Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, has joined an international appeal urging world leaders to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy and humanitarian values amid escalating global conflicts.

The appeal was coordinated by the International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity (ISCTH) and brings together humanitarian leaders, parliamentarians and religious figures calling for peaceful solutions to ongoing crises.

Call for dialogue over conflict

In her message, Shawa stressed the importance of placing human dignity at the centre of decision-making during a period marked by armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies.

“I hope leaders choose dialogue over division, compassion over indifference, and place human dignity at the heart of every decision,” she said.

The appeal comes as conflicts in several regions continue to displace millions of people and increase pressure on humanitarian relief efforts.

International leaders back the initiative

Among those supporting the appeal are:

• Dr H.C. Nik Gugger, a member of the Swiss Parliament, who called for dialogue instead of escalation.
• Jan Figel, President of FOREF Europe and former European Union Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, who highlighted the importance of protecting human rights to achieve lasting peace.
• Dalai Lama, who reiterated that lasting peace begins with compassion.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, who called for greater support for peace and vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

The appeal also referenced comments by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who urged compromise to achieve long-term peace agreements.

Focus on diplomacy

The initiative is led by Maitreya Dadashreeji, founder of ISCTH, who called on governments to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than confrontation.

He also appealed for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying dialogue and cooperation offer the most sustainable path to long-term stability.

Promoting humanitarian values

ISCTH said the initiative aims to encourage governments, institutions and communities to prioritise human life, dignity and peaceful engagement as humanitarian crises continue to affect millions of people worldwide.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a Dh1.82 million financial penalty on a branch of a foreign bank operating in the country for violating consumer protection rules.

The regulator did not identify the bank involved.

Why was the bank fined?

According to the CBUAE, inspections found that the bank failed to issue a liability letter within the mandatory seven-day timeframe, breaching the central bank’s Market Conduct and Consumer Protection Regulations and Standards.

The penalty was imposed under Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, which governs the Central Bank, financial institutions and insurance activities.

What is a liability letter?

A liability letter is issued when a customer wants to transfer an existing loan or other financial obligations to another bank or apply for new financing elsewhere.

Banks are required to provide the document within seven days to ensure customers can switch lenders or complete financing arrangements without unnecessary delays.

CBUAE reinforces consumer protection

The central bank said the enforcement action reflects its commitment to ensuring banks comply with UAE laws and consumer protection regulations.

The regulator added that it will continue to monitor financial institutions to uphold transparency, integrity and high standards across the UAE’s banking sector.

Commuters using Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station should expect temporary traffic changes after Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) closed the station’s bus and taxi service road until the end of 2026.

The closure is part of a major expansion project aimed at increasing the station’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand.

Why is the road closed?

According to the RTA, the service road has been closed to allow construction work for the station’s expansion.

The road will remain accessible only to construction vehicles during the project.

What should commuters know?

To minimise disruption, the RTA has introduced a traffic management plan and advises passengers to:

• Follow directional signs around the station.
• Observe the posted speed limits.
• Start their journeys earlier to allow extra travel time.
• Use the designated alternative parking areas.

Public transport services will continue to operate, with measures in place to ensure passengers can safely access the station.

Why is the station being expanded?

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is one of the busiest stations on the Dubai Metro network, serving thousands of commuters and visitors heading to:

• Dubai Mall.
• Burj Khalifa.
• Downtown Dubai.

Once completed, the expansion will:

• Increase hourly passenger capacity by 65%, from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers.
• Raise daily capacity to up to 220,000 passengers.
• Help reduce congestion during major events, public holidays and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The upgrade is part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to improve public transport infrastructure and accommodate the city’s growing number of residents and visitors.