Why do writers feel the need to ‘escape’ to write? While I’d been writing for years, I didn’t know much about these glorified getaways and I’d never applied for one. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I answered a phone call asking me if I would be interested to travel to a residency in the US. Unsure what to expect, I attended the International Writers Program at the University of Iowa as one of 32 writers in residence from all over the world. What I discovered was a unique combination of calm and community that inspired me then, and long…
Author: Editorial Team
DUBAI, 15th May, 2026 (WAM) — In line with government directives to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) systems, the Police Operations Training Department at the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency of Dubai Police held a dialogue session with police training specialists. The session aimed to explore the future of using artificial intelligence in training human resources, thereby supporting ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security by keeping pace with the latest advancements and modern technologies. Brigadier Musabah Al Ghafli, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency, inaugurated the dialogue session, titled “Using Artificial Intelligence in Specialised…
WASHINGTON — Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani have agreed to pay a combined $18 million in penalties to settle a civil fraud lawsuit filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Meanwhile, the US Justice Department is close to dropping criminal fraud charges against Gautam Adani, an Indian billionaire who has promised to invest $10 billion in the US economy, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Adani on Thursday resolved a related civil fraud lawsuit brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over an alleged scheme to bribe Indian government officials, subject to…
(L-R) Fahad Al Hassawi, Chairman of du Pay & Roberto Mancone, CEO, du Pay. du Pay, the advanced digital financial services arm of du, recently announced the appointment of Roberto Mancone as Chief Executive Officer. Mancone brings over 25 years of global fintech and digital banking leadership experience across the USA, Europe, UK, and the GCC to drive the company’s ambitious expansion plans and strategic growth initiatives. The appointment comes at a key moment for du Pay as the company transitions from its scale-up phase into it’s next stage of growth. Under the regulatory framework of the UAE Central Bank,…
ABU DHABI, 15th May, 2026 (WAM) — UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, today witnessed the exchange of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at advancing cooperation between the two countries within the framework of their strategic partnership. The agreements exchanged during the Indian Prime Minister’s official visit to the UAE include: • A Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The agreement was exchanged by His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber,…
A father’s work schedule became a key factor in a Dubai child visitation case after a court revised the weekly access arrangement, according to a legal consultant. Hasan Elhais, a legal consultant at Amal Al Rashedi Lawyers and Legal Consultants, said the father had approached the court seeking more time with his son, including regular weekly visits and access to school-related information. According to Elhais, an earlier ruling had allowed the father to see his son and take him out out on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays from 4pm to 8pm, along with weekly visits to the child’s school in line…
BEIJING/WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and Iran should not have capabilityto develop nuclear weapons,the White House said, following the US-China summit in Beijing on Thursday. Xi Jinping said earlier that trade talks were making progress at the start of a two-day summit but warned that disagreement over Taiwan could send relations down a dangerous path. The Chinese leader’s remarks set the stage for what Trump described as possibly the “biggest summit ever” following a pomp-filled reception at Beijing’s imposing Great Hall of the People. With…
SHARJAH, 15th May, 2026 (WAM) — The German Emirati Vocational Institute (GEVI) was officially inaugurated in Sharjah by Sheikh Salim Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of Albatha Holding, marking the launch of a new vocational education institute designed to strengthen industry-led skills development and deepen Germany–UAE cooperation in workforce training. The inauguration brought together distinguished guests from government, education, and industry, reflecting strong collaboration between Emirati institutions and German partners in developing future-focused vocational pathways. GEVI has been established by Albatha Holding in collaboration with industry partners AGMC, supported by the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK), and…
Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, directed that a financial grant of Dh5 million be given to Ajman Club, in appreciation of the outstanding and honourable performance of the club’s first football team during the current football season, and the distinguished results and levels it has achieved. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Sports Club, appreciated the generosity of Sheikh Ammar and the continuous support that he gives to the club. Stay up to date with the…
RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved the executive regulations for vacant property fees as part of efforts to improve the efficient use of real estate assets and strengthen balance in the property market. The move comes in line with directives by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aimed at regulating the real estate sector and improving the balance between supply and demand. The ministry said the regulations are designed to encourage the utilization of vacant buildings and increase the supply of residential and commercial units, helping curb practices that negatively affect market balance. Under the regulations, fees…