Al Habtoor Grand Resort Enhances Guest Experience Through Integrated Quality, Health & Safety, and Sustainability Systems

Al Habtoor Grand Resort Enhances Guest Experience Through Integrated Quality, Health & Safety, and Sustainability Systems

News 5 months ago

Dubai, UAE, December, 2025: Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, a leading name in Dubai’s luxury hospitality landscape, has reinforced its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and guest well-being through the successful implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS).

This achievement comes at a pivotal time for the UAE hospitality industry, which is poised for steady expansion with hotel supply expected to rise by 3.4% in 2026. As the market becomes more competitive, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection continues to elevate health & safety, quality, sustainability and operational excellence as core differentiators.

The newly implemented Integrated Management System (IMS) seamlessly combines three critical international standards, enabling the resort to manage quality, environmental impact, and health & safety with enhanced efficiency and coherence:

ISO 9001:2015 (Total Quality Management): Ensuring consistent, high-quality service and guest satisfaction.

ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management): Driving sustainable operations and reducing environmental impact, complementing the resort’s existing Green Key certification.

ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management): Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of employees and guests alike.

This integration demonstrates Al Habtoor Grand Resort’s holistic commitment to quality service, environmental stewardship, and guest safety.

The resort has also successfully recertified its ISO 22000:2018 certification, underscoring its stringent food safety protocols.

“These certifications are not just accolades; they are a testament to the collective dedication of our entire team. Our commitment to implementing and maintaining these rigorous international standards reflects our promise to deliver exceptional, safe, and sustainable hospitality experiences every day,” stated Khalid Saeed, General Manager of Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection.

With these certifications, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection reinforces its leadership in responsible luxury hospitality, setting new benchmarks for integrated quality, safety, and sustainability within Dubai and the broader region.

WHX in Dubai (formerly Arab Health) to debut specialised Biotech & Life Sciences Zone as sector growth accelerates globally

News 5 months ago

December 15 2025: World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, formerly Arab Health, which takes place from 9-12 February 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), has officially announced the launch of a new dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences zone in recognition of the sector’s expansion, which is expected to exceed US$4 trillion globally by 2035.

The introduction of the new zone reflects the unprecedented acceleration across the global biotechnology industry, which uses living organisms, cells, or biological processes to develop products and technologies for treating, preventing, and diagnosing human diseases. Breakthroughs in areas such as advanced therapeutics, AI-driven research and development, translational science, clinical innovation, and sustainable biomanufacturing are shaping the market.

According to Global Data Route Analytics, a leading business intelligence firm, the global biotechnology market was valued at US$1.6 trillion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2% until 2035, reaching US$4.05 trillion.

Furthermore, a recent report from Knight Frank highlights the trajectory of the GCC biotechnology market, projected to reach US$2.6 billion by 2028. Leading this growth are the UAE and Saudi Arabia, driven by a surge in localised R&D activities in areas such as genomics, oncology, rare diseases, and synthetic biology. This momentum is further fuelled by an increasing investor appetite and enhanced cross-border collaboration as the industry transitions from early discovery to commercial-stage innovation. Notably, the UAE is keen on establishing itself as a global hub for biotechnology, precision medicine, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This ambition is exemplified by initiatives like ‘Operation 300Bn,’ which allocates AED 300 billion to vital sectors, including healthcare.

Aligning with this growth, the inaugural Biotech & Life Sciences Zone, which will take place on 9 February 2026 as part of the newly introduced Frontiers Stage at WHX in Dubai, will convene global experts, regional innovators, policymakers, investors and industry leaders as part of a comprehensive programme exploring the scientific, economic and societal impact of biotechnology.

Biotech & Life Sciences zone session chair, Dr Omar Najim, CEO, Baynouna Gene Solutions, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at Khalifa University, has emphasised that the Middle East is entering a new era in which biotechnology and life sciences are no longer peripheral disciplines but central drivers of healthcare transformation, economic diversification, and scientific leadership.

He said: “Biotechnology and the life sciences are at the crossroads of developing solutions for regional populations through local talent, clinical innovation, and distribution, to reach the wider world. The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, home to 1.7 billion people, is a rapidly growing market for biotech companies seeking to expand, but also a source of unparalleled global talent.

“The region is well recognised as a strategic bridge, connecting cutting-edge research with real-world healthcare transformation. By accelerating translational science, building regional capability and fostering global partnerships, we can ensure that breakthroughs developed in our labs become accessible solutions that improve health outcomes for our communities. The launch of the dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences Zone at World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai is a pivotal step toward realising that shared vision.”

Held under the theme, Where Science Meets the Future, the Biotech & Life Sciences Zone will open with a forward-looking session titled The Future and Trends of Life Sciences: From Bench to Global Impact, which will explore advancements in synthetic biology, next-generation therapeutics, AI-driven research and the emergence of the Middle East as a potential hub for translational innovation.

A high-profile panel discussion, Investing in the Next Decade of Biotech & Life Sciences: Collaboration, Capital and Capability, will bring together influential voices from across the investment and innovation spectrum, while a fireside chat, Biotechnology for One Planet, One Health, will provide discussion from regional leaders on biotechnology’s vital role in addressing interconnected global health and environmental challenges.

The Regional to Global Translational Research and Innovation session will focus on bridging research capacity with international R&D networks, followed by a panel on Cell & Gene Waves: Building the Access-Era for Advanced Therapies, which will spotlight the urgent need to scale access to breakthrough treatments.

The programme will conclude with a keynote titled Biotechnology and the Future of Humanity, delivered by Andrew Craig, author of The Future Is Biotech.

Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets, said: “The introduction of a dedicated Biotech & Life Sciences Zone reflects the ambitions of WHX in Dubai and the growing expertise within our global community. Biotechnology is transforming every aspect of healthcare, and our platform is uniquely positioned to connect the world’s leading scientists, innovators and industry partners together to accelerate this progress. This initiative aligns with the forward-thinking content that WHX in Dubai aims to promote, underscoring our commitment to delivering the ideas and collaborations that will shape the next decade of global health.”

In 2026, WHX in Dubai will be co-timed with WHX Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), the region’s leading laboratory and diagnostics event. While WHX in Dubai moves to Expo City Dubai, WHX Labs in Dubai will continue at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 10-13 February, creating a city-wide experience across two landmark venues. Together, the co-timed events will attract more than 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors, forming the world’s largest healthcare event.

WHX in Dubai and WHX Labs in Dubai are held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.

RTA Awards Contract for Sheikh Zayed bin HamdanAl Nahyan Street Intersection Development with AlAwir Road and Al Manama Street

News 5 months ago

December 14 th 2025:
In line with the directives of the wise leadership to enhance the
infrastructure of the road network and public transport systems to meet
the requirements of urban development, population growth, and improve
quality of life, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded
the Contract for Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street
Intersection Development with Al Awir Road and Al Manama Street.
The project includes the construction of 2,300 metres of bridges,
expansion of lanes, paving of service roads along Sheikh Zayed bin
Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road in both directions, and
provision of entrances and exits serving residential and development
areas along the corridor.
The project will increase the street’s capacity from 5,200 vehicles per hour
in both directions to 14,400 vehicles per hour in both directions—an
increase of 176%. It will also reduce travel time from 20 minutes to just
five minutes. Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2028.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board
of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said:
“Undertaking this project is part of RTA’s master plan to develop the
roads, bridges, crossings, and tunnels network to accommodate growing
traffic volumes, enhance mobility, and ensure smoother traffic flow across
Dubai. This plan supports the needs of urban expansion and population
growth. The project serves residential and development areas with a
combined population of residents and visitors exceeding 600,000.”
Intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Al Awir Road

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He added: “The project includes converting the existing roundabout into a
grade-separated intersection that enables free-flowing traffic movements
in all directions. The works involve constructing main bridges on Sheikh
Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with four lanes in each direction,
along with building ramps for right- and left-turn movements, each
comprising two lanes.”
“The project also includes constructing a bridge at the intersection of Al
Awir Road with Emirates Road to serve traffic heading towards Al Awir
and Sharjah, as well as developing parallel service roads along Sheikh
Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road in both directions
to provide safe access points serving the surrounding development
areas.”
Intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Al Manama
Street
The Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors,
further explained: “The project includes upgrading the surface roads at the
intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Al
Manama Street. The scope involves widening Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan
Al Nahyan Street from two to four lanes in each direction to increase
capacity and enhancing the signalised surface intersection to improve its
operational efficiency and expand its traffic capacity. The project will also
provide safe access points to serve the surrounding development areas.”
Completed Phases
The improvement of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street forms
part of RTA’s wider efforts, which began with the development of the
street’s extension through the construction of a four-lane road in each
direction over a 25-kilometre stretch, from its intersection with Dubai–Al
Ain Road to the roundabout on Al Yalayis Street. The works included
upgrading several intersections along the surrounding road network.
A grade-separated interchange was constructed at the intersection of
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Latifa bint Hamdan
Street near the entrance to Global Village for traffic inbound from Emirates
Road. A signalised roundabout was also built at the intersection with Al
Qudra Street, along with a signalised surface intersection at the junction
with Hessa Street. These traffic solutions represent interim improvements
that will be further upgraded in future through a package of final traffic
enhancements.

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The project also included improving Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
Street along the section extending from its intersection with Dubai–Al Ain
Road to the Academic City roundabout, covering about three kilometres.
The works involved constructing two bridges at the Dubai Silicon Oasis
intersection, each 120 metres long and providing four lanes in each
direction, with a total capacity of 14,400 vehicles per hour in both
directions.
A signalised surface intersection was also constructed beneath the two
bridges, comprising 20 lanes in all directions with a capacity of 8,000
vehicles per hour. These improvements were designed to ensure smooth
traffic flow towards Dubai Silicon Oasis and Zayed University, as well as
to enhance traffic movement at the Academic City roundabout.

Global Village rings in 2026 with seven countdowns in one night

News 5 months ago

Dubai, UAE, 15 December 2025 – Global Village, the region’s premier multicultural family
destination, is preparing to ring in 2026 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on
Wednesday, 31 December. This year’s festivities will feature the iconic ‘7 New Year
Celebrations in One Night’, offering families and ladies a unique experience to welcome

Guests can enjoy a live DJ performance on the Main Stage, seven New Year
countdowns from different countries based on their time zones, as well as seven spectacular
fireworks displays and drone shows. All of this is included in the entry ticket and designed for
every member of the family to enjoy.
The unique ‘7 New Year Celebrations in One Night’ at Global Village is unlike anything else
in the UAE. Guests will celebrate the New Year across seven countries, each marked by
spectacular fireworks and dazzling drone shows: China at 8:00PM, Thailand at 9:00PM,
Bangladesh at 10:00PM, India at 10:30PM, Pakistan at 11:00PM, Dubai at midnight, and
Turkey at 1:00AM. Each countdown celebrates a different corner in the world, creating an
extraordinary way to welcome the New Year.
Beyond the countdowns, Global Village offers guests a full evening of experiences. Guests
can explore 30 pavilions representing over 90 cultures, with more than 3,500 shopping
outlets, over 250 dining options celebrating cultures from around the world. From the
Floating Market and Happiness Street to Fiesta Street and Dessert District, there’s
something for every taste. Guests can also enjoy over 200 rides and games at Carnaval and
experience new attractions not to be missed, including Dragon Kingdom, Gardens of the
World, and The Little Wonderers for younger visitors, making a single night at Global Village
packed with experiences for everyone.
The destination’s three gates will open on the New Year’s Eve with extended hours from
4:00PM to 2:00AM. As a leading family destination, Global Village continues to create
unforgettable moments for guests of all ages. By marking New Year’s Eve across multiple
countries, the destination reinforces its role in delivering

A New Chapter in Refined Arrival: Address Downtown Introduces its Digital Check-In Experience

News 5 months ago

Dubai, UAE, December 2025: In line with Dubai’s continued vision for innovation and guest-centric excellence, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has approved the rollout of the Dubai Digital Hotel initiative – a pioneering transformation that reimagines the future of hospitality across the emirate.

As one of the city’s flagship luxury destinations, Address Downtown is proud to be among the first hotels to bring this vision to life with the debut of its new Digital Check-In Experience. Seamlessly integrated, elegantly designed, and thoughtfully crafted around the needs of the global traveller, the new system ensures that every arrival begins with ease, comfort, and a sense of quiet luxury.

Guests may now complete their pre-arrival verification from anywhere in the world, allowing the hotel to prepare their stay with greater precision and personalised attention. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an environment where the transition from travel to tranquillity is effortless – reflecting Address Downtown’s enduring commitment to hospitality that is both intuitive and refined.

This milestone marks a significant step towards Dubai’s ambition to set new benchmarks for digital excellence. Address Hotels + Resorts is honoured to contribute to this movement, elevating the guest journey through technology that enhances – rather than replaces – the warmth and authenticity of its service.

With Digital Check-In now live, Address Downtown invites its guests to experience a stay where innovation and hospitality coexist in perfect harmony, reaffirming its position as a leader in luxury hospitality in the region.

Others

Accor Builds on Strong Development Momentum in Saudi Arabia Through Partnership with Arbah Taiba to Develop Novotel Madinah North

News 5 months ago

MADINAH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, DECEMBER 15 2025 — Accor, a world-leading hospitality group and the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has signed an agreement with Madinah-based developer Arbah Taiba for Real Estate Development and Investment, to develop Novotel Madinah North. The new hotel will be located minutes from the iconic Al Masjid an-Nabawi and is scheduled to open in 2028.

The collaboration draws on Arbah Taiba’s long-standing role in shaping Madinah’s urban development and Accor’s operating experience across Saudi Arabia. Together, the two groups will introduce a hotel that is accessible, modern, and designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers throughout the year.

The signing ceremony in Madinah was attended by Islam Abdel Samad, Vice President, Development, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East & Africa at Accor, and Abdulaziz Al Qfary, Chairman of Arbah Taiba. The agreement reaffirms their shared commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s religious, business and leisure tourism sectors in line with Vision 2030.

As Madinah continues to experience rapid growth welcoming more than more than 3.7 million visitors in Q2 2025 alone, following 18 million visitors in 2024 the new Novotel address will directly address the rising accommodation demand by expanding quality options for pilgrims, business travelers and domestic guests.

Islam Abdel Samad, Vice President, Development, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East & Africa at Accor, said: ”This agreement strengthens Accor’s long-term strategy to deepen our presence across Saudi Arabia, particularly in the holy cities where demand for high-quality accommodation continues to accelerate. Our partnership with Arbah Taiba allows us to deliver a property that aligns with international standards while honoring the unique character and spiritual significance of Madinah.”

Abdulaziz Al Qfary, Chairman, Arbah Taiba, said: “Arbah Taiba has long contributed to Madinah’s urban development and this partnership with Accor represents an important step in elevating the city’s hospitality offering. By combining our local insight with Accor’s global operating expertise, we are introducing a hotel that aligns with global best practices while serving the needs of visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque. Novotel Madinah North marks the beginning of a promising collaboration, and we look forward to developing further projects that continue to support Madinah’s growth and enhance the guest experience across the city.”

Novotel Madinah North: Designed for Balance and Modern Living

Now entering the development phase, Novotel Madinah North will embody Novotel’s Longevity Everyday positioning – creating uplifting, well-designed spaces that support balance, rest, nourishment and meaningful moments during every stay. The hotel that will complement Accor’s expanding accommodation offering across Saudi Arabia and its Holy Cities.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel will feature 200 modern guest rooms complemented by a thoughtful selection of facilities including a restaurant, a lobby lounge, fitness center, and four flexible meeting rooms. The hotel’s design and balanced amenities make it well suited to business travelers, families and domestic guests alike.

The property’s appeal is further elevated by its prime location just minutes from Al Masjid an-Nabawi, the second largest mosque and holiest site in Islam, and is poised to welcome pilgrims who travel to the city throughout the year.

Demand continues to rise: Madinah hosted 6.45 million visitors in Q1 2025, including 4.41 million international travelers, reflecting 10.7% year-on-year increase in external Umrah arrivals. This momentum reflects the strategic importance of introducing modern, well-located, and accessible accommodation to support the city’s growth.

Strengthening Accor’s leadership

With this agreement, Accor reinforces its position as the largest international hotel operator in Saudi Arabia and the holy cities, adding to a year of significant development achievements and expanding its significant local pipeline to 6,700 keys. This momentum reflects a balanced mix of operating properties and high-value future projects across all segments.

Accor currently operates 40+ hotels and branded residences across the Kingdom, totaling more than 17,000 keys across 15 brands, and a robust pipeline of more than 60 committed projects amounting to approximately 17,000 keys. In the holy cities alone, Accor operates 14 hotels, representing 12,600 keys.

This year has seen notable growth in both Makkah and Madinah, with new developments such as Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah (1,141 keys), a new Mövenpick project with Al Qimmah Hospitality, and the upcoming ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah and Mercure Makkah Shesha. These additions reflect sustained demand across all segments and the rising expectations of visitors to the holy cities.

Novotel Madinah North builds on this trajectory, expanding Accor’s midscale offering and contributing to the continued evolution of hospitality standards in Madinah.

Al Masaood Automobiles Returns to Liwa Festival 2026, Showcasing Nissan’s Iconic Patrol Line-up in the Heart of the Desert

News 5 months ago

Abu Dhabi, 15 December 2025: Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for Nissan in
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra Region, has announced its return as a sponsor of the Liwa
Moreeb Dune Festival 2026, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to supporting cultural,
sporting, and community-led events across the UAE.
One of the region’s most anticipated gatherings for desert and motorsport enthusiasts, the Liwa
Moreeb Dune Festival creates the perfect platform to spotlight Nissan’s SUV leadership and long-
standing desert legacy. This year, visitors will have direct access to the full range of the all-new
Nissan Patrol models, including the Patrol V6T Platinum, Patrol NISMO and the region’s first Patrol
PRO-4X –each engineered for power, durability and capability in challenging off-road terrain.
The iconic Patrol line-up brings three distinct personalities to the region. Leading the range, the All-
New Patrol blends over 70 years of heritage with modern innovation, powered by a new twin-turbo
V6 engine and equipped with Adaptive Air Suspension for refined on-road comfort and enhanced
capability. With upgraded technology, connectivity, and a digital-first cabin experience, it represents
prestige, strength, and everyday confidence.
For adventure-seekers, the Patrol PRO-4X delivers factory-equipped all-terrain capability through a
high-clearance fascia, all-terrain tyres, a reinforced chassis, and rugged design elements, built to
conquer demanding landscapes while maintaining comfort and safety. At the performance summit, the
Patrol NISMO stands out with a GT-R-derived twin-turbo V6 producing nearly 500 horsepower,
complemented by NISMO-tuned suspension, electronic damping control and precision engineering,
offering sharper handling, heightened control, and motorsport-inspired excitement.
Irfan Tansel, Chief Executive Officer of Al Masaood Automobiles, said: “Liwa captures the
UAE’s desert spirit like nowhere else. It is where tradition, performance and passion meet. The
Nissan Patrol has earned its place within this landscape for generations, and returning with the
complete line-up allows our customers to experience its capability where it truly belongs. Al Masaood
Automobiles ongoing participation reflects our commitment to supporting community events that
celebrate heritage, adventure and active lifestyles.”
Enhancing the visitor experience will be a range of on-ground activations throughout the festival,
giving attendees the chance to engage with Nissan SUVs in interactive and memorable ways. The
activations aim to create an immersive environment that showcases the spirit of Nissan while
reflecting the vibrancy and community focus of the festival.
Al Masaood Automobiles’ renewed participation in the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival is aligned with
the Group’s wider CSR priorities, which centre on supporting sports, youth development, and the
preservation of Emirati heritage. The festival serves as a dynamic community platform that celebrates
the UAE’s traditions while inspiring a spirit of adventure—values that continue to guide Al
Masaood’s engagement efforts across the emirate.

UAE

Bodour Al Qasimi chairs Kalimat Foundation end of year board

News 5 months ago

meeting and sets strategic roadmap for 2026

Sharjah, 15 December 2025,
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat
Foundation, chaired the Foundation’s Board of Trustees meeting, where members reviewed the
organisation’s 2025 achievements and discussed its strategic vision for 2026. The meeting
reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to empowering children with knowledge
and safeguarding their right to access books and reading worldwide.
In 2025, Kalimat Foundation expanded the scope of its flagship “Pledge a Library” initiative to
reach children in some of the world’s most underserved communities. The Foundation donated
4,600 Arabic-language books across 46 portable libraries operating in 42 locations in eight
countries—Brazil, Comoros, Morocco, Greece, the United Kingdom, Uganda, and
Portugal—reflecting a deepening commitment to equitable access to knowledge.
A sustainable model of empowerment
During the meeting, Her Highness emphasised that accessible publishing remains a
cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission. She described it as a sustainable model of
empowerment rather than a temporary intervention, stating that investment in knowledge is one
of the most profound and lasting forms of support in the lives of children and their communities.
Her Highness added: “Accessible publishing reimagines the child’s relationship with reading,
education and life. It opens doors to self-discovery and understanding of the world, while
nurturing autonomy and the ability to make informed choices.”

Her Highness stressed that Kalimat Foundation continues to evolve its programmes and tools to
empower children intellectually, noting that access to knowledge enables them to protect their
rights, contribute to community development, and respond thoughtfully to the challenges of their
time.
Advancing inclusive publishing and knowledge equity
The Board reviewed major achievements in 2025, including a collaboration with Canon to
launch an innovative experience enabling people with visual impairments to “feel images,” along
with the roll-out of the first phase of inclusive accessible books; marking a milestone in the
advancement of knowledge equity.
Other achievements included participation in regional workshops in Tunisia organised by the
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and joint initiatives with Noor Dubai
Foundation in educational and humanitarian programming.
Supporting vulnerable children and linking philanthropy to creative industries
Under “Pledge a Library,” the Foundation deepened its humanitarian presence by supporting
Arab children in hospitals and treatment centres, Palestinian children through Emirates
Humanitarian City, and underprivileged students in charity schools across the UAE. The
Foundation also restored a library in Ifrane, Morocco, and launched a product line with French-
Tunisian artist El Seed, reinforcing the initiative’s sustainability and building meaningful links
with the creative economy.
Inclusive literacy through the “Ara” (I See) initiative
In 2025, the Foundation organised reading workshops and specialised training courses for blind
and visually impaired children under the “Ara” initiative, aimed at advancing their reading and
writing skills. The initiative provides a wide range of publications in formats including braille,
large print, audiobooks, and accessible EPUB3 books, ensuring equitable access to knowledge
and cultural content.
Strategic vision for 2026: scale, inclusion, and innovation

The Board discussed Kalimat Foundation’s vision for 2026, centred on expanding accessible
publishing, developing more inclusive content, and strengthening local, regional, and
international partnerships to reach children in diverse environments.
The strategy further prioritises empowering families and fostering a culture of reading through
community programmes, advancing innovation and sustainability in cultural philanthropy,
expanding specialised research initiatives, and reinforcing the Foundation’s international
standing. Together, these priorities reinforce Kalimat Foundation’s role in shaping a more
equitable, inclusive, and future-ready reading ecosystem.
Leadership of the Board of Trustees
The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Vice
Chairperson; His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Treasurer; Her
Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan; Her Excellency Noura bint
Mohammed Al Kaabi, Secretary General; Her Excellency Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi; His
Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri; Ms. Ahlam Bolooki; and Mr. Fuad Mansoor
Sharaf, members of the Kalimat Foundation Board of Trustees.
This meeting underscored the Board’s pivotal role in steering the Foundation’s strategic
direction, ensuring the sustainability of its humanitarian and cultural impact, and enhancing its
position as a leading global institution empowering children through knowledge.

Thursday, 1 January 2026 announced as a paid public holiday for the private sector

News 6 months ago

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be an official paid holiday for all private-sector employees in the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of the New Year.

The announcement follows a circular issued by MoHRE in implementation of the Cabinet decision regarding the approved official holidays for the public and private sectors.

Dubai Concludes an Unforgettable 54th Eid Al Etihad With Spectacular Citywide Celebrations

News 6 months ago

Dubai Concludes an Unforgettable 54th Eid Al Etihad With Spectacular Citywide Celebrations

Dubai: Dubai has concluded spectacular citywide celebrations for the 54th Eid Al Etihad that brought together hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors to witness a sensational showcase of national pride, joy, and community. From the sky to the city’s streets, a packed programme of 577 events, activations, and exclusive offers across just 3 days cemented Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for world-class celebrations that resonates with more than 200 nationalities who call the city home.

Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) to commemorate 54 astounding years of the UAE’s union, this year’s festivities transformed the city into a vibrant stage of dazzling fireworks, 16 sold-out concerts and live entertainment events, surprise celebrity appearances, high-energy parades and roaming performances, exclusive savings for shoppers across 500 top brands at 2,000 retail outlets during the 3 Day Super Sale, record participation in 5 major mall activations, exclusive offers at 44 hotels and attractions, the debut of the Dubai Burger, a dynamic student art showcase spotlighting young creatives across Dubai, and a breathtaking aerial skydive performance that became one of the most iconic visual tributes of the long weekend.