(Credit - ARN News)
470 Scholarships for Al Qasimia University Students
In a significant move to promote education and cultural exchange, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved 470 scholarships for international students to enroll at Al Qasimia University during the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative will enable students from around the world to study in an integrated academic environment that combines quality education with Islamic values and openness to other cultures.
The scholarships are available to students admitted to the university’s five undergraduate colleges: the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Economics and Management, the College of Communication, and the College of Holy Quran. With students from 140 nationalities already attending Al Qasimia University, this move is set to further boost the university’s global presence and promote values like moderation, tolerance, and coexistence.
For students considering applying to Al Qasimia University, the scholarships offer a unique opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a diverse and inclusive environment. The university’s commitment to combining academic excellence with Islamic values and cultural openness makes it an attractive option for students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Regarding the UAE’s efforts to promote education and cultural exchange, the approval of these scholarships is a significant development. It reflects the country’s commitment to providing opportunities for young people to access quality education and develop their skills and knowledge.
Trump Administration Spends $900m on White House Construction
Trump Administration Allocates $900m for White House Modernization
The Trump administration is set to spend at least $900 million on construction projects on the White House grounds. According to reports, the administration has gathered funding from other agencies and private donors, directing it to an account that holds a few million dollars for routine maintenance of the White House. This funding will be used for White House "modernization projects," as indicated by confidential contracts and related planning documents.
Local residents and visitors to Washington, D.C., will be affected by these construction projects, as they will likely cause disruptions and changes to the White House grounds. The administration's decision to gather funding from other agencies and private donors, rather than securing money directly from Congress, has allowed them to move forward with these projects.
The White House has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the construction projects. Reuters could not verify the report, but the Washington Post cited records as the source of the information.
This spending is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to modernize the White House, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the area.
The Trump administration's decision to spend $900m on White House construction is a significant development in US politics, and it will be interesting to see how the project unfolds.
Solar Eclipse 2026 Hits Europe
Europe Witnessed Total Solar Eclipse
Millions of people gathered in Iceland and northern Spain to witness Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The eclipse was a significant event, with Spanish officials warning people to avoid areas where a heatwave has raised the risk of wildfires. Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse's path across the north of Spain and the Balearic Islands, said Juan Cruz, Spain's Secretary of State for Science.
The eclipse will be quickly followed by the sunset in Spain, making the event particularly alluring. Police were on standby, with 25,000 officers assigned to guarantee security around the eclipse observation, and nearly 100 planes and helicopters deployed. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska called on citizens to follow the eclipse from the 350 observation points set up by authorities and abide by the restrictions set up around some parks, citing the extreme wildfire risk due to high temperatures.
In Iceland's capital Reykjavik, eclipse glasses had been sold out for days as the Nordic country of roughly 400,000 people expected to welcome up to 80,000 visitors. A narrow path of totality reached Iceland's westernmost coast, with totality lasting up to 2 minutes and 13 seconds in the far west. The US space agency NASA planned to fly a high-altitude WB-57 aircraft from Iceland to follow the moon's shadow, and NASA-funded teams launched balloons to study the sudden darkness and cooling's effect on the lower atmosphere.
The Iberian Peninsula last saw a total solar eclipse in 1912 and is set to experience another one on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse in January 2028, completing the so-called "Iberian Eclipse Trio." This event drew not only casual observers but also "eclipse chasers," enthusiasts who travel the globe to be in the path of totality whenever an eclipse occurs.
The eclipse was a rare astronomical alignment, with the moon passing directly between Earth and the Sun, causing a brief period of twilight and silence among some animals. The event was seen as a chance for Spain to showcase seldom-visited regions and draw tourists away from its overcrowded beach resorts.
The previous total solar eclipse in the Iberian Peninsula occurred in 1912, and the region is expected to experience another total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, followed by an annular eclipse in January 2028.
UAE's Next Total Solar Eclipse: 55 Years Away
Total Solar Eclipse Not Visible in UAE Until 2081
If you're waiting for a total solar eclipse in the UAE, be prepared for a long wait. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UAE won't occur until September 3, 2081 - 55 years from now. Today's total solar eclipse, which sweeps across northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, is not visible from the UAE due to the country's location outside the viewing path.
The last solar eclipse visible from the Emirates was a partial eclipse on October 25, 2022, which covered around 39% of the Sun's disc and lasted over two hours. In contrast, the annular solar eclipse on December 26, 2019, was a rare event, with the Moon sitting too far from Earth to cover the Sun completely, leaving a bright ring around the edge. This event was the first of its kind in the UAE in 172 years.
For those eager to witness a solar eclipse, the next partial eclipse visible from the UAE will occur on August 2, 2027, with around 53% coverage in Dubai. This eclipse will be a total eclipse elsewhere, with the path of totality crossing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt before moving over the Red Sea into Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The Emirates Astronomical Society and Dubai Astronomy Group have been instrumental in promoting awareness and safe viewing practices for solar eclipses in the UAE. Hasan Al Hariri, chief executive of Dubai Astronomy Group, has emphasized the importance of protecting one's eyesight during these events, stating that "the sun emits intensive light, which is too bright for our eyes" and that "if we look at it without protection, our eyesight will be damaged."
While the wait for a total solar eclipse in the UAE may be long, stargazers can look forward to the next partial eclipse in 2027. In the meantime, it's essential to prioritize eye safety during solar eclipses and follow the guidance of experts in the field.
The UAE's unique location means that total solar eclipses are rare events, with specific locations averaging a 375-year wait between total solar eclipses. As the country continues to develop its astronomy sector, residents and visitors can look forward to witnessing partial eclipses and other celestial events in the years to come.
AED 10 Dishes in Dubai
Dubai Summer Surprises: 160+ AED 10 Dishes
As you step into the vibrant city of Dubai, the aroma of diverse cuisines wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds. With the Dubai Summer Surprises in full swing, the city is offering an incredible treat - over 160 participating restaurants and cafes are serving selected dishes for just AED 10. The '10 Dirham Dish' campaign, running from August 3 to 30, is a food lover's dream come true.
To indulge in these mouth-watering dishes, simply visit any participating venue and ask for the AED 10 Dish. With no vouchers, no minimum spend, and no booking required, it's never been easier to explore the city's culinary scene. From burgers and pizzas to street food and desserts, there's something for everyone.
Some of the top dishes you can enjoy for just AED 10 include The Daily at Rove Hotels' Rove Poke Bowl, LDC Kitchen & Coffee's Quinoa and Falafel Bowl, and Hangry Joe's Three-Piece Chicken Wings. For those with a sweet tooth, Cafe Barbera's Two Scoops of Italian Gelato, House of Pops' Assorted Real-Fruit Ice Pop, and Matter by iCoffee's Cappuccino and Banana Loaf Cake are must-tries.
To discover the complete list of participating restaurants and cafes, download the District by Zomato app or the Dubai Daily Deals App. With over 2,000 curated F&B and lifestyle offers across Dubai, you'll never be short of options. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
One thing to keep in mind is that the campaign is only running until August 30, so be sure to check the individual restaurant opening times before heading out. With so many delicious dishes to try, you won't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the best of Dubai's food scene.
DEWA Connection in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide
DEWA Connection in Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide to Electricity and Water Setup
If you're moving into a new home in Dubai, one of the top priorities on your checklist should be setting up your electricity and water connection. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the government-owned provider of these essential services, and coordinating with them is crucial for a smooth transition into your new home. Not having running water or electricity can severely disrupt your routine and delay other moving-in processes, such as setting up an internet connection or installing new appliances.
To apply for a utility connection, you can use DEWA's move-in service, which requires specific documents and fees. Whether you're moving from one home to another in Dubai or applying as a brand-new tenant, you'll need to provide your Ejari contract or Title Deed to DEWA. It's also important to note that if you're changing apartments or moving into a new villa, you'll need to close your current DEWA account through their Move-Out service before creating a new Move-In request for your new home.
The move-in service requires security deposits of AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas. Once you've submitted your application, connections are typically activated within 15 working hours. Imran Khan, a legal consultant at I K Lawyers, advises that for the previous tenant, the existing DEWA account should be closed through the move-out process to avoid any issues.
As a resident moving into a new home in Dubai, it's essential to understand the requirements and procedures for activating your electricity and water services. By following DEWA's move-in service guidelines and providing the necessary documents, you can ensure a seamless transition into your new home.
For tenants, the process involves submitting your Ejari contract to DEWA, while owners will need to provide their Title Deed. The security deposits required for apartments and villas are AED 2,000 and AED 4,000, respectively. It's crucial to close your current DEWA account before creating a new Move-In request to avoid any complications.
In summary, to apply for a DEWA connection in Dubai, you'll need to:
- Close your current DEWA account (if applicable) through their Move-Out service.
- Submit your Ejari contract or Title Deed to DEWA.
- Pay the required security deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas).
