Spot Gold Reaches $4,617 per Ounce in Three-Month High Rally
Spot gold rose to $4,617 per ounce in Washington, hitting its highest level since May 15 and securing a 5% weekly gain for global commodities traders. Financial markets drove the precious metal to its strongest daily level since early February, heading into a third consecutive weekly advance.
Domestically, UAE gold prices climbed to AED541 per gram for 24-karat gold as silver neared the AED8 level.
US gold futures gained 1.7% to settle at $4,647, according to data reported by WAM. The broader precious metals sector mirrored the momentum. Spot silver surged 2% to $69.43 per ounce, platinum advanced 3.8% to reach $1,897.36, and palladium gained 0.6% to settle at $1,342.30.
6.0-Magnitude Japan Earthquake 2026 Recorded at 46km Depth
6.0-Magnitude Tremor Hits Japan at Depth of 46 Kilometers
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Japan on August 23, 2026, with seismic activity recorded at 5:44 PM UAE time. International monitoring bodies and regional tracking networks logged the disturbance as automated instruments picked up the shockwaves.
Seismic Networks Register Tremor at Depth of 46 Kilometers
Data from the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre confirmed the focal depth of the quake reached 46 kilometers beneath the earth's surface. The National Center of Meteorology in the UAE simultaneously registered the event through its National Seismic Network. Ground movement shook structures in Tokyo, but officials issued no tsunami warnings following the tremor.
Arab Media Summit 2026 Enlists Nine Major UAE State Partners
Arab Media Summit 2026 Adds Nine National Partners Ahead of September Launch
The Dubai Press Club has announced nine leading national institutions as partners for the Arab Media Summit 2026, scheduled to run from September 15 to 17. Regional media organizations, state enterprises, and government authorities are aligning to support the largest media gathering in the region ahead of its autumn launch.
State-Backed Collaboration Shapes the Region's Largest Media Gathering
The upcoming summit will operate under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The newly appointed partners span key economic, logistical, and municipal sectors across the emirate. The Roads and Transport Authority joins as the Mobility Partner, while Dubai Chambers steps in as the Global Commerce Partner. ENOC Group takes on the role of Energy Partner, and Dubai Customs is named Trade and Economic Partner.
Additional backing comes from Emirates as the Airline Partner, Emirates NBD as the Banking Partner, Dubai Courts as a Leading Partner, Dubai Municipality as the Future City Partner, and du as the Telecommunication Partner.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Arab Media Summit Organising Committee, stated that the partnerships reflect a growing recognition of the media sector's capacity to support national development and shape future trajectories. She noted that local institutions have historically helped build a globally recognized model that strengthens the emirate's soft power and international presence.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority, stated that the media remains an essential partner in raising public awareness, facilitating knowledge transfer, and highlighting civic achievements. He added that the summit serves as a vital platform for cross-sector discussions on the future of media, including the integration of artificial intelligence.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Confirmed for Dec 3-6 as Tickets Sell Fast
Dec 3-6 F1 Season Finale Locked In for Yas Marina Circuit
📣 ARTICLE HEADLINE
Travel and accommodation arrangements for Yas Island can move forward with total certainty. Formula One has officially confirmed that the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit will proceed exactly as planned from December 3 to December 6, 2026.
Travel Plans Locked In as Yas Island Prepares for Season Finale
The decision resolves weeks of uncertainty following an earlier status review on July 29. Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed the calendar remains fully intact, stating that preparations are moving ahead smoothly and focused on delivering the full schedule promised at the start of the year.
The confirmation allows international travelers and local racing fans to finalize their hotel bookings, flights, and weekend schedules around Yas Island. Beyond the track action at Yas Marina Circuit, the event schedule features hospitality activations across the island and After-Race Concerts at Etihad Live.
Event promoter Ethara confirmed that operational preparations are progressing across all event sectors in coordination with local authorities. Ticket availability has already reached limited levels, with organizers directing fans seeking remaining passes to access options through abudhabigp.com. Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Undersecretary Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani highlighted that hosting the Grand Prix since 2009 continues to drive international visitation and strengthen the emirate's global events sector.
Ethara and Formula One organizers are continuing final operational setup across Yas Marina Circuit ahead of the December 3 opening session.
AED 1.3M Car Deal Upheld: Dubai WhatsApp Contract Ruling
Text Messages Are Binding: Dubai Court Enforces AED 1.3M Car Sale
A WhatsApp exchange confirming a purchase constitutes a legally binding contract under UAE law when clear offer and acceptance take place.
The Dubai Civil Court of First Instance established this standard after ordering a seller to hand over a 2021 Cadillac Escalade and transfer a special licence plate to a buyer following a disputed AED 1.3 million deal negotiated entirely over text messages.
Who Is Exposed to Digital Contract Risks
This ruling directly impacts business owners, luxury asset buyers, and private sellers conducting commercial or personal transactions via digital platforms in Dubai.
Any party negotiating prices, vehicle details, or asset transfers over messaging apps should recognize that written confirmation creates enforceable legal obligations once the other party fulfills their end of the deal.
How the AED 1.3 Million Deal Unfolded
The dispute began when a buyer agreed to purchase a 2021 Cadillac Escalade and its distinctive licence plate for AED 1.3 million through a series of WhatsApp messages.
The buyer explicitly texted: "I bought the car", specified the vehicle details and plate number, added "for AED1.3 million", and asked, "Is there confirmation?" The seller replied: "Yes... confirmed."
The following day, the buyer issued a bank cheque for the full AED 1.3 million amount, which the seller cashed immediately. However, the seller subsequently refused to hand over the vehicle or transfer ownership of the special licence plate, prompting the buyer to file a lawsuit.
In court, the seller argued that no contractual relationship existed, claimed the transaction was fictitious, and requested a suspension of proceedings pending a linked criminal case. The court rejected those arguments, noting that the seller was the direct beneficiary of the cashed cheque and finding no evidence to justify delaying the case.
To verify the transaction, the court appointed a specialized joint committee comprising an information technology expert and an accounting expert. The IT expert verified the authenticity of the WhatsApp conversation and confirmed the messages were sent and received from the relevant phone numbers. At the same time, the accounting expert confirmed that AED 1.3 million was deducted from the buyer's account, finding no record of vehicle ownership transfer, plate transfer, or returned funds.
Under UAE law, mutual assent expressed as offer and acceptance forms a valid contract whether communicated verbally or in writing. Because the buyer made a clear offer and the seller responded with explicit acceptance, the court ruled the agreement fully binding, particularly since the full purchase price was paid the next day.
The court ordered the seller to immediately deliver the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, transfer ownership of the special licence plate through competent authorities, and pay all court costs, expenses, and legal fees.
France drownings pass 300 following intense heatwaves
301 Dead in French Waters as Summer Heatwaves Trigger 14% Spike
France recorded 301 drownings between June 19 and August 23, 2026, marking a 14 percent increase in water-related deaths compared to the same period in 2025. Swimmers seeking relief from persistent European heatwaves entered rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, leading to a sharp rise in fatal accidents across unmonitored areas.
Unsupervised swimming spots see sharp rise in fatal accidents
Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari confirmed the death toll during an interview with France Inter radio, raising the figure significantly from the 142 fatal drownings reported at the summer midpoint on July 15. Many of the fatal incidents occurred in locations not authorized or supervised for swimming, where extreme temperatures prompted risky behavior among crowds attempting to cool down.
The increase aligns with consecutive heatwaves that elevated temperatures to dangerous levels across France and wider Europe throughout the summer months.
