10 February 2022: Georgia looks into the reasons behind the government's decision to gradually loosen COVID-19 restrictions in the emirates.  

10 February 2022: Georgia looks into the reasons behind the government's decision to gradually loosen COVID-19 restrictions in the emirates. &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

UAE announces gradual easing of restrictions

A new survey finds commute ease and traffic congestion are now the top quality-of-life concerns for UAE residents.

The UAE National Orchestra makes its debut at the Zayed National Museum. In her first-ever radio interview, the orchestra’s Managing Director shares what’s next.

How is a new programm are helping women return to the workforce after taking time out for family or study going?

A new survey finds commute ease and traffic congestion are now the top quality-of-life concerns for UAE residents.
The UAE National Orchestra makes its debut at the Zayed National Museum. In her first-ever radio interview, the orchestra&rsquo;s Managing Director shares what&rsquo;s next.
How is a new programm are helping women return to the workforce after taking time out for family or study going?

How easy are our commutes?

Over the weekend, there was a serious safety scare just off the coast near the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. A high-speed jet ski collided with a sailing boat — and the impact was so powerful, it reportedly chopped the front off the catamaran’s hull. We speak to the Dubai Maritime Authority about what happened and what’s being done to protect sailors and swimmers on our coastlines.
Dubai is rolling out biometric hotel check-in, where facial recognition and Emirates ID integration could soon allow guests to bypass the reception desk entirely. We speak with hotel managers on where they are now when it comes to implementation.
Now, if you live in the UAE, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted them already—those little yellow robots rolling around neighbourhoods, quietly delivering groceries and takeaway orders. Well, get ready to see a lot more of them.
Moving to technology, we’re looking at the most downloaded app of the year with tech journalist Kevin Sebastian.
You may have seen the viral post — Australia’s red-tipped bananas making headlines and sparking curiosity in supermarkets and across social media. But this isn’t just about clever marketing, the red wax tip is actually a sign of something far more serious: sustainability and chemical-free farming.
And with Christmas just around the corner, many families across the UAE are asking the same question: What kind of Christmas tree should we get this year?

Over the weekend, there was a serious safety scare just off the coast near the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. A high-speed jet ski collided with a sailing boat &mdash; and the impact was so powerful, it reportedly chopped the front off the catamaran&rsquo;s hull. We speak to the Dubai Maritime Authority about what happened and what&rsquo;s being done to protect sailors and swimmers on our coastlines. Dubai is rolling out biometric hotel check-in, where facial recognition and Emirates ID integration could soon allow guests to bypass the reception desk entirely. We speak with hotel managers on where they are now when it comes to implementation. Now, if you live in the UAE, there&rsquo;s a good chance you&rsquo;ve spotted them already&mdash;those little yellow robots rolling around neighbourhoods, quietly delivering groceries and takeaway orders. Well, get ready to see a lot more of them. Moving to technology, we&rsquo;re looking at the most downloaded app of the year with tech journalist Kevin Sebastian. You may have seen the viral post &mdash; Australia&rsquo;s red-tipped bananas making headlines and sparking curiosity in supermarkets and across social media. But this isn&rsquo;t just about clever marketing, the red wax tip is actually a sign of something far more serious: sustainability and chemical-free farming. And with Christmas just around the corner, many families across the UAE are asking the same question: What kind of Christmas tree should we get this year?

A Call for Safe and Responsible Jet Skiing

As of today, Australia has made it law – becoming the first country in the world to force platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram to verify users’ ages… or be blocked. We speak with Professor Toby Walsh, one of the experts behind the policy.

One of the key issues surfacing again and again this week at the Abu Dhabi Finance Week is cybersecurity. Despite companies spending more than ever on digital defences, cybercrime is still on the rise. And many experts here at ADFW are warning that the real vulnerability isn't technical… it’s human.

There are still millions of people — particularly low-income expats and underbanked communities — who aren’t fully part of the formal financial system. We speak to one company pushing innovation in digital finance.

You may think you know the story of the Black Death — that devastating plague which tore through Europe in the 1340s, but new research is revealing that a volcanic eruption may have paved the way for the pandemic years before the first signs of illness appeared.

And industry insiders are watching closely to see if Avatar can revive the golden era of event cinema — the kind of release that gets people back into seats, and away from their sofas. So is this the blockbuster comeback Hollywood needs? Or is the era of the big screen already behind us?

As of today, Australia has made it law &ndash; becoming the first country in the world to force platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram to verify users&rsquo; ages&hellip; or be blocked. We speak with Professor Toby Walsh, one of the experts behind the policy.
One of the key issues surfacing again and again this week at the Abu Dhabi Finance Week is cybersecurity. Despite companies spending more than ever on digital defences, cybercrime is still on the rise. And many experts here at ADFW are warning that the real vulnerability isn't technical&hellip; it&rsquo;s human.
There are still millions of people &mdash; particularly low-income expats and underbanked communities &mdash; who aren&rsquo;t fully part of the formal financial system. We speak to one company pushing innovation in digital finance.
You may think you know the story of the Black Death &mdash; that devastating plague which tore through Europe in the 1340s, but new research is revealing that a volcanic eruption may have paved the way for the pandemic years before the first signs of illness appeared.
And industry insiders are watching closely to see if Avatar can revive the golden era of event cinema &mdash; the kind of release that gets people back into seats, and away from their sofas. So is this the blockbuster comeback Hollywood needs? Or is the era of the big screen already behind us?

UAE announces gradual easing of restrictions

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