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    <lastBuildDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:58:59 +0400</lastBuildDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[8.2 million used public transport in Dubai during Eid Al Adha holidays]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/82-million-used-public-transport-in-dubai-during-eid-al-adha-holidays]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recorded total ridership of 8.2 million across public transport and mobility services during Eid Al Adha holiday 1447 AH / 2026, from Monday, 25th May, to Friday, 29th May.Dubai Metro's Red and Green Lines carried 3.3 million riders during the holiday, while Dubai Tram served 114,300 riders. Public buses transported 1.73 million riders, and marine transport services registered 304,300 riders.Taxi services, including Dubai Taxi and franchise company vehicles, transported 2.3 million riders. Shared mobility services, including smart app vehicles, hourly rental vehicles and Bus-On-Demand, recorded 402,700 riders.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:41:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[&#039;Make-A-Wish&#039; Foundation brings joy to a 4-year-old&#039;s heart with bicycle and toys]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/make-a-wish-foundation-brings-joy-to-a-4-year-olds-heart-with-bicycle-and-toys]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[In one of its initiatives for the Year of the Family, the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation brought joy and happiness to the heart of the 4-year-old  Ahmed, by fulfilling his wish to get a bicycle and toys to share with his brother Hamad, in a touching scene which reflected the innocence of childhood and the depth of family bonds.Make A Wish's team accompanied Ahmed to the "Hamleys" store, where he had an exceptional experience, choosing his favourite toys himself amidst an atmosphere full of joy and happiness.The moments of choosing the bicycle and toys were filled with delight and cheer, transforming Ahmed’s experience into a beautiful memory he will never forget, giving him positive energy which eases the difficulty of his treatment journey.Hani Al Zubaidi, the CEO of the foundation, affirmed that fulfilling Ahmed's wish has great humanitarian dimensions, especially in the "Year of the Family," where the importance of psychologically and morally supporting children and their families is evident."Fulfilling children's wishes is not just a humanitarian initiative, but a complete message of hope whose effects extend to children, their families, and the community around, in the Year of the Family. We emphasise that making one child happy can reflect joy on an entire family, and strengthen sthe values of cohesion and solidarity which characterise Emirati society," Al Zubaidi said.He added, : “The happiness we saw in Ahmed's eyes is an evident proof that the goodness of the UAE is deeply rooted in the hearts of all citizens, institutions, and residents. This initiative was not just about fulfilling a simple wish, but a deep humanitarian message, reflecting how giving can make a real difference in  children's lives, and give them moments of joy which restore hope and light their course in facing challenges."]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE becomes 2nd country in the world to approve Wegovy pills to treat weight loss]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/uae-becomes-2nd-country-in-the-world-to-approve-wegovy-pills-to-treat-weight-loss]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dubai: Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved "Wegovy Semaglutide" from Novo Nordisk, as a once-daily oral treatment for long-term weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight associated with co-morbid health conditions.The drug belongs to the GLP-1 receptor class, and works to reduce weight and maintain its results when used, in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity, thereby contributing to improving health outcomes for the target groups.Clinical data showed that the treatment reduces the risk of major cardiovascular risks in patients most susceptible to them, including cardiovascular death, heart attacks, and strokes.The UAE is the second country globally to approve this drug, a step which reflects its leadership in adopting modern therapeutic innovations and providing early access to them.Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of EDE, affirmed that the approval of the oral formulation of "Wegovy" reflects the EDE's role in developing the pharmaceutical system.She added: "This step embodies the UAE's commitment to adopting the latest pharmaceutical innovations and developing a flexible regulatory environment which ensures these treatments reach patients, according to the highest standards, thereby contributing to improving treatment outcomes and quality of care."The approval of the drug allegedly reflects the UAE's direction towards enhancing health awareness of the importance of early obesity management and reducing its health complications.Venkat Kalyan, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Gulf, said: "The collaboration with the EDE reflects a shared commitment to providing innovative and reliable therapeutic solutions."Wegovy Semaglutide has a solid safety record and widespread trust among medical communities, and its availability in a daily oral form enhances ease of use and supports patient adherence to treatment."]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:34:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dubai court asks car renter to pay fines, Salik fees worth Dhs8,735 to rental firm]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/dubai-court-asks-car-renter-to-pay-fines-salik-fees-worth-dhs8735-to-rental-firm]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Civil Court in Dubai has ordered a vehicle renter to pay Dhs8,735 to a car rental company, covering the value of traffic fines and Salik toll gate fees, along with 5% legal interest from the date of the judicial claim until full payment.The court rejected the company's request for additional compensation due to insufficient evidence.The details of the case date back to when a car rental company filed a lawsuit against a client, demanding that he be obliged to pay amounts due under a car rental agreement concluded between the two parties in October 2025, in addition to Dhs10,000 in compensation for material and moral damages incurred due to his refusal to return the vehicle on the agreed date.The company explained that it had rented a vehicle to the appellee under a lease contract which was extended several times, and that during the period of use, traffic fines amounting to Dhs5,660 were incurred, in addition to Salik fees totaling Dhs350, as well as other amounts due according to the contract, bringing the total claimed amount to Dhs8,735.The company submitted to the court a copy of the lease contract and its extensions, records of traffic violations and Salik fees, adding that it was forced to file a police report after the renter refused to return the vehicle.The court affirmed that the lease agreement obliges the renter to pay the rent and the obligations arising therefrom as agreed upon by the parties.“The company proved the appellee's liability for the claimed amount through the submitted documents, while the appellee did not attend the court sessions and did not provide any evidence of payment or anything to refute those documents," the court indicated.The request for additional compensation was rejected being not based on sufficient evidence, the court said and ordered the appellee to pay the amount of Dhs8,735 and legal interest of 5% from the date of the judicial claim until full payment, along with court fees and expenses.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:22:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Iran suspends negotiations via mediators with US]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/iran-suspends-negotiations-via-mediators-with-us]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Iran was suspending all exchanges with the United States via mediators on Monday, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported, as the two sides remained apart on a deal to end the Middle East war."Given the continuing crimes of the Zionist regime (Israel) in Lebanon and considering that Lebanon was one of the preconditions for the ceasefire and that this ceasefire has now been violated on all fronts, including Lebanon, the Iranian negotiating team is suspending dialogues and exchange of texts through mediators," Tasnim reported.The  agency said ‌Iran and the ‌Resistance Front, which includes its Shiite  allies in Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq, have set an agenda to completely  block the Strait of ‌Hormuz and activate other fronts, including the Bab  El Mandeb Strait, ⁠in order to "punish" Israel.If  the Houthis, Iran's allies in Yemen, open a new front in the conflict,  one obvious target would be the Bab El Mandeb Strait off the coast of  Yemen, a key shipping chokepoint and narrow passageway that ​controls  sea traffic towards the Suez Canal."Violation on one  ‌front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The US and  Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation," ⁠Iranian  Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X on Monday, referring to Israeli  operations in Lebanon."The ⁠immediate cessation of the Zionist regime's aggressive  and brutal ‌army operations in Gaza and Lebanon and the necessity of the  regime's complete withdrawal from the occupied ⁠areas in Lebanon have  been emphasized by Iranian officials ​and negotiators, and there will be  no talks until Iran and the resistance's views on this matter are met,"  Tasnim ⁠added.OIL PRICES JUMPMeanwhile, oil  prices jumped and equities slid as Middle East peace talks  stumbled and tensions mounted between Iran and the Unites States.Crude futures shot more than five percent higher as an Iranian news agency announced Tehran had suspended the negotiations with the United States via mediators.The United States and Iran had traded strikes over the weekend and Tehran had insisted that any deal to end the war must cover Israel's escalating offensive into Lebanon.The report by the Tasnim news agency cited the breakdown of the  ceasefire and clashes in Lebanon as the reasons for the halt in  suspending dialogue.After the United States and Israel launched  strikes on Iran at the end of February, Iran effectively closed the  Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied  natural gas normally flow.While a ceasefire has largely held since mid-April, traffic through the strait has been scant and negotiations have dragged on.While Wall Street had been set for a higher open, the spike higher in  oil prices turned the tide, with the three main indices sliding as  trading got underway in New York.Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:20:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE&#039;s new law reducing legal age of maturity from 21 to 18 comes into effect]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/uaes-new-law-reducing-legal-age-of-maturity-from-21-to-18-comes-into-affect]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[On Monday, June 1, 2026, new updates on the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 came into effect. According to the updates, the law reduced the age of majority from 21 Hijri years to 18 Gregorian years, in addition to amending the age at which a minor may request permission to manage their funds from 18 Hijri years to 15 Gregorian year, to enhance youth participation in economic activities and entrepreneurship within a regulated legal framework.The law also unifies the age of full legal capacity at 18 years, enabling anyone who reaches this age to sign employment, rental, service, and education contracts, open and manage bank accounts, manage money and assets, file lawsuits or plead on their own behalf, in addition to and managing their legal and financial affairs independently without the need for parental or guardian consent.They will be also have the power to establish companies and engage in commercial activities directly.The law identified categories of legal entities specifically are: the state and the emirates, and other administrative units granted legal personality by law, federal or local public bodies, establishments, institutions, and other entities granted legal personality by law, religious bodies and communities recognised by the state as having legal personality, endowments, civil and commercial companies, except those specifically exempted by special provision, non-profit societies and institutions, federations, social solidarity funds, other public benefit institutions established in accordance with the law and any group of persons or assets to which legal personality is attributed by law.The law also affirmed that a legal person has all natural rights recognised by law, and has independent financial liability, capacity within the limits prescribed by law, the right to litigate, and an independent domicile. The domicile of a legal person is considered to be the place of his administrative centre. As for legal persons whose main centre is abroad and have activities in the United Arab Emirates, their administrative centre is considered to be the place where the local administration, representing them, is located.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:56:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[India&#039;s viral &#039;Cockroach&#039; youth group plans street protest in challenge to Modi]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/indias-viral-cockroach-youth-group-plans-street-protest-in-challenge-to-modi]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The founder of an online Indian youth group ‌that has amassed millions of followers in days said on Monday he plans to take his movement ​on to the streets ⁠with a protest against the education minister and in a show of dissent ‌against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The Cockroach ‌Janta Party (CJP) has tapped into the concerns of the under-30s, who are estimated to make up more than half of India’s 1.42 billion population, over politics, unemployment and inflation.Founder Abhijeet Dipke, who is based in the US, has focused ‌in particular on recent leaks of exam papers and errors in marking final-year school exams that threaten to derail ⁠the careers of millions of students."I will be returning to India to demand the resignation of the education minister," Dipke said on his personal account on X, urging young people to join a peaceful protest in Delhi and "exercise our constitutional right to seek accountability from the government."He said nearly 800,000 students have signed a petition seeking Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.The minister and a government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.The ​CJP's rapid rise marks one of the largest online expressions of dissent against Modi’s 12-year rule, ‌and analysts say it could dent his image despite recent state election victories, as frustration grows over rising fuel prices and gas shortages linked to the Iran war.The party's name is a reference to comments by India’s top judge, ⁠Chief Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court, that compared some unemployed youth to cockroaches. Kant later said he did not mean to criticise young people but was referring to those with "fake and bogus degrees." The party has more than 22 million ​followers on Instagram.DIPKE ‌SAYS HIS FAMILY IS WORRIED HE COULD BE ARRESTEDDipke, who has lived in the US for ‌the past two years, said his family and friends were worried he could be arrested on his return. "How long can we live in fear?" he said.The government has blocked the CJP's X account and Dipke told Reuters he had to ‌regain control of the ‌party's Instagram page from unknown hackers.Senior cabinet minister Kiren ⁠Rijiju has accused the CJP of seeking social media followers from arch-enemy Pakistan and the "anti-India ‌gang," while Modi has yet to comment.Rattled by anger following the cancellation of an entrance test for undergraduate medical courses last month due to a leak, the government is planning to ⁠deploy the Indian Air Force to transport question papers for a retest this month, instead of using ​the postal department.CJP has also focused on a youth job crisis. Government data shows that for those aged between 15 and 29, unemployment was 9.9% last year, more than triple the overall rate ⁠of 3.1%.Reuters ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:55:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sheikh Sultan approves employment of 717 Emiratis in Sharjah government sector]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/sheikh-sultan-approves-employment-of-717-emiratis-in-sharjah-government]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the employment of 717 male and female Emiratis in the Government of Sharjah.The new employees will join 633 UAE nationals who were recruited into government positions during the first five months of 2026.Dr Sheikh Sultan also approved the Sharjah Programme for the Qualification and  Training of Job Seekers, which will run from June to November 2026.The  programme will benefit 410 UAE nationals, each of whom will receive a  monthly allowance of Dhs6,000. The total cost of the programme amounts  to Dhs14.76 million.The announcement was made by Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Human Resources, via the Direct Line programme.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:31:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Sharjah woman rescues exhausted stray cat from scorching summer heat]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/sharjah-woman-rescues-exhausted-stray-cat-from-scorching-summer-heat]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[In a humane scene reflecting the values of mercy and compassion that characterise the society of the United Arab Emirates, a video documenting the rescue of an exhausted stray cat in Sharjah has touched the hearts of thousands on social media.The cat, which showed signs of severe exhaustion due to the high temperatures currently being experienced across the country, was rescued by a resident who quickly intervened after noticing the animal in distress. The incident highlights the challenges faced by stray animals during the UAE’s harsh summer months, when extreme heat can pose serious risks to their health and survival. The rescue was carried out by a woman who runs the Instagram account “Ty’s Rescues & Friends,” a platform dedicated to helping and caring for animals in need. According to information shared on the account, the cat was found near a bridge close to Sharjah International Airport.A video posted online showed the resident approaching the weakened animal and providing it with water and immediate care. The cat appeared visibly exhausted and dehydrated after being exposed to the scorching heat. After ensuring the animal received urgent attention, the woman took the cat home, where it could be monitored closely and cared for until its condition improved.Alongside the video, the rescuer used the opportunity to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by stray animals during the summer.“The UAE summer can be unforgiving, especially for stray animals who spend their days searching for shade, safety and a clean source of water,” she wrote.She also encouraged members of the public to help vulnerable animals by placing water bowls outside their homes or workplaces.“If you can, please leave a bowl of fresh water outside. It may seem like a small gesture, but to a thirsty animal, it can mean everything,” she said.The rescuer further invited followers to suggest a name for the cat, describing it as the account’s “newest rescue” and a little survivor.The video quickly went viral, attracting widespread admiration from social media users. Many praised the resident’s compassion and swift response, while others echoed calls to support stray animals during the hottest months of the year.The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness toward animals and reflects the spirit of compassion that many citizens and residents across the UAE continue to demonstrate, particularly during periods of extreme weather.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:45:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Malaysia bans social media for children under 16]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/malaysia-bans-social-media-for-children-under-16]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Malaysia on Monday began enforcing rules barring millions of children younger than 16 from owning social media accounts, joining a global effort to tighten online safety protections for young users.The rules require social media platforms to implement age-verification systems and block users under 16 from creating accounts. They apply to platforms with at least 8 million users, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.The government said the measures are aimed at protecting children from harmful content, cyberbullying and platform features designed to encourage excessive use.Several countries, including Australia, Brazil and Indonesia, have introduced or announced age-based restrictions and requirements governing children's access to social media, while others are studying or developing similar measures.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:56:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharjah welcomes first batch of pilgrims returning after Hajj]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/sharjah-welcomes-first-batch-of-pilgrims-returning-after-hajj]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Airport welcomed the first group of pilgrims returning from the Holy Lands after completing this year's Hajj pilgrimage. The atmosphere was one of joy and spirituality, supported by an integrated operational framework that ensured smooth procedures and a comfortable arrival experience.Pilgrims praised the high level of organisation and the ease of procedures throughout their journey via the airport. They noted that services were seamless, allowing them to complete arrival procedures swiftly and comfortably. This added a positive touch to their return following their spiritual journey.Airport teams greeted the pilgrims with flowers and traditional Emirati hospitality, reflecting values of warmth and care while enhancing their arrival experience.These efforts were part of early preparations and a comprehensive operational plan implemented by Sharjah Airport Authority in coordination with relevant entities. The plan ensured smooth passenger movement and efficiently handled the large number of returning pilgrims.The welcome also reflects Sharjah Airport’s high level of readiness, both in terms of operational infrastructure and human resources. The airport’s ability to manage peak travel seasons effectively further strengthens its position as a key regional and international travel hub.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:52:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[In Emirati literature women are multidimensional: Author]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/in-emirati-literature-women-are-multidimensional-author]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Questions of identity, authorship and the changing portrayal of women in literature took centre stage at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, as Emirati writer and critic Dr Hind Al Mashmoom and Polish author Grażyna Plebanek examined how female voices and experiences have evolved across literary traditions in the UAE and Poland.Held as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme, the session, titled “Women's Stories in Emirati and Polish Literature”, brought together perspectives from two distinct cultural contexts while revealing shared literary concerns around representation, agency and the role of storytelling in reflecting social change.Al Mashmoom challenged the distinction often drawn between “women’s writing” and “men’s writing”, arguing that literature should be assessed not through the gender of its author but through the questions it raises and the human and artistic horizons it opens.She noted that Emirati women’s writing has undergone significant transformation over recent decades, evolving beyond questions of visibility and self-expression to engage with broader themes of identity, belonging, family, society and the human condition. Contemporary Emirati literature, she explained, reflects a growing diversity of perspectives shaped by individual experiences and creative approaches.Discussing the portrayal of women in Emirati fiction, Al Mashmoom observed that female characters frequently appear as mothers, wives and sisters, reflecting their place within social and family structures. At the same time, she noted that contemporary Emirati literature increasingly presents women as complex and multidimensional figures whose experiences extend beyond traditional roles.She also challenged narrow interpretations of female strength, arguing that strength should not be measured solely through resistance or confrontation. Rather, it can be found in self-awareness, self-expression and the ability to shape one's place within society.For her part, Plebanek echoed the view that literature transcends gender categories, arguing that the strongest connection between writers lies in their shared commitment to storytelling rather than in questions of identity.Drawing on her experience of living and writing across different cultures and languages, Plebanek described literature as a meeting place for human experiences rather than a space defined by fixed identities or rigid classifications.She observed that women writers in Europe and Poland have spent more than a century seeking identities beyond the traditional roles historically assigned to them, with contemporary literature offering greater freedom for women to articulate their own experiences, aspirations and perspectives.Plebanek also pointed to a broader shift taking place within European literary circles, noting a growing openness to perspectives beyond traditional Eurocentric frameworks. Contemporary literature, she argued, is increasingly shaped by curiosity about other cultures and a willingness to engage in dialogue across cultural boundaries.The discussion reflected a broader theme running throughout Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at the Warsaw International Book Fair: the role of literature as a platform for cultural exchange and shared reflection on questions that resonate across societies, regardless of geography, language or tradition.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:49:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[President directs launch of ‘Naseej’ to transform UAE textile sector]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/president-directs-launch-of-naseej-to-transform-uae-textile-sector]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ‘Naseej’ the National Initiative for Textile Circularity has been launched as a strategic mandate contributing to the transition of the textile sector toward a circular economic system.Naseej aims to move the sector beyond linear consumption and disposal toward an integrated model that preserves resources, captures economic value, and aligns sustainability with long-term national development.Formed through a strategic partnership between the National Projects Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Emirates Foundation, and Tadweer Group, Naseej serves as a unified national platform coordinating policy, industry action, research, and public engagement across the textile value chain.Rooted in the UAE’s heritage of preservation, craftsmanship, and resourcefulness, Naseej draws inspiration from the historic role textiles have played in the lives of its people and in the country’s economic development. The initiative builds on these values to support national efforts to embed circular thinking into everyday practices.Sheikha Mariam Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects, said, “Naseej reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to sustainability as a shared national responsibility. It reflects a forward-looking vision that transforms challenges into lasting opportunities by driving positive behavioural change, encouraging responsible resource use, and empowering community participation and volunteering. The initiative lays the foundation for resilient, future-ready development that benefits generations to come.”Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of the Emirates Foundation, said, “The Naseej initiative represents an important step toward embedding the concept of the circular economy within the UAE’s sustainable development model. It reflects our wise leadership’s vision for long-term, innovation-led growth, bringing together institutions, industry, youth, and the wider community to collectively rethink how we value, preserve, and sustain our resources.”Textile waste presents a growing challenge globally and nationally. In the UAE, annual textile waste volumes are estimated to reach approximately 220,000 tonnes. Naseej responds to this challenge with a structured national approach that strengthens collection and recycling systems, advances research and innovation, and fosters a culture of conscious consumption aligned with circular economy principles.Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated, “Thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, the UAE has prioritized the development of a comprehensive and advanced circular economy system in accordance with global best practices. Through Naseej, we are establishing a national framework that aligns policy, industry action, and public participation under this shared vision for a circular economy. By moving from fragmented voluntary efforts to an organized national system underpinned by partnerships and continued cooperation, we look forward to enabling the wide-scale implementation of circular textile solutions in the country, contributing to achieving the goals of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031."Naseej’s mandate is anchored in five strategic pillars: Collection and Recycling, Awareness and Outreach, Behavioural Research, Policies and Regulations, and Circular Business and Innovation. Together, these pillars provide a comprehensive foundation for transforming the textile sector, enabling long-term value retention, system resilience, and measurable environmental and economic impact.The strategic groundwork for Naseej began during COP28, with the support of the National Projects Office within the Presidential Court, and progressed through a series of Memorandums of Understanding signed with key partners across the textile ecosystem. These partnerships bring together fashion brands, manufacturers, collection and recycling operators, research institutions, and community organisations, creating an integrated national framework for collaboration and delivery.As part of its public launch, Naseej will host its inaugural community activation, “The Fabric of Possibility,” from 5 – 7 June 2026 at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Designed as an immersive experience, the activation invites individuals and families to reflect on the impact of textile waste, explore practical sustainable solutions, and actively participate in shaping a more circular future. The experience will expand to other regions across the UAE in subsequent phases.Following its launch, Naseej will roll out a series of national programmes to support sustainable textile practices, strengthen collection and recycling infrastructure, and advance research, pilots, and market development initiatives that enable scalable circular solutions across the UAE.By aligning policy, industry leadership, and community participation within a single national framework, Naseej strengthens the UAE’s role as a global reference for circular economy implementation. The initiative demonstrates a practical, scalable model for balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, while reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to building a sustainable future for generations to come.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:50:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharjah Ruler attends graduation ceremony of SPAA students]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/sharjah-ruler-attends-graduation-ceremony-of-spaa-students]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the graduation ceremony of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) at the University of the Art Sharjah – Class of 2026 – on Sunday morning. The ceremony, held at the university theatre, celebrated the graduation of 52 students.Upon arrival, Sheikh Sultan was received by Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the University of the Art Sharjah; Sheikha Nawar Bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department; and members of the university’s Board of Trustees.The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a musical performance by university students showcasing their artistic and instrumental skills through a range of instruments, including the piano, flute and violin, reflecting the academic and practical training they received during their studies.In her address, Sheikha Hoor expressed her pride in the graduation of the fourth cohort of the SPAA, noting that the graduates are taking their first steps towards their professional careers after years of academic study and artistic development. She said they are now equipped to play an active role in enriching and advancing the cultural and artistic landscape in the region.Sheikha Hoor noted that this achievement coincides with a significant new phase in the emirate’s arts education journey, marked by the strategic integration of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and the College of Arts and Design under the umbrella of the University of the Art Sharjah.She stressed that Sharjah has placed investment in people at the heart of its cultural and civilisational project, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has established the emirate as a haven of knowledge, creativity and innovation, attracting artists and creative talents from around the world. She added that this approach has created a supportive environment for talent and creativity, enabling new generations to develop their abilities and refine their skills.Sheikha Hoor expressed confidence in the graduates’ ability to apply the knowledge and experience they have gained to serve society, enrich cultural and artistic life, and achieve their professional and creative aspirations. She concluded by congratulating the graduates on their achievement, thanking the academic and administrative teams and everyone who contributed to their education and development, and wishing them continued success in the future. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Peter Barlow, Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy at the University of the Art Sharjah, said the academy had achieved remarkable accomplishments in a relatively short period, establishing itself as one of the region’s leading institutions in performing arts education. He attributed this success to the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, which aimed to establish a specialised academic institution that combines academic excellence with practical application and prepares generations of artists and creatives capable of leading the cultural and artistic scene.Dr. Peter Barlow reviewed the academy’s key milestones since its establishment, including the launch of specialised academic programmes that are the first of their kind in the UAE and the region, the graduation of the first cohort of Master of Fine Arts students, the opening of the College of Music, and the introduction of academic programmes in Arabic music and Western classical music. He also highlighted the academy’s hosting of international events and initiatives that have strengthened Sharjah’s presence globally.The Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy added that the establishment of the University of the Art Sharjah marks a new stage in specialised arts education by unifying academic and creative efforts under one umbrella that supports innovation and broadens opportunities for learning and artistic practice. He congratulated the graduates on their academic achievement and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to their communities and help build a more creative future.Actress Yasmina El Abd, the ceremony’s guest of honour, congratulated the graduates and expressed her delight at returning to the academy and sharing the occasion with them. She praised their talent, passion and creativity, stressing that performing arts contribute not only to artistic development but also to building character, enhancing communication skills and deepening understanding of human emotions.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:05:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Explosion at defence company in South Korea kills 5]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/explosion-at-defence-company-in-south-korea-kills-5]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[An explosion and fire occurred at a defence company in South Korea on Monday, killing five people and injuring two others, officials said.The deadly incident happened at a worksite run by Hanwha Aerospace in the South Korean city of Daejeon.Other details, including the cause of the explosion, were not immediately available.Emergency official Yoon Seong-su said that the area is a government-designated security facility.Local medical official Kim Ju-yeon said one of the two injured people was in a critical condition. She said authorities haven't yet identified the dead people.The site is one of Hanwha Aerospace's key facilities where it develops large-sized propellants and surface-to-surface weapons systems, according to Yonhap news agency.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:54:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[US, Iran exchange fire as negotiations stall]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/06/01/us-iran-exchange-fire-as-negotiations-stall]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The United States and Iran said on Monday they had again traded strikes, straining an already fragile ceasefire as negotiations between the two sides have stalled.Weeks of complicated talks marked by sharp rhetoric and occasional flare-ups of violence have not managed to reach a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is essential to oil supplies.Washington and Tehran have sharp differences on questions like Iranian nuclear efforts and the fighting in Lebanon, which Iran has demanded must stop as part of a broader agreement.The latest exchange of fire coincided with Israel expanding its offensive in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Netanyahu vowing to push deeper into the country.The US military announced that it had carried out "self-defence strikes" on Iranian radar and drone control sites in the southern part of the country over the weekend -- its third such wave in just over a week.The strikes were in response to the downing of a US MQ-1 drone, it added.Shortly after, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they targeted an "air base from which the attack originated" used by the US military, state broadcaster IRIB reported Monday, without specifying the location of the base.The Guards' announcement came on the heels of the Kuwaiti military saying its air defences intercepted "hostile missile and drone attacks", without mentioning where attack originated.Sticking pointsIran was already in talks with the United States about the fate of its nuclear programme in February when the US and Israel launched air and missile strikes that wiped out much of the Islamic republic's senior leadership.While Tehran has long insisted that its nuclear programme is for purely civilian ends, the United States and its Western allies suspect it aims to develop a weapon.The New York Times and Axios reported on Saturday that Trump had sent back a "tougher" new framework to be considered by Iran, though details remain unclear.Trump has said his priorities include stopping Iran from developing any nuclear weapon and reopening the Hormuz shipping lane, which Iran has blockaded since the war began."The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons.They've agreed to that, and it was very interesting," he told his daughter-in-law Lara Trump in an interview on her Fox News show.Late on Sunday, Trump stressed on Truth Social that the proposed deal "states, very clearly, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon".Tehran, however, has previously cast doubt on Trump's assertions and the sides remain far apart on key issues."We will not approve any agreement until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people have been upheld," Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a video broadcast on state television.According to the Tasnim news agency, exchanges on the text "are ongoing, with both parties regularly proposing amendments".Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, meanwhile, said that "until a clear conclusion is reached... everything that is being said now is speculation", according to state TV.Iran has said it needs the release of $12 billion in frozen assets before engaging in substantive talks on its nuclear programme, dismissing earlier Trump comments that its enriched uranium stockpile would be destroyed as "baseless", according to Iranian media.Trump is under pressure to secure a deal that would lift competing US and Iranian blockades around the Strait of Hormuz that have strangled a vital route for global oil supplies.After Trump said Iran would charge "no tolls" on ships passing through the strait under any deal, Iranian news agency Fars cited sources saying "no such clause" existed.Iran's ISNA news agency on Saturday quoted lawmaker Alireza Salimi as saying a plan for Iranian "management and sovereignty" over the strait -- including imposing "administrative fees" -- would soon go before parliament.Lebanon frontTehran has insisted that any peace deal include Lebanon, where fierce fighting continues, with Beirut accusing Israel of pursuing a "scorched-earth policy" as it expands operations against Iran-backed Hizbollah.A truce between Israel and Hizbollah formally began on April 17 but it has never been observed, with both sides accusing each other of violating it.An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed eight people on Sunday, including three women, according to the Lebanese health ministry.The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Monday on the widening Israeli offensive following its capture of the strategic medieval castle of Beaufort, diplomatic sources told the media.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the retaking of Beaufort "a dramatic shift."Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:36:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Trump says Iran has agreed to no nuclear weapons]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/trump-says-iran-has-agreed-to-no-nuclear-weapons]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[US President Donald Trump said he had secured guarantees from Iran that it would not develop nuclear weapons, as reports emerged he had sent a tougher peace proposal back to Tehran.Any tweaks to the proposal could prolong even further an agreement to formally end the Middle East war and open the Strait of Hormuz maritime route after weeks of efforts to secure a deal despite fractious rhetoric and the occasional flare up of armed conflict.The New York Times and Axios media outlets reported on Saturday that Trump had sent back a new framework to be considered by Iran with "tougher" terms, though it was not immediately clear what that entailed.Trump has said his priorities for any deal include stopping Iran from any nuclear weapon development and re-opening the blockaded Strait of Hormuz."The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons. They've agreed to that, and it was very interesting," he told his daughter-in-law Lara Trump in an interview broadcast on her Fox News programme on Saturday night.But Tehran has previously cast doubt on Trump's assertions and the parties appeared far apart on their key priorities.Iran has said it requires the release of $12 billion in frozen assets before it moved to substantive talks on issues such as its nuclear programme and called earlier Trump comments that its enriched uranium — a precursor for nuclear weapons — would be destroyed "baseless," according to Iranian media.Tehran has also insisted that Lebanon must be included in any end to the war despite ongoing fighting, with Beirut accusing Israel of a "scorched-earth policy" as its forces advanced and carried out further airstrikes it says target Iran-backed group Hizbollah.After Trump and US officials earlier said they were on the brink of striking a deal, he struck a less urgent tone and hinted at renewed military action in the Fox interview."I'm in no hurry," he said. "Slowly but surely we're getting, I think, what we want and if we don't get what we want, we're going to end in a different way."Flare upsThat echoed comments from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth who said at a defense summit in Asia on Saturday that Washington was "more than capable" of restarting the war if necessary.Though daily strikes throughout Iran and the Gulf have stopped since Tehran and Washington struck a temporary ceasefire in April followed by historic talks hosted by Pakistan, bursts of armed conflict have continued.Iran's Revolutionary Guards had shot down a US military drone "about to enter Iranian territorial waters to conduct hostile operations", Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported, an incident that has not been confirmed by the United States.Earlier in the week, the worst fighting since the fragile ceasefire broke out when US forces carried out strikes on the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, countered by retaliatory fire from Iran.Nevertheless diplomacy has continued with Trump under pressure to reach an agreement that would lift US and Iranian competing blockades around the Strait of Hormuz that have choked international oil supplies and threatened the global economy with rising prices.After Trump said on social media that Tehran would charge "no tolls" on ships passing through the strait once the blockades were lifted under any deal, Iranian news agency Fars cited sources saying "no such clause appears in the text of the agreement."Iran's ISNA news agency on Saturday cited lawmaker Alireza Salimi as saying a plan "to implement Iran's management and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz will soon be approved by parliament."Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 21:53:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Israel captures strategic castle in Lebanon in deepest incursion into country in 26 years]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/israel-captures-strategic-castle-in-lebanon-in-deepest-incursion-into-country-in-26-years]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Israeli troops have captured a strategic mountain topped with a Crusader-built castle in southern Lebanon in the deepest incursion into the country in more than a quarter-century, the military said on Sunday.The taking of Beaufort castle, near the city of Nabatiyeh, followed days of airstrikes and intense fighting in nearby villages between Israeli troops and Hizbollah members.The capture marked a major Israeli advance in the latest Israel-Hizbollah war, which began on March 2, when Hizbollah fired rockets into northern Israel two days after the US and Israel attacked its main backer, Iran.Since then, Israel has launched a ground invasion, capturing dozens of Lebanese villages and towns close to the border. Hizbollah has launched thousands of missiles and drones at Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.The Israeli push came despite a nominal ceasefire that has been in place since April 17 and just days before Lebanon and Israeli hold their next round of direct talks in Washington starting Tuesday.Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key Hizbollah ally, said that he can guarantee the militant group's "full, comprehensive, and immediate commitment to a ceasefire.""But who will force Israel to stop its aggression," he said in a statement on his television station NBN.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which he described as "unacceptable.""Nothing can justify the prolongation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and its increasingly deep occupation of Lebanese territory," Barrot said Sunday on French television BFM TV.The Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, posted photographs on X showing Israeli troops walking outside the castle, and Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X that they raised an Israeli flag over the castle. Israeli troops previously captured the castle in 1982 and held it until they withdrew from Lebanon in 2000."Twenty six years after the withdrawal from the security zone in Lebanon, the Israeli flag has returned to fly on the peaks that overlook the Galilee towns," Katz said Sunday at a memorial ceremony for Israeli soldiers killed in its previous occupation of southern Lebanon.Katz said Israel intends to hold the castle as its troops work to destroy thousands more homes that he says were used by Hezbollah and other military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.The Beaufort fortress, perched high atop Lebanon's rolling green hills and overlooking the Litani River, has been a strategic military asset for centuries.Built as a Crusader castle around the 12th century on top of previous fortifications, it has also been used by Saladin's Jerusalem army, Mamluks, Ottomans, the French and the Palestine Liberation Organization. The Crusaders named it Beaufort, which is Old French for "beautiful fortress."The 1982 capture of the castle from the PLO was a major victory for the Israeli military, which was then led by Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, who later became prime minister. At the time, the Israeli army pushed all the way north and occupied Beirut.In 2000, the castle was partially restored and opened to visitors.During the previous Israel-Hizbollah war in 2024, UNESCO gave enhanced protection to 34 cultural sites in Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, to safeguard them from damage.The castle is a few kilometers north of the Israel border and overlooks wide parts of southern Lebanon and northern Israel. In Arabic, it is called Al-Shaqif castle, an old Syriac word referring to the formidable rocky area.Beaufort is symbolic across the region, including in Israel, where it was one of the best-known places Israel controlled during the 18-year occupation. An Israeli war film titled "Beaufort" explores moral questions about war in the last days before the military withdrew.In recent days, Israel has expanded the scope of its operations in Lebanon, sending troops across the Litani River, which previously served as a de-facto boundary, and demanding that residents leave much of southern Lebanon."The occupation of Beaufort is a dramatic stage and a dramatic shift in the policies we are leading," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, citing the military occupation of security zones in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza along Israel's borders. He said Israel has killed 3,000 Hezbollah militants since the start of the war. Hezbollah has not disclosed its casualty numbers.Israel has designated the area from the Litani up to the Zahrani River a combat zone. Some residents have already left the area due to intense strikes in recent days, but people remain.Israeli troops have been advancing for days in villages close to Beaufort castle. They are now about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Nabatiyeh, a major center in southern Lebanon. They have called on people to leave that area, as well as the coastal city of Tyre, the country's fourth-largest city, and its surroundings.There was no immediate comment from Hizbollah or the Lebanese government on the Israeli push.The expanded operation would give Israel an upper hand in the upcoming talks with Lebanon in Washington, said Beirut geopolitical analyst Joe Macaron."We are at a tipping point," Macaron said, adding that it is still too early to say how Hizbollah will react to the loss of land. "The more land they (the Israeli military) can grab before the ceasefire, the more they can impose conditions on Hezbollah before their withdrawal."Israel has continued striking near Tyre, including near the Hiram Hospital. Lebanon's Health Ministry said 13 health workers were wounded in the strike. Elsewhere, a strike in Deir al-Zahrani, near Nabatiyeh, killed eight people and wounded 16 others, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.Hizbollah overnight claimed two attacks targeting Israeli troops and a Merkava tank in the southwestern town of Bayada near the border. In recent days, the group has said it has clashed with Israeli troops in several towns just north of the river near Nabatiyeh and the strategic castle. It also claimed attacks deeper into Israel near the northern city of Haifa, Nahariya, as well as border areas.Hizbollah on Saturday fired salvos of rockets into northern Israel, including Kiryat Shmona, the largest city in the area.Hizbollah's use of hard-to-detect fiber optic drones has been deadly for the Israeli military, which is struggling to respond. There have been nearly 200 alerts for Israeli civilians across northern Israel warning of drones and missiles in the past 24 hours, according to Israel's military.The latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has killed 3,350 people in Lebanon and displaced more than 1 million people.According to Netanyahu's office, at least 25 Israeli soldiers and a defense contractor have been killed in or near southern Lebanon, including one on Saturday. Two civilians have also been killed in northern Israel.Associated Press]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 20:29:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dubai welcomes returning Hajj pilgrims with slogan &#039;The UAE Welcomes the Return of Pilgrims&#039;]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/dubai-welcomes-returning-hajj-pilgrims-with-slogan-the-uae-welcomes-the-return-of-pilgrims]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[GDRFA Dubai welcomed returning pilgrims arriving home through Dubai Airports with a special passport stamp bearing the slogan "The UAE Welcomes the Return of Pilgrims,” in a humanitarian initiative that reflects the values of Emirati hospitality and Dubai’s commitment to enriching the travel experience from the very first moments of arrival.The pilgrims were also welcomed by the GDRFA Dubai team, alongside a group of children who presented flowers and commemorative gifts, in a heartfelt initiative that embodied the values of hospitality, appreciation, and warm reception, while enhancing the arrival experience from the very first moments of their return home.Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shangiti, Assistant Director General for Air Port Affairs at GDRFA Dubai, affirmed that welcoming pilgrims through this symbolic gesture reflects Dubai’s approach of placing people at the heart of its services and initiatives, and highlights GDRFA Dubai’s commitment to transforming travel procedures into an integrated experience that combines operational excellence with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.Al Shangiti said, "The return of pilgrims to their homeland is an occasion that carries profound Spirituality and humanitarian meanings. At GDRFA Dubai, we were keen for their reception to embody the UAE’s authentic values of hospitality and appreciation, while also reflecting Dubai’s image as a global city that delivers its services with a human-centred approach and the highest standards of professionalism.”Dubai Airports witnessed comprehensive readiness to receive returning pilgrims through qualified teams, dedicated lanes, and flexible procedures that contributed to accelerating entry processes, in coordination with strategic partners across the aviation and border sectors, ensuring a safe, smooth, and comfortable travel experience.GDRFA Dubai affirmed that such initiatives come as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the traveller experience and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global destination that combines service excellence, efficient procedures, and human-centred care across various national and religious occasions.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 19:41:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Gangsters including a &#039;princess&#039; steal Oud worth Dhs12m in Dubai, 4 arrested]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/oud-worth-dhs12m-stolen-in-a-filmy-style-in-dubai-police-arrest-4-of-the-gang]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dubai Police arrested 4 gangsters of a gang of 8, including a woman, who stole luxurious Oud worth Dhs12 million from a merchant.The police recovered the stolen Oud within less than 12 hours of committing the crime and issued a red notice for the other 4, including the woman who impersonated a princess.Dubai Police stated that the details of the crime began when two gangsters headed to a luxury Oud store in a local market and deceived the merchant (the store owner) by claiming that a prestigious princess was coming to Dubai and wished to purchase a very expensive luxury Oud.The merchant started to prepare a large quantity of the finest Oud for them, then contacted them and expressed his desire to meet the alleged princess, and both parties agreed to a meeting.The gang prepared a modern villa with bodyguards to deceive the merchant, organised a lavish reception for him, and prepared a luxurious dinner to make him believe he would indeed meet a princess, according to Dubai police.While the merchant was with the gangsters in the villa, he showed them the luxury Oud he had brought for the princess in his personal bags.They asked him to place the Oud in other bags more befitting a princess than the ones he had brought, so he took out the luxury Oud and placed it in the bags they provided.The alleged princess came and met the merchant and asked him to finalise the purchase procedures.After she left, the gangsters asked him to wait until they put Oud back to his bags, telling him that they would contact him the next day to complete the purchase.The gangsters allegedly took advantage of this opportunity and placed ordinary wood in the merchant's bags instead of returning the luxury Oud.They then handed the bags to him and the next day, the merchant tried to contact them, but phones were off. When he reportedly opened the bags, he discovered that he had been robbed and the Oud replaced with wood.Consequently, the merchant filed a report with the Command and Control Centre at Dubai Police.The General Department of Criminal Investigations (CID) instantly formed a specialised team upon receiving the report.The team headed to the villa and started investigations using the latest technologies, analytical software, and cameras to track down those involved.After 12 hours, 4 of them were arrested, and the valuable Oud was recovered. For the other four gangsters, including the woman who impersonated the princess, Dubai Police identified them and issued a red notice against them after it was revealed that they had left the country immediately after committing the crime.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 18:51:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Surveillance cameras help Sharjah Police arrest a burglar, recover stolen wristwatch and silver coins]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/surveillance-cameras-help-sharjah-police-arrest-a-burglar-recover-stolen-wristwatch-and-silver-coins]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Misdemeanor Court heard a case of burglary filed by a man who reported that his house had been robbed, valuables had been stolen and a number of windows and doors had been damaged.The victim discovered that a wristwatch and silver coins were missing from his home and surveillance cameras showed that a man parked his vehicle near the house at the time of the robbery.Dedicated teams used the surveillance camera recordings to track him down, identify him and later arrest him.The competent authorities managed to find the stolen items in the burglar’s possession.On interrogation, the burglar admitted that he had stormed the house, stolen the belongings and damaged the windows and doors, noting that he acted alone.Meanwhile, the court decided to postpone the case to allow the defendant to present his defence and complete the legal procedures.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 18:42:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dubai Commercial Court orders company to pay Dhs1.43 million for food imports]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/dubai-commercial-court-orders-company-to-pay-dhs143-million-for-food-imports]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dubai Civil Court ordered a company to pay $390,000, equivalent to about Dhs1.43 million, to a food supplier, for importing frozen chickens and failing to pay for them.The company was also ordered to pay legal interest of five per cent from the date of the lawsuit until full payment.The case dated back to a commercial dispute between two companies where the plaintiff stated that it had supplied food products to the defendant but the latter did not pay the amounts due for those supplies, which led the debt to accumulate to $390,503.To prove its right, the plaintiff submitted a set of documents including commercial invoices, shipping forms, sales order confirmations and a statement of account extracted from its commercial books.It also submitted correspondence exchanged between the two parties that included an admission by the defendant of its delay in paying the financial dues.During the proceedings, the plaintiff was represented by its legal representative, while the defendant failed to appear or submit any defence or documents indicating payment of the amount or challenging the documents submitted against it.The court stated that the submitted documents constituted sufficient evidence of the debt, especially in light of exchanged correspondence proving the commercial relationship between the two parties, the receipt of the goods in question and the absence of any evidence indicating payment of the debt.The court noted that the defendant’s failure to appear and challenge the submitted documents proved its liability for the claimed amounts.Based on the above, the court ruled that the defendant pay $390,503, or its equivalent in UAE dirhams, plus legal interest of five per cent per annum from the date of the lawsuit in February 2026 until full payment and the incurred charges, expenses and lawyer’s fees.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 18:27:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[5 hot and dry or humid air masses control  intensity of heat in UAE from June to August]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/5-hot-and-dry-or-humid-air-masses-control-intensity-of-heat-in-uae-from-june-to-august-eas]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The summer season in the UAE and across the Arabian Peninsula is one of the hottest seasons, extending from early June to the end of August, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the "Emirates Astronomical Society" (EAS) and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS).Al Jarwan told Al Khaleej newspaper that the UAE's summer is affected by 5 hot and dry, or humid, air masses coming from different ranges and control the intensity of heat and humidity during the summer season.The most prominent of these is the Indian Monsoon Low, the most significant summer influence in the region, Al Jarwan pointed out.He added that the Monsoon forms over the Indian subcontinent, and when it intensifies, its influence extends towards the Arabian Gulf, pushing hot and sometimes dry winds, or very humid winds when they interact with the humidity of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf. It is considered the main reason for the peak heat in summer.Also affecting the summer weather are the extensions of the subtropical high-pressure system, which is a high-pressure system extending over land within a zone called the subtropical high-pressure belt, latitude 20° to 35° North and South. It works to stabilize hot weather and prevent the formation of clouds and rain, in addition to the maritime tropical air mass, which comes from the Arabian Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Its peak is from the end of July and throughout August, and it is hot and humid, responsible for the increase in coastal humidity, and increases the sensation of heat.Al Jarwan added that the hot and dry continental tropical air mass, which originates over deserts and plateaus, comes from the Arabian Desert to the west, or from southwestern Iran and Pakistan to the east.Its peak is in July, appearing as dry, extremely hot heatwaves inland, causing temperatures to rise in inland areas and leading to dry heatwaves and hot, dry winds known as "Samoom," sometimes accompanied by dust. Also, trade winds are active over the Arabian Sea, which are regular seasonal winds blowing from high-pressure areas southeast of the Arabian Peninsula towards the Indian subcontinent.These may extend north towards the Arabian Gulf and when they strengthen and turn into humid southeasterly winds, and their extension coincides with the activity of the Indian Monsoon Low in July and August, they transport large quantities of water vapor from the Arabian Sea, causing an increase in humidity in the UAE, especially the eastern coast.They also help in the formation of cumulonimbus thunderclouds over the “Hajar” mountain range and surrounding areas. Low or stratiform clouds may also form over the eastern coastal areas, sometimes accompanied by drizzle, and fog may form at night and in the early morning in desert areas, especially during August and September.June is characterised by having the longest daylight hours of the year, as the sun is apparently directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer on the 21st, which increases the number of sunshine hours, potentially exceeding 13 hours and 40 minutes, coinciding with the summer solstice on June 21. Then, daylight hours gradually begin to decrease, according to Al Jarwan.Al Jarwan continued: Average maximum temperatures during June are between 39- 42°C and lowest are between 27- 31°C. During July, the highest are between 41-43°C and the lowest are between 30-33°C.Al Jarwan added that some desert areas record higher temperatures than these averages, while coastal areas are more humid, and temperatures gradually increase, starting from June to peak in July and August.Humidity significantly increases starting from August, especially in coastal cities, during the night and early morning, which makes the sensation of heat higher than actual averages and causes strenuous weather, especially when high humidity coincides with high temperatures, Al Jarwn stated.He indicated that humidity levels during June reach highs of 75%-90% and lows of 35%-45%, and during July, highs are 80%-90% and lows are 40%-50%.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 18:08:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Students return to schools in UAE after mid-term break and Eid Al Adha holidays]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/students-return-to-schools-in-uae-after-mid-term-break-and-eid-al-adha-holidays]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Schools across the UAE will resume in-person classes for all students from Grade 1 to Grade 12  on Monday, June 1, 2026, following the end of the mid-term break and Eid Al Adha holiday, amidst continuous affirmations by school administrations on the importance of regular attendance and serious preparation for final exams.Schools sent messages to students and parents urging them to adhere to school attendance, emphasising that the remaining period of the academic year represents a crucial stage in students' education, especially with the approaching final centralised exams which will begin at the end of this June.Administrations stressed the importance of utilising the coming days for academic revisions and completing remaining projects and assignments, affirming that success and excellence are linked to diligence, perseverance, and good time management.Regarding school commitments, administrations emphasised the necessity for students to adhere to the full school uniform, ensure compliance with attendance and dismissal times, and bring the necessary school supplies.Schools also began publishing weekly plans, inviting students and parents to review them and adhere to their requirements, noting that regular student attendance during this stage is a fundamental factor in achieving the best results. The return of students to classrooms comes at a time when administrations are focusing on enhancing readiness for final exams and raising the level of academic achievement, thereby supporting the achievement of distinguished educational outcomes before the end of the academic year.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 18:02:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[5-day sick leave attested free of cost in UAE, says ministry]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/5-day-sick-leave-attested-free-of-cost-in-uae-says-ministry]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) clarified that it provides the service for attesting sick leaves and medical reports free of charge through its digital channels, including the website and smart application.MOHAP clarified that sick leaves of 5 days or less are automatically attested, without the need to submit additional documents.However, if the sick leave period exceeds 5 days, a copy of the sick leave and the medical report for the leave must be attached to complete the attestation procedures.If the request is submitted by an accompanying person, he must attach proof of kinship in addition to a copy of the sick leave and the patient's medical report.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 17:58:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sultan Al Ameemi, Radek Rak explore the future of novel at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/sultan-al-ameemi-radek-rak-explore-the-future-of-novel-at-warsaw-international-book-fair-2026]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[For immediate release Warsaw, May 31, 2026  Emirati writer and researcher Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi and Polish novelist Radek Rak explored how literature crosses linguistic and cultural boundaries during a discussion hosted at Sharjah’s pavilion at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026.The session, part of Sharjah's Guest of Honour programme at the book fair, examined the evolving nature of contemporary fiction, the role of translation, and the relationship between writers, readers, and literary traditions.During the session, “Artistic and intellectual developments in contemporary Emirati and Polish literature”, Al Ameemi said the growing translation of Arabic literature into other languages has strengthened literary exchange and expanded opportunities for dialogue between cultures. At the same time, he noted that contemporary fiction increasingly engages with concerns shared across societies, regardless of geography or language.He argued that many themes found in world literature reflect similarities long present in folk traditions across East and West, where stories often converge despite emerging from different cultural contexts.Reflecting on the development of the Emirati novel, Al Ameemi said contemporary Emirati fiction has become increasingly open to experimentation in language, structure, and ideas. However, he stressed that literary development is ultimately driven by the writer’s individual creative vision rather than by institutions or cultural environments alone.Al Ameemi also argued that while literary prizes and competitions can support writers and recognise achievement, they do not create novelists. Lasting literary value, he said, comes from sustained commitment to craft and the development of a distinct creative voice.Turning to the relationship between writers and readers, he noted that although authors do not write solely for themselves, excessive concern with audience expectations can weaken a work. Readers, he said, bring different perspectives to the same text over time, meaning a novel may be interpreted differently by the same person at different stages of life.He added that concerns about translation or international readership should not shape the writing process, arguing that a writer’s primary responsibility remains to the text itself, its language, and its artistic construction.Addressing language, Al Ameemi said Standard Arabic continues to serve as the shared literary language of the Arab world despite the diversity of regional dialects, enabling readers across different countries to engage with a common literary tradition. While attempts to incorporate dialects into Arabic prose have remained limited, he noted that Emirati poetry continues to thrive through both classical Arabic and Nabati traditions.For his part, Rak argued that literature derives its strength from balancing cultural specificity with universal human experience. As an example, he cited Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, a novel deeply rooted in medieval Italian history that continues to resonate with readers across cultures and generations.He added that cultural specificity gives literature its distinct character, while universal themes allow readers to connect with stories beyond their own experiences, creating a sense of both familiarity and discovery.Discussing examples from Polish and Finnish literature, Rak said the translator’s role extends beyond transferring words between languages to conveying the cultural and linguistic essence of a text.Turning to the craft of fiction, Rak argued that novels are shaped not only by plot, but by the writer’s perspective and interpretation of the world. While story remains important, he said the most meaningful books are those that leave a lasting impression on readers and offer insight into lives and experiences different from their own.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 14:59:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[The most local stories often travel the furthest, Emirati and Polish writers tell Warsaw audience]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/the-most-local-stories-often-travel-the-furthest-emirati-and-polish-writers-tell-warsaw-audience]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 turned attention to the power of storytelling to connect cultures during a discussion featuring Emirati writer Saleha Ghabesh and Polish novelist Albena Grabowska. The conversation explored how memory, history, and translation enable stories rooted in local experience to resonate with readers around the world.The session, “The Art of Storytelling through Narrative Experiences from the UAE and Poland”, brought together the two authors to reflect on the relationship between storytelling, memory, history, and place, and how literature can cross cultural and geographical boundaries while remaining deeply connected to its origins.Drawing on her experience writing The Scent of Ginger, Ghabesh said stories often begin with fleeting moments that remain in memory for years before finding their way onto the page. She recalled a childhood incident in which a lesson was abruptly interrupted and pupils were sent home as teachers gathered outside in tears, a memory that resurfaced years later and became part of the novel’s narrative.While memory remains central to fiction, Ghabesh said it is ultimately shaped by the writer through language, culture, and craft.“The most local stories are often the ones that travel the furthest,” Ghabesh said, arguing that literature resonates across cultures when it remains faithful to the details of place while exploring emotions and experiences shared by people everywhere.Discussing The Scent of Ginger, she explained that the novel is set in the UAE during the 1950s and 1960s and follows its protagonist’s evolving relationship with family, society, work, and self. Despite its distinctly Emirati setting, she noted that the novel connected strongly with Polish readers. She pointed to the translator’s engagement with place names such as Wadi Al Helo and Khorfakkan as evidence that literature can carry the character of a place across linguistic and cultural boundaries.Ghabesh also highlighted the role of history in shaping fiction, noting that the early conception of The Scent of Ginger was influenced by My Early Life (Sard Al That) by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. She said the book’s documentation of place and its account of social transformation in Sharjah and the UAE provided important reference points during the novel’s development.Concluding her remarks, Ghabesh stressed the ethical responsibility that accompanies writing, arguing that fiction should reflect society while remaining respectful of people, events, and readers. Literature, she said, should be guided by human and cultural values rather than a desire to offend or condemn.For her part, Grabowska described storytelling as an extension of the memory of women, families, and small communities. She said much of Polish literature is rooted in what she called “small homelands”, the places where people grow up and the memories passed down through generations.Personal stories transmitted from one generation to the next often become part of a wider cultural memory, she said, adding that Polish literature frequently explores the relationship between past and present and the ways in which history continues to shape contemporary life.Grabowska also addressed the challenges of bringing literature from one culture to another, arguing that translation involves far more than transferring words between languages. It requires preserving a work’s cultural nuances and deeper meanings while making it accessible to new readers.Writers, she added, are not concerned with presenting idealised or stereotypical images of their countries, but with telling honest stories rooted in local realities that can still resonate with readers from different cultural backgrounds.Discussing her work in historical fiction, Grabowska said history remains central to her writing. Her aim, she explained, is to present historical subjects through engaging narratives without sacrificing accuracy or depth.She concluded by noting that literature, particularly historical fiction, has the ability to bring cultures closer together by allowing readers to experience the lives of others through stories and characters rather than through facts alone.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 14:54:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[VIDEO: We leave Warsaw with new friendships, partnerships: Bodour]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/we-leave-warsaw-with-new-friendships-partnerships-bodour]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[PublisHer, the global community working to advance women across the publishing industry, has wrapped up a landmark four-day programme at the Warsaw International Book Fair.The participation, from 28-31 May was part of Sharjah's Guest of Honour status at this year's Fair, a designation that underscored the emirate's commitment to international cultural exchange and dialogue.Throughout the fair, visitors flocked to the PublisHer stand – located in the Sharjah Book Authority’s official Guest of Honour space – to engage with publishing professionals, readers and industry leaders from across Poland and beyond. The programme featured two panel discussions that set women's leadership at the forefront of the global publishing conversation.PublisHer Founder Bodour Al Qasimi said: ‘PublisHer is at Warsaw International Book Fair thanks to our longstanding partnership with Sharjah Book Authority. That’s why Sharjah's Guest of Honour participation has provided a fantastic opportunity to introduce PublisHer to women across the Polish publishing ecosystem. We leave Warsaw, the focus of Poland’s deep-rooted reading culture, with new friendships and partnerships, and the renewed conviction that connecting women in publishing in all markets has never been more vital.’On 29 May, PublisHer held a discussion on the Main Stage called ‘Women Reshaping Global Publishing: Who Decides What the World Will Read?’. It explored ways women leaders are shaping acquisition trends, translation choices and the stories that travel across borders. The panel was moderated by Magda Szpyrka-Ankiewicz (Rights & Licensing by Magda SA) and featured Sonia Draga (Sonia Draga Publishing House), Clare Christian (Kevin Anderson & Associates) and Magdalena Kłos Podsiadło (Wytwórnia).On 30 May, at the Sharjah Stage, PublisHer convened ‘What Translates, What Travels: Rights, Translation and Market Access Between the UAE and Poland’, a panel examining factors that determine which books move between markets and what it takes for stories to succeed internationally.The discussion was moderated by Anna Jarota (Anna Jarota Agency) and presented in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association. Panellists included Małgorzata Duda-Klag (Best Books), Joanna Maciuk (Wydawnictwo Mięta), Ameera BuKadra (Ghaf Publishing and Emirates Publishers Association) and Dr Latifa AlHaj (Bumelha Publishing House and Emirates Publishers Association).PublisHer's presence in Poland was facilitated by Sharjah's Guest of Honour status at the Warsaw International Book Fair, a programme coordinated by the Sharjah Book Authority as part of its mission to promote Sharjah and the UAE as global hubs for culture, literature and knowledge exchange.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 14:33:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Sheikha Bodour gifts portable Arabic library to Arab children in Poland]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/kalimat-gifts-portable-arabic-library-to-arab-children-in-poland]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Kalimat Foundation, in the presence of its Founder and Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, gifted a portable Arabic library to support children from Arab communities in Poland, reinforcing the importance of giving children living abroad access to books in their mother tongue as a way to strengthen reading, language development and cultural connection.The library was presented to Marhaba Bolanda, an NGO based in Wroclaw that focuses primarily on education, offering Arabic and Polish language instruction to members of the Arab community, as well as organising cultural and educational programmes for Arab and Polish children and adults in Wroclaw.Held at the National Library in Warsaw on the sidelines of the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair, the ceremony welcomed six children from Marhaba Bolanda, aged between 7 and 15, alongside their families. The children were introduced to Kalimat Foundation’s work and the purpose of its ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, while taking part in an interactive workshop centred on painting and personalising mini portable libraries.The workshop reflected the idea behind ‘Pledge a Library’ itself, giving each child the opportunity to create their own small library as a personal space to keep their favourite books. The activity encouraged children to see books not only as stories to read, but as companions they can collect, revisit and associate with a meaningful memory of the donation.Responsibility to place books in the hands of children worldwideHer Highness Sheikha Bodour attended the ceremony, engaging closely with the children and viewing the mini portable libraries they created during the workshop. The ceremony also included a motivational presentation on the importance of reading in Arabic, followed by a group photo with the children and families.Commenting on the intiative, Her Highness said: “Every child deserves the joy of reading in the language closest to their heart. For Arab children growing up far from home, a book in Arabic is more than a story — it is a bridge to their heritage, their identity and their roots.”Her Highness added: “Through Pledge a Library, we want to ensure that distance is never a barrier to that connection. Reading shapes the way children think, imagine and understand the world around them, and it is our responsibility to place the right books in their hands, wherever in the world they may be.”Sufian Kayyali, Chairman of Board at Marhaba Bolanda said: “This gift means the world to our children and to our community. When a child opens a book in Arabic here in Poland, they feel seen and valued — their language matters, their culture matters. The library from Kalimat Foundation will be treasured by the families we serve, and it gives Marhaba Bolanda a powerful new resource to carry our mission forward. We are deeply grateful to Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and the Foundation for their generosity and for believing in what we are building here.”Following the ceremony, the library was transferred to the Hello Poland Center, where it will serve the community on an ongoing basis.Supporting children’s right to read in their own languageThe gifted library in Poland formed a key aspect of Kalimat Foundation’s participation under Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at WIBF. Provided under the Foundation’s ongoing ‘Pledge a Library’ initiative, the portable library is part of Kalimat Foundation’s efforts to place collections of Arabic children’s books with organisations and communities that need them most.Through the initiative, Kalimat Foundation works to ensure that children around the world can read, learn and grow in their own language, particularly in communities where access to Arabic children’s books may be limited.Further supporting ‘Pledge a Library’, the Foundation also presented the Kalimat Foundation × eL Seed merchandise collection at its booth within Sharjah’s pavilion at the book fair, with proceeds directly funding the initiative. The booth provided an interactive setting for Kalimat Foundation to raise awareness of ‘Pledge a Library’ and its impact, highlighting the importance of access to Arabic children’s books among an international audience of publishers, authors and book lovers.Kalimat Foundation’s participation in Poland during the book fair is aligned with its broader mission to champion children’s right to read, a right that the Foundation believes must be upheld regardless of geography, language barriers or ability. This commitment also extends to children with visual disabilities, for whom the Foundation produces books in accessible formats.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 13:58:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dubai Police return bag containing $20,000 , 150 grammes of gold, mobile phones to Arab traveller about to board Saudi flight]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/dubai-police-return-bag-containing-20000-150-grammes-of-gold-mobile-phones-to-arab-traveller-about-to-board-saudi-flight]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The General Department of Airport Security at Dubai Police returned a bag with all its valuable contents to an Arab woman who had lost it at Airport Terminal 1.Colonel Abdullah Faisal Al Dossari, Director of Airport Terminal 1 Security Department, explained that an employee found a black bag in one of the open areas.Upon searching its contents, it was found to contain $20,000, 150 grammes of gold, cash in other currencies, mobile phones of various brands, and personal documents, Al Dossari added.He noted that the documents revealed the identity of the owner of the bag.A task team was reportedly formed to find the owner of the bag and contact her to hand it over, especially since they had not received any reports of lost items with these specifications.The operations room was informed and necessary measures were taken to reach the owner of the bag and contact her, Al Dossari indicated. He pointed out that the owner of the bag was about to leave the country for Saudi Arabia, and was in a state of extreme anxiety due to losing her bag, not knowing what to do, and fearing she would miss her flight.Dubai Police handed the bag to the traveller after taking the necessary legal procedures and ensuring she possessed all the required permits and documents.The passenger expressed her happiness and gratitude for the efforts of Dubai Police and their keenness to return lost items and make travellers happy.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 13:31:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE announces fuel prices for June]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/uae-announces-fuel-prices-for-june]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The UAE Fuel Price Committee has approved fuel prices for June 2026, with diesel prices recording a decline compared to the previous month, in a move that supports the stability of key sectors, particularly logistics and supply chains, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment and helping maintain market balance and price stability.Petrol prices also saw limited adjustments in line with developments in global markets under the UAE's monthly fuel pricing mechanism, which is based on a flexible, transparent system that keeps pace with global market movements, supports sustainability, and reflects changes in energy prices in a balanced manner.The approved prices are as follows:Diesel: AED4.33 per litreSuper ''98'' : AED3.95 per litreSpecial ''95'' : AED3.83 per litreE-Plus ''91'': AED3.76 per litre.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 11:32:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Colombia holds presidential election on Sunday]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/colombia-holds-presidential-election-on-sunday]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Colombians are voting for a new president on Sunday after an election campaign marred by tension and violence.Some 41 million people are eligible to vote for a successor to left-wing President Gustavo Petro, who is constitutionally barred from running for a second term.Fourteen candidates are running, but there are three clear frontrunners, recent polling showed. Left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda from the ruling coalition is running against conservative Senator Paloma Valencia from the circle of former President Álvaro Uribe, while right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella is also standing.If none of the candidates secures an absolute majority, which seems likely according to current polling, a run-off is to be held on 21st June.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 11:28:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Earthquake of magnitude 5 hits Fiji]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/earthquake-of-magnitude-5-hits-fiji]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[An earthquake of magnitude 5 struck south of the Fiji Islands in the South Pacific Ocean on Sunday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.The quake was at a depth of 486.2 km, the USGS said.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 11:25:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Meteor explodes over US with blast equivalent to 300 tons of TNT]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/meteor-explodes-over-us-with-blast-equivalent-to-300-tons-of-tnt]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[A meteor crashing toward Earth exploded over the northeastern United States on Saturday, NASA said, setting off booms that echoed over the region with a blast equivalent to 300 tons of TNT.The fireball broke up over northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire at 2:06 pm (1806 GMT), the US space agency's deputy news chief Jennifer Dooren told the media in a statement."This fireball was not associated with any currently active meteor shower, but it was a natural object and not a re-entry of space debris or a satellite," she said."The energy released at breakup is estimated to be equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, which accounts for the loud booms."The meteor was traveling at 75,000 mph (more than 120,000 kph) at an altitude of 40 miles when it broke apart, Dooren said.Area residents were alarmed by the unexpected loud booms, with social media users reporting they were so powerful that houses were shaking.In 2013 a fireball streaked above Chelyabinsk, Russia. The house-sized space rock blew apart 14 miles above the ground, releasing a blast equivalent to 440,000 tons of TNT, NASA said.The explosion blew out windows over 200 square miles (518 square kilometers), injuring more than 1,600 people, mostly due to broken glass.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 10:06:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Trump asked for tougher terms in proposed Iran war deal]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/trump-asked-for-tougher-terms-in-proposed-iran-war-deal]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[President Donald Trump has sought to change several terms of a proposal to end the Middle East war, US media reported Saturday, as a finalized deal remains elusive among the parties.The New York Times reported Trump's changes involved toughening the terms of the deal, and has sent the new framework back to be considered by Iran, according to officials familiar with the proceedings.The report said it was not immediately clear what the changes entailed, but news site Axios reported Trump wanted to reinforce multiple points of the deal that he personally felt were important, such as what is done to Iran's nuclear material.The new tweaks could prolong negotiations between the parties for days before a decision is reached on whether the deal would end the war which began after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28.US sources had told AFP that the proposal had been waiting on Trump's sign-off, but he made no decision after a White House Situation Room meeting on Friday.Trump has said his priorities for any deal included Iran agreeing to never develop nuclear weapons and the re-opening of the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply transits.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 09:13:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Eleven confirmed dead in Washington state chemical accident]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/eleven-confirmed-dead-in-washington-state-chemical-accident]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The death toll from a chemical tank rupture in the U.S. state ‌of Washington climbed to 11 as crews recovered ​the ⁠bodies of all nine ‌missing people, authorities said ‌on Saturday.Two fatalities had been confirmed after the tank containing "white liquor" - a ‌chemical solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium ⁠sulfide used in making paper pulp - imploded at a Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility on Tuesday.The search for the missing carried on through the week as recovery ​crews worked through debris in indoor ‌areas and flew drones over the perimeter of the site, said Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue's ⁠deputy chief, Kurt Stitch.The ruptured tank contained about 900,000 gallons (3.4 million liters) of white ​liquor, ‌and tests confirmed that contamination entered the ‌nearby Columbia River, officials have said, although no "negative health impacts" had been detected on air ‌quality or ‌the city of ⁠Longview's drinking water.Nippon Paper Industries, ‌Japan’s second-biggest paper manufacturer by sales, acquired the Longview plant from Seattle-based timber ⁠company Weyerhaeuser for $225 million and ​established the wholly owned subsidiary Nippon Dynawave Packaging in 2016.Reuters]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 09:07:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Hundreds arrested as clashes erupt in Paris on PSG victory night]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/31/hundreds-arrested-as-clashes-erupt-in-paris-on-psg-victory-night]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Police on Saturday detained more than 280 people in Paris after violent clashes erupted when thousands poured onto the streets during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory.Some 22,000 police were deployed across France for the game, including 8,000 in Paris, after unrest marred PSG's win in the competition last year. Paris tram lines were halted, several metro stations shut and bus traffic halted in places in a bid to minimise disturbances.According to the French interior ministry, 416 people were detained nationwide, including 283 who were apprehended in Paris. It was not immediately clear how many of these individuals were remanded in custody to face further investigation.Interior minister Laurent Nunez said seven officers had been wounded and called the unrest "absolutely unacceptable."Six vehicles and two businesses were damaged.A group of supporters also stormed the Paris ring road, the peripherique, bringing traffic to a halt for a time and letting off flares, an AFP photographer said.As fans celebrated the dramatic penalty shoot out victory in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, some 20,000 people converged on Paris's iconic Champs-Elysees avenue, police said.Shops boarded up their windows ahead of the match to avoid a repeat of disturbances last year when youths ransacked shops on the Champs-Elysees and other streets. Hundreds of people were arrested.Two dozen flares and about 100 fireworks were seized Saturday, while a bus shelter was destroyed near the Champs-Elysees.The match also came on a hectic evening in Paris, with singer Aya Nakamura performing at the Stade de France national stadium, rapper Damso at the La Defense Arena and the French Open tennis in full swing.Police said a bakery and a restaurant were damaged near PSG's Parc des Princes stadium, where tens of thousands gathered inside to watch the match but 4,000 to 5,000 people loitered outside with projectiles which were thrown at officers.About 150 people "attempted to enter through one of the gates" at the stadium but police pushed them back, a police spokesperson said.Some also attempted to erect a barricade with rental bikes which was cleared by police.An AFP reporter at the scene said clashes broke out between police and supporters near the stadium, and officers responded with tear gas when fireworks were thrown at them.'Only in France'The scenes angered the French far right, with three-time presidential candidate Marine Le Pen writing on X that "only in France does a football club's victory spark riots.""Only in France does everyone feel compelled to lock themselves in their homes on the evening of a victory to avoid being confronted with violence," she added.Nunez said there was a "very robust, very solid system in place" to curb violence."Our responsibility is to guarantee everyone a festive celebration that is calm and fully secure," a police spokesperson said.The players will take part in a parade on Sunday afternoon on the Champs-de-Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower with some 100,000 peopl expected, before being received by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.Agence France-Presse]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 08:51:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Suspects assure a man to get Dhs1m loan sanctioned, dupe him of Dhs100,000 in Sharjah]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/suspects-assure-a-man-to-get-dhs1m-loan-sanctioned-dupe-him-of-dhs100000-in-sharjah]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sharjah Misdemeanour Court heard a fraud case in which a number of suspects were charged with seizing Dhs100,000 from a victim, after deceiving him into believing they could secure a financial loan worth Dhs1 million through a financing entity.The complainant explained that the suspects deceived him into believing they could finalise the loan approvals through a company specialising in facilitating loan financing, in return for Dhs100,000, which was a percentage due to the company from the loan's interest.The complainant added that he handed them the agreed-upon amount hoping to obtain the financing, but he did not receive any loan or financial sums thereafter.According to the case documents, the suspects seized Dhs100,000 from the complainant after deceiving him into believing that the loan approval procedures were complete, without granting him any actual approval or completing the procedures for obtaining the financing.When confronted before Sharjah Misdemeanour Court with the charges of fraud and seizure of funds, the suspects denied any relationship with the complainant or knowing him.The court postponed the case to notify the complainant and complete the legal procedures.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 22:27:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Trump &#039;in excellent health&#039; but should lose weight: Presidential physician]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/trump-in-excellent-health-but-should-lose-weight-presidential-physician]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Donald Trump's doctor said he was in "excellent health" but advised him to lose weight, the White House said Friday, after the US president's annual medical check-up weeks before his 80th birthday.Republican Trump, the oldest president ever inaugurated, has repeatedly boasted about his mental and physical vigor compared to his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. But Trump's medical and dental check-up on Tuesday at the Walter Reed Military Hospital near Washington followed questions about his apparent sleepiness in meetings and bruising on his hand."President Trump remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function," said Trump's doctor, US Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, in a memo published by the White House.The three-page memo provides an overview of Trump's physical examination and diagnostic testing, in which Barbabella concludes that the leader is "fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.""Preventative counseling was provided, including guidance on diet, recommendation to take a low-dose aspirin, increased physical activity, and continued weight loss," it said.According to the memo, Trump — who stands at six foot three inches (191 cm) tall — weighs 238 pounds (108 kilogrammes), 14 pounds (6.4 kilogrammes) higher than his last full annual medical in April last year.Trump's cardiac age is estimated to be "approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age."Trump scored "30 out of 30" in the cognitive assessment.The president has spoken dozens of times about "acing" a cognitive test that he claims his predecessors have not taken.'Frequent handshaking'Trump, who turns 80 on June 14, is on three medications, two of which are designated for cholesterol control and the third being aspirin for "cardiac prevention."Since returning to office, the Republican has often appeared with bruising on his right hand, usually covered with make-up."Examination of the dorsal hands revealed ecchymosis (bruising), consistent with minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking in the setting of aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention," the memo said regarding Trump's bruised hands.During a number of White House events, the president has also been seen apparently closing his eyes for several seconds, although he has repeatedly denied dozing off.Last summer, the White House disclosed that he had been evaluated for swelling in his legs and diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency — a common condition in which faulty vein valves allow blood to pool, causing swelling, cramping and skin changes.The revelation came after Trump was seen with swollen ankles on a number of occasions.The memo also noted "scarring of the right ear consistent with prior gunshot injury."Trump was the target of an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024. A gunman fired several shots, killing a rally goer and lightly wounding the president in the ear.'Perfect' healthTrump, for his part, said Tuesday's medical went "PERFECTLY" in a post on his Truth Social platform shortly after the appointment.The White House later posted a picture of him on social media with the caption: "PERFECT BILL OF HEALTH!"Following the president's check-up, US media reported that the White House had broken with precedent by not releasing the report, before it did so three days later.The White House normally releases a summary of presidential physicals within hours or days, but the extent of the detail it gives is entirely at its own discretion.Trump has long been accused of a lack of transparency about his health — and the chronology of his various check-ups during his second term has only added to the confusion.He referred to Tuesday's appointment as a "six-month physical," despite the White House billing it as an annual dental and medical examination in an announcement earlier this month. Tuesday's medical examination was Trump's third since returning to office last year.Trump's last scheduled annual check-up was in April last year. But it was followed by an unannounced hospital visit that October, which the White House then also described as an annual physical.Agence France-Presse ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 20:39:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Man deliberately hits a woman&#039;s car, Al Ain court orders him to pay Dhs20,800]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/man-deliberately-hits-a-womans-car-al-ain-court-orders-him-to-pay-dhs20800]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative Cases Court ordered a man to pay Dhs10,800 and fined him Dhs10,000 as compensation to a woman, after he premeditatedly damaged her vehicle by hitting it.The appellee was convicted of this in a criminal case, which ruled that he had to bear the cost of the vehicle’s repair and her owner’s transportation to work by taxi.The details date back to when a woman filed a lawsuit against a man, requesting the court to order him to pay Dhs50,000, in compensation for the material and moral damages she incurred, in addition to the lawsuit fees and expenses.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 20:34:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Al Ain court orders woman to pay  Dhs150,000 to settle a community fee dispute]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/al-ain-court-orders-woman-to-pay-dhs150000-to-settle-a-community-fee-dispute]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Al Ain Civil, Commercial and Administrative Cases Court ordered a woman to pay Dhs140,000 and fined her Dhs10,000 as compensation to another woman.The details date back to the time when a woman filed a lawsuit against another, requesting that she be ordered to pay her Dhs140,000, plus 12% legal interest from the date of filing the lawsuit until full payment, and Dhs30,000 in compensation, as well as ordering her to pay the lawsuit fees and expenses.The complainant stated in her lawsuit that she had joined a community managed by the appellee, and had transferred her Dhs260,000 in installments, as the total value of her monthly participation but at the due date, the appellee transferred her only Dhs120,000 and refused to transfer the remaining Dhs140,000, which prompted her to file the lawsuit.The court clarified that the appellee had ratified the lawsuit before the case management office and admitted that the complainant was owed the claimed amount of Dhs140,000.Therefore, the court ordered her to pay the amount, and Dhs10,000 in compensation for the material and moral damages she incurred due to not benefiting from her money.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 20:26:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dubai court orders man to pay Dhs15,000 outstanding fees to educational institution]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/dubai-court-orders-man-to-pay-dhs15000-outstanding-fees-to-educational-institution]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dubai Civil Court of First Instance ordered a man to pay Dhs15,000 to an educational institution, representing outstanding tuition fees based on a cheque, along with legal interest of 5% from the due date until full payment, in addition to fees, expenses, and attorney's fees.The details of the case date back to when an educational institution filed a lawsuit to recover the value of a cheque issued by the man in January 2013 for outstanding tuition fees.The institution affirmed that it had repeatedly contacted the man amicably to settle the amount before sending him a legal notice in June 2022 without receiving a response, which prompted it to resort to the Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASE) and then file the lawsuit before the court.During the consideration of the lawsuit, the defendant argued for the inadmissibility of the lawsuit, claiming the dissolution of the plaintiff's legal personality.He also insisted on the expiration of the right due to prescription and the lapse of the right to claim the value of the cheque due to the passage of legal period.However, the court rejected his defences, clarifying that the appellee did not provide any evidence to prove the dissolution of the plaintiff's legal personality, and that the legal notice issued before the completion of the legal prescription period led to its cancellation and the start of a new period.The court also affirmed that the appellee did not provide any evidence to prove payment of the cheque's value, adding that since the documents were devoid of any evidence denying the reason for issuing the cheque or proving the expiration of the obligation to pay it, the court considered the debt to be established against the appellee and ordered him to pay the tuition fees of Dhs15,000, along with legal interest of 5% from the due date until full payment, as well as fees, expenses, and attorney's fees.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 19:46:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[US, UK and Australia to develop unmanned undersea vehicles, delivery set for 2027]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/us-uk-and-australia-to-develop-unmanned-undersea-vehicles-delivery-set-for-2027]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The United States, Australia and Britain are developing high-tech payloads for uncrewed underseas vehicles under their trilateral security partnership, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced on Saturday.Hegseth met his Australian and British counterparts on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where they reviewed progress on the AUKUS pact, aimed at bolstering their presence in the Indo-Pacific and beyond."Today, we're pleased to announce the first AUKUS Pillar 2 signature project, focused on fielding advanced uncrewed undersea vehicles, or UUVs," Hegseth told reporters at a briefing at the US embassy in Singapore."This signature project will deliver a suite of highly adaptable multi-mission UUV payloads designed to support undersea operations and maintain our collective advantage in the maritime domain," he said.The delivery of the vehicles will start in 2027.AUKUS's Pillar 1 focuses on Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar 2 pools the talents of each nation's defence sector to develop advanced military capabilities.The pact is framed as supporting a "free and open Indo-Pacific", though it is widely viewed as a bulwark against a rising China, which strongly opposes it.British Defence Secretary John Healey said that the planned technology, a "range of cutting edge sensors and weapons systems" for underseas drones, "will rapidly give our forces the very most advanced battlefield technologies."Healey added that ‌the unmanned ‌undersea vehicles will  sharpen all three ⁠countries' ability to respond to threats, including  those ‌targeting underwater cables and pipelines.The systems will be deployed on uncrewed underwater vessels, Healey added.The protection of underwater infrastructure has been a major topic of discussion at Asia's premier annual defence summit at a swanky Singapore hotel."The seabed has become a major field of contest over the past 18 months," Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles earlier told delegates."We have witnessed a series of attacks against subsea critical infrastructure at a scale and frequency that is historically unprecedented."There has been several incidents in the past two years of seabed cables being damaged by ships, both in the Baltic and around the Asian region.Nearly all of Australia's internet traffic flows through just 15 subsea cables, Canberra's top diplomat pointed out."Our ability to operate as a modern economy and a functioning state, all of it is critically dependent on infrastructure that is exposed, that cannot move.""As we've now seen demonstrated in the Baltic, (it) can be cut with an anchor in the middle of the night," he said.Agencies]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 18:42:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[UAE&#039;s emergency and health authorities monitoring Ebola virus developments]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/uae-monitoring-ebola-virus-developments-say-ncema-and-mohap]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The National Emergency Crisis  and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Health and  Prevention (MoHAP) have reviewed the latest regional and international  developments relating to the Ebola virus as part of its ongoing efforts  to maintain a high level of public health preparedness and protect the  safety of the community.The review took place during a  coordination meeting chaired by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health  and Prevention, in coordination with NCEMA, and attended by relevant  government entities and strategic partners.The meeting  focused on current epidemiological developments and the UAE's  preparedness measures, including the country's ability to detect and  respond to any suspected or confirmed cases in accordance with approved  health protocols.Progress on previously agreed actions was  also reviewed, with an emphasis on strengthening coordination among  relevant entities and ensuring that preparedness measures continue to  meet national response requirements.Discussions covered  precautionary procedures at airports and aviation-related health  protocols. The meeting also reviewed the preparedness of institutional  quarantine facilities operated by local health authorities, where  required.In addition, the public awareness and  communications plan was reviewed to ensure the timely delivery of clear,  accurate and reliable information to the community through official  channels.NCEMA and the Ministry of Health and Prevention  confirmed that the public health situation in the UAE remains stable.  They emphasised that the country's health preparedness and response  arrangements remain active and effective, with developments continuing  to be closely monitored in order to safeguard public health and  community safety.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 18:22:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Pakistan takes action against airport officials for offloading travellers]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/pakistan-takes-action-against-airport-officials-for-offloading-travellers]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has acted against its several officers for wrongly offloading travellers at the domestic airports.Officials said that at least 132 passengers were offloaded from their scheduled flights at various airports across Pakistan in the past year by immigration officers of the FIA while 85 of its officials were penalised for misuse of authority during this period, according to a report submitted to the Senate.Meanwhile, LHC judge Justice Raheel Kamran has issued fresh guidelines restricting the FIA from offloading passengers travelling abroad without valid legal grounds, ruling that citizens possessing valid visas, tickets, and travel documents cannot be stopped merely based on vague suspicions or apprehensions.He directed that immigration officials must record detailed and meaningful reasons before offloading any passenger. He also ordered that all questions asked of passengers, along with their replies, must be properly documented.The FIA informed the Senate that strict measures were in place against immigration officials involved in the unjustified offloading of passengers or collaboration with human smugglers.It added that during 2025, final inquiries found 85 officials guilty of misuse of authority in immigration-related matters and they were penalised.Among the complaints against FIA officers were allegations of offloading, torture and taking a bribe of Rs500,000 from a passenger at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore.Similarly, the immigration staff unjustifiably offloaded 15 candidates who were travelling on work visas.Most of the cases related to passengers being offloaded multiple times for refusing to give bribes to FIA officers. In one case, the brother of a complainant was offloaded and not allowed to board his scheduled flight at Karachi airport.The FIA report stated that its Directorate of Internal Accountability was responsible for strengthening internal oversight, protecting institutional integrity, and enforcing accountability within the agency.Justice Kamran ruled that the right to travel abroad is a fundamental constitutional right and that the FIA’s powers are not unlimited.He also directed authorities to electronically preserve interviews or conversations wherever possible and provide a copy of the offloading order or proforma to the affected passenger.The court emphasised that recording reasons is not a mere formality but a legal requirement, adding that administrative powers must be exercised transparently, fairly and strictly in accordance with the law.The judge declared the FIA’s decision to offload a citizen from travelling to Nigeria illegal despite the passenger having all the required travel documents. The ruling came on a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Abbas.Justice Kamran observed that the petitioner had challenged the FIA action after being offloaded despite holding valid travel documents, a visa, and an air ticket.According to the petitioner, he had already received immigration clearance and a boarding card before he was suddenly stopped from boarding the flight.The FIA had argued that the petitioner was prevented from travelling due to concerns that he might not return from Dubai. However,the court noted that the petitioner was neither wanted in any criminal case nor part of any inquiry, blacklist, or Exit Control List (ECL).]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 17:47:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[WHO team visits UAE field hospital in Rafah, praises its medical support for Gaza]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/who-team-visits-uae-field-hospital-in-rafah-praises-its-medical-support-for-gaza]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[A delegation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has visited the UAE field hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, to review the humanitarian and medical services provided by the UAE in support of Gaza's healthcare sector amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.The delegation included Luca Pigozzi, Acting Head of WHO's Sub-Office in Gaza; Roy Cosico, Technical Officer for Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) at WHO headquarters; and Heba Al Najjar, WHO Emergency Medical Teams Coordinator in the occupied Palestinian territory.The delegation was received by Ali Al Shehhi, Head of the UAE Mission in Gaza under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 and Director of the UAE field hospital, who briefed the visitors on the medical and treatment services provided to patients and the wounded in Gaza, as well as the support and medical assistance delivered to hospitals across the Strip through the operation.During the visit, the delegation toured the hospital’s departments and reviewed the treatment, surgical and specialised healthcare services available, in addition to the efforts of the UAE medical team to alleviate suffering and provide essential care to residents.The WHO delegation commended the UAE's humanitarian and medical efforts in supporting the Palestinian healthcare sector and praised the field hospital's role in providing treatment to patients and casualties in Gaza.Al Shehhi reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting Gaza's healthcare sector and continuing humanitarian efforts to meet the needs of the Palestinian people.Since their establishment, the UAE field hospital in Rafah and the Emirates Medical Centre for Primary Care in Al Mawasi, Khan Younis, have provided medical care to nearly 97,000 patients from across the Gaza Strip as part of the UAE's ongoing humanitarian and medical support efforts.WAM]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 17:26:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Folktales carry emotions that shaped generations, says Bodour]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/folktales-carry-emotions-that-shaped-generations-says-bodour]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), inaugurated yesterday (Friday) the Polish edition of the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition, organised by UAEBBY in collaboration with the Polish Section of IBBY at the National Library of Poland, as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair, held under the theme “Two Civilisations: One Language of Letters”.The exhibition's opening ceremony was attended by Dr Tomasz Makowski, Director-General of the National Library of Poland; Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Poland; Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People; Joanna Piekarska, President of the Polish Section of IBBY; as well as heads of delegations participating in the Sharjah Pavilion and representatives of Emirati and Polish media outlets.Commenting on the exhibition, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “Folktales represent the memory of nations and their timeless human voice. They do not merely preserve stories, but carry the values, emotions, and experiences that have shaped societies across generations. Through ‘Folktales Reimagined’, we seek to reintroduce this shared human heritage through a contemporary artistic language that opens new spaces for cultural dialogue beyond geographical borders and linguistic differences, while giving artists the opportunity to explore how stories, despite emerging from diverse environments, continue to reveal the common threads that unite people through their experiences, dreams, and aspirations”.She added: “The Polish edition of the exhibition holds special significance as it forms part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour participation at the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair, reflecting our belief that culture has the power to build genuine bridges of communication and mutual understanding between peoples. What Emirati and Polish artists present in this exhibition is far more than a reinterpretation of traditional tales; it is a new visual reading that revives folk narratives through the spirit of the present, reaffirming that creativity remains one of the most powerful means of bringing cultures closer together and safeguarding our shared human memory for future generations”.Marwa Al Aqroubi presented an overview to Sheikha Bodour and attendees on the vision behind the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition and its journey since inception, noting that the project aims to reinterpret folk tales from different cultures through a contemporary visual lens that allows both artists and audiences to discover the shared symbols and values embedded within them. She also highlighted the artworks featured in the Polish edition, which reimagine Emirati and Polish folk tales through artistic approaches that blend heritage with modern visual storytelling, reflecting the role of art in fostering dialogue and cultural understanding.Al Aqroubi said: “‘Folktales Reimagined’ is one of the cultural projects through which the UAE Board on Books for Young People seeks to revive folk tales and present them to new generations in a contemporary visual format that speaks the language of today’s art scene while preserving the spirit and human values of the original stories. Since the project’s launch, our goal has been to transform it into an open platform for creative dialogue between cultures, giving each artist the opportunity to explore and reinterpret the heritage of another culture through their own artistic perspective, reflecting the enduring ability of folk narratives to evolve and remain relevant across time."She added: “What distinguishes this project is that it goes beyond simply exhibiting artworks; it invites artists to embark on a journey of research and interaction before audiences encounter the final pieces. Each participant explores the symbols and cultural meanings embedded in the folk tales of the other country, then reimagines them visually through a deeply personal interpretation. In this edition, we aimed for the exhibition to become a living space where collective memory intersects with contemporary art, opening the door for audiences to engage with these tales not merely as stories from the past, but as part of a shared cultural and human identity."The participating Emirati artists presented contemporary visual interpretations of some of Poland’s most celebrated folk tales, drawing inspiration from their symbolic worlds and mythical characters in ways that reflect the interaction of Emirati imagination with global heritage. Artist AlReem AlMannaee reimagined the tale of “Dratewka The Shoemaker” through a warm narrative visual style highlighting themes of kindness and compassion, while Fatima AlZarouni offered an artistic interpretation of “King Popiel and the Mice”, focusing on the duality of power and punishment through compositions charged with tension and unease.Khalid Mezaina drew inspiration from the legend of the “The Basilisk of Warsaw”, creating a visually symbolic work infused with mystery and echoes of the old city and its mythical creature, while Safa Al Mazrouie reinterpreted “The Fern Flower” with a focus on the human pursuit of dreams and the price that may accompany them. Naama Al Awadi, meanwhile, reimagined “The Devil’s Paw” through a fantasy-inspired contemporary visual narrative, employing contrasts of light and shadow to reflect the enduring idea of justice within collective memory.Polish artists present new creations of Emirati talesIn turn, the participating Polish artists offered new visual readings of Emirati folk tales, exploring the local environment and popular symbols that form part of the UAE’s cultural memory. Dominika Czerniak-Chojnacka reinterpreted the tale of “Salama and Her Daughters” through an expressive artistic approach evoking the sea as a space of memory and mystery, while Nika Jaworowska-Duchlińska explored the story of “Dinuh and Arbab” through visual treatments highlighting themes of deception and survival, blending influences drawn from both Eastern and European folk traditions.Joanna Czaplewska presented an artistic interpretation of the tale of “Netifan”, focusing on the hidden strength within marginalised characters, while Magdalena Kozieł-Nowak drew inspiration from “Hamda and Badiha” to create a work celebrating loyalty, friendship, and kindness. Artist Piotr Fąfrowicz concluded the Polish contributions with a poetic reinterpretation of “Al Barmah” (The Clay Pot), reflecting the emotional relationship between people and objects that carry meanings beyond material value, offering a visual reading that evokes the warmth and humanity of folk storytelling.The exhibition received strong engagement from visitors, who praised the participating artworks and described the exhibition as a rich cultural and human experience that introduced them to aspects of Emirati and Polish heritage through innovative artistic interpretations. Attendees also expressed admiration for the artists’ ability to offer deeply personal readings of the tales, giving the exhibition an interactive dimension that encouraged reflection, dialogue, and the discovery of shared human experiences across cultures.The Polish edition of the exhibition, launched by the UAEBBY in 2019 as part of the celebrations marking Sharjah World Book Capital, marks a new addition to the project’s previous international editions. Through collaborations between artists from different countries, the initiative seeks to present folk tales from diverse cultures in ways that promote mutual understanding and creative dialogue, while reintroducing community narratives through a contemporary visual framework. Previous editions of the exhibition have been hosted in Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Greece, Russia, and Morocco.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 15:56:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ebola – Don&#039;t travel to Uganda, Congo and South Sudan unless very urgent, UAE tells its citizens]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/ebola-dont-travel-to-uganda-congo-and-south-sudan-unless-very-urgent-uae-tells-its-citizens]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[In light of the evolving public health situation related to the Ebola virus disease (EVD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) advises UAE nationals against travel to the Republic of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of South Sudan unless absolutely necessary.As part of the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of its citizens abroad, the Ministry underscores the importance of adhering to all travel advisories and guidance it issues, and urges UAE nationals currently present in these countries to exercise the utmost caution, follow health and safety instructions issued by the local authorities, register in the Twajudi service, and contact the Ministry in case of emergencies through the dedicated number for UAE nationals abroad: +97180024.WAM]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[gulftoday]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[News ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/ebola-dont-travel-to-uganda-congo-and-south-sudan-unless-very-urgent-uae-tells-its-citizens]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 15:32:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Suspected Ebola cases in Congo rise to 1,028]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/suspected-ebola-cases-in-congo-rise-to-1028]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Congolese ​authorities ⁠have identified 1,028 ‌suspected ‌cases of ‌Ebola, Health ⁠Minister Samuel Roger Kamba told reporters late ​Friday, up ‌from 906 the day ⁠before.The number of confirmed ​cases ‌is ‌225, Kamba ‌said.Moreover, Zambia has investigated and cleared two suspected cases of Ebola as it steps up screening ‌and surveillance for the deadly viral disease following an ​outbreak in ⁠neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.Congolese authorities ‌said on Friday ‌suspected cases from the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no vaccine, had risen ‌to 1,028.Cases have also been reported in Uganda.Zambia's ⁠health ministry said late on Friday that there was a high risk of Ebola crossing the border but two suspected cases had been cleared by laboratory tests."Zambia has developed screening tools and ​protocols, which are already being used to screen ‌for Ebola at entry points into Zambia and on people within the country who have Ebola-like symptoms," ⁠the ministry added in its statement.The Bundibugyo strain, named after a Ugandan province where it was first identified ​nearly ‌20 years ago, has alarmed experts because of ‌how long it went undetected while spreading across a densely populated area, making it difficult to trace ‌and isolate the contacts ‌of infected individuals.According ⁠to the World Health Organization, Ebola ‌viruses initially cause flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle pain, headache and sore throat ⁠that can start suddenly, followed by vomiting ​and diarrhoea and eventually by internal and external bleeding and multi-organ failure.Reuters]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[gulftoday]]></dc:creator>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/suspected-ebola-cases-in-congo-rise-to-1028]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 13:02:00 +0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[TRENDS takes part in Warsaw International Book Fair 2026]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/trends-takes-part-in-warsaw-international-book-fair-2026]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[TRENDS Group is participating in the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 with its knowledge pavilion showcasing the services of its five companies, while strengthening its research partnerships with leading Polish think tanks.The pavilion features around 450 diverse titles from TRENDS Research & Advisory in strategic studies, public policy, and future studies, as well as specialised knowledge and research publications.The TRENDS pavilion represents a window for Arab knowledge in the heart of Europe, offering visitors an integrated intellectual experience that reflects the group’s intellectual and research production and contributes to strengthening cultural and knowledge dialogue among peoples.As part of efforts to expand its international partnerships, a TRENDS Global delegation visited the headquarters of the Kazimierz Pułaski Foundation in Warsaw, one of Poland's leading think tanks specialising in strategic and international affairs.The two sides discussed societal resilience, energy and water security, the Warsaw Security Forum hosted by the foundation, and current international developments. They also explored opportunities for future research cooperation.WAM]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[gulftoday]]></dc:creator>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/05/30/trends-takes-part-in-warsaw-international-book-fair-2026]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2026 12:55:00 +0400</pubDate>
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