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BKFC kicks off in Dubai today with thrilling fight card at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

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Dubai is set to witness a historic moment in combat sports as the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) makes its highly anticipated debut in the UAE. The first official BKFC press conference, hosted by the World League of Fighters (WLF) in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, took place at the iconic Burj Al Arab on Thursday, setting the stage for an electrifying two-day event at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on April 4 and 5.

The event was attended by key figures in the industry, including WLF Co-Founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew, Dubai Sports Council Director Eisa Mohammed Sharif, and BKFC Founder David Feldman. The announcement solidified Dubai’s position as a rising hub for combat sports, attracting worldwide attention.

A Landmark Moment for BKFC in the Emirates

Speaking at the conference, WLF Co-Founders Rajesh Banga and Sunil Mathew expressed their excitement about bringing BKFC to Dubai, emphasising the dedication it took to make it happen.

“It took us more than two years to bring it here because David has been instrumental in the growth of BKFC, which has become the fastest-growing combat sport in the world. We struggled to find the right calendar dates, but finally, we are here. We are extremely happy and ready to show that Dubai will be the best destination outside of America, thanks to our incredible partnership with David and BKFC.”

Action-Packed Fight Card

The event boasts a star-studded lineup featuring some of the biggest names in bare-knuckle fighting.

April 4 Main Events:

  • Carlos “Snake” Trinidad vs. Austin Trout – Welterweight Championship
  • Britain Hart vs. Tai Emery – Women’s Strawweight Championship

April 5 Main Events:

  • Tommy Strydom vs. Kai Stewart – Featherweight Championship
  • Hannah Rankin vs. Jessica Borga – Co-main event showdown

Dubai Sports Council’s Support for Combat Sports

Highlighting Dubai’s commitment to combat sports, Eisa Mohammed Sharif, Director of Events at Dubai Sports Council, praised WLF and BKFC for bringing the event to the region:

“We would like to thank the World League of Fighters for bringing the BKFC event to Dubai for the very first time. This combat sport is growing tremendously, and we want to see it thrive here in the region. As the Dubai Sports Council, we will continue supporting it, ensuring the greatest fighters of all time come to Dubai and take on new challenges.”

With a thrilling fight card, a world-class venue, and the backing of Dubai’s sports authorities, BKFC’s arrival in the UAE marks the beginning of a new era in combat sports.

(Source: Wam)

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.

Health

Free annual check-ups coming for Filipino workers under new health initiative

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Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE and other parts of the world will soon receive free annual medical check-ups while working abroad, thanks to a new government-backed effort aimed at protecting their health and well-being.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced yesterday that the initiative will be funded through its AKSYON Fund, a support mechanism designed to assist OFWs in urgent need. The plan was confirmed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry earlier that day, where concerns over irregular and costly medical exams were raised.

“We will fund follow-through medical check-ups for our OFWs through the AKSYON Fund to ensure their health and welfare while they are abroad and before they return home,” Cacdac told the committee.

The AKSYON Fund (short for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) will cover routine health monitoring not only during an OFW’s deployment but also ahead of their repatriation.

A Response to Medical Irregularities

The move came after Senator Raffy Tulfo raised red flags about questionable practices in pre-employment medical exams, including reports of overcharging and lack of transparency by some clinics.

Tulfo specifically mentioned SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), a maritime clinic reportedly billing OFWs between Dh79 (PHP1,200) to Dh86 (PHP1,300 ) for initial and repeat tests without sufficient explanation. He urged the DMW to formalise a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), ensuring that all clinics conducting OFW medical clearances are properly regulated.

“Medical clinics must coordinate with and be accredited by the DOH to prevent exploitation and ensure proper care,” Tulfo said.

Ensuring Accountability

In response, Secretary Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) are currently responsible for pre-employment medical exams. However, the DMW maintains the authority to investigate and take action against any agency involved in malpractice.

A Healthier Future for OFWs

This initiative is a significant step forward in safeguarding the health of Filipino workers abroad, especially amid rising living costs and the often-overlooked burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

(Source: PNA)

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Crime

UAE: Up to Dh2 million for social media violations under new media rules

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Individuals promoting content or advertising on social media in the UAE will soon need to follow stricter rules under a new comprehensive regulatory system introduced by the UAE Media Council.

The new framework, announced this week, is designed to build public trust, protect viewers, especially children and adolescents, and raise the quality of online media content. It also outlines heavy penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million for first-time offences and up to Dh2 million for repeat breaches. In serious cases, violators could face temporary or permanent shutdowns, along with permit revocations.

“The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. 

“It combines updated legislation, comprehensive services, and forward-looking policies to support sustainable growth.”

Fee exemptions and local support

To encourage creativity and responsible content creation, the council announced a three-year exemption from permit fees for individuals and influencers who promote content online. This is part of a broader move to support Emirati talent and creative industries, with similar exemptions offered to local media services, producers, and writers whose work promotes national identity.

The initiative builds on last year’s Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation, and aims to stimulate growth in the sector while maintaining strong ethical and professional standards.

New age-rating and licensing systems

A key feature of the new regulations includes a media age-rating system, ensuring that content shared online is appropriate for different age groups, especially young viewers.

The council is also developing a new licensing policy for digital news platforms, with a focus on enhancing credibility and journalistic standards. The goal is to create a balanced legal environment that supports responsible reporting while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The updated system also outlines resolutions related to media service fees, violations, and administrative penalties, offering clearer guidelines for all stakeholders in the media landscape.

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Save 35% on Abu Dhabi traffic fines with ‘Pay Early, Gain Surely’ campaign

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Motorists in Abu Dhabi can now save up to 35% on traffic fines, thanks to the ongoing ‘Pay Early, Gain Surely’ initiative by Abu Dhabi Police.

Under the scheme:

  • A 35% discount is available if fines are paid within 60 days of the violation.
  • A 25% discount applies if payment is made after 60 days but within one year.
  • Serious traffic offences, such as reckless driving or dangerous overtaking, are not eligible for any discount.

Interest-free instalments 

Beyond discounts, motorists also have the option to pay fines in interest-free instalments over 12 months through select partner banks. To access this, users must apply for the plan within two weeks of making a payment.

Up until now, several motorists have benefited from the “Pay Early, Gain Surely” initiative.

The campaign is part of wider efforts by the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate, in collaboration with the Community Police Department, to improve road safety, promote timely fine settlement, and enhance public awareness. 

Awareness drive

Workshops, community events, and social media videos form part of the awareness drive, alongside informative brochures distributed on the roads.

Officials say the goal is not only to make fine payments easier but also to promote positivity and reduce financial strain on motorists through flexible, user-friendly services.

Fines can be paid through digital platforms such as the Tamm Smart App, making it easier for residents to stay up to date and avoid penalties for delayed payment.

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