That's what exactly happened to one Dubai community not once, but twice, and the recent one is on New Year's Eve. We hear the story from resident Ruth Dance.

We also speak with Ateis Middle East's Phil Witts to learn about alarm units connections and obligations.

From this week, the country's ban on single-use plastics has expanded dramatically. We ask, are businesses ready for this ban? What alternatives are available?

We also discuss big news out of CES 2026 in Las Vegas: humanoid robots and Nvidia's Alpamayo

And do you miss the old Blackberry phone? There's something similar to it... 

That's what exactly happened to one Dubai community not once, but twice, and the recent one is on New Year's Eve. We hear the story from resident Ruth Dance.
We also speak with Ateis Middle East's Phil Witts to learn about alarm units connections and obligations.
From this week, the country's ban on single-use plastics has expanded dramatically. We ask, are businesses ready for this ban? What alternatives are available?
We also discuss big news out of CES 2026 in Las Vegas: humanoid robots and Nvidia's Alpamayo
And do you miss the old Blackberry phone? There's something similar to it...&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

When fire alarms don't sound 

As the conflict continues into a fifth week, we're starting to see signs of strain in some parts of the economy - in particular in those that rely on the tourism dirham.

We'll be hearing from the team behind community mall Times Square Centre in Dubai, and from the Coca Cola Arena - which is currently hosting a massive clearance sale.

Meanwhile the school transport companies are starting to offer discounts the education sector is feeling the impact even more sharply.

But there are bigger questions too IB exams have now been cancelled - so what does that mean for students and their futures?

Plus NASA has made it to the moon once again - the Artemis II spacecraft is now in orbit around the Earth. It's definitely a big deal - but why?

As the conflict continues into a fifth week, we're starting to see signs of strain in some parts of the economy - in particular in those that rely on the tourism dirham.
We'll be hearing from the team behind community mall Times Square Centre in Dubai, and from the Coca Cola Arena - which is currently hosting a massive clearance sale.
Meanwhile the school transport companies are starting to offer discounts the education sector is feeling the impact even more sharply.
But there are bigger questions too IB exams have now been cancelled - so what does that mean for students and their futures?
Plus NASA has made it to the moon once again - the Artemis II spacecraft is now in orbit around the Earth. It's definitely a big deal - but why?

RETAIL HOLDS STRONG AS TOURISM SPENDING SLOWS

As the impact of the conflict begins to be felt in the UAE, there are growing signs of a shift in the jobs market.

Meanwhile, Dubai's driverless taxis are officially roaming the roads of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah picking up passengers right now after the launch on Tuesday.

We'll speak to Uber - one of the booking platforms - about how it's working out.

And the trend towards banning social media for under-16's seems to be gathering steam. 

Indonesia and Austria are following in the footsteps of Australia - which banned it three months ago. But is it workable?

As the impact of the conflict begins to be felt in the UAE, there are growing signs of a shift in the jobs market.
Meanwhile, Dubai's driverless taxis are officially roaming the roads of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah picking up passengers right now after the launch on Tuesday.
We'll speak to Uber - one of the booking platforms - about how it's working out.
And the trend towards banning social media for under-16's seems to be gathering steam.&nbsp;
Indonesia and Austria are following in the footsteps of Australia - which banned it three months ago. But is it workable?

Jobs shift in the UAE: how conflict is reshaping the market

Dubai is launching driverless taxis today - a long-awaited step into the future.

Home schooling has been extended for another two weeks - now running until April 17 - putting added pressure on parents and the wider education system.

Meanwhile, with the Strait of Hormuz closed for a fifth week, it’s not just oil and gas affected - fertiliser costs are surging, raising fresh concerns about global food inflation and how we grow food more efficiently.

And the city is also embracing a pay-it-forward dining trend, with initiatives like “Treat On Us” encouraging residents to buy meals for others and boost community spirit.

Dubai is launching driverless taxis today - a long-awaited step into the future.
Home schooling has been extended for another two weeks - now running until April 17 - putting added pressure on parents and the wider education system.
Meanwhile, with the Strait of Hormuz closed for a fifth week, it&rsquo;s not just oil and gas affected - fertiliser costs are surging, raising fresh concerns about global food inflation and how we grow food more efficiently.
And the city is also embracing a pay-it-forward dining trend, with initiatives like &ldquo;Treat On Us&rdquo; encouraging residents to buy meals for others and boost community spirit.

When fire alarms don't sound

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