(Credit - What's On)
Abu Dhabi Food Festival Returns Nov 13-15
The atmosphere at Taste of Abu Dhabi is electric, with the smell of exotic spices and freshly cooked meals filling the air. As you walk through the festival grounds at Gateway Park North, Yas Island, you’ll be greeted by the sounds of live music and the hum of excitement from fellow foodies. With 16 renowned restaurants participating, you’ll have the chance to sample a wide range of cuisines, from French finesse to Mediterranean sunshine on a plate.
The festival will take place from November 13 to 15, 2026, and tickets are now available online at an early bird price of Dhs60. Kids under 12 can enter for free, making it an ideal weekend outing for families. The event will feature celebrity-led cooking classes, where you can learn kitchen secrets and insider tips from chefs like Gino D’Acampo and Matt Preston. With limited spots available, it’s a good idea to sign up for workshops and masterclasses in advance.
One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity to discover new spots to dine at around the city. You’ll have the chance to visit Abu Dhabi’s favorite restaurants all in one place, and sample exclusive ingredients from around the world. Whether you’re a foodie, a family, or just looking for a fun weekend out, Taste of Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. The festival will also feature live bands, DJs, and acoustic sets, as well as licensed lounges and spaces to unwind and take in the atmosphere.
If you’re planning to attend, be sure to get there early to make the most of your day. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to prioritize your activities and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the exciting events and workshops. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Abu Dhabi, Taste of Abu Dhabi is an event not to be missed.
Emaar revenue H1 2026 up 21% to AED23.9 billion
Emaar Revenue Surges 21% to AED23.9 Billion in H1 2026
Emaar Properties PJSC delivered a resilient performance during the first half of 2026, with revenue up 21 percent to AED23.9 billion. Local investors and property buyers are directly impacted by this development, as Emaar's strong financial results reflect the company's balanced contributions across its development, recurring income, and international businesses.
The company's shopping malls, retail, and commercial leasing portfolio maintained its solid performance during the first half of 2026, contributing to the overall revenue growth. Emaar's property sales recorded approximately AED26.6 billion during the first half of 2026, with a revenue backlog of approximately AED164.9 billion as of June 30, 2026, providing strong visibility for future revenue recognition.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, attributed the company's success to its discipline, consistency, and long-term approach, stating that Emaar's role is to continue building destinations that reflect Dubai's ambition while maintaining quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
The company's master-planned land bank comprises approximately 590 million sq. ft. of mixed-use development opportunities, including approximately 316 million sq. ft. within the UAE, positioning Emaar for continued growth in the region. This development is connected to prior reports of Dubai's growing real estate market, where Emaar has been a major player.
UAE leaders' warm greeting goes viral
UAE Leaders' Humility Wins Hearts in Viral London Video
A video showing UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan warmly greeting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, during a meeting in London has gone viral on social media. The footage, widely shared across social media platforms, shows the two leaders exchanging a warm greeting, attracting thousands of views and praise for their humility and close rapport.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid regularly meet to review national priorities and discuss issues affecting citizens, and this moment has highlighted their approachable nature. The video comes just days after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was seen interacting with members of the public during his stay in London, greeting people, stopping to speak with residents and visitors, and posing for photographs.
The viral clip has sparked widespread attention and praise on social media for the leaders' accessibility and engagement with the public. Many comments highlighted the leaders' humility despite their senior positions, while others offered prayers for their health and wellbeing and wished them continued success in leading the country.
This viral moment is reminiscent of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's surprise visit to Atlantis The Palm, where he was seen interacting with the public and showing his humble side. The UAE leaders' commitment to engaging with the public and their humility has won the hearts of many, both in the UAE and abroad.
Oil prices drop 0.85% as Hormuz deal nears
Oil Prices Fall as Hormuz Deal Looms
Oil prices edged lower on Friday as investors weighed signals that Oman and Iran were closing in on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary arrangement. Brent crude futures were down 70 cents, or 0.85%, at $81.79 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures fell 53 cents, or 0.69%, to $76.76. Investors reacted to the potential deal, which aims to allow for broader talks to bring the Iran war to a close, despite ongoing tensions and sanctions hurdles.
The potential deal has sparked debate over transit fees, with Iran seeking fees of between 5% and 7% of the price of cargoes from ships using the strait, while Oman is discussing fees of about 3%. The U.S., however, wants no fees at all. Analysts have warned that the proposed deal is not easily workable due to U.S. sanctions and restrictive insurance clauses on any payments.
The developments have signalled that hostilities between Iran and the U.S. are not yet over, with oil prices falling earlier in the week as a possible solution to the conflict looked more likely. Both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks are on course for a weekly loss of more than 9%. The situation remains complex, with the structure of the Iran-Oman agreement and the power it yields to Iran being a major point of contention.
This latest development comes as the global energy market continues to navigate the challenges posed by the conflict in the region. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, could have significant implications for global energy supplies and prices.
The news of a potential deal has been met with caution, as the details of the agreement and its implications for the global energy market are still unclear. As the situation continues to unfold, investors and energy market analysts will be closely watching the developments and their potential impact on oil prices.
ADNOC vessel attacks: 15 targeted
1 Dead, 20 Injured in ADNOC Vessel Attacks
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has confirmed that 15 of its vessels have been targeted by missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. Three vessels were attacked this week alone, resulting in one crew member being killed and 20 others injured. ADNOC is taking all necessary measures in coordination with relevant authorities to protect its people, assets, and operations while continuing to meet customer requirements as much as possible.
ADNOC has pledged to meet customer needs amid mounting threats to Gulf shipping lanes, stressing that freedom of navigation and the safe, uninterrupted passage of commercial shipping through international waterways must be respected and protected from threats, harassment, and attacks. The company remains committed to supporting customers despite ongoing regional challenges.
The Strait of Hormuz has seen a surge in attacks on commercial shipping lanes, with two ADNOC tankers being hit in recent incidents. The UAE has condemned the attacks, which have added pressure on Hormuz routes. ADNOC's operations are critical to the region's energy supply, and the company's efforts to safeguard its vessels and crew are crucial to maintaining stability in the Gulf.
This development comes as the region faces rising security threats, with the US-Iran conflict escalating tensions in the Gulf. The UAE has urged all parties to respect international law and protect commercial shipping lanes. ADNOC's statement highlights the importance of ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies.
In a similar incident last year, two oil tankers were targeted by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. The UAE has called for increased protection of shipping lanes and adherence to international maritime law to prevent such incidents.
UAE Warns: Verify Before Sharing
Don't Forward: UAE's Cybercrime Law Applies to You
The UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has reminded residents to verify information before sharing it, especially in family group chats, to prevent the spread of misinformation. The TDRA warned that fake website links, spelling mistakes, and unusual layouts can indicate misleading or fabricated content. Residents are encouraged to check if the information has been reported by trusted news organizations or published by official sources before passing it on.
This reminder comes after legal experts warned that private WhatsApp and social media group chats are not exempt from the UAE's cybercrime laws. Lawyers stated that residents can face legal consequences for forwarding unverified information, sharing private conversations or images without consent, or reposting content that is false, misleading, or defamatory. According to Sam Moore from BSA Law, "What many people often do not realize is that private chats and WhatsApp groups are not exempt from the laws of the UAE, and sharing content may lead to legal consequences."
Residents should exercise caution and refrain from posting or forwarding content that may be misleading, offensive, or intrusive. Forwarding unverified news can amount to re-publication, even if the sender did not create the content. UAE courts have consistently treated forwarding content on WhatsApp, email, or social media as a new act of publication, and authorities can rely on chat logs, screenshots, and metadata as evidence.
To avoid legal liability, residents should:
- Verify information through trusted news outlets or official sources before sharing it.
- Look out for common warning signs such as fake links, spelling mistakes, and unusual layouts.
- Exercise caution when posting or forwarding content that may be misleading, offensive, or intrusive.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Forwarding unverified or false content | Legal consequences under UAE cybercrime laws |
In summary, the TDRA's warning serves as a reminder to residents to be cautious when sharing information online, especially in private group chats. By verifying information and being mindful of the potential consequences, residents can help prevent the spread of misinformation and avoid legal liability.
