4 November 20260411 ShareHuman Interest|Education|TechnologyA Dubai teenager has turned her younger brother's reluctance to read into a bilingual reading app. Gulf News profiles 17-year-old Maya Lofty, who created IKRAA to help children build reading habits through goals, credits and rewards. She built it using a no-code platform despite having little app-development experience. The website is available, while its App Store launch is still being worked on.
4 November 20260411 ShareHuman Interest|Education|CommunityThere's a free little library outside a home in Dubai's Arabian Ranches, and the neighbourhood has made it its own. The National profiles Angela Hundal, whose book-sharing shelves are open around the clock. Take a book, share one if you can. Teenagers are particularly welcome to contribute books because titles for their age group are in short supply.
4 November 20260411 ShareGovernmentFujairah's Traffic and Licensing Services Centre has earned seven stars in the UAE's latest government service assessment, the highest classification awarded. The National says 179 service channels across 27 federal entities were evaluated. Fujairah's immigration office and an ICP customer service centre in Ras Al Khaimah also received six stars. The ratings measure service quality and customer experience.
4 November 20260411 ShareShopping|CommunityGold shoppers are facing another price swing ahead of Diwali. UAE 24K gold reached Dh484 per gram on Wednesday morning, up Dh11 from Tuesday, Gulf News reports. Khaleej Times says some buyers are locking in prices early for Dhanteras on 6 November. Dubai's participating jewellery shops are also running a gold raffle until 12 November. Compare making charges before buying.
4 November 20260411 ShareCommunity|EducationMore than 700 activities are planned across all seven emirates for the UAE's first national Early Childhood Week, from 16 to 22 November. Khaleej Times says 130 organisations are taking part, with experiences designed for children and their parents or caregivers to enjoy together. Expect learning, play and family-focused activities, with individual venue details to follow.
4 November 20260411 ShareLeisureDubai Design Week is back at d3 until 8 November, and the main festival is free to visit. The National highlights installations inspired by desert gardens, craft and Kashmiri weaving. The separate Downtown Design fair opens to paying public visitors on 5 November, with tickets from Dh80. The festival also has workshops, talks and a weekend marketplace.
4 November 20260411 ShareBusiness|GovernmentUAE manufacturers can now apply for financing through a Dh1 billion national fund. Khaleej Times reports that eligible businesses can seek up to Dh100 million per project or group, with zero annual interest and a 0.75% service fee. Financing can cover up to 80% of qualifying capital costs. Applications are open through Emirates Development Bank.
4 November 20260411 ShareHealthExperienced an unexpected reaction to medicine? The UAE has launched EDE DAWA, a new tool for reporting suspected side effects. Gulf News says patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals can submit reports for specialist assessment. You don't have to prove a medicine caused the reaction. Reporting helps health authorities spot possible safety concerns.
4 November 20260411 ShareTravel|Transport|GovernmentBritish Airways is flying between Dubai and London Heathrow again after an eight-month suspension. The National confirms that flight BA105 arrived at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday morning, with BA104 departing for London later that day. The airline is initially restoring one daily service in each direction, giving travellers another option for the winter season.
4 November 20260411 ShareTravel|Government|Crime & SafetyEtihad has extended cancellations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and Dammam until 19 November, covering passenger and cargo services in both directions. Emirates 24|7 reports that four Jeddah flights, EY601 to EY604, are scheduled to resume on 6 November. If you're travelling to Saudi Arabia, check your exact flight number before leaving for the airport.