Tourism

Dubai's Museum of Illusions Closes Its Al Seef Branch After Eight Years

The Museum of Illusions at Al Seef has permanently shut its doors after eight years. Open since 2018, the interactive attraction became a favourite with residents and tou

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DEPARTURES DXB · 28.08.2026

01 29.08
00:21 Dubai's Museum of Illusions Closes Its Al Seef Branch After Eight Years 02 29.08
00:20 Dubai Weddings Initiative Has Helped 1,411 Emirati Couples Start a Family 03 29.08
00:16 Heat-related deaths exceed 25,000 across four European countries 04 29.08
00:16 Women represent majority of UAE National Experts Program participants 05 29.08
00:16 UAE expresses solidarity with Algeria, conveys condolences over victims of wildfires

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Emirates News

Dubai Weddings Initiative Has Helped 1,411 Emirati Couples Start a Family

The 'Dubai Weddings' initiative has supported 1,411 Emirati couples with financial aid, housing, education and counselling services. As of August 2026, 2,898 weddings had been held through the programme and 3,519 people had taken part in awareness and guidance sessions.

International

Heat-related deaths exceed 25,000 across four European countries

BRUSSELS, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Severe heatwaves in 2026 have been linked to more than 25,000 deaths in Germany, France, Spain and Italy, amid warnings that the toll could rise further during August and September, two of the summer months most associated with heat-related mortality, according to the latest national health data.Germany recorded the highest toll, with around 14,000 deaths linked to extreme heat since the beginning of the year, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute. The figure exceeds the total recorded in any full year since 2016.In France, the public health agency recorded more than 7,300 additional deaths linked to heatwaves since the beginning of the year, while Spain reported around 4,500 heat-related deaths between 1st June and 19th August, the highest figure for the period since 2022, according to the Carlos III Health Institute.In Italy, final national mortality data are not yet available, as the monitoring system relies on partial and real-time indicators. The latest figures showed a three percent increase in deaths among people aged over 65 in June.The figures come amid repeated heatwaves that pushed temperatures above 35°C across large parts of Europe, with some areas recording temperatures of around 40°C, placing additional pressure on healthcare systems.Estimates of heat-related mortality do not necessarily mean that heat was recorded as the direct cause of death in every case. Health authorities in several European countries rely on excess mortality measurements compared with historical expectations, while estimating the extent to which high temperatures contributed to the increase.Older people and those with chronic illnesses are among the groups most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, which can also exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and other health conditions.The current figures indicate that summer 2026 is posing a growing challenge to public health systems across Europe, while health authorities warn that the final toll could rise during August and September if high temperatures persist.

Emirates News 29.08.2026

Women represent majority of UAE National Experts Program participants

ABU DHABI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The National Experts Program (NEP) has highlighted the growing contribution of Emirati women across the UAE's priority sectors, with women representing the majority of experts developed through the programme since its launch in 2019.Across four cohorts, NEP has developed 86 Emirati experts, including 44 women, representing 51 percent of participants. They contribute across science, technology, healthcare, sustainability, public policy, infrastructure, marine science, culture, family services and food systems.NEP prepares Emirati experts through sector-focused development, executive mentorship, capstone projects linked to national priorities and direct engagement with senior government leaders.Taif Al Amiri, NEP expert representing the Media sector, said, "NEP strengthened my understanding of what it means to contribute as an expert. It reinforced that expertise carries responsibility, and that every opportunity to serve the UAE is an opportunity to create lasting impact."Women from the programme have also participated in major international platforms. Professor Hoda Alkhzaimi has contributed to the United Nations, International Telecommunication Union and World Economic Forum, including its global platforms in Davos.Waheeda Alhadhrami recently completed the Oxford Cultural Leaders Programme and previously represented the UAE in culture working groups across UNESCO and G20 platforms.In March 2025, NEP women participated in the programme's first panel at the World Government Summit, bringing together experts from technology, sustainability, policy and future sectors.At COP28, 12 NEP Fellows and Alumni took part in speaking roles, including women experts contributing to discussions on sustainability, innovation and national priorities.During the Year of Sustainability 2023, NEP women also joined the Sustainability Experts Network, while at The Behavioural Exchange (BX2025), experts from the NEP 4.0 cohort presented eight behavioural policy solutions, including four projects led by women.Maitha Alkaabi, NEP expert representing the Foreign Affairs sector, said, "Representing the UAE internationally carries a deep sense of responsibility. NEP strengthened my confidence to contribute to global conversations while remaining grounded in the values and ambitions of our country."NEP women also hold roles across institutions shaping the UAE's future. Asma Al Azri contributes to family and community policy, while Aisha Harib chairs the Innovation Council at Dubai Police.Nouf Al Hamly contributes to science and advanced technology diplomacy, while Meera Al Mheiri became the first Emirati woman to serve as a Nuclear Safety Inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the first Emirati expert contracted by the International Atomic Energy Agency in safety culture.Maryam Al Falasi developed a system redirecting surplus food to people in need, contributing to more than five million meals since 2023.NEP continues to expand into future-growth sectors. Its specialised Artificial Intelligence track brings together 32 Emirati experts, including 12 women.Dr. Asma Fikri, NEP expert representing the Advanced Sciences and the Future Economy sector, said, "Every generation builds on the one before it. The opportunity before us is to continue strengthening expertise, supporting one another, and preparing the next generation of Emirati women to contribute to the UAE's future."

General 29.08.2026

UAE expresses solidarity with Algeria, conveys condolences over victims of wildfires

ABU DHABI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria over the victims of wildfires in the northeast of the country, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and its people over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

Emirates News 29.08.2026

Dubai Customs graduates 36 students from Masar 33, Dubai Summer Camp programmes

DUBAI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai Customs has marked the graduation of 36 students from its "Masar 33 – Nafis" and "Dubai Summer Camp" programmes, aimed at introducing young people to career opportunities and preparing national talent for future labour market needs.The programmes brought together 26 students in Dubai Summer Camp and ten in Masar 33 – Nafis, with the participation of 12 government and private-sector entities, including five government bodies and seven private organisations.The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives of government and private-sector entities, strategic partners, students and their parents.Participants gained practical experience, career guidance and exposure to different professions and specialisations, helping them identify their interests and understand the skills required across growing economic sectors. Masar 33 provided a month of training and direct workplace exposure.The initiative supports the objectives of Masar 33 – Nafis by strengthening early career guidance for national talent and connecting education and skills development with economic needs, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of the Customs Inspection Division at Dubai Customs, said, "We see today's graduation not as the end of a training experience, but as the start of a new kind of awareness."He added that early exposure helps students better understand their abilities, interests and available opportunities, enabling them to make more informed educational and career decisions.Al Ghaffari stressed that preparing future generations is a shared responsibility involving government, the private sector, communities and families, noting that partnerships provide students with direct workplace experience and connect their learning with skills required by the economy.Khamis Al Muhairi, Director of Human Resources and Acting Director of the Dubai Logistics Academy at Dubai Customs, said the participation of 12 government and private entities demonstrated the importance of partnerships in providing training closely aligned with labour market realities."Our goal isn't just to introduce students to different jobs – it's to help them understand the skills and responsibilities that professional life demands, and give them an early chance to test their interests and abilities in a range of real-world settings," he said.Dubai Customs commended the participation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Emirati Human Resources Development Council-Dubai, Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council "Nafis", Furjan Dubai and the Higher Colleges of Technology, alongside the participating private-sector organisations.It also highlighted the role of parents in supporting students' educational and career choices, stressing the importance of cooperation between institutions, families, training providers and the labour market in developing national human capital.

Emirates News 29.08.2026

Etihad's Huda Al Musallami becomes first Emirati woman training captain

ABU DHABI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Etihad Airways has announced that Captain Huda Al Musallami has become the first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain in the UAE, marking a new milestone for national aviation.The announcement coincides with Emirati Women's Day and makes Al Musallami the first Emirati woman entrusted with training and qualifying pilots to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.Al Musallami began her aviation career in 2003 and joined Etihad Airways in 2014. She progressed from First Officer to Captain in 2023 before qualifying as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026.She holds a current type rating on the Boeing 787 and has accumulated more than 10,000 flying hours, having previously flown the Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 777.Al Musallami also holds a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and a Master's degree in Business Management and Information Systems.She said, "Being the first means stepping forward before there is a path to follow. When there is no map, you learn to navigate with purpose, turn challenges into strength and keep moving towards what once seemed beyond reach."She added, "For me, being first was never about the title. It is about making sure I am not the last, and opening the way for more Emirati women to rise, excel and go even further."In her new role, Al Musallami trains and qualifies the next generation of pilots, having already worked with pilots of different nationalities and experience levels.Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer of Etihad Airways, said, "Captain Huda's milestone is a powerful expression of what becomes possible when talent, determination and opportunity come together."She added that Al Musallami's achievement reflects the UAE leadership's vision to empower Emirati women and Etihad's commitment to developing national talent to the highest levels of the aviation industry.Emirati women currently represent 75 percent of all UAE nationals in Etihad's workforce and contribute across the airline's operations, from the flight deck to senior leadership.Etihad said it will continue investing in Emirati women across aviation, engineering and leadership, supporting the next generation to build on milestones such as Al Musallami's achievement.

Markets 28.08.2026

Dubai Today: Dirham Exchange Rates and Weather — 28.08.2026

Today in Dubai 1 US dollar = 3.6725 dirham. Here are the latest dirham (AED) rates and Dubai weather.

Emirates News 28.08.2026

UAE Drivers Can Have Four Black Points Removed for Accident-Free Driving

Under the Ministry of Interior’s "Day Without Accidents" campaign on 31 August, UAE motorists who register and meet the conditions can have four traffic points removed from their records.