As rainy weather creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes, the authorities in Sharjah and Ajman have issued fresh guidelines to help residents prevent mosquito breeding and protect public health.

The main problem: Standing water

Authorities stressed that puddles and stagnant water are the biggest contributors to mosquito spread. Even small amounts, like water collected in containers, can quickly turn into breeding grounds.

Residents are being urged to:

Avoid contact with stagnant water
Regularly inspect homes and surroundings
Remove any standing water immediately
Keep drainage systems clean and functional

Don’t overlook gardens and green spaces

Your garden could be part of the problem if not maintained properly. The municipality recommends:

• Trimming trees and dense shrubs
• Avoiding overwatering plants
• Keeping swimming pools clean and covered

Humid, shaded areas with thick vegetation are perfect spots for mosquitoes to thrive.

Common breeding hotspots

Watch out for everyday items that can collect water:

• Flower pots
• Old tyres
• Abandoned containers
• Waste and debris

Even something as small as a bottle cap can hold enough water for mosquitoes to multiply.

Free pest control support

To support residents, the municipality is offering a free pest control service. You can request assistance via:

• Official website
• Call centre: 993

Extra Safety Measures

Authorities also highlighted:

• Covering water tanks
• Preventing water buildup at construction sites
• Following general cleanliness and safety standards

Community effort matters

The municipality emphasised that controlling mosquito spread is a shared responsibility. Small actions by residents can make a big difference in keeping neighbourhoods safe and healthy.

In a move designed to strengthen healthcare in the UAE, authorities have made it easier for medical teachers to work in healthcare sector, without compromising on safety or standards. The licensing requirements for some health graduates have also been eased.

So, what’s changing?

Doctors and professors who teach in universities can now practise in the healthcare sector more easily, bringing their knowledge directly into real-world patient care. This means students learn from professionals who are actively working in the field, not just teaching from textbooks.

Officials say this is a win-win. Patients benefit from high-level expertise, while students gain hands-on learning and exposure to real cases.

The update is part of a bigger plan to modernise the system and make it more flexible, while still keeping strict rules in place to ensure quality and patient safety.

It also helps fresh graduates in nursing and allied health fields enter the workforce faster, supporting hospitals with more skilled professionals.

Authorities say the UAE’s strong digital systems and coordination between government entities are helping make these changes smoother and quicker to implement.

This step brings education and healthcare closer together, helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce while improving patient care across the country.

In a major digital shift, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has begun implementing a plan to abolish the health card, replacing it with the Emirates ID as the primary identifier for patients across its hospitals and healthcare centres.

The move is aimed at simplifying access to treatment and cutting administrative red tape.

What’s changing?

For years, patients needed a valid health card to register and receive treatment at EHS facilities, including renewals when expired.

Under the new system:

• The Emirates ID will serve as the unified patient identifier
• No separate health card will be required
• Registration procedures will be streamlined
• Administrative steps will be reduced

The aim? Faster access, shorter waiting times and smoother admissions.

Who will benefit first?

According to EHS, the rollout will happen in phases.

Phase One:

• Emirati citizens
• UAE residents
• Nationals of GCCcountries

Later phases will include:

• Children of Emirati women
• Spouses of Emirati citizens
• People of determination
• Additional categories requiring coordination with other entities

Saif Abdullah Al Hassani, Head of Service Development and User Experience at EHS, said the move aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation agenda and national database integration.

In simple terms: one ID, one system, less paperwork.

EHS confirmed it is technically ready to cancel the health card for all groups immediately. However, a phased rollout is being adopted to monitor system performance and address any operational challenges before full implementation.

When will it be fully implemented?

The first group of beneficiaries has already completed technical and regulatory preparations, with a formal announcement expected soon.

Further categories will be added gradually as coordination with external entities is completed.

What this means for patients

Once fully implemented:

• No more renewing health cards
• Faster registration at hospitals
• Reduced paperwork
• Improved patient experience