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        <title><![CDATA[Egyptian citizen dead after debris from intercepted attack hits Abu Dhabi gas site]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/egyptian-citizen-dead-after-debris-from-intercepted-attack-hits-abu-dhabi-gas-site]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[One Egyptian citizen ‌was killed and four ​people ⁠suffered minor ‌injuries after ‌debris from an intercepted attack fell ‌on Abu Dhabi's ⁠Habshan gas facilities on Friday, Abu Dhabi's media office said.Abu Dhabi's media office said on X, “As part of the ongoing follow up to the previously reported incident at Habshan gas facilities, caused by falling debris following the successful interception by air defence systems, authorities confirm that two fires broke out and emergency response teams acted swiftly to bring the situation under control.“As a result of this incident, one Egyptian national tragically lost his life during the evacuation of the site. In addition, four individuals sustained minor injuries; two Pakistani nationals and two Egyptian nationals. Significant damage has occurred at the facilities and an assessment is ongoing.The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.”]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:14:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[RTA begins maintenance works for sidewalks covering 90,000 square metres in Dubai]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/rta-begins-maintenance-works-for-sidewalks-covering-90000-square-metres-in-dubai]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the commencement of sidewalk maintenance and rehabilitation works across the emirate, covering a total area of 90,000 square metres, in line with approved preventive maintenance plans for 2026.The works reflect RTA’s commitment to improving sidewalks quality and performance, preserving Dubai’s urban landscape, and supporting the sustainability of infrastructure assets while enhancing quality of life in the emirate.The total area of sidewalks maintained and rehabilitated by RTA in 2025 reached approximately 88,000 square metres.The works were implemented across residential, tourist, commercial, economic, and coastal areas throughout the emirate.Abdulla Ali Lootah, Director of Roads and Facilities Maintenance at Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, said: “sidewalks maintenance forms an integral part of RTA’s strategy to preserve road furniture, maintain high standards of quality and safety, extend service life, and strengthen long-term sustainability, while safeguarding the emirate’s urban outlook and visual appeal.”“The works also help protect pedestrians and all sidewalk users, supporting RTA’s vision of becoming The World Leader in Seamless and Sustainable Mobility, in line with international best practices.”Lootah added: “RTA adopts the latest global technologies and advanced maintenance practices to monitor the condition of infrastructure assets and their various components through sophisticated systems and works that support the management of road and facility maintenance.”“These efforts reinforce the sustainability of Dubai’s road infrastructure and preserve structural integrity, while ensuring the highest levels of safety for road users, a priority that remains central to RTA’s work. The works also align with the emirate’s continued urban growth and development and support the strategic objective of enhancing quality of life for Dubai’s residents and visitors.”He noted that preventive sidewalk maintenance works scheduled for 2026 will cover several key areas across the emirate, most notably Al Nahda 2, Al Baraha, Nad Shamma, Nad Al Hamar, Al Muhaisnah 1, 2 and 3, Al Twar 4, Al Barsha 2 and 3, Umm Suqeim 3, Al Manara, Al Safa 2, Jumeirah 2, Za’abeel 2, and Oud Maitha.The works include the maintenance of pedestrian paving, paving at intersections and service roads for vehicles, as well as shared sidewalks used by pedestrians and cyclists.The scope also covers repairing sidewalks affected by subsidence, erosion, breakage, or tile loss resulting from misuse or environmental factors.RTA emphasised commitment to maintaining all necessary safety measures for the public during the execution of the works and ensuring the safe and smooth movement of pedestrians while sidewalk maintenance and rehabilitation activities are carried out across the emirate.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:16:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Trump says US can easily open Hormuz, take oil and make a fortune]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/trump-says-us-can-easily-open-hormuz-take-oil-and-make-a-fortune]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States could "open" the Hormuz Strait and "take the oil" if it has more time,  ⁠as pressure mounts for his ‌administration to find ‌a quick resolution to a war against Iran."With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A 'GUSHER' FOR THE WORLD???" Trump posted.The message, on his Truth Social platform, did not explain how the United States could end Iranian control over the Hormuz waterway or what oil Trump was referring to.Nearly  five weeks after it started with a joint US-Israeli aerial assault,  the war in Iran continues to spread chaos across ​the region and roil  financial markets, raising ‌the pressure on Trump to find a quick  resolution to the conflict.Iran has effectively ⁠shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that carries about a fifth of the world's ​total ‌oil  consumption, in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes ‌that began in late  February.Reopening it has become a priority for governments around the  world as ‌energy prices ‌soar.In the speech on  ⁠Wednesday night, Trump repeated his threats ‌against Iran's civilian  power plants and gave no clear timeline for ending hostilities, ⁠drawing  vows of retaliation from Iran ​and depressing share prices.Agencies ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:52:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Kim pets puppies, kittens at Pyongyang pet shop]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/kim-pets-puppies-kittens-at-pyongyang-pet-shop]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[North Korean leader Kim Jong Un petted puppies and kittens with his delighted daughter as they toured a new Pyongyang housing district, state media said on Friday.The Hwasong area, formerly mostly farmland, is a newly developed residential district with about 40,000 housing units built through a series of projects launched in 2022 under Kim's orders.It is part of a broader construction push in the capital and across the diplomatically isolated, poor country aimed at improving living standards after years of Western sanctions and state-controlled economic policies.Streets of the district were "brimming with the joy and excitement of citizens who greeted the auspicious event of moving into new houses," Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.Accordingly, "various service bases to contribute to improving the wellbeing of the inhabitants are stepping up the preparations for inauguration," it said.Kim, with his teenage daughter Ju Ae, visited a pet shop in the district, where he said: "Households rearing pets are increasing in the capital city and local areas nowadays."I saw to it that a new shop was built to sell pets and various accessories and offer the specialised service."Images released by state media showed a visibly delighted Ju Ae watching cats with her father and petting one perched on a tower while Kim sat just behind her.In another photo, Kim cradled a white puppy as officials looked on with broad smiles, while Ju Ae sat beside him watching."Referring to the production of various kinds of pet-care tools, feed and veterinary medicines, he (Kim) stressed the need to take measures to increase production in the future," KCNA said.Kim and his daughter also visited a musical instrument store, with state media images showing the duo looking at guitars and saxophones.Properly managing and operating the leisure facilities would "serve as a valuable foundation for the development of socialist civilisation", Kim said, according to KCNA.The North Korean leader and his daughter also visited a hair salon, and said welfare amenities were "essential" for "ensuring a cultured and hygienic environment and highly civilized living space in the formation of urban districts."He called for "steadily improving the quality of service on the principle of fully meeting the aesthetic tastes," and "creating a new Korean-style service culture."In February, South Korea's national intelligence service said that Pyongyang appears to have started the process of designating Ju Ae as leader Kim's successor.This perception has been stoked by a string of recent high-profile outings including watching a test of nuclear-capable rocket launchers, firing a pistol and trying out the country's new battle tank in large-scale military drills.Kim ordered the shops to open for the Day of the Sun, the April 15 birth anniversary of his grandfather and national founder Kim Il Sung, KCNA said.Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:48:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Bangladesh cuts office hours, turns off wedding lights to save energy]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/bangladesh-cuts-office-hours-turns-off-wedding-lights-to-save-energy]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Bangladesh cut office and shop hours and banned decorative lighting at weddings starting on Friday as it seeks to conserve energy stocks after global price hikes due to the Middle East war.Bangladesh imports 95 per cent of its oil and gas needs, mostly from the Middle East and said that, while there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel, it hopes to mitigate the effects of "unsecured" supply lines.About 60 per cent of its electricity is generated using imported gas, while diesel is primarily used for farming in the region.Dhaka ordered all government, private offices and banks to shut an hour earlier each day starting on Friday until further notice."The fuel supply line is unsecured... both government and private offices will run from 9 AM to 4 PM, while banks will remain open from 9 AM to 3 PM," top government secretary Nasimul Gani told reporters at a news briefing late on Thursday.Shopping centres, which normally stay open late, will now shut by 6 pm, although stores selling food supplies are expected to keep their usual hours.Decorative lighting, which was initially banned at malls, has now been extended to include weddings.Weddings in Bangladesh are celebrations that entertain hundreds of guests at brightly decorated venues and can often co-opt large parts of a neighbourhood.The government has also asked departments to refrain from purchasing vehicles and computers and to limit money being spent on hospitality costs for work events.Foreign training missions for government officials have also been suspended, while domestic training will be cut by half.The measures will reduce at least 30 per cent of total fuel consumption, officials estimated.Schools and colleges could also see schedule changes as the government considers purchasing electric buses for student transport.Bangladesh has said it is seeking loans of around $2 billion from multilateral donors to tackle energy worries.Apart from the latest measures, the government has also set limits on fuel purchases, halted production at most fertiliser factories and deployed police to patrol filling stations that have recently been packed with motorists.The government conducted around 5,000 raids and confiscated about 400,000 litres of illegally acquired fuel between March 3 and April 1, a spokesperson for the Fuel and Energy Division said.Thai PM blames stockpilers for fuel shortage Separately, Thailand's prime minister slammed oil traders for "excessive profiteering," blaming those stockpiling fuel or smuggling it abroad for shortages that have driven prices steadily higher."Authorities have found cases of fuel stockpiling and smuggling for sale in neighbouring countries," Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, adding the problem had cost the government 50 billion baht ($1.4 billion)."This action (smuggling and stockpiling) amounts to excessive profiteering from rising oil prices during the global energy crisis," he said, calling it "a major factor behind the nationwide fuel shortages seen in recent weeks."Evidence of hoarding and profiteering among large and medium-sized oil traders had been found on land and at sea, he said.Anutin said some seaborne shipments had been deliberately delayed so fuel would not arrive on schedule, allowing sellers to wait for retail price increases. Other shipments had been diverted for stockpiling and were thought to be destined for neighbouring countries.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:22:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[NCM forecasts unstable weather across UAE from Saturday until April 10]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/ncm-forecasts-unstable-weather-across-uae-from-saturday-until-april-10]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) on Friday has forecast unstable weather conditions across the UAE from Saturday until April 10, accompanied by chances of rainfall and increased wind activity.The centre said in a statement today that the weather from Saturday night and Sunday will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with a chance of light rain over the islands and some northern areas.On Monday, Tuesday and during Wednesday daytime, the weather will be clear to partly cloudy and at times dusty due to active to strong northwesterly winds, causing blowing dust and a drop in temperatures, while the sea will be rough to very rough at times.The weather is expected to become unstable again from Wednesday night until Friday morning, with partly cloudy to cloudy conditions at times and a chance of light to moderate rainfall over scattered areas of the country at intermittent periods.NCM forecasts rise in temperatures, longer daylight in AprilThe NCM also said April is part of the first transitional season  (spring), marked by rapid changes and variability in atmospheric  pressure, leading to fast-changing weather conditions.The  NCM said in a statement that the sun continues its apparent movement  northwards towards the Tropic of Cancer, resulting in a gradual increase  in daylight hours across the Northern Hemisphere, alongside a steady  rise in temperatures across most parts of the country. Mean temperatures  are expected to increase by 3 to 5°C during April compared to March.During  this month, the influence of the Siberian high-pressure system weakens,  while the region is affected by extensions of low-pressure systems in  the upper and surface layers moving from west to east, including  extensions of the Red Sea trough or systems approaching from the east.  When these depressions deepen, cloud cover increases over some areas,  with chances of rainfall.Humidity is expected to decrease  slightly compared to March, especially during the second half of the  month. However, there remains a chance of fog and mist formation over  scattered areas, particularly during the first half of April, with a  gradual decline in frequency in the latter half.According  to climatic statistics, the average temperature during April ranges  between 25°C and 30°C, with average maximum temperatures between 32°C  and 37°C, and minimum temperatures between 20°C and 23°C. The highest  temperature recorded during the month was 46.9°C in Al Ruwais in 2012,  while the lowest was 5.0°C in Jebel Jais in 2013.The  average wind speed is around 13 km/h, with the highest recorded wind  speed reaching 121.3 km/h in Jebel Hafeet in 2013, and the highest wind  gust recorded at 137 km/h at Al Ain Airport in 2003.The  average relative humidity is around 43 percent, with maximum levels  ranging between 62 percent and 82 percent, and minimum levels between 17  percent and 28 percent. The highest frequency of fog was recorded in  2015, with 11 foggy days and four misty days.Regarding rainfall, the highest amount recorded in April was 260.3 mm in Khatam Al Shaklah in Al Ain in 2024WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:12:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Debris incident in Abu Dhabi injures 12 after air defence interception]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/debris-incident-in-abu-dhabi-injures-12-after-air-defence-interception]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Authorities in Abu Dhabi have confirmed that 12 people were injured after debris fell in the Ajban area following the successful interception of Iranian missiles, drones threats by air defence systems.In an official update, authorities said the incident resulted in minor to moderate injuries to 11 individuals — including six of Nepali nationality and five of Indian nationality — while one person of Nepali nationality sustained major injuries.Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing medical assistance to those affected. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment. Authorities have not reported any fatalities.The incident occurred as a result of falling debris after air defence systems successfully intercepted the threat, preventing further potential damage.Officials had earlier confirmed that authorities were responding to debris reported in the Ajban area, with investigations and safety measures immediately put in place.Authorities reiterated their call for the public to rely only on official sources for information and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified reports, particularly during sensitive situations. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:50:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE air defences engage 18 ballistic, 4 cruise missiles, 47 drones]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/uae-air-defences-engage-18-ballistic-4-cruise-missiles-47-drones]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ The UAE air defences on Friday engaged 18 Ballistic missiles, 4 cruise missiles and 47 UAV's launched from Iran. Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles and 2,085 UAVs. The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 9 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities. A total of 203 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:37:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Iran attacks Kuwait power, water desalination plant]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/iran-attacks-kuwait-power-water-desalination-plant]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ The Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy announced Friday morning that one of the power and water desalination plants was attacked by Iran.The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) quoted the ministry’s official spokesperson Eng. Fatima Hayat as saying that the attack occurred at dawn on Friday, resulting in material damage to some of the plant’s components. She added that the technical and emergency teams immediately began their work, according to the approved emergency plans, to deal with the repercussions of the incident and maintain operational efficiency.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:14:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi authorities respond to two incidents of falling shrapnel at Habshan gas facilities, Ajban area]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/abu-dhabi-authorities-respond-to-two-incidents-of-falling-shrapnel-at-habshan-gas-facilities-ajban-area]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to two incidents of falling shrapnel at the Habshan gas facilities and the Ajban area, following successful interception by air defence systems. According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, operations at the Habshan gas facilities have been suspended while authorities respond to a fire. No injuries have been reported.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:07:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Five killed in Pakistan suicide bombing]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/five-killed-in-pakistan-suicide-bombing]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ A suicide bomber in a vehicle laden with explosives killed at least three women and two children at a house in northwestern Pakistan late Thursday, local authorities said. The attack took place in Bannu, a district in Pakistan's turbulent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which lies adjacent to the country's formerly self-governed tribal areas."Apparently, the suicide bomber intended to target the police station, but in haste, he struck a civilian house before reaching it," Muhammad Sajjad Khan, a local police official, told AFP on Friday. At least three women and two children were killed in the incident, while four others were injured, he added.Bannu assistant commissioner Ikramullah Khan confirmed the death toll to AFP.No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.However, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has stepped up assaults in Pakistan since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, routinely targets security forces in the region. Islamabad has accused neighbouring Afghanistan of failing to root out militants sheltering on Afghan soil as they prepare to stage assaults on Pakistan, a charge the Taliban government denies.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:28:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Trump fires Pam Bondi as US attorney general]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/trump-fires-pam-bondi-as-us-attorney-general]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ US President Donald Trump ousted Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday after mounting frustration with her ‌performance, especially over the release of files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump also felt Bondi was not moving quickly enough to prosecute critics and adversaries whom he ​wanted to face criminal charges, ⁠according to sources.Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer to Trump, will lead the Justice Department temporarily, Trump said in ‌a social media post. In the post, Trump praised ‌Bondi as a "Great American Patriot and a loyal friend" who had overseen a "massive crackdown in Crime." Bondi will soon move to a job in the private sector, Trump said.Blanche thanked Trump and praised Bondi in a social media post."We will continue backing the blue, enforcing the law, and doing everything in our power to keep America safe," he said. During her tenure as the ‌top US law enforcement official, Bondi was a combative champion of Trump’s agenda and dismantled the Justice Department’s longstanding tradition of independence from the White House in its investigations.But it ⁠was repeated criticism over the Epstein files, including from Trump allies and some Republican lawmakers, that came to dominate her tenure. Bondi was accused of covering up or mismanaging the release of records on the DOJ’s sex-trafficking investigations into Epstein, a financier who cultivated ties with wealthy and powerful figures.Trump informed Bondi at a White House meeting on Wednesday that he was looking to replace her as attorney general, according to a source familiar with the matter. Trump told Bondi multiple times over the past several months that he was unhappy with her performance, a senior White House official told Reuters.The official said Trump has contemplated replacing her with Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, but has ​also discussed other candidates.Bondi spent much of Wednesday with Trump, riding with him to the US Supreme Court in the morning, attending an Easter lunch where ‌he spoke and later watching his address to the nation on the Iran war.At the Supreme Court, Trump watched as one of Bondi's top officials, Solicitor General D. John Sauer, was grilled by justices about the administration's attempt to limit birthright citizenship.POLITICAL HEADACHE The Epstein files created political headaches for Trump and drew renewed scrutiny of his past friendship with Epstein, ⁠which he has said ended decades ago. Bondi's firing could lead to a shake-up in strategy at the Justice Department and potentially a renewed push to deploy the US legal system against Trump’s targets.Bondi is the second senior Trump official to be ousted recently. Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on March 5 following criticism of her management of the agency and Trump’s immigration agenda. Bondi, ​a former Republican state ‌attorney general in Florida, said she worked on restoring the Justice Department's focus on violent crime and rebuilding trust with Trump's supporters after federal prosecutors twice criminally charged Trump ‌during his years out of power.Bondi also faced criticism over the removal of dozens of career prosecutors who worked on investigations that Trump opposed, with critics accusing her of abandoning the DOJ’s traditional focus on even-handed justice. Bondi defended the rollout of the Epstein files, saying the Trump administration had been more transparent on the issue than previous presidents and that DOJ lawyers worked on a compressed timeline ‌to review reams of ‌material.SPARRING WITH LAWMAKERSDuring a combative hearing before a House of Representatives panel in February, Bondi ⁠responded to criticism with political attacks directed at lawmakers. She refused to apologize or look at Epstein victims and their relatives who attended the proceedings. Bondi ‌early last year played into fevered speculation about the Epstein files, saying a client list was on her desk for review. But after an initial release included material that had largely already been public, the DOJ and FBI declared in July that the case was closed and that no ⁠further disclosures were warranted.The move prompted an eruption of criticism and eventually a bipartisan law passed in November requiring the Justice Department to release nearly all of its ​files. The release of roughly 3 million pages of records still did not quell the controversy, as lawmakers criticized redactions in the files and the disclosure of the identities of some Epstein victims. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Bondi and she was set to testify on April 14. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:54:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Defence Secretary Hegseth fires US army chief in new shake-up]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/hegseth-asked-us-army-chief-of-staff-to-step-down]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Trump administration has fired army chief of staff General Randy George and two other senior figures, officials said Friday, in a surprise shake-up just as US forces are locked in a major war against Iran.Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's ouster of George, the top US Army general, meant the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the military since President Donald Trump returned to power a year ago.There was little in the way of a public explanation for sacking George, a highly decorated veteran who oversaw the army at a time when the United States is more than a month into a punishing bombing campaign against Iran that Trump says will continue several weeks more.Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell posted a statement on X late Thursday that George "will be retiring from his position... effective immediately."During a nearly four-decade military career, George deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times and also served in positions including vice chief of staff of the army and senior military assistant to then-defense secretary Lloyd Austin during Joe Biden's term as president.The army's vice chief of staff General Christopher LaNeve will take over as acting chief of staff, CBS reported.Hegseth previously said LaNeve is "a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience."An official also confirmed that General David Hodne and Major General William Green Jr. were removed alongside George.Hodne led the Army's Transformation and Training Command while Green was in charge of the Army's Chaplain Corps.Trump has overseen a purge of top military officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, general Charles "CQ" Brown, whom he fired without explanation in February 2025, shortly after taking office.Other senior officers dismissed include the heads of the Navy and Coast Guard, the general who headed the National Security Agency, the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, a Navy admiral assigned to NATO, and three top military lawyers.The chief of staff of the Air Force also announced his retirement without explanation just two years into a four-year term, while the head of US Southern Command retired a year into his tenure.Hegseth has insisted the president is simply choosing the leaders he wants, but Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential politicization of the traditionally neutral US military.Last year, the Pentagon chief additionally ordered at least a 20 percent cut in the number of active-duty four-star generals and admirals in the US military, as well as a 10 percent cut in the overall number of general and flag officers.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:42:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Drones hit Kuwait&#039;s Mina Al Ahmadi refinery; no injuries reported]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/03/drones-hit-kuwaits-mina-al-ahmadi-refinery-fires-reported-no-injuries]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said that the ​Mina Al Ahmadi refinery ‌was hit ‌by drones ​early on Friday, setting off fires at operating units, ​according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), ​but ‌no ​injuries were ​reported. The corporation said emergency and firefighting teams immediately activated response plans to contain the fires and prevent them from spreading. It added that all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of personnel and protect the site. WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:32:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Trump announces destruction of Iran&#039;s tallest bridge]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/trump-announces-destruction-of-irans-tallest-bridge]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed, hours after threatening to bomb the country "back to the Stone Ages."Trump posted footage on social media of smoke rising from the B1 bridge in Karaj, around 35 kilometres southwest of Tehran - and warned that there would be further destruction unless Iran comes to the table to end the five-week war."The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again - Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!" Trump said.Iranian state television had earlier reported two US-Israeli strikes on the bridge."A few minutes ago, the American-Zionist enemy once again targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj," state TV said, adding that an initial strike had caused two civilian casualties.It said the later attack took place as emergency teams were deployed to the site to help victims of the first strike.The B1 bridge, which was still under construction, is considered the Middle East's tallest according to Fars/Iranian media, with a 136-meter column.Trump delivered a speech Wednesday in which he argued that the war launched by the United States and Israel on Feb.28 was almost over - even as he threatened to bomb Iran "extremely hard" if it didn't bow to his demands."Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong," he said in his first prime-time address to the nation on the war.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:49:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Scotsman praises Dubai for sending him gifts and valuing every resident]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/scotsman-praises-dubai-for-sending-him-gifts-and-valuing-every-resident]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[A popular Scottish resident Dylan Ferguson has praised Dubai for valuing every resident.Ferguson is residing in Dubai and works as a real estate agent return from a trip abroad.Upon his return to the Dubai, Ferguson said he received handful of Dubai merchandise for being vocal in support of the emirate and the UAE.Ferguson shared a video on Instagram and said, “I've just came back to my apartment and I've received a gift from the Government of Dubai.“They've sent me this note along with all of this stuff here. It's a bunch of Dubai merchandise, a hat, power bank, along with some Dubai chocolate, which I'll tuck into later.“But it's this note that I want to read out to you. On behalf of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, we would like to share this token of our appreciation for your continued advocacy for our city.“Over the past few days, we hope you've seen the way “Dubai prioritises the safety and well-being of its citizens, residents and visitors, and at the same time maintains world-class service standards. We look forward to continuing to work with you to tell the world real, powerful stories about Dubai and its people.“I'm actually speechless. This is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. To know that I'm actually appreciated by the government for showing my support online and showing the true story of “Dubai and its people here is, I can't tell you that feeling.“This is incredible. I mean, where else in the world would send you something like this for making little videos on Instagram and showing the truth, sharing the truth, you know? This is, wow. I don't know what to say.“I mean, people wonder why we love this place so much and wonder why the residents are massive natural advocates for this city, why we don't shut up about this place. It's because of little things like this.“Like knowing there's a government that appreciates you being here is amazing. And you get that feeling just living here. You feel like part of the family just when you live here. So yes, something I can't quite explain and it's hard to explain when you don't live here.“But you know what? We're going to keep supporting. That's why the support keeps coming. So Dubai, keep doing what you're doing and never change.” ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:40:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Child drowns in rainwater pool in Sharjah, police urge parents to stay cautious]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/child-drowns-in-rainwater-pool-in-sharjah-police-urge-parents-to-stay-cautious]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Police have revealed that a child was drowned in a rainwater pool on Wednesday. Sharjah Police’s operations room received a report on the incident at 7:05 on Wednesday.The specialised teams rushed to the scene where they began rescue and first aid procedures for the child and transferred him later to the hospital but he passed away.Expressing their heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the child’s family, Sharjah Police underlined the importance of strengthening parental supervision, raising awareness among children about the dangers of swimming in unauthorized locations and abiding by preventive guidelines, thus contributing to protecting them from potential risks.Sharjah Police warned parents of the dangers of approaching or swimming in rainwater accumulations and overflowing valleys due to the serious risks that they might pose to their safety.Underscoring the need to monitor the whereabouts of their children, Sharjah Police explained that rainwater pools had varying depths and it was hard to assess their danger, adding that there was also the possibility of sudden slips and the presence of unstable mud formations, which would increase the risk of drowning accidents or serious injuries.Safety is a shared responsibility that requires everyone’s co-operation, they said, calling on members of the society to report any behaviours that might endanger children on 901 for general inquiries and non-emergency cases or on 999 in urgent and emergency cases.Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Organisation, said: “Child safety is a shared responsibility that begins within the family and extends across the wider community. It is not limited to specific situations, but spans everyday environments that may appear safe yet present unforeseen risks—particularly during changing weather conditions or when temporary water accumulations and unregulated play areas emerge, as recent incidents have underscored the importance of prevention and vigilance.”She added: “Children are naturally curious and inclined to explore and play, making attentive supervision essential, alongside ongoing awareness of their whereabouts. It is equally important to provide safe environments that support their development without restricting their freedom to learn, while equipping them to recognise potential risks across different settings, whether in residential neighbourhoods or open spaces.”She emphasised: “At the Child Safety Organisation, we remain a committed partner to families, working hand in hand to raise awareness, provide guidance, and foster a culture of prevention that safeguards children and ensures they grow in a safe and secure environment.”]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:18:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Al Ain court orders minor&#039;s parent to pay other child&#039;s mother Dhs20,000]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/al-ain-court-orders-minors-parent-to-pay-other-childs-mother-dhs20000]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative Cases Court ordered a parent to pay Dhs20,000 to the mother of a minor student who was assaulted by the father's minor son.The two were schoolmates and the incident occurred when the first student kicked the bathroom door without ensuring no one was inside, causing the door to close on the victim's finger, resulting in the amputation of the tip of the little finger of the victim's left hand.The mother filed a lawsuit requesting that the parent of the first child be ordered to pay her Dhs300,000 as comprehensive compensation for the physical, psychological, and future damages (permanent disability) incurred by her minor son, in addition to fees, expenses, and legal attorney fees.The complainant stated in her lawsuit that her son was assaulted while in the school bathroom by the other child, who violently closed the bathroom door on him, causing him severe injury.The plaintiff added that the perpetrator was convicted in a criminal case for causing injury to the victim due to his negligence in not taking necessary precautions, as he kicked the bathroom door without ensuring the victim was not inside, which led to the door closing on the latter's finger.The court clarified that it was evident from the case documents and the reliable medical report that there was an amputation of the tip of the little finger of the left hand, a dislocated nail, and a fracture at the upper end of the amputation site, which constituted a permanent disability at the amputation site, although it did not invalidate the function of the finger.Consequently, the court ordered the first child's parent to pay Dhs20,000 in compensation for the psychological and material damages incurred by the victim.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:11:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi explains what residents should do after receiving alert messages]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/abu-dhabi-explains-what-residents-should-do-after-receiving-alert-messages]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Centre for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), in cooperation with strategic partners, as part of the second phase of the "Our Community is Prepared" campaign, emphasised the importance of following official guidelines and instructions when receiving an emergency alert message at the workplace, thereby enhancing protection and safety for all.ADCMC explained via its official social media accounts that upon receiving an emergency alert message at the workplace, one must instantly stop working, maintain calm and avoid panic, move away from windows and glass, and head to the building's basement if one exists.The ADCMC stressed using stairs only and not using elevators, and as a final step, an employee must wait for a message indicating that the situation is safe before returning to work, affirming the importance of adhering to official guidelines and instructions to enhance protection and safety for all.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:37:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharjah issues guidelines for mosquito control during the rainy season]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/sharjah-issues-guidelines-for-mosquito-control-during-the-rainy-season]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Municipality has released safety guidelines aimed at tackling public health pests, particularly mosquitoes, during the rainy season.The guidelines, shared on the municipality's official social media channels, advise residents to routinely inspect their surroundings to remove standing water, regularly trim trees to minimize humidity, maintain drainage systems, and properly care for gardens and swimming pools.Additionally, the municipality highlighted that it offers a complimentary pest control service for public health. Residents can access this service by visiting the municipality’s website or contacting the call center at 993.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:33:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharjah enhances its preparedness for continuity of traffic flow during unstable weather]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/sharjah-enhances-its-preparedness-for-continuity-of-traffic-flow-during-unstable-weather]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has strengthened its field readiness by activating its proactive plans following the low-pressure system that the emirate witnessed recently with the aim of ensuring the safety of members of the society and the continuity of traffic flow in all areas.The efforts included deploying field teams supported by specialised equipment and machinery to deal with rainwater accumulations, working to secure the affected roads and improve their operational efficiency and organising traffic through diversions and alternative routes, thereby contributing to maintaining smooth traffic flow and reducing the effects of weather conditions.These works were carried out in co-operation and co-ordination with the concerned authorities in the emirate as part of an integrated work system, through which public reports were dealt with immediately and the necessary maintenance works were carried out in the affected sites, which reflected a high level of readiness and fast response to emergency conditions, SRTA said.SRTA added that it would continue to carry out comprehensive surveys of the road network in the emirate while monitoring and addressing any damages according to approved plans and programmes in order to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the infrastructure.SRTA urged road users to take caution and abide by traffic instructions and guidelines in order to ensure everyone’s safety during the fluctuating weather conditions.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:26:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[President and Jordan King discuss regional peace and security]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/president-and-jordan-king-discuss-regional-peace-and-security]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday received a phone call from King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during which they discussed regional developments and their serious implications for regional and international security and stability.The two sides discussed the continued Iranian terrorist aggression targeting the UAE, Jordan, and other countries in the region, noting that it constitutes a violation of sovereignty and international law and a threat to regional peace and security.They also reviewed the fraternal relations and various aspects of cooperation between the UAE and Jordan, affirming their commitment to continued consultation and coordination in a manner that benefits both countries and their peoples.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 18:13:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE air defences intercept 19 ballistic missiles, 26 drones]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/uae-air-defences-intercept-19-ballistic-missiles-26-drones]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The UAE air defences on Thursday engaged 19 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran.Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 457 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles and 2,038 drones.The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as nine fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities.A total of 191 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:27:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Macron says Trump marriage jibe does not &#039;merit response&#039;]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/macron-says-trump-marriage-jibe-does-not-merit-response]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday Donald Trump's mocking comments about his marriage did not merit a response, calling them "neither elegant nor up to standard."But after days of tensions over US-Israeli strikes on Iran and over Nato, an apparently irritated Macron launched a broadside of his own, saying "there is too much talk" and "this is not a show."On Wednesday, Trump made fun of the French president and his wife at a private lunch as he lambasted Nato allies for not joining the war against Iran. The US president imitated a French accent and said thatMacron's wife "treats him extremely badly" and that Macron was still "recovering from the right to the jaw."On a visit to Seoul, Macron, who was accompanied by his wife Brigitte, said Trump's comments were "neither elegant nor up to standard.""So I am not going to respond to them — they do not merit a response," Macron told reporters.The focus instead should be on "work towards de-escalation" in the Middle East and a ceasefire, Macron said."There is too much talk, and it's all over the place," the French president said, apparently referring to numerous policy U-turns by Trump. "We all need stability, calm, a return to peace — this isn't a show!" Macron said.'Mocking others'Trump's latest broadside against Macron angered French politicians."Honestly, it's not up to par," said Yael Braun-Pivet, president of France's lower house of parliament."We are currently discussing the future of the world. Right now in Iran, this is having consequences for the lives of millions of people, people are dying on the battlefield, and we have a president who is laughing, who is mocking others," she told franceinfo.Even Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the hard-left France Unbowed party who is often critical of the president, rushed to Macron's defence."You are aware of the extent of my disagreements with the president, but for Donald Trump to speak to him like that and to speak of his wife in such a manner — I find that absolutely unacceptable," Bompard told broadcaster BFMTV.Conservative French daily Le Figaro said: "Another controversial outburst from Donald Trump."'Still recovering'Trump mocked Macron and the French in a video posted briefly on the White House YouTube channel before access was blocked."We didn't need them, but I asked anyway," Trump said. "I call up France, Macron — whose wife treats him extremely badly. Still recovering from the right to the jaw," Trump said.The US president was referring to a May 2025 news video that appeared to show Brigitte Macron shoving the French president's face on a trip to Vietnam, which Macron later rejected as part of a disinformation campaign.At the time Macron denied any "domestic dispute" with his wife, saying they were "joking as we often do.""I said, 'No no, I don't need after the war is won Emmanuel,'" Trump said."So I learned about Nato — Nato won't be there if we ever have the big one, you know what I mean by the big one," Trump said, without elaborating.He also branded Nato a "paper tiger," the latest salvo by Trump and his top officials against the transatlantic alliance since he returned to the White House last year.On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "is going to have to reexamine" its relationship with NATO once the war against Iran has concluded.Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:19:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Russia woos students for its drone forces in Ukraine with large financial packages]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/russia-woos-students-for-its-drone-forces-in-ukraine-with-large-financial-packages]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Students across Russia are being offered large financial incentives to join drone units fighting in Ukraine as operators and engineers, while companies in Russia's ‌central Ryazan region have been given quotas to sign up workers for the army, documents show.The recruitment effort, which comes as Russian ​forces continue to grind forwards ⁠on the battlefield in Ukraine and as US-brokered peace talks are on ice due to the Iran war, suggests ‌Moscow is diversifying its push to replenish ‌its army's ranks in what is the fifth year of its war.But it is not part of a general mobilisation drive, something the Kremlin said this week was not on the agenda. Nor, say top officials, is Russia running short of recruits despite Ukrainian claims - dismissed by Moscow - that Kyiv is eliminating Russian troops ‌faster than they can be recruited.Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council, told state media on Friday that Russia's rolling recruitment system, which offers ⁠substantial financial packages to volunteers who sign up, continues to deliver. More than 400,000 people had signed up last year and over 80,000 so far this year, he said.Russia's move to target students suggests though that Moscow is keen to pour more skilled human resources into its drone forces which - like those of Ukraine - play an increasingly pivotal role in what has long become a grinding war of attrition.Drone operators from both sides typically work some distance from the front line but are regarded as high-value targets who are hunted down and killed if their positions are revealed.The Far Eastern Federal University ​in Vladivostok is promising students who sign up for a minimum of one year extendable academic leave and a guaranteed exemption from ‌any education fees on their return, plus free accommodation and grants. It is also pledging to cover the costs of any military equipment and weaponry needed.That is on top of what, by local standards, is a substantial financial package: a first-year salary from 5.5 million roubles ($68,433), a one-off payment of 2.5 million ⁠roubles after free training, a monthly allowance of 240,000 roubles, and a one-off payment of 200,000 roubles from the university."This is not only an opportunity to prove yourself, but also a unique platform for social and career advancement, backed by unprecedented support measures," the university said in a document published on March 19.'THE NEW INDISPENSABLES'The ​Moscow State University of ‌Civil Engineering is offering similar large incentives, telling students in a statement posted on its website that they have the chance to become ‌drone operators, engineers or technical specialists.The Russian State Hydrometeorological University in St Petersburg is also encouraging its students to sign up. Its offer to students, published on its website, shows a drone operator promising payments from 7 million roubles ($87,000) per year.There have been unconfirmed media reports that universities have been given recruitment quotas to meet. Reuters was ‌unable to independently confirm that.The ‌drive to woo students and in particular those studying technical subjects like engineering ⁠or aeronautics, coincides with a new billboard recruitment campaign which shows a young drone operator with glowing eyes in hi-tech glasses ‌under the title "the new indispensables."Meanwhile Pavel Malkov, the governor of the Ryazan region - which has a population of over 1 million - has ordered private and public companies to set recruitment quotas for workers to sign contracts with the Defence Ministry.His orders, contained in ⁠a decree which was published on a government website and publicised by state media, said that companies with up to 300 workers should ​provide two army recruits, companies with up to 500 employees three recruits, and companies with more than 500 workers five recruits.The decree did not say what punishment, if any, companies would face if they failed to meet the recruitment quotas, which it said would ⁠run from April to September, but indicated that Malkov would personally oversee compliance.Reuters ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:17:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE, 7 other Islamic states condemn Israel over death penalty law for Palestinians]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/uae-7-other-islamic-states-condemn-israel-over-death-penalty-law-for-palestinians]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Islamic nations including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey and Indonesia lambasted on Thursday the approval of a death penalty bill for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, saying the move threatens "regional stability."The statement was released by foreign ministers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and Turkey.The foreign ministers of the UAE, the Hashemite Kingdom of  Jordan, the Republic of Turkey, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the  Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,  the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the State of Qatar strongly condemned  the Israeli occupying power's enactment of a law in its Parliament  (Knesset), that allows the imposition of the death penalty in the  occupied West Bank and its de facto application against Palestinians.The ministers warned against the increasingly discriminatory, escalating  Israeli practices that entrench a system of apartheid and a rejectionist  discourse that denies the inalienable rights and the very existence of  the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).The foreign ministers underscored that this legislation constitutes a dangerous  escalation, particularly given its discriminatory application against  Palestinian prisoners, and stressed that such measures risk further  exacerbating tensions and undermining regional stability.The  Ministers also expressed deep concern over the conditions of  Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention, warning of mounting risks  amid credible reports of ongoing abuses, including torture, inhumane and  degrading treatment, starvation, and the denial of basic rights. They  emphasised that these practices reflect a broader pattern of violations  against the Palestinian people.The ministers reaffirmed  their opposition to Israel's racially discriminatory, oppressive, and  aggressive policies targeting Palestinians.The ministers  further emphasised the urgent need to refrain from measures imposed by  the occupying power that risk further inflaming tensions on the ground.  They stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and called for  strengthened international efforts to uphold stability and prevent  further deterioration.Under the law passed by Israel's parliament late on Monday, Palestinians convicted by military courts of carrying out deadly attacks classified as "acts of terrorism" will face the death penalty.The law has been criticised by the United Nations and European Union, while the United States came out in support of "Israel's sovereign right to determine its own laws."Almost all of the countries which signed the statement enforce the death penalty at home, including Saudi Arabia which executed 356 people alone in 2025.Under the new law, Palestinians in the West Bank convicted by military courts of carrying out deadly attacks classified as "terrorism" will face the death penalty as a default sentence.Because Palestinians in the territory are automatically tried in Israeli military courts, the measure effectively creates a separate and harsher legal track.In Israeli civilian courts, the law allows for either death or life imprisonment for those convicted of killing with intent to harm the state.Israel has applied the death penalty only twice: in 1948, shortly after the state's founding, against a military captain accused of high treason, and then in 1962, when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was hanged.WAM / Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:42:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Anger in France over Trump&#039;s Macron dig that wife treats him &#039;badly&#039;]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/anger-in-france-over-trumps-macron-dig-that-wife-treats-him-badly]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Donald Trump sparked anger in France on Thursday after making fun of the French president and his wife, imitating a French accent and saying Emmanuel Macron's wife "treats him extremely badly."The US president on Wednesday unleashed his latest broadside against Macron during a private lunch as he lambasted Nato allies for not joining the war against Iran.In France, politicians including a Macron critic were outraged by Trump's attack."Honestly, it's not up to par," said Yael Braun-Pivet, president of France's lower house of parliament."We are currently discussing the future of the world. Right now in Iran, this is having consequences for the lives of millions of people, people are dying on the battlefield, and we have a president who is laughing, who is mocking others," she told franceinfo.Even Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the hard-left France Unbowed party, rushed to Macron's defence."You are aware of the extent of my disagreements with the president, but for Donald Trump to speak to him like that and to speak of his wife in such a manner - I find that absolutely unacceptable," Bompard told broadcaster BFMTV.Conservative French daily Le Figaro said: "Another controversial outburst from Donald Trump."'Still recovering'Trump mocked the 48-year-old Macron in a video posted briefly on the White House YouTube channel before access was blocked."We didn't need them, but I asked anyway," Trump said. "I call up France, Macron — whose wife treats him extremely badly. Still recovering from the right to the jaw," Trump said.The US president was referring to a May 2025 news video that appeared to show Brigitte Macron shoving the French president's face on a trip to Vietnam, which Macron later rejected as part of a disinformation campaign.At the time Macron denied any "domestic dispute" with his wife, saying that they were "joking as we often do.""And I said, 'Emmanuel, we'd love to have some help in the Gulf even though we're setting records on knocking out bad people and knocking out ballistic missiles. We'd love to have some help. If you could, could you please send ships immediately,'" Trump continued.He then mimics a French accent to give Macron's alleged answer: "'No no no, we cannot do that, Donald. We can do that after the war is won,'" he said."I said, 'No no, I don't need after the war is won Emmanuel,'" Trump said. "So I learned about Nato — Nato won't be there if we ever have the big one, you know what I mean by the big one," Trump said, without elaborating.He also branded Nato a "paper tiger," the latest salvo by Trump and his top officials against the transatlantic alliance since he returned to the White House last year.On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "is going to have to reexamine" its relationship with Nato once the war against Iran has concluded.Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:39:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dhs200,000 fine for spreading rumours, misinformation: Dubai Police]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/dhs200000-fine-for-spreading-rumours-misinformation-dubai-police]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dubai Police have emphasised the significant risks associated with spreading rumours, misinformation, or content that opposes official reports.These actions, which have the potential to incite fear or disrupt security, public order, or public health, are regarded with utmost seriousness.Authorities have made it clear that violators will face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and a minimum fine of Dhs200,000.They urged the public to trust verified sources for accurate information and to be mindful when disseminating content on digital platforms.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:10:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE President receives written message from Bangladesh PM]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/uae-president-receives-written-message-from-bangladesh-pm]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received a written message from Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, concerning bilateral relations between the two countries.The message was received by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as he received Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for Foreign Affairs.During the meeting, the two sides discussed the repercussions of Iran's unprovoked and terrorist missile attacks on the UAE and several brotherly nations.Sheikh Abdullah and Kabir strongly condemned and denounced these unprovoked and terrorist Iranian missile attacks. They affirmed the right of the countries targeted by these assaults to take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of their citizens, residents, and visitors, in accordance with the provisions of international law.Furthermore, Kabir affirmed the full solidarity of Bangladesh with the UAE, supporting all measures taken to maintain its security and stability.For his part, Sheikh Abdullah expressed his gratitude to Kabir for his country's supportive stance toward the UAE.The two sides also discussed several topics of shared interest related to bilateral relations between the two countries.Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to consolidating advanced and constructive cooperation with the friendly People's Republic of Bangladesh, serving the mutual interests of both nations and contributing to the achievement of development and sustainable economic prosperity for their peoples.The meeting was attended by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:02:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Scattered rain, morning fog expected across UAE until April 6]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/scattered-rain-morning-fog-expected-across-uae-until-april-6]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a period of unsettled weather across the UAE, through April 6, advising residents to prepare for shifting conditions including rain and reduced visibility.The forecast indicates a mix of fair to cloudy skies, with light to moderate rainfall expected at intervals, particularly across coastal, northern, and eastern areas.Commuters should exercise caution during early morning hours, as high humidity may lead to fog or mist formation over internal roads.While temperatures will fluctuate throughout the week, northwesterly winds may freshen at times, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/hr and causing blowing dust. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be rough to moderate, while the Oman Sea will remain generally calm.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:02:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharjah reviews education developments with schools]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/sharjah-reviews-education-developments-with-schools]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Private Education Authority held a coordination meeting with private schools' headmasters in Sharjah via Zoom call, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve institutional communication and stay updated with education new developments.The meeting was chaired by Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, in the presence of Ali Al Hosani, Director-General of the Authority, along with department directors in the Authority and the participation of private school principals in the emirate, in addition to the participation of educational directors from the Sharjah Education Academy.This meeting comes as a continuation of the meeting held last week with the Private School Principals Council, within the framework of an integrated approach aimed at unifying visions and enhancing joint coordination.The meeting reviewed the latest developments in education, including leading learning, enhancing the quality of students’ lives in the educational environment, and the readiness of schools for distance learning. The discussion covered ways for turning challenges into opportunities and highlighted the academic programmes offered by the Sharjah Academy for Distance Education during this period.Dr Muhadditha emphasised that it is essential to form an effective partnership between the Authority and educational institutions, and address the upcoming various changes, thus ensuring smooth continuation of qualitative education.Ali Al Hosani stressed the SPEA’s dedication in assisting private schools to find practical solutions that contribute to create a sustainable educational environment.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:01:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Trump says US to hit Iran &#039;very hard&#039; for next 2 or 3 weeks]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/trump-says-us-to-hit-iran-very-hard-for-next-2-or-3-weeks]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[President Donald Trump said US forces will keep hitting Iran "very hard” in the next two or three weeks and bring the country "back to the Stone Ages,” even as he touted the success of US operations and argued that all of Washington’s objectives have so far been met or exceeded.Trump said Iran would continue to face a barrage of attacks in the short term."We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” Trump said. "We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.”In an evening speech from the White House, Trump broke little new ground on how the war would end and vowed two to three weeks further of "extremely hard" strikes against Iran."We are going to finish the job, and we're going to finish it very  fast. We're getting very close," he said in remarks that largely  rehashed his daily streams of social-media postings and rapid media  interviews.With his approval rating hitting new lows and Americans feeling a pinch from soaring oil prices, Trump offered a retroactive explanation on why he joined Israel in the attack launched on February 28.Standing before American flags, Trump delivered the type of speech most presidents would offer at the start of a conflict.Trump on February 28 instead released a video in which he was wearing a baseball cap and no tie.In his Wednesday address, Trump said the United States was aiming to crush Iran's military, end the  clerical state's support for regional armed groups and prevent it from  obtaining a nuclear bomb — a prospect that the UN nuclear watchdog and  many observers say was not imminent."I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion," Trump said in a 19-minute speech.Trump didn’t say anything about negotiations with Iran or bring up the April 6 deadline he set for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway for global oil and gas transport. He has threatened to attack Iran's energy infrastructure if the strait was not reopened.Trump also did not offer a clear path to end the supply disruptions that have sent energy prices soaring.He did not mention the possibility of sending US ground troops into Iran, or Nato, the trans-Atlantic alliance he has railed against for not helping the US secure the waterway.Oil rose more than 6% and Asian stocks fell after the comments. Oil prices were sharply higher following Trump’s remarks. Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 4.9% to $106.16 per barrel. Benchmark US crude rose 4% to $104.15 a barrel.US gas prices jumped past an average of $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 on Tuesday, as the Iran war continues to push fuel prices higher worldwide. Analysts say those high fuel costs will trickle into groceries as businesses’ transportation and packaging costs pile up.Here is the latest:A spokesman for Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday dismissed a speech by President Donald Trump as "insane.”Elias Hazrati made the comment on Iranian state television, insisting Trump’s remarks "boosted our nation’s integrity.”"Trump is tangled with insane remarks,” he said. "Today, Iran is managing the Strait of Hormuz powerfully.”A spokesman for Iran’s military, reacting to Trump’s speech, insisted on Thursday that Tehran maintains hidden stockpiles of arms and munitions.Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Iranian military’s Khatam Al Anbiya Central Headquarters, made the comment."The centers you think you have targeted are insignificant, and our strategic military productions take place in locations of which you have no knowledge and will never reach,” he claimed.Israel and the United States have hit thousands of targets in the weekslong war, targeting military bases, missile launchers and other sites.Iranian missile fire has dropped, though Tehran is still able to mount attacks.AP / AFP]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:47:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[US, Israeli attacks on Iran the &#039;root cause&#039; of Hormuz blockage: China]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/us-israeli-attacks-on-iran-the-root-cause-of-hormuz-blockage-china]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[China said on Thursday that US and Israeli strikes on Iran were the "root cause" of the Strait of Hormuz blockage, after US President Donald Trump called on affected countries to seize the key waterway."The root cause of interruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the United States and Israel's illegal military operations against Iran," Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference, when asked about Trump's comments.The US leader said on Wednesday that countries that receive oil through the Hormuz strait "must take care of that passage," urging them to "just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves."AAgence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/us-israeli-attacks-on-iran-the-root-cause-of-hormuz-blockage-china]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:41:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi Police warn against behaviours that endanger the safety of others]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/abu-dhabi-police-warn-against-behaviours-that-endanger-the-safety-of-others]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Abu Dhabi Police have issued a warning against certain hazardous behaviours that endanger both individual and public safety.This initiative aligns with their strategic focus on "Smart Road Safety." Among the practices highlighted were opening vehicle doors while driving and filming videos to gain online fame and followers, described as reckless actions that could result in severe accidents.The police underscored that such behavior blatantly violates traffic laws and puts all road users at significant risk. They called on individuals to act responsibly, follow safe driving practices, and recognise that road safety is a collective responsibility. They also stressed that the pursuit of online recognition should never come at the cost of human lives.Authorities outlined strict legal consequences for offenders. These include a fine of Dhs2,000, 23 traffic points added to the violator's record, and the vehicle being impounded for 60 days.To reclaim the impounded vehicle, offenders must pay a fee of Dhs50,000. The police emphasised their zero-tolerance policy towards such transgressions.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:35:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Astronauts begin Nasa lunar mission after climactic blast-off]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/astronauts-begin-nasa-lunar-mission-after-climactic-blast-off]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket on Wednesday on a long-anticipated journey around the Moon, the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years.With a thunderous roar that reverberated far beyond the launchpad, the enormous orange-and-white rocket carried three Americans and one Canadian away from Florida's Kennedy Space Center at approximately 6:35 pm (2235 GMT) local time.NASA teams and spectators alike were ecstatic as the spacecraft ascended into a radiant sky atop a cascade of flames.The team, who donned bright orange suits with blue trim as the mission began, includes Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian Jeremy Hansen."We have a beautiful moonrise. We're headed right at it," said Wiseman, the mission commander.US President Donald Trump praised "our brave astronauts," calling the successful launch "quite something" at the top of his televised address on the war against Iran.The astronauts are now in orbit around the Earth, where they will remain while performing various checks to ensure the reliability and safety of a spacecraft that has never carried humans before.They successfully completed "promixity operations" demonstrations, which tested how their Orion capsule can move relative to another spacecraft and included various maneuvers that mimic what would be needed to dock with a lunar lander."Great flying with you, Houston. Nice vehicle," said pilot Glover.Early on teams identified a number of kinks to work out, including "a controller issue with the toilet when they spun it up," said Amit Kshatriya, NASA's associate administrator, during a post-launch briefing."We're just getting started," he added.NASA head Jared Isaacman also noted a temporary communication problem with the spacecraft that had since been resolved.The astronauts were "safe, they're secure, and they're in great spirits," he said.Isaacman also emphasized the historic nature of Wednesday's launch: "NASA is back in the business of sending people to the Moon."If all goes well the Artemis 2 team is expected to head out Thursday on its three-day journey towards the Moon, which it will then loop around to capture new images and make naked-eye observations.The voyage should last approximately 10 days in total, and aims to pave the way for a Moon landing in 2028.Scientist Sian Proctor ventured to Florida's Space Coast to witness the moment along with the approximately 400,000 people local authorities said had gathered to watch."I'm just so happy that we're going back to the Moon," Proctor said."Everybody should be excited and be following the next 10 days, because this is a big step for humanity."The mission marks a series of historic accomplishments: it will send the first person of color, the first woman and the first non-American on a lunar mission.If the plan proceeds as expected, the astronauts will set a record by venturing farther from Earth than any human before.It is also the inaugural crewed flight of NASA's new lunar rocket, dubbed the Space Launch System.SLS is designed to allow the United States to repeatedly return to the Moon, with the goal of establishing a permanent base that will offer a platform for further exploration.It was meant to take off as early as February after years of delays and massive cost overruns.But repeated setbacks stalled it and even necessitated rolling the rocket back to its hangar for investigation and repairs."NASA really needs this win right now," Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, told AFP, noting the US space agency's recent budget turmoil and a workforce exodus that have challenged morale.The current era of American lunar investment has frequently been portrayed as an effort to compete with China, which aims to land humans on the Moon by 2030.During the post-launch briefing, Isaacman said competition was "a great way to mobilize the resources of a nation.""Competition can be a good thing," he said. "And we certainly have competition now."The Artemis program has come under pressure from Trump, who has pushed its pace with the hope that boots will hit the lunar surface before his second term ends in early 2029.But the projected date of 2028 for a landing has raised eyebrows among experts, in part because Washington is relying on the private sector's technological headway.Earlier in the day Trump said on Truth Social that the US is "WINNING.""Economically, Militarily, and now, BEYOND THE STARS. Nobody comes close! America doesn't just compete, we DOMINATE, and the whole World is watching," he posted.Agencies]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:43:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE affirms embrace of Iranian community as integral to its diverse social fabric]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/02/uae-affirms-embrace-of-iranian-community-as-integral-to-its-diverse-social-fabric]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued a statement affirming that the UAE is home to a respected and valued Iranian community that forms an integral part of its social fabric and contributes to its diversity and openness.The UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, reflecting its enduring commitment to the values of coexistence and tolerance, and its unwavering dedication to all those who reside within the country.In this context, the Ministry underscored that, in light of inaccurate media claims circulated regarding the residency status of the Iranian community, the UAE reassures residents that its institutional approach is guided by well-established procedures and frameworks that safeguard the safety and well-being of all members of society, without exception. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering a safe and stable environment based on the rule of law, ensuring the protection of the rights of all residents, and reflecting its enduring values of tolerance and coexistence.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:27:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE, US Presidents discuss regional security amid Iranian aggression]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/uae-us-presidents-discuss-regional-security-amid-iranian-aggression]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday held a phone call with Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, during which they discussed developments in the region and their serious implications for regional and international peace and security, as well as their impact on maritime security and the global economy.The two sides also discussed the continued Iranian terrorist aggression targeting the UAE and other countries in the region, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, noting that it constitutes a violation of sovereignty and international law and undermines regional security and stability.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:59:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Hamdan orders integration of all individual, business services into unified digital platform within one year]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/hamdan-orders-integration-of-all-individual-business-services-into-unified-digital-platform-within-one-year]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[In a landmark step in Dubai’s digital transformation journey, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced that the emirate has entered a new era in which the city is managed autonomously through data and artificial intelligence, where integrated systems and unified data work intelligently to create a more seamless, proactive, and secure living experience.Sheikh Hamdan's remarks came during his visit to Digital Dubai, where he affirmed that the initiatives led by Digital Dubai in partnership with government entities represent not only technological transformation but also a strategic investment in the future, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global model for quality of life and a city defined by a constant sense of safety and reassurance.During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed progress across the overarching strategic digital transformation agenda overseen by Digital Dubai, the entity enabling this transformation, supported by its two affiliated entities: the Digital Dubai Government Establishment and the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment.As part of the visit, Sheikh Hamdan launched a number of pioneering strategic projects that mark a significant milestone in the journey towards a fully integrated digital city.The projects leverage technologies to simplify people’s lives and enhance happiness. Commending the efforts of the teams, His Highness said: "Digital Dubai’s work with government entities is an investment in the future, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in safety and quality of life.”Sheikh Hamdan directed all Dubai government entities to integrate services for individuals and businesses into a unified digital ecosystem within one year.These services will be delivered through streamlined, specialised platforms that reduce time and effort. He also tasked Digital Dubai with coordinating across all entities to oversee implementation and ensure full integration.Sheikh Hamdan said: "Our goal is to make life easier, simplify procedures, and reduce the number of platforms, delivering more efficient and seamless services that strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness as a global hub for business and investment. Dubai today is a vibrant digital city, where all government entities work as one team through integrated systems and unified data to serve people and enhance quality of life, reinforcing its position as a global model for digital cities and a preferred place to live.”"Dubai’s journey of development never stops, regardless of the challenges or changing circumstances. Continuous improvement is our approach, excellence is our benchmark, and the future is our destination. What we ask for today is what we have always upheld: to be the fastest, the best, and the most responsive to people’s needs,” Sheikh Hamdan further said.Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said the projects launched by His Highness represent a significant qualitative leap in Dubai’s digital transformation journey, where technology no longer operates in silos but as part of an integrated intelligent ecosystem that sees, thinks, and acts with awareness to serve people and enhance quality of life.”He added: "We take great pride in the visit of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed to Digital Dubai. It reflects the continuous support and wise guidance of our leadership for empowering digital transformation and strengthening Dubai’s future readiness.”"At Digital Dubai, we lead this transformation in partnership with all entities, inspired by the directives and vision of our leadership. We remain committed to building a unified digital infrastructure where systems are integrated, data is connected, and artificial intelligence is embedded at the heart of proactive government services to strengthen safety and security and ensure the highest levels of happiness for the residents of Dubai. Our goal goes beyond efficiency to establishing a human-centric digital city where technology serves and protects people and supports a sustainable future.”Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed major projects that serve as the official source of Dubai’s data, developed by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment. The projects mark a major step in transforming data into accessible knowledge and economic resources.The initiatives bring together open data and intelligent analytics powered by generative AI, enabling fast and seamless access to information. They serve as the primary and central destination for those seeking city data, with content continuously expanding as additional entities join.Sheikh Hamdan further reviewed projects developed by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment that serve as integrated platforms to lead data- and AI-driven transformation across the Dubai Government by leveraging advanced data capabilities to support decision-making and strengthen intergovernmental integration.The projects aim to establish a comprehensive AI-driven government model in which government performance becomes 100% data-based, supported by advanced infrastructure including AI accelerators and an algorithm bank containing production-ready machine learning models documented according to the highest standards to ensure quality, consistency, and scalability.The projects also provide secure, scalable sandbox environments enabling government entities to efficiently develop and test AI use cases while maintaining compliance, data privacy, and operational governance.Furthermore, the projects aim to deliver measurable economic and knowledge impact, including supporting GDP growth by more than Dhs10 billion within two years of operation, and positioning Dubai among the world’s top 10 cities in the Government AI Readiness index.They also seek to enable at least 80% of government policies and strategies through AI-supported data, alongside developing the capabilities of government leaders so that 100% of their knowledge and skills in AI and advanced analytics are enhanced.Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, said: "Today, data is a key driver of economic growth, shaping the future of cities. Dubai is a global leader in transforming data into a strategic asset that enables a more competitive and sustainable digital economy and advances the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”He added: "The projects reviewed by H.H. reflect this vision, as data evolves from a tool for analysis into an integrated ecosystem that enables proactive decision-making, enhances the efficiency of urban planning, and strengthens security and quality of life, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s best cities to live, work, and invest in.Citywide data integration, powered by artificial intelligence, is driving new sources of economic value, improving sector productivity, and anticipating future opportunities, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership as a global model in harnessing data to serve people and society.”Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the second generation of Government Resource Planning Systems, a joint project between Digital Dubai, the Department of Finance, and the Dubai Government Human Resources Department. The initiative aims to strengthen government integration, enhance efficiency and productivity, and meet future needs by adopting emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, within a unified systems ecosystem.The project includes upgraded systems covering finance, human resources, payroll, procurement, contracts, asset and property management, and maintenance, supporting a more integrated and flexible operational model that enhances planning, decision-making, and service experiences for employees and customers.Matar Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive of the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, commented: "Future government readiness is built on integration before technology, prioritising unified policies and platforms before multiple solutions. Today, we witness the launch of a future-ready model of government operating as a single, integrated ecosystem, supported by a unified digital infrastructure and intelligent systems that enhance efficiency and accelerate delivery.”In addition, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed projects which highlight national capabilities in developing advanced internal solutions comparable to leading global digital city management systems. The projects rely on advanced digital infrastructure to analyse diverse data, understand urban patterns, and measure key indicators related to city movement and quality of life, supporting decision-making and service efficiency.The systems process multiple data streams and visual inputs in real time, transforming them into actionable insights that enable authorities to respond rapidly and effectively to situations such as service performance monitoring, emergency response in public facilities, and improving traffic flow in vital locations. The projects reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for digital city innovation driven by local expertise.Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed Agentic AI projects, an interactive solution that enables users to engage directly with an AI agent through natural conversational interfaces to request and complete government services seamlessly and instantly. The system relies on generative AI and autonomous agents capable of understanding requests and independently executing required actions.Sheikh Hamdan further reviewed projects that demonstrate practical implementation of the Internet of Things within the digital city, through a city-wide integrated smart sensing ecosystem capable of detecting unusual phenomena such as smoke or fires, and sending instant alerts directly to relevant entities, including Civil Defense, thereby enhancing safety, preparedness, and response capabilities.Together, these projects embody Dubai’s ambitious vision to become a leading global digital city, where digital transformation contributes Dhs100 billion annually to its economy, supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to build a city that harnesses advanced technology, data and artificial intelligence to serve people, enhance quality of life, and raise government efficiency, in line with the wise leadership’s vision for a more innovative and sustainable future.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:26:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi court orders man to pay Dhs73,800 and Dhs3,000 compensation for knowingly selling defective vehicle]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/abu-dhabi-court-orders-man-to-pay-dhs73800-and-dhs3000-compensation-for-knowingly-selling-defective-vehicle]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court obligated a man to pay Dhs73,800 plus Dhs3,000 compensation to another on fraud charges.The victim bought a vehicle from the defendant, who claimed that it was in excellent condition and free of defects or accidents.After using the vehicle, however, the victim found that it suffered serious and sudden malfunctions and upon inspection, it was found that it had previously been submerged in rainwater and written off by the insurance company as a total loss.Earlier, the buyer filed a lawsuit against the seller in which he requested that vehicle sale contract in question be annulled and the seller be obligated to return its price to him plus Dhs7,000 in compensation for the material and moral harms he had befallen.The plaintiff also requested the court to obligate the defendant to pay legal interest at 12 per cent per annum on the amount awarded from the date of filing the lawsuit until full payment and to settle the incurred charges, expenses and lawyer’s fees.The buyer pleaded that he bought the vehicle and paid its full price after the seller had confirmed that it was in excellent condition and free of defects or accidents.After using the vehicle, however, the buyer found that it suffered serious malfunctions, the buyer said, adding that after being inspected by the authorised agency, the vehicle was found to have been previously submerged in rainwater and written off by the insurance company as a total loss.This revealed that the seller had deliberately concealed an essential fact and defrauded him when concluding the sales contract, he said, adding that he this would entitle him to request the court to revoke the sales contract and obligate the seller to return the price and compensate him for the material and moral harms he suffered.The court stated that it was established from the documents submitted by the buyer that the seller sold the vehicle while it had a hidden defect that could not be easily discovered except by checking the insurance records.As it was satisfied with the conclusion reached by the appointed expert, the court hereby concluded that there was a hidden defect in the vehicle in dispute and that the seller did not disclose it to the buyer when the sale contract was signed.Therefore, the court rules that the sales contract be rescinded, that the contracting parties return to the condition that they were in before the contract was signed and that the seller refund the buyer Dhs73,80, this being the price of the vehicle.Whereas the seller caused the buyer material harms (loss of profit and inability to benefit from the vehicle) and moral harms (regret and remorse), the court hereby ruled that the buyer be given a comprehensive and reparative compensation of Dhs1,500 for the material harms and Dhs1,500 for the moral harms.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:07:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[After one month of war, UAE is the most targeted by Iranian attacks]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/after-one-month-of-war-uae-is-the-most-targeted-by-iranian-attacks]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Recent statistical data revealed the extent of Iran’s blatant aggression in the region more than a month after the outbreak of war.The UAE topped the list of the most targeted countries, having been subjected to a total of 2,469 missiles and drones, distributed as follows:2012 drones, 438 ballistic missiles and 19 cruise missiles.On a regional level, Saudi Arabia was targeted with over 1,052 missiles and drones, followed by Israel with more than 1,000 attacks.The targeting map also included Kuwait with around 950 attacks, Qatar with more than 700 attacks, while the targets in Bahrain reached 605, Jordan 274 and finally Oman, which recorded 19 targets.The UAE air defences on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) only intercepted 5 ballistic missiles and 35 UAVs launched from Iran.The  attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces  while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a  Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 9  fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian  nationalities.A total of 190 people were also injured,  with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe.The injured  included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines,  Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda,  Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal,  Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.The  Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready  to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to  undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the  protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its  interests and national capabilities.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:51:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE warns against recruiting domestic workers without licence]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/uae-warns-against-recruiting-domestic-workers-without-licence]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) affirmed that it would not tolerate any entity engaging in the recruitment of domestic workers without obtaining the necessary licences.Strict legal, administrative and financial measures would be taken against offenders up to and including immediate closure and referral to the competent judicial authorities in line with the legislation in force in the country, it said.The MoHRE urged customers to deal exclusively with licensed and accredited offices and to verify the reliability of any entity before entering into a contract, through official and approved channels with a view to protecting their rights and avoiding any legal consequences.It explained through its electronic channels that recruiting domestic workers without a licence was a legal violation that would warrant multiple penalties including closing the violating office, immediately suspending its commercial activity and referring it to the judiciary so that the appropriate legal course, whether criminal or civil be taken against it.In addition, legal, administrative and financial procedures would be taken against the violating office that might include imposition of large financial fines, it added.As part of its awareness efforts, the MoHRE called on the public to abide by the regulations and report any illegal practices in order to support the protection of society and regulate the labour market in the country.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:40:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[NCM predicts drizzles in parts of UAE on Saturday and Sunday]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/ncm-predicts-drizzles-in-parts-of-uae-on-saturday-and-sunday]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The weather on Thursday is expected to be clear to partly cloudy but humid at night and on Friday morning with a chance for fog or light fog to form over some coastal and inland areas, according to the national Centre of Meteorology (NCM).Light to moderate winds will blow, turning to active and strong at times offshore and dust-stirring onshore during the day, while the sea will be very rough in the morning, turning to rough in the Arabian Gulf compared to rough in the morning and turning to one of moderate to regular waves in the Sea of Oman.Friday’s weather is expected to be clear to partly cloudy at times but humid at night and on Saturday morning in some coastal and inland areas with a chance of fog or light fog.Light to moderate northwesterly to southwesterly winds will blow, turning to active at times at 10 to 20 and up to 35 km/h, while the sea will have moderate to regular waves in the Arabian Gulf and regular waves in the Sea of Oman.Saturday’s weather will be clear to partly cloudy and cloudy at times in coastal and northern areas with a chance of drizzles at night and on Sunday morning and a gradual rise in temperature.Light to moderate northwesterly to southeasterly winds will blow, turning to active at times at 10 to 20 and up to 35 km/h, while the sea will have regular waves in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.Sunday’s weather will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, especially in the northern and coastal areas, with a chance of drizzles but will be humid at night and on Monday morning in some coastal and inland areas. Light to moderate southeasterly winds will blow, turning to active northwesterly winds offshore in the evening at 10 to 25 and up to 40 km/h, while the sea will have regular to moderate waves but becomes rough in the evening in the Arabian Gulf compared to regular waves in the Sea of Oman.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/ncm-predicts-drizzles-in-parts-of-uae-on-saturday-and-sunday]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:53:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Young man accused of stealing motorcycle after test ride in Sharjah]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/young-man-accused-of-stealing-motorcycle-after-test-ride-in-sharjah]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Misdemeanor Court heard a case in which an Arab young man was accused of stealing a motorcycle based on a report filed by an auto workshop owner in which he stated that the motorcycle disappeared after it was given to the accused to test it.Earlier, the surveillance cameras documented the accused leaving the workshop with the motorcycle and not returning with it, which strengthened suspicions that it had been stolen.The motorcycle owner stated in his testimony before the court that he did not receive any money from the accused in exchange for selling the motorcycle, denying that any deal was completed between them.A witness in the case stated that the accused came to the workshop and asked to meet its owner to buy the motorcycle and the latter agreed to sell it for Dhs8,000, adding that the accused asked the owner to test drive it, but left with the vehicle and did not return.When confronted by the court with the charge of theft, the accused denied it, stating that he did not steal the motorcycle but rather there was an agreement to purchase it in installments, noting that he had not yet paid the full amount.After listening to the statements of the parties and reviewing the evidence presented, the court decided to postpone the hearing of the case to a later session to pronounce the verdict.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/young-man-accused-of-stealing-motorcycle-after-test-ride-in-sharjah]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:44:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi motorists urged not to stop under bridges or inside tunnels during rain]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/abu-dhabi-motorists-urged-not-to-stop-under-bridges-or-inside-tunnels-during-rain]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Directorate General of Traffic and Patrols urged motorists not to stop under bridges or inside tunnels during rainfall, stressing that these dangerous practices obstruct traffic flow, increase the likelihood of accidents and endanger the safety of road users, especially given reduced visibility and increased risk of skidding.The directorate stressed the need for motorists to abide by traffic safety rules and to park in safe places, underscoring the importance of avoiding tailgating and distraction, reducing speeds and staying away from large puddles or low-lying areas that might experience sudden water flow.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/abu-dhabi-motorists-urged-not-to-stop-under-bridges-or-inside-tunnels-during-rain]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:42:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi shuts down café over repeated food safety violations in Al Dhafra Region]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/abu-dhabi-shuts-down-cafe-over-repeated-food-safety-violations-in-al-dhafra-region]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) issued a decision administratively shutting down Desert Breeze Café LLC in Western Souq and Mall Abu Dhabi, Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra Region, which holds trade licence no. CN-5461371, for violating law no. 2 for 2008 regarding food in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the regulations issued thereunder and posing a danger to public health.ADAFSA explained that the food control report stated that the administrative closure decision followed the facility’s repeated violations of food safety requirements and its failure to correct them, which necessitated an immediate action to be taken to ensure food safety and consumer health.The administrative closure order would remain in effect until the café fulfilled all the requirements for healthy and safe food, it said.ADAFSA indicated that the administrative closure and detection of the observed violations came as part of its plan to strengthen the food safety system in Abu Dhabi, noting that all food facilities were subject to regular inspection to ensure their abidance by food safety requirements with a focus on proactive protection of consumers.ADAFSA called on the public to communicate with it and report any food violations or any doubt about the contents of a food item by calling the Government of Abu Dhabi’s toll free number 800555, enabling its inspectors to take the necessary measures for the ultimate aim of providing safe food to all Abu Dhabi inhabitants. ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/abu-dhabi-shuts-down-cafe-over-repeated-food-safety-violations-in-al-dhafra-region]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:09:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharjah government staff who are mothers will work remotely]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/female-sharjah-govt-staff-who-are-mothers-will-work-remotely]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Sharjah Human Resources Department announced that senior authorities in government departments now have the authority to implement a remote work system for female employees who are mothers.However, this decision excludes vital roles and essential tasks.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/female-sharjah-govt-staff-who-are-mothers-will-work-remotely]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:58:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE air defences engage 5 ballistic missiles, 35 drones fired from Iran]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/uae-air-defences-engage-5-ballistic-missiles-35-drones-fired-from-iran]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The UAE air defences on Wednesday intercepted 5 ballistic missiles and 35 UAVs launched from Iran.Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 438 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles and 2,012 UAVs.The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces, as well as 9 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Indian nationalities.A total of 190 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.WAM]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[gulftoday]]></dc:creator>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/uae-air-defences-engage-5-ballistic-missiles-35-drones-fired-from-iran]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:47:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Mohammed Bin Rashid attends closing ceremony of Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/mohammed-bin-rashid-attends-closing-ceremony-of-crown-prince-of-dubai-endurance-festival]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday attended the closing day of the 18th edition of Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival, held at the Dubai International Endurance City in Saih Al Salam. The festival included races for women, private stables, Yamamah Cup for Mares and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Cup.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/mohammed-bin-rashid-attends-closing-ceremony-of-crown-prince-of-dubai-endurance-festival]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:34:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sewa efficiently manages 8,300 reports during recent weather]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/sewa-efficiently-manages-8300-reports-during-recent-weather]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa) said its technical teams handled more than 8,300 reports during the recent adverse weather, ensuring a rapid and precise response in line with the highest operational standards.The authority confirmed that its response was driven by proactive plans activated before the impact of the weather, including elevating readiness to the highest level, operating control rooms around the clock, and enhancing coordination across departments.Technical teams were strategically assigned according to meticulously planned geographical coverage maps to guarantee rapid access to reported incidents.Reports ranged from minor technical faults to problems caused by water accumulation, all of which were addressed immediately by specialised teams equipped with advanced tools and technologies.The authority emphasised the crucial role of its monitoring and control systems in improving response speed by providing real-time tracking of network performance indicators and detecting any disruptions or fluctuations. This facilitated the precise deployment of field teams and reduced response and recovery times.Sewa observed strong integration across customer communication channels, with reports received via the call centre, smart application, and official website, all managed through a unified system.The authority urged the public to verify the source of service interruptions before reporting and to follow safety guidelines during adverse weather, using official channels to report emergencies.Sewa affirmed that the successful response results from ongoing investments in infrastructure development, upgrading technical workforce skills, and implementing advanced smart systems in network management.These efforts enhance the authority’s preparedness to tackle challenges and guarantee the provision of reliable and sustainable services in accordance with global standards.WAM ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/sewa-efficiently-manages-8300-reports-during-recent-weather]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:10:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Food assistance slashed for thousands of Rohingya refugees trapped in Bangladesh camps]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/04/01/food-assistance-slashed-for-thousands-of-rohingya-refugees-trapped-in-bangladesh-camps]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees struggling to survive in Bangladesh’s overcrowded camps will see their food assistance slashed starting on Wednesday, raising alarm throughout the increasingly desperate community.Currently, the 1.2 million Rohingya trapped in the squalid camps receive $12 a month per person, an amount the persecuted minority from Myanmar has long warned is barely sustainable. Most of the Rohingya in the camps fled brutal attacks by Myanmar's military in 2017 and they are legally barred from working in Bangladesh, leaving them largely reliant upon humanitarian aid to survive.Under the United Nations’ World Food Programme’s new tiered system, the amount each person receives will vary based on the severity of their family’s needs, with around 17% of the population getting as little as $7 per month. A third of the population that has been classified as "extremely food insecure,” such as households headed by children, will continue receiving $12."It is very difficult to understand how we will survive now with only $7. Our children will suffer the most,” said camp resident Mohammed Rahim, who said he and his wife were already struggling to feed their three children before the reduction. "I am deeply concerned that people may face severe hunger and some may even die due to lack of food.”The WFP has repeatedly warned that rations in the camps could be slashed as a result of last year’s steep foreign aid cuts by the United States and other countries, which saw the agency lose a third of its funding. But WFP spokesperson Kun Li said Wednesday’s change in food distribution was unrelated to the funding cuts, and it should not be described as a "ration cut,” despite two-thirds of the population receiving fewer rations as a result.The agency said a ration cut implies food assistance is being reduced below 2,100 calories a day, the recommended minimum standard for emergency food aid. But the WFP said even those who will now receive just $7 per month will still be able to meet that threshold.The plan "ensures that even with differentiated ration sizes, all Rohingya continue meeting their minimum food needs, strengthening fairness, transparency, and equity in food assistance,” the agency said in a statement.But a ration cut is precisely what the change means for the Rohingya, said Bangladesh’s Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.With desperation already running high, Rahman told The Associated Press that the Rohingya will attempt to flee in search of food and work. "Law and order will be deteriorated,” he said.The same military that attacked the Rohingya in 2017 during what the US declared a genocide overthrew Myanmar's government in 2021 and remains in control of the country. That has made it virtually impossible for the Rohingya to return home safely.Last year’s foreign aid cuts deepened misery across the camps, particularly for children, with the closure of schools contributing to a surge in kidnapping, child marriage and child labour. Programs to support the Rohingya were only around half funded in 2025, and are only 19 percent funded this year.In 2023, the WFP was forced to cut rations to $8 a month due to a drop in donations. By November of that year, the agency said that 90% of camp residents could not afford an adequate diet and 15 percent of children were suffering from acute malnutrition, the highest rate ever recorded in the camps. Rations were restored to $12 a month in 2024.Hungry, exhausted and increasingly hopeless camp residents who lived through that ration cut wonder how they will cope moving forward. Dozens of Rohingya staged protests against the new system on Tuesday, calling for the restoration of full rations. Many held signs warning of starvation and declaring "Food is a right, not a choice.”Rahim, the father of three whose food aid has been reduced to $7 a month, said he is sick, and his children cannot safely leave the camps to earn money due to the increasing risk of kidnapping, violence and trafficking.Rahim said several people he knows are already considering returning to Myanmar because of the reduced rations, despite the severe risks. Many others, he said, are considering fleeing to Malaysia on rickety fishing boats - an incredibly dangerous journey that results in hundreds of Rohingya children, women and men dying or vanishing each year."Ration cuts are pushing people toward life-threatening risks, leaving them with no safe choices,” he said. "I am very worried about the future of our children.”Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:08:00 +0400</pubDate>
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