The Agenda

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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Dubai’s Metro Blue Line has hit a major construction milestone. The RTA says the first phase of tunnelling has been completed in just two months, using the tunnel boring machine Al Wugeisha, which can excavate up to 30 metres a day. So what does this milestone tell us about the pace of the project?

Camel milk has long been part of Bedouin culture and a staple across the Gulf. But now it's finding a whole new audience, with demand growing in Europe, the UK and beyond as consumers look for alternative dairy products with potential health benefits. 

We've all done it.  Taken the hotel slippers home, piled our plates high at the breakfast buffet, or asked for a late checkout. But where's the line between making the most of your stay and breaking hotel etiquette? 

And please meet Billy... the cat predicting winners of the World Cup.

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Pakistani authorities have recovered wreckage from the K2 Airways cargo plane that disappeared after taking off from Sharjah on its way to Karachi. Search teams are still looking for the five crew members, who remain missing, as investigators work to determine what caused the aircraft to crash into the Arabian Sea. We speak to aviation expert and lawyer Nick Humphrey for the latest.

The UAE has established a specialised court in Abu Dhabi to hear human trafficking cases. To explain what this means and how it could strengthen efforts to combat the crime, we are joined by Devanand Mahadeva, Director at Kaden Boriss Legal Consultancy.

Is now the perfect time to snap up a bargain holiday in Dubai?

Meta is rolling out a new privacy feature for its Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Plus, find out which Instagram setting you should turn off to help prevent your photos from being used to generate AI images.

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That's a warning from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, saying that doing so can expose young people to unnecessary online risks. It comes as the UAE prepares to introduce a ban on social media for children under the age of 15.

Expo City Dubai has issued the UAE's first-ever Green Licences, recognising businesses that are putting sustainability at the heart of what they do.

Sharjah has more reasons for residents and tourists to visit the emirate this summer.

A black widow spider has been spotted in a Dubai garden. We tell you what you should do if you see one.

And there's a new app that aims to predict a person's risk of getting a heart attack.

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has stated that delivery drivers in the UAE cannot be compelled to work during the peak summer heat. That's 12:30pm to 3pm from June 15 until September 15. So how well are these protections being enforced on the ground?

We are catching up with a programme that's been inviting women in the UAE to go back to work if they have taken break for years to study or raise a family.

Scientists studying bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea have found they're increasingly following fishing trawlers, scavenging discarded fish rather than hunting for themselves.

And before you zip up your suitcase at the end of a holiday, make sure you're not bringing home some critters.

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Reports suggest the Dubai rental market is cooling, as supply surges, handing tenants new negotiating powers, and when it comes to buying how is the mortgage market now looking?

Also, 15-18 year olds can work over the summer if they get a juvenile work permit from MOHRE.

Plus, Dubai Police has issued a warning on the dangers of stopping on a highway, after 25 people were injured in a collision between a vehicle and three buses. 

And find out about NYUAD's weight-loss capsule and the tiny sea creatures that could be key to treating skin cancer.

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Could you really retire in your 30s or 40s? It's the idea behind the growing FIRE movement – Financial Independence, Retire Early. We ask whether it's actually achievable while living and working in the UAE.

Plus, a new report suggests global supply chains have settled into a "new normal" of disruption. From conflict and cyber threats to inflation, we ask what that means for prices here in the Emirates.

We'll also meet the pupils at a Sharjah school shortlisted for a global award after inventing an AI-powered vending machine that blocks unhealthy food choices.

And as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th Independence Day, we ask what America at 250 really looks like, with celebrations taking place against a backdrop of deep political division.

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A major new survey has found GCC workers are positive about their employers - but burnout, AI-related job fears and staff turnover are all on the rise. With September hiring season approaching, we ask whether summer is the perfect time for a CV glow-up.

Plus, Dubai International is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods of the year, with around three million passengers expected in the first half of July - and passengers are being reminded why power banks and vapes must stay out of hold luggage.

We also look at whether UNESCO World Heritage status is fuelling overtourism in some of the world’s most famous destinations.

And, a one-tonne elephant seal called Neil is becoming an unlikely celebrity in Tasmania after moving into town and causing chaos.

A 25-year-old researcher is leading efforts to reduce dementia in footballers by developing safer heading techniques and improving understanding of the long-term impact of repeated head injuries.

A one-tonne elephant seal called Neil is becoming an unlikely celebrity in Tasmania, moving into town and causing chaos.

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After hearing the remarkable story of five-year-old Kian, who was pulled from the water by quick-thinking bystander Michael, we continue the conversation by asking what every parent should know about drowning prevention. 

A lifesaving expert shares the simple steps that could save a child's life, while a legal expert explains the UAE's Good Samaritan law and whether helping in an emergency could ever leave you legally exposed.

Plus, where should we travel responsibly? As over-tourism continues to put pressure on some of the world's most famous destinations, we speak to a Maasai leader who believes his community should lose its UNESCO World Heritage status, and a cultural tourism expert explains how travellers can make better holiday choices.

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Etihad Rail's first passenger train has made history - with the first service travelling from Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. 

The train arrived 3 minutes early into Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi. Our reporter Andrew Hosie is there talking to passengers - and we'll also look into the potential popularity of the service.

Meanwhile a new Emiratisation deadline is imminent - and businesses that miss it could face penalties of Dh120,000 a year, for every Emirati hire they miss. 

We'll hear from three Emiratis who've made the move into the private sector, and why they reckons other nationals should too! 

Plus the Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled an ambitious new season of exhibitions - we'll hear what we've got to look forward to.

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