In a major step towards enhancing family wellbeing and protecting the rights of women and children, Sharjah has approved the establishment of a new Family Court dedicated to resolving family-related disputes and improving access to justice.

The move aims to strengthen family stability across the emirate by providing faster, more compassionate legal support for those dealing with divorce, custody, alimony, and guardianship issues.

Prioritising Protection for Vulnerable Family Members

As part of this initiative, a new committee will be set up to oversee and safeguard the funds of children and other vulnerable individuals. This includes creating transparent financial plans to manage their money responsibly and ensure it is used in their best interest. Regular updates will be provided to Sharjah’s Judicial Council to maintain accountability.

Special Fund to Support Alimony Needs

Sharjah’s Judicial Council also announced a special alimony support fund that will provide urgent financial relief to individuals, particularly women and children, who are left without support due to legal or financial obstacles faced by the responsible party.

If a parent or spouse fails to pay, the new fund will step in temporarily, with the owed amount later recovered from the responsible individual.

A New Chapter in Family Justice

This new Family Court and support framework reflects Sharjah’s growing commitment to:

• Fairness and fast resolution in sensitive family matters
• Empowering women and protecting children
• Creating a supportive legal environment that prioritises family harmony and social cohesion

The Judicial Inspection Department has been tasked with drafting new regulations to ensure that the Family Court operates efficiently and with compassion.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in family welfare reform in the UAE, ensuring no child or parent is left behind due to legal delays or unpaid dues.

Brace for a sticky evening and a foggy start to the weekend. The UAE weather will be fair to partly cloudy throughout Thursday, with temperatures climbing as high as 47°C, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Humidity levels are set to rise significantly overnight, reaching up to 85% in some areas, making for a sweaty and uncomfortable night. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity during late evening hours.

Meanwhile, Friday morning could bring reduced visibility, as the NCM has issued red and yellow alerts for fog and mist in several coastal and internal regions.

Motorists Alert: If you’re on the road early Friday, drive cautiously. Low visibility due to fog may impact certain highways and residential areas. Authorities urge drivers to stay updated and adhere to safety guidelines.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed Phase Two of its Smart Pedestrian Signal Expansion Project, installing the cutting-edge system at 10 additional locations across the emirate.

With 17 intersections already covered in Phase One, the initiative now spans 27 key sites, reinforcing the city’s commitment to intelligent infrastructure and pedestrian safety.

New smart pedestrian crossing

The smart crossings in this phase include intersections along Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Satwa Street, Salah Al Din Street, Amman Street, Al Qusais Street, and Oud Metha Street.
These signals have produced a positive outcome. “Results have shown improved safety levels at these pedestrian crossings since the signals became operational, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in mitigating risk and enhancing the overall road experience for all users,” said Mohammed Al Ali, Director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

The smart pedestrian signal technology, developed as part of Dubai’s broader smart mobility vision, uses sensors and AI-powered systems to detect real-time pedestrian movement. This allows for dynamic signal adjustments, ensuring that people crossing the road have ample time while also optimising traffic flow for vehicles. By reducing wait times and improving predictability, the technology benefits both road users and pedestrians, especially in high-traffic and urban zones.

The Smart Pedestrian Signal Expansion Project is also aligned with Dubai’s broader vision to become the world’s smartest and happiest city.

As the city prepares for future growth and increased foot traffic in both residential and commercial districts, intelligent systems like these play a crucial role in building a safe, accessible, and future-ready urban environment.