Abu Dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has directed an increase in the prize pool for the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship to AED3 million. This move is aimed at nurturing athletic talent and empowering athletes in a competitive environment that maintains high professional standards. According to Emirates News Agency, this initiative highlights the role of jiu-jitsu in enhancing societal quality of life due to its positive impact on character building, discipline, mental wellbeing, and physical fitness. Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Al

Vienna: Chancellor Karl Nehammer of Austria announced the provision of financial assistance amounting to pound 3 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support Palestinian civilians affected by the conflict. This aid aims to help provide drinking water, food, and shelter. According to Emirates News Agency, the Austrian Chancellor emphasised the need to resume talks aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire, highlighting the sharp rise in the number of civilian casualties.

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Sports held its first ‘Customer Councils’ of 2025, under the Zero Bureaucracy Programme, signifying its dedication to enhancing government services and operational efficiency within the sports sector. According to Emirates News Agency, the session was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, and Ghanim Mubarak El-Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, alongside more than 40 representatives from national sports federations. Dr. Al Falasi highlighted that the organisation of the first Customer Council for 2025 underscores the ministry’s commitment to involving customers in the advancement of sports services. Dr. Al Falasi stated,

Dubai: The Dubai Sports Council has announced the launch of its ‘Our Summer is Sporty’ initiative, which will run until the end of August. The events will take place across various locations in Dubai, featuring new activities such as the first-ever Snow Duathlon, indoor mall races, and snow-based stationary cycling competitions. According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative is being organised in collaboration with numerous national institutions and sports event organisers. ‘Our Summer is Sporty’ aims to promote a culture of physical activity and encourage all segments of society-residents and visitors of all ages and nationalities-to actively participate in summer

Abu Dhabi: The aviation technology firm LODD and investment holding group 7X have successfully launched the first pilot flight for autonomous drone parcel deliveries in Abu Dhabi. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the emirate’s logistics sector, showcasing the potential for innovation in trade, transport, and logistics through the use of cutting-edge technology. According to Emirates News Agency, the trial is part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s strategy, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), to adopt integrated mobility solutions throughout the emirate. The initiative received oversight from the General Civil Aviation Authority and the Integrated

Gaza: The United Arab Emirates, via ‘Operation Chivalrous Knight 3’, has delivered a new batch of emergency medical aid to health facilities in the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to Emirates News Agency, the aid aims to alleviate the worsening health crisis in Gaza, marked by severe shortages of medicines and medical supplies. Delivered through the Emirati field hospital in southern Gaza, the support included large quantities of essential medicines, urgent medical consumables, and specialised materials for paediatric care. The shipment also included 150 fully equipped medical beds and six field tents intended to

Abu Dhabi: The price of Kuwait crude oil reached US$69.98 per barrel during Tuesday’s trading, compared with US$76.32 per barrel on Monday, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said Wednesday. According to Emirates News Agency, Brent crude dropped by $4.34 to reach $67.14 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate lost $4.14 to $64.37 per barrel, as reported by the Kuwait News Agency.

Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, today announced the launch of its new Travel Health Clinic. This specialised clinic will address the evolving health needs of travellers – either departing from or arriving in the UAE – and thereby protecting both their individual well-being and the community’s health. According to Emirates News Agency, proactive pre-travel consultations offered by SSMC’s Travel Health Clinic can significantly reduce travel-associated health risks. Operationally supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of infectious disease doctors, travel health nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory staff,