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Dubai launches Dh650 million Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary upgrade

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5 months ago

July 1, 2025

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In a major push for urban sustainability and eco-tourism, Dubai Municipality has unveiled a Dh650 million development project to transform the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, to attract 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually, a six-fold increase from current numbers.

The announcement, made on Monday, confirms that the first phase of the project has been awarded and will be completed by the end of 2026.

A sanctuary at the heart of the city

Nestled just minutes from Dubai’s city centre, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region’s most important wetland reserves. It is internationally recognised as a BirdLife International Important Bird Area (IBA). It is home to more than 450 species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, marine life, and rare vegetation.

Popular observation spots include:

Flamingo Hide – for iconic views of greater flamingos
Mangrove Hide – ideal for spotting grey herons, spoonbills, kingfishers, and even ospreys

First phase: Expanding ecosystems and blue spaces

Phase one of the development focuses on expanding and enhancing the sanctuary’s natural environment:

144% increase in water body area, growing to 74 hectares
10 hectares of new mudflats (salt flats) to support migratory birds
60% rise in carbon dioxide absorption, improving environmental resilience

What’s next in phase two?

The second phase will introduce more green spaces, native vegetation, and enhanced habitats to attract additional wildlife and further boost biodiversity. The plan also includes:

Upgraded walkways and bird hides
New educational signage and visitor infrastructure
A commitment to engaging, sustainable exploration for families, tourists, and students

Why it matters

This ambitious project reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to sustainability, conservation, and eco-education, making Ras Al Khor not just a refuge for wildlife but a living classroom and green escape within the city.

Michael Gomes

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.

News

Dubai-India travel: Security procedures triggered for Emirates flight following bomb threat email, flight lands safely

Published

21 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport activated full emergency protocols on Friday after receiving a bomb threat email linked to Emirates flight EK526 travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Hyderabad (HYD).

According to GMR officials, the threat email landed in the airport’s customer support inbox around 7.30am on December 5. Despite the alert, the flight continued under strict monitoring and landed safely at 8.30am.

Once on the ground, the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolated bay. Passengers were safely deboarded, and security te

ams carried out standard bomb threat checks. Investigations are currently underway.

Emirates confirmed the incident in a statement to local media, saying authorities had alerted them to a “potential security threat” to EK526.
“All standard security procedures were implemented by the relevant local authorities with full co-operation from Emirates’ ground teams,” the airline said, adding that “the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the highest priority.”

Authorities say all threats are being investigated, and extra security measures remain in place at the airport.

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Driving through Abu Dhabi this week? Here are the road closures you need to know about

Published

22 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi motorists can expect some delays over the next few days, with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announcing a series of partial road closures across key routes in the capital. Drivers are being urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and follow diversions to avoid congestion.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street

A major set of phased lane closures will take place near Sheikh Zayed Bridge from Tuesday, December 9 to Monday, December 22, 2025.

Three left lanes will be closed from 12am on December 9 until 10pm on December 15.
Two right lanes will then shut from 10pm on December 15 until 6am on December 22.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street

Another temporary closure is scheduled on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street from 5pm on December 5 until 5am on December 8.

Authorities explained that these restrictions are part of ongoing road enhancement projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety across the city. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes wherever possible during the maintenance period.

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Sharjah Police give deadline to remove National Day stickers, or face fines

Published

22 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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If your car is still sporting National Day decals, it’s time to take them off. Sharjah Police have announced that all vehicle owners must remove their UAE National Day celebration stickers by Saturday, December 6, and those who miss the deadline will face violations.

The reminder follows a crackdown during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, where authorities impounded 106 vehicles and nine motorbikes for dangerous and irresponsible behaviour on the roads.

According to Sharjah Police, the violations included:

Creating loud noise and disturbing residents
Driving recklessly and endangering others
Operating vehicles without a valid licence

Police officials urged motorists to celebrate responsibly and avoid turning festivities into safety risks.

However, there has been a shift in decorating trends this year. Many residents opted for cleaner, simpler, more elegant designs to showcase their UAE pride ahead of the long weekend, and demand for custom decals surged.

Authorities are now urging residents to ensure all celebratory stickers and decorations are removed by the set deadline to keep roads safe and avoid penalties.