The Bank of Japan (BOJ) on Friday raised its key policy interest rate to around 0.75 per cent, marking a 30-year high, as it moves to rein in persistent inflation pressures fuelled by a weak yen, according to Kyodo News.

The increase, up from approximately 0.50 percent, represents the central bank’s first rate hike since January and comes amid expectations that strong wage growth momentum will continue into next year. The decision also marks the first policy rate adjustment under the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

All nine members of the BOJ’s Policy Board voted unanimously in favour of the rate increase at the conclusion of the bank’s two-day policy meeting.

In its post-meeting statement, the BOJ said the likelihood of achieving its baseline inflation outlook has been rising, a key condition for further policy tightening.

Japan’s core consumer prices have remained at or above the central bank’s 2 per cent inflation target for more than three and a half years, underscoring the persistence of inflationary pressures.

The BOJ said it judged it “appropriate” to adjust the degree of monetary accommodation to meet its inflation objective, adding that it will continue to raise its policy rate depending on economic and price developments, noting that monetary conditions remain accommodative despite the latest increase.

Sharjah Police confirmed that combined efforts and close cooperation with strategic partners successfully mitigated the impact of the recent weather system affecting the country, with no significant incidents reported.

The coordinated response underscored the emirate’s operational preparedness and the effectiveness of its public safety infrastructure during challenging weather conditions.

Authorities praised the public for their cooperation, alertness, and adherence to official instructions, noting that public compliance played a key role in maintaining safety and ensuring the continuity of movement across the emirate. Emergency and rapid response plans were activated as soon as weather conditions became apparent, allowing authorities to respond efficiently and decisively, a WAM report said.

Read more-UAE weather alert: Rain forces food delivery apps to pause or slow services

Field and operational readiness were enhanced through the deployment of security and traffic patrols across internal and external roads.

These measures ensured smooth traffic flow and enabled rapid response to any emerging incidents. Sharjah Police operation rooms also managed complaints and calls efficiently through the 999 emergency contact centre and the 901 non-emergency line.

During the period, authorities processed 8,145 calls via 999 and 1,239 calls through 901. Officers responded to inquiries and provided assistance around the clock, demonstrating high levels of readiness and professionalism in managing diverse situations. Preventive actions included pre-emptive coordination with relevant agencies and the broadcasting of awareness messages via Sharjah Police social media platforms to educate the public on safety measures during inclement weather.

Sharjah Police confirmed that these preventive and safety measures will continue throughout the rainy season to reinforce the emirate’s overall security and public safety framework.

NCM forecasts continued weather activity across the country

Meanwhile, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast partially cloudy to cloudy conditions at times on December 20, with the formation of convective clouds accompanied by rainfall over some areas, particularly the northern and eastern regions. In a statement issued on December 19, NCM said winds will be moderate to fresh, becoming strong at times with cloud activity, causing blowing dust and sand.

Winds are expected to be southeasterly, shifting to northwesterly, with speeds ranging from 15 to 30 km/h and reaching up to 45 km/h at times. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to be rough, with specific high and low tide timings outlined by the authority.

Saudi Arabia has proposed to host a major meeting of the World Trade Organization in 2028, a WTO document showed.

The request was on the agenda of a WTO meeting being held in Geneva on December 16-17, and 22 countries welcomed the proposal, but a final decision was not yet made, a WTO spokesperson said on Thursday.

Bangladesh, Kuwait, Russia, Cameroon, and Thailand were among the countries that supported the proposal to host the meeting in Riyadh, which would coincide with the 20th anniversary of Saudi Arabia’s accession to the WTO.

Saudi Arabia’s Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi first raised the idea in October.

“Hosting MC15 represents a strategic opportunity to demonstrate our deep commitment to the principles and objectives of the WTO and the Multilateral Trading System,” he said at the time.

Saudi Arabia is regularly a host of financial conferences and has in recent years also made a massive push into sports and entertainment in an effort to boost its international image and will host the 2034 soccer World Cup.

MC14 will be hosted in Yaounde, Cameroon in March 2026, where ministers will discuss potential reforms to the world trade watchdog.

Dubai’s flagship outdoor entertainment and cultural destination, Global Village, reopened its doors on Friday afternoon, December 19, after a temporary closure due to heavy rain and unstable weather conditions across the UAE. The decision to reopen follows a 24-hour suspension of operations on Thursday when the venue closed as a precaution amid forecasts of rain, thunderstorms and high winds.

The closure on Thursday was part of broader safety measures affecting several outdoor attractions across the emirates, with authorities urging the public to exercise caution and prioritise safety amid ongoing unstable weather.

Management at Global Village confirmed on X that normal operations resumed on Friday afternoon, welcoming visitors back to its pavilions, international food outlets, live performances and retail offerings, starting 4 pm.

The reopening comes as weather conditions eased compared with the previous day’s downpours.

Read: UAE weather: Dubai Police issue alert until Dec 19 mid-day; heavy rains expected

As one of Dubai’s most popular winter-season destinations, the timely reopening of Global Village is significant for operators, exhibitors and related businesses that rely on steady visitor footfall and festive-season spending.

Visitors and stakeholders are encouraged to continue checking updates from official Global Village platforms and local weather advisories to plan their visits and activities accordingly.