Brussels: The European Commission has published its annual State of Schengen report as the EU gets ready to celebrate 40 years of Schengen. The report reviews the achievements, challenges, and developments in the Schengen area over the last year. According to Emirates News Agency, the report shows that Schengen rules are being well applied and that intensified EU efforts have led to reducing irregular crossings at its external borders. It also highlights how Schengen requirements have become a crucial aspect of the EU enlargement process. At the beginning of 2025, Bulgaria and Romania completed their full accession to the Schengen

Al Ain: H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, has inaugurated Silal’s Innovation Oasis (iO), a research and development facility focused on agricultural technology. iO aims to bolster national efforts towards sustainable farming and enhance the UAE’s food security in alignment with the National Food Security Strategy 2051. According to Emirates News Agency, the event also marked the inauguration of the Advance AgriTech Academy. This academy is designed to cultivate the next generation of AgriTech leaders in the UAE through specialised programmes in career guidance and practical training, in collaboration with global research institutions.

Cairo: Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab League Secretary-General, announced that the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, mandated by the Arab-Islamic Summit, will undertake a new initiative in the coming weeks as part of a joint Arab diplomatic tour to urge the international community to take serious action to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip. This announcement came during a joint press conference held by Aboul Gheit with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Chairman of the 163rd session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level, following the conclusion of the session’s work. According to Emirates News Agency, the Secretary-General explained that

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), in partnership with the Family Development Foundation, has unveiled six key services and programs under the ‘Barakatna’ Initiative. Designed to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and their caregivers, the initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s integrated community care ecosystem while fostering family and social cohesion. According to Emirates News Agency, the launch aligns with the objectives of the ‘Year of Community,’ emphasizing holistic support for families. It also reflects the leadership’s vision of placing senior citizens at the heart of society, in recognition of their lifelong contributions to

Abu Dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Rural Development, has reviewed the council’s 2024 achievements and initiatives, as well as plans for the development of villages and rural areas. According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting featured a comprehensive presentation of the events and activities organised by the council across various locations. These initiatives attracted 200,000 visitors and involved 225 local SMEs and 200 volunteers, reflecting significant community engagement and support for the council’s efforts. Additionally, the

Amman: Jordan’s announcement of banning the Muslim Brotherhood represents a new step toward neutralising the influence of the terrorist group on nations. The decision appears to be a logical conclusion to a long journey marked by failed attempts at advising and reforming the group. According to Emirates News Agency, the Jordanian Minister of Interior announced today a ban on the Brotherhood’s activities and classified it as an ‘illegal group,’ following revelations last week of its involvement in armed plots against Jordan, arms smuggling, and collusion with foreign partners. The development cannot be seen in isolation from the broader context of

Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is set to take place from 26 April to 5 May 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the theme “Knowledge Illuminates Our Community,” the event is poised to attract a diverse array of participants and audiences. According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s fair will welcome 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries and feature a comprehensive program of 2,000 activities. These activities aim to engage readers, thinkers, publishers,

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) marked the inauguration of a 6.3-megawatt solar power plant in the Comoros, funded with AED25.7 million (US$7 million). The project enhances the nation’s energy infrastructure, helping meet growing energy demands and stimulate economic growth, while highlighting the Fund’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable advancement. According to Emirates News Agency, aligned with the UAE’s global development strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to expanding clean energy access and building long-term resilience in partner nations. The solar plant will provide a reliable, renewable energy source