A new Ramadan television series is bringing communities together across the GCC, not through debate or drama, but through the shared experience of Iftar.

Haier presents Foodilicious, produced by Rigel Global Media, which premiered in February and airs every Saturday at 7:30pm (GST) on Zee TV, with streaming available on demand.

The English-language lifestyle series blends Iftar traditions, chef-led dining, hospitality features and cultural storytelling, reflecting the diversity that defines Ramadan in Dubai and across the Middle East.

More than a food show

Unlike conventional cooking programmes, Foodilicious positions food as a narrative tool.

Founder and CEO Abhishek K. Mishraa said the editorial approach mirrors news storytelling,  rooted in real life, cultural context and human experience.

The show was developed alongside Creative Head Puneet Verma and storyteller Aryaman Singh, who brought a contemporary lens to Ramadan traditions to connect with younger audiences.

Their goal? To treat food as memory, devotion and belonging, not just spectacle.

Familiar face fronts the series

Hosting the show is Lokesh Dharmani, radio jockey at City 101.6 FM, whose warm, conversational style anchors the format.

Behind the scenes, Production Manager Mukesh Dubey and Line Producer Tanim Ayub lead operations, while digital strategy is managed by social media personality Altamash Iqbal.

Backed by global brand support

The series is presented by Haier Gulf Electronics LLC, signalling growing brand investment in culturally resonant Ramadan programming, a season known for some of the region’s highest TV viewership figures.

Ramadan in the UAE brings together Emiratis, expats and visitors from across the world. By showcasing Iftar tables, chefs, hospitality experiences and shared traditions, Foodilicious aims to reflect that diversity on screen.

Commuters using one of Dubai’s busiest corridors just got a major upgrade.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, slashing journey times from six minutes to just one minute.

And this is only part of a much bigger transformation.

What’s the new bridge?

• It spans 1,000 metres
• Has two lanes
• Handles up to 3,000 vehicles per hour
• Connects traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Karama and Deira

It’s the third bridge completed under the wider World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.

Two earlier bridges opened in February 2026, improving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street.

Why this intersection matters

The World Trade Centre Roundabout is one of Dubai’s most critical traffic nodes. It connects five major roads:

• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
• Sheikh Rashid Street
• 2nd December Street
• Zabeel Palace Street
• Al Majlis Street

It also serves key destinations like:

• Dubai World Trade Centre
• Dubai International Financial Centre

More than half a million residents and visitors rely on this corridor daily.

From 12 Minutes to 90 Seconds

When the full five-bridge project is completed:

• Average delays will drop from 12 minutes to 90 seconds
• That’s a 92% reduction
• Free-flow traffic will operate in multiple directions
• The existing roundabout will become a signalised junction

Two additional bridges, connecting traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, are set to open in October.

Who benefits most?

• Daily commuters heading to Deira and Karama
• Residents in Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool
• Businesses in DIFC
• Event attendees at Dubai World Trade Centre

For drivers, the impact is immediate. For central Dubai’s traffic grid, the biggest gains are still coming later this year.

If you drive this stretch daily, you’ll likely feel the difference from your very next commute.

Motorists in Abu Dhabi are being urged to pay their traffic fines early, and save money while doing so.

Abu Dhabi Police has called on drivers to take advantage of discounts and flexible payment options available through the TAMM app as part of its “Pay Early, Gain Surely” initiative.

The move is designed to make traffic fine payments easier, reduce financial pressure on motorists, and encourage compliance with road safety laws.

Discount on fines

Under the initiative:

• 35% discount is offered if the fine is paid within the first 60 days from the date of violation (excluding serious offences).
• 25% discount applies if payment is made after 60 days but within one year of the violation date.

Officials said the initiative also aims to raise awareness about the benefits of early settlement, including avoiding potential increases in fine amounts over time.

Interest-free instalment option

Drivers can also choose to pay their traffic fines in instalments over 12 months through participating banks, without interest.

Authorities say this option helps reduce financial burdens while promoting responsible driving behaviour.

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate noted that the initiative supports broader strategic goals focused on improving service quality, increasing public satisfaction, and strengthening proactive digital services in Abu Dhabi.

Motorists can access and manage their fines directly through the TAMM platform, making the process fully digital and convenient.