Residents in the UAE are being warned of strict penalties, including fines up to AED50,000 or imprisonment, for engaging in illegal money transfers associated with drug trafficking.

The reminder comes from the UAE Public Prosecution and is based on Article 64/1 of Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021, which focuses on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. 

This regulation applies to individuals who deposit, transfer, or receive funds connected to drug-related activities, whether done personally or through intermediaries. The initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to combat illicit activities and maintain public safety.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated the second phase of its ‘Travel Behaviour Survey’, aiming to gather information from 21,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds. This phase, set to run until February 2024, will target laborers, tourists, visitors, and non-resident workers through workplace surveys. The initiative is part of RTA’s continuous efforts to refine road and transportation strategies, enhancing both road and public transportation networks for a seamless and secure mobility experience. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040.

The first phase of the survey was conducted from January to June 2023, and the second phase was launched to ensure a broader representation of targeted individuals and families. The survey will capture data on mobility patterns and behaviors, employing various outreach strategies including face-to-face, internet, and mobile app interviews.

The gathered results will be analyzed to generate valuable data for updating the authority’s strategic plans concerning roads and public transportation systems, encompassing the metro, tram, public buses, and marine transport services. This undertaking signifies a crucial step towards optimizing Dubai’s transportation infrastructure in line with its dynamic urban development.

Dubai’s transportation landscape is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of the new 30-kilometer Blue Line on the Dubai Metro. This addition, as revealed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), aims to bridge the existing Red and Green Metro lines, offering enhanced connectivity across the city. Comprising a total of 14 stations, including elevated, underground, and interchange stations, the Blue Line is strategically designed to cater to the swift economic and urban expansion witnessed in Dubai.

Notably, this expansion project encompasses the procurement of 28 state-of-the-art driverless trains and the establishment of a new depot capable of housing up to 60 trains. While specific details regarding the route, cost, and timeline remain undisclosed, this development signifies a significant step forward in Dubai’s commitment to advancing its public transportation infrastructure.

Dubai Metro, globally acclaimed as the world’s lengthiest driverless metro network spanning 89.3 kilometers, stands as the linchpin of the city’s public transport system. Over the past 14 years, it has dutifully served over 2 billion commuters while maintaining an impressive punctuality rate of 99.7 percent, surpassing international safety benchmarks. This exceptional operational efficiency underscores Dubai’s ambitious vision to elevate the proportion of driverless public transport to 30 percent by 2030.

The Blue Line initiative is aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan, a forward-looking strategy in anticipation of the city’s population surge to 5.8 million by 2040. This growth necessitates a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban development. By bolstering population density around mass transit stations, the Blue Line project is poised to extend the Metro rail network, seamlessly connecting Dubai’s primary urban centers and fostering vital linkages between key hubs of economic and social activity. Companies keen on participating in this project are invited to submit their detailed proposals by November 24, marking a pivotal milestone in Dubai’s urban evolution.

The UAE can expect cloudy weather with a chance of rain and a humid night ahead. The sea conditions will be calm in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea. 

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) predicts fair to partly cloudy conditions with the possibility of convective clouds forming over certain eastern and western areas. 

Temperatures will vary from 25°C to 35°C in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

Additionally, coastal and internal regions can anticipate high humidity during the night and into Tuesday morning. Winds will be gentle to moderate.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation inaugurated an art exhibition as part of the ‘Picasso Days’ event, celebrating the renowned artist Pablo Picasso. 

The event features over fifty works inspired by Picasso’s abstract art style. It includes lectures and workshops to engage participants in exploring the world of abstract art.

Attendees praised the efforts to support art, highlight its influence on society, and introduce new generations to creative legacies. 

The event aligns with the library’s monthly ‘Library Days’ program celebrating prominent figures in literature, scholarship, and art.

Dubai Municipality is well-prepared to handle emergencies during periods of rainfall. Their proactive plan involves a comprehensive system of procedures and swift response measures. 

During recent rainy weather, they efficiently managed 279 calls through a team of 484 specialized engineers, technicians, and 1,150 support staff. The municipality emphasizes their commitment to ensuring public safety by promptly addressing weather-related reports. 

They have a 24-hour program in place to enhance the management of sewage and rainfall systems, a vital component of Dubai’s advanced infrastructure. This system includes extensive drainage networks and numerous facilities, making Dubai a top global destination. 

To report rainwater accumulation, community members can use the Dubai 24×7 app or call 800900, while also being advised not to connect rainwater drainage pipes to the sewage system to prevent network overload.

The 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will feature the Republic of Korea as the Guest of Honour, offering visitors a deep dive into Korean culture and traditions. 

Themed ‘We Speak Books,’ the event will take place from November 1st to 12th at Expo Centre Sharjah. Activities include workshops on traditional arts and crafts, an exhibition on Korean literature, picture books, and calligraphy, as well as discussions on history, science, webtoons, and web novels. 

Renowned Korean authors and poets will also participate in engaging talks, celebrating the love for storytelling across cultures. 

Additionally, the conference will showcase changes in the Korean publishing industry in response to societal and media shifts.

The Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Lu Yingchuan, emphasized the strong partnership between China and the UAE in tourism. 

He expressed a desire to attract more tourists from the Middle East and North Africa to China. This statement was made during the launch of the ‘Welcome to China’ tourism brand in Dubai, an event organized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 

The celebration was attended by various dignitaries, including the Consul General of China in Dubai, Li Xuhang, and the CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim. 

This initiative aims to promote tourism between China and the Middle East and North Africa region.

On November 3, stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts in the UAE will have the opportunity to witness a rare celestial event: Jupiter’s opposition. 

This is when Jupiter, the Sun, and Earth align, providing the best view of Jupiter all year. During this phenomenon, Jupiter will be at its closest point to Earth and will be visible in the night sky from Dubai between 18:15 and 05:54. Large-aperture telescopes are recommended for a detailed view of Jupiter, including its cloud bands, moons, and the Great Red Spot. 

The Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre will host a special event at Mushrif Park, Dubai, from 7-9pm for those interested in viewing the Jupiter Opposition phenomenon. 

Jupiter’s most recent opposition occurred on September 26, 2022, when it was exceptionally close to Earth.