By Desmond Nleya
Welcome to this week’s Daily Times round-up of the most talked-about local and international stories.
We begin at home, where His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the National Family Growth Agenda 2031 during the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. The new agenda reaffirms the nation’s dedication to strengthening family stability, preserving Emirati values, and building a socially cohesive future.
Sheikh Mohammed underscored that the UAE’s united and resilient society remains its “greatest asset and the true foundation of national success.” He praised the collaborative efforts of federal and local institutions in developing the plan, noting that investing in families is, ultimately, an investment in the nation’s future.
In the same spirit of nation-building, the UAE also launched the Emirati National Identity Strategy, a sweeping initiative designed to reinforce cultural unity, social cohesion, and national pride. The framework—introduced by Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, alongside the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court—seeks to strengthen a sense of belonging, elevate community values, and showcase Emirati culture globally through dialogue and cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, in Dubai’s transport sector, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolled out a dynamic fare system for app-based taxi bookings through partners such as Careem (Hala), S’hail, Bolt, Zed, and the DTC Smart App.
The new system, announced Wednesday, introduces flexible pricing that fluctuates based on demand and time of day. Street-hailed taxi fares remain unchanged, but app users will now experience a more dynamic fare model designed to enhance efficiency and balance supply and demand across the city.
In the business sphere, Dubai International Chamber reported exceptional performance during the first nine months of 2025, welcoming 261 new companies—a 65 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
Among these were 44 multinational firms (up 10 percent) and 217 small and medium enterprises, representing an impressive 84 percent surge. The strong inflow underscores Dubai’s growing appeal as a global investment hub and reflects its alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to position the emirate among the world’s top three economic cities.
Turning to international headlines: In Cameroon, long-serving president Paul Biya was sworn in on Thursday for yet another seven-year term, following a controversial election marred by opposition claims of a “constitutional coup.” Addressing Parliament, the world’s oldest head of state pledged to honor the trust of the Cameroonian people and vowed to promote a “united, stable, and prosperous nation.”
Meanwhile, in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed his Security Council to prepare for a potential resumption of nuclear tests—but only if the United States does so first. The move follows recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who hinted that Washington might restart its atomic testing program. Putin directed his ministries and intelligence agencies to “analyze the situation and submit coordinated proposals” on possible next steps, emphasizing Russia’s readiness to respond proportionately to global developments.
And finally, in the world of sports, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that his retirement may be near. The 40-year-old Al Nassr striker—who holds the record as the world’s all-time top scorer with 952 goals—told Piers Morgan Uncensored that “the end is coming soon.”
“It will be very, very difficult,” Ronaldo admitted, reflecting on his decades-long career. “I’ve been preparing for this moment since I was 25. Nothing will ever match the adrenaline of scoring a goal, but everything in life has a beginning and an end.”
He added that he looks forward to spending more time with his family and raising his children, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of football’s greatest icons.
— Daily Times Weekend Edition
