Author: Elle Houghton
The Indian government’s proposal to officially rename the southern state of Kerala as “Keralam” has sparked debate among the UAE’s large Malayali community, with reactions ranging from cultural pride to practical concerns. The Union Cabinet cleared the renaming plan earlier this month, a move that would align the state’s official designation with its traditional Malayalam pronunciation. For the roughly one million Malayalis living in the UAE—the largest Indian expatriate group in the country—the discussion resonates strongly. Many see the change as a cultural correction similar to Bombay becoming Mumbai or Madras becoming Chennai, reclaiming an endonym over the colonial-era exonym. “The push…
Petrol prices in the UAE may increase in March 2026 following a rise in global oil prices fueled by ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. Brent crude surpassed $71 per barrel in February, reflecting growing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. In February, the UAE had reduced fuel prices slightly, with Super 98, Special 95, and E-Plus 91 retailing at Dh2.45, Dh2.33, and Dh2.26 per litre, respectively—a decrease of roughly eight to nine fils per litre from the previous month. Analysts now say those prices could be under pressure if oil markets continue to respond to the conflict.…
Pop singer Jason Derulo Abu Dhabi will perform at the closing ceremony of the 30th Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026, at Meydan Racecourse, organizers announced. He will take the stage after the day’s horse racing events, including the $12 million main race. The total prize pool across nine races is $30.5 million. The concert is included with race tickets, allowing fans to enjoy live entertainment immediately after the final race. Jason Derulo Abu Dhabi returns to Dubai after performing in the region, including at the 2024 Soundstorm festival in Riyadh. Derulo has sold over 250 million singles worldwide and remains a regular…
New Regulations Aim to Ensure Continuous Supply The UAE has introduced a system to prevent monopolies on UAE medical products. The goal is to ensure these products remain continuously available across the country. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) announced the regulations on February 24, 2026. Under the new rules, pharmaceutical companies must appoint multiple authorized agents for each product. Reducing Reliance on Single Suppliers The measure ensures essential medications remain available even during emergencies or operational disruptions. By diversifying distribution channels, the UAE reduces dependence on single suppliers and strengthens public health protection. Leadership Perspective Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister…
Dubai, UAE – Top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime survived a tense opener at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Monday, finally overcoming China’s Zhizhen Zhang after six match points to reach the Round of 16, while British No1 Jack Draper marked his return to the ATP Tour with a straight-sets win. Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka also made history, becoming the oldest player to win a match in the tournament’s 34-year history. Auger-Aliassime, ranked No. 8 globally, secured a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory, saving four break points and holding his nerve in a second-set tiebreak. “It’s kind of testing my…
Dubai, UAE – Over 400 students got a firsthand look at professional tennis skills on February 23 as Italian Davis Cup champions Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori hosted a one-hour clinic during the J.P. Morgan Kids Day at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. The event, part of the ATP 500 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, gave children aged seven to ten a rare opportunity to engage with world-class athletes. Bolelli and Vavassori, who together hold four Grand Slam doubles titles and are ranked inside the global top 20, led the children through demonstrations of tennis techniques, competitive rallies, and…
Multiply.co, a Nordic-based AI platform for creative agencies, has signed its first international client, luxury and lifestyle agency network Together Group, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion. The agreement will see Multiply’s AI-powered Creative Operating System rolled out across Together Group’s 14 agencies, starting with Purple, The Future Laboratory, and Seven Dials City. The platform is designed to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and provide agencies with AI-driven insights to support creative projects at scale. Together Group plans to use the technology to supplement human creativity rather than replace it. “We use AI to empower our creative teams…
Residents and visitors in the UAE can now drive to Jebel Jais, the country’s highest peak, without paying an entry fee or obtaining prior permits, authorities confirmed this month. The move restores full public access to the mountain’s scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and leisure areas. The free access is expected to boost last-minute winter and early spring trips, as cooler temperatures at higher altitudes make Jebel Jais a popular destination for both sightseeing and outdoor activities. “With entry requirements no longer in place, planning a quick mountain drive is now simple,” a spokesperson said. Dining options on the mountain have…
UAE workers have the opportunity to turn the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday into a nine-day break this March with strategic use of annual leave. The official Eid holiday for government employees runs from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, while private sector workers will have the holiday from March 19 to March 21, potentially extending to March 22 depending on the lunar calendar. By taking annual leave from Monday, March 16, to Wednesday, March 18, employees can combine weekends with the official holidays to create a nine-day stretch off work, from Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 22.…
Abu Dhabi’s Louvre Abu Dhabi has opened a major exhibition dedicated to Pablo Picasso, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the artist’s exploration of the human figure over seven decades. Running until the end of May 2026, the exhibition brings together over 130 works from museums and private collections across Europe and the Middle East. The exhibition, titled Picasso, the Figure, traces the Spanish artist’s evolving approach to representing the human body, from early experiments to politically charged works and intimate portraits. Highlights include the 1927 painting Woman in an Armchair, which demonstrates how Picasso began to distort reality to convey psychological and emotional depth.…