Bandar Abbas: The number of dead in the massive blast and following fire at Shahid Rajaee port increased to at least 40, while the number of the injured surpassed 1,000, according to the latest figures released by Iranian authorities. According to Emirates News Agency, Mohammad Ashouri, governor of Hormozgan, in southern Iran, where Bandar Abbas is the provincial capital, announced that the death toll increased to 40. “More than a thousand people were injured in the incident, of which 194 are currently hospitalized and the rest have been discharged after receiving treatment,” he said as quoted by Mehr News Agency.

Rabat: The Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council (FNC) will participate in the 3rd South-South Parliamentary Cooperation Dialogue Forum, which the Kingdom of Morocco will host on 28-29 April in Rabat. The UAE delegation will be led by Saqr Ghabash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC). According to Emirates News Agency, the forum is being organised by the House of Councillors of Morocco in collaboration with the Association of Senates, Shoora, and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA). The two-day event will focus on the role of interregional initiatives and dialogues in promoting economic integration

New Delhi: The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) concluded its active participation in the Asia regional committee meeting of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), hosted by India from April 23 to 25, 2025. The meeting was attended by representatives of reprographic rights management organisations from around the world. According to Emirates News Agency, this participation reflects the association’s commitment to strengthening its presence at both international and regional levels, and its keenness to stay abreast of the latest developments in the protection of reprographic and related rights. This contributes to supporting the reprographic rights and intellectual

Sharjah: Expert literary agent Janna Morishima emphasised the power of visual storytelling in turning even reluctant readers into passionate bookworms during her inspiring talk ‘Graphic Novels for Reading Fluency: Using Visual Storytelling to Build Stronger Readers’ at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF). Morishimo, who started her career at Scholastic and co-founded the Graphix Imprint, noted: ‘Graphic novels give your brain an information processing capacity. The brain comprehends images in two primary ways – meaning and narrative structure. While the left part of the brain is more analytical, the right brain controls creativity, art and imagination,’ she elaborated on the

Ras Al Khaimah: Mohammed Omran Al Shamsi, Special Advisor to H.H. the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, inaugurated the “Visual Rhythms of Art and Photography” exhibition held at the Design Gallery in the Al Raffa area of Ras Al Khaimah. This event celebrates World Art Day and aligns with the “Year of Community” initiative. According to Emirates News Agency, the two-week exhibition features 20 artists from 13 countries, presenting 40 artworks and photographs that capture their unique visions and highlight the aesthetics of both Emirati and global nature. The exhibition aims to provide a platform for diverse artistic expressions and

Al Dhafra: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has met with Noura Al Mazrouei and recognised her efforts in transforming date kernels into innovative food products. According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted her innovative spirit and concern for the environment, aligned with the UAE’s vision for sustainability and excellence. His Highness affirmed the leadership’s support for such projects and their role in strengthening UAE national identity and supporting sustainability. He also highlighted that the project reflects the nation’s capabilities in turning challenges into opportunities in service of society.

Dubai: Dubai Municipality is participating in the 32nd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, one of the world’s leading events for the travel and tourism sector. The Municipality will showcase its best practices and pioneering, innovative strategic tourism projects, reflecting its efforts to enhance Dubai’s position as a unique future global tourism destination and its position as a global hub for the tourism and entertainment industry in a modern and innovative manner. According to Emirates News Agency, during the exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28th April to 1st May, Dubai Municipality will present comprehensive insights into its

Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has directed the allocation of AED2.5 million to provide public and governmental libraries across the emirate with the latest publications from Arabic and international publishers participating in the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival. According to Emirates News Agency, this initiative continues Dr Sultan bin Mohammed’s longstanding commitment to positioning libraries as dynamic hubs for knowledge creation and skill development. It underscores the importance of supporting the publishing sector, empowering publishers, and expanding the educational horizons for new generations by offering