The Agenda

Despite regional conflict disrupting major sporting events, the Dubai World Cup has gone ahead - sending a strong signal about the UAE’s resilience and global standing.

Meanwhile after heavy rain and flooding across the UAE, a new concern is emerging - could we now see a spike in mosquito activity, and how quickly can that risk grow?

And as NASA prepares to head for the moon this week, we'll take a closer look at how the UAE is ramping up its ambitions - and positioning itself in the global space race.

Plus, Dubai is continuing to invest in active transport - expanding its cycling network with 13 new tracks as the city pushes to become more connected and sustainable. We'll hear from the RTA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at what's happening on the roads during this season's rains and how the RTA and Dubai Municipality prepare and ensure that the 2024 floods don't happen again.

As we come to the close of the first week of home learning this term, we ask schools and universities about how they are managing the online setup.

We also speak with the KHDA to find out the latest rules when it comes to remote learning.

And if you're scheduled to watch a concert and it gets cancelled, what are your rights?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at property transaction volumes and mortgage lending in the UAE during the ongoing regional conflict.

The Dubai World Cup is back this weekend, with a staggering $12 million on the line and some of the best horses on the planet lining up at Meydan. So what does it actually take to train, manage, and race a horse at this level? 

And Primark has officially opened its first store in Dubai today, we look at how residents are receiving it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed and it's causing chaos in global trade flows. We get the latest on what can actually be done to restore safe passage through one of the world’s most important waterways with Damien Chevallier from the International Maritime Organization. 

The UAE’s small and medium-sized businesses are facing rising costs and uncertainty, and they’re looking for help. 

Some schools are planning a return to classrooms and in-school learning, but is it the right time? We speak with one of the biggest school groups - GEMS.

With oil prices soaring due to the crisis in the Middle East, the Philippines has become the first country in the world to formally declare a state of national energy emergency. We get the latest on the ground live in Manila.

And with record rains set to hit the UAE today, how can you protect your home before the next storm?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the conflict enters its fourth week, we take a closer look at the UAE’s resilience and global reputation with His Excellency Badr Jafar, the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy.

Construction remains one of the key pillars of the UAE’s growth. But how is the sector really holding up? We ask Chris Seymour of Mace Middle East.

A green corridor between Oman and Dubai is now in place to help keep trade flowing, offering an alternative route for cargo and easing some of the strain. Dr Lijo John from Heriot-Watt University Dubai gives us details.

And as home learning continues, we continue to hear from schools how they are managing the remote setup.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to cause global repercussions, we are revisiting waterway and the seafarers currently trapped at sea.

We also look at how the conflict is putting pressure on air traffic controllers.

We turn our attention to spending habits when uncertainty rises, and are UAE shoppers pulling back or leaning in?

As remote learning resumes, we also look at how the conflict is affecting families here in the UAE, and the growing pressure on nannies.

Plus, we check in with schools and parents to see how the first day back at school for students is going.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the UAE restaurant scene struggles to manage the implications of the current conflict, we find out how chefs and restaurant owners are fighting to keep customers coming through the door.

The UAE's Cyber Security Council is warning of heightened risks online as geopolitical tensions often fuel digital threats. We find out from cybersecurity expert Amir Kolahzadeh what we can do to avoid falling victim to wiper malware and how we can secure our CCTVs.

Elon Musk’s Starlink service is now officially available in the UAE. But is there a link between the launch of satellite internet and the current conflict? 

The ripple effects of rising oil prices are being felt far beyond the Middle East. We get details from Katie Chambers while she's on a pre-planned holiday in Sri Lanka.

And as unstable weather in the UAE approaches, we get a bit of an analysis of the situation from the unofficial weatherman, Howard Townsend.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Eid nearly upon us, and demand for food surging, what’s happening behind the scenes to ensure food security for key staples? Could we see shortages? Ahmad Ahli, Acting Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), gives us the answers.

As the conflict continues, UAE hospitals remain on high alert, ready to respond swiftly to any emergency scenario. We find out what their readiness plans look like behind the scenes with emergency medicine doctor Sabrina Berdouk from Medcare Royal Hospital.

And with the extension of distance learning for another two weeks, we find out how UAE universities are adapting and supporting students.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Distance learning has been extended from March 23 for two weeks amid the ongoing regional conflict, we speak with head of schools to find out what home learning will look like at their institutions.

Airspace across the UAE closed in the early hours of this morning before gradually reopening as an exceptional precautionary measure to ensure the safety of flights and air crew. We unpack what this means for travellers with an aviation expert.

And with the current situation, tourism is taking a hit, but hotels here in the UAE are adapting quickly. So what does that look like on the ground?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda speaks exclusively to His Excellency Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority or NCEMA, to find out how the UAE coordinates its response behind the scenes to keep the public informed and safe

After authorities arrest dozens of people for posting inaccurate or sensitive information online, we ask, when does a social media post become a crime in the UAE?

We find out how cruise operators had to quicky adapt to the regional conflict.

GoToDXB founders discuss running pleasure craft in Dubai during a challenging regional moment.

And we find out how Expo City is turning spring break into a hands-on nature adventure for kids.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.