Sharjah has introduced a new firefighting motorcycle to help emergency crews reach fire incidents faster, particularly in areas affected by heavy traffic.

The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority said the specially equipped motorcycle will enable firefighters to carry out initial firefighting operations while larger fire engines are on their way, helping reduce response times during critical emergencies.

The new vehicle is expected to be especially useful during the summer months, when soaring temperatures increase the risk of fires linked to overloaded electrical systems, air-conditioning units and the handling of hazardous materials.

To mark the launch, the authority released a short video showcasing the firefighting motorcycle and its role in improving emergency response across the emirate.

The announcement comes as the General Directorate of Prevention and Protection continues inspections of fire alarm systems, firefighting equipment and safety installations across Sharjah. Recent field inspections were carried out to ensure suppliers comply with approved technical standards and fire safety regulations.

Sharjah has also been investing in long-term fire prevention measures. The emirate is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve building safety and strengthen fire resilience.

In addition, Sharjah Municipality is continuing its Dh100 million fire safety programme to replace building facades with fire-resistant materials. Five buildings have already been upgraded, with plans to complete similar improvements on a total of 40 buildings.

Thinking of convincing your family or friends to visit Dubai?

Now you have an extra incentive.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched A Dubai Invite, a new programme that rewards UAE residents and citizens for inviting loved ones from overseas to visit the emirate.

If your guests arrive in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, you could unlock more than Dh3,000 worth of rewards, including hotel stays, dining vouchers, attraction tickets and exclusive lifestyle offers.

How to claim the rewards

Getting started is simple.

Before your guest travels, register their details through the A Dubai Invite online nomination form.

Once they arrive in Dubai, their entry is verified automatically, so there’s no extra paperwork or check-in required.

Within 72 hours, you’ll receive an email with details of your reward package and instructions on how to redeem it.

Who’s eligible?

You can take part if you:

• Are a UAE resident or citizen aged 18 or above
• Have a valid Emirates ID
• Invite friends or family who live outside the UAE
• Register their visit before they arrive

Visitors must enter Dubai between July 20 and October 31, whether by air, land or sea.

The programme doesn’t include visas, so visitors must arrange their own travel documents if required.

What’s included?

Each successful nomination unlocks a reward package worth more than Dh3,000.

Offers cover:

• Hotel stays
• Restaurants
• Tourist attractions
• Lifestyle experiences

Participating brands include Careem, Hala, W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Meliá Desert Palm, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

A few rules to remember

There are a few conditions before you start sending invites:

• You can nominate up to five visitors per submission.
• Each resident can receive up to three reward packages during the campaign.
• Each visitor can only be nominated once. If someone has already registered them, another nomination won’t qualify.

The rewards will be available until December 31, 2026, unless stated otherwise.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to bring friends and family to Dubai, this could be it, and you’ll be rewarded for it too.

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Delhi High Court’s decision to cancel the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) tender process for outsourcing passport, visa and consular services at Indian missions in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Singapore and Canberra.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant dismissed the Centre’s appeal, directing the MEA to comply with the High Court’s ruling and complete a fresh tender process within three months.

To ensure there is no disruption to services, the Supreme Court allowed the MEA to continue with the existing service providers or temporarily engage the lowest (L-1) bidders whose contracts had previously been set aside. The ministry may also make any other suitable interim arrangements until the new tender process is completed.

The court clarified that these temporary measures will not create any legal rights for any party and will remain in place only until fresh contracts are awarded.

According to legal reports, the Bench, which also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, heard arguments from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on behalf of the Union Government, along with senior advocates representing the private companies involved in the case.

The ruling means the MEA must restart the tender process while following the directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

Meanwhile, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, Indian diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been providing passport and consular services directly from their premises, ensuring that services for the Indian community in the UAE continue without interruption.