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 

Tomorrow marks the first Friday under Dubai’s new early finish rule for schools. The change was announced in December, after prayer times were officially moved earlier by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs. We speak with school heads and parents have inundated our text line with comments.

The UAE is rolling out a national salt reduction policy, targeting processed foods, restaurant meals, and improving nutrition labelling, all with the goal of reducing average salt intake across the population. We explore the serious health implications of high salt consumption with Dr Samira Hassan and we also look at how businesses are responding with the changes.

We speak with one drone training company as this week, authorities approved five national drone training hubs, with the goal of creating a world-leading ecosystem for advanced air mobility. 

We analyse a new study suggesting that that airline emissions could be cut by up to 50%, simply by running flights more efficiently— choosing better routes, flying at optimal altitudes, and avoiding unnecessary detours.

And we're talking you skydiving with Cornelia Mihai.

Tomorrow marks the first Friday under Dubai&rsquo;s new early finish rule for schools. The change was announced in December, after prayer times were officially moved earlier by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs. We speak with school heads and parents have inundated our text line with comments. The UAE is rolling out a national salt reduction policy, targeting processed foods, restaurant meals, and improving nutrition labelling, all with the goal of reducing average salt intake across the population. We explore the serious health implications of high salt consumption with Dr Samira Hassan and we also look at how businesses are responding with the changes. We speak with one drone training company as this week, authorities approved five national drone training hubs, with the goal of creating a world-leading ecosystem for advanced air mobility. We analyse a new study suggesting that that airline emissions could be cut by up to 50%, simply by running flights more efficiently&mdash; choosing better routes, flying at optimal altitudes, and avoiding unnecessary detours. And we're talking you skydiving with Cornelia Mihai.

Early Friday finishes in Dubai schools

UAE banks start phasing out OTPs - what’s replacing them, and is it safer?

Meanwhile, insurance claims jump 20% after December rains - are companies paying out?

How to get more from your health insurance in 2026

Plus a Q&A on your consumer rights with Ahmad Ahli from Dubai Consumer Protection

You travel rights explained - refunds, delays, and cancellations made clear

UAE banks start phasing out OTPs - what&rsquo;s replacing them, and is it safer?
Meanwhile, insurance claims jump 20% after December rains - are companies paying out?
How to get more from your health insurance in 2026
Plus a Q&amp;A on your consumer rights with Ahmad Ahli from Dubai Consumer Protection
You travel rights explained - refunds, delays, and cancellations made clear

RIP of the OTP

Smart glasses under scrutiny - Are they cool tech or a privacy threat? We speak to a legal expert warning of their misuse for harassment and stalking.

What does UAE law say? - Tech lawyer Dino Wilkinson, a smart glasses owner himself, explains the local legal landscape.

20 years of leadership - We mark two decades of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Ruler of Dubai.

Adulthood at 18 - A new law sets 18 as the legal age of adulthood in the UAE. What does it mean for civil rights?

Big year for UAE brands - How long-term residents are reshaping local brand culture in 2026.
Why the world’s going beige - Inside Pantone’s Colour of the Year and the rise of neutral aesthetics

Smart glasses under scrutiny - Are they cool tech or a privacy threat? We speak to a legal expert warning of their misuse for harassment and stalking. What does UAE law say? - Tech lawyer Dino Wilkinson, a smart glasses owner himself, explains the local legal landscape. 20 years of leadership - We mark two decades of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Ruler of Dubai. Adulthood at 18 - A new law sets 18 as the legal age of adulthood in the UAE. What does it mean for civil rights? Big year for UAE brands - How long-term residents are reshaping local brand culture in 2026. Why the world&rsquo;s going beige - Inside Pantone&rsquo;s Colour of the Year and the rise of neutral aesthetics

When fire alarms don't sound

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