11 horses to compete for title of UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses in Kazan

03

General 30.08.2026

Cryptocurrency trading in Russia may reach $46.43 bn

MOSCOW, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Cryptocurrency trading volumes in Russia are not expected to exceed 4 trillion rubles ($46.43 billion) a year in the first year after legalisation and may reach around 7.5 trillion rubles ($87.06 bn) by 2029, Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Sberbank said."According to Finance Ministry data as of February, the daily volume of cryptocurrency transactions in Russia is around 50 bn rubles, or roughly 18 trillion rubles a year. SberCIB Investment Research analysts have a fairly conservative estimate: in the first year after legalization, around 20% of this volume, or 3.5-4 trillion rubles a year, will be traded on exchanges. This figure could rise to 4.75-5.25 trillion rubles by 2028 and to 7.5 trillion rubles by 2029," he told TASS in an interview ahead of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).Popov explained that the conservative forecast reflects the fact that a significant share of transactions will continue to be conducted through cryptocurrency exchange services, bypassing exchange trading. In addition, the law takes effect on September 1, but professional market participants have until July 1, 2027, to obtain licenses, meaning the market will not reach full maturity over the next year.The Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 1-4 in Vladivostok on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University. The forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Russian government. TASS is the general information partner.

04

Sports 30.08.2026

Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club takes lead on opening day of Round 6 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Dubai

DUBAI, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Sharjah Self-defence Sports Club topped the standings on the opening day of Round 6 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex in Dubai.The No-Gi competition on Saturday featured athletes in the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 categories, representing clubs and academies from across the UAE. The young athletes produced a high technical standard, showing control, quick decision-making and the ability to adapt to the demands of No-Gi competition.ADMA finished second, with Palms Sports in third. Round 6 is the final No-Gi event of the championship this season.The championship gives athletes regular competition and helps clubs identify and develop young talent. It also prepares the next generation of athletes to represent the UAE at regional and international events.The opening-day competitions were attended by Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, and Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, and Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri Board Members of the Federation, along with Federation officials and representatives of partners and sponsors.Yousef Abdullah Al Batran said: “No-Gi competition is a different technical challenge for young athletes. It requires quick reactions, the ability to adapt and good decision-making under pressure. Competing in this format from an early age helps athletes develop their skills and improve step by step.“The strong participation at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship from clubs and academies shows the continued growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. It also increases the level of competition and gives coaches more opportunities to identify and develop promising athletes.”Vitor Junior Teixeira, coach at ADMA Academy, said: “When training young athletes, we focus on control, discipline and staying calm because small technical details can change a match within seconds.“I am pleased with our athletes’ performance and the focus and commitment they showed throughout the competition. Most importantly, their training is helping them become more confident and handle the pressure of competition.”The stands were filled with families supporting the young athletes throughout the day, showing the important role parents play in encouraging children to progress further in their careers.Khamis Mubarak Al Mazrouei, father of Matar and Sultan from Wolves Zone MMA Academy, said: “My sons’ first appearance in the championship was a special moment for our family. I was happy to see them compete with confidence and enthusiasm. The real benefit is what they learn from the experience, including commitment, respect for their opponents and the ability to handle pressure. These values encourage us to continue supporting them throughout their sporting journey.”Sarah Al Haddad, mother of Sari and Abdulsalam Mohamed from Shabab Al Ahli Club, said: “Jiu-jitsu has made a clear difference in my children’s development. It has helped them become more disciplined and confident. It has also taught them to remain calm in victory and defeat and stay focused under pressure.”Matar Al Shamsi of Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club won gold in the Under-12 Grey Belt 50kg division. He said: “I am very happy with the result. I stayed focused in every match and tried to use what I learned in training. No-Gi competition requires quick decisions, and this win will motivate me to keep training, improve and achieve better results in future championships.”Round 6 concludes on Sunday with the Under-18, Adults and Masters divisions, when the season’s final No-Gi standings will be decided.

05

General 30.08.2026

ADB responds to Nepal floods with $5 million grant

KATHMANDU, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $5 million emergency grant to fund urgent rescue and relief operations after devastating floods and debris flows struck communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on 26 August.The disaster has caused widespread loss of life, injuries, displacement, and severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The Government of Nepal has declared the affected areas disaster crisis-affected zones and is leading large-scale response operations. Search and rescue operations and assessments of the damage and community needs are continuing.The grant, financed through ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will help pay for search and rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, sanitation and hygiene supplies, debris clearance, emergency stabilization work, and logistical support.

06

General 30.08.2026

EU agri-food trade surplus increased in first half of 2026

BRUSSELS, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- EU agri-food trade continued to perform strongly in the first half of 2026, according to the latest EU agri-food trade report, with a trade surplus of €23.9 billion, €1.4 billion higher than in the same period in 2025. In June 2026, EU agri-food product exports totalled €20.3 billion, marking a 5% increase compared with the previous month and 6% above June 2025.Cumulative exports reached €117.2 billion between January and June 2026, a 2% decrease compared with the first half of 2025, mainly driven by lower export values for cocoa products, pigmeat and olive oil. At the same time, cumulative exports to Egypt increased by €278 million (+28%) year-on-year, driven mainly by wheat, while exports to India rose by €174 million (+26%) and those to Ukraine by €247 million (+12%).By contrast, exports to the United Arab Emirates declined by €395 million (-25%), reflecting disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Exports of spirits and liqueurs increased by €405 million (+10%) while exports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices saw the largest decrease in value.Cumulative imports in the January-June 2026 period reached €93.4 billion, down €3.6 billion (-4%) year-on-year. This decrease was primarily due to lower import values for cocoa. Among product categories, imports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices fell by €3.6 billion (-17%), while cereal imports declined by €715 million (-15%). By contrast, imports of fruit and nuts increased by €503 million (+3%).

07

General 30.08.2026

UAE expresses solidarity with China, conveys condolences over victims of floods and landslides

ABU DHABI, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the People’s Republic of China over the victims of floods and landslides near Tibet, close to its border with Nepal, which resulted in a number of deaths and missing people, as well as significant damage. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed the UAE’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the People’s Republic of China and its people over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

08

Culture 30.08.2026

'Emirates Loves Palestine' participants celebrate UAE success stories

DUBAI, 29th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Members of the Palestinian community celebrated their culture, heritage, and success stories in the UAE during the "Emirates Loves Palestine" event at Expo City Dubai, which drew more than 50,000 visitors.Abeer Al Ramahi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the UAE, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the event represents a message of love and solidarity from the UAE to Palestine and its people.She affirmed that the Palestinian community holds deep appreciation and loyalty to the UAE, where they have found opportunities to work and succeed, adding that Palestine reciprocates the love and commitment shown by the Emirates.Hamood Al Afari, Director of UAE Relief Operations, expressed delight at attending the event alongside members of the Palestinian community, emphasising that the gatherings reflect the strong ties of brotherhood between both peoples.Zahr Al Najjar, manager of the "Emirates Loves Palestine" digital community platform, expressed pride at seeing thousands gather for the inaugural event. She noted that the occasion provided a comprehensive cultural experience featuring Palestinian heritage, art, theater, and traditional markets, creating an atmosphere that made attendees feel at home.Majd Naji, Founder and CEO of Liberty Dental Clinic and a strategic partner in the Dubai Health Tourism Council, shared his happiness at participating in the event. He highlighted the presence of attendees of various nationalities, as well as visitors from outside the UAE, who came together to express their support and celebrate Palestinian culture.