Abu Dhabi Police have emphasized the importance of using the right lane for slow driving, as occupying the fast lanes can lead to traffic obstructions and accidents. 

The fine for not giving way to priority vehicles from behind or from the overtaking lane is AED400. 

Safe driving practices are strongly encouraged, and overtaking from the right is cautioned against due to its potential for causing serious accidents. Abu Dhabi has implemented a minimum speed limit of 120kph in the fast lanes of a major road to prevent traffic accidents. 

Tailgating, or not maintaining enough distance between vehicles, is also an offense that can result in a AED400 fine. Additionally, tailgating radars in Abu Dhabi will fine both the vehicle in front and the one at the back if they are on the fast lane, with the vehicle at the back receiving four black points as well.

The UAE is currently experiencing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in various parts of the country. The Abu Dhabi Police have issued an urgent advisory for motorists to drive cautiously and reduce their speed. 

Siren alerts have been sent to residents as a precaution. Speed limits on many roads have been lowered to 80 km/h. 

The Meteorology Department has warned of unstable weather conditions, advising residents to avoid unnecessary driving and use low-beam headlights in low visibility situations. 

The eastern and central regions of Sharjah are expected to experience heavy rain and hailstones, and coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf, as well as regions of Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and the eastern coast may be affected. Unstable weather conditions are anticipated to persist, with fluctuations between partly cloudy and cloudy conditions, accompanied by rainfall and thunder. 

Temperatures are expected to drop, and wind conditions will range from moderate to strong gusts, potentially causing reduced visibility due to dust and sand. Sea conditions may become moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea during cloudy periods.

Filipino music sensation, SB19, has initiated the pre-selling of their official “Pagtatag!” merchandise in anticipation of their highly awaited concert at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Oud Metha on November 24.

The pre-order period spans from October 24, 6:00 PM, to November 3, 6:00 PM PHT through 1zmerch.com. The merchandise selection includes Photobooks, Lightsticks, T-shirts, and Image Pickets, priced between P300 and P2,499.

For their Dubai audience, 1Z Entertainment has partnered with UNECKO PRODUCTIONS to facilitate the distribution of the official “Pagtatag!” merchandise. 

Pre-orders in Dubai are open from October 24, 2023, to October 30, 2023. Fans can place orders or seek information via provided contact details on the order form.

This merchandise pre-selling initiative coincides with SB19’s announcement of Dubai as a featured stop on their “Pagtatag!” World Tour Asia, which also includes prominent cities like Bangkok and Singapore.

According to a Syrian news agency, an Israeli air strike in Deraa resulted in the tragic loss of eight soldiers, with an additional seven sustaining injuries.

The strike, reportedly carried out at around 1:45 am, originated from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and targeted several military points in the outskirts of Deraa.

Israel’s military stated that the action was in response to rocket launches from Syria towards Israel.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) has recently welcomed a new batch of African animals to the “Sharjah Safari,” the largest safari project outside Africa located in Al Bridi Reserve, Al Dhaid. This group comprises 61 animals, including various African species of gazelles and antelopes.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, emphasized the organization’s methodical approach in implementing a well-structured strategy, executed in distinct phases, to introduce new species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and other African animals. This initiative is aimed at enriching the biodiversity of the Sharjah Safari project and promoting it as a prominent tourism and environmental destination.

Al Suwaidi highlighted that this addition not only offers the public and visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature and encounter diverse African wildlife but also creates valuable educational experiences for students of all ages.

She underlined the management’s commitment to adopting the highest standards for the continuous enhancement of the project, including the refinement of facilities tailored to the nature of African wildlife, employing materials like wood and straw. Additionally, a team of specialized veterinarians oversees the regular medical care of the animals, ensuring their well-being.

Furthermore, the Safari project actively engages in breeding efforts to boost the population of animals, with special emphasis on the preservation of rare and endangered species.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has partnered with TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation (DG) Middle East and Africa to introduce renewable energy solutions at EAD’s newly-constructed Plant Genetic Resource Centre in Al Ain.

The collaboration involves the development of a 330 kWp solar carport equipped with 680 photovoltaic panels, which is expected to generate approximately 500 MWh of clean energy each year. This initiative will enable EAD to reduce its annual carbon emissions by 200 tonnes, equivalent to the energy consumption of approximately 25 homes in a year.

The 20-year lease agreement encompasses solar installation, operations, maintenance, and energy production for the Centre’s requirements. This sustainable move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Climate Change Strategy and the UAE’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Plant Genetic Resource Centre, set to launch by the end of 2023, will serve as a flagship facility for conserving UAE flora and its genetic diversity for future generations. This partnership between EAD and TotalEnergies signifies a crucial step towards a greener future and reinforces the UAE’s position as a global leader in environmental conservation.

TotalEnergies has a longstanding commitment to preserving sensitive ecosystems in the UAE, dating back to 1999 with the launch of the first conservation program dedicated to dugong conservation. Additionally, the company has collaborated with EAD on various initiatives aimed at nurturing biodiversity and climate resilience. This latest agreement underscores TotalEnergies’ dedication to climate action and sustainable development.

A branch of Gordonstoun, the prestigious Scottish school attended by King Charles III, will open on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi in September 2026. 

The school will offer a similar experience to the Scottish institution, emphasizing leadership, challenge, and service while incorporating UAE culture and tradition. Gordonstoun, known for its coeducational boarding and day programs, is renowned globally for independent education. 

King Charles III and his father, Prince Philip, were alumni, and King Charles attributes the school to instilling him with self-discipline and a sense of responsibility. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed also briefly attended Gordonstoun during his secondary education.

 The Abu Dhabi branch will follow the English GCSE and A-level curriculum, but specific amenities have not yet been disclosed. Gordonstoun’s international operations, including the Abu Dhabi school, will support its bursary program for underprivileged students and enhance facilities for the community.

The Jubail Island project in Abu Dhabi aims to house thousands of residents and includes various amenities and natural reserves.

A JetBlue plane experienced an unusual tilting incident at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

Flight 662 from Bridgetown, Barbados, was seen tilted backward at about a 30-degree angle at the passenger gate after landing. This was attributed to a shift in weight and balance during disembarkation.

JetBlue officials confirmed that the plane eventually leveled, and no injuries were reported among the passengers. 

The aircraft has been taken out of service for a thorough inspection.