Saturday, March 07
Dubai mourns the loss of Ramesh Shukla, the revered Indian expat photographer who captured the UAE's transformation for over six decades. Known as the "royal photographer," Shukla's lens chronicled defining moments, from the nation's formation to its rise as a global hub. His iconic images, including the Union's declaration, are now etched in the UAE's collective memory and currency.
UAE workers can now carry over up to 15 unused annual leave days to the next year, provided employer approval is secured. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation clarified that leave must be taken within two years or paid out. This update emphasises employee rights and work-life balance in the UAE's evolving workplace.
A classic powder-blue button-down shirt from a London label is setting the fashion agenda, worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Chloe Malle of American Vogue. This convergence signals a shift towards precision and polish in fashion, highlighting the enduring appeal of a perfectly cut shirt.
The UAE has introduced new limits for school bus journeys, capping travel at 45 minutes for young children and 60 minutes for older students. This move addresses concerns about long commutes impacting children's health, sleep and academic focus. Global research highlights physical discomfort, air pollution exposure and mental stress as key issues linked to extended travel times.
WhatsApp Web is rolling out voice and video calling worldwide. Users can now make calls directly from their browser. However, these features are blocked in the UAE. Local laws restrict Internet calling services. Residents can use approved apps like BOTIM and Zoom for voice and video calls. Messaging features on WhatsApp Web remain unaffected in the UAE.
The UAE has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to bring digital education to remote students globally. This initiative, launched at the World Government Summit 2026, uses satellite internet to overcome infrastructure barriers, enabling access to online learning platforms and resources. The first phase targets 100 underserved locations, aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower learners worldwide.
