Public Affairs

The Presidential Palace, a labyrinthine network of white domes, ornate buildings and gardens, has been hidden from the world – until now. The palace, or at least part of it, has opened to the public for the first time, granting visitors the opportunity to gain deeper understanding of the UAE’s governing traditions and values.

Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced plans for a real estate platform called Real Estate Self Transaction (REST), allowing landlords to sell and manage their properties online. The platform is part of the Dubai 10x initiative aimed at placing government entities 10 years ahead.

Five Waitrose stores in Abu Dhabi are charging 25 fils for grocery bags as part of a 12-week trial to discourage consumers from using single-use plastic bags. The trial runs from June 16 to September 8.

They say an act of goodwill can go a long way, and Dubai is embracing this concept with full force. Many initiatives in the UAE are created with the intent of making the city a safer and happier city to live in. One I’ve recently come across is Unspoken Smiles.

Making a stand against single-use plastic, the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, has established Team Zayed, joining 20 countries to encourage positive environmental behaviour, pledging to reduce single-use plastic in everyday lives.

For the fifth year in a row, the UAE has beaten Sweden and Luxembourg to take the title of “world’s largest donor of official development aid relative to its national income.”

This year on January 1, a 5% value added tax was introduced in the UAE and has since then been the hottest topic within the region.

A growing number of Dubai restaurants are ditching the plastic straw in favour of more sustainable alternatives. Working with marine conservation group @SeaShepherdMENA, they aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans and in turn the food chain.

Communicating complex information is often a challenge for businesses. Endless communication channels and competition can make things even more difficult. These strategies can help you keep your clients informed and engaged:

Equestrian tradition has been a vital part of the Emirati culture and has long given Emiratis a sense of pride and nobility.

With a family full of talent, it’s no surprise another member of the Maktoum family is a high achiever.

The National Law of Reading is an unprecedented legislative initiative to help achieve the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-based economy.