The Israeli military has called for the evacuation of over 1 million civilians from Gaza City, asking them to relocate south within 24 hours. 

This move comes as tanks are amassed near the Gaza Strip, indicating a possible ground invasion. The United Nations warns of severe humanitarian consequences if such a mass movement occurs. Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. criticizes the response, deeming it “shameful.” 

Hamas dismisses the warning, calling it propaganda. The conflict has resulted in a high death toll on both sides, and humanitarian concerns are mounting, with hospitals in Gaza facing fuel shortages. 

The U.S. provides unwavering support to Israel but urges restraint. Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of using white phosphorus munitions, a claim denied by the Israeli military. The conflict prompts security measures worldwide, with charter flights arranged for citizens wishing to leave Israel. 

The situation is marked by civil unrest and increased police presence in various regions. The conflict reflects longstanding tensions, economic hardship, and political challenges in the region.

Image credits: Anadolu Ajasi

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has approved the herpes zoster vaccination to prevent shingles in those over the age of 50.

This vaccine, administered in two doses six months apart, conforms with best practises for disease prevention, aiming to minimise the incidence of shingles infection and consequences for individuals affected. 

The statement was made at the offices of the MoHAP in Dubai, emphasising the significance of educating the public about preventative immunisation, notably for shingles. 

This effort also intends to improve healthcare personnel’ awareness of worldwide shingles prevention recommendations, thereby lowering the national health burden from avoidable illnesses.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has launched the pilot phase of the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) project in Abu Dhabi. 

This initiative aims to revolutionize public transportation with a smart, integrated system spanning 27 km and 25 stations. Operating on weekends initially, it runs from Al Reem Mall to Marina Mall, heralding a new era in technological transportation. 

The project is part of Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Strategy, aligning with sustainable development goals and emphasizing eco-friendly transport options. 

This advancement seeks to elevate Abu Dhabi’s status as a top destination for living, working, and visiting.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has initiated trials of driverless taxis in the Jumeirah 1 area. 

These self-driving taxis are now in the testing phase, which means they do not transport passengers and a safety driver stays behind the wheel. The RTA sees this experiment as a key step towards developing the Middle East and North Africa’s first viable autonomous transportation system, cementing Dubai’s leadership in autonomous technology. 

The idea is the product of a collaboration between the RTA and Cruise, a General Motors-affiliated self-driving technology business. While passengers are not currently authorised, a limited number of people are scheduled to be able to utilise Cruise taxis by the end of the year, with full commercial operations set to begin in the second half of 2024. 

While the pricing for these Cruise taxis have yet to be finalised, they are likely to be equivalent to limo taxis, which normally cost 30% more than regular cabs in Dubai. As part of its Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, the RTA intends to launch additional autonomous taxis in the Jumeirah region next year and hopes to deploy roughly 4,000 driverless cabs across Dubai by 2030. 

By 2030, this initiative aims to transform a quarter of all mobility travels in the city to smart and autonomous journeys. Cruise’s vehicles are Chevrolet Bolts, which are all-electric and emission-free subcompact hatchbacks outfitted with LiDAR, cameras, and radars to identify objects and people on the road.

Over the next decade, Dubai’s population of centi-millionaires (those with a net worth of $100 million or more) is expected to grow by 78%.

Dubai currently has 210 centi-millionaires, ranking 16th out of 50 global cities in this category. With 775 centi-millionaires, New York leads the global list, followed by the Bay Area, San Francisco, which has 69 billionaires. In the last 20 years, the worldwide number of centi-millionaires has more than quadrupled to 28,420 people. 

With a predicted 38% growth in centi-millionaires over the next decade, Asia and the Middle East are likely to play a larger role in this demographic. 

This riches is largely the result of inheritance, company sales, stock market operations, and successful technological projects.

In a remarkable turn of events, tickets for the highly anticipated SB19 concert in Dubai have completely sold out within a record-breaking span of just one week! This astounding feat highlights the immense popularity and fervent fanbase of the Filipino boy band sensation.

Scheduled to take place at Dubai’s prestigious Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on November 24, the concert promises an electrifying experience for fans in the UAE. This event marks SB19’s third appearance in the country, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.

SB19, known for their chart-topping hits including the infectious ‘Gento’, has captured hearts worldwide with their music. From the emotionally resonant ‘MAPA’ to the globally celebrated ‘GENTO’, their songs transcend cultural boundaries, earning them a diverse fan following spanning different nationalities.

Their latest single, ‘GENTO’, released on May 19, made an impressive debut at number eight on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The song’s music video on YouTube has amassed over 30 million views, solidifying its status as a global hit and becoming a sensation on TikTok.

The rapid sell-out of tickets for the November 24 concert is a testament to SB19’s extraordinary popularity. As one of the concert’s producers aptly remarked, “Third time’s a charm.”

SB19’s ‘Pagtatag’ World Tour kicks off in Asia this November, starting in Singapore on November 15, followed by Bangkok on November 19, and culminating in Dubai on November 24. This tour is only the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating journey for this immensely talented Filipino group.

Beond Airlines, the world’s first premium leisure airline, took to the skies today as it unveiled its inaugural aircraft in an exclusive livery and a lavishly appointed cabin. Celebratory events were held in Malé, Maldives, attended by dignitaries, investors, supporters, and employees, and simultaneously broadcasted online and in-person in Dubai. The airline presented its first aircraft, an Airbus A319 configured to offer 44 passengers an all lay-flat seating experience.

“Welcome to Beond. Our aim is simple: to fly our customers to the most unique and unspoiled destinations where they can release their inner explorer on the most memorable vacation of their lives,” declared Tero Taskila, CEO and co-founder of Beond. “Today is but the beginning of our vision for our customers, embodied by this beautiful aircraft – inside and out. We could not be more pleased to showcase it in the Maldives, our home, and Dubai. We wish to thank the government of the Maldives and our supporters there, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, and SIMDI Group – each of whom believed in our vision for a new airline in the Maldives. Our team will do its best to bring tourists to this beautiful nation.”

Beond’s inaugural passenger flights are slated to commence in November 2023, with the Riyadh inaugural flight scheduled for November 9, the Munich inaugural on November 15, and the Zurich inaugural departing on November 17. Leading up to the scheduled launch of regular services, early bird customers have chartered the aircraft to experience the beauty of the Maldives. Moreover, the airline has announced new routes from Dubai and Milan, set to begin in late March 2024.

“Today is the realization of a dream I first had 20 years ago,” revealed Max Nilov, Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder of Beond. “I had a dream of this airline, for this aircraft, and for this experience for passengers. We have created a premium experience coupled with an operating philosophy that is unmatched.”

Sascha Feuerherd, Chief Commercial Officer of Beond, remarked, “The response by customers and stakeholders has been excellent in our launch cities – which was to be expected. And now the interest has grown from other new origins on our route map. I look forward to greeting our first passengers as they board.”

Beond Airlines will operate a fleet of state-of-the-art Airbus A320-family aircraft configured in a unique luxury lay-flat arrangement, offering travelers access to the Maldives from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. The first Beond aircraft will be on display at the Dubai Air Show in mid-November, and additional Airbus aircraft will join the Beond fleet in late 2023 and early 2024.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has recently inaugurated two new footbridges on Ras Al Khor Road, as part of a larger initiative to build seven footbridges. 

This move underscores the RTA’s dedication to improving traffic safety and providing secure pedestrian crossings for the well-being and happiness of Dubai’s residents and visitors. 

The footbridges are equipped with advanced electromechanical systems, alarms, firefighting equipment, remote monitoring, and dedicated bike racks. Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA, highlighted the organization’s commitment to global standards in traffic safety and reducing accidents.

 The first bridge connects Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, while the second is located across Marhaba Mall and Wasl Complex in Nadd Al Hamar. Both bridges are designed with specific measurements and features to enhance safety and convenience for pedestrians and cyclists.