The Agenda

Pakistani authorities have recovered wreckage from the K2 Airways cargo plane that disappeared after taking off from Sharjah on its way to Karachi. Search teams are still looking for the five crew members, who remain missing, as investigators work to determine what caused the aircraft to crash into the Arabian Sea. We speak to aviation expert and lawyer Nick Humphrey for the latest. The UAE has established a specialised court in Abu Dhabi to hear human trafficking cases. To explain what this means and how it could strengthen efforts to combat the crime, we are joined by Devanand Mahadeva, Director at Kaden Boriss Legal Consultancy. Is now the perfect time to snap up a bargain holiday in Dubai? Meta is rolling out a new privacy feature for its Ray-Ban smart glasses. Plus, find out which Instagram setting you should turn off to help prevent your photos from being used to generate AI images.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's a warning from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, saying that doing so can expose young people to unnecessary online risks. It comes as the UAE prepares to introduce a ban on social media for children under the age of 15. Expo City Dubai has issued the UAE's first-ever Green Licences, recognising businesses that are putting sustainability at the heart of what they do. Sharjah has more reasons for residents and tourists to visit the emirate this summer. A black widow spider has been spotted in a Dubai garden. We tell you what you should do if you see one. And there's a new app that aims to predict a person's risk of getting a heart attack.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has stated that delivery drivers in the UAE cannot be compelled to work during the peak summer heat. That's 12:30pm to 3pm from June 15 until September 15. So how well are these protections being enforced on the ground? We are catching up with a programme that's been inviting women in the UAE to go back to work if they have taken break for years to study or raise a family. Scientists studying bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea have found they're increasingly following fishing trawlers, scavenging discarded fish rather than hunting for themselves. And before you zip up your suitcase at the end of a holiday, make sure you're not bringing home some critters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports suggest the Dubai rental market is cooling, as supply surges, handing tenants new negotiating powers, and when it comes to buying how is the mortgage market now looking? Also, 15-18 year olds can work over the summer if they get a juvenile work permit from MOHRE. Plus, Dubai Police has issued a warning on the dangers of stopping on a highway, after 25 people were injured in a collision between a vehicle and three buses.  And find out about NYUAD's weight-loss capsule and the tiny sea creatures that could be key to treating skin cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could you really retire in your 30s or 40s? It's the idea behind the growing FIRE movement – Financial Independence, Retire Early. We ask whether it's actually achievable while living and working in the UAE. Plus, a new report suggests global supply chains have settled into a "new normal" of disruption. From conflict and cyber threats to inflation, we ask what that means for prices here in the Emirates. We'll also meet the pupils at a Sharjah school shortlisted for a global award after inventing an AI-powered vending machine that blocks unhealthy food choices. And as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th Independence Day, we ask what America at 250 really looks like, with celebrations taking place against a backdrop of deep political division.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major new survey has found GCC workers are positive about their employers - but burnout, AI-related job fears and staff turnover are all on the rise. With September hiring season approaching, we ask whether summer is the perfect time for a CV glow-up. Plus, Dubai International is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods of the year, with around three million passengers expected in the first half of July - and passengers are being reminded why power banks and vapes must stay out of hold luggage. We also look at whether UNESCO World Heritage status is fuelling overtourism in some of the world’s most famous destinations. And, a one-tonne elephant seal called Neil is becoming an unlikely celebrity in Tasmania after moving into town and causing chaos. A 25-year-old researcher is leading efforts to reduce dementia in footballers by developing safer heading techniques and improving understanding of the long-term impact of repeated head injuries. A one-tonne elephant seal called Neil is becoming an unlikely celebrity in Tasmania, moving into town and causing chaos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After hearing the remarkable story of five-year-old Kian, who was pulled from the water by quick-thinking bystander Michael, we continue the conversation by asking what every parent should know about drowning prevention.  A lifesaving expert shares the simple steps that could save a child's life, while a legal expert explains the UAE's Good Samaritan law and whether helping in an emergency could ever leave you legally exposed. Plus, where should we travel responsibly? As over-tourism continues to put pressure on some of the world's most famous destinations, we speak to a Maasai leader who believes his community should lose its UNESCO World Heritage status, and a cultural tourism expert explains how travellers can make better holiday choices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Etihad Rail's first passenger train has made history - with the first service travelling from Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.  The train arrived 3 minutes early into Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi. Our reporter Andrew Hosie is there talking to passengers - and we'll also look into the potential popularity of the service. Meanwhile a new Emiratisation deadline is imminent - and businesses that miss it could face penalties of Dh120,000 a year, for every Emirati hire they miss.  We'll hear from three Emiratis who've made the move into the private sector, and why they reckons other nationals should too!  Plus the Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled an ambitious new season of exhibitions - we'll hear what we've got to look forward to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An incredible story - of a five-year-old boy - saved from drowning in a Dubai pool thanks to the quick thinking of a stranger. We'll speak to the father of the child, and hero Michael Collings, who used his first aid skills to give CPR. And, as the UAE steps up its battle against drug smuggling, Dubai Customs is launching a new high-tech fleet for its K9 Unit.  We'll hear how it'll help boost security at the emirate's borders. Meanwhile, Europe’s summer heatwave is turning deadly. Records have been broken across the continent, and the WHO says Europe is now warming at twice the global average. Where can you go for a cooler alternative And while governments around the world focus on keeping teenagers off social media, new research suggests we may be overlooking a much younger age group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you work for the government - it's good news, because Dubai is bringing back its flexible summer strategy for the third year. That means reduced working hours, with shorter weeks and remote working options aimed at improving wellbeing during the hottest months. Plus, Abu Dhabi has unveiled Dar al Funoon, a landmark performing arts centre designed by starchitect Frank Gehry.  Opening in 2030, it's set to become the UAE's permanent home for opera, ballet and theatre, but what impact will it have on grassroots art?  Meanwhile - with the UAE introducing a social media ban for under-15's - what do teenagers think about the proposals?  And in Dubai's quest to become the world's most civilised city - it is preparing to introduce new official guidelines on public behaviour and celebrations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Strait of Hormuz slowly reopens, what does it mean for people relocating to the UAE this summer? We’ll hear from an international moving company, and from a teacher who’s decided not to ship her belongings at all because of the uncertainty. Then, Dubai is launching a new initiative to make renting more flexible. We’ll speak to one of the agents who has signed up. Also, inspections are ordered on some Emirates A380s after cracks are found in part of the wing structure. And AI in the workplace: employers overwhelmed by AI-generated job applications, and a coffee shop in Sweden where the manager is an AI agent. Plus, a Dubai jeweller brings a Dh300,000 diamond-encrusted Lego-style World Cup trophy into the studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ll take a look at whether tourism to the UAE is ready to bounce back, after the UK lifted its travel warning - reopening a key market for Dubai, which welcomes more than 1.5 million British visitors every year. Plus, with more details emerging about the UAE’s social media ban for under-15s, we’ll ask how schools are responding - and whether it could force brands, creators and platforms to rethink the way they reach younger audiences. And, we go behind the scenes at the world’s largest camel dairy farm, as Camelicious opens its doors to the public for the first time. Then, from camel milk to cockpits - Katie Chambers speaks to Austin Meyer, founder of Laminar Research, about Google’s new AI-powered flight simulator, and why looking realistic is not the same as flying realistically.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE is the first Arab country to introduce restrictions on children under 15 - and we want to hear from you on this one. The ban aims to protect young people online - as a growing body of evidence suggests social media is bad for their mental health - and opens them up to inappropriate content and contact. Meanwhile - seafarers are the unseen front-line in this crisis - thousands are still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. But this afternoon we're going to hear from several sailors - who've sent in messages from their shipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With hopes of de-escalation after the US-Iran ceasefire, we ask whether passengers are ready to book again, how quickly routes can normalise, and whether jet fuel and insurance costs could keep fares higher for longer. US President Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will be completely open by Friday, but what do vessels, crews and maritime authorities need before traffic can move safely again? Even if the Strait reopens, the crisis has raised a bigger question for the UAE: how much should the country rely on one maritime chokepoint? Do you have a will in the UAE? And why do humans seem to always turn left?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will be completely open by Friday, but for the shipping industry, restarting normal operations is not as simple as turning the engines back on. We find out what inspections, maintenance and safety checks vessels need after weeks of disruption. We also look at the human side of the crisis. Are seafarers still willing to work near the Strait? Are tanker owners finding it harder to recruit crew? And could safety fears make a global seafarer shortage even worse? Would the UAE ever move towards a UK-style under-16 social media ban? Roblox has officially launched its new Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts globally. How does this make the platform safer? And how did a tree many people pass every summer become a city-wide story? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, but even if the US-Iran MOU is officially signed on Friday, the return to normal will not be instant. So what shipping companies need to see before they send vessels back through at normal levels, what happens to insurance and freight costs, and how the disruption is affecting crews.? The UK is moving ahead with plans to ban under-16s from social media by spring 2027, in one of the biggest changes yet to how children use the internet. So can the UK make this work without creating major privacy risks? Will teenagers simply find ways around it? Plus, the World Cup is underway, and AI is playing a bigger role than ever on the games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we talk about regional instability, we often focus on oil, shipping and trade. But there is another supply chain that is just as critical: the humanitarian one. Food, medicine, fuel, emergency shelter and medical supplies all have to move quickly when crises hit. We speak with Bouran Najim, Head of Logistics at Dubai Humanitarian. Today is the start of the midday outdoor work ban that will run until the 15th of September. And there's another victim of a crow attack in Dubai... and he himself has filmed it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We focus on Dubai’s property market as thousands of leases come up for renewal over the summer. Dr Yousef Al Mansoori, Senior First Instance Judge at Dubai’s Rental Disputes Centre, explains the rights tenants and landlords need to know, the most common rental disputes, and whether record activity in the market is leading to more cases. We also look at the expansion of Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme, after it generated more than five billion dirhams in property sales. Plus, with major e-scooter accidents in the UAE rising by 97 per cent this year, Thomas Edelmann from Road Safety UAE joins us to discuss what needs to change. And, as World Cup fever builds, we hear from a UAE-based listener who has launched a free prediction platform for football fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That cheap flight deal you saw online may not be the price you pay by checkout. So why do advertised airfares change so quickly, and how can travellers avoid a surprise at the final booking page? Dubai’s exhibitions and events sector is moving to reassure the market ahead of the next major events season. A home sold means funding for another home. Meet the Dubai resident who's flying all the way to the US to watch the FIFA World Cup live. Is your dog left-pawed or right-pawed? And a whale shark has been spotted at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. Find out exactly where.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of seafarers are stranded around the Strait of Hormuz, raising urgent questions about abandonment, responsibility and who protects crews when conflict reaches the sea. We speak to Ben Bailey from The Mission to Seafarers about what support is available for crews stuck on board, and what shipowners and governments should be doing now. Mobile phone use behind the wheel nearly killed Emirati Juma Almheiri, leaving him in a coma for 45 days. An influencer mum has been banned from posting pictures of her children online. Find out why. And if you were told to evacuate an aircraft, would you leave everything behind?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to industry leaders in the country, Spain is seeing a surge in demand as some tourists choose destinations such as the Costa Blanca instead of holidays in the Middle East and North Africa.  We get the latest from the Philippines after the deadly earthquake struck Mindanao. The World Cup starts this week, but could heat and humidity be one of the biggest risks for players and fans? And we get details about a rare sighting of a great white shark in the Mediterranean.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says around four billion people now live in areas with a risk of dengue, across regions including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands. How worried should we be about mosquito-borne diseases? If you are travelling to Europe this summer, you may need extra time at the airport. Find out why. The World Cup starts this week, and demand is huge, but how many fans can actually afford to be there?  And one of the UAE’s most elusive wild cats has been caught on camera in Fujairah for the first time in at least a decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From September 2026, the new academic year, KHDA inspections will resume after a two-year pause, but with schools given no more than 24 hours’ notice before a team arrives. We are almost 14 weeks on from the start of the conflict on February 28th, but only now are we beginning to get a clearer picture of what it has actually done to buyer behavior. Are people still applying for property mortgage? Or are they delaying it? Are approvals moving at the same pace?  A series of studies suggests weight loss drugs may be linked to a lower risk of developing several cancers, including breast, lung and pancreatic cancer. And why do musicians across the Middle East may be missing out financially? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We often talk about the Strait of Hormuz in terms of oil, gas, shipping routes and global trade. But on board the vessels caught up in this crisis are more than 20,000 seafarers, unable to leave, and waiting for clarity on when it will be safe to move.  AI may feel invisible, but behind every prompt, image, search and video is a rapidly expanding physical system: data centres, cooling systems, chips, electricity grids, critical minerals and, eventually, electronic waste. We look at the UAE’s first health insurance add-on that freezes a customer’s premium for up to five years.  When does normal bird behaviour become a pest problem? Why are some sites seeing far more activity than others? And what can be done to manage birds humanely and safely in urban spaces?  A growing network of cooled walkways inside parks in Abu Dhabi is being introduced to help residents walk, exercise and use community facilities even during the summer heat. And if you are planning a team activity this summer, what if it could be more than just a day out of the office?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of vessels have reportedly made the crossing in the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks despite threats ranging from sea mines to missile attacks. How exposed is global shipping, and what risks remain? The UN is warning the world to prepare for what could become one of the strongest El Niño events in decades. So can artificial intelligence help us forecast dangerous heatwaves before they strike?  Cybercriminals are moving faster in the UAE, with automated attacks up 62 per cent and password reset attacks up 300 per cent, according to new data. We also speak to an Emirati cybersecurity researcher about the technology she’s built to detect manipulated images, video and audio. And do you know why you get brain freeze whenever you eat ice cream?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you work in the private sector, you should have received your salary latest by today, 1st of June. That's under the updated wage protection rules from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It's removed a 15-day grace period, a buffer you might say for employers. For employees, that offers clarity and certainty, but for some SMEs, the issue is timing. The UAE is advising citizens not to travel to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan unless necessary, following Ebola-related health developments in the region. We get the latest information about Ebola virus with global health specialist Dr Margaret Harris. The Emirates is lowering the age of legal adulthood from 21 to 18. What does it actually mean in practice, and what rights and responsibilities will now apply from the age of 18? Jewellers are seeing growing demand for what some are calling “self-engagement” or “commitment-to-self” rings. And can mosquitoes become attracted to insect repellant?    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadline for the UAE climate law is fast-approaching. By the end of the month, businesses will be required to measure, report and work to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. But are they ready? As we face record-breaking temperatures here in the UAE, and Europe also sees summer highs striking before spring is even over, is it time to start naming heatwaves like we do hurricanes?  A major new UAE report claims that more effective obesity intervention could add $51 billion to the country’s GDP by 2031. Falling birth rates are now a global concern, with populations shrinking in more than two-thirds of countries worldwide. We ask if technology is making it harder for people to couple up, settle down and start families. And we discuss the groundbreaking satellite system that can potentially detect poachers before they strike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Centre of Meteorology has issued a weather alert, with temperatures forecast to exceed 50 degrees Celsius in parts of the country during the Eid Al Adha break. Students and parents here in the UAE are raising concerns about a new CBSE re-evaluation process, after some pupils said their marks did not reflect their expected performance. We also look at the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda that has prompted emergency funding, travel screening and concern about cross-border spread.  Researchers in China have found a way to hide chat bot commands inside ordinary audio. The concern is that a malicious audio clip could quietly tell an AI system what to do, without users noticing.  And could palm oil be made without palm trees?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of ships stranded in the Gulf due to the conflict are now battling barnacles, algae and rising maintenance problems as crews remain stuck at sea for weeks in warm waters. So when they finally can get moving - will they be able to? We'll find out. And former Paypal CEO Peter Thiel is investing $140 million into a US company developing floating AI data centres - powered by wave energy in the open ocean.  But will the tech work? We'll ask an offshore and subsea energy expert. Google is reinventing Search with AI assistants and smart glasses - but as wearable cameras become mainstream again, privacy concerns are growing over how the technology could be used in everyday life. Dubai’s private school fees will be frozen next academic year as part of a 2.5 billion dirham KHDA support package, but what does that mean for parents, schools, teachers and Dubai’s wider education sector?    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation is warning that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global food price crisis within a year. With Eid and half term creating a full week off for many families across the UAE, we’re looking at how to make the most of the break - from staycation ideas and hidden gems, to family activities closer to home. Meanwhile, new research from Al Ain suggests we may need a proper holiday every two months to recover from stress and avoid burnout. And as school’s out, we’ll explore how holiday camps are moving beyond childcare - with programmes now designed to build creativity, confidence and real-world skills. plus, we’ll also hear from a US bioscience company working to bring extinct animals back to life - after it developed an artificial eggshell that can support bird embryos outside a natural egg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Eid and summer holidays coming up, plenty of residents will be looking for a quick getaway, a hotel stay, or a last-minute travel deal online. Dubai Police have warned that fake travel and tourism offers are circulating online, often promoted through slick-looking websites, social media pages, messaging apps and phone calls. So how do you know whether that bargain break is genuine, or a scam designed to catch you out? New trade routes are opening up across the region - due to the conflict. We look at what actually has to happen on the ground to make these new corridors work in practice. The conflict in the region has caused a major disruption to international aviation, with a number of foreign carriers suspending, reducing or rerouting flights as airlines reassessed safety, airspace access, insurance requirements and operational risk. Now, we’re starting to see a gradual and uneven return. At NYU Abu Dhabi, a student-led start-up is working on technology that could make everyday communication more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. And what if a paint could help keep the building cooler, reduce the need for air conditioning, and even collect water from the air?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ll look at the next wave of mega communities - from Fujairah’s new Etihad Rail station to a 62 billion dirham development in Dubai South near the new airport. What do these projects tell us about where the country is heading next? Plus, Tabby is moving into education with Zenda, after a survey found 88% of UAE parents feel financial strain when school fees are due. So could flexible payment plans change how families manage the rising cost of education? Dubai is investing one billion dirhams into a new international space cooperation programme. His Excellency Salem Humaid Al Murri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, joins us to explain how it could boost the UAE economy. And after the success of Jackie Chan’s Vanguard and Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, Dubai is pitching itself as a global filming destination at the Cannes Film Festival. But what could that mean for local filmmakers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From June 1st, 2026, private sector salaries in the UAE will need to be paid by the first day of every month, and the big change is this: the 15-day grace period for late salary payments is being removed. We look at both the employees and employers sides. KHDA and Parkin have announced a new partnership to digitise access to parking permits for Dubai’s education sector. So what will actually change for schools, parents, staff and students, and when will people start to feel the difference? We get the latest on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how it affects travel and travellers alike. And the 2026 World Cup is just 23 days away, and there is one part of the tournament that most of us will barely notice, unless something goes wrong. The grass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shipping costs between Asia and the Gulf are now surging above pandemic highs - as companies scramble to reroute cargo around the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Plus with Eid Al Adha fast approaching - Dubai is preparing for a packed week with fireworks, concerts and, shopping deals across the city. Katie Chambers' will catch up with the team from Dubai Festivals. But what if you’re planning to travel? We’ll get inspiration and discuss trends for both Eid and the summer. Meanwhile, a Dubai startup is helping residents buy surplus food from major brands at discounts of up to 70 per cent in a bid to tackle waste and cut living costs. And OpenAI wants ChatGPT to help you manage your money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As some parents face salary cuts or job losses linked to the conflict, certain Dubai schools are offering flexible payment plans to help families manage fees. Plus, Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the world’s second Sphere venue on Yas Island. And Dubai is rolling out AI-powered parking cameras - as we ask whether modern connected cars are effectively spying on drivers. And Art Dubai opens for its 20th edition, while Abu Dhabi offers free access to museums and cultural attractions - so what does that tell us about the UAE’s cultural ambitions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the UAE lowering the age of adulthood to 18 from June 1, we ask what that means for teenagers and their parents. This year’s best country rankings are out, with Switzerland taking the top spot and Europe dominating the list. Closer to home, we look at why the UAE scores highly for digital nomads, business and governance. We also explore a new well-being survey suggesting UAE residents remain optimistic despite regional tensions - but ask whether rising financial pressures could shift that mood. The World Health Organisation is warning countries to stay alert over a possible rise in hantavirus cases, while UAE health authorities say they are ready to deal with emerging health threats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry is reminding private sector companies in the UAE to meet a key Emiratisation deadline, with penalties for those who fail to meet their targets. HE Farida Al Ali from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will talk us through their carrot and stick policy. UAE residents planning last-minute European holidays are facing a severe Schengen visa appointment crunch, with high demand, limited capacity and rising costs making travel harder to secure. Meanwhile worrying numbers - road accidents are rising sharply, up by 23% in 2025. Road safey expert Thomas Edelman will explain as more than half a million new drivers and 850,000 newly registered vehicles added pressure to the country’s roads. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi is opening its doors to culture with free museum access, while Art Dubai kicks off this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll be discussing the wider impact of the war on workers - from sailors trapped in the Strait of Hormuz on stranded ships - to blue collar workers here who might be concerned about job security and getting paid. Meanwhile - the UAE is investing over one billion dirhams in a new desalination plant in Fujairah - we'll discuss the significance of the plan in the context of the country's long-term water security. And Ras Al Khaimah launches a new astronaut training programme, we'll discuss the changing face of tourism in the Emirate with the development authority. Plus President Trump is travelling to China today for a much-anticipated summit with President Xi. Now China gets nearly all its oil from Iran - so could these talks help solve the problems in the Strait of Hormuz?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suspected oil spill has been spotted near Iran’s key export hub - raising fresh concerns about the environmental and economic impact of the conflict. The ripple effects are also being felt far beyond the region. We’ll cross to Sri Lanka, where electricity prices are rising by 18 percent today as the energy crisis deepens and Asia is facing a plastic shortage as the conflict disrupts supply chains. And here in the UAE - as any parent will know - children are back in school. We're all hoping that's the last time we'll have to do distance learning - but how realistic is that? Plus Abu Dhabi is banning delivery motorcycles from high-speed roads - we'll ask a safety expert whether this will reduce accidents. And while the Wynn Al Marjan Island might be facing slight delays - Ras Al Khaimah is taking tourism to new heights with plans to launch astronaut-style training experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at how rising regional tensions here are starting to impact everyday life in Pakistan. Plus, it’s emerging that nearly one in three UAE parents are still not using child car seats despite the law. And, in separate data - dozens of road crashes in the UAE are linked to illegal drivers. Meanwhile, how would you like to glide to work in an autonomous pod that flows past traffic jams? We're one step closer to that becoming a reality thanks to a partnership between transport company Gldyways and Parkin. On a lighter note, we’re celebrating legendary wildlife broadcaster David Attenborough as he turns 100 todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As rumours spread about whether the US is using dolphins to clear mines in the Gulf, we'll find out more about the US Navy's marine mammal programme. Meanwhile - Fujairah’s Etihad Rail station is officially ready - but what impact is the new passenger service likely to have on property prices in the Emirate? Meta is planning to use AI to spot underage users to analyse things like height and even bone structure.- but will it work?  And the UAE is launching a global air ambulance with flying ICU capability. Plus we’ll find out why entire WhatsApp groups in Brazil are now devoted to whistling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special focus tonight is the Strait of Hormuz. Despite signs of progress in US-Iran talks, shipping through the Strait remains severely disrupted, with global supply chains under pressure and only limited vessel movements in recent days. We’ll ask whether pipelines could reduce reliance on the Strait, and how shipping companies are making real-time decisions in one of the world’s most sensitive waterways. And with schools doing distanced learning until Friday, what is the impact on extra curricular activities, sports leagues and families trying to keep routines in place. We’ll also examine how those emergency alerts are reaching our phones so quickly, and the technology behind the warning system now being used across the Emirates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With missile and drone alerts resume in the UAE due to Iran's attacks, we look at the situation with schools as students are back to distance learning this week. A suspected virus outbreak on a cruise ship leaves a number of people dead. We ask how concerned travellers should be and what we need to know about hantavirus. We look at Dubai Metro's Blue and Gold lines today on the show - with Blue line tunnelling now officially underway and what Gold line's effect is in the property market. ‘Make it in the Emirates’ is back, we speak with one company involved in steel operations. And we speak to the hero guide who carried an injured hiker for three hours to safety. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UAE airspace has fully opened after months of disruption - we'll ask what it means for travel, tourism and the wider economy. We'll hear from the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE, the CEO of Dubai Airports and aviation expert John Strickland. Meanwhile, AI is making headlines once again, Hollywood is coming out fighting - saying only human performances and scripts will be Oscar-worthy. And Taylor Swift is looking to protect her image, voice and likeness from being used by AI - but has the horse already bolted?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices are surging amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and with UAE petrol costs already rising, what could this mean for your wallet next? Meanwhile, heavy smartphone use is now being linked to shorter attention spans, so how do you protect your children without cutting them off completely? Plus, tourists can now open instant bank accounts in the UAE, but will it really change how visitors spend while they are here? And a viral gazelle rescue has captured attention across Dubai, but do you know what to do if you come across an injured animal?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communication via WhatsApp is no longer allowed for financial services in the UAE, effective from today. That means no sharing customer data, no processing transactions, and not even sending one-time passwords through this platform as part of a wider push to tackle fraud and better protect customer information. So what does this mean for customers, banks and insurance companies and brokers? There is a change in property investor visa rules in Dubai, removing the minimum property value requirement and potentially opening the door to a whole new wave of buyers. Dubai rolls out a clearer framework to boost consumer rights in the aviation sector. And we also ask, is there something wrong with WhatsApp?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE has announced that it's leaving OPEC and OPEC+ from the 1st of May. We break it down on what it means for the markets and, importantly, what it could mean for you at the petrol pump, with energy expert Robin Mills. We look at safety in schools, as Abu Dhabi carries out more than 480 inspections across education facilities.  We also turn our attention at a major new report showing Europe is now the fastest-warming continent on Earth, and what that tells us about the pace of change globally. Then, bringing it closer to home, the UAE’s Climate Law deadline is fast approaching. What do businesses actually need to do, and are they ready? We also look at innovation in action, as Expo City Dubai Foundation backs seven global projects tackling extreme heat. The Community Development Authority Dubai launches a sign language pledge to make everyday communication more accessible. And why are stingrays suddenly being spotted in places like Dubai Marina? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  A new police unit will monitor e-scooters and e-bikes and regular bicycles, from May 1, as concerns grow around safety and misuse. Good news for families as children head back outdoors at schools and activities returning after weeks of disruption. We also look at the huge demand for a new weight loss pill which is now available in Abu Dhabi, with thousands on waiting list at one clinic here in Dubai. We turn our attention too at rising fuel prices and how it affects demand for EVs. And we take you to Gibraltar, where monkeys are eating mud after consuming junk food from tourists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flights in the region climb back above 1,000 a day, with Tim Clark predicting a strong rebound for aviation. Etihad Rail has completed its first freight delivery of vehicles, with a shipment of cars transported by rail for the first time in the country. Abu Dhabi has approved the use of a new daily weight-loss pill as part of a wider programme to tackle obesity. We also look at the UAE’s new one billion dirham fund to support vital industries, and what that means for sectors like agriculture. With regional tensions impacting travel and footfall, how are Dubai’s malls adapting?  And from business to entertainment, the new Michael Jackson biopic is breaking box office records despite poor reviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech unicorn CEO's are coming out to bat for Dubai - saying it is fast becoming the global launchpad for the next generation of innovation. And with oil prices soaring, the cost of cooling your home is likely to rise, even here in the UAE. So is now the time to make the switch to solar? Meanwhile, with restaurants in the UAE face rising costs and tough choices, a brand new platform's opening up to help them save money on ingredients. If you're looking for something to keep the family occupied this week - The Ripe Market re-opens this afternoon, with longer hours and lots more on offer. And it's hard to believe - but the next Eid break is only one month away. And if you take the Monday off, you'll get a nine day break.  So should you be booking a trip or planning a staycation? We look at the best options.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.