Abu Dhabi: As part of its cultural and intellectual programme at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), the Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion hosted a seminar titled ‘Dialogue and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Firm Foundations and Lasting Values.’ According to Emirates News Agency, the seminar featured several distinguished speakers including Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Legal Counsellor at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Professor of Law at Cairo University; Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi; Professor Zikrur Rahman, Founder and Director of the

Dubai: Firdaus Orchestra, an initiative by Expo City Dubai and the first all-female orchestra in the UAE, concluded the inaugural season of its ‘Firdaus Nights’ concert series with an operatic performance titled ‘Opera at Al Wasl Plaza’. The event marked the end of a series of successful performances. According to Emirates News Agency, the event was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, alongside senior officials from Expo City Dubai and media representatives from across the region. The concert featured three internationally renowned opera vocalists, led by Emirati soprano Fatima Al Hashemi, and included

Kuwait City: The 20th session of the Arab Media Forum is set to take place in Kuwait from 10th to 12th May 2025, under the patronage of Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdallah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. This year’s forum will be held under the theme: ‘Media Challenges in the Era of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation’. According to Emirates News Agency, Madi Abdullah Al Khamis, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum, announced that the United Arab Emirates will be the Guest of Honour at this year’s forum. A large media delegation from both the public and private sectors in

Florence: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) successfully concluded its participation in the International Handicrafts Trade Fair (MIDA) held in Florence, Italy, from April 25 to May 1. The Chamber’s pavilion received significant recognition at the event, serving as a platform for promoting the UAE’s creative and artisanal industries and empowering national talent to expand their presence in global markets. According to Emirates News Agency, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, led the delegation, which included Mona Sultan Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of the SCCI’s Chairman and head of the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, along

Sharjah: The Organisational Committee of Ports and Border Points in the Emirate of Sharjah held its fourth periodic meeting for 2025 in the Al Madam area, located in the Central Region of the Emirate. Chaired by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs and Chairman of the Committee, the meeting focused on initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and performance of all border points across the emirate. According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting agenda featured a review of feedback and recommendations from strategic partners, with a focus on infrastructure development, modernisation of technical systems, and simplification

Moscow: H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, attended the closing ceremony of an international symposium organized by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities and the Religious Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation. The gathering took place at the Grand Mosque Centre in Moscow under the theme ‘The Role of the Family in Empowering Society.’ According to Emirates News Agency, the symposium was graced by the presence of His Eminence Sheikh Rawi Gainuddin, Grand Mufti of the Russian Federation,

Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, reviewed the progress of key strategic road corridors being developed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to enhance traffic flow and mobility across the emirate. According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the implementation timeline for major road infrastructure projects scheduled for completion by 2027, aimed at serving 8 million residents by 2040. The briefing further covered the roadmap for deploying autonomous taxis and the development of the

Petra: Jordan’s Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) evacuated hundreds of tourists from the ancient city of Petra on Sunday after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in several areas of the region, in a precautionary move to ensure visitor safety. According to Emirates News Agency, Yazan Mahadin, Commissioner of Petra Archeology Park and Tourism at the PDTRA, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that ticket sales for site entry were suspended from midday as a safety measure. Mahadin reported that 1,785 tourists had visited the site earlier in the day, and most were evacuated by Civil Defense teams from