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UAE tops global soft power index in Mena region

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The United Arab Emirates has been ranked first regionally and 10th globally for Influence in the Global Soft Power Index (GSPI) 2022.

The UAE advanced to 15th place globally in the overall GSPI ranking, up from last year’s 17th in the GSPI 2021. The country sits at the top in the region and remains at the forefront of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa, achieving progress in all indicators and sub-indicators.

In a tweet posted on his official Twitter account, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said, “The GSPI 2022 ranked the UAE as the 10th globally and first regionally in its overall influence in soft power. This reflects our leading position and good reputation worldwide.”

He added, “More than 100,000 respondents worldwide chose the UAE as the first regionally and 15th globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2022. Our country also ranked 10th globally in its influence, enhancing our status and positive impact.”

Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the country’s progress in all indicators and sub-indicators results from the unique model it provides.

He noted, “The UAE’s soft power lies in its development model, which brings together the best ideas and minds across the world and gathers people of all races to build the best development experience in the world.”

The UAE continued its progress in the GSPI 2022, developed by “Brand Finance” British company. The index interviewed more than 100,000 people from 101 countries worldwide to assess the various axes of soft power and its positive influence. The UAE’s overall Soft Power score improved more than 11 percent, progressing to 15th place globally, up from 17th place in 2021.

The UAE’s performance in the 2022 Index that included 120 countries had many core strengths, including its distinguished position as a leading destination for business and trade, the ease to do business within a stable economic environment.

Also, the country has a positive impact as the most influential in the region and its reputation as one of the most generous and helpful countries internationally. The UAE has improved its reputation among developed nations during the past year.

The UAE also recorded an outstanding performance in the main indicators during 2022 compared to 2021. The UAE ranked 10th globally in the “Overall Influence” index compared to 12th in the previous year. The UAE ranked 20th globally in the “Reputation” index.

The UAE achieved an overall stable performance in all pillars, especially in the ‘Culture and Heritage’ pillar, where it ranked the 24th, by advancing seven positions from 2021, where it ranked the 31st.

The UAE’s performance on the ‘International Relations’ pillar has shown genuine improvement, as it ranked 11th up from last year’s 16th ranking, showing a strong reputation for being “Influential in diplomatic circles” and “Helpful to other countries in need”. The country’s improving perceptions regarding environmental protection could move UAE into the top 10 in the future.

Also, the UAE ranked first regionally and 10th globally in the ‘Influence’ pillar, the 10th globally in the “Influential in diplomatic circles”, and the 11th globally in the ‘International relations’ pillar. The UAE’s reputation score has marginally improved, and it has moved up to 20th globally, by far the highest among all Arab nations.

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Ramadan in UAE: Sharjah extends paid parking hours in Khorfakkan

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Motorists in Khorfakkan will soon need to budget for longer paid parking hours.

Sharjah City Municipality, in cooperation with Khorfakkan Municipality, has announced that operating hours for paid public parking spaces marked with blue signs will be extended starting February 16.

New Parking Timings in Khorfakkan

Under the updated decision, paid parking will now apply:

  • Daily, including weekends and public holidays
  • From 8am until 12 midnight

Previously, parking fees ended at 10pm.

Why the Change?

Officials said the move follows a comprehensive study of:

  • Parking usage rates
  • Location patterns
  • Customer demand
  • Resident and visitor feedback

Many residents and tourists had raised concerns about difficulty finding parking after 10pm, especially near restaurants, cafés and busy tourist areas.

With Khorfakkan seeing increasing commercial and tourism activity, the municipality said extending hours to midnight will:

  • Improve parking availability
  • Reduce misuse of public spaces
  • Ease congestion in high-footfall zones
  • Support businesses operating late

No Increase in Subscription Fees

There’s some good news for seasonal permit holders.

Authorities confirmed that subscription fees will remain unchanged. However, subscribers will now benefit from:

  • 16 hours of daily parking coverage instead of 14 hours
  • Two additional hours at no extra cost

What Stays the Same

Other paid parking zones in Khorfakkan will continue under their existing schedules, except for any temporary adjustments during Ramadan.

Motorists are advised to check signage carefully and plan evening parking accordingly once the new timings come into effect.









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Ramadan in UAE: Working hours announced for private sector

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The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that private sector employees will work two hours less per day during Ramadan 2026.

The announcement aligns with the UAE’s annual Ramadan working hour adjustments, aimed at supporting employees observing the holy month while ensuring business continuity across sectors.

All private sector companies in the UAE must reduce daily working hours by two hours during Ramadan.

Businesses may also introduce:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Remote work arrangements
  • Alternative shift schedules

These arrangements depend on the nature of the company’s operations and must comply with UAE Labour Law.

Ramadan Working Hours

Reduced working hours during Ramadan are standard practice across the UAE. The policy is designed to support employees observing the fast while maintaining productivity and service continuity across government and private sectors.

Residents and employees are advised to follow official FAHR and MoHRE channels for the latest updates on Ramadan policies and workplace regulations in the UAE.

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Ramadan 2026: Sharjah shops must secure midnight permit to operate beyond hours

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Sharjah Municipality has announced that commercial establishments in the emirate must obtain a special permit if they wish to extend their working hours beyond midnight during Ramadan.

The municipality clarified that stores and retail shops are required to apply for the permit online through its official website (www.shjmun.gov.ae) in order to continue operating after 12am.

However, engineering contractors and construction companies will not be eligible for the permit to work after midnight at construction sites.

Online service launched for Ramadan permits

The municipality confirmed that the permit application is available through its electronic services platform, allowing businesses to complete the process digitally ahead of Ramadan.

The move aims to regulate extended commercial activity during the holy month while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Ramadan working hours confirmed

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Human Resources Department announced the official Ramadan working hours for government departments, authorities and institutions in the emirate.

Government employees will work from 9am to 2:30pm during Ramadan.

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