In a powerful message of national unity, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has called on everyone across the nation to raise the UAE flag over homes, buildings, and institutions.

The call underscores a renewed emphasis on national identity, collective responsibility and social cohesion, reinforcing the flag’s role as a unifying symbol across the country.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE had navigated recent challenges with strong unity, emerging more cohesive and aligned across all segments of society, including citizens and residents, as well as public and private sectors.

“The UAE faced recent challenges united and has come through them stronger and more cohesive. Everyone stood behind one flag,” he said.

“The UAE flag reflects our strength and what we have built as a country. I invite everyone to raise it across homes and workplaces.”

He added: “We take pride in our country, our President, our Armed Forces, our economy, and all citizens and residents who move this country forward every day.”

Sheikh Mohammed further urged that the flag be raised across every home and building, describing it as a reflection of unity and a shared sense of belonging.

The initiative highlights the importance of national identity and shared values, while recognising the contributions of individuals and institutions across the country, including frontline teams and those supporting the UAE’s continued development.

It also reinforces that raising the flag is a collective expression of solidarity, reflecting cohesion across society and a shared sense of belonging.

As students across the UAE continue their education via digital platforms, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has issued a stern reminder: Remote or distance learning is not a reduced version of schooling.

New directives released this week mandate that private schools in the capital implement stricter, step-by-step systems to track student attendance. The move comes as the Ministry of Education recently extended distance learning until April 17, citing safety concerns linked to ongoing regional developments.

Adek’s updated policy emphasises that the change in physical location does not lower the bar for learning outcomes or teacher quality. Schools are now required to:

• Notify parents within 120 minutes of the start of the school day if a child’s absence is unexplained.
• Differentiate clearly between authorised and unauthorised absences.
• Identify patterns early to support student well-being and academic responsibility.

The authority outlined three specific categories for authorised absences: medical cases, family emergencies, and documented travel. Other exceptional circumstances, such as official duties or participation in approved events, may also be considered with proper documentation.

The shift to more rigorous online tracking coincides with a week of severe unsettled weather amid the regional crisis.

As the situation is reviewed on a weekly basis, parents are encouraged to maintain a structured daily routine and use official school channels to report any absences within the mandatory two-hour window.

As the city navigates a complex month of regional shifts and unsettled weather, Parkin Company, Dubai’s largest provider of paid public parking, has launched a timely initiative to revitalise local commerce. The new Spot for Shops programme, unveiled on Thursday, allows motorists to offset their parking fees by supporting neighbourhood shops across the city.

Turning parking into local support
Under the new scheme, customers making qualifying purchases at participating small businesses can have their parking fees credited back to their Parkin wallet. The validation process is handled seamlessly via the Parkin app using the customer’s mobile number.

“Small businesses play a vital role in Dubai’s economic landscape,” said Osama AlSafi, Chief Operating Officer at Parkin. “By connecting parking with everyday retail experiences, we are making it easier for customers to access neighbourhood destinations while supporting the city’s growth.”

The first wave of ‘Hidden Gems’
The pilot phase, set to go live in early May 2026, includes 15 initial outlets. High-profile neighbourhood staples such as the legendary Ravi Restaurant, Beirut Blendz, Cycle 2 Cycle, and Naif Bakery are among the first to join the programme. This move is expected to significantly boost footfall for community retailers at a time when residents are staying closer to home due to intermittent rainfall and regional travel caution.

Navigating a shifting landscape
The launch comes as the Dubai entertainment and music industry continues to pivot toward localised experiences. With international event schedules being recalibrated due to the ongoing regional crisis, the “Spot for Shops” initiative aligns with a broader city-wide trend: a return to community-centric living.

How to claim your parking cashback:

1. Park: Use any paid Parkin space near a participating business.
2. Pay: Complete your initial parking fee via the app or SMS as usual.
3. Shop: Visit a participating outlet (look for the Spot for Shops signage).
4. Validate: The merchant validates your parking via your mobile number.
5. Earn: The cashback value is credited instantly to your Parkin wallet.