4 November 20260411 ShareTransportSharjah's 320-metre Al Dhaid Bridge is scheduled to open on 15 November. Gulf News says the bridge is nearing completion and will improve connections in the emirate's Central Region. It also has viewing areas overlooking Al Dhaid Lake and four lifts. A road improvement with a little sightseeing built in.
4 November 20260411 ShareTransport|HealthCertain emergency doctors in the UAE will be allowed priority road access when responding to urgent medical calls. Emirates 24|7 says a new ministerial decree permits authorised responders to exceed speed limits by up to 40km/h on external roads under strict conditions. They must still stop at red lights and obey restrictions near schools, hospitals and residential areas.
4 November 20260411 ShareTransport|GovernmentYour UAE driving licence could last one, two, five or ten years depending on your age and residency status under rules starting 1 January 2027. Gulf News says licences issued before age 21 will be temporary and valid for one year, while first-time applicants aged 21 or older will receive two-year licences. Renewal periods differ for citizens and residents.
4 November 20260411 ShareTransportA new road connection from Dubai towards Expo Centre Sharjah has partially opened. The first phase of the Al Taawun Interchange project now allows one-way traffic from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road towards the exhibition centre. Gulf Today says several new bridges and junctions are operating. It should help with Book Fair traffic, but the wider project is not finished.
4 November 20260411 ShareTransport|TechnologyDubai's Nol card is moving beyond transport. A new Nol-Jaywan card will combine Metro, bus, taxi and parking payments with everyday shopping and online purchases. Khaleej Times says the pilot begins this November, with smartphone features and more than 120 promotional offers planned. Public launch dates and card prices are still to be confirmed.
4 November 20260411 ShareTransportParking in Dubai's Jebel Ali Industrial Area now comes with a charge. Gulf News says Parkin has introduced paid spaces under code 599T, with charging hours from 8am to 10pm daily. Regular users can buy subscriptions starting at Dh315 a month, including VAT. Check the signs or Parkin app before leaving your car.
4 November 20260411 ShareGovernment|HealthGetting sick leave approved should now involve less paperwork. Gulf News reports that MoHAP-licensed hospitals and clinics can submit attestation requests directly for patients and their companions, instead of making them apply separately. Eligible applications can move straight to approval. The change should make a frustrating process simpler, although existing medical committee requirements still apply.
4 November 20260411 ShareTransportMotorists taking Sheikh Zayed Road will see adjusted dynamic toll pricing during peak morning hours starting next month, according to Gulf News. The Roads and Transport Authority initiative aims to ease bottlenecks between Dubai Marina and Downtown, encouraging drivers toward alternate corridors like Al Khail Road before 08:30.
4 November 20260411 ShareHuman Interest|LeisureA cancer diagnosis and heart scare made UAE resident Mauro Cirelli rethink what success meant. He swapped long corporate hours for mountain trails and founded The Lost Hikers, an outdoor community bringing people together through hiking and camping. Gulf News reports that Wadi Shawka became part of his new chapter. Sometimes a change of scenery leads to a change of life.
4 November 20260411 ShareShopping|CommunityBuying gold for Dhanteras on Friday? Some Dubai jewellers are letting shoppers lock in prices ahead of the festival, Khaleej Times reports. On Wednesday morning, 22K gold was Dh448.25 a gram and 24K was Dh484. Prices have been moving sharply, so compare making charges and exchange terms before putting down a deposit. A price lock isn't automatically the cheapest deal.