Author: Arabian Media staff

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources in the UAE has confirmed that the New Year holiday for federal government employees will fall on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Read more-Flying out soon? UAE airlines unlock new ways to explore Asia, Europe According to a WAM report, Friday, January 2, 2026, will shift to remote work for all federal staff, except those whose roles require on-site duties. The authority extended its congratulations to the UAE’s leadership, government, citizens, and residents, offering wishes of continued health, stability, and well-being. Source link

Image: Supplied Huawei has expanded its global device portfolio with the launch of four new flagship products unveiled at its “Unfold the Moment” event — the HUAWEI Mate X7, HUAWEI FreeClip 2, HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN, and HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S. The lineup reflects the company’s continued push into premium foldables, next-generation audio, luxury wearables, and creator-focused tablets. Zhu Ping, President of Marketing and Sales Services at Huawei Consumer Business Group, said the company remains committed to bringing “warmth” to technology. “By understanding and responding to users’ real needs, we aim to help the world’s consumers use technology to unfold…

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a pilot public Robotaxi service available starting today on the Uber app, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s push toward autonomous mobility. The initiative, delivered in collaboration with autonomous driving technology provider WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER), aligns with Dubai’s wider Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which envisions a substantial shift toward autonomous mobility by 2030. According to Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency, the new WeRide Robotaxi vehicles booked through the Uber app will initially be available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah,…

Image: Supplied Digital payments have transitioned from a matter of convenience to becoming essential public infrastructure. This shift is underscored by the continued decline in cash usage, which is projected to account for just 46 per cent of worldwide payments in 2025, down from 50 per cent in 2023. A significant trend is the rise of account-to-account (A2A) transactions, which are becoming mainstream primarily through digital wallets and payment applications in case of India, representing around 30 per cent of global point-of-sale payments. A decade ago, the question was how to digitise transactions. Today, the priorities are consistency, ease of…

Image: Supplied Bitcoin’s value comes from how limited it is. There will only ever be 21 million coins, and almost 20 million have already been created. As this number edges closer to the limit, the world’s leading digital asset is moving into a new chapter, one shaped by true scarcity. Big investors are taking millions of Bitcoins out of circulation, while millions more are sitting unused or have been lost over time. This growing shortage could turn out to be one of the most important supply squeezes in Bitcoin’s history, shaping the future of the network. A supply squeeze happens…

Image credit: Getty Images The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued Cabinet Decision No. (197) of 2025, unveiling a revamped structure for selective goods taxation, including revised rates and methods for calculating the selective price. The latest decision marks a significant update to the country’s excise tax framework, with a particular focus on introducing a “tiered volumetric model” for sweetened beverages. The new decision replaces Cabinet Resolution No. (52) of 2019 and its subsequent amendments, according to a WAM report. Read more-UAE launches Advertiser Permit: New rules every brand should know The amendment aligns with ongoing national efforts to promote…

Image: Supplied Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to set up a regulatory pathway that would allow electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to operate across the kingdom, the regulator said. GACA said it plans to base its framework on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s certification rules and the Department of Transportation’s eVTOL Implementation Pilot Program, aiming to support early operations in Riyadh, Jeddah and large development zones including Red Sea Global. The roadmap is part of the aviation pillar of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and aligns with the…

Raoul Van Engelshoven, managing director, Kyndryl UAE/Image: Supplied Kyndryl, the global provider of mission-critical IT services, has released the UAE edition of its second annual Readiness Report, revealing a landscape where organisations are rapidly advancing their AI agendas while grappling with intensifying pressure to modernise core systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and address widening workforce skills gaps. “The UAE has set out one of the most ambitious AI agendas in the world, from its drive to build an AI-powered government to the transformation of key industries and the development of an AI-ready workforce,” said Raoul Van Engelshoven, managing director, Kyndryl UAE. “The…

Image credit: Getty Images Global air travel is witnessing a significant transformation as Emirates and Etihad Airways unveil strategic partnerships, innovative travel products, and new routes designed to enhance connectivity, flexibility, and sustainability. From the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and across Europe to the Middle East, these Gulf carriers are expanding their reach while responding to growing traveller demand for convenience, flexibility, and responsible travel. Read more-Dubai’s aviation duo fly high: Flydubai inks 7 deals, Emirates adds London flights Through partnerships with regional carriers and the introduction of innovative solutions for leisure and corporate travellers, both airlines are demonstrating how…

Image: Getty Images The UAE will introduce a nationwide change to Friday prayer timings from January 2, 2026, as part of a broader move to standardise schedules and support the country’s Year of the Family initiatives. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has confirmed that Friday sermons and prayers will begin at 12.45pm across all emirates, replacing the current fixed timing of 1.15pm introduced in 2022. The new directive marks the second major adjustment to Friday routines since the UAE transitioned to a Monday–Friday working week nearly four years ago. At the time, the shift aligned the…