RAK Summer Camp Teaches Kids Emirati Etiquette
In Ras Al Khaimah, a unique summer camp is underway, teaching children the importance of Emirati traditions and customs. The Al Sanaa Al Saifi programme, which translates to Summer Etiquette, has seen an overwhelming response with over 1,050 kids signing up, exceeding the initial target by more than 250 participants. This month-long camp is being run across 13 centres in the emirate and is specifically designed for boys aged 7 to 12.
The programme focuses on teaching Emirati customs and social etiquette through hands-on activities such as welcoming guests and serving Arabic coffee. By participating in these activities, children can gain a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage and develop essential life skills. The programme’s success can be attributed to its engaging and interactive approach, which has clearly resonated with the community.
The Al Sanaa Al Saifi programme is a significant initiative that aims to strengthen national identity and preserve Emirati traditions and values among children. With its emphasis on practical learning, the programme provides a unique opportunity for kids to learn about their culture in a fun and engaging way. As the programme continues to grow and expand, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the community, helping to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
The programme’s coordinator, Ahmed Mohammed Hasel Alharthi, has played a crucial role in its success, ensuring that the camp is well-organised and effective in achieving its objectives. The support of the local community has also been instrumental in the programme’s success, with many parents recognising the importance of teaching their children about Emirati traditions and customs.
In the context of the UAE’s broader cultural environment, the Al Sanaa Al Saifi programme is an important initiative that contributes to the preservation and promotion of Emirati heritage. By educating children about their cultural roots, the programme helps to ensure that Emirati traditions and values continue to thrive for generations to come.
Dubai Golden Visa 2026 Sees 66,000 Grants
Dubai Issues 66,000 Golden Visas in H1 2026
In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has reported a significant surge in visa and residency transactions during the first half of 2026. The emirate granted 66,000 Golden Visas, issued more than 1.052 million new residency permits, and completed over 5 million entry permit transactions. This growth highlights Dubai's increasing attractiveness as a destination for living, working, and investment.
The impact on the community is substantial, with the large number of new residency permits and Golden Visas issued set to boost the local economy and population. Residents can expect to see an increase in new businesses, services, and job opportunities, as well as a more diverse community. The high volume of entry permit transactions also indicates a significant number of visitors, which will likely have a positive effect on the tourism industry.
The GDRFA Dubai's efforts to enhance its services have led to a 100% digital transformation, with an average transaction processing time of less than four minutes. Customer happiness has reached 95%, reflecting the authority's focus on efficient and innovative government services. This digital transformation is expected to make it easier for residents and visitors to access and utilize the services provided by the GDRFA Dubai, streamlining processes such as visa applications and residency permits.
The surge in Golden Visas and new residency permits is part of Dubai's strategy to attract more talent, investors, and families to the emirate. The government's initiatives, such as the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa and the DubaiNow Domestic Worker Bundle, aim to support tourism, business travel, family visits, and long-term residency. As Dubai continues to grow and develop, it is likely that we will see even more innovative services and initiatives aimed at supporting the community and enhancing the overall quality of life in the emirate.
Dubai autonomous taxi launches
Dubai Rolls Out Autonomous Taxi Service
In Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, residents can now experience the future of transportation with the launch of Dubai's autonomous taxi service. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with Apollo Go and WeRide to bring this innovative service to the public.
The autonomous taxi service is available for booking through the Uber and Apollo Go mobile applications, allowing residents to easily hail a ride. The initial phase of the rollout includes the deployment of 100 autonomous vehicles within Dubai's transport network, with plans for gradual expansion in the coming years.
For now, the service is being offered for free, giving residents a unique opportunity to experience the technology firsthand. The RTA has stated that the service will eventually operate on a fare of AED 5.
The introduction of autonomous taxis is part of Dubai's broader strategy to increase the use of smart mobility solutions. The Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous mobility solutions across the emirate, with the goal of making Dubai a global leader in this field.
As the service expands, residents can expect to see more autonomous vehicles on the roads, contributing to a reduction in traffic congestion and an increase in transportation efficiency. The RTA's partnership with Apollo Go and WeRide is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and the launch of the autonomous taxi service is an exciting development for the city.
The autonomous taxi service is a major shift in the way people move around Dubai, and it's expected to have a significant impact on the daily commute. With the service available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, residents in these areas will have access to a convenient and innovative way to get around.
In line with Dubai's ambitions to increase the use of autonomous transport, the RTA is working to create a comprehensive network of smart mobility solutions. The launch of the autonomous taxi service is a key part of this effort, and it's expected to play a major role in shaping the future of transportation in Dubai.
The Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy is a comprehensive plan that aims to make Dubai a global leader in autonomous transportation. The strategy includes a number of initiatives, such as the deployment of autonomous vehicles, the development of smart infrastructure, and the creation of a regulatory framework to support the growth of autonomous transportation.
The launch of the autonomous taxi service is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy. With the service now available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, residents can experience the future of transportation today.
In the coming years, the RTA plans to expand the autonomous taxi service to other areas of Dubai, with the goal of making it a city-wide service. This will require significant investment in infrastructure and technology, but it's expected to have a major impact on the way people move around the city.
The autonomous taxi service is just one part of Dubai's broader efforts to create a smart and sustainable transportation system. The city is investing heavily in new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation network.
As the autonomous taxi service continues to expand, residents can expect to see more innovative transportation solutions in the future. With the RTA's commitment to creating a comprehensive network of smart mobility solutions, Dubai is poised to become a global leader in autonomous transportation.
In conclusion, the launch of the autonomous taxi service in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah is a significant development for Dubai. The service is a key part of the city's efforts to create a smart and sustainable transportation system, and it's expected to have a major impact on the way people move around the city.
Dubai Five-Year Tourist Visa Launched
Dubai Unveils New 5-Year Tourist Visa
Dubai has launched a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa that does not require a sponsor. This move positions Dubai as a more attractive destination for frequent travelers, allowing them to enter and exit the country multiple times over the five-year period without needing a local sponsor. Tourists and business travelers who frequently visit Dubai are set to benefit from this new visa, enjoying more flexibility in their travel plans.
The introduction of this visa is part of Dubai's efforts to enhance its tourism and travel experience, catering to the needs of visitors who want to spend more time in the emirate without the hassle of repeatedly applying for visas or seeking sponsorship. While the exact eligibility criteria, application process, and fees associated with the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa have not been detailed in the announcement, the move is expected to boost Dubai's appeal as a hub for both leisure and business travelers.
The Dubai five-year tourist visa is a significant development for individuals who have been looking for a more convenient and long-term solution for their travel needs to the UAE. As the specifics of the visa, including its application process and requirements, become clearer, it is anticipated that this will further solidify Dubai's position as a premier destination for international visitors.
This launch follows other travel and tourism initiatives in the region, such as previous updates to visa policies aimed at facilitating travel to the UAE. The introduction of a five-year multiple-entry visa without the need for a sponsor highlights Dubai's commitment to making the emirate an accessible and attractive destination for visitors from around the world.
Apple sues OpenAI over trade secrets
Apple Takes OpenAI to Court Over Trade Secrets
Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging the company stole trade secrets related to Apple's AI hardware plans. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, targets OpenAI, its hardware chief Tang Tan, former Apple engineer Chang Liu, and io Products, a hardware company acquired by OpenAI. You're unlikely to see immediate changes to ChatGPT features on your Apple devices, as the case focuses on OpenAI's efforts to build competing consumer devices.
The lawsuit threatens to complicate OpenAI's plans to develop a new generation of consumer devices that could compete with Apple's products, such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Apple's complaint explicitly excludes the commercial agreement that brought ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence, so iPhone users can still access ChatGPT through Siri, Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Visual Intelligence.
The greater risk lies in the potential impact on OpenAI's future hardware plans, which could be hindered by the lawsuit. Apple filed the lawsuit to protect its trade secrets and prevent OpenAI from using confidential information to advance its AI hardware program.
This case is connected to a prior story about tech companies competing in the AI hardware market, where Apple and other major players have been investing heavily in research and development to stay ahead in the industry.
Emirates 100th aircraft retrofit milestone achieved
Emirates Hits 100th Aircraft Retrofit Milestone
In Dubai, a significant milestone has been reached as Emirates has retrofitted its 100th aircraft. This achievement is part of the airline's US$ 5 billion cabin upgrade programme, which has seen a collective 4.4 million man hours invested by more than 400 engineers and technicians. The retrofit programme, undertaken at the Emirates Engineering hangars in Dubai, has transformed 100 aircraft, including 47 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s, with new Premium Economy cabins and refreshed interiors.
The impact of this milestone is significant for Emirates customers, who can now experience the elevated cabin interiors and Premium Economy product on more routes across the airline's network. By the end of December 2026, around 20 additional aircraft are due to be upgraded, moving the airline past the halfway point in its programme. The expansion of Premium Economy, in particular, is a major focus, with over 3,800 new Premium Economy seats installed across the retrofitted aircraft.
The Emirates Engineering team has been at the forefront of this effort, developing new work systems and innovative solutions to complete the retrofit programme efficiently. The team has also been preparing for the next phase of the programme, which will see the installation of 4K OLED HDR10+ seatback IFE displays and new lightweight Safran Z400 economy-class seats, starting from October 2026. This ongoing investment in cabin modernization is a key part of Emirates' fleet renewal strategy, aimed at delivering a consistently elevated experience to customers.
As Emirates continues to push forward with its retrofit programme, the airline is on track to achieve its goal of upgrading 219 aircraft. This ambitious project is a significant step in the airline's efforts to modernize its fleet and expand its Premium Economy product across more routes. With the 100th aircraft retrofit milestone achieved, Emirates is poised to take its customer experience to new heights.