The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), in collaboration with the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, has released 8,000 silver commemorative coins to mark the Award’s silver jubilee. 

Weighing 28 grams each and with a nominal value of 25 dirhams, there are eight unique coin designs representing various contests and activities held by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award since its establishment in 1997. 

The coins celebrate the achievements of the Award in promoting Quranic culture, fostering competition in memorizing the Holy Quran, and honoring individuals excelling in this endeavor. 

The coins, not available for sale, will be handed to the organizing committee of the Award.

The inaugural Manar Abu Dhabi citywide light art exhibition has opened to the public, featuring captivating light artworks across islands, mangroves, and natural landscapes in the capital. 

Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the exhibition, themed “Grounding Light,” explores the concepts of grounding, self-enlightenment, and the reflection of inner selves through light. 

Curated by Reem Fadda and Alia Zaal Lootah, the exhibition includes works by over 20 local, regional, and international artists. Installations range from monumental land art, interactive multimedia artworks, and reflections on natural and cosmic phenomena to explorations of Abu Dhabi’s history and modernity. 

The exhibition aims to be a platform for self-representation and visitor participation, with additional artworks set to be unveiled in December. Public talks, workshops, and performances are also scheduled to enhance the cultural experience for visitors.

A 20-year-old man in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, was arrested and his vehicle impounded after a video of him performing stunts and creating excessive noise in front of a police patrol went viral.

The reckless behavior, which demonstrated a blatant disregard for traffic rules and law enforcement, prompted swift action from the traffic department. Colonel Dr Mohamed Al-Bahar expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of upholding regulations. 

The police located the driver and seized the vehicle, with the driver undergoing legal procedures for prosecution. The Ras Al Khaimah Police stressed their commitment to imposing severe penalties on those violating laws and disrespecting law enforcement officers, citing the absolute necessity of firm action against such challenges to police authority. 

Under UAE federal traffic law, reckless driving incurs a AED2,000 fine, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment. Similar penalties apply to drivers endangering lives. 

Each emirate may have its own traffic regulations. In July 2023, Dubai implemented stricter laws penalizing reckless driving, including a AED50,000 fine for releasing impounded vehicles.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance transportation during the upcoming COP28 event at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12. 

The plan includes designated transportation for official delegations and the public, along with eco-friendly modes of transport within the venue. The Dubai Metro will have extended operating hours, serving as a key transportation medium. 

Special edition nol cards for COP28 delegates offer free public transportation throughout the conference. The plan also features biofuel-powered and electric buses, additional bus routes, and numerous hybrid and electric taxis. 

To support youth initiatives, the RTA has issued complimentary ‘pre-charged’ nol cards for young participants, encouraging them to use sustainable transportation during the conference. 

The initiative aims to ensure smooth, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel for COP28 attendees.

Residents in the UAE are in for a treat with a three-day long weekend next week, marking the final public holiday of the year.

The UAE National Day weekend will begin with Commemoration Day on Thursday, November 30, followed by a public holiday for the private sector on Friday, December 1.

The National Day holiday will extend to Saturday, December 2, with an additional day off on Sunday, December 3. This configuration will result in a short working week for many, providing an opportunity for residents to plan and enjoy the extended break.

While the UAE National Day weekend concludes the public holidays for the current year, there are anticipated to be 15 public holidays in the following year, prompting early considerations for future plans.

A UAE humanitarian aid convoy, part of the ‘Gallant Knight 3’ operation, has departed from Al Arish, Egypt, towards the Rafah Border Crossing en route to the Gaza Strip.

The convoy, consisting of 13 trucks, carries a total of 272.5 tonnes of aid supervised by the UAE. This includes 10 trucks with 16,800 food packages (252 tonnes) for 84,000 people and 3 trucks with 360 tents (20.5 tonnes). 

Launched under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s directives, the aid drive aims to support the Palestinian people, with ongoing efforts, including an air bridge that has facilitated 49 flights to date, addressing the dire circumstances in Gaza.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, conducted a visit to Palestinian children and their families undergoing medical treatment in UAE hospitals. 

This humanitarian initiative is part of ongoing efforts to provide relief and support to the Palestinian people. The visit included meetings with injured children, adult family members, and child cancer patients from Palestine, all currently receiving treatment in the UAE as per the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

Sheikh Theyab expressed well wishes for the children’s speedy recovery during the visit.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has upgraded nine of its digital services, focusing on license renewal and imports. 

This initiative is part of the “Services 2.0” project, launched in July 2023 in collaboration with the Emirates Programme for Excellence in Government Service. The upgrades aim to enhance usability, availability, and provide additional benefits for users to complete transactions easily and conveniently. 

The digital services cover areas such as renewing licenses for agricultural activities, animal care, aquatic organisms’ sector, and fishing boat utilization. Additionally, customers can now use digital services for importing live animals, birds, agricultural consignments, animal feed, disinfectants, and veterinary supplies. 

The goal is to improve the overall customer experience and contribute to building an advanced digital infrastructure in the UAE.