The BRICS International Football Alliance (BIFA) held its first-ever Council Meeting at the BIFA+ Global Headquarters in the UAE, marking a milestone in its mission to advance football diplomacy and cooperation across the Global South.

The session, attended by official representatives from China, underscored the strengthening partnership between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China in promoting sports, cultural, and technological exchange under the BIFA & BIFA+ framework.

Held under the theme “Deepening Sports Synergy and Promoting Diversified Development,” the meeting reviewed BIFA’s achievements since its establishment and outlined a bold strategic roadmap for 2026–2027, driving collaboration among BRICS and BRICS+ nations.

2026: BRICS Football International Village to debut in UAE

Next year, BIFA+ will launch the BRICS Football International Village at its UAE headquarters,  an integrated “sports, culture, health, and innovation” hub designed to foster collaboration and showcase the spirit of the Global South.

The initiative will connect regional headquarters in the UAE, China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, and feature cultural exhibitions, AI innovation forums, and the BRICS Football Cup Invitational Tournament, culminating in the BIFA+ Global Launch Ceremony in the UAE.

2027: China to host expanded BRICS Cup activities

In 2027, as China hosts the BRICS Summit, the country will also welcome the BRICS Cup Football Tournament, bringing together champion city teams from across member nations.

Ms. Wang Min, Chair of BIFA China, said the tournament will blend “Football + Urban Culture + New Media” – using digital storytelling and live engagement to make the BRICS Cup a globally recognised cultural sporting event.

A global platform for unity and innovation

BIFA’s development strategy is built around its “three-wheel drive”, sports, culture, and technology, ensuring sustainable growth and collaboration among BRICS nations.

Salem Almazaini, Founder and President of BIFA & BIFA+, said: “From our headquarters in the UAE, BIFA will use football as a vessel to deepen cooperation among BRICS and BRICS+ nations across sports, culture, health, and digital innovation.”

Founded under the guidance of Larisa Zelentsova, President of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects (Russia), BIFA continues to grow as a bridge between nations, using football as a language of diplomacy and sustainable development.

Not every website is what it seems, and that “official-looking” page you just opened might actually be a clever scam.

That’s the warning from the UAE Cyber Security Council, which has urged internet users to pay close attention to every click, as cybercriminals are getting smarter at mimicking trusted websites.

According to the Council, fraudsters often exploit tiny details, a swapped letter in a URL, a missing padlock icon, or an unusual domain, to lure users into fake websites that steal personal information.

“Smart user choices are the key to staying safe online,” the Council reminded.

To verify whether a website is genuine, residents can use the official StaySafe platform at staysafe.csc.gov.ae.

Look for these red flags

The Council has listed several warning signs to spot fraudulent websites:

• Misspelt URLs or extra characters
• The absence of HTTPS (the “S” stands for secure)
• No padlock icon in the browser bar
• Unusual or suspicious domain extensions

If any of these appear, don’t share your details.

The Council also explained the crucial difference between HTTP and HTTPS.
While HTTP transmits data in plain text (and can be intercepted by hackers), HTTPS encrypts information and verifies a website’s authenticity before data is exchanged.

Smart browsing habits that protect your data

The UAE Cyber Security Council has shared some practical steps to browse safely:

• Use private browsing mode to reduce tracking.
• Install privacy extensions for extra protection.
• Clear cookies and cache regularly.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive tasks.
• Always check for HTTPS before entering personal data.
• Never click on suspicious links or QR codes.

Your smartphone, the Council noted, contains highly sensitive data, from Emirates ID to financial information, making regular browser updates and caution essential.

Whether you’re shopping, banking, or simply browsing, a moment’s caution can save you from a major cyber headache.

So next time, before you click, pause, and check that padlock.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a new edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative, inviting nominations for individuals and organisations making a real difference in their communities, with a Dh1 million prize awaiting the winner.

“Creating hope is the highest and most noble achievement for those seeking to serve their communities,” said Sheikh Mohammed. 

“Hope makers open the door to dreams and a sense of security. Our Arab world is home to heroes who make us proud, offering daily examples of generosity and dedication in serving others.”

The Arab Hope Makers initiative, launched under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), aims to celebrate volunteers, community champions, and philanthropists across the region who are improving lives, uplifting others, and spreading optimism.

A platform for kindness and change

Individuals, volunteer groups, and non-profit organisations can nominate themselves or others at arabhopemakers.com. The initiative seeks to highlight stories of hope that tackle real challenges — from education and healthcare to humanitarian aid and social development.

Since its inception in 2017, the programme has drawn over 320,000 nominations, showcasing the boundless compassion and creativity found across the Arab world.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, said the initiative reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to promote a culture of giving and spotlight those who spread positivity. “It has raised awareness of the power of volunteering and its ability to improve lives, empower others, and inspire communities,” he said.

Recognising true heroes

Last year’s Dh1 million Hope Maker was Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco, honoured for his initiative supporting children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare disorder known as Children of the Moon. His project helps 144 children by providing medical support and protective gear, offering them safety and dignity.

In a remarkable gesture, Sheikh Mohammed also awarded the two other finalists with matching prizes, bringing the total award value to Dh3 million, reaffirming that every act of hope is worthy of celebration.

A call to inspire hope

Now entering its sixth edition, the Arab Hope Makers initiative aims to gather tens of thousands of stories of compassion and resilience, honouring unsung heroes who dedicate their time and effort to serve others.

As Sheikh Mohammed said: “Hope Makers deserve to be recognised and celebrated. We invite everyone to nominate a Hope Maker they know at arabhopemakers.com.”