As geopolitical tensions and conflicts intensify across the world, a growing global initiative is calling for renewed focus on peace, dialogue and shared human values.

The I Am Peacekeeper Movement is stepping up efforts ahead of the upcoming Billionaires for Peace Conclave, scheduled to take place in Dubai this May.

Founded by humanitarian leader Huzaifa Khorakiwala, the movement promotes seven core values — truth, gratitude, forgiveness, love, humility, giving and patience — as the foundation for inner harmony and lasting global peace.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is a shared responsibility rooted in how we live, act and lead,” Khorakiwala said. “In a world facing unprecedented challenges, aligning our values with our actions is more important than ever.”

Global movement for peace

Launched in Dubai, the I Am Peacekeeper Movement aims to unite individuals, institutions and communities under a shared mission of harmony and mutual understanding.

The initiative has rapidly expanded into a global platform engaging millions of advocates worldwide through digital campaigns, grassroots networks and international events.

Organisers say the upcoming Billionaires for Peace Conclave will bring together influential leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to explore ways to advance peace-building, ethical leadership and global cooperation.

Building on a global peace summit

The initiative builds on the momentum generated by the Global Justice Love & Peace Summit held in April last year.

The summit brought together 10 Nobel Peace Laureates on a single stage and concluded with the release of a Peace Charter encouraging global solidarity, dialogue and values-driven leadership.

Organisers say the movement’s focus on “lived values” aligns closely with the UAE’s longstanding commitment to tolerance, coexistence and cross-cultural dialogue.

With Dubai hosting the upcoming conclave, supporters hope the city will once again serve as a global platform for conversations on peace and shared human responsibility.

About the movement

The I Am Peacekeeper Movement is a global initiative founded by Dr Huzaifa Khorakiwala to promote universal peace through core human values. Launched in Dubai, the movement engages communities worldwide through advocacy, education and international events such as the Global Justice Love & Peace Summit and the Billionaires for Peace Conclave.

More information is available at: www.i-am-peacekeeper.com

The Ministry of Education, along with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, on Wednesday, March 4, announced that the commencement of spring break for all academic institutions has been pushed forward to March 9, with the last working day to be March 6. Normal classes are scheduled to resume from March 30. 

The academic calendar placed the spring break dates originally from March 16 and ending on March 29 which has now moved from March 9 to March 22. The change comes in light of the ongoing regional conflict, with the safety of students and staff at schools and universities as the highest priority. 

Classes had transitioned to online learning at the beginning of this week as a precautionary measure for all students and staff, which was further extended up to the end of this week. Exams for students have also been shifted to a remote format, allowing them to complete their assessments safely from home. 

Students, parents, and staff are advised to stay updated via official channels only, as the measures aim to protect the safety of all in the education sector.

(By Shura Kola)

The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai have suspended operations until further notice due to escalating regional tensions.

According to an official update, the US Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees to depart the UAE on March 3 due to the heightened threat of armed conflict.

No walk-in or visa services

For the large American community living and working in the UAE, the closures mean:

• No in-person consular services
• No visa services for foreign nationals
• No passport collections until security conditions improve

The mission confirmed that passport services for Americans without valid US passports will resume once it is safe to do so. Foreign passports currently held by the mission will also be returned when conditions permit.

Residents have been urged not to approach embassy or consulate premises for any reason at this time.

Why this matters for expat community

The UAE is home to tens of thousands of American citizens, alongside millions of expatriates from around the world. The temporary closure of US diplomatic missions may affect:

• Visa applicants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Americans renewing passports
• Families with pending consular appointments
• Residents awaiting document collection

Americans urged to depart

Earlier advisories encouraged US citizens planning to leave the UAE to do so via:

• Commercial flights
• Land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, which remain open

Those unable or choosing not to leave have been advised to shelter in place and take safety precautions.

The State Department has also urged Americans in multiple Middle East countries affected by the ongoing conflict to depart immediately due to “serious safety risks.”

Safety instructions for US citizens

Residents are being advised to:

• Contact airlines immediately to check flight availability
• Keep mobile phones fully charged
• Pre-programme emergency numbers (999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire)
• Keep travel documents accessible
• Shelter in place during alerts
• Avoid windows and exterior walls
• Stay away from military or government sites

Americans seeking assistance must complete the official Crisis Intake Form and should not submit it multiple times.

Emergency contact details

US Embassy Abu Dhabi
Tel: +971 2 414 2200
Email: ACSAbuDhabi@state.gov

US Consulate General Dubai
Tel: +971 4 309 4000
Email: DubaiACS@state.gov

For emergency services in the UAE, dial 999.

Local airlines, travel operators, and border crossings may also experience increased traffic as some residents consider departure options.

Authorities say further updates will be shared as the situation develops.