Dubai: Dubai Customs has celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of participants in its security refresher course, held in collaboration with the Dubai Police Academy. The ceremony was attended by Brigadier Dr. Sultan Abdul Hamid Al Jamal, Director of the Dubai Police Academy, and Khamis Al Muhairi, Acting Director of Human Resources at Dubai Customs. According to Emirates News Agency, the course is part of the Customs Inspector Training Programme, which aims to integrate security and customs work. A total of 84 young Emiratis, recent high school graduates, were recruited under this initiative to qualify them for customs inspector

Dubai: Dubai Police have apprehended a gang of 15 individuals, comprising 10 men and five women, involved in the distribution of sweets infused with narcotic substances. Alongside the arrests, authorities confiscated 48 kilogrammes of narcotic materials and 1,174 pills, with an estimated value of AED 2,448,426, during an operation named ‘Drugs Flavor’. According to Emirates News Agency, the details of the operation were disclosed at a press conference hosted by the General Department of Anti-Narcotics during the Anti-Drug Awareness Exhibition at Festival City Mall. The event aimed to educate the public about the methods employed by drug promoters and was

Dubai: Dubai Duty Free today announced a record half-year sales performance, posting a 5.34 percent year-on-year increase with turnover reaching AED4.118 billion (US$1.128 billion) for the first six months of 2025. This figure surpasses last year’s previous record turnover for the first half of the year by AED208.95 million (US$57.24 million). According to Emirates News Agency, the airport retailer recorded robust growth in April, May, and the first half of June. Sales were buoyed by a surge in travel over the Eid holiday and the early summer travel season. Dubai Duty Free Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi, expressed satisfaction with the

Abu dhabi: The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), the largest higher education institution in the UAE, has signed a strategic partnership with Saal.ai, a cognitive technology company under the Abu Dhabi Capital Group (ADCG). The collaboration aims to equip Emirati students with future-ready skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies. According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony held at the HCT campus, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting the UAE’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy. This initiative aligns with the UAE Year of Community and the nation’s broader

Singapore: The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) achieved a significant milestone by winning three prestigious awards at the GovMedia Awards 2025 ceremony held in Singapore. According to Emirates News Agency, the recognition was granted for three strategic initiatives in aviation cybersecurity, public awareness, and leadership development. In the category of “Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year – Aviation”, the GCAA was awarded for its Civil Aviation Cybersecurity Enhancement Initiative, which was launched in response to the growing global cyber threats. The initiative established an integrated national framework that included the development of a national civil aviation cybersecurity strategy, the formation of

Dubai: The UAE has emerged as the world’s leading market for mobile shopping, according to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index, UAE edition, commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions and conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence. Drawing on insights from a survey of 1,679 consumers and 329 merchants in the UAE, the report examines the growing role that mobile devices play in consumer behavior, providing UAE retailers insights to deliver more convenient and secure shopping experiences for their customers. According to Emirates News Agency, key findings indicate that 67 percent of UAE consumers used their phones as part of their latest retail purchase,

Abu dhabi: Knowledge Group, the training and development arm of Nema Education, has announced its acquisition of Biz Group, a well-established learning and development firm based in the UAE. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster Knowledge Group’s regional presence by expanding its data-driven training and consulting solutions, particularly in digital learning and the integration of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. According to Emirates News Agency, the acquisition agreement was signed by Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Nema Education, and Hazel Jackson, Founder and CEO of Biz Group, in the presence of executive

Dubai: The Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have jointly launched the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, a major initiative aimed at making homeownership more accessible for Emiratis and expatriates. According to Emirates News Agency, the programme offers priority access to new real estate launches, preferential pricing, and tailored mortgage products. It aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to double the real estate sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP and support long-term economic growth. Announced during a press conference at DLD, the launch was attended by