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?

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?

The Agenda is your go-to programme for news, analysis and comment - a daily digest of local and international stories that matter to you. Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.
From Covid-19, to climate change and community issues, The Agenda covers stories from every walk of life, so get in touch with us and tell us your news.

The Agenda is your go-to programme for news, analysis and comment - a daily digest of local and international stories that matter to you. Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE. From Covid-19, to climate change and community issues, The Agenda covers stories from every walk of life, so get in touch with us and tell us your news.

The Agenda

06.08.26 TA PODCAST

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?

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.&nbsp;
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?

Dubai fire raises alarm over home safety

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?

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&deg;C and a &ldquo;heat dome&rdquo; sends temperatures soaring elsewhere, we ask the World Meteorological Organisation what&rsquo;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?

Abu Dhabi supermarket junk food crackdown

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.

We start with an urgent warning about the latest scam targeting Amazon customers.&nbsp;
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?&nbsp;
With more recruitment taking place online, the UK's new Prime Minister says employers are missing out on seeing candidates' personalities.&nbsp;
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.

06.08.26 TA PODCAST

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