Four years after Katie relocated with her family to Dubai, we look at why people are still choosing to make the move despite months of regional uncertainty. 

We hear from relocation and shipping experts, the short-term rental market, and a family preparing to start their new life in Dubai next week.

Plus, Wynn delays the opening of its landmark Ras Al Khaimah resort, raising questions about whether other UAE mega-projects could be affected by disruption from the Iran conflict.

We also explore why readers may prefer AI-written stories, and, on Book Lovers’ Day, what picking up a book instead of a screen could do for your brain.

Four years after Katie relocated with her family to Dubai, we look at why people are still choosing to make the move despite months of regional uncertainty.&nbsp;
We hear from relocation and shipping experts, the short-term rental market, and a family preparing to start their new life in Dubai next week.
Plus, Wynn delays the opening of its landmark Ras Al Khaimah resort, raising questions about whether other UAE mega-projects could be affected by disruption from the Iran conflict.
We also explore why readers may prefer AI-written stories, and, on Book Lovers&rsquo; Day, what picking up a book instead of a screen could do for your brain.

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

Dubai’s population bounceback

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?

Crackdown on cold calling

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?

Dubai’s population bounceback

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