His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of a Dh4.7 billion permanent endowment district whose proceeds will go toward supporting health and education projects worldwide.

The major philanthropic project, launched under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, will serve as a sustainable charitable endowment designed to fund humanitarian causes for generations to come.

Sheikh Mohammed shared the announcement on his official X account, writing:

“We have launched an endowment project worth Dh4.7 billion under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. It is a perpetual charitable endowment whose proceeds will go towards supporting health and education projects around the world.”

A model for sustainable giving

The new endowment district will include:

• A hospital with the capacity to serve 90,000 patients annually
• A medical university
• Schools accommodating more than 5,000 students
• Residential buildings with 2,000 housing units
• A boulevard, retail outlets, and endowment-owned commercial spaces

Together, these components will generate ongoing returns that will be reinvested into charitable initiatives in the UAE and beyond.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his gratitude to all supporters and partners of the project, saying:

“Our thanks go to all philanthropic endowers, supporters, and contributors, foremost among them Azizi Developments and others, and our appreciation to everyone who strives for good and works to ensure its continuity in the nation of generosity and giving. May God accept from us and from you all good deeds.”

A culture of compassion

The announcement comes just a day after Sheikh Mohammed introduced the ‘Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem’, a nationwide framework designed to strengthen the UAE’s nonprofit sector. The initiative aims to grow the country’s volunteer base to 600,000 individuals and has established a Dh100 million fund to support community-based projects.

Together, these efforts underscore Dubai’s continued commitment to building a legacy of generosity, sustainability, and social impact, values that remain central to Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for the UAE.

Good news for UAE residents and businesses. The UAE Central Bank has just lowered its Base Rate by 25 basis points, from 4.15% to 3.90%, effective this Thursday. This move follows the US Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut its interest rates, keeping things in sync because of the UAE’s currency peg to the US dollar.

What does this mean for you? Expect borrowing to get a bit cheaper. Whether you’re eyeing a new mortgage, a personal loan, or business credit, the rates should ease up. In simple terms, monthly payments could get friendlier, especially for those with variable-rate loans.

This comes after the US Fed trimmed its federal funds rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%, hoping to support the job market and tackle stubborn inflation. The ripple effects are clear, softening employment numbers, and ongoing economic headwinds are pushing for these cuts.

Which sectors will benefit

For the UAE, lower interest rates could give a boost to sectors like real estate, tourism, and small businesses by making funding easier. But keep in mind, analysts say the impact might be modest unless the Fed decides to cut rates more aggressively in the future.

Why is the Fed making these rate cuts? Their goal is a tricky balance: tame inflation while keeping employment strong. With big companies cutting jobs and inflation still slightly above target, the Fed is playing it safe, using these rate cuts as insurance against a potential economic slowdown.

Future interest rates

Looking ahead, another cut might come in December, possibly bringing rates closer to 3% in 2026, but things could shift depending on economic data and new Fed leadership.

Stay tuned for more updates and how these changes could affect your wallet!

The holy month of Ramadan is most likely expected to start on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to preliminary astronomical calculations by the Emirates Astronomy Society.

Society chairman Ibrahim Al Jarwan explained that the crescent moon of Ramadan will be born on Tuesday, February 17, in the afternoon. However, it will set too close to sunset that evening to be visible, making Thursday the most likely first day of fasting in the UAE.

The official start date will, as always, be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee on the eve of Ramadan. This committee is the final authority in determining the Islamic calendar in the country.

Planning ahead

The forecast provides a useful head start for schools, businesses, and residents to prepare for the month ahead.

• Schools and offices often begin adjusting spring schedules around these projections.
• Hotels and restaurants start mapping out iftar menus, suhoor tents, and special timings for mid-February.
• Families can use the February 17–21 window as a guide for travel plans and Ramadan preparations.

Once the moon-sighting committee confirms the date, official Ramadan hours and public holiday announcements will follow shortly after.

Fasting hours and weather outlook

At the start of Ramadan, fasting in Abu Dhabi is expected to last about 12 hours and 46 minutes, gradually extending to 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of the month.

Temperatures are forecast to range between 16°C and 28°C in early Ramadan, rising to around 19°C–32°C later in the month, with a chance of seasonal rainfall.

A shift in the city’s rhythm

As Ramadan begins, the pace of daily life in the UAE transforms.

• Evenings after iftar become vibrant with family gatherings, Ramadan night markets, and outdoor suhoor tents.
• Restaurants adjust opening hours to accommodate fasting schedules.
• The first weekend often feels like a citywide reunion, as friends plan their first iftars together.

By late February, cooler mornings and calm nights set the tone for reflection, togetherness, and renewal.

The Emirates Astronomy Society’s early forecast gives residents a helpful window to plan, for spiritual reflection, family time, and cultural festivities.

The official confirmation from the moon-sighting committee will arrive in mid-February, marking the exact beginning of Ramadan 2026.