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Dubai launches Dh650 million Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary upgrade 

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In a major push for urban sustainability and eco-tourism, Dubai Municipality has unveiled a Dh650 million development project to transform the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, to attract 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually,  a six-fold increase from current numbers.

The announcement, made on Monday, confirms that the first phase of the project has been awarded and will be completed by the end of 2026.

A sanctuary at the heart of the city

Nestled just minutes from Dubai’s city centre, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region’s most important wetland reserves. It is internationally recognised as a BirdLife International Important Bird Area (IBA). It is home to more than 450 species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, marine life, and rare vegetation.

Popular observation spots include:

  • Flamingo Hide – for iconic views of greater flamingos
  • Mangrove Hide – ideal for spotting grey herons, spoonbills, kingfishers, and even ospreys

First phase: Expanding ecosystems and blue spaces

Phase one of the development focuses on expanding and enhancing the sanctuary’s natural environment:

  • 144% increase in water body area, growing to 74 hectares
  • 10 hectares of new mudflats (salt flats) to support migratory birds
  • 60% rise in carbon dioxide absorption, improving environmental resilience

What’s next in phase two?

The second phase will introduce more green spaces, native vegetation, and enhanced habitats to attract additional wildlife and further boost biodiversity. The plan also includes:

  • Upgraded walkways and bird hides
  • New educational signage and visitor infrastructure
  • A commitment to engaging, sustainable exploration for families, tourists, and students

Why it matters

This ambitious project reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to sustainability, conservation, and eco-education, making Ras Al Khor not just a refuge for wildlife but a living classroom and green escape within the city.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Paid parking around mosques in Dubai begins in August 

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Worshippers in Dubai will soon see a new parking system rolled out around 59 mosques across the city, and while the move introduces 24-hour paid parking, there’s good news too: It remains free during prayer times.

Starting in August, Parkin Company, Dubai’s largest public parking provider, will manage around 2,100 parking spaces in partnership with the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). The spaces, located around mosques, will be free to use for one hour during each prayer, helping ensure convenient access for worshippers.

Outside of those times, however, the same parking spots will operate as regular paid zones – either Zone M (standard) or Zone MP (premium), and will be chargeable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Zone M (Standard): Dh2 for 30 minutes, Dh4 for an hour.
  • Zone MP (Premium):
    • Off-peak: Dh2 (30 min), Dh4 (1 hour)
    • Peak: Dh3 (30 min), Dh6 (1 hour)

Of the 59 mosques involved, 41 will be in Zone M, while 18 fall under the premium MP category.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how this collaboration improves the worshipper experience,” said Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin.

For now, this initiative is focused on the current 59 mosques, but both Parkin and IACAD say there’s potential to expand the programme in future.

Parkin already manages around 209,000 paid parking spaces across Dubai, including developer-owned areas and barrierless systems at malls like City Centre Deira and Mirdif. This partnership adds to their growing footprint and introduces a structured approach to mosque parking that balances convenience with efficiency.

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UAE fuel prices for August announced: Petrol rates hold, diesel sees hike

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Drivers in the UAE can expect mostly unchanged petrol prices in August, while diesel costs have risen.

The UAE’s Fuel Price Committee has announced the official petrol and diesel rates for August, with petrol prices remaining nearly unchanged from July, while diesel prices see a notable increase.

From August 1, fuel prices across the country will be as follows:

  • Super 98: Dh2.69 per litre (down from Dh2.70 in July)
  • Special 95: Dh2.57 per litre (down from Dh2.58)
  • E-Plus 91: Dh2.50 per litre (down from Dh2.51)
  • Diesel: Dh2.78 per litre (up from Dh2.63)

While petrol prices have dipped by just one fils, the 15-fils hike in diesel could impact logistics and goods transport.

Fuel prices in the UAE are revised monthly under global oil market trends. Since the deregulation of fuel prices in 2015, the country has followed a dynamic pricing model aligned with international benchmarks.

Despite slight monthly fluctuations, the UAE continues to offer some of the lowest fuel prices globally, averaging Dh2.58 per litre, helping residents manage daily transportation costs while keeping inflation in check.

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Health

No tuition fees, just talent: New scholarship programme offers 100% tuition fee waiver

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In a major boost for aspiring medical students, especially those facing financial challenges, Aster DM Healthcare has launched a new scholarship programme offering 100% tuition fee waivers for MBBS, BSc Nursing, and BPharm courses. Designed to support 25 deserving students every year, the initiative opens doors to high-quality medical education at no cost, removing a key financial barrier for many talented individuals across India and the UAE

The Dr. Moopen’s Legacy Scholarship & Fellowships Programme, announced by Padma Shri Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, is the first of its kind from a private medical college in Kerala, and promises to transform access to healthcare education in underserved regions.

“No capable student should have to give up on a dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist because they cannot afford it,” said Dr. Moopen. “This initiative is our commitment to changing that.”

Scholarship Details:

  • 5 MBBS students will be selected based entirely on academic merit, including NEET rankings.
  • 10 BSc Nursing and 10 BPharm students will be chosen based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.
  • The scholarship will cover 100% of tuition fees.
  • Over five years, 125 students are expected to benefit, with a financial commitment exceeding INR 3 crore annually.

Applications open on July 28, 2025, and detailed eligibility guidelines are available at www.dmscholarship.in.

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