News

Pakistan Association Dubai breaks Guinness World Record with giant UAE flag

Published

1 year ago

May 23, 2025

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In a powerful tribute to the UAE’s values of unity and community, Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) has officially entered the Guinness World Records for creating the largest UAE flag made of handprints, featuring 24,514 prints from people of over 100 nationalities.

The record-breaking flag was unveiled during a special ceremony at the Pakistan Auditorium, where a Guinness World Records adjudicator verified the achievement in front of a crowd of 250 guests, including Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, and Consul General Hussain Muhammad.

“This initiative is a beautiful tribute to the UAE’s spirit of tolerance and innovation,” said Ambassador Tirmizi. “It reflects the deep love and gratitude of the Pakistani community towards a country that has embraced people from all walks of life.”

The feat was the culmination of PAD’s “Hands of Unity” campaign, launched as part of the UAE’s Year of Community. Over a month, volunteers collected handprints from 23 schools and universities, activated 39 community sites, and brought together thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Each handprint represents a message of solidarity and appreciation from the UAE’s 2 million-strong Pakistani diaspora.

The record title was shared by Pakistan Association Dubai, community platform Emirates Loves, and artist Rubab Zahra, the creative force behind the flag. PAD President Dr. Faisel Ikram described the achievement as a “token of love” to the UAE.

“We are proud to call the UAE our second home,” he said. “This record reflects our commitment to unity, growth, and contribution. It would not have been possible without the passion and hard work of our volunteers and community partners.”

A touching video documenting the campaign’s journey was played at the ceremony, capturing the behind-the-scenes efforts of hundreds of volunteers. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to participating schools, sponsors, and partners who helped bring the vision to life.

“This was a community movement in every sense,” said Khalid Imtiaz, PAD’s Joint Secretary. “From classrooms to public parks, the energy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring.”

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Crime

Dubai sets up new committee to tackle misinformation and fake news

Published

7 hours ago

August 3, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai is setting up a new committee to combat misinformation and fake news while strengthening clear, transparent communication about the emirate’s achievements.

The move follows a directive from Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The new Dubai Media Narrative Committee will be chaired by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council.

The committee will shape Dubai’s official media narrative, define key communication priorities for government and private sector entities, and recommend policies and strategies to the Dubai Media Council for approval and implementation.

Sheikh Ahmed said a strong and credible media narrative has become an essential part of Dubai’s development journey, adding that the emirate’s creative and intellectual talent provides a solid foundation for telling Dubai’s story in line with the leadership’s vision.

The initiative aims to ensure accurate communication, counter false information and reinforce public confidence through a unified and transparent approach.

Food

Abu Dhabi to ban junk food from supermarket checkouts and entrances

Published

3 days ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Shoppers in Abu Dhabi will soon see fewer chocolates, crisps, sugary drinks and other unhealthy snacks at supermarket entrances, checkout counters and other high-visibility locations under a new policy aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits.

From January 1, 2027, supermarkets larger than 4,000 square feet and online grocery platforms will no longer be allowed to prominently display food and drinks classified as high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) under the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s SEHHI nutrition classification system.

The initiative, led by Healthy Living in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) and supported by several government entities, is designed to make healthier choices easier without restricting what people can buy.

Under the new rules, HFSS products cannot be displayed at store entrances, end-of-aisle promotions or checkout areas. Online retailers must also remove these products from homepage promotions, search recommendations, pop-up advertisements and checkout pages.

Authorities stressed that the products are not being banned. They will remain available in their usual aisles, allowing shoppers to purchase them while reducing impulse buying driven by prominent placement.

Officials said the policy is based on behavioural science and international best practices to create shopping environments that naturally encourage healthier decisions.

Retailers across Abu Dhabi are preparing for the changes ahead of the mandatory deadline, with some stores already implementing the new placement standards across their stores in the emirate.

The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider preventive health strategy, which focuses on reducing lifestyle-related diseases by embedding healthier choices into everyday life.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

3 days ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.