Christmas services across the UAE brought together hundreds of thousands of worshippers celebrating in multiple languages, highlighting the country’s diverse Christian population. Messages delivered by Bishop Paolo Martinelli and Friar Kent Middleton focused on peace, humility, and reconciliation amid global turmoil. Major churches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah saw large crowds, with outdoor screens and ushers assisting attendees. Worshippers described the services as central to their sense of community and the meaning of Christmas, while clergy emphasised acts of kindness, hope, and unity during uncertain times.

Forecasts indicate continued chances of rain across the UAE through Sunday, especially in the Northern Emirates, following heavy rainfall that previously caused flooding and travel disruptions. Cooler nighttime temperatures are expected due to a weak low-pressure system, while the recent storms temporarily improved air quality before conditions became stagnant again. Meteorologists cite coastal geography and mountainous terrain as reasons for heavier rainfall in the north. Winter weather has taken hold, with low temperatures recorded in Al Ain, and historical data showing significant past extremes in temperature, fog, and rainfall. Additional rain is possible this winter, though major weather activity may not resume until early January.

A large gathering of more than 20,000 Filipino worshippers attended the penultimate Simbang Gabi Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, part of a long-standing nine‑day Filipino Catholic tradition celebrated globally. The event, supported by the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the tradition for the Filipino community living abroad. Participants described the masses as a vital connection to home, with many committed to completing all nine days. The celebration reflects both the endurance of Filipino religious customs and their adaptation to local schedules in the UAE, where evening services accommodate working expatriates.

Indonesia’s new ambassador to the UAE aims to strengthen trade, investment and migrant worker protection, building on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that has boosted bilateral trade. Indonesia seeks to diversify exports and attract investment in sectors including energy transition and logistics. The countries maintain deep historic ties, with ongoing negotiations on migrant worker protections and cooperation on humanitarian support for Palestinians. Indonesia is also managing recovery from a recent deadly cyclone and advancing environmental initiatives, including mangrove research collaboration with the UAE. Both nations plan to expand cooperation as they approach 50 years of diplomatic relations.

The UAE will implement an expanded national ban on single-use plastics beginning January 1, 2026, prohibiting the import, manufacture and trade of items such as cups, lids, cutlery, plates, straws and Styrofoam containers, along with bags under 50 microns in thickness. Officials emphasise the policy as part of a broader circular-economy strategy aimed at reducing pollution and protecting ecosystems. Environmental experts and sustainability advocates welcome the move, citing its potential to encourage reusable alternatives and innovation in sustainable materials. Evidence from previous bans shows significant reductions in plastic bag use and related harm to wildlife. Exemptions apply for exported products, recycled materials and certain essential plastic items. The new regulations build on earlier federal and emirate-level actions and are seen as maintaining momentum on the UAE’s wider climate commitments.

Sheikh Zayed’s domestic tours across the emirates and the development of the E11 motorway played a crucial role in shaping UAE national identity before and after unification. Researcher Annissa Maulina Gultom highlights how early segments of the road, built from 1966 onward, connected communities, supported mobility and fostered unity among residents. Supported by the Etihad Museum Research Grant, her work uncovers archival material, historic maps and accounts from early road builders, revealing extensive planning for the UAE’s modern motorway network and reinforcing the importance of infrastructure in nation building. More events and exhibitions are planned to further explore this history.

A UAE-wide genomic study of ghaf trees has identified four genetically distinct populations, including a unique lineage found in the Hajar Mountains and Jebel Hafeet. Conducted by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture, the research aims to support seed banking, habitat restoration and long-term conservation planning. A second major initiative with M42 will sequence the genomes of 12 additional native plant species to further understand their adaptation to extreme environments. Officials and researchers emphasize the studies’ importance for climate resilience, ecological preservation and creating an extensive genetic library for future innovation.

Ireland positions itself as a strategic bridge between the UAE and the EU as it prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of the EU. Irish Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien emphasized expanding trade, investment and renewable energy collaboration during his visit to Abu Dhabi, highlighting joint economic initiatives and future investment announcements. The two countries aim to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, LNG infrastructure and finance while maintaining rapidly growing bilateral trade and strong community links. O'Brien also reflected on the outcomes and challenges of the Cop30 climate talks, stressing the need for procedural reforms and greater progress on climate goals. Connectivity continues to strengthen, with Emirates increasing flights and major investment events planned in Dublin, reinforcing a deepening partnership between Ireland and the UAE.

Global leaders, philanthropists, and health organizations pledged $1.9 billion in Abu Dhabi to support global polio eradication efforts, significantly narrowing the funding gap for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s 2022–2029 strategy. Major commitments include $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation, alongside contributions from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, Rotary International, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and several governments. Despite polio being endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, recent outbreaks highlight ongoing risks, reinforcing the urgency of expanding vaccination in hard‑to‑reach communities. Leaders emphasized that decades of progress have brought eradication within reach, stressing the need for continued international cooperation, innovation, and unified action across public and private sectors. The pledge aligns with broader efforts showcased during Abu Dhabi Finance Week and reflects the UAE’s long-standing leadership in global health initiatives.

A new book and photographic exhibition highlight the role of the US Army Air Forces base in Sharjah during 1944–45, showing how the outpost supported Allied logistics as the war shifted toward Asia. The base, built alongside an existing RAF station, enabled aircraft transit, navigation support, and weather forecasting that facilitated resupply operations. Up to 200 Allied aircraft used the station monthly at its peak, while more than 100 US personnel lived and worked there, forming a small community with sports, celebrations, and occasional visits to nearby souqs. The research underscores the strategic importance of Sharjah in the global wartime network and adds depth to understanding the region's involvement in the conflict.