What started as a struggling fight night in Dubai turned into one of the city’s most talked-about sports events, and it’s all thanks to Tristan Hamm.

At a time when live events were taking a hit, this Canadian boxer and social media personality stepped up with his “Spirit of Dubai” initiative, completely changing the game.

From 98 per cent refunds to a packed arena
The event was on the brink of cancellation after nearly all tickets were refunded, leaving the venue almost empty.

But Hamm wasn’t having it.

He went all in, leveraging social media, personal outreach, and community connections to bring people back.

The result?
• More than 1,400 attendees
• Over 400 influencers and business leaders
• A buzzing, high-energy fight night atmosphere

The $200,000 move that changed everything
In a bold move, Hamm donated $200,000 in tickets to UAE residents, giving many their first-ever live boxing experience.

Within just 2 weeks, the event flipped from near-cancelled to completely sold out.

Then came the knockout
The fight night delivered serious action with multiple KOs, but the highlight? Hamm’s own explosive knockout win, which has now gone mega viral with over 500 million views on Instagram

More than just a fight night
With nearly 2 million followers, Hamm turned this into a global moment—showcasing Dubai’s energy, community spirit, and ability to bounce back.

His words summed it up perfectly: “Dubai didn’t need saving. It needed people to show up.”

This wasn’t just about boxing, it became a symbol of:
• Community power

• Resilience during uncertainty

• The comeback of Dubai’s live events scene

From empty seats to a viral global success, the “Spirit of Dubai” proves one thing: when people come together, the city comes alive.

Al Hamriyah is stepping up its sustainability game with a massive new community farm designed to boost local agriculture and bring residents closer to fresh, homegrown food.

Launched by Al Hamriyah Municipality with support from the community, this 2-hectare project isn’t just about farming, it’s about building a greener, smarter future for the UAE.

Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the farm promotes home-grown produce, eco-friendly practices, and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Here’s what makes it stand out:
• Dedicated plots for residents to grow their own seasonal crops
• Fresh produce like mango, papaya, pomegranate, tomatoes and more
• Natural honey production
• Organic fertiliser made by recycling farm waste
• Student learning zones to boost environmental awareness

It’s not just a farm, it’s a hands-on hub for innovation, from testing climate-suitable crops to using advanced planting techniques like grafting.

The goal is to develop stronger food security, a tighter-knit community, and a more sustainable UAE 

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the temporary postponement of school bus services across the United Arab Emirates as students return to in-person learning.

The decision applies to all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools. Officials said the move is aimed at allowing time to complete operational readiness in coordination with transport authorities and municipalities, ensuring services meet the highest safety standards.

The ministry confirmed that the situation will be reviewed weekly, with updates on the resumption of school transport to be shared through official channels.

The announcement comes shortly after authorities confirmed that in-person classes will resume from April 20, 2026, for students, teachers, and administrative staff across the country. Schools have already completed key preparations, including facility readiness, staff training, and updated safety procedures.

Private schools will also have the option to implement a hybrid learning model if required, depending on their readiness and in line with approved regulations. However, schools must ensure that teachers are not required to handle both in-person and remote classes at the same time, to maintain education quality and manage workloads.

Flexible attendance, transport fees waived

Schools will take a flexible approach to student attendance as transportation challenges continue during the current phase of reopening.

Authorities said schools will assess attendance on a case-by-case basis, considering individual family circumstances while ensuring the smooth functioning of the education system.

In public schools, no transport fees will be charged during this period. For private schools, any arrangements related to school transport fees will be handled by local education authorities in line with approved regulations.

Officials say all measures are aimed at supporting families while maintaining stability in the learning process.

Officials added that schools will remain ready to switch to alternative learning methods if needed, ensuring continuity of education under all circumstances.