(Credit - WAM)
Beware of fake Abu Dhabi Customs notices
Abu Dhabi Customs has warned customers against fraudulent electronic messages and notices impersonating the authority. The warning comes after the detection of scam messages carrying titles such as “Official Customs Hold Notice, Customs Tariff Classification Required (Harmonised System)”. These messages are designed to appear authentic, with reference numbers, dates, and times, and claim that a shipment has been placed on hold pending customs tariff classification and fee payments.
The authority has stressed that these messages are not issued by Abu Dhabi Customs and has urged customers to exercise caution when receiving emails or notices related to shipments, customs procedures, or payment requests. Customers are advised to verify the source of any such communication through official channels before taking any action. The fraudulent messages may be intended to obtain personal, commercial, or banking information or induce recipients to carry out unauthorized transactions.
Abu Dhabi Customs has emphasized that all official customs procedures and transactions are conducted through approved systems and official digital platforms. To protect themselves, customers are advised not to respond to suspicious messages, click on links contained within such messages, open attachments from untrusted sources, share personal, business, or banking information, or make payments based on unauthorized requests.
The authority has reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of safe digital practices and protect customers from fraud and impersonation attempts. Customers who receive suspicious messages are urged to report them through official channels and avoid sharing any information with the sender. By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, customers can help ensure a secure and trusted customs experience.
Abu Dhabi Customs’ warning is part of its efforts to prevent scammers from extracting sensitive personal, commercial, or banking information and requesting unauthorized payments. The authority’s emphasis on protecting customer data and ensuring the security of digital transactions remains a key priority within its customs services ecosystem.
In line with its commitment to cybersecurity, Abu Dhabi Customs continues to work towards creating a secure environment for its customers. The authority’s warning serves as a reminder to always be cautious when receiving unexpected messages or requests, especially those related to financial transactions.
Ariana Grande Confirms Romance
Ariana Grande Goes Official with Ricky Alvarez
Ariana Grande has made her relationship with Ricky Alvarez official on Instagram. The singer posted a photo carousel on August 12, featuring selfies, videos, and two photos with Alvarez, confirming their rekindled romance. This comes after weeks of subtle hints, including altered tour lyrics and public appearances together.
Grande and Alvarez initially dated from July 2015 to July 2016, and have remained close over the years. Alvarez, a 35-year-old dancer, worked on Grande's Honeymoon Tour, which is how they met. During her summer tour, Grande rewrote a line from her song "Thank U, Next" to hint at their reunion, changing the lyrics to "Wrote some songs about Ricky, and they still really slap" and later to "We'll always find our way back."
The confirmation of their relationship marks a new chapter for the couple, eight years after their initial split. Fans have been speculating about their reunion since Alvarez started attending Grande's tour dates in June, and the two were photographed together at lunch between concerts. Anyone following Ariana Grande's summer tour just got the confirmation they've been waiting for.
Manchester City Trendyol Partnership Announced
Manchester City and Trendyol Announce Global Partnership
Manchester City has signed a global partnership agreement with Trendyol, designating it as the club's Official Online Marketplace Partner. This partnership, announced on August 13, 2026, will see Trendyol work with the Club to create bespoke content and campaigns, in addition to having a presence across the Club’s digital and social platforms, and branding at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City's fans and Trendyol's customers will be directly impacted by this partnership, as it aims to expand Trendyol's international brand footprint and leverage Manchester City's global digital fan base.
Trendyol, one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms, was founded in Istanbul in 2010 and now connects more than 40 million customers with over 250,000 sellers across a growing international footprint. As an official sponsor of the Turkish National Football Teams and the title sponsor of the Turkish Süper Lig and the First League, Trendyol continues to grow its sponsorship portfolio with some of the most recognised properties in global sport.
The partnership between Manchester City and Trendyol is part of the club's efforts to expand its global reach and engage with its fans worldwide. With Trendyol's presence in the UAE market, this partnership may also have implications for Manchester City's fans and business partners in the region.
This announcement is the latest development in Manchester City's sponsorship agreements, following previous partnerships with companies such as Masdar and Xylem. As the club continues to grow its global presence, it is likely that we will see more partnerships and agreements announced in the future.
UAE Public Holidays 2027: Key Dates
UAE Public Holidays 2027: Full List of Expected Dates
You can expect several public holidays in the UAE throughout 2027, including New Year, Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, and Eid Al Adha. While some dates can be confirmed in advance, Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and remain subject to official moon sightings.
- New Year’s Day will be on Friday, January 1, giving you a three-day weekend. The first working day of 2027 will be Monday, January 4.
- Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on March 9, 2027, and will last for either three or four days, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. If the crescent moon is not sighted, March 12 will be added as an Eid holiday, potentially giving you a six-day break.
- Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha will run from May 15 to May 18, 2027, although the exact dates will depend on the official sighting of the Dhu Al Hijja crescent moon.
- The Islamic New Year is currently expected to fall on Sunday, June 6, 2027.
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday is expected to fall on Saturday, August 14, 2027.
- Eid Al Etihad will be celebrated with a two-day public holiday on Thursday, December 2, and Friday, December 3, potentially giving you a four-day break from Thursday, December 2 to Sunday, December 5.
Abu Dhabi autonomous patrol boat trial nears success
Abu Dhabi Makes Waves with Autonomous Patrol Boat Trial
Abu Dhabi has successfully completed a second field trial of a 23-foot autonomous patrol boat near Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal. The vessel, developed by Blue Gulf Group, underwent tests for navigation, vessel detection, collision avoidance, and its ability to operate safely without an onboard operator. Local maritime authorities, including Abu Dhabi Maritime and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, collaborated on the trial, which aimed to develop autonomous patrol capabilities to support monitoring operations across public waterways in Abu Dhabi.
The successful trials highlight Abu Dhabi's commitment to embracing innovative technologies to enhance maritime monitoring, strengthen safety, and improve operational efficiency across its waterways. The development of autonomous maritime systems also reflects the UAE's broader vision of using advanced technology and artificial intelligence to build safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation and security solutions.
The 23-foot autonomous patrol boat was tested for compliance with international rules of the sea (COLREGS) from a shore-based control room. The vessel's ability to navigate, detect other boats, avoid collisions, stop on command, and safely return to the control room was evaluated. These trials followed initial field tests with Blue Gulf Group in May 2026 and support next-generation maritime mobility in Abu Dhabi.
The trial is part of Abu Dhabi's efforts to develop smarter and safer maritime operations, under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. The emirate's growing role as a hub for innovation and advanced maritime solutions is demonstrated through initiatives such as this autonomous patrol boat trial.
The autonomous patrol boat trial is connected to Abu Dhabi's previous initiatives in developing smart mobility frameworks, including the integration of autonomous vehicles and advanced transportation systems. This trial marks another step forward in the emirate's efforts to enhance maritime security and surveillance capabilities.
TDRA telecom licence renewal until 2046
UAE Telecoms Get 20-Year Licence Renewal
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has renewed the public telecommunications licences of Emirates Telecommunications Group (e&) and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) for a further 20 years. The renewed licences will take effect from 9th August 2026 until 8th August 2046, replacing the licences originally issued in 2006. Local telecom operators are expected to benefit from the long-term regulatory framework, which supports continued investment in digital infrastructure and future technologies.
The renewal provides stability for the telecommunications sector, enabling the UAE to advance its AI-driven networks, digital infrastructure, and economy-wide transformation. The TDRA will continue monitoring compliance with licence conditions, protecting subscriber rights, and ensuring a fair and competitive telecommunications environment. The licences include enhanced obligations relating to network resilience, international connectivity, quality of service, and subscriber protection.
The UAE has ranked first globally in fibre-to-the-home penetration for the tenth consecutive year, reaching 99.7%. The sector has evolved from providing traditional telecommunications services to becoming a key enabler of digital transformation, smart cities, and government services. The TDRA's decision is expected to foster investments in AI-driven networks, digital infrastructure, and national connectivity, supporting the UAE's next phase of digital growth.
The renewal of the licences is based on the Federal Decree-Law on the Regulation of the Telecommunications Sector, as amended. The TDRA's Board of Directors announced the renewal, which will provide the sector with the stability required to sustain investment in digital infrastructure and future technologies.
