If you’re planning to deck out your car for the UAE’s 54th National Day, the Ministry of Interior has just dropped a detailed reminder on what’s allowed and what could get your vehicle fined or impounded. The message is simple: enjoy the celebrations, but keep it safe and responsible.

“Violations will result in fines and the impoundment of non-compliant vehicles. Your commitment brings us joy, and your safety is our priority,” the ministry said.

So, what’s officially allowed?

Only two things make the approved list this year:

• National Day stickers
• The UAE national flag on your vehicle

That’s it, no extra add-ons, no wild customisations, and nothing that could block visibility or distract other drivers.

And what’s NOT allowed?

Here’s everything the ministry says you should avoid:

• Unorganised parades or random road gatherings
• Blocking or disrupting traffic
• Stunt driving or dangerous manoeuvres
• Leaning out of windows or sunroofs
• Overloading the car
• Covering your windscreen or licence plate
• Using loudspeakers, sirens or exaggerated horns
• Displaying non-official posters or banners
• Raising any flag other than the UAE flag
• Wearing a head mask or costume while driving
• Playing loud music outside designated celebration zones

Why all the rules?

It’s all about keeping the celebrations joyful, not chaotic. With thousands taking to the roads during the long weekend, the ministry wants to ensure safety, smooth traffic flow, and respect for everyone sharing public spaces.

While motorists are encouraged to join the celebrations, they’re reminded to follow all traffic and safety rules. Hoisting the UAE flag remains one of the most heartfelt ways to show patriotism during Eid Al Etihad, but it must be done safely, correctly, and with full respect.

The UAE has widened its foster care rules for children of unknown parentage, and for the first time, both Emiratis and resident expatriates can apply, thanks to new amendments published in the latest Official Gazette.

Previously, foster care was limited almost entirely to Emirati families or single Emirati women under strict conditions. But under Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, the criteria have been updated, oversight strengthened, and the path opened for more families to provide safe, stable homes.

Who can now foster?

Under the revised Article 6, a foster family must:

• Be a married couple living together in the UAE
• Have both spouses legally residing in the country
• Be at least 25 years old
• Have no convictions involving honour or trust
• Be medically fit and free from serious infectious or psychological conditions
• Be financially capable of supporting a child
• Meet any other conditions set by the Ministry or local authorities

Single women can also apply

Single women, including those who are unmarried, divorced or widowed — remain eligible, provided they:

• Live in the UAE
• Are at least 30 years old
• Have no convictions related to honour or trust
• Are medically and psychologically fit
• Can financially support the child
• Meet any additional requirements from federal or local bodies

Stricter safeguards and oversight

All applicants must sign a written pledge ensuring a stable, nurturing home environment. They’re also prohibited from influencing the child’s documented identity or beliefs.

Oversight committees have broad authority to verify compliance, including visiting the home or reviewing the child’s education and welfare. Local authorities must keep the Ministry updated with all data and documentation tied to these cases.

When custody can be withdrawn

Custody can be revoked if a foster parent or family no longer meets eligibility requirements or breaches their obligations. These decisions, based on reports from social researchers, are final and cannot be appealed.

For smaller violations, authorities may first issue a corrective plan with deadlines. But if the plan isn’t followed, custody will be withdrawn under the decree.

Abu Dhabi strengthened its position as a global hub for regulatory dialogue this week, as more than 50 countries convened for the 2nd International Forum of Pharmaceutical Inspectorates (IFPI), held on November 24–25 at the Marriott Hotel Downtown.

The high-level gathering brought together worldwide regulatory authorities, industry leaders, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) experts to advance international alignment on pharmaceutical quality standards and patient safety.

Global supply chains demand shared standards

With medicines increasingly developed, manufactured, packaged and prescribed across multiple countries, speakers emphasised the need for deeper regulatory cooperation to ensure consistent safety and quality.

“Cooperation between regulatory authorities increases the availability of high-quality, safe, and effective medicines while improving transparency,” said Vladislav Shestakov, Co-Chair of the Organising Committee and Director of the State Institute of Drugs and Good Practices. He underscored that “quality begins with the mindset of its creators.”

For the second year, the Russian Federation co-chaired the Forum, with participation from the UAE, France, India, Singapore, the US, the UK, Egypt, Turkey, Armenia, Jordan, Italy, Belgium, and representatives from African states under the AMRH initiative.

Focus: harmonisation, inspection trust, and access to modern medicines

This year’s programme examined the most pressing challenges facing global regulators, including:

• Harmonisation of pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements
• Expanding access to modern medicines across different healthcare systems
• Regulatory reliability, trust, and mutual recognition of GMP inspections
• Inspection frameworks for biological medicinal products
• Improved data-sharing and transparency among global inspectorates

Delegates also covered industry shifts driven by gene therapies, advanced biologics, and AI-enabled manufacturing.

“A new regulatory architecture is emerging”

Dmitry Galkin, Director of the Department for the Development of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry at Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Head of the Russian GMP Inspectorate, highlighted the rapid evolution of the regulatory landscape.

“A new architecture of global pharmaceutical regulation is taking shape, where mutual recognition of inspections, data exchange, and comparable quality standards become key elements,” he said.

Hands-on workshops strengthen technical competencies

Beyond high-level panels, inspectors and technical experts participated in workshops and case-based sessions designed to enhance GMP inspection skills, strengthen regulatory capacity, and foster practical problem-solving.

The event reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a neutral platform for global regulatory collaboration, reinforcing shared ambitions to modernise oversight models and ensure safe access to medicines worldwide.

International regulators call for deeper cooperation

Several leaders used the Forum to stress the importance of cross-border collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Taruna Ikrar, Head of the Indonesian FDA (BPOM), said the IFPI provides “a platform that strengthens regulatory systems and elevates the quality, consistency, and integrity of GMP inspections worldwide,” adding that ASEAN remains committed to harmonised standards and science-based inspections.

Looking ahead

As the Forum concluded, delegates pointed to one recurring takeaway: progress in the pharmaceutical sector depends on people, inspectors, regulators, scientists, and innovators working collectively toward a safer global medicine ecosystem.

Organisers confirmed that plans are already underway for an expanded next edition of the IFPI.