If you’re a parent in the UAE, here’s an important update to keep on your radar.

Schools across the country are tightening controls around student health and safety, urging parents not to send any medication with their children during the school day, unless it’s necessary and officially approved.

The move applies to government and private schools following a Ministry of Education curriculum, and the message is clear: Unsupervised medication at school can be risky.

In notices sent out to parents, school administrations explained that allowing students to carry medicines could lead to serious health risks. These include incorrect dosages, improper use, or even students sharing medication with classmates. Schools are keen to avoid situations that could quickly turn into medical emergencies.

Exceptions With Rules

The ban isn’t a blanket one. Students with chronic conditions or specific medical needs are still allowed access to medication, but only under strict guidelines.

Parents must provide:

• An official medical prescription from the treating doctor
• Clear details, including the student’s name, medication type, dosage, and timing

Once approved, medications are:

• Stored securely
• Administered only by school management or qualified health staff

This ensures students receive their treatment safely and at the right time.

School administrators say the policy is part of a broader health and safety framework aimed at preventing emergencies and promoting awareness on campus.

Parents are being urged to fully cooperate with the new guidelines, highlighting the importance of strong school–family partnerships when it comes to student health.

If you live in Khorfakkan and have been wondering what’s happening with housing in the area, here’s some reassuring news.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced that a new residential neighbourhood will be built in Jabal Al Ashkel, directly responding to concerns about the shortage of homes in the city.

The new development, called Al Ashkel Neighbourhood, will be located along the mountainous area of Khorfakkan. It’s set to take place near the Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, and to ensure the area is ready for construction, the road leading to Al Rafisah will be paved.

The announcement was made during a phone call on the programme Direct Line, where the Sharjah Ruler addressed concerns by Emiratis about the availability of residential plots in Khorfakkan. And it wasn’t just talk about plans, there’s already a lot happening on the ground.

Right now, 270 homes are under construction, including 120 homes in Al Mudeife. More residential plots in the Al Harray area are also being handed over to the municipality, with construction expected to take around two years.

And it’s not just Khorfakkan that’s seeing progress. The Sharjah Ruler also shared updates on housing projects in Kalba, with new neighbourhoods being developed along the ring road in areas like Al Ghayl, Al Saaf, and Al Tareef. Construction has already started in Al Dahiyat neighbourhood, with more developments on the way.

All in all, it’s a clear sign that efforts are being made to ease housing pressure across Sharjah’s East Coast, and the message is clear: Sharjah is moving fast to address housing needs with long-term, citizen-focused developments that balance community living and natural surroundings.

It’s not every day you see the moon stealing the spotlight in broad daylight, but that’s exactly what happened in Abu Dhabi this week.

With clearer skies and improved weather conditions, astronomers have captured a rare and remarkably detailed daytime image of the Shaaban crescent, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Shaaban 1447 AH.

The image was taken on Monday, January 19, at 11am UAE time, by the Al Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi, which operates under the International Astronomy Centre. At the time of observation, the angular distance between the Moon and the Sun was measured at just 6.7 degrees, a challenging position that usually makes crescent sightings extremely difficult.

According to astronomers, exceptionally clear atmospheric conditions played a crucial role in making the crescent visible during daylight hours, when the Moon’s faint illumination is often overwhelmed by sunlight.

The observation was carried out by a specialised team that used advanced astronomical imaging techniques to document the lunar phase in detail. Beyond its visual appeal, the sighting has real significance.

Countdown to the holy month

 Crescent observations are a cornerstone of Islamic astronomy, helping determine the start of lunar months, especially those tied to major religious milestones. Shaaban, in particular, is closely watched as it precedes the holy month of Ramadan.

The International Astronomy Centre says such observations also contribute to refining crescent sighting methods and improving the accuracy of lunar calendar calculations, blending scientific precision with cultural and religious importance.