Sharjah: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the supervision of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Authority has waived participation fees for Sudanese publishers at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair. According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative underscores Sharjah’s leadership in supporting Arab publishers, particularly amid regional economic and humanitarian challenges, by helping sustain knowledge production and preserve cultural memory. It also supports Sudanese writers by expanding their reach to wider audiences. H.H. Sheikha Bodour

Dubai: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) concluded a landmark edition, marking its first hosting in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The conference, themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ saw participation from over 4,500 global museum experts, cultural leaders, and decision-makers, highlighting Dubai’s cultural leadership. According to Emirates News Agency, the final day featured a session led by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the UAE’s cultural unity and

Dubai: As part of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, participated in a high-level panel discussion alongside Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State. According to Emirates News Agency, the session titled ‘The Spirit of Exchange: The UAE’s Unique View on Cultural Diplomacy’ was moderated by Mina Al Oraibi, Editor in Chief of The National. The panel explored cultural identity, diplomacy, and the

Belem: At the opening of the Thirtieth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Bel©m, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to multilateral climate cooperation, emphasising the importance of collective progress and strengthened international partnerships to accelerate global implementation and keep the 1.5°C goal within reach. According to Emirates News Agency, Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation. The UAE’s integrated and forward-looking approach to climate diplomacy – based on a whole-of-government and

Srinagar: At least nine people were killed and 29 injured when a pile of confiscated explosives blew up at a police station in the Indian portion of Kashmir late on Friday, police sources said, days after a car blast in New Delhi killed eight people. According to Emirates News Agency, most of the dead were policemen, including forensic officials who were examining the explosives. Some of the injured are in critical condition. The identification of the bodies is underway, as some have been completely burnt. The intensity of the blast was such that some body parts were recovered from nearby