Gerard Butler recently attended the How to Train Your Dragon regional premiere in Riyadh, highlighting Saudi Arabias rapid cinematic rise since lifting its 2018 cinema ban. Butler praised the Kingdoms hospitality and growing film industry, while reflecting on his role as Stoick the Vast, showcasing both a country and a character opening up to the world.

A team of scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi has developed the RCP-Chip, a paper-based diagnostic device that detects infectious diseases in under 10 minutes. Designed for low-resource settings, its portable, affordable, and can be adapted to test for various diseases. The team has filed a patent and aims to commercialize the device for global use.

The expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025 runs from June 15 to July 13 in the US. Dubai club Al Ain will face Manchester City on June 23 at 5 AM GST in the Round of 16. Fans in Dubai can watch all matches live at top sports bars, cafs, and pubs across the city.

Dubai's Kindness Blood Donation Team, founded by Indian expats in 2015, has saved over 25,000 lives through 250+ campaigns. Initiated by Shihab Theruvath, Anwar Wayanad, and Salam Kanyappady, the team quickly mobilized donors using WhatsApp groups, bridging the gap between need and availability. Their resilience shone during COVID-19, maintaining critical blood supplies.

The UAE's Midday Work Ban starts June 15. It stops outdoor work from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM until September 15. This protects workers from heat. The ban has a high compliance rate. MoHRE inspects sites and offers support. Violators face fines. The UAE aims for safe work conditions. Public can report violations. This ban aligns with UAE's 2031 vision.

A major fire erupted in a 67-story residential tower in Dubai Marina late Friday, prompting a swift response from Dubai Civil Defence. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze after six hours, safely evacuating all 3,820 residents without any injuries. Tram services were temporarily suspended as a precaution, with replacement shuttle buses provided, while authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Kuwait is tightening its immigration policies, requiring private sector expats to obtain employer approval before leaving the country starting July 1, 2025. Additionally, stricter family visa rules mandate a minimum salary of KD800 for sponsoring dependents. These changes aim to enhance oversight, prevent illegal departures, and ensure financial stability for expatriate workers and their families.

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced AI-driven work permit services, eliminating manual processes and document requirements. This initiative, part of the 'Zero Bureaucracy Program,' streamlines services, enhances efficiency, and improves customer satisfaction. MoHRE also leverages user feedback to refine services and build a future-ready public service ecosystem.

Dubai parents are facing increased school fees following KHDA's approval of a 2.35% rise in the Education Cost Index. While some families experience manageable hikes, others face substantial increases, prompting them to explore affordable options. Parents are adjusting by cutting expenses or moving children to cheaper schools.

UAE residents are facing soaring electricity bills due to the intense summer heat, with air conditioning usage driving up costs. Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi residents report significant increases, sometimes doubling or tripling their bills. DEWA advises energy-saving measures, including setting thermostats to 24C and using LED lighting, to help residents manage consumption.

The UAE has announced new media licensing fees. This is under Cabinet Decision No. (41) of 2025. The decision covers influencers, journalists, film producers and others. Licenses are needed to operate media services. Penalties for violations can reach Dh1 million. This move aims to regulate the growing media sector in the UAE. It also promotes transparency and accountability.

The UAE will open Hajj 2026 registration in September 2025, prioritising citizens who have not performed the pilgrimage before. Registration will take place through Awqafs digital platforms, with detailed requirements to be announced. The initiative aligns with the UAEs focus on innovation and efficient public service, ensuring a smooth and fair selection process for prospective pilgrims.

Starting July 1, 2025, UAE residents can travel to Armenia visa-free for tourism, leisure, or business, staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This policy, applicable to residents with six-month valid residency from GCC countries, aims to boost Armenia's tourism and investment.

SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi plans a special overnight event. Families can explore marine life after hours. The event includes guided tours and interactive activities. Participants will preview the Electric Ocean Festival. They will sleep in underwater viewing areas. Dinner and breakfast are included. The event aims to educate and entertain. Bookings are open for this unique experience.

The UAE introduced a new dirham symbol on March 27, 2025, symbolizing the nation's financial strength and forward-looking vision. Accompanied by clear usage guidelines, the symbol ensures consistency across physical and digital platforms, reinforcing the dirhams identity. These measures reflect the UAEs ambition to modernize its currency while boosting its stature in the global financial landscape.

A significant fire erupted at the Kaveh Petrochemical Complex in Iran's Bushehr province, resulting in three fatalities and ten injuries. The blaze, which ignited at a methanol storage tank, prompted widespread sharing of smoke plume footage on social media. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which follows a previous deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaee port just a month prior.

Indian nationals living in the UAE can file for divorce in India if they meet jurisdictional criteria related to domicile or the location of marriage. Proper attestation of marriage certificates and legal representation through a power of attorney are required. Personal court appearances may be necessary. Consulting a qualified Indian lawyer is essential to navigate the process smoothly.

The UAE's new media regulation, effective May 29, 2025, mandates that social media influencers and content creators engaged in commercial activities must first secure a business license before applying for a media license from the UAE Media Council. This initiative aims to foster ethical online content while upholding societal norms. To support creators, permit fees are waived for three years.