The UAE has introduced a new federal law to protect children from harmful digital content, highlighting the country’s commitment to child safety in the digital age. As children increasingly use the internet for education, entertainment, and communication, the law aims to create a safer and more controlled online environment for young users. The law applies to a wide range of digital services, including social media platforms, online gaming services, video streaming platforms, and messaging applications. These platforms are required to introduce child-friendly design features, such as age-appropriate content ratings and default privacy settings for users under 18. Children must be protected from content that could harm their physical, psychological, or moral development, including violence, exploitation, and inappropriate material. In addition, the law places limits on targeted advertising aimed at children. Digital platforms are not allowed to exploit children’s data or encourage excessive screen use through manipulative design features. Providers must also have clear systems for reporting harmful content and responding quickly when violations occur. Internet service providers are also given responsibilities under the law. They must offer parental control tools and content-filtering options that allow parents and guardians to supervise their children’s online activity. These tools are intended to help families manage screen time and limit access to unsuitable content. The law promotes shared responsibility between digital companies, parents, and authorities. While parents are encouraged to guide their children’s digital behaviour, government bodies will oversee enforcement and may impose penalties on companies that fail to comply. Overall, the new law reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to digital regulation. By setting clear rules and expectations, it aims to ensure that children can benefit from technology while staying safe online.

The UAE has transitioned from a nation built on traditional industries to a global pioneer in environmental preservation and climate technology. This transformation is not just an economic change but a deep commitment to green the desert and protect the planet’s resources. A significant moment in this journey was the historic UAE Consensus reached at COP28, which set new global benchmarks for transitioning away from fossil fuels and tripling renewable energy capacity worldwide. Following this moment, the government has integrated sustainability into everyday life, striving toward the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. “Sustainability has been a fundamental principle in the United Arab Emirates since its unification. Today for Tomorrow embodies our commitment to protect the future... ensuring that we leave behind a legacy of stewardship for future generations.” - His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan To make sure these changes happen, the UAE passed its first Climate Change Law at the end of 2024. Before, being eco-friendly was mostly something companies chose to do, but now it’s a legal requirement. By May 2026, all big companies have to show exactly how they are cutting down their carbon emissions. This ensures that as the country grows, we aren't hurting the planet at the same time. We can already see this happening in places like Masdar City and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The solar park is actually the biggest one-site park in the world! These places are science labs where experts work on new tech, like green hydrogen and ways to keep our cities cool without using too much energy. Also, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative was started to help find better ways to get fresh water using clean energy, which is really important for our region. The government wants students and young people to get involved. They extended the "Year of Sustainability" through 2025 and started new projects for 2026 called "Plan to Action." There is also the Zayed Sustainability Prize, which gives awards to people coming up with ideas for food, health, and energy. By using new laws and supporting smart ideas, the UAE is turning the old goal of "Greening the Desert" into a real plan for a cleaner future for all of us.

Christmas in the UAE is a time of festive cheer, with residents and visitors enjoying seasonal decorations, events, and celebrations across the country. Shopping malls, hotels, and public spaces are often decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and themed displays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While Christmas is not a public holiday in the UAE, it is widely recognised and celebrated. Many public places, especially malls and hotels, take the lead in decorating for the season. Christmas trees, light displays, and festive music are common and attract families and tourists alike. These decorations are generally encouraged, as long as they remain appropriate and respectful of local culture. Displays should not be offensive or disruptive, and festive music that is religious cannot be played in public spaces. Shops and businesses often decorate their premises and run Christmas-themed promotions. However, they are expected to comply with existing commercial and advertising regulations. This includes ensuring that decorations are safe, properly installed, and relevant to the festive season. Businesses that organise special promotions or displays may need to obtain the necessary approvals, especially if the decorations extend into public areas. Schools need to receive approval from ADEK before undertaking any kind of festive celebrations. Usually, it is permissible to have winter-themed festivities as long as they do not explicitly mention Christmas in the music or displays. At home, residents are free to decorate and celebrate Christmas privately. Christmas trees, lights, and small gatherings are common, provided they do not disturb neighbours or violate noise and community rules. As with all celebrations in the UAE, consideration for others and respect for local customs are important. Any issues related to unsafe decorations, public disturbance, or inappropriate behaviour are handled under general laws rather than Christmas-specific regulations. Penalties can include fines or the removal of displays.

Across the UAE, housing costs have become one of the biggest concerns for young residents, especially as rents continue to rise in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. According to The National (2025), Dubai rents have increased by almost 25 percent in just one year. For students, new graduates and young families, this kind of jump can make renting feel less like an exciting step into independence and more like a stressful financial challenge. One of the main reasons behind this rise is the growing demand for housing. The UAE keeps attracting professionals from all over the world, as well as international companies that bring new workers with them. More people moving in naturally means more people competing for the same number of homes. Gulf News recently reported that Abu Dhabi property transactions have reached around Dh94 billion this year, which shows how active and crowded the market has become. With so many new residents arriving, demand is climbing faster than the supply of new apartments. Another part of the problem is that new housing takes time to build. Even though both cities are continuing to expand, construction cannot keep up with the number of people looking for affordable homes. Many of the new developments also focus on luxury apartments, which appeal to wealthy residents or investors but leave fewer mid-range options available. This makes it harder for young people to find a place that fits both their lifestyle and their budget. It is also important to understand that the pressure does not come only from rising prices. The way rent is paid in the UAE adds to the challenge. Traditionally, tenants paid rent using one to four cheques per year, which meant paying a large amount of money upfront. For young professionals or graduates who have only just started earning a salary, this can be overwhelming. As reported by Gulf News, many tenants say the biggest struggle is not the rent itself but the size of the upfront payment. Thankfully, things are slowly changing. More landlords now accept monthly payments, and Khaleej Times notes that paying rent in 12 instalments is becoming more common, especially with the help of banks and digital platforms. For young residents, all of this has real impacts on everyday life. A larger share of income now goes toward housing, which leaves less money for saving, social life or long-term goals. Some people move further away from the city, where rent is cheaper, while others share apartments to reduce costs. Even students who want to move out after finishing school sometimes delay the decision because they simply cannot afford to rent on their own. There are still some positives to look forward to. The National predicts that rent growth may slow down in 2026 when more housing becomes available. The shift toward monthly payments is also a step in the right direction and makes renting more manageable for younger tenants. However, long-term affordability will depend on how much mid-range housing becomes available compared to luxury units. Overall, rising rents in the UAE come from a mix of high demand, limited supply and a payment system that has been slow to modernise. Understanding these trends matters, especially for young people who are planning their next steps in life. By staying aware of how the housing market is changing, young residents can make smarter decisions about where to live and how to budget for the future. Further reading: https://gulfnews.com/business/property/abu-dhabi-property-hits-dh94b-surge-and-the-next-shift-may-reshape-2026-prices-1.500348156?utm.com https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/property/2025/10/04/dubai-house-rents-tenants-property/?utm.com https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/money/2025/10/17/dubai-rents-increase-property/?utm.com

I would like to wish all readers a very happy National Day! National Day is a time of pride and celebration, and many people enjoy heading to the corniche to watch the fireworks and join the festivities. Every year, large crowds gather to celebrate together, creating an energetic and joyful atmosphere. However, to ensure that everyone can enjoy the holiday safely and comfortably, new regulations have been introduced this year. These rules aim to reduce disruptive behaviour and keep public spaces respectful for families, women, and all visitors. The Corniche is one of the most popular gathering places on National Day, which is why specific rules have been put in place for this area. First, people are no longer allowed to spray others with “party spray.” While the regulation does not define the term, it likely refers to items such as silly string or shaving-foam products that are commonly used during celebrations. These sprays often cause discomfort, mess, and unwanted interactions, so their use on others is now prohibited. Drivers must also follow new regulations. You are not allowed to cover your license plate or tint your windshield beyond legal limits. Performing stunt driving is strictly banned, as it puts both the driver and surrounding pedestrians at risk. In addition, intentionally blocking or obscuring roads is not allowed, since this creates dangerous situations and delays emergency services. Another major concern addressed by the new rules is the harassment and chasing of women and families. This behaviour is unacceptable at all times and will be monitored closely during the celebrations. Anyone who experiences harassment, feels unsafe, or witnesses harmful behaviour can call the emergency police line for immediate help. New guidelines have also been introduced for baqalas and small shops during the holiday. Stores may not raise flags of other countries or display posters that are unrelated to Union Day. They are also not allowed to play music that does not fit the national-day theme. These rules are designed to maintain a respectful and unified atmosphere throughout the celebration. Penalties for breaking the regulations vary depending on the offence. Individuals may face fines ranging from 500 to 5,000 dirhams, though these violations do not come with criminal charges. In more serious cases, a vehicle may be impounded. Shops that violate the rules may receive fines or, if they have repeated offences, may be ordered to close temporarily. These measures aim to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable National Day for everyone.

“Humanity is on a journey. From the discovery of fire to the industrial revolution, we are on a constant voyage of discovery. Robotics and artificial intelligence are the next step.” —His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum HH Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, Vice President of the UAE The UAE not only embraces the emergence of artificial intelligence but works proactively to accelerate its progress. This commitment has positioned the UAE at the forefront of global AI development, taking an active role in shaping the next era of innovation. A key milestone in this journey was the establishment of the world’s first university dedicated to AI — the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in 2020. Since then, the UAE has made numerous investments aimed at solidifying Abu Dhabi as the AI capital of the world. To ensure smooth integration of AI into governmental and educational sectors, the government established the Council for Artificial Intelligence. The council is tasked with creating proposals that encourage research, foster cooperation between the public and private sectors, and support the implementation of the UAE’s national strategy for AI. Its efforts aim to secure the country’s position as a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031. Additionally, the government launched the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, which focuses on financing AI research and advancing technological development. This council prioritises investments that will transform Abu Dhabi into a global hub for technological expertise. The inaugural meeting of the AIATC, established on January 22 2024 To encourage positive and impactful progress, the government also introduced the AI and Robotics Award for Good. This initiative supports the National Innovation Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and recognizes applications of AI and robotics in health, education, and social services. The award highlights technological solutions that address real-world challenges while raising awareness of the beneficial use of emerging technologies. Winning initiatives may receive government support and funding to help turn these ideas into reality. Further reading: https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/digital-uae/digital-technology/artificial-intelligence/

When the amended UAE driving licence regulations were released late last year, headlines rushed to highlight a dramatic change. The driving age was to be lowered from 18 to 17, and people could now begin training earlier on than the earlier 17 years and six months limit. An example of a headline about this policy and the impact Since then, many children from ages 16 and a half to 17 have gone straight to driving schools to register, only to be turned away. Parents are frustrated, students are confused, and everyone is asking the same thing: If 17-year-olds can now supposedly get licences, why is every driving school refusing them? Here we will break down the issues in the law and how it is being reported. Official laws Before the new legislation, the rules for driving licenses for cars were as follows: You may open a file at a driving school and begin training for your license at 17 years and six months You may receive your license at 18 years old When new federal regulations were announced, the official change was that people could now receive their license at 17 years old. New update from the federal website With this update, people assumed that the same rules would apply where training could begin 6 months before the age a license could be received. However, this is not mentioned anywhere in the legislation, so people could still only begin their training at 17 years old. Driving schools decisions Although we see that the age to open a file is not as young as once thought, it is still younger than before. So why are 17 year olds getting turned down when asked for driving lessons? Driving schools have confirmed they have not received any federal directives to implement these new laws yet. So although technically, according to the law, they should be able to begin driving, schools must err on the side of caution and cannot offer these 17 year olds lessons until they turn 17 years six months. Excerpt from an interview with a driving institute 17 year olds can still open files, meaning they can access materials to study for the theoretical section of the driving test. However, they are not permitted to work with a driving instructor. The real impact There are, however, some people who this law effect. 17 year olds are able to drive motorcycles and vehicles for people of determination, as they have been for years now. However, before this legislation, they could only begin training at 17 years and six months, reducing the effectiveness of the lowered driving age. This made the previous system impractical and encouraged untrained riding, leading to high rates of motorcycle accidents (there are an average of about 50 deaths and 1000 injuries from motorcycle accidents yearly in the UAE.) This legislation is an attempt to help reduce these issues. If you are still unclear on what you or your child's situation is regarding these laws, you can contact the official transport authority for your emirate (RTA, ITC, etc.), or contact multiple driving schools to hear a variety of opinions. However, for most, it is unlikely they will be able to begin driving before 18. Further reading: https://www.gmdc.ae/can-17-year-olds-start-driving-lessons-in-uae/ https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/ar/legislations/2598

When the new Ministry of Education attendance policy was released earlier this year, media outlets were quick to zero in on a concerning new clause: " Students who have more than 15 unexcused absences during the academic year shall not be promoted. Fridays and the two days before or after official holidays are counted as two days.” An example of a headline about this 'new' policy Along with reporting this new clause, it was also stated by many articles that parents who violated this would have their case 'referred to the competent authorities', causing many to fear legal consequences for their child's absences. However, a closer reading of the new guidelines reveals a different story. Although this clause does exist, it isn't anything new, and its scope and severity have been highly exaggerated. The only change to the guidelines has nothing to do with attendance, and could positively affect expat children around the country. "15 day absence" clause As mentioned, this clause is nothing new, and has been present in previous guidelines, along with other guidelines like a minimum overall (including excused absences) attendance rate of 65% for promotion. To further understand the limited scope of this guideline, we must understand how schools are regulated in the UAE. MoE guidelines affect only public schools and MoE-curriculum private schools. International private schools are not regulated by the MoE. Each emirate has their own regulatory body for international private schools, like ADEK in Abu Dhabi and KHDMA in Dubai, and none of those groups have instated the same policy in their guidelines. Public vs private schools in Dubai In short, the rule isn’t new and hasn’t changed, it’s simply being restated in the annual MoE handbook. And most likely, unless your child is in an Arabic-language school following MoE curriculum, it has never affected them and never will. New clause on equivalency There is   a change in the guidelines compared to last year. Not in the assessment policy like the previous one was, but in the equivalency policy. Now, students without an Arab passport can attain equivalency without taking the mandatory MoE General Education Arabic Exam in their final year of school. Equivalency is the recognition of a private school student as having met UAE educational standards. It is required for all people educated in the UAE who want to remain studying/working in the UAE after graduating high school; otherwise, they will find themselves applying for a job or university without even a high school diploma. This is excellent news for international students as it means a potential language barrier will not prevent them from working in the UAE. Note the 'for Arab students', which is dependent on your passport. If your child has dual citizenship, their Emirates ID will have to be registered on their non-Arab passport to be exempt from this. How to handle disputes The MoE and every other regulatory body of education all have web portals to file complaints. If you feel that an attendance policy is being enforced unfairly against you or your child, you can make a complaint through those means. However, ensure you are contacting the group that regulates your specific school. If you are the parent of a public school student this is certainly the MoE, but it may take some brief research if you are the parent of a private school student. Overall, while sensational headlines may have disrupted many families and raised concerns, please feel assured that all is as it was, and your child can skip as much school as they desire. (Although they probably shouldn't.) Further reading: MoE 2025-2026 assessment policy MoE 2025-2026 equivalency policy