In a city known for constantly reimagining urban life, Dubai Municipality has introduced a concept that could change how people think about both work and leisure.

Called the ‘Work from Park’ initiative, the idea is simple but powerful: turn public parks into flexible workspaces where productivity meets nature.

The first location is set to open in May 2026 at Al Barsha Pond Park, a popular green escape that will soon double as an open-air office for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers.

From green spaces to productive places

Instead of traditional office setups, the initiative brings thoughtfully designed modular workspaces into parks. These will include hot desks, meeting areas, and even creative studios, allowing people to work, collaborate, and create while surrounded by greenery.

The project is being developed in partnership with Group AMANA, which will build sustainable, modular units, and Letswork, which will operate and manage bookings through its platform.

Users can expect access to a variety of work environments, including podcast studios and content-creation spaces, making it especially appealing to creators and small businesses.

A vision aligned with Dubai’s future

The Work from Park initiative supports long-term strategies like the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the Dubai 2040 Parks and Greenery Strategy, which aim to enhance quality of life by making cities greener, healthier, and more adaptable to modern lifestyles.

Beyond desks and Wi-Fi, the initiative will also host educational sessions, collaborative workshops, and networking events. The goal is to build a vibrant community where ideas grow as naturally as the surrounding greenery.

With more locations planned across Dubai, public parks are set to evolve into multifunctional hubs that blend work, wellness, and social life.

• Dubai launches ‘Work from Park’ at Al Barsha Pond Park in 2026
• Work from a park? Dubai’s new initiative redefines office culture
• Dubai Municipality unveils park workspaces with Wi-Fi, studios, and more
• ‘Work from Park’ in Dubai: A game-changer for freelancers and startups
• Dubai turns public parks into flexible work hubs under new initiative

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public, marking the occasion with a large-scale flag-raising ceremony that brought together more than 1,000 attendees in a show of unity and appreciation for the United Arab Emirates.

The temple resumed operations on April 14 in line with national safety and security guidelines. Its official reopening was commemorated on April 19 with a ceremony held in the mandir’s central courtyard, where community members, officials, and volunteers gathered to celebrate what organisers described as a moment of gratitude and solidarity.

To watch a video of the event, click here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXUPHuskxKs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Senior representatives from government and civic bodies attended the event, including officials from Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Community Development. In remarks during the ceremony, Brigadier General Hamed Mohammed Al Harji, Head of the Joint Task Force, said the gathering reflected the UAE’s spirit of harmony and coexistence, and reaffirmed authorities’ commitment to community safety.

Brigadier General Al Harji thanked Brahmavihari Swami for inviting the joint task force to take part in the ceremony, describing the event as a powerful display of unity. He said the large and diverse turnout was “deeply moving,” reflecting the UAE’s core values of harmony and coexistence. Al Harji added that the occasion reaffirmed the task force’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the community and ensuring its well-being remains in trusted hands.

Flag-waving procession

The event drew participants from a wide cross-section of the UAE’s Indian diaspora, with cultural groups representing regions such as Rajasthan, Odisha, Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, among other states. Attendees waved UAE flags and took part in a procession around the temple grounds, underscoring themes of inclusion and shared identity.

Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, described the reopening as both a celebration and a moment of reflection. In his address, he praised the UAE’s leadership for fostering a sense of security and belonging among residents of diverse backgrounds.

“A country is not measured by the size of its land, wealth or population, but by the quality and character of its people and the vision of its leaders,” he said, expressing gratitude to the nation’s leadership for guiding the country through recent challenges.

Role of the temple

Temple officials also highlighted the role the mandir played during periods of global disruption, when travel restrictions left some individuals stranded. Volunteers organised support efforts that included food distribution, temporary accommodation and basic medical assistance, working in coordination with local authorities.

Mandir chairman Ashok Kotecha said the reopening signals a renewed commitment to community service. “We are honoured to be part of a nation that champions unity, compassion and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir, which blends traditional Indian architecture with modern sustainability features, is positioned not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for cultural exchange and social outreach. As it resumes regular activities, leaders say its mission remains focused on service, inclusivity and strengthening community ties across the UAE.

If you’ve received a random message asking you to pay a parking fine, don’t click anything just yet.

Dubai residents are being warned about a new wave of scam messages targeting drivers with fake payment links, and it’s catching people off guard.

According to Parkin, fraudsters are sending texts that look legit, claiming you have outstanding parking payments and urging you to pay immediately.

Here’s the catch
These messages include unverified links designed to steal your personal or financial information.

What the warning says
• Don’t click on unfamiliar links
• Always verify payment requests
• Only use official Parkin channels for payments

Earlier this year, similar scams targeted UAE residents with fake toll messages pretending to be from Abu Dhabi’s DARB system, some even threatening fines to pressure users into paying fast.

In one case, a message claimed a small pending fee, but warned of a Dh100 fine if not paid immediately 

How to spot the scam
Watch out for these red flags:
• Messages from international or unknown numbers
• Generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
• Links that look official, but aren’t
• Urgent threats pushing immediate payment

Authorities, including Ras Al Khaimah Police and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, have repeatedly warned residents not to engage with such messages.

The golden rule
Real toll or parking operators in the UAE don’t ask for payments via random SMS links, and they won’t pressure you with threats.

If it feels suspicious, it probably is. Pause, verify, and protect your information. Because one wrong click could cost you more than just a parking fine.