The UAE is expected to experience fair to partly cloudy weather today, with low clouds in some coastal and western areas leading to a drop in temperatures. 

The night and Friday morning will be humid, with a chance of mist in internal and northern areas. Light to moderate westward winds, particularly over the sea, are anticipated. 

Abu Dhabi and Dubai will see temperatures of 23°C and 24°C, with maximum temperatures reaching 28°C and 29°C, respectively. 

The sea conditions will vary from slight to moderate, occasionally rough in the Arabian Gulf, and slight in the Oman Sea.

The UAE has declared a public holiday for the private sector on December 2 and 3 in celebration of the 52nd UAE National Day.

While this announcement ensures a paid break for workers, those with a Saturday-Sunday weekend won’t experience an extended weekend. 

The possibility of a three-day weekend exists if Commemoration Day, observed on November 30 (officially) or December 1 (as in previous years), is also declared a paid public holiday. Updates from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation are awaited to confirm the status of Commemoration Day.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi is rolling out significant changes and improvements to its public bus services, aiming to enhance connectivity and provide a more efficient transportation experience for residents and visitors. The following key enhancements have been announced:

1. Limited Stops for Faster Travel: Routes between downtown Abu Dhabi and densely-populated areas have been optimized with limited stops, ensuring faster travel times and improved efficiency.
2. New Route to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A new bus route has been introduced to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a popular landmark in Abu Dhabi. This addition aims to facilitate better access for tourists and visitors to this iconic site.
3. Direct Bus Services from Midnight to 4 am: To cater to the diverse schedules of commuters, new direct bus services have been launched, operating from midnight to 4 am. This provides extended transportation options during the late hours.
4. Streamlined Routes in Specific Areas: Routes in Al Bahia, Al Shahama, Al Rahba, and Al Samha have been streamlined for improved efficiency and better coverage in these areas.
5. Enhanced Bus Services in Baniyas: The transport network in Baniyas has been bolstered with enhanced bus services, contributing to improved connectivity and accessibility for residents.
6. Increased Frequency to Khalifa City: Recognizing the growing demand for transportation, the frequency of bus services between downtown Abu Dhabi and Khalifa City has been increased, ensuring a more reliable and accessible public transportation option.

These changes align with the ITC’s commitment to creating a more seamless and convenient public transportation system in Abu Dhabi. The table below summarizes the key enhancements:

These improvements signify a step forward in providing a more comprehensive and user-friendly public transportation system in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the city’s commitment to sustainable and efficient urban mobility. Commuters are encouraged to take advantage of these enhancements for a more convenient travel experience. Stay tuned for more updates on Abu Dhabi’s evolving public transport landscape.

Thousands of Palestinian supporters filled Kuwait’s Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium for Palestine’s World Cup qualifier against Australia. 

The match, Palestine’s first in front of fans since the conflict with Israel began, saw defender Harry Souttar secure a 1-0 win for Australia. 

The crowd displayed Palestinian flags and keffiyeh scarves, emphasizing a symbolic message rather than focusing on the match outcome. In a notable gesture, the Australian team announced a portion of their match fees would be donated to humanitarian causes in Gaza, addressing the complexity of the geopolitical situation in the region.

Dubai is set to host its highly anticipated three-day super sale from November 24 to November 26, offering shoppers discounts of up to 90%. 

This biannual event will feature over 500 brands and 2,000 stores across the Emirate, presenting a diverse array of products, including lifestyle items, electronics, fashion, beauty, and homewares. 

The sale is expected to attract large crowds, providing residents and tourists with a unique opportunity to capitalize on some of the most substantial shopping deals of the year.

Marvel Universe LIVE! is set to make its debut in Dubai, bringing superheroes and supervillains to life in 17 live shows at the Coca-Cola Arena from January 25 to February 4, 2024. 

Produced by Feld Entertainment, the production promises an immersive experience with iconic characters like Spider-Man, The Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. 

The storyline, featuring Doctor Strange, sees the Guardians team up against Nebula, Loki, and Green Goblin, with the forces of Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk, and Black Widow joining the epic battles. 

The show incorporates immersive video projection and cutting-edge special effects, transporting the audience across various Marvel locations. 

Tickets start at AED165 and are available for purchase at www.coca-cola-arena.com

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day truce, contingent on the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. The agreement, announced after a cabinet meeting led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involves the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages, including women and children, in exchange for a four-day ceasefire. 

The truce can be extended with the release of additional hostages, with every 10 hostages leading to an extra day of ceasefire. The terms of the agreement also include the release of 150 Palestinians from Israeli jails. 

The truce aims to provide a temporary respite for Gaza residents after nearly seven weeks of intense conflict. Despite reservations within Netanyahu’s coalition, the Israeli cabinet’s approval was a crucial step. 

Ongoing military operations include reported Israeli strikes on Hamas targets and casualties in Gaza. International voices, including the BRICS group, have called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce in Gaza.

The Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai will be car-free this weekend as it transforms into the world’s largest running track for the Dubai Run, marking the conclusion of the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge.

The free run, open to participants of all ages and running abilities, offers two route options: a 5km Downtown stretch passing iconic landmarks and a more challenging 10km Sheikh Zayed Road route. 

The run, set to attract thousands of participants, will commence with a Dubai Police supercar parade. Registration is free, and participants must collect their bibs with a QR code from Run and Ride Central in One Central by November 25. 

Last year’s Dubai Run saw a record-breaking 193,000 participants, making it the world’s largest community fitness event.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has initiated the installation of solar panels at the Jebel Ali and Al Qusais Metro Depots, as well as the Al Safouh Tram Depot. 

Part of the Zero Emissions Strategy 2050, this project, slated for completion by Q1 2024, aims to generate 9,959 megawatts of solar power. Aligned with the “Shams Dubai” initiative and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, the endeavor contributes to RTA’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, focusing on public transportation, buildings, and waste management. 

The solar panels, supporting sustainability goals, are expected to save costs, conserve resources, and reduce carbon emissions. The installation process involves mechanical and electrical phases, with an estimated annual carbon dioxide emissions reduction of 3,962 tons. 

The project has received recognition in the MEP Middle East Awards for its contributions to renewable energy sources and operational efficiency.

The official ceremony for the UAE National Day, also known as UAE Union Day, will take place at Expo City in Dubai on December 2. Expo City, hosting the COP28 climate change conference, will showcase the country’s sustainability story during the ceremony, aligning with the theme of the Year of Sustainability in 2023. 

Emiratis and expatriates can attend the public ceremony from December 5 to 12, with ticket details to be announced soon. The ceremony at Expo City will feature innovative technologies, projections, and elements of Sadu weaving, a traditional Bedouin technique. 

The event aims to illustrate the UAE’s commitment to unity, sustainability, and a shared vision of a sustainable future, emphasizing climate adaptation, innovation, and collective action. The official ceremony will be broadcast live on December 2 on local TV channels and the official website. 

UAE National Day celebrations are known for their grandeur, with this year’s event highlighting cultural heritage, tradition, and the country’s dedication to a sustainable future.