Pope Francis met with the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2024 judging committee at the Vatican, encouraging the advancement of human fraternity worldwide in response to global challenges.
The Pope, an honorary recipient of the award, emphasized the importance of human fraternity, especially in times of ongoing conflicts. He urged committee members representing various continents to promote these values in their respective fields. The committee, comprising international figures, expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for his advocacy of human fraternity values.
They commended the Pope and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for their 2019 agreement on the Document on Human Fraternity, which guides the selection process for the 2024 honoree(s). The committee, including notable figures like Megawati Sukarnoputri and Rabbi Abraham Cooper, will announce the award recipient(s) in February.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, established in 2019, honors individuals and entities contributing to human fraternity, compassion, and empathy.
A passenger attempting to smuggle 8.9kg of marijuana through Dubai International Airport was apprehended during a security check.
Dubai Customs
The passenger, arriving from an Asian country, raised suspicion due to the unusual density of a bag. Manual inspection revealed a powder, claimed to be henna powder by the accused. The substance was identified as marijuana, confiscated, and handed over to the General Directorate of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police.
Dubai Customs, employing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, plays a crucial role in deterring smuggling activities through its customs outlets, with increased vigilance to safeguard the community.
The UAE government has introduced a Federal Law on mental health, imposing penalties, including imprisonment and fines ranging from AED50,000 to AED200,000, for violations. The law aims to regulate relationships between psychiatric patients and involved parties, ensuring the provision of high-quality mental care.
It seeks to safeguard patients’ rights, reduce the negative impact of mental conditions on individuals and society, and promote social integration. The legislation covers all aspects of mental health, facilities, and related institutions.
It prohibits the provision of mental health services without proper authorization and outlines patients’ general rights, confidentiality, and protection from exploitation. Special health guarantees are provided for minor psychiatric patients, and dedicated monitoring committees are established in each emirate to safeguard patients’ rights.
The law defines various types of admissions to mental healthcare facilities and establishes regulations for voluntary admission, patient obligations, psychological restraint, isolation, transfer, and compulsory outpatient treatment.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced special offers and premium services for New Year’s Eve 2024 on marine transit modes, including the Dubai Ferry, Abra, and Water Taxi.
The services offer a scenic tour of Dubai’s coastline, with Dubai Ferry rides starting between 10pm and 10.30pm and continuing until 1.30am the next day. Water Taxi and Abra trips will follow the same schedule, starting from the Marina Mall station in Dubai Marina.
The fares range from AED150 for the Abra to AED3,750 for booking the entire Water Taxi. Special discounts are available for children, with infants under 2 years riding for free. The marine transit modes showcase Dubai’s picturesque coastal line, featuring various attractions such as the World Islands and Dubai Water Canal, adding excitement to the New Year celebrations.
Interested individuals can inquire about these services by contacting RTA’s dial-free number (8009090) or sending an email to marinebooking@rta.ae.
The weather in the UAE today is expected to be partly cloudy with heavy rain, particularly in eastern and northern areas and coastal regions.
Light to moderate winds will be present, occasionally freshening. Temperatures may range from 16ºC to 29ºC across the country, with higher humidity levels in some internal areas during the night and Friday morning.
Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, potentially rough at times, with clouds in the Arabian Gulf and slight waves in the Oman sea.
Two individuals lost their lives in a tragic car accident involving a speeding sports car that fell from a bridge near Etihad Mall in Al Khawaneej, Dubai.
The incident occurred at 11:55 pm on Tuesday, and the victims, a man and a woman, were not identified in terms of nationality. Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, revealed that the driver was overspeeding, leading the car to skid, collide with the curb, and eventually fall from the bridge.
The vehicle continued in the opposite direction on the lower street, caught fire on the median strip, and resulted in the tragic deaths of the driver and the accompanying woman. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.
Marvel Universe LIVE! is set to debut in Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena from January 25 to February 4, 2024.
Produced by Feld Entertainment, the live action extravaganza promises 17 captivating shows featuring beloved Marvel superheroes and villains. The Guardians of the Galaxy, along with Spider-Man and The Avengers, will unite against Nebula, Loki, and Green Goblin in a legendary battle to save the universe.
The production boasts immersive video projection, cutting-edge special effects, and dynamic performances, transporting audiences from the Savage Land to New York City.
Organized by SESLIVE! in association with Live Nation and Coca-Cola Arena, tickets start at AED165 and can be purchased at www.coca-cola-arena.com.
OSN, the region’s leading entertainment network, and Warner Bros. Discovery, a leading global media and entertainment company, are excited to announce that Cartoon Network, Fatafeat and Animal Planet will be available on OSNtv starting January 1, 2024. This partnership will also bring an exciting array of content to OSN+ subscribers, offering diverse entertainment options.
Fatafeat is the region’s largest Arabic food network and to give OSN’s customers a first taste of this channels’ content, Fatafeat’s newest show ‘The Kitchen with Chef Marwan Sardouk,’ is now available on OSN+. In the series, Chef Marwan takes viewers on a culinary journey through Dubai’s diverse dining scene. As of the new year, viewers can look forward to a line-up of exciting culinary shows and special shows created for Ramadan, promising to bring a feast of flavors and cooking inspiration tailored to the holy month’s spirit of gathering.
Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Discovery’s number one animated series network, presents a January lineup full of excitement and imagination for the younger audience. ‘Jade Armor’ takes viewers on an epic saga where a brave young hero, armed with mystical armor and exceptional martial arts prowess, battles to protect the world. In a lighter vein, ‘Ivandoe’ offers a delightful romp through a magical kingdom, following a valiant young prince and his avian sidekick on their noble adventures.
Show Art
As of the new year, viewers can also dive into the fascinating world of Animal Planet with upcoming shows like “Crikey! It’s the Irwins,” showcasing the adventurous Irwin family’s wildlife conservation efforts, “Coyote Peterson: Brave the Wild,” following the thrilling wildlife explorations of Coyote Peterson, and “The Zoo,” offering an intimate look at the lives of animals in zoos and aquariums.
Francesco Perta, Vice President Of Business Development and Distribution for Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey at Warner Bros. Discovery, commented on the partnership: “We at Warner Bros. Discovery are delighted to expand our partnership with our valued partner OSN, a powerhouse of entertainment in the region. The addition of Cartoon Network, Fatafeat and Animal Planet to OSN’s offerings marks a new chapter in our commitment to delivering high-quality, diverse content to as many people as possible. Our animated series, culinary programs and wildlife shows are crafted to captivate audiences of all ages, and we’re confident that they will find a delighted audience among OSN’s subscribers. As we continue to innovate and expand our reach, partnerships allow us to connect with viewers meaningfully and bring our beloved characters and stories into their homes.”
Rolla Karam, SVP of Content Acquisition & Arabic Channels at OSN, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the collaboration with Cartoon Network, Fatafeat, and Animal Planet, some of the foremost regional and global entertainment providers. We remain committed to curating exceptional entertainment choices for our subscribers, with Fatafeat as one of the most beloved Arabic cooking channels in the region, featuring an array of our favorite chefs. Cartoon Network will also offer a kids and family option, which will be available in dual Arabic and English audio for all to enjoy, while Animal Planet will provide nature lovers with an even more dynamic offering.”
As OSN and Warner Brothers. Discovery continues to curate a diverse collection of channels and entertainment options; subscribers can look forward to accessing the finest global content.
Dubai will host a month-long fireworks extravaganza during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) from December 15 to January 14. The fireworks displays will be held at four key locations, with Dubai Festival City Mall featuring nightly shows from December 15 to 24 at 9 pm.
Al Seef, the historic heart of the city, will host nightly fireworks from December 25 to January 4 at 9 pm, complemented by a ‘Dubai Lights: Dubai Neon’ light installation showcasing neon-lit abras sailing across the creek.
The DSF promises a combination of discounts, deals, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the festival.
Sobha Realty, a prominent luxury real estate developer in the UAE, has achieved a Guinness World Records™ title for creating the “largest helmet mosaic formed by people” depicting the UAE Flag.
The impressive feat involved 5,100 employees from Sobha Realty, Sobha Constructions, Sobha Modular, and Latinem businesses. The event took place at the Sobha Reserve project site in Dubai, showcasing unity and national pride.
The mosaic, representing the UAE flag’s vibrant colors and symbolism, emphasized the collaborative culture and appreciation for employees within the Sobha Group. The achievement reflects the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community-driven endeavors.
