The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is celebrating the bicentennial of Sharjah Fort with a range of events, workshops, and activities from August to December. These offerings allow visitors to immerse themselves in the emirate’s history and culture through specialized tours, adventurous activities, and captivating theatrical performances.

One highlight was the 8th session of SMA’s “Al Hisn in Memory” program, featuring a panel discussion titled “The Great Historical Monument” with experts in the emirate’s history. To mark National Day, entry to the Fort will be free on December 1st and 2nd, with various cultural and entertainment programs aimed at reinforcing national identity and promoting a deeper understanding of Sharjah’s history.

The historic fort, built in 1823, utilized local materials like soft light brown plaster and coral stone. It faced challenges over the years, including a near-demolition in 1969, which prompted the Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, to intervene and save its remains.

After meticulous restoration, the fort now houses collections chronicling the history of Sharjah city. It boasts two levels, a central courtyard, defensive towers, and various galleries detailing the building’s history and restoration phases. Artefacts displayed include historic documents, weaponry, and personal belongings of prominent figures.

Sharjah Fort continues to be a venue for various events, showcasing the region’s rich heritage. Two centuries after its construction, it remains a significant architectural and historical landmark, drawing visitors from around the world.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the COP28 President-designate, met with Pope Francis in Rome to discuss the vital role of faith leaders in advancing the climate agenda at COP28. 

The COP28 Presidency is collaborating with various organizations, including the Vatican and the Muslim Council of Elders, to ensure inclusivity by involving faith groups in climate discussions. They aim to provide a platform where all voices, especially those focused on vulnerable communities, are heard.

Initiatives like the Confluence of Conscience summit in Abu Dhabi on November 6-7 will bring together religious leaders, academics, and scientists to address climate action. Additionally, the COP28 Presidency will host the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28, encouraging dialogue among religious leaders, scientists, and political figures. 

Dr. Al Jaber expressed gratitude to the Vatican for its climate advocacy and invited Pope Francis to join the World Climate Action Summit at COP28. The COP28 Presidency emphasizes ambitious mitigation efforts, finalizing global adaptation goals, establishing a fund for loss and damage, and ensuring inclusivity as key areas of focus. 

They call on contributing countries to fulfill the $100 billion pledge this year and to double adaptation finance by 2025.

Dubai-based airlines, Emirates and Flydubai, are reducing their operations to and from Tel Aviv amid escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine. 

Emirates will cut its flights from three return trips to one daily, starting October 13 until October 31, 2023. 

The situation is being closely monitored, and affected travelers can make changes or obtain refunds for tickets issued on or before October 11, 2023, for travel until November 30, 2023. 

Flydubai, which operates four return flights daily, will consolidate its flight schedule to two daily flights from October 13 to October 31. 

Passengers can contact flydubai for rebooking or refund options. Both airlines are in close contact with relevant authorities regarding the situation.

The UAE can expect a fair to partly cloudy day with temperatures potentially reaching as high as 41ºC. 

Humidity is expected to increase by night and into Friday morning, possibly leading to fog or mist formation in coastal areas. Light to moderate winds are anticipated. The weather is influenced by a weak surface pressure system along with an extension of an upper-air high-pressure system. 

In Abu Dhabi, temperatures may reach 39ºC, while in Dubai, they are expected to hit 38ºC. The highest recorded temperature on Wednesday was 41.9°C in Mukuariz (Al Dhafra Region) at 14:30 UAE Local time.

A trackless tram service, utilizing electric Autonomous Rapid Transit vehicles, has commenced operations on weekends in Abu Dhabi. Connecting Reem Mall to Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi through a 14-stop route, the system can carry up to 240 passengers.

The service, initially launched on Yas Island in December, is part of Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Project. Stops include prominent locations like Marina Square, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, and the Corniche. The trams operate from 10am to just after 4pm. Real-time information and scheduling can be accessed via the Darbi app.

This initiative is a part of Abu Dhabi’s plan to introduce a smart mobility system in the emirate, with a fleet of autonomous vehicles and driverless taxis already in operation on Yas and Saadiyat Islands. Chinese autonomous driving start-up WeRide has been a key contributor to the testing of these driverless vehicle operations on Yas Island.

Al Ghurair Centre, a prominent Dubai shopping mall, has announced an expansion with 25 new retail and dining units. This initiative is part of a broader renovation plan, which includes the introduction of an entertainment complex and the upcoming launch of a comprehensive food hall.

Noteworthy brands like Under Armour and Giordano have already opened in September, with Nike, Converse, and Sun and Sand Sports set to launch this month. Popular names like Fila and Homebox are expected to be operational by year-end, while others like Zataar W Zeit and Brand Bazaar are scheduled for 2024.

The Centre aims to welcome approximately 15 million visitors in 2023, further solidifying its status as a regional shopping landmark. One of the key attractions is GLITCH, a sprawling family entertainment space covering 3,700 square meters, offering various activities including bowling and climbing walls. The upcoming ‘street food’ hall, Flayva, will feature 23 innovative F&B units, providing a blend of local and international culinary concepts.

Anwar Atari, CEO Chief Executive Officer – Properties, Commercial, and Residential, highlighted the challenges brought about by the pandemic but emphasized the Centre’s commitment to enhancing visitor experiences through ventures like GLITCH and the forthcoming food hall.

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has issued a warning about fake event tickets being sold on social media platforms at prices that seem too good to be true.

These scams have been on the rise, with scammers disappearing after accumulating enough sales. Residents are urged to exercise caution when purchasing tickets from unreliable sources, as these scams have become more sophisticated and may initially appear convincing.

The ADJD advises people to be skeptical of unrealistically low-priced offers, refrain from sharing personal or financial information with unknown sellers, and only use official and authorized channels for buying event tickets.

If residents suspect a ticket scam, they should report it to the competent authorities through the dedicated hotline at 8002626. Reporting fraudulent activity is crucial in taking swift action against scammers and preventing further victimization.

The UAE has dispatched 33 tonnes of food supplies via aircraft to aid those affected by the earthquake in northwest Herat, Afghanistan. The disaster caused significant casualties, including women and children, and extensive damage to infrastructure.

The relief effort was a collaborative endeavor involving various UAE humanitarian organizations such as the Emirates Red Crescent, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This assistance demonstrates the UAE’s steadfast commitment to extending support and immediate relief to nations in times of crisis, aligning with the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing directives of the UAE’s leadership.

Image Credit: AFP

Starting from October 18, 2023, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will resume four bus routes to serve guests of the Global Village for its 28th season.

The routes include Route 102 from Rashdiya Bus Station, Route 103 from Al Ittihad Bus Station, Route 104 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, and Route 106 from the Mall of the Emirates Bus Station.

The buses will operate at varying intervals. The fare for a one-way trip to the Global Village is AED 10. Additionally, RTA will reintroduce electric Abra services for the 2023-2024 season to enhance the experience for Global Village visitors.