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.

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

UAE adulthood age drops to 18

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says around four billion people now live in areas with a risk of dengue, across regions including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands. How worried should we be about mosquito-borne diseases?

If you are travelling to Europe this summer, you may need extra time at the airport. Find out why.

The World Cup starts this week, and demand is huge, but how many fans can actually afford to be there? 

And one of the UAE’s most elusive wild cats has been caught on camera in Fujairah for the first time in at least a decade.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says around four billion people now live in areas with a risk of dengue, across regions including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Islands. How worried should we be about mosquito-borne diseases?
If you are travelling to Europe this summer, you may need extra time at the airport. Find out why.
The World Cup starts this week, and demand is huge, but how many fans can actually afford to be there?&nbsp;
And one of the UAE&rsquo;s most elusive wild cats has been caught on camera in Fujairah for the first time in at least a decade.

Dengue is spreading across more parts of the world

From September 2026, the new academic year, KHDA inspections will resume after a two-year pause, but with schools given no more than 24 hours’ notice before a team arrives.

We are almost 14 weeks on from the start of the conflict on February 28th, but only now are we beginning to get a clearer picture of what it has actually done to buyer behavior. Are people still applying for property mortgage? Or are they delaying it? Are approvals moving at the same pace? 

A series of studies suggests weight loss drugs may be linked to a lower risk of developing several cancers, including breast, lung and pancreatic cancer.

And why do musicians across the Middle East may be missing out financially? 

From September 2026, the new academic year, KHDA inspections will resume after a two-year pause, but with schools given no more than 24 hours&rsquo; notice before a team arrives.
We are almost 14 weeks on from the start of the conflict on February 28th, but only now are we beginning to get a clearer picture of what it has actually done to buyer behavior. Are people still applying for property mortgage? Or are they delaying it? Are approvals moving at the same pace?&nbsp;
A series of studies suggests weight loss drugs may be linked to a lower risk of developing several cancers, including breast, lung and pancreatic cancer.
And why do musicians across the Middle East may be missing out financially?&nbsp;

Just 24 hours' notice for school inspections in Dubai

We often talk about the Strait of Hormuz in terms of oil, gas, shipping routes and global trade. But on board the vessels caught up in this crisis are more than 20,000 seafarers, unable to leave, and waiting for clarity on when it will be safe to move. 

AI may feel invisible, but behind every prompt, image, search and video is a rapidly expanding physical system: data centres, cooling systems, chips, electricity grids, critical minerals and, eventually, electronic waste.

We look at the UAE’s first health insurance add-on that freezes a customer’s premium for up to five years. 

When does normal bird behaviour become a pest problem? Why are some sites seeing far more activity than others? And what can be done to manage birds humanely and safely in urban spaces? 

A growing network of cooled walkways inside parks in Abu Dhabi is being introduced to help residents walk, exercise and use community facilities even during the summer heat.

And if you are planning a team activity this summer, what if it could be more than just a day out of the office?

 

We often talk about the Strait of Hormuz in terms of oil, gas, shipping routes and global trade. But on board the vessels caught up in this crisis are more than 20,000 seafarers, unable to leave, and waiting for clarity on when it will be safe to move.&nbsp;
AI may feel invisible, but behind every prompt, image, search and video is a rapidly expanding physical system: data centres, cooling systems, chips, electricity grids, critical minerals and, eventually, electronic waste.
We look at the UAE&rsquo;s first health insurance add-on that freezes a customer&rsquo;s premium for up to five years.&nbsp;
When does normal bird behaviour become a pest problem? Why are some sites seeing far more activity than others? And what can be done to manage birds humanely and safely in urban spaces?&nbsp;
A growing network of cooled walkways inside parks in Abu Dhabi is being introduced to help residents walk, exercise and use community facilities even during the summer heat.
And if you are planning a team activity this summer, what if it could be more than just a day out of the office?
&nbsp;

UAE adulthood age drops to 18

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