News

From Dubai to Russia and Ukraine with love

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2022

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A two-minute heartwarming video of a Russian Aleksandra Vasileva and Ukrainian Yuliia Hnatenko walking hand in hand along Dubai’s Kite Beach wrapped in flags of both countries has gone viral. The video has been produced by top Dubai business setup firm A&A Associate.
The duo wants to take their message of love and peace from Dubai to Ukraine where attacks from Russia over the past week have left thousands dead and millions displaced.
They want to drive home that people from the two neighbouring countries “can live and work together with love and peace”.

“I visit home occasionally but when I can’t, my friends make me feel at home here in Dubai and most of them are Ukrainians and what I love most about them is that they’re loving, kind and caring. Quite entrepreneurial and creative too,” said the 32-year-old Vasileva, who moved to Dubai five years ago from her home Novosibirsk in Siberia to set up a business tourism company.

While Yuliia, who goes back to her hometown Kharkiv – the eastern Ukrainian city where Russian airborne troops landed on Wednesday amidst escalating tension – called Russia’s invasion a “tragedy” for those on either side of the border. “Honestly, we love Russians and their rich culture, heritage and warmth,” said the 35-year-old new mum who worked in the beauty industry before arriving in Dubai 10 years ago.

“If we can live peacefully here in Dubai, I think we can live anywhere in the world. So, here’s hoping for the war to end and peace to reign,” the women say towards the end of the video while raising the flags of Ukraine and Russia in a show of “shared love and respect for each other”.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, one of its neighbours to the southwest, marking a major escalation to a conflict that began in 2014.
Many analysts have since called the invasion the largest conventional military attack in Europe since World War II. “The war should end, and peace should reign. I hope those waging the war get our message from Dubai where close to 200 nationalities continue to live with each other in total peace, harmony and love,” said the duo.

Companies

Dubai warns engineering firms over costly villa designs

Published

10 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Municipality has issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after finding that they exaggerated structural designs for citizens’ villas.

According to officials, these inflated designs went against the Dubai Building Code and led to unnecessary construction costs for property owners, without any real engineering need.

The move is part of the Municipality’s efforts to regulate Dubai’s construction sector and protect residents from extra financial burdens. Consultancy offices across the emirate had already been reminded through circulars to strictly follow approved engineering standards.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, said:

“Compliance with the Dubai Building Code is not only a legal requirement but also a professional and ethical responsibility. The goal is to ensure safe, high-quality construction without forcing citizens to pay more than necessary.”

She added that Dubai Municipality will continue to monitor consultancy offices and contractors to prevent excessive use of building materials, including steel, and ensure construction remains efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Repeat offenders could face disciplinary measures, including poor annual evaluations or even suspension. Earlier this year, two consultancy offices were banned from licensing new projects for six months due to violations.

By cracking down on such practices, Dubai Municipality says it aims to strengthen the emirate’s construction sector, cut waste, and support sustainable urban growth.

Education

Parents, students benefit as RTA upgrades 10 school zones across Dubai

Published

18 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed a series of traffic improvements in 10 busy school zones across the city, making life easier for parents, students, and staff.

The works, carried out over the summer break, covered areas such as Al Warqa 1, 3 and 4, Al Safa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Garhoud, Al Mizhar 1 and 4, Al Qusais and Al Barsha South, benefiting 27 schools in total.

What changed?

Wider roads and smoother traffic flow
New entrances and exits to ease congestion
More parking for parents and staff (up to 90% more in some places)
Safer pedestrian features, including signals and traffic-calming measures

The RTA says some zones have already seen traffic flow improve by up to 40 per cent.

Work is still underway in other school areas like Umm Al Sheif, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha. The project is being carried out in coordination with Dubai Police to ensure safety for students and families.

Parents and school bus drivers are also urged to follow safety rules, use designated drop-off zones, and stay alert around schools.

Crime

UAE: Social media users referred to prosecution for breaking content rules

Published

29 mins ago

August 26, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The National Media Office (NMO) has referred several social media users to the Federal Public Prosecution for posting content that violates UAE media laws.

Officials said a special monitoring team works 24/7 to detect violations, alert users about their mistakes, and give them a chance to correct them. Those who fail to comply face legal action.

The NMO explained that these steps are taken to:

Keep social media safe and respectful
Prevent the spread of harmful or misleading content
Protect community values and ethics

In March, the NMO had already reminded users to follow the UAE’s principles of respect, tolerance, and coexistence when posting online. It warned that anyone breaking these rules will be held accountable under UAE law.