Al Hamriyah is stepping up its sustainability game with a massive new community farm designed to boost local agriculture and bring residents closer to fresh, homegrown food.

Launched by Al Hamriyah Municipality with support from the community, this 2-hectare project isn’t just about farming, it’s about building a greener, smarter future for the UAE.

Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the farm promotes home-grown produce, eco-friendly practices, and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Here’s what makes it stand out:
• Dedicated plots for residents to grow their own seasonal crops
• Fresh produce like mango, papaya, pomegranate, tomatoes and more
• Natural honey production
• Organic fertiliser made by recycling farm waste
• Student learning zones to boost environmental awareness

It’s not just a farm, it’s a hands-on hub for innovation, from testing climate-suitable crops to using advanced planting techniques like grafting.

The goal is to develop stronger food security, a tighter-knit community, and a more sustainable UAE 

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the temporary postponement of school bus services across the United Arab Emirates as students return to in-person learning.

The decision applies to all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools. Officials said the move is aimed at allowing time to complete operational readiness in coordination with transport authorities and municipalities, ensuring services meet the highest safety standards.

The ministry confirmed that the situation will be reviewed weekly, with updates on the resumption of school transport to be shared through official channels.

The announcement comes shortly after authorities confirmed that in-person classes will resume from April 20, 2026, for students, teachers, and administrative staff across the country. Schools have already completed key preparations, including facility readiness, staff training, and updated safety procedures.

Private schools will also have the option to implement a hybrid learning model if required, depending on their readiness and in line with approved regulations. However, schools must ensure that teachers are not required to handle both in-person and remote classes at the same time, to maintain education quality and manage workloads.

Flexible attendance, transport fees waived

Schools will take a flexible approach to student attendance as transportation challenges continue during the current phase of reopening.

Authorities said schools will assess attendance on a case-by-case basis, considering individual family circumstances while ensuring the smooth functioning of the education system.

In public schools, no transport fees will be charged during this period. For private schools, any arrangements related to school transport fees will be handled by local education authorities in line with approved regulations.

Officials say all measures are aimed at supporting families while maintaining stability in the learning process.

Officials added that schools will remain ready to switch to alternative learning methods if needed, ensuring continuity of education under all circumstances.

Authorities in Dubai are considering a new law that could hold parents legally responsible if their children misuse electric scooters, as part of efforts to improve road safety.

The proposal, currently being developed by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), aims to address growing concerns over unsafe riding and rising accidents involving minors.

Officials say electric scooters are no longer just recreational devices, with some being modified to reach dangerous speeds. Under the proposed law, parents could be held accountable if their children ride in restricted areas, break safety rules, or endanger themselves and others.

Authorities are also planning to introduce mandatory registration and number plates for all electric scooters. The move is expected to improve tracking, prevent misuse, and strengthen enforcement.

The proposal follows a rise in e-scooter-related incidents across the city. Recent figures show hundreds of accidents involving scooters and bicycles, including multiple fatalities and serious injuries, many of them involving children and teenagers.

Dubai Police have already stepped up enforcement, confiscating scooters and taking action against riders performing dangerous stunts in public areas.

Officials say the new measures aim to promote responsible behaviour, enhance accountability, and reduce risks linked to the growing use of micromobility devices.