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Soon, flying cars will let you travel from Dubai to Bahrain in just 2 hours by 2027

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A futuristic vision once confined to science fiction is now approaching takeoff in the UAE. By 2027, flying cars may become part of the country’s transportation reality, slashing travel times between key GCC cities and ushering in a new era of mobility.

Imagine gliding from Dubai to Bahrain in just over two hours or reaching Muscat from Abu Dhabi in 2 hours and 20 minutes, without ever stepping foot on an aircraft. This vision is being brought closer to reality by Dutch company PAL-V, which recently showcased its pioneering flying car, the Liberty, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

The PAL-V Liberty is a sleek, three-wheeled vehicle that seamlessly transforms into a gyroplane in under 10 minutes. With a top airspeed of 180 km/h and a flight range of up to 500 kilometres, the Liberty is designed for both practicality and performance. It is powered by a combustion engine and requires just 200 metres of runway for takeoff, making it suitable for a wide range of environments.

Designed for both road and air use, the Liberty has already received European road certification and recently achieved a significant aviation milestone: a “No Technical Objection” (NTO) certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This makes it the first vehicle of its kind to be cleared for both land and air travel within the FlyDrive category.

In a bold move towards integrating flying cars into the region’s transport ecosystem, Dubai-based company Aviterra has placed an order for over 100 Liberty units. The aircraft’s versatility is key to its appeal, it can serve roles ranging from emergency medical response and border surveillance to personal intercity travel.

However, piloting the Liberty will require more than a conventional driver’s licence. Operators must also obtain a gyroplane licence, with PAL-V establishing global training centres through its PAL-V Institute to facilitate certification and pilot readiness.

With the UAE’s continued commitment to innovation and smart mobility, flying cars could soon be a common sight in its skies.

(Source: Travels Dubai)

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.

Health

Free mineral water for all: UAE startup to launch groundbreaking public hydration initiative

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Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, a homegrown UAE startup that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.

From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, UAE, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.

“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder. 

“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”

Stamp of UAE quality
All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.

Mission in a bottle

With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”

Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.

Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.

A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations that cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste,  it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder. 

The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.

Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.

More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.

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Health

Free annual check-ups coming for Filipino workers under new health initiative

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Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE and other parts of the world will soon receive free annual medical check-ups while working abroad, thanks to a new government-backed effort aimed at protecting their health and well-being.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced yesterday that the initiative will be funded through its AKSYON Fund, a support mechanism designed to assist OFWs in urgent need. The plan was confirmed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry earlier that day, where concerns over irregular and costly medical exams were raised.

“We will fund follow-through medical check-ups for our OFWs through the AKSYON Fund to ensure their health and welfare while they are abroad and before they return home,” Cacdac told the committee.

The AKSYON Fund (short for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) will cover routine health monitoring not only during an OFW’s deployment but also ahead of their repatriation.

A Response to Medical Irregularities

The move came after Senator Raffy Tulfo raised red flags about questionable practices in pre-employment medical exams, including reports of overcharging and lack of transparency by some clinics.

Tulfo specifically mentioned SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), a maritime clinic reportedly billing OFWs between Dh79 (PHP1,200) to Dh86 (PHP1,300 ) for initial and repeat tests without sufficient explanation. He urged the DMW to formalise a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), ensuring that all clinics conducting OFW medical clearances are properly regulated.

“Medical clinics must coordinate with and be accredited by the DOH to prevent exploitation and ensure proper care,” Tulfo said.

Ensuring Accountability

In response, Secretary Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) are currently responsible for pre-employment medical exams. However, the DMW maintains the authority to investigate and take action against any agency involved in malpractice.

A Healthier Future for OFWs

This initiative is a significant step forward in safeguarding the health of Filipino workers abroad, especially amid rising living costs and the often-overlooked burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

(Source: PNA)

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Crime

UAE: Up to Dh2 million for social media violations under new media rules

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Individuals promoting content or advertising on social media in the UAE will soon need to follow stricter rules under a new comprehensive regulatory system introduced by the UAE Media Council.

The new framework, announced this week, is designed to build public trust, protect viewers, especially children and adolescents, and raise the quality of online media content. It also outlines heavy penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million for first-time offences and up to Dh2 million for repeat breaches. In serious cases, violators could face temporary or permanent shutdowns, along with permit revocations.

“The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. 

“It combines updated legislation, comprehensive services, and forward-looking policies to support sustainable growth.”

Fee exemptions and local support

To encourage creativity and responsible content creation, the council announced a three-year exemption from permit fees for individuals and influencers who promote content online. This is part of a broader move to support Emirati talent and creative industries, with similar exemptions offered to local media services, producers, and writers whose work promotes national identity.

The initiative builds on last year’s Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation, and aims to stimulate growth in the sector while maintaining strong ethical and professional standards.

New age-rating and licensing systems

A key feature of the new regulations includes a media age-rating system, ensuring that content shared online is appropriate for different age groups, especially young viewers.

The council is also developing a new licensing policy for digital news platforms, with a focus on enhancing credibility and journalistic standards. The goal is to create a balanced legal environment that supports responsible reporting while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The updated system also outlines resolutions related to media service fees, violations, and administrative penalties, offering clearer guidelines for all stakeholders in the media landscape.

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