quran awards, with total prize money exceeding AED12 million, in addition to significant updates to the award’s categories, eligibility criteria, evaluation, and participation mechanisms.

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, affirmed that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has transformed Dubai into the centre of an unprecedented global movement dedicated to learning, memorising, mastering, and promoting the Holy Quran.

He noted that this level of international participation, which has surpassed all expectations, confirms that the award’s new developmental vision is opening broader and more inspiring horizons in serving the Holy Quran while strengthening the connection of future generations with its teachings, values, and noble principles.

“Today, with these record numbers of participants, the award’s impact extends across a vast geographical and human landscape around the world. Its influence now goes far beyond participation figures, generating exceptional engagement with the Award and the outstanding Quranic voices participating throughout every stage,” he said.

Applications were received from a broad international landscape, including Arab and Islamic countries as well as Muslim communities in non-Muslim nations across every continent. Egypt ranked first with 6,838 applications, followed by Indonesia with 1,923, Pakistan with 1,862 and Syria with 1,511 applications.

The Male Category (Over 16 years old) received 14,040 applications, while the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years old) attracted 6,495 applications, including 2,394 female applicants.

The first-place winner in the Male Category (Over 16 years old) will receive US$1 million, while the first-place winner in the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years old) will also receive US$1 million. The second-place winner in each category will receive $100,000, the third-place winner $50,000, and the Global Quranic Personality will be honoured with a $1 million award.

The introduction of direct personal applications, alongside nominations submitted through participants’ home countries or accredited Islamic centres, has also contributed to exceptional growth in participation from around the world by giving outstanding Quranic talents greater flexibility to submit their applications.

The 29th edition also introduces a landmark initiative under which a select group of finalists will be invited to Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at the emirate’s major mosques. Public voting will then determine the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World during the final stage of the award.

All applications received by the award are undergoing a rigorous preliminary evaluation process based on the highest standards of Tajweed, vocal excellence, recitation quality, and overall performance, with judging panels currently selecting the finest voices to advance to the next stages.

For the Male Category (Over 16 years old), contestants who qualify in the first stage based on vocal excellence, recitation quality, and mastery of Tajweed will advance to the second stage, where the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World will be selected through public voting.

A select group of outstanding contestants will be invited to Dubai during Ramadan to lead Taraweeh prayers at major mosques before public voting takes place from 8th to 16th February 2027.

For the Male and Female Category (Under 16 years old), contestants selected in the first stage based on vocal excellence, recitation quality, and mastery of Tajweed will advance to the second stage, which will be held from 1st to 14th September 2026 through live video judging.

The finalists will then compete in the third stage through public voting to determine the Most Beautiful Quran Recitation in the World from 8th to 16th February 2027, culminating in the award’s closing ceremony during the second week of the blessed month of Ramadan.

The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has firmly established its global standing through achievements spanning 28 editions. Since its launch, 7,826 contestants from 123 countries have participated in the award. The award has distributed more than AED67 million in prize money and has honoured 24 individuals and three institutions with the Global Quranic Personality Award.

Singapore,August 19,2026 : Oil extended gains for a fourth day in Asia trade, with Brent and WTI near three-week highs.

Brent crude edged up 26 cents to around $91.28 a barrel, while US WTI crude rose 37 cents to around $85.31.

Both contracts closed Tuesday at their highest levels since July 24.

Washington , August 19, 2026 : Apple released iOS 26.6.1 on August 17, patching 29 security vulnerabilities, including a critical ImageIO flaw enabling arbitrary code execution via crafted images and a Telephony bug letting network attackers bypass IPSec authentication to intercept traffic.

The update also covers iPadOS 26.6.1, macOS 26.6.2, and visionOS 26.6.1, with most fixes targeting WebKit — around a third of which Apple credits to OpenAI’s internal Codex Security team.

The release, arriving just 11 days after an emergency macOS 26.6.1 fix for a separate Screen Sharing flaw, reflects Apple’s accelerated update cadence amid AI-powered hacking concerns and comes weeks before the expected iOS 27 launch.

The company also released the first Release Candidates for macOS Tahoe 26.7 and macOS Sequoia 15.8 on the same day, suggesting that the security push extends to older operating systems still in active use.

Release notes for the macOS updates are characteristically sparse, with Sequoia 15.8 noting only that “this update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.”

August 19, 2026 : Old prices edged higher in early Asian trade on Wednesday as U.S. Treasury yields eased from recent highs, while market participants ‌awaited the release of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes.

Spot gold was ‌up 0.2% at $4,342.33 per ounce, as of 0030 GMT after falling nearly 2% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, U.S. ​gold futures for December delivery edged 0.6% lower to $4,396.30.

Among other metals, spot silver fell 0.5% to $62.99 per ounce. ​Platinum climbed 0.3% to $1,717.03, ‌while palladium lost 0.3% at $1,286.73.