US$1.4bn wind and battery project in Zhambyl region is one of largest renewable energy developments in Central Asia Landmark project will power approximately 880,000 homes and avoid 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually Masdar also signs roadmap agreement with Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development to advance Kazakhstan's first Round-the-Clock renewable energy project Zhambyl Region, Kazakhstan – June 29, 2026: Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a global clean energy leader, today formally broke ground on its 1-gigawatt (GW) wind farm in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan. The wind farm is Masdar's first renewable energy development in Kazakhstan and one of the largest integrated wind and battery storage projects in Central Asia, representing investment of US$1.4 billion. It features a 600-megawatt-hour (MWh) ......read full article

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - 29 June, 2026: The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) proudly marks the 15th anniversary of the inscription of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain on UNESCO's World Heritage List. A landmark achievement that placed the UAE on the global heritage map, this milestone reflects the emirate's commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and preserving its legacy for future generations. Adopted in 1972, the World Heritage Convention is an international treaty and one of the most powerful tools in global heritage protection. It united, for the first time, the safeguarding of both cultural and natural heritage under a single framework. Protected under international law and overseen by UNESCO, sites are selected based on their outstanding significance to humanity across culture, history and nature. Once approved, a site is forma ......read full article

   New route strengthens UAE-Bangladesh trade and travel links, supporting passenger travel and cargo flows between the countries Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, launched its inaugural flight to Dhaka on 26 June, operating a sold-out B777 to the capital of Bangladesh. The route strengthens trade and cargo connectivity across the South Asia corridor and responds to sustained demand for both passenger travel and logistics between the UAE and Bangladesh. EY382 departed Abu Dhabi at 22:00 on 26 June, arriving into Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, the following morning. The new service operates four times weekly; operated by Etihad's Boeing 777 aircraft, each flight offers 28 lie-flat Business and 374 Economy seats, with substantial widebody belly-hold capacity to support growing cargo volumes alon ......read full article

Seat 1 in Coach 1 reserved for an individual whose contribution reflects the values that have helped shape the UAE Abu Dhabi, UAE – 26 June 2026: As passenger services prepare to commence on 30 June, Etihad Rail is inviting members of the public to nominate an individual whose contribution to society deserves national recognition. Through a nationwide initiative titled "The Passenger Who Represents Us All", Etihad Rail is seeking to honour a person whose actions have made a positive difference to others and whose contribution reflects the values that have helped shape the UAE. The selected nominee will occupy Seat 1 in Coach 1 on the first Etihad Rail passenger service departing Fujairah for Abu Dhabi on 30 June, becoming the railway's first passenger on a journey that marks a significant national milestone. Commenting on the initiative, Adhraa Almansoori, ......read full article

Pilot phase marks a key step towards the gradual implementation of the system across the UAE Event highlights the steps for businesses to onboard with their Accredited Service Provider through EmaraTax platform Comprehensive overview of the Electronic Invoicing system in enhancing compliance, transparency, and efficiency across business transactions. Younis Haji AlKhoori: The Electronic Invoicing System is a cornerstone of efforts to strengthen the efficiency and future readiness of our economy Abdulaziz Al Mulla: Digital data exchange via the new system for greater transparency and immediate tax compliance with accuracy and efficiency. Sharjah, UAE – 26 June 2026: The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Federal Tax Authority (“FTA”), organised the Awareness Event on the Electronic Invoicing System at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention C ......read full article

Thousands of passengers reserve seats within days of bookings opening as the Etihad Rail App becomes the UAE's most downloaded free app Etihad Rail App reaches #1 Free App in the UAE Strong early demand through the Etihad Rail App and booking website Passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah to commence on 30 June Network to expand to include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Dhaid and Fujairah from 30 September Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 June 2026: Customers are purchasing the first tickets for passenger rail services in the UAE following the launch of the Etihad Rail App and dedicated booking website, with over 5,000 passengers reserving seats within the first two days of bookings opening and the Etihad Rail App becoming the most downloaded free app in the country. The strong early response comes ahead of the commencement of passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Fu ......read full article

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 25 June 2026: The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched “Procurement Connect”, a new initiative designed to help businesses prepare for future procurement and supply opportunities with leading organisations and entities across the emirate, enabling them to better position themselves for growth and enhance their competitiveness. The initiative was launched during a dedicated forum organised by the Chamber, which brought together leading organisations from across Abu Dhabi, alongside representatives from the private sector and the media. The event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening engagement across the business ecosystem and providing a practical platform that helps companies identify future opportunities and prepare to capitalise on them. The forum featured participation from Etihad Airways, e& ......read full article

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini: We remain committed to advancing international cooperation and deepening multilateral partnerships that drive sustainable development Vienna, Austria – 25 June 2026: The Ministry of Finance participated in the 47th Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the OPEC Fund for International Development, held in Vienna, Austria, and attended by senior officials and delegations representing the Fund’s member states. The meeting reviewed a number of items on the agenda, including the OPEC Fund’s Annual Report for 2025, its financial statements, and a range of other organisational matters. Development Partnerships H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said that participation in the Ministerial Council of the OPEC Fund for International Development reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to su ......read full article

Abu Dhabi, 25 June 2026: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, on Wednesday, announced the formation of the organising committee for the 18th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), which will take place from November 9 to 21, 2026, at Mubadala Arena, Abu Dhabi. The announcement comes as the Federation steps up preparations for the championship, which serves as the culmination of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Tour season and reinforces its status as the world's largest jiu-jitsu championship. The committee will be chaired by H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, with Mohamed Hussain Al Marzooqi‏, Board Member of the Federation, serving as Vice Chairman. Members include Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations; Fouad Darwish‏, CEO of P ......read full article

The summer bridal beauty trends everyone will be saying "i do" to. Wedding season has officially arrived, and whether you're the bride, bridesmaid, or simply RSVP-ing with enthusiasm, one thing is certain: this year's bridal beauty is all about looking like the very best version of yourself. Gone are the days of heavy, overly sculpted makeup. Summer 2026 brides are embracing fresh, radiant skin, softly flushed cheeks, and naturally polished brows that look effortless both in real life and in every camera roll moment.  Luckily, Benefit Cosmetics has everything you need to create this season's best bridal beauty trends. The fresh flush A bridal look isn't complete without a healthy, romantic pop of color. This season, brides are opting for soft, fresh blush that mimics the natural flush that comes with saying "yes." For an airy, cloud-like ......read full article

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 June 2026: The Global Talent Attraction and Retention Committee held its tenth meeting today under the chairmanship of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister Responsible for Attracting and Retaining Global Talent. The meeting included a review of changes to the committee’s composition, with the Federal Council for Demographics formally admitted as a member. The addition reflects the government’s commitment to institutional integration and to aligning talent attraction and retention policies with national demographic priorities, in support of sustainable and comprehensive development. The committee received an update on the implementation of the second phase of the Talent Strategy (2024–2027), which encompasses 17 national initiatives, with 24% of those initiatives already having been complete ......read full article

UAE's leading motorsport-inspired STEM competition celebrates its 15th year Students from across the UAE to compete in Formula Ethara and STEM Racing National Finals Formula Ethara pathway expands with the 3ainawy Cup and Al Dhafra Cup for young students Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 June 2026: The ADNOC Yas in Schools National Finals return from  25–27 June, marking the 15th edition of the UAE's leading motorsport-inspired STEM programme. Hosted by Yas Marina Circuit and supported by ADNOC, the National Finals will bring together students from across the UAE to compete in Formula Ethara and STEM Racing disciplines, showcasing months of engineering, innovation and design. Recognised as the region's only motorsport-inspired STEM education programme delivered from a Formula 1 circuit, ADNOC Yas in Schools uses motorsport to inspire young people to develop ......read full article

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 25 June 2026: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has been ranked among the top 301–400 institutions globally in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, out of 1,603 participating universities worldwide. The university also improved its national standing, ranking joint sixth among 12 participating higher education institutions in the UAE, alongside two other higher education institutions. The achievement reflects the university's continued commitment to embedding sustainability across its education, research, operations, and community engagement efforts, while driving measurable impact across the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   ADU recorded improvements across 10 SDGs, with standout performances in SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities ranking 14th globally and first in the UAE, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, o ......read full article

UAE: Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) has introduced its new Company Continuation Programme, designed to provide businesses with a more flexible and cost-effective pathway for growth. The initiative allows existing companies to relocate their operations to UAQ FTZ without losing their business history, brand identity, contractual commitments, or corporate legacy. It is open to foreign companies, UAE mainland firms, and businesses currently operating in other free zones. A key advantage of the programme is that companies can transition to a new operating environment without the need to re-register or establish a new legal entity, making the process seamless and efficient. By moving to UAQ FTZ, businesses can benefit from reduced operational costs, favourable tax advantages, simplified administrative procedures, and access to broader growth opportunities within the UAE. ......read full article

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 24 June 2026: Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, has inaugurated the UAE's largest aluminium recycling plant, a milestone in EGA's growth in low carbon aluminium and the development of the UAE's circular economy. The inauguration was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), EGA's Chairman Homaid Al Shimmari, EGA's Vice Chairman His Excellency Saeed Al Tayer, and members of EGA's Board and senior management team. Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: "Recycling is the cornerstone of the UAE's Circular Economy Policy which ......read full article

Subscription period runs from 24 to 30 June 2026 Approved channels include Dubai Financial Market’s Subscription platform, DFM app, iVestor app, and the digital channels of the receiving banks The issuance size is AED 50 million, with a minimum subscription amount of AED 1,000 Two-year tenor with a profit rate of 4.30% per annum Profit payable every six months Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini: Opening of subscriptions for the Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme and the announcement of its pricing details mark a pivotal milestone in strengthening the UAE’s sovereign investment ecosystem. Dubai, 23 June 2026: The Ministry of Finance announced the opening of the subscription period for the inaugural Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, the first initiative of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, in close collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). ......read full article