A new pilot programme for autonomous delivery vehicles has been launched in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step in the emirate’s smart mobility strategy.

The initiative, led by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), is a collaboration with tech firm K2 and logistics provider EMX. The pilot program includes the first official license plate issued for a self-driving delivery vehicle in the emirate.

Developed by K2’s subsidiary, Autogo, the “Auto-Delivery” vehicles use advanced AI to navigate and deliver packages. Their initial trial is being conducted in Masdar City, with plans to expand the service across Abu Dhabi.

This programme supports the emirate’s broader goal of ensuring 25 per cent of all transportation trips are smart and sustainable by 2040, building on earlier successes such as the introduction of autonomous taxis.

Teachers around the world now have the chance to be recognised on a global stage, as the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and UNESCO have opened nominations for the 2025–2026 UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development.

The award, presented every two years, highlights innovative teaching practices that enhance classroom environments and enhance student learning. Since its launch in 2008, it has become an international platform to celebrate educators who are pushing the boundaries of what teaching can achieve.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Hamdan Foundation, said the Prize reflects the belief that “investing in teachers is investing in the future.” He explained that past winners have inspired schools and educators to try new approaches, design creative solutions, and share their ideas worldwide.

The Prize carries a total value of $300,000, which is split equally between three winners. Each winner will also be honoured with a certificate at a special ceremony on World Teachers’ Day, 5 October 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Nominations are open to educational institutions, research centres, and relevant organisations until 31 October 2025 (midnight, Paris time). Winners will be chosen by an independent jury of education experts from different parts of the world.

By recognising outstanding educators, the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize helps highlight the crucial role teachers play in building stronger, smarter, and more resilient societies, and in making sure every child has access to quality education.

There’s nothing quite like a long weekend to recharge, and this winter, UAE residents may be in for an extra treat.

The 54th UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, will fall on Tuesday, December 2, marking the unification of the Emirates. Under the UAE public holiday law, December 2 and 3 are official holidays every year.

That means residents are already set for a midweek break. But here’s where it gets exciting: the law also allows certain holidays to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week to give people more time off.

Could we get four or five days off?

• If Monday, December 1, is added, or if the December 3 holiday is moved to Monday, it could create a four-day weekend.
• In a best-case scenario, if both December 1 and 3 are included, we could enjoy a five-day holiday when combined with the weekend.

This flexibility has already been seen earlier in the year, when the Islamic New Year holiday was announced ahead of time and scheduled on a Friday to give residents a longer break.

Back-to-back occasions

National Day follows closely after UAE Commemoration Day on Sunday, November 30. While it is not usually a public holiday, the law gives local governments the power to declare additional days off. If included, it could make the long weekend even more special.

Mark your calendars

Every year, grand celebrations take place across the country on December 2. Residents and visitors could enjoy the fireworks, cultural shows, and parades. However, this year, residents can look forward not just to the festivities but also to the possibility of an extended winter break.