Dubai motorists, take note, if you’re planning to drive along Jumeirah Street on Tuesday, December 2 afternoon, you might want to leave a little earlier than usual. The city is getting ready for the much-anticipated Al Etihad Parade, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a heads-up about delays.

According to the RTA, the stretch between Union House and the Burj Al Arab is expected to get busy from 4pm to 5.30pm on December 2. While there won’t be a full closure, the area will see slower traffic as preparations and parade activities get underway.

“Plan your trips in advance and follow the traffic signs to ensure a smooth journey,” the RTA posted on X (formerly Twitter), urging drivers to stay alert and consider using alternate routes during the 90-minute disruption.

This advisory comes as the UAE gears up for its 54th National Day, with similar traffic alerts already issued in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and other Emirates organising parades and celebrations. If you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out with family, it’s best to factor in extra time.

The good news? Once the traffic eases, the city’s celebrations are set to light up the skies, with fireworks, shows and cultural events lined up across the Emirate

Abu Dhabi strengthened its position as a global hub for regulatory dialogue this week, as more than 50 countries convened for the 2nd International Forum of Pharmaceutical Inspectorates (IFPI), held on November 24–25 at the Marriott Hotel Downtown.

The high-level gathering brought together worldwide regulatory authorities, industry leaders, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) experts to advance international alignment on pharmaceutical quality standards and patient safety.

Global supply chains demand shared standards

With medicines increasingly developed, manufactured, packaged and prescribed across multiple countries, speakers emphasised the need for deeper regulatory cooperation to ensure consistent safety and quality.

“Cooperation between regulatory authorities increases the availability of high-quality, safe, and effective medicines while improving transparency,” said Vladislav Shestakov, Co-Chair of the Organising Committee and Director of the State Institute of Drugs and Good Practices. He underscored that “quality begins with the mindset of its creators.”

For the second year, the Russian Federation co-chaired the Forum, with participation from the UAE, France, India, Singapore, the US, the UK, Egypt, Turkey, Armenia, Jordan, Italy, Belgium, and representatives from African states under the AMRH initiative.

Focus: harmonisation, inspection trust, and access to modern medicines

This year’s programme examined the most pressing challenges facing global regulators, including:

• Harmonisation of pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements
• Expanding access to modern medicines across different healthcare systems
• Regulatory reliability, trust, and mutual recognition of GMP inspections
• Inspection frameworks for biological medicinal products
• Improved data-sharing and transparency among global inspectorates

Delegates also covered industry shifts driven by gene therapies, advanced biologics, and AI-enabled manufacturing.

“A new regulatory architecture is emerging”

Dmitry Galkin, Director of the Department for the Development of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry at Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Head of the Russian GMP Inspectorate, highlighted the rapid evolution of the regulatory landscape.

“A new architecture of global pharmaceutical regulation is taking shape, where mutual recognition of inspections, data exchange, and comparable quality standards become key elements,” he said.

Hands-on workshops strengthen technical competencies

Beyond high-level panels, inspectors and technical experts participated in workshops and case-based sessions designed to enhance GMP inspection skills, strengthen regulatory capacity, and foster practical problem-solving.

The event reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a neutral platform for global regulatory collaboration, reinforcing shared ambitions to modernise oversight models and ensure safe access to medicines worldwide.

International regulators call for deeper cooperation

Several leaders used the Forum to stress the importance of cross-border collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Taruna Ikrar, Head of the Indonesian FDA (BPOM), said the IFPI provides “a platform that strengthens regulatory systems and elevates the quality, consistency, and integrity of GMP inspections worldwide,” adding that ASEAN remains committed to harmonised standards and science-based inspections.

Looking ahead

As the Forum concluded, delegates pointed to one recurring takeaway: progress in the pharmaceutical sector depends on people, inspectors, regulators, scientists, and innovators working collectively toward a safer global medicine ecosystem.

Organisers confirmed that plans are already underway for an expanded next edition of the IFPI.

In a significant development for cricket around the world, Pro10, spearheaded by cricket legend Ravi Shastri and sports entrepreneur Neeraj Sareen, today announced its groundbreaking international launch bringing professional T10 cricket to Southeast Asia and Europe.

The inaugural season features five franchise teams competing between January 30–February 4, 2026, at Thailand’s world-class Terd Thai Cricket Ground, with West Indies icon Sir Viv Richards serving as Thailand ambassador and a marquee roster including David Warner, Chris Lynn, and George Munsey.

Pro10 has been envisioned as a catalyst for cricket in emerging regions, pioneering professional cricket in non-traditional Southeast Asian and European markets. Not only does the initiative provide a fast, accessible format that empowers new audiences and aspiring players across Southeast Asia and Europe, but it also serves as a unique platform of structured, professionally run T10 cricket in Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland.

The marquee competition will provide local players with an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the finest international players and coaches, giving their development an undeniable boost. The league is firmly positioned a practical development tool for emerging nations that have limited access to international players.

Adding his perspective on Pro10 and the league’s impact on new regions, Sir Viv Richards, Thailand Ambassador, said:”Cricket grows strongest when it reaches new people, and new communities. Pro10 is doing exactly that by giving Thailand, Bulgaria, and Poland a platform to shine. I am delighted to help guide this journey and to see local talent gain exposure to international players and coaches. This is how the game expands, and this is where the future lies.”

Speaking on the launch and the league’s wider purpose, Ravi Shastri, Co-founder & Partner, said: “Pro10 represents cricket’s next evolution: explosive T10 excitement with genuine grassroots development. We’re creating sustainable ecosystems to develop stars from Thailand, Bulgaria, Poland, and beyond. Having Sir Viv Richards as Thailand ambassador and players like David Warner demonstrates the calibre we’re building. The T10 format is perfect for today’s world, showcasing cricket’s incredible global potential.”

Sharing his perspective on Pro10’s vision and long-term commitment to new cricket markets, Neeraj Sareen, Founder & CEO, said: “Pro10 is built from the ground up with sustainability, local talent development, and world-class entertainment. We’re partnering with communities, cricket boards, and institutions to create something truly special. Securing Sir Viv Richards as Thailand ambassador testifies to our vision. With Ravi’s cricket expertise, Roshan Mahanama and Russell Maduwantha’s operational brilliance, we’re building cricket’s future, not just hosting matches.”