(Credit - UAE Government Media Office)
UAE Launches Nationwide Anti-Drugs Awareness Campaign
On June 24, 2026, the UAE’s National Drugs Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office, launched a nationwide anti-drugs awareness campaign. This initiative aims to strengthen prevention efforts and protect communities from the harms of drug abuse, aligning with the global observance of World Drug Day.
The campaign’s impact on local communities will be significant, as it focuses on reducing demand for narcotics through education and community engagement. By targeting youth, parents, schools, and workplaces, the campaign prioritizes early education and clear guidance to reduce risk and improve detection of harmful behavior. For instance, schools in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Road area can expect outreach activations and educational programs to raise awareness about drug dangers and prevention strategies.
The rollout of the campaign across the UAE will involve a series of activations, including school outreach programs, community events, and official guidance on accessing support resources or reporting drug-related concerns. Employers, schools, and community operators will play a crucial role in determining the campaign’s impact, as they will be responsible for deploying messaging, prioritizing audiences, and emphasizing reporting and support pathways. Clear internal policies and staff awareness can reduce risk and improve early intervention, making it essential for organizations to update their awareness and escalation processes.
The UAE’s anti-drug strategy typically combines strict enforcement with prevention messaging, and this campaign is a significant step towards reducing first-time use, encouraging early intervention, and reinforcing community reporting norms. As the campaign progresses, residents can expect to see a range of initiatives, from educational programs to community events, all aimed at promoting a safer, healthier community.
The campaign’s connection to the UAE’s broader public safety strategy is evident, as it aligns with the government’s efforts to protect communities and promote a culture of prevention. By launching this nationwide anti-drugs awareness campaign, the UAE is reaffirming its commitment to combating drug-related issues and promoting a safer, healthier environment for all residents.
Typhoon Dolphin Hits Zhejiang
Typhoon Dolphin Batters Zhejiang, 388 Flights Canceled
Typhoon 'Dolphin' made its second landfall in China's Zhejiang Province at Yueqing City at around 6:40 p.m. on Sunday, according to the National Meteorological Center. The maximum sustained wind near the typhoon center hit Force 13, or 38 meters per second. Local residents and travelers are affected as the Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou City, capital of Zhejiang, has canceled 388 inbound and outbound flights for the day due to the typhoon.
The typhoon first landed at Yuhuan in Taizhou City, Zhejiang, at around 5:30 p.m., with the maximum sustained wind near the typhoon center hitting Force 14. The National Meteorological Center warned local authorities in the affected areas to guard against extreme downpours.
The severe weather system has also impacted flight schedules, with Emirates delaying Dubai-China flights due to the typhoon. Over 1,000 flights have been canceled as Typhoon Dolphin looms.
This typhoon is one of several severe weather systems currently active, including Tropical Storm Chan-hom heading towards mainland Japan, and three more systems spinning around the Mariana Islands.
Oil prices rise as Hormuz deal hopes clash
Oil Nears $85 as Hormuz Deal Hopes Stall
Oil prices were higher in early Asian trading on August 10, 2026, as uncertainty over a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz continued to outweigh hopes for a quick return to normal shipping. Traders and investors are closely watching the developments, as the situation affects the global energy market. The prices of West Texas Intermediate crude and Brent crude rose, with WTI at $78.71 a barrel, up 53 cents, or 0.68%, and Brent crude at $84.28, up 73 cents, or 0.87%, at 8:33 am Tokyo time.
The gains came despite renewed diplomatic efforts to reopen the strategic waterway, reflecting traders' concern that an emerging Iran-Oman arrangement may not immediately restore unrestricted global shipping. Iran has tied a full reopening to additional concessions from Washington, which has led to a stalemate in the negotiations. The central problem is that Tehran and Washington appear to have different ideas about what “reopening” means, with Iran seeking concessions linked to the conflict and sanctions before unrestricted passage can resume.
The situation in the region remains volatile, with Iran stepping up attacks on ships in the Middle East Gulf, including vessels from South Korea and the UAE. The UAE accused Iran of attacking an empty crude oil tanker belonging to Abu Dhabi state oil firm ADNOC with drones as it attempted to transit the Strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported incidents involving cargo vessels in the region, adding to the tensions.
The ongoing tensions and uncertainty have led to a rise in oil prices, with Brent futures climbing toward $85 per barrel and WTI hovering near $79. The global oil market remains highly volatile, with traders and investors closely watching the developments in the region. The situation is being monitored by the UAE, which has left OPEC, and the US, which has stepped up its naval blockade of Iran.
The UAE's energy minister stated that the country owes it to its people to ensure the stability of the energy market, as the situation continues to unfold. The US has redirected eight commercial vessels and disabled another ship as its military campaign entered an 11th consecutive night. The ongoing tensions and uncertainty in the region are likely to continue to affect the global energy market, with oil prices remaining volatile.
As the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to evolve, it is connected to the prior story of the US-Iran ceasefire that came into force in early April, which had initially led to hopes of a reduction in tensions in the region. However, the recent escalation of attacks and the stalemate in the negotiations have led to a rise in oil prices and increased uncertainty in the global energy market.
Dubai Shared Housing Law Takes Effect Late August
New Dubai Law: Shared Housing Now Open to Families, Bachelors
The new Dubai shared housing law, set to take effect in late August, allows families and bachelors to legally occupy shared properties. According to Dr. Hasan Elhais, Legal Consultant at Amal Al Rashedi Lawyers and Legal Consultants, the law identifies six categories for which shared housing may be designated, including workers of private companies and establishments. This law is significant because it expands the concept of shared accommodation beyond the traditional idea of unrelated workers or individuals sharing a property.
The law applies to various types of properties, including residential apartments, standalone houses, residential complexes, mixed-use buildings, townhouses, and multi-storey buildings. Each property must meet the applicable permit, occupancy, planning, and safety requirements. Dubai Municipality can set specific standards for each category depending on the type of property and can add, amend, or remove categories through subsequent decisions.
Under the new law, rent will be paid monthly and in advance by default, although landlords and occupants can agree to a different payment arrangement in the tenancy contract. Electricity and water consumption charges will be included in the rent by default, unless the landlord and occupant agree otherwise. The landlord remains responsible for paying the electricity and water bills to the relevant service provider.
The law also prohibits occupants from allowing another person to reside in and benefit from their allocated space, and subletting the allocated space is also prohibited. However, the legislation does not expressly ban others from staying over. Tenancy contracts and any amendments to them must be registered in the Shared Accommodation Registry.
The new law aims to protect the rights of owners and residents, ensure healthy living conditions, curb overcrowding, and promote fair rental practices. With the law taking effect in late August, families and bachelors can now explore shared housing options in Dubai.
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Families | Eligible for shared housing |
| Bachelors | Eligible for shared housing |
| Workers of private companies and establishments | Eligible for shared housing |
Dubai-it Award Nominations Open August 10
Dubai-it Award Launches with Nominations Open Until September 10
Nominations for the first edition of the Dubai-it Award open on August 10, recognising individuals, projects and organisations that have turned ambitious ideas into tangible results in Dubai. Local individuals, projects, and companies are eligible to nominate themselves or others for the award, which has three main recognition segments covering individuals, projects, and institutions and companies.
The award is launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and is based on the Dubai-it initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Nominations can be submitted across 10 fields: Government, Real Estate, Economy, Business, Technology, Sports, Society, Education, Services and Health.
The Dubai-it Award's digital platform will accept nominations until September 10, and eligible achievements can include projects, initiatives and transformations delivered during the past four years. Applicants are required to provide details of the achievement, the challenge or opportunity behind it, how it was implemented and the results and impact it produced, with supporting evidence such as performance data, reports, images, media material and certificates.
This launch is connected to the broader initiative of promoting innovation and excellence in Dubai, as seen in recent efforts such as Dubai Municipality's AI-powered project to automate the issuing of building permits, reducing wait times from days to minutes.
Denmark Shooting: Several Injured, Police Hunt Gunmen
Denmark Shooting: Gunmen on the Loose After Holbaek Attack
Several people were injured in a shooting in Holbaek, Denmark, as police probe a suspected underworld shooting and hunt suspects who fled in a white car. The incident occurred on Sunday, with police believing it was linked to a settling of scores within criminal networks. The perpetrators were seen leaving the scene in a white car, according to preliminary information, with police asking members of the public with information to come forward.
The police were present at several locations in Holbaek, about 70 kilometers west of Copenhagen, following the shooting, which was reported to police around 3:45 pm local time. The condition of the injured is not yet known, but police are treating the shooting as isolated. The police are investigating the motive behind the shooting, but have not yet released any further information.
The shooting in Holbaek is the latest incident of gang violence in Denmark, with police working to apprehend the suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the level of crime and violence in the country, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
This incident is reminiscent of a recent shooting in northern Germany, where five people were killed. The incident highlights the need for increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and prevent such attacks.
