Shipping costs between Asia and the Gulf are now surging above pandemic highs - as companies scramble to reroute cargo around the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Plus with Eid Al Adha fast approaching - Dubai is preparing for a packed week with fireworks, concerts and, shopping deals across the city. Katie Chambers' will catch up with the team from Dubai Festivals.

But what if you’re planning to travel? We’ll get inspiration and discuss trends for both Eid and the summer.

Meanwhile, a Dubai startup is helping residents buy surplus food from major brands at discounts of up to 70 per cent in a bid to tackle waste and cut living costs.

And OpenAI wants ChatGPT to help you manage your money. 

Shipping costs between Asia and the Gulf are now surging above pandemic highs - as companies scramble to reroute cargo around the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Plus with Eid Al Adha fast approaching - Dubai is preparing for a packed week with fireworks, concerts and, shopping deals across the city. Katie Chambers' will catch up with the team from Dubai Festivals.
But what if you&rsquo;re planning to travel? We&rsquo;ll get inspiration and discuss trends for both Eid and the summer.
Meanwhile, a Dubai startup is helping residents buy surplus food from major brands at discounts of up to 70 per cent in a bid to tackle waste and cut living costs.
And OpenAI wants ChatGPT to help you manage your money.&nbsp;

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

Gulf cargo costs surge above Covid-era highs

From June 1st, 2026, private sector salaries in the UAE will need to be paid by the first day of every month, and the big change is this: the 15-day grace period for late salary payments is being removed. We look at both the employees and employers sides.

KHDA and Parkin have announced a new partnership to digitise access to parking permits for Dubai’s education sector. So what will actually change for schools, parents, staff and students, and when will people start to feel the difference?

We get the latest on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how it affects travel and travellers alike.

And the 2026 World Cup is just 23 days away, and there is one part of the tournament that most of us will barely notice, unless something goes wrong.

The grass.

From June 1st, 2026, private sector salaries in the UAE will need to be paid by the first day of every month, and the big change is this: the 15-day grace period for late salary payments is being removed. We look at both the employees and employers sides.
KHDA and Parkin have announced a new partnership to digitise access to parking permits for Dubai&rsquo;s education sector. So what will actually change for schools, parents, staff and students, and when will people start to feel the difference?
We get the latest on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how it affects travel and travellers alike.
And the 2026 World Cup is just 23 days away, and there is one part of the tournament that most of us will barely notice, unless something goes wrong.
The grass.

Your salary must be paid by 1st of every month

As some parents face salary cuts or job losses linked to the conflict, certain Dubai schools are offering flexible payment plans to help families manage fees.

Plus, Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the world’s second Sphere venue on Yas Island.

And Dubai is rolling out AI-powered parking cameras - as we ask whether modern connected cars are effectively spying on drivers.

And Art Dubai opens for its 20th edition, while Abu Dhabi offers free access to museums and cultural attractions - so what does that tell us about the UAE’s cultural ambitions?

As some parents face salary cuts or job losses linked to the conflict, certain Dubai schools are offering flexible payment plans to help families manage fees.
Plus, Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the world&rsquo;s second Sphere venue on Yas Island.
And Dubai is rolling out AI-powered parking cameras - as we ask whether modern connected cars are effectively spying on drivers.
And Art Dubai opens for its 20th edition, while Abu Dhabi offers free access to museums and cultural attractions - so what does that tell us about the UAE&rsquo;s cultural ambitions?

Schools fee relief as families struggle

With the UAE lowering the age of adulthood to 18 from June 1, we ask what that means for teenagers and their parents.

This year’s best country rankings are out, with Switzerland taking the top spot and Europe dominating the list.

Closer to home, we look at why the UAE scores highly for digital nomads, business and governance.

We also explore a new well-being survey suggesting UAE residents remain optimistic despite regional tensions - but ask whether rising financial pressures could shift that mood.

The World Health Organisation is warning countries to stay alert over a possible rise in hantavirus cases, while UAE health authorities say they are ready to deal with emerging health threats.

With the UAE lowering the age of adulthood to 18 from June 1, we ask what that means for teenagers and their parents.
This year&rsquo;s best country rankings are out, with Switzerland taking the top spot and Europe dominating the list.
Closer to home, we look at why the UAE scores highly for digital nomads, business and governance.
We also explore a new well-being survey suggesting UAE residents remain optimistic despite regional tensions - but ask whether rising financial pressures could shift that mood.
The World Health Organisation is warning countries to stay alert over a possible rise in hantavirus cases, while UAE health authorities say they are ready to deal with emerging health threats.

Gulf cargo costs surge above Covid-era highs

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