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UAE shines in spotlight from shadow report on human rights

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Kuumar Kavita Shyam

Leading voices from various fields and representing some well-known organisations around the world have expressed appreciation for efforts from the UAE on matters concerning aspects of human rights.

The comments came on the occasion of the launch of the shadow report on human rights in the UAE, in preparation for reviewing the official report that the UAE will submit to the UN Human Rights Council in May.
Media and human rights experts from around the world got an audience with some prominent global names through a webinar on Zoom where each cited studies or real-life examples of how the UAE has led the discussion or took charge of activities to make the world a better place.

It was worth noting, heard the forum of special invitees including Headline.ae, that the UAE has now been a member of the UNHRC for three terms, most recently being the current spell from 2022-2024 as it also continues to co-operate with international organisations and parties.

On September 15, 2020, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed the Abraham Accords at the White House, US, in the presence of president Donald Trump. AP

The panelists spoke on topics such as religious tolerance, peace, education, gender equality, domestic crime rates, terrorism, money laundering, individual freedom, etc, and how the UAE held up on such parameters.

Recent projects such as the initiation of Abraham Accords or proactiveness in getting assistance to the earthquake-affected Turkiye and Syria also came up for special highlights in championing the case for the UAE.

The shadow report is the report prepared by non-governmental bodies in response to the official report submitted by each member state of the Council periodically, with a frequency of once every four years, to the UNHRC.

Before presenting the official report, in which each country talks about its human rights record, the official authorities wishing to do so present their report on the development of the human rights situation, in what is known as the shadow report. It is a parallel report of the official report from the relevant countries.

More than 13 Arab, European and international human rights organisations and 17 experts from around the world participated in the preparation of this report.

Ayman Nasri, Head of the Arab-European Forum for Dialogue and Human Rights, an entity with an advisory capacity at the UN, shared the majoritarian view that the UAE’s track record in human rights has been praised by various quarters in the international community.

Eric Gozlan, Co-Director of International Council for Diplomacy and Dialogue, spoke about how the UAE showed courage to start the Abraham Accords dialogues with Israel, have let a synagogue to open – incidentally, media got a tour of the site at Saadiyat Island barely hours after he spoke – and visits by the Pope and Grand Imam as examples towards co-existence that impressed him.

The UAE example proves that there is no tolerance without peace, and there is no peace without tolerance, Gozlan added.

Dr Manal Masalmi, a human rights expert, discussed the UAE’s efforts to empower women, highlighting how successfully the country has integrated women into society and how it has developed a cutting-edge plan to strengthen the role of the family and its empowerment.

The president of the Bahraini Jurists Association, Dr Abdul-Jabbar Al-Tayeb, stated that the subject of human rights is connected to a variety of topics, including climate change and digitalisation, previously regarded to be unrelated to human rights.

Announcements

Ajman to launch new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre under 2026 law

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Ajman has announced the establishment of a new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at streamlining landlord-tenant disputes and strengthening stability in the emirate’s real estate sector.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has issued Law No. (1) of 2026, formally creating the centre and replacing the existing rental disputes committee.

Clearer, Faster Rental Dispute Resolution

The new law introduces transparent and clearly defined mechanisms for reviewing and adjudicating rental disputes, with the objective of:

  • Protecting the rights of landlords and tenants
  • Enhancing confidence in Ajman’s property market
  • Supporting a stable and attractive investment environment

Jurisdiction and Scope

The specialised centre will have authority over all rental-related disputes between landlords and tenants, including:

  • Residential and commercial properties
  • Properties located within free zones

Cases will be handled using procedures aligned with recognised legal and judicial standards, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Boosting Market Stability

Officials said the new centre is designed to:

  • Speed up dispute resolution
  • Reduce litigation timelines
  • Ensure swift and effective justice

The move is expected to contribute to social and economic stability in Ajman’s leasing and real estate sector, while reinforcing investor confidence.






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Abu Dhabi updates traffic diversion rules, Darb tolls to boost road safety and efficiency

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The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced new amendments to Abu Dhabi’s traffic diversion regulations, aimed at improving traffic flow, safety and compliance at construction and roadwork sites across the emirate.

The updated framework strengthens oversight of traffic permits, enhances enforcement powers and introduces clearer procedures for emergency works.

Key Changes to Traffic Diversion Rules

Under the revised regulations:

  • Definitions related to traffic permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been updated to improve clarity
  • Traffic permits are non-transferable; any attempt to transfer a permit will render it invalid
  • Emergency works may proceed without prior permit approval, provided all road safety requirements are met
  • ITC must be notified before emergency work begins, and a formal permit application must be submitted within 24 hours if work exceeds 12 hours

Permit Suspension and Enforcement Powers

The amendments grant ITC expanded authority to:

  • Temporarily suspend issuing traffic permits based on site conditions or safety risks
  • Reject extension requests or cancel permits if requirements are not met
  • Take action against entities that exceed approved timelines or commit repeated administrative violations

The schedule of violations and fines has also been updated to reflect current standards, with conflicting older provisions officially repealed.

Training, Inspections and Compliance

ITC said the changes followed specialised workshops and training programmes for contractors, consultants and relevant stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of safety standards.

The Centre will continue inspection campaigns and field visits, with fines imposed on violators to:

  • Protect road users and workers
  • Maintain public safety
  • Safeguard road infrastructure

Changes to Abu Dhabi’s Darb Road Toll System

Separately, ITC (Abu Dhabi Mobility) confirmed updates to the Darb road toll system.

New Darb Toll Timings

  • Morning peak: 7am to 9am (unchanged)
  • Evening peak: 3pm to 7pm
  • Toll-free: Sundays and official public holidays

The Dh4 toll per gate crossing remains unchanged.

Removal of Toll Caps

The revised system removes:

  • Daily toll cap of Dh16
  • Monthly caps of Dh200, Dh150 and Dh100 for first, second and additional vehicles

Exemptions Remain

Existing exemptions continue for eligible groups, including:

  • People of Determination
  • Low-income families
  • Senior citizens and retirees

The Darb system is operated by Q Mobility, a subsidiary of ADQ, in coordination with relevant authorities.







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Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

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Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

  • Local and Emirati productions
  • Arab series and films
  • International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said. 

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

  • Enhance local production capabilities
  • Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
  • Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.








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