The Agenda

With World Drowning Prevention Day happening tomorrow, we take a closer look locally where beaches, pools and water sports are a big part of family life for much of the year here in the UAE. Experts say say many drowning incidents are preventable through better awareness, closer supervision and understanding the risks before getting into the water.

We also revisit the story of five-year-old Kian, who was enjoying a day at his community swimming pool when he silently slipped beneath the water without anyone noticing. Hear the inspiring story of how quick action and CPR helped save his life, and why knowing this lifesaving skill can make all the difference.

If you step in to help during an emergency and something goes wrong, could you end up facing legal consequences? 

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For decades, studying at an American university has been the dream for students around the world. And every year, hundreds of students graduating from UAE schools head to the US, making it one of the most popular overseas destinations for those studying the IB, A Levels and the American curriculum.

But is that beginning to change?

New data from Skyscanner suggests almost half of UAE travellers are yet to book their summer getaway, and for those who can be flexible, waiting until later in the season could mean significant savings.

For years, scientists thought there might be a glimmer of hope in the Arctic. The rapid decline in sea ice appeared to be slowing, raising hopes that one of the world's most visible indicators of climate change had stabilised. But new research suggests that optimism was short-lived.

And are there driving habits that could save you money without you even realising it?

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A major new United Nations report says 645 million people are living with chronic hunger, 2.1 billion experiencing food insecurity, and 2.7 billion unable to afford a healthy diet. The report also highlights a growing double burden, as obesity continues to rise alongside undernutrition, raising fresh questions about the cost of eating well and whether the world is on track to meet its 2030 goal of Zero Hunger.

Another UN report warns the world has entered an era of what it calls "global water bankruptcy", where we're using freshwater faster than nature can replenish it.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is over, with Spain crowned champions after beating Argentina in extra time in America. But while fans will remember Ferran Torres' winning goal, one part of the tournament went largely unnoticed: the pitches.

And do you drink Kefir?

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Do you prefer to get around by foot or bike? There's good news for Dubai residents who would rather not have to deal with road traffic and all the stressors that come along with it. The Roads and Transport Authority has approved a new five-year Soft Mobility Master Plan, which aims to make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and use e-scooters to get around neighbourhoods. 

A new study out of UC San Francisco found that boys aged 12 to 16 showed a correlation between an increase in "addictive" social media use and worsening ADHD symptoms by the next year. 

Prioritising saving for travel over saving for retirement? 

Are garments designed to confuse facial recognition systems about to go mainstream? 

We give you details of board game adventures in a museum.

And find out what's in store for this year's Dubai Summer Surprises.

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A recent study by the Rockwool Foundation Berlin shows men successfully use outside job offers to get pay raises in their current roles while women see no such gains and usually just quit to get a raise. 

Authorities and doctors in the UAE have been warning that what looks like an ordinary vape could be hiding other prohibited substances.  

Meet Gen - sadly, another scam victim. Hear her story.

And did you know why there's a practice of destroying unsold items in the luxury industry?

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The UAE is now providing five-year multiple-entry tourist visas for international visitors of all nationalities. What kind of difference will this longer-term tourist visa have for the hospitality industry here?

The Dubai Future Foundation has released the fifth edition of its "Global 50” report. It's a detailed and forward-looking report that looks at transformations across critical sectors. It also analyses 50 "opportunities" for the future that were featured in previous reports to consider how they might be implemented and could become a reality. 

Two students attending DESS College have created an initiative called DuneTales, they say they want to document and share the stories of migrant workers in the UAE: like construction workers to maintenance staff. 

The UK government has proposed a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17year-olds, blocking apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube from midnight to 6am, though users can opt out by changing their account settings. 

Apparently there's a social media trend that has gone viral, urging young people to put slime or squishy toys in the microwave as a "hack" to make it softer. Dubai Police have issued a warning not to heat any of these toys, as it can cause serious injury. 

And Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is out in cinemas this week! When is the last time a movie elicited this level of excitement? 

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Has your car insurance gone up in recent years? It can be tempting to take the best deal out there, but sometimes when a price looks too good to be true, it often is. 

That's the warning from the UAE Ministry of Interior who have alerted the public to social media accounts impersonating real insurance companies to scam people out of their hard-earned cash. 

The Dubai Police solved a robbery case in Deira in just 10 minutes. Find out how technology played a major part here.

What's the impact of automation on the more experienced workforce here in the UAE?

UAE and international film makers will gather in Dubai this month of the Emirates Film Festival.

And $75 million is up for grabs for this year's Esports World Cup.

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If you’ve got something negative to say, it’s best to err on the side of caution here in the UAE. A recent Abu Dhabi court case has found an influencer liable to pay more than AED 81,000 in compensation and fines over a social media video that was deemed to be defamatory. 

Food and water security have been a top priority for authorities in the UAE, and for years now there has been a push to develop local agriculture and food production. Recent disruptions to global shipping have reminded us of the importance of secure supply chains and having diversified import sources. So what does food security actually look like on the ground? 

And summer can be challenging for parents: how do you keep children entertained and still learning without them spending six weeks glued to a screen? 

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Ahmed and Maansi share their personal experiences to help others spot the warning signs and avoid falling victim to scams.

As the Strait of Hormuz has become a key point of contention between the US and Iran, some vessels have managed to exit, but an estimated 6,000 seafarers remain stranded according to the International Maritime Organization. With deaths, injuries, and the threat of possible attack looming over seafarers, how are those stuck at sea managing?  

The UAE has been becoming a destination for people seeking out advanced medical treatments that are not available elsewhere. We meet the lead doctor behind a complex brain surgery procedure on a 15-year-old Russian patient.

And Erling Haaland is on The Agenda today... well, almost.

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Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre has announced the launch of a new central control room to oversee its autonomous vehicle operations across the emirate. But many questions remain, do people feel safe to start using these services? 

Meta has now pulled the plug on an AI tool it only launched less than a week ago after it sparked widespread condemnation and criticism over privacy issues. 

Here in the UAE, a new initiative wants to put brain health at the center of that conversation. Professional boxers competing in the country will now undergo pre-fight brain and cognitive assessments before being medically cleared to compete.

If you're spending the majority of your summer right here in the UAE, we have some tips on where to go during your break. 

And fancy stargazing this summer?

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