The UK's FCDO lifted its "all but essential travel" advisory for the UAE on 18 June, citing a US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The situation remains unpredictable, and the office warns hostilities could resume at short notice. Read more →

The UAE Cabinet has set 15 as the minimum age for social media use, banning younger children from creating accounts on any platform operating in the country. Age verification via biometrics or digital ID is mandatory, self-declaration is not accepted, and parental consent offers no exemption. Platforms have 12 months to comply. Read more →

TikTok removed nearly 11.8 million videos across five MENA markets in Q4 2025, with Iraq accounting for the largest share at over 4.6 million. Globally, the platform suspended 42.8 million LIVE sessions and removed almost 148 million fake accounts during the same period. Read more →

flydubai has become the first UAE carrier to operate flights to Benghazi, launching a three-times-weekly service from Dubai International Airport. The route expands the carrier's Africa network to 13 destinations and operates under its codeshare partnership with Emirates. Read more →

Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with UK charity Dogs 4 Wildlife to transport trained Belgian Malinois to Zimbabwe, where they will support rangers at Matusadona National Park in tracking poachers. The announcement coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Buckingham Palace Declaration on illegal wildlife trafficking, of which Emirates is a founding signatory. Read more →

The Dubai Esports and Games Festival wrapped its fifth edition with more than 43,000 attendees across a 17-day run, featuring 66 tournaments and AED 1 million in prizes. GameExpo, the festival's flagship consumer event, hosted over 100 nationalities at Dubai World Trade Centre. Read more →

Luis Díaz scored and assisted as Colombia beat World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 on Wednesday, going top of Group K. Jaminton Campaz headed home in stoppage time to seal the win after Uzbekistan briefly levelled through Abbosbek Fayzullaev. Read more →

FIFA has removed 388,000 hate speech posts since the 2026 World Cup began on 11 June, already surpassing the 287,000 deleted across the entire 2022 tournament. The announcement came at a panel event in Atlanta marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Read more →