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GCL makes opening move, dazzling Dubai with glittering ceremony

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Dubai witnessed a historic moment in the world of chess as the inaugural edition of the Global Chess League officially opened with a dazzling ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Chess enthusiasts, dignitaries, and renowned personalities from around the world gathered in the City of Gold to witness the official opening of a pioneering project poised to redefine the image of chess and revolutionise the perception of the game worldwide.

Among the VIPs at the event were Saeed Mohammed Hareb (Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council), Anand Mahindra (Chairman of the Mahindra Group), Arkady Dvorkovich (President of the International Chess Federation, FIDE) famous Australian cricketer Steve Waugh, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza as well as CP Gurnani (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tech Mahindra). They were joined by Parag Shah, Director – Global Chess League and Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group,  and Jagdish Mitra, Chairperson of the Global Chess League Board.

The ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for chess, as the Global Chess League aims to revolutionize the game and expand its reach globally.

The 36 Grandmasters taking part in the event are among the best in the world and include former World Champions Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, two-time challenger for the title of World Champion Ian Nepomniachtchi, former Blitz world champions Levon Aronian and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and others.

 

Broadcast bonanza

With a wide-ranging broadcast footprint encompassing almost every territory worldwide on OTT and over 140 linear broadcast markets, Global Chess League will be the most widely distributed chess tournament of all time.

The league has agreed on media rights deals with some of the biggest names in global sports broadcasting to make chess a truly global sport, reaching hundreds of millions of potential households across 225 countries and territories. Notable names in sports broadcasting, who have signed on, include:


 

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Crime

Dubai Police warn against fake news, urge public to rely only on official sources

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Dubai Police have issued a public advisory warning residents against the spread of misinformation, stressing that relying on unverified sources can threaten community safety and stability.

In a statement shared on social media, authorities highlighted how the speed of modern communication has made it easier for inaccurate information to circulate, sometimes deliberately to create panic and anxiety.

Officials emphasised that individuals play a critical role in maintaining public order, noting that sharing unverified content can have serious consequences. “What we share matters,” the statement said, adding that misinformation can undermine public safety.

Residents have been urged to act responsibly online by verifying information before sharing and relying only on official sources for updates.

The advisory also referenced warnings from UAE Public Prosecution, which confirmed that individuals who repost or circulate rumours—even if they are not the original creators—can face legal action under the country’s cybercrime laws.

Authorities reiterated that responsible digital behaviour is essential to protecting both individual and community well-being.

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Abu Dhabi moves to 100% digital payments from April 1 at all customer service centres

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In a major step toward digital transformation, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced it will stop accepting cash payments across all its customer service centres starting April 1, 2026.

Residents will now be required to pay all service fees through approved digital platforms such as TAMM, DARI, and Smarthub, or via credit cards at service centres.

The move marks a significant shift towards a fully cashless system across all entities under DMT, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing processing times, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

While cash payments will no longer be accepted, authorities noted that in exceptional cases, payments may still be made via direct bank deposits or secure digital payment links sent to customers’ phones.

The transition is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader push to adopt smart, seamless government services and accelerate its digital economy.


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Dubai announces a Dh1 billion boost: Here’s how it could change your job, business, and daily life

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Big changes are coming to Dubai, and they could directly affect your wallet, job opportunities, and even living conditions.

At a key meeting led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the Executive Council of Dubai approved a range of major initiatives aimed at supporting residents, businesses, and workers across the emirate.

Boost for businesses and residents

Dubai is rolling out a Dh1 billion support package starting April 2026. The goal? To ease financial pressure.

What does that mean in real life:

  • Businesses can delay paying some government fees
  • Hotels get more time to pay tourism-related charges
  • Companies get longer deadlines for customs payments
  • Residency processes will be made simpler

Dubai’s economy is still growing strong

Dubai’s economy grew by 5.4% in 2025, showing steady progress. Officials have also updated how this growth is measured to give a clearer, more accurate picture of the economy.

Easier trade, especially for high-value goods

A new initiative by Dubai Customs will make it much easier to bring goods—especially expensive items like artwork—into Dubai.

  • No customs duties on certain art imports
  • Fewer restrictions and faster processes
  • High-tech tracking systems

This move is aimed at attracting global investors and collectors.

More support for local families

The new Dubai Empowerment Strategy, led by Community Development Authority, focuses on:

  • Creating job opportunities
  • Supporting small businesses and home ventures
  • Improving financial stability for families

Better living conditions for workers

A new plan will improve worker housing across Dubai:

  • 100% access to essential services by 2033
  • Strict health and safety standards for accommodations


Whether you’re an employee, business owner, or investor, these changes are designed to make life easier, boost opportunities, and keep Dubai’s growth on track.

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