The Agenda

New Zealand has announced steps toward banning social media for under-16s, with legislation now introduced to Parliament.  And for parents, there’s a very practical question behind all of this. As children move into secondary school, many start asking for their first phone. So what are schools doing about phones and social media, and what advice are they giving parents?  On our back-to-school special this week, we speak with the Roads and Transport Authority after it announced a package of measures ahead of the new academic year, including a 30-day inspection campaign of school buses, checking vehicles as well as permits for drivers and attendants. So how ready is Dubai for the return of the school run?   We also ask: will school lunch boxes be expensive this year? Hidden or retractable car door handles will soon be illegal on new vehicles sold in China.   And Apple’s reported plans for camera-equipped AirPods raise questions about how the move fits with the company’s long-standing privacy-first image. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our colleague Kris Fade has warned his followers about an AI-generated deepfake video using his likeness to promote a so-called passive-income scheme.  If somebody uses your face, voice or identity to promote a scam, what can you actually do about it?  How do you design an airport where passengers may need to travel kilometres just to get from one part of it to another?  Dubai's iconic Toyota Building on Sheikh Zayed Road is officially scheduled for demolition next year. So what steps must occur before a building can be demolished?  Formula One has confirmed that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as planned this December. Hundreds of robotics companies have gathered in Beijing for the World Robot Conference, showcasing everything from humanoids that dance and box to robots designed to work in factories, warehouses, shops and care homes.  For the first time ever, an Olive Ridley turtle has been recorded nesting in Abu Dhabi. And why are jellyfish plaguing European beaches?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From next year, products high in fat, salt and sugar will disappear from supermarket checkouts and other prominent areas. But can changing where food sits really change what we eat? Georgia speaks with His Excellency Dr Ahmed AlKhazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, under the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, where he leads public health initiatives. A personalised vaccine has stopped skin cancer returning for longer in patients in a major trial. Scientists say it could be a watershed moment, not just for melanoma, but for the future of cancer treatment. Logistics and industrial property is still attracting global investors, with rents holding firm and deals continuing despite the uncertainty.  And with average rents now falling, is this the year to ask your landlord for a better deal?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some families here in Dubai say they’re spending up to AED 2,000 per child, with uniform suppliers saying schools often receive a share of the money parents spend. So is it time for greater transparency?  Parents have told us they’re shopping around, buying second-hand and looking outside Dubai to bring the bill down. So what do the schools say? Ravi Restaurant in Satwa says two other Dubai eateries using the Ravi name are not its branches. So when does using a familiar business name cross the line legally? And what if ChatGPT had a “teen mode”?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ras Al Khaimah’s universities are changing what they teach as the emirate prepares for thousands of new jobs. With Wynn Al Marjan Island ramping up recruitment, thousands of new workers are expected to move to Ras Al Khaimah. But where are they all going to live, and could the hiring boom give RAK’s property market another major boost? Ras Al Khaimah is preparing for a huge influx of tourists, and one of its newest attractions promises to take them almost out of this world. We find out why astronaut training is coming to the emirate. Etihad Rail passengers can now step off the train and straight into a rental car for as little as AED 80 per day. A three-day weekend is coming up at the end of August. We give you ideas on how to turn the days off into a proper getaway. And making friends as an adult can be hard, particularly when you’re a dad, but one Dubai father decided to do something about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE summer isn’t just tough on us, it’s tough on our cars too. With warnings over tyre blowouts, battery failures and overheating, we find out what you should be checking before you get behind the wheel. Dubai Mallathon isn't stuck on malls alone, it has now landed at one of the world's busiest airports. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is closing in on $2 billion dollars at the global box office. So what does it actually take to create a billion-dollar movie, and can Hollywood engineer a blockbuster? And Cristiano Ronaldo says this will probably his last year playing professional football. What's next for the number 7?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to e-scooter riders about dangerous behaviour on the roads. New analysis too from the UK has found that people involved in e-scooter crashes can suffer more serious injuries than cyclists or even motorcyclists. So what makes an e-scooter accident potentially so dangerous? And what kinds of injuries are doctors seeing? With major accidents rising sharply, what responsibility do scooter retailers have to make sure the people buying them understand the risks and the rules? And as Oman steps up its response to the oil spill along its coastline, we speak to an oil-spill specialist about the clean-up operation and what happens next.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major oil spill has reached Oman’s coastline, contaminating up to 40 kilometres of shore.  We look at the threat to marine life and ask how you actually clean up an oil spill. Plus, the UAE cracks down on nuisance cold callers, a tiny heart implant could keep patients out of hospital, and new research suggests dogs really can read our emotions. And on World Rollercoaster Day, we head to Yas Island to find out why we love being scared.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was time for our Consumer Hour, giving you the chance to put your consumer problems directly to the experts. Ahmad Ahli from the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade joins us to explain your rights, how to tackle unresolved complaints and when it’s time to take things further. Plus, on World Organ Donation Day, we look at the UAE’s life-saving transplant programme and meet a remarkable two-time kidney transplant recipient who went on to become an entrepreneur and competitive sprinter. We’ll also explore a breakthrough that could lead to vaccines that no longer need refrigeration - potentially transforming access in remote parts of the world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE is strengthening the resilience of its electricity network with a new national control centre designed to monitor the grid in real time. We hear from H.E. Sharif Salim Al-Olama about what it means for the country’s energy future. Plus, the UAE thwarts sophisticated cyberattacks targeting aviation, energy and education. We also look at new rules requiring UAE businesses to pay to play copyrighted music, ask what young people need to compete with AI in the creative industries, and meet the diver who discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck off Sicily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish national Daniel Kinahan has appeared in court after being extradited from the UAE to Ireland, accused of serious organised crime offences. We look at how extradition works and what the UAE’s growing network of agreements tells us about international trust and cooperation. Plus, as tourists begin returning to the UAE following months of regional disruption, we ask what will bring Chinese and Indian visitors back, and whether major events could accelerate the recovery. We also explore a breakthrough in vaccines that don’t need refrigeration, the growing row at the top of FIFA, Taylor Swift stopping Donald Trump from using her music on TikTok, and the launch of the new Dubai-it Award. And we ask: what does Dubai do better than anywhere else? What’s given you that “only in Dubai” moment?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abu Dhabi is tightening the rules on its waterways as marine tourism grows. We look at restrictions on jet skis, why certain areas need greater protection and what motorised watercraft can mean for dolphins and other marine life. Plus, the UAE jobs market has slowed sharply, but are there signs hiring is starting to recover? We ask where the opportunities are and which sectors are still recruiting. We also explore the privacy concerns surrounding smart glasses, covert filming and AI-generated deepfakes, including the unusual suggestion that singing a Disney song could stop footage being shared. And should cats be kept indoors? New research suggests making the move from outdoor roaming to life inside may be easier than owners think.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four years after Katie relocated with her family to Dubai, we look at why people are still choosing to make the move despite months of regional uncertainty.  We hear from relocation and shipping experts, the short-term rental market, and a family preparing to start their new life in Dubai next week. Plus, Wynn delays the opening of its landmark Ras Al Khaimah resort, raising questions about whether other UAE mega-projects could be affected by disruption from the Iran conflict. We also explore why readers may prefer AI-written stories, and, on Book Lovers’ Day, what picking up a book instead of a screen could do for your brain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE is cracking down on cold callers, with more than 3,300 people penalised already this year. But if telemarketing is so unpopular, why do companies still rely on it? Meanwhile, finding a gardener in Dubai is about to become much easier. But why are the Government and Careem getting involved? And Abu Dhabi is to use drones to disperse 10 million native seeds in major desert restoration project Plus, MI6 is officially Europe's top intelligence agency. But what actually makes a spy service the best?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deadly gas explosion in Dubai has put home fire safety back in the spotlight. We ask whether residents really know if their fire alarms are working, whether they're connected to emergency services, and what you should be checking in your own home. We also look at the changing diamond industry, as falling prices for mined stones and growing demand for cheaper lab-grown gems force some of the world's biggest producers to rethink the threat.  Women's cricket is taking centre stage, with the UAE preparing to host one of the sport's biggest tournaments as the UAE establishes itself as one of the world's biggest destinations for international sport. But what does hosting major tournaments actually deliver for tourism, hotels and the wider economy? And what should Dubai's Museum of the Future look like in the years ahead? The museum is asking the public to help shape its next generation of experiences. Finally, we head to the farm of the future, where humanoid robots are being developed to plant, prune and harvest crops. Could robots eventually become a normal part of the agricultural workforce?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abu Dhabi is ordering supermarkets - both online and in-store - to stop putting junk food in the spotlight. We ask whether it will make healthier choices easier and hear from Kibsons and Choithrams. Plus, cyberespionage is on the rise across the Middle East, putting businesses, governments and smartphones at risk. As UAE temperatures push towards 50°C and a “heat dome” sends temperatures soaring elsewhere, we ask the World Meteorological Organisation what’s behind the extremes. We also hear how the Al Freej Fridge campaign is helping outdoor workers cope with the summer heat, and ask whether lab-grown palm oil could offer a more sustainable alternative. As temperatures soar, men in Japan are being encouraged to wear shorts to work. So could this this be the future of male fashion? Scientists have discovered a sugar found in raspberries floating through deep space - so could it help explain how life on Earth began?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We start with an urgent warning about the latest scam targeting Amazon customers.  We explain how it works, the red flags to watch for and what you can do to protect yourself, with a cyber security expert answering your questions. Plus, Google has pulled a new AI image-editing tool from Google Earth just days after launch. We find out what happened and why it was removed. And are job interviews becoming too remote?  With more recruitment taking place online, the UK's new Prime Minister says employers are missing out on seeing candidates' personalities.  We hear from two recruitment experts on whether the first interview should always be face to face, or whether virtual hiring is here to stay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE is introducing a new law to ban teens from using social media. The resolution was issued in June and communicated more widely this month.  Dubai Municipality has opened a new integrated pet shelter in Warsan alongside a digital platform where residents can view rescued cats and dogs, learn about their health and behaviour, and begin the adoption process before visiting in person.  European ministers are now describing climate change as a security threat, after another summer of devastating wildfires across the continent. France is battling its largest fires on record, while blazes in Spain, Greece and elsewhere have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Greek fishermen are struggling against an invasion of silver-cheeked fish with razor sharp teeth. And there's an ice cream that Georgia thinks could be the next "Dubai chocolate".    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s now been one month since Etihad Rail's official launch on 30th June. The first passenger service runs between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, and it's the first route on a long-awaited national rail network designed to transform travel between the emirates. More stations are due to open this year and in 2027.  Uganda has officially declared itself free of Ebola after going 42 days without a new case. But just across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the picture couldn't be more different.  After years of delays, Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Tower is passing milestone after milestone and is once again on course to become the world's tallest building. Once completed it’s set to rise more than a kilometre into the sky overtaking Dubai's Burj Khalifa. But how do you design a record-breaking building that needs to withstand extreme winds and immense weight?  As most prepare for summer holiday break, have you ever considered that you might not be wanted at your holiday destination? Around the world there is a growing wave of protests against over-tourism. We cross live from Mallorca, Spain.  A pretty scary video circulating right now on social media shows flames and smoke coming from an open overhead luggage compartment on a China Eastern Airlines plane.  And Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah has officially become the country's first UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Odyssey has been leaked online. More than two million people have apparently watched a high quality version via social media. The incident has once again raised important questions about digital piracy and how creators can protect their work in an age where content can be shared globally in seconds. It's an issue the UAE takes seriously and we are joined today by two of the key people spearheading the fight against piracy in this country.   Forty-two domestic worker recruitment offices have come under fire, as the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reports on the number of fines its issued in the first half of this year. What are the rules when hiring a domestic worker in the UAE?  The UAE is taking another major step in its AI ambitions, announcing what it says is the world's first fully integrated AI-powered judicial platform. What does it look like in practice? And for Filipinos abroad, home can be just one song away.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE has expressed its solidarity with France as emergency crews continue to tackle the blazes. A fire outside Madrid is Spain's biggest on record - and flames are edging closer to Bordeaux in France, a city of nearly one million people.  OpenAI has revealed that one of its experimental AI systems escaped a controlled testing environment and hacked into the systems of AI platform Hugging Face while trying to complete a cybersecurity test. How worried should we really be about the future?  If you've ever thought about adopting a pet, Dubai is hoping to make that process a little easier. And are you a lily-padder?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have once again put one of the world's busiest shipping lanes firmly in the spotlight. We get the latest from the International Maritime Organization. How many hours of sleep do you get in a  night? Japan's Prime Minister says she's lucky if she gets three hours. What actually happens to the brain when we are chronically sleep deprived? More than 10,000 UAE residents have already signed up to Dubai's new Dubai Invite scheme, which rewards people for persuading friends and family to visit the emirate. Big marketing effort to bring more people into the country. Is it likely to work?  India's education minister resigned on Saturday after students protested over leaked exam papers, with many celebrating his departure as a victory.  And do you know all bird songs are made from just eight basic types of sounds?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With World Drowning Prevention Day happening tomorrow, we take a closer look locally where beaches, pools and water sports are a big part of family life for much of the year here in the UAE. Experts say say many drowning incidents are preventable through better awareness, closer supervision and understanding the risks before getting into the water. We also revisit the story of five-year-old Kian, who was enjoying a day at his community swimming pool when he silently slipped beneath the water without anyone noticing. Hear the inspiring story of how quick action and CPR helped save his life, and why knowing this lifesaving skill can make all the difference. If you step in to help during an emergency and something goes wrong, could you end up facing legal consequences?     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, studying at an American university has been the dream for students around the world. And every year, hundreds of students graduating from UAE schools head to the US, making it one of the most popular overseas destinations for those studying the IB, A Levels and the American curriculum. But is that beginning to change? New data from Skyscanner suggests almost half of UAE travellers are yet to book their summer getaway, and for those who can be flexible, waiting until later in the season could mean significant savings. For years, scientists thought there might be a glimmer of hope in the Arctic. The rapid decline in sea ice appeared to be slowing, raising hopes that one of the world's most visible indicators of climate change had stabilised. But new research suggests that optimism was short-lived. And are there driving habits that could save you money without you even realising it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major new United Nations report says 645 million people are living with chronic hunger, 2.1 billion experiencing food insecurity, and 2.7 billion unable to afford a healthy diet. The report also highlights a growing double burden, as obesity continues to rise alongside undernutrition, raising fresh questions about the cost of eating well and whether the world is on track to meet its 2030 goal of Zero Hunger. Another UN report warns the world has entered an era of what it calls "global water bankruptcy", where we're using freshwater faster than nature can replenish it. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is over, with Spain crowned champions after beating Argentina in extra time in America. But while fans will remember Ferran Torres' winning goal, one part of the tournament went largely unnoticed: the pitches. And do you drink Kefir?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you prefer to get around by foot or bike? There's good news for Dubai residents who would rather not have to deal with road traffic and all the stressors that come along with it. The Roads and Transport Authority has approved a new five-year Soft Mobility Master Plan, which aims to make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and use e-scooters to get around neighbourhoods.  A new study out of UC San Francisco found that boys aged 12 to 16 showed a correlation between an increase in "addictive" social media use and worsening ADHD symptoms by the next year.  Prioritising saving for travel over saving for retirement?  Are garments designed to confuse facial recognition systems about to go mainstream?  We give you details of board game adventures in a museum. And find out what's in store for this year's Dubai Summer Surprises.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent study by the Rockwool Foundation Berlin shows men successfully use outside job offers to get pay raises in their current roles while women see no such gains and usually just quit to get a raise.  Authorities and doctors in the UAE have been warning that what looks like an ordinary vape could be hiding other prohibited substances.   Meet Gen - sadly, another scam victim. Hear her story. And did you know why there's a practice of destroying unsold items in the luxury industry?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE is now providing five-year multiple-entry tourist visas for international visitors of all nationalities. What kind of difference will this longer-term tourist visa have for the hospitality industry here? The Dubai Future Foundation has released the fifth edition of its "Global 50” report. It's a detailed and forward-looking report that looks at transformations across critical sectors. It also analyses 50 "opportunities" for the future that were featured in previous reports to consider how they might be implemented and could become a reality.  Two students attending DESS College have created an initiative called DuneTales, they say they want to document and share the stories of migrant workers in the UAE: like construction workers to maintenance staff.  The UK government has proposed a default overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17year-olds, blocking apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube from midnight to 6am, though users can opt out by changing their account settings.  Apparently there's a social media trend that has gone viral, urging young people to put slime or squishy toys in the microwave as a "hack" to make it softer. Dubai Police have issued a warning not to heat any of these toys, as it can cause serious injury.  And Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is out in cinemas this week! When is the last time a movie elicited this level of excitement?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has your car insurance gone up in recent years? It can be tempting to take the best deal out there, but sometimes when a price looks too good to be true, it often is.  That's the warning from the UAE Ministry of Interior who have alerted the public to social media accounts impersonating real insurance companies to scam people out of their hard-earned cash.  The Dubai Police solved a robbery case in Deira in just 10 minutes. Find out how technology played a major part here. What's the impact of automation on the more experienced workforce here in the UAE? UAE and international film makers will gather in Dubai this month of the Emirates Film Festival. And $75 million is up for grabs for this year's Esports World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve got something negative to say, it’s best to err on the side of caution here in the UAE. A recent Abu Dhabi court case has found an influencer liable to pay more than AED 81,000 in compensation and fines over a social media video that was deemed to be defamatory.  Food and water security have been a top priority for authorities in the UAE, and for years now there has been a push to develop local agriculture and food production. Recent disruptions to global shipping have reminded us of the importance of secure supply chains and having diversified import sources. So what does food security actually look like on the ground?  And summer can be challenging for parents: how do you keep children entertained and still learning without them spending six weeks glued to a screen? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahmed and Maansi share their personal experiences to help others spot the warning signs and avoid falling victim to scams. As the Strait of Hormuz has become a key point of contention between the US and Iran, some vessels have managed to exit, but an estimated 6,000 seafarers remain stranded according to the International Maritime Organization. With deaths, injuries, and the threat of possible attack looming over seafarers, how are those stuck at sea managing?   The UAE has been becoming a destination for people seeking out advanced medical treatments that are not available elsewhere. We meet the lead doctor behind a complex brain surgery procedure on a 15-year-old Russian patient. And Erling Haaland is on The Agenda today... well, almost.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre has announced the launch of a new central control room to oversee its autonomous vehicle operations across the emirate. But many questions remain, do people feel safe to start using these services?  Meta has now pulled the plug on an AI tool it only launched less than a week ago after it sparked widespread condemnation and criticism over privacy issues.  Here in the UAE, a new initiative wants to put brain health at the center of that conversation. Professional boxers competing in the country will now undergo pre-fight brain and cognitive assessments before being medically cleared to compete. If you're spending the majority of your summer right here in the UAE, we have some tips on where to go during your break.  And fancy stargazing this summer?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai’s Metro Blue Line has hit a major construction milestone. The RTA says the first phase of tunnelling has been completed in just two months, using the tunnel boring machine Al Wugeisha, which can excavate up to 30 metres a day. So what does this milestone tell us about the pace of the project? Camel milk has long been part of Bedouin culture and a staple across the Gulf. But now it's finding a whole new audience, with demand growing in Europe, the UK and beyond as consumers look for alternative dairy products with potential health benefits.  We've all done it.  Taken the hotel slippers home, piled our plates high at the breakfast buffet, or asked for a late checkout. But where's the line between making the most of your stay and breaking hotel etiquette?  And please meet Billy... the cat predicting winners of the World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.