(Credit - Dubai Press Club)
Arab Media Summit 2026: Region's Largest Media Gathering
The Dubai Press Club, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, recently organized the ‘Arab Media Summit Mallathon’ at the Dubai Mall, bringing together over 350 media professionals, content creators, and social media influencers. This event marked the countdown to the Arab Media Summit 2026, scheduled to take place from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The Arab Media Summit 2026 is set to be the largest media gathering in the region, and the Dubai Press Club is working diligently to ensure that this year’s edition is the best in the summit’s history. The event will provide a platform for media professionals, content creators, and social media influencers to come together, collaborate, and shape the future of media.
For those interested in attending the Arab Media Summit 2026, registration is now open at ams2026.evsreg.com. The summit promises to be an exciting and informative event, with a wide range of topics and discussions that will shape the future of media in the region.
The Dubai World Trade Centre will host the Arab Media Summit 2026, providing a state-of-the-art venue for the region’s largest media gathering. With its world-class facilities and amenities, the Dubai World Trade Centre is the perfect location for this prestigious event.
The Arab Media Summit 2026 is an opportunity for media professionals, content creators, and social media influencers to network, learn, and share their experiences. The event will feature a range of sessions, workshops, and discussions, providing a platform for attendees to engage with industry leaders and experts.
The Dubai Press Club and Dubai Sports Council are committed to making the Arab Media Summit 2026 a success, and with the support of over 350 media professionals, content creators, and social media influencers, this event is set to be the largest and most successful media gathering in the region.
The Arab Media Summit 2026 is connected to Dubai’s vision of becoming a hub for media and innovation, as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This agenda aims to drive economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the emirate, and the Arab Media Summit 2026 is an important part of this initiative.
In conclusion, the Arab Media Summit 2026 is an exciting and important event that will bring together media professionals, content creators, and social media influencers from across the region. With its world-class venue, informative sessions, and networking opportunities, this event is not to be missed.
Vietnam Plans Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Under-16s Face Social Media Posting Ban in Vietnam
Vietnam is planning to force social media platforms to ban users under 16 from posting content, commenting, or reacting to posts. The draft decree, reviewed by Reuters, aims to ensure children use social media in an age-appropriate environment and protect them from inappropriate risks. This move aligns with a growing international effort by governments to enhance online safety and protect children's mental health.
The proposed rules would require social media accounts belonging to children under 16 to be registered using the information of a parent or legal guardian, who would be responsible for supervising the content viewed and the amount of time spent on the platforms. Social media companies would also have to use technical measures to identify child users and ensure age-appropriate content distribution. The draft decree also requires platforms to provide the highest level of privacy protection for child accounts and to proactively detect, warn, and block access to content related to violence, pornography, gambling, drugs, suicide, and other harmful material.
Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam stated that the primary objective is not to ban or excessively restrict children's access to social media but to ensure they are placed in an age-appropriate environment and protected from inappropriate risks. This proposal reflects growing concern among governments worldwide about online safety and the impact of social media and harmful content on children's mental health. Other countries, such as France and Australia, have also imposed bans or restrictions on social media access for minors.
To comply with the proposed rules, parents or legal guardians of children under 16 will need to register their child's social media accounts using their own information. They will be responsible for supervising the content viewed and the amount of time spent on the platforms. Social media companies will need to implement technical measures to identify child users and ensure age-appropriate content distribution.
The proposed restrictions on online gaming for minors are also part of the draft decree. While the exact details of these restrictions are not specified, they aim to limit the amount of time minors spend on online gaming platforms.
| Category | Restriction |
|---|---|
| Social Media Posting | Under-16s banned from posting, commenting, or reacting |
| Account Registration | Parent or legal guardian must register child's account |
| Content Supervision | Parent or legal guardian responsible for supervising content viewed |
| Online Gaming | Restrictions proposed, but exact details not specified |
China Landslide Death Toll Rises to 11
Landslide in China Claims 11 Lives, 50 Still Missing
The death toll from a landslide in southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality has risen to 11, with rescuers still searching for 50 missing people in the rubble, where there are "no signs of life", according to Pengshui authorities. Rescuers have been deployed to the scene in Pengshui County, where the landslide swept away several residential buildings at the foot of a mountain and along a riverbank, injuring 10 people.
Specialist teams are continuing to carry out the search for remains in a scientific and orderly manner, working round the clock, despite the challenging conditions due to the massive volume of the landslide debris and poor stability of the slopes. The disaster occurred less than two weeks after another landslide in northwestern Gansu province buried 33 people and left 21 dead.
The landslide in Pengshui County is the latest in a series of natural disasters to affect China, with hundreds of rescue workers deployed to the scene to search for survivors. The authorities have reported that rescue efforts have been exceptionally challenging, with no signs of life detected in the rubble.
In the aftermath of the landslide, the focus remains on searching for the missing and providing aid to those affected. The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of rescue efforts in saving lives.
Pengshui authorities had previously reported eight dead and 34 missing, but the death toll has since risen to 11, with 50 people still unaccounted for. The search operations continue, with specialist teams working to locate the missing and provide support to those affected by the disaster.
Hormuz Tanker Crossings Hit 2-Month Low
Hormuz Tanker Traffic Plummets to 2-Month Low
2-Month Low: According to maritime data sources, tanker crossings through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen to their lowest level in more than two months. This decline indicates a significant shift in global oil supply chain strategies amid ongoing regional tensions.
The impact of this decline on oil supply chains is substantial, as companies are rethinking their strategies and potentially rerouting due to the associated risks in the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis has forced a re-evaluation of supply chains, leading to a decrease in tanker crossings.
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Tanker Crossings | Fell to lowest level in over 2 months |
| Oil Supply Chains | Companies rethinking strategies, potentially rerouting |
| Regional Tensions | Associated risks contributing to decline in tanker crossings |
For businesses and entrepreneurs involved in the oil trade, this decline in tanker crossings may lead to increased costs and logistical challenges. As companies adapt to the new reality, they may need to explore alternative routes or strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz.
The decline in tanker crossings is a consequence of the ongoing regional tensions, which have created an uncertain environment for oil trade. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for businesses to stay informed and adapt their strategies to navigate the changing environment.
US Imposes 10-12.5% Tariffs on 60 Countries
60 Countries Hit with US Tariffs Over Forced Labor
The US has imposed new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, including the United Arab Emirates, in a bid to combat forced labor in global supply chains. The move, announced under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, affects 99.4% of US imports from the targeted economies and is expected to impact hundreds of billions of dollars in global trade.
The new framework imposes a 10% tariff on 17 trading partners that have adopted or committed to adopt stronger measures prohibiting imports linked to forced labor. The remaining economies, including major US allies such as the Philippines, China, Australia, Brazil, Thailand, and Vietnam, will face a 12.5% tariff on covered imports. The tariffs reflect each country's efforts to prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering global supply chains.
The affected countries include Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, European Union, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
To comply with the new tariffs, businesses and traders must ensure that their supply chains are free from forced labor. This may involve conducting due diligence on their suppliers, implementing measures to prevent forced labor, and reporting on their efforts to the US authorities. The US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, has stated that the tariffs are aimed at encouraging countries to strengthen measures against forced labor in their supply chains.
The tariffs are expected to prompt renewed negotiations between Washington and several affected economies. The move is part of the Trump administration's broader trade agenda, which has increasingly linked market access to labor standards, supply-chain security, and broader geopolitical objectives.
| Country | Tariff Rate |
|---|---|
| 17 trading partners (including UAE) | 10% |
| Remaining economies (including China, Australia, Brazil) | 12.5% |
Ras Al Khaimah tourism soars with 670,000 visitors
Ras Al Khaimah Welcomes Record 670,000 Visitors in H1 2026
Ras Al Khaimah has welcomed a record 670,000 visitors in the first half of 2026, marking its strongest first-half performance on record. This significant growth was driven by a 47% year-on-year increase in domestic arrivals, with UAE residents choosing Ras Al Khaimah for short breaks despite disruptions to international travel across the region. May was also the strongest single month in Ras Al Khaimah's tourism history.
The growth in domestic tourism has been supported by the development of new hotels, transport links, and strategic marketing initiatives. According to Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, "The destination remained resilient through a period that affected international travel across the region, and a record first half is reflection of Ras Al Khaimah's strength as a short-break destination." With new hotels opening and anchor developments advancing at pace, the emirate is entering its next phase of growth with real momentum.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has also appointed Emma Campbell as Chief Marketing Officer and M+C Saatchi to lead the evolution of Ras Al Khaimah's destination positioning. The authority has welcomed progress on the new VVIP terminal at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, set to open in early 2027, which will strengthen the emirate's connectivity for private aviation and luxury travelers. The airport has also appointed Duty Free Americas as its travel retail partner, bringing a refreshed, customer-centric retail environment to its duty-free offering.
The emirate is accelerating towards its goal of attracting 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, backed by major projects, including Wynn Al Marjan Island, luxury hotels, air taxis, and new business hubs. Ras Al Khaimah's tourism growth is a significant contributor to the UAE's economy, and the emirate's resilience amidst regional international travel disruptions reflects its strength as a short-break destination.
Ras Al Khaimah's record-breaking visitor numbers in H1 2026 demonstrate the emirate's appeal to domestic and international tourists alike. With its wide range of hiking options, from Wadi Monay to Stairway to Heaven, and its growing portfolio of premium hospitality experiences, Ras Al Khaimah is an attractive destination for travelers looking for a unique and luxurious experience.
The emirate's tourism growth is also supported by its strategic location, with easy access to Dubai and other major cities in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport's new VVIP terminal and duty-free offering will further enhance the emirate's appeal to luxury travelers. As Ras Al Khaimah continues to develop its tourism infrastructure and offerings, it is likely to remain a popular destination for visitors from across the region and beyond.
In connection to the emirate-level plan, Ras Al Khaimah's tourism growth aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to enhance the UAE's economic competitiveness and attract more tourists to the region. The emirate's focus on developing its tourism infrastructure and offerings is also in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which emphasizes the importance of creating a vibrant and attractive lifestyle for residents and visitors.
Ras Al Khaimah's record-breaking visitor numbers in H1 2026 are a significant achievement, and the emirate's continued growth and development are likely to attract even more visitors in the coming years.
