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Over 200 turtles rescued, rehabilitated in Abu Dhabi this year

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Over 200 sea turtles have been rescued and rehabilated by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) since the start of the new year. EAD has been backed by its Wildlife Rescue Programme partner and the largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium of Abu Dhabi (TNA).

Ahmed Al Hashmi, executive director, terrestrial and marine biodiversity sector at EAD, said, “Through our strategic partnership with TNA, we have been able to rescue and rehabilitate a number of turtles to ensure the longevity of several different turtle species found in Abu Dhabi waters.

Furthermore, after releasing a large majority of these turtles back into their natural habitat, our specialised research team is monitoring them on a regular basis and frequently studying their behaviour and habits.

As part of our efforts, we are very pleased to include the rehabilitation of an Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, a species rarely seen in UAE waters; this is a sign of the abundance of our biodiversity, which we aspire to conserve so that future generations can enjoy it for decades to come.”

Due to the increasing number of turtles that continue being stranded in Abu Dhabi’s waters every year, EAD is now ramping up its efforts to further protect and conserve native wildlife. Accordingly, they have now added more manpower and invested in building state-of-the-art facilities.

Beatriz Maquieira, curator at TNA, added, “Sea turtles are among the most migratory animals on the globe, and two of the seven marine turtle species found worldwide frequent Abu Dhabi’s waters – the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle and the endangered Green Turtle. With over 5,000 sea turtles residing in Abu Dhabi and a huge number of turtles arriving on a yearly basis, we want to continue providing the finest care possible for these animals.”

In 2021, the collaboration between EAD and TNA productively led to the rescue and rehabilitation of 250 sea turtles, of which, 150 were released back into the ocean, and three were satellite tagged. Additional release events took place last summer and now the current rescue of more than 200 turtles, which is the strongest start yet, will soon be released back into the Arabian Gulf; the current rescues can be seen one last time at The National Aquarium before the release commences.

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UAE flights cancelled or delayed after Israel-Iran escalation: What travellers need to know

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Several flights operated by UAE-based airlines were cancelled or delayed on Friday following Israel’s attack on Iran and the subsequent closure of regional airspace. Airlines, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and flydubai, have announced changes to flight schedules, citing safety concerns and airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel.

Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi’s national carrier cancelled and delayed multiple flights to Tel Aviv after Ben Gurion Airport shut down temporarily.

  • Cancelled:
    • EY595 (Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv)
    • EY596 (Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi)
  • Delayed:
    • EY593 / EY594 – by approx. 4 hours
    • EY597 / EY598 – by approx. 12 hours

Etihad is assisting affected passengers and advising them to check real-time flight status on its website or app. The airline warned that the situation remains fluid, and more disruptions may follow.

Emirates

Dubai-based Emirates cancelled several flights to Tehran, Baghdad, Basra, Amman, and Beirut on June 13 and 14. Affected services include:

  • June 13: EK943–EK946 (Baghdad, Basra), EK979–EK980 (Tehran), EK903–EK906 (Amman), EK953–EK958 (Beirut)
  • June 14: EK977–EK978 (Tehran)

Passengers connecting through Dubai to destinations in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon are not being accepted for travel from their origin point until further notice.

 flydubai

Low-cost carrier flydubai confirmed suspensions and reroutes for flights to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran, and Israel, following airspace closures.

Some flights were cancelled, rerouted, or returned to their departure points. Passengers are urged to keep their contact details updated and check the latest flight status on flydubai.com.

Dubai Airports Advisory

Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) reported cancellations and delays due to airspace restrictions over multiple countries.

Airport authorities are working closely with airlines to support travellers and advise passengers to check with their airline for updates before leaving for the airport.

What You Should Do:

  • Check your flight status regularly via the airline’s website or app
  • Contact your airline or travel agent for rebooking options
  • Ensure your contact details are updated with your airline
  • Arrive at the airport only after confirming your flight’s status

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UAE firms face fines from July for missing mid-year Emiratisation target

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Private sector companies in the UAE with 50 or more employees have until June 30, 2025 to meet their Emiratisation target for the first half of the year, or face financial penalties starting in July, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has warned.

What’s required?

Companies must increase the number of Emiratis in skilled jobs by at least 1% relative to their current skilled workforce, while maintaining any previous Emiratisation levels already achieved.

What happens if they don’t?

Failure to meet the target will result in mandatory financial contributions (effectively fines) that will be collected starting July 2025. The exact penalty depends on the gap in compliance.

MoHRE urges action and reporting

MoHRE is also encouraging Emirati citizens to report non-compliant companies or unethical hiring practices. Reports can be made through:

  • Call centre: 600590000
  • MoHRE app or website

Benefits for compliant firms

Companies meeting or exceeding targets may qualify for:

  • Up to 80% discounts on MoHRE service fees
  • Priority in government procurement contracts
  • Membership in the Tawteen Partners Club
    These benefits are part of the Nafis programme, which also connects employers with a large pool of qualified Emirati candidates.

Progress so far

As of May 2025, more than 141,000 Emiratis were working in the private sector across 28,000 companies, a record high, according to MoHRE.

The Ministry said it remains confident in the private sector’s commitment to Emiratisation and praised companies already contributing to the national strategy aimed at boosting economic growth and workforce diversity.

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How Dubai Metro’s new AI robot is going to make your commute smoother and safer

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If you ride the Dubai Metro regularly, here’s some good news: a new AI-powered robot is now working behind the scenes to make your daily journey safer, faster, and more reliable.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a smart robot called ARIIS (Automated Rail Infrastructure Inspection System) that autonomously checks the tracks and metro infrastructure, eliminating the need to stop trains or close lines.

So what does that mean for you as a passenger?

  • Fewer delays: With faster inspections and better planning, there’s less chance of sudden disruptions or maintenance-related delays.
  • Safer rides: The robot can detect early signs of damage or wear that humans might miss, helping prevent issues before they happen.
  • Smoother journeys: Better track maintenance means less noise and vibration, making your metro ride more comfortable.
  • More reliable service: The system helps keep the metro running on schedule, so you’re less likely to miss that important meeting or connection.

And the best part? It all happens quietly in the background, without affecting daily metro operations.

This upgrade is part of Dubai’s push to lead in smart city innovation. By utilising AI and robotics, the city not only ensures the safety of public transport but also maintains its world-class status for residents and millions of others who rely on it every day.

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