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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.

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

UAE slashes sick leave, medical fitness processing time by 55% with new digital bundle

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In a major win for employee welfare and government efficiency, the UAE has launched an enhanced version of the Ajr wa Aafya’ bundle, dramatically simplifying medical-related processes for government employees and new job candidates.

The initiative, which translates to “Reward and Wellbeing”, is a core component of the UAE’s ambitious Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. It aims to eliminate redundant steps and enhance the quality of life for federal workers by leveraging digital integration and artificial intelligence.

Goodbye Bureaucracy, Hello Efficiency

The revamped ‘Ajr wa Aafya’ Bundle streamlines six key services related to sick leave, medical reports, and pre-employment fitness screening. The improvements are delivering tangible time savings:

  • Sick Leave Approvals: Processing time for sick leave requests requiring a medical committee review has been reduced by a massive 55%.
  • New Employee Medical Fitness: The time taken for medical fitness examinations for new hires is 41% faster.
  • Procedure Streamlining: The overall number of procedures has been reduced from 34 to just 21, with unnecessary requirements eliminated.

This transformation is achieved through linking government systems, specifically the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), and Emirates Health Services (EHS), to create a single, seamless digital workflow.

The Dual Focus: Reward and Wellbeing

The updated ‘Ajr wa Aafya’ package replaces complex paperwork, ensuring that employees can focus on their health and return to work without administrative delays.

Key Services in the Bundle:

  • Attestation of sick leaves and medical reports.
  • Processing of sick leave requests (5 days or less, and more than 5 days).
  • Patient companion’s leave requests (inside and outside the UAE).
  • Pre-Employment Medical Fitness Screening for new federal candidates.

This move further cements the UAE’s position as a global benchmark for government excellence, efficiency, and a commitment to employee well-being.

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Dh1.3 billion expansion of Dubai Healthcare City set to change everything

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Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is set for a major transformation, with the announcement of a Dh1.3 billion development plan for its Phase 1 zone, a project designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global healthcare and investment hub.

The expansion will feature a LEED Platinum-certified office tower, a state-of-the-art medical complex, and upgraded infrastructure built to support long-term growth and innovation in the healthcare sector.

Issam Galadari, CEO of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, said the initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, emphasising the integration of sustainability, smart design, and innovation across the city’s medical ecosystem.

The upcoming 13,000-square-metre office tower, spanning nine floors and three basement levels, will provide flexible commercial spaces designed to meet international sustainability standards. Meanwhile, the 5,800-square-metre medical complex will include surgical centres, laboratories, diagnostics, and outpatient facilities, all built for future adaptability.

Supporting developments will include Salik-integrated smart car parks with EV charging stations and full accessibility features.

Construction is set to begin in December 2025, with completion expected by November 2027.

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UAE launches first hospital air hub for faster, smarter healthcare

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The UAE is about to take a giant leap in healthcare and urban transport with its first hospital air taxi hub. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Archer Aviation, will convert its existing helipad so both helicopters and electric air taxis can take off and land, a dual-use vertiport.

This means patients, visitors, and even urgent medical shipments like donor organs can travel within minutes, cutting down long car journeys that can take up to 90 minutes to just 10–30 minutes.

Faster Travel for Patients and Visitors

The new hub will use Archer’s electric aircraft, Midnight, a four-passenger plane that is quieter and produces less pollution than traditional helicopters. It’s designed for short trips, so patients can reach nearby destinations quickly or fly between hospitals when time is critical.

Building on Abu Dhabi’s Air Taxi Network

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi tested flying taxis at the Cruise Terminal, where pilotless electric aircraft successfully took off, landed, and cruised above the marina. The Cleveland Clinic hub will expand this network, making it the first hospital in the UAE with its own air taxi service.

When Can You Expect Flights?

Archer plans to launch passenger flights in Abu Dhabi later this year, working with Abu Dhabi Aviation for pilot training, operations, and community awareness. Midnight aircraft are designed for rapid back-to-back flights, meaning short waits between trips.

A Glimpse Into the Future

This hospital air taxi hub shows how the UAE is combining healthcare, technology, and smart urban mobility. Residents and patients can soon expect quicker, cleaner, and quieter travel, marking a new chapter in how people move across the emirates.

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