By Editor
Abu Dhabi was buzzing on Thursday as Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for a high-profile meeting aimed at supercharging UAE–Indonesia ties. From trade and technology to AI, renewable energy, and food security, the two leaders explored every avenue to deepen cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Ramadan greetings were exchanged, with hopes that the holy month would shower blessings on both nations and spread a little peace and prosperity across the globe.
Meanwhile, spring has officially sprung at Dubai Miracle Garden, and kids under 12 are in for a treat. From 1 March to 31 May, young visitors get free entry to wander through the garden’s jaw-dropping floral displays. Tourists, residents, and school groups alike are being invited to explore, learn, and snap those perfect Instagram-worthy photos, all while enjoying nature and a burst of creativity.
In a story straight out of a movie, Dubai Police nabbed a beggar with a taste for luxury. The man, who owned three high-end cars, had been raking in money by posing as a desperate soul, only to switch into a flashy ride at night. Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi revealed that this was a deliberate, profit-driven scheme, and the arrest is part of the ongoing Ramadan “Combat Begging” campaign.
On the city-building front, Dubai is investing big to stay ahead of the climate curve. AED2.5 billion has been awarded for five major stormwater projects under Phase Two of the Tasreef Programme. Spanning 430 million square meters and covering 30 key areas, these projects will help Dubai accommodate three million residents by 2040, while keeping the city safe, green, and future-ready. China State Construction Engineering Corporation and DeTech Contracting are leading the charge, bringing expertise and muscle to this urban mega-plan.
Dubai Taxi Company is also making headlines, proposing a final dividend of AED142 million for the second half of 2025 after a strong year of growth. With fleet expansion and soaring demand, total dividends for the year hit AED302.7 million — a 7.5% jump from 2024. Shareholders are set to approve the final payout in April 2026, keeping wheels spinning and investors happy.
Tensions in the Middle East flared as Israel launched missile strikes on Tehran early Saturday. Explosions rattled the Iranian capital, hitting University Street and the Jomhouri district. Air raid sirens blared across Israel as authorities enforced emergency measures, including school closures and restrictions on public gatherings, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Tragedy struck in Bolivia when a military cargo plane carrying banknotes crashed near La Paz. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules veered off the runway at El Alto International Airport and slammed into a busy avenue, destroying vehicles and injuring dozens. Crowds rushed to grab scattered cash, but at least 15 lives were lost in the chaos.
Migration crises continue to make global headlines, with 7,667 people dying or disappearing along migration routes in 2025, according to the International Organization for Migration. The Mediterranean remains the deadliest route, and early 2026 has already seen 606 deaths. IOM Director General Amy Pope called the losses preventable, urging safer, legal pathways for those risking everything in search of a better life.
In sports, FC Barcelona are looking to tighten their grip on the La Liga title as they welcome Villarreal CF to Camp Nou. A 3-0 win over Levante last weekend has the Catalans buzzing, while Villarreal hopes to snatch an upset on the road. Meanwhile, India roared back in the T20 World Cup, crushing Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Chennai. Despite an unbeaten 97 from Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett, the spirited African side fell short of India’s mammoth 257-run target, setting up a high-stakes showdown with the West Indies.
