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?

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

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.

UAE adulthood age drops to 18

The Ministry is reminding private sector companies in the UAE to meet a key Emiratisation deadline, with penalties for those who fail to meet their targets.

HE Farida Al Ali from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will talk us through their carrot and stick policy.

UAE residents planning last-minute European holidays are facing a severe Schengen visa appointment crunch, with high demand, limited capacity and rising costs making travel harder to secure.

Meanwhile worrying numbers - road accidents are rising sharply, up by 23% in 2025. Road safey expert Thomas Edelman will explain as more than half a million new drivers and 850,000 newly registered vehicles added pressure to the country’s roads.

Meanwhile Abu Dhabi is opening its doors to culture with free museum access, while Art Dubai kicks off this weekend. 

The Ministry is reminding private sector companies in the UAE to meet a key Emiratisation deadline, with penalties for those who fail to meet their targets.
HE Farida Al Ali from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will talk us through their carrot and stick policy.
UAE residents planning last-minute European holidays are facing a severe Schengen visa appointment crunch, with high demand, limited capacity and rising costs making travel harder to secure.
Meanwhile worrying numbers - road accidents are rising sharply, up by 23% in 2025. Road safey expert Thomas Edelman will explain as more than half a million new drivers and 850,000 newly registered vehicles added pressure to the country&rsquo;s roads.
Meanwhile Abu Dhabi is opening its doors to culture with free museum access, while Art Dubai kicks off this weekend.&nbsp;

Emiratisation deadline looms

We'll be discussing the wider impact of the war on workers - from sailors trapped in the Strait of Hormuz on stranded ships - to blue collar workers here who might be concerned about job security and getting paid.

Meanwhile - the UAE is investing over one billion dirhams in a new desalination plant in Fujairah - we'll discuss the significance of the plan in the context of the country's long-term water security.

And Ras Al Khaimah launches a new astronaut training programme, we'll discuss the changing face of tourism in the Emirate with the development authority.

Plus President Trump is travelling to China today for a much-anticipated summit with President Xi. Now China gets nearly all its oil from Iran - so could these talks help solve the problems in the Strait of Hormuz?

We'll be discussing the wider impact of the war on workers - from sailors trapped in the Strait of Hormuz on stranded ships - to blue collar workers here who might be concerned about job security and getting paid.
Meanwhile - the UAE is investing over one billion dirhams in a new desalination plant in Fujairah - we'll discuss the significance of the plan in the context of the country's long-term water security.
And Ras Al Khaimah launches a new astronaut training programme, we'll discuss the changing face of tourism in the Emirate with the development authority.
Plus President Trump is travelling to China today for a much-anticipated summit with President Xi. Now China gets nearly all its oil from Iran - so could these talks help solve the problems in the Strait of Hormuz?

Schools fee relief as families struggle

In 1 playlist(s)

The Agenda

Follow podcast

Recent clips