Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) launched facial recognition for notary transactions, a regional first, replacing digital signatures. Initially for powers of attorney, it uses encrypted biometric data for instant identity verification, streamlining authentication. ADJD aims to expand the technology to other services, enhancing efficiency and simplifying the customer journey in line with a vision for future-ready judicial services.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has rolled out the first phase of a facial recognition project for notary transactions, becoming the first judicial authority in the region to adopt the technology as an alternative to digital signatures.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the notarial authentication system and enhance service efficiency, in line with the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
In its initial phase, the system will apply to powers of attorney for lawyers, allowing documents to be authenticated in record time using smart devices. The technology relies on encrypted biometric data and instant matching with official records to verify identity, eliminating the need for digital signatures.
Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, ADJD Undersecretary, said the move reflects the vision and directives of Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of ADJD.
He explained that introducing facial recognition for notary transactions represents a strategic step towards future-ready judicial services, focused on simplifying the customer journey and reducing time and effort through proactive and flexible digital solutions that enable faster completion of official procedures.
The department said it plans to expand the use of facial recognition to additional notary and authentication services in the next phase.
Sharjah launched "Masar," a digital system for heavy transport fee collection, improving efficiency and transparency. Developed by SRTA and the Finance Department, Masar uses AI and smart technology for seamless toll collection, reducing congestion and emissions. Integrated with the Tahseel payment gateway, it supports sustainability, bolsters Sharjah's logistics hub status, and aligns with its smart city vision.
The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), in collaboration with the Sharjah Finance Department, has launched the “Masar” system, a new initiative designed to streamline the electronic collection of heavy transport fees across the emirate.
The project is a major step in Sharjah’s ongoing drive toward digital transformation and smart infrastructure development, aligning local traffic management with global best practices.
According to a WAM report, “Masar” also demonstrates effective integration among government entities to enhance service efficiency while offering innovative technological solutions that support sustainability and bolster Sharjah’s status as a regional logistics hub.
Smart technology for seamless toll collection
Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, chairman of SRTA, described “Masar” as a “qualitative leap in the institutional work system” for electronic toll collection. He said the project embodies SRTA’s commitment to comprehensive digital transformation, ensuring Sharjah remains aligned with international best practices in heavy transport regulation.
Al Othmani explained that the system uses advanced sensing and artificial intelligence technologies to deliver accurate, instantaneous readings of vehicle data. The digital solution replaces traditional manual processes, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing human intervention, and increasing reliability in toll collection.
He further emphasised that “Masar” goes beyond toll collection. “It constitutes a fundamental pillar in supporting smooth traffic flow by reducing waiting times and facilitating the passage of trucks through designated points,” Al Othmani said. “This has a direct positive impact on the emirate’s transportation sector.”
Transparency, sustainability, and smart infrastructure
Al Othmani highlighted that Masar promotes transparency and effective oversight through precise monitoring and real-time reporting, allowing authorities to make data-driven decisions. The system also supports environmental sustainability by cutting congestion and emissions.
“This initiative consolidates the authority’s leadership in developing infrastructure according to international standards,” he noted, “in line with the Sharjah government’s vision to create a smart and sustainable transportation system that enhances the quality of life.”
Digital payments and strategic partnerships
Waleed Al Sayegh, director-general of the Sharjah Finance Department, said the project reflects strong strategic partnerships between government entities. Linking the electronic truck toll gates to the Tahseel smart payment gateway’s digital wallet system ensures seamless service integration and enhances financial collection efficiency.
Al Sayegh added that using Tahseel provides flexible and secure payment options, enabling faster transactions, accurate fee collection, and greater transparency. “Masar represents a cornerstone in Sharjah’s vision to become an advanced smart city,” he said, “boosting the emirate’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.”
India seizes US-sanctioned tankers linked to Iran
The three sanctioned vessels – Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia – frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement by coastal states, the source said
Image: Getty Images/Image for illustrative purpose
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India seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran for illicit trade, aiming to prevent ship-to-ship transfers obscuring cargo origins. This follows improved US-India relations and a US tariff reduction linked to India halting Russian oil imports. The seized vessels, *Stellar Ruby*, *Asphalt Star*, and *Al Jafzia*, had altered identities to evade detection. India has increased maritime surveillance in response.
India has seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran this month and stepped up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade, a source said on Monday, confirming a post on X by Indian authorities earlier in February that had been deleted.
India aims to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes, the source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The seizures and heightened surveillance follow an improvement in US-India relations. Washington earlier this month announced it will cut import tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent, after New Delhi agreed to stop Russian oil imports.
The three sanctioned vessels – Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia – frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement by coastal states, the source said, adding that their owners were based overseas.
Iranian state media cited the National Iranian Oil Company as saying that the three tankers seized by India had no connection to the company. It said that neither the cargoes nor the vessels were linked to the company.
Indian authorities had said in a post on X on February 6 that they intercepted three vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious activity involving a tanker in India’s exclusive economic zone.
The post was later deleted, but the source confirmed that the vessels had been escorted to Mumbai for further investigation.
The Indian Coast Guard has since deployed about 55 ships and between 10 and 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance in its maritime zones, according to the source.
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control said last year it had sanctioned three vessels, called Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1, with IMO numbers identical to the ships lately captured by India.
Two of the three tankers are linked to Iran, with Al Jafzia having carried fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025 and Stellar Ruby flagged in Iran, according to LSEG data.
The Asphalt Star mostly operated on voyages around China, the data show.
Sanctioned oil and fuel are often sold at deep discounts due to the risks involved, with intermediaries moving cargo through complex ownership structures, false documentation and mid-sea transfers that complicate enforcement.
The UAE will experience unstable weather from February 17-21, with rising temperatures, humid mornings, and potential fog/mist. Skies will be partly cloudy, with possible rain in northern areas. Expect dusty conditions, shifting winds (up to 40 km/hr), and slight to moderate sea conditions. The forecast remains consistent throughout the week.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast relatively unstable weather conditions across the UAE from Tuesday, February 17 through February 21, marked by a gradual rise in temperatures and humid mornings in several regions.
In a statement, the centre said the country will experience humid conditions early in the day, with a chance of fog or mist formation over some internal areas. As the day progresses, conditions are expected to turn dusty, with skies becoming partly cloudy to cloudy at times, particularly over northern and eastern regions.
“Tomorrow’s weather will be humid in the morning, with a chance of fog or mist formation over some internal areas,” the centre said. It added that a gradual rise in temperatures is expected during this period.
Wind speeds to reach 40 km/hr
Winds are forecast to shift from northwesterly to northeasterly and southeasterly directions. They will be light to moderate in speed but may freshen at times, particularly over the sea. Wind speeds are expected to range between 10 and 20 km/hr, reaching up to 40 km/hr in some areas.
Sea conditions will be rough in the morning before becoming moderate to slight in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
Midweek conditions to remain humid
On Wednesday, similar humid conditions are expected in the morning, especially across coastal and western internal areas, with a continued possibility of fog or mist. Skies will turn fair to partly cloudy during the day.
Winds will be southeasterly to northeasterly, light to moderate, freshening at times, with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/hr and gusts reaching 35 km/hr. Sea conditions will be slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
Thursday’s forecast mirrors midweek trends, with morning humidity and possible mist over western internal areas. Conditions will remain fair to partly cloudy for the rest of the day. Wind speeds will range from 10 to 20 km/hr, with gusts of up to 35 km/hr. The sea will remain slight.
Weekend outlook
By Friday, humid conditions will continue in the morning, with a chance of fog over coastal and western internal regions. Daytime weather will remain fair to partly cloudy, with winds between 10 and 20 km/hr, reaching up to 30 km/hr.
On Saturday, similar conditions are forecast. Winds will shift from northeasterly to northwesterly, ranging from 10 to 25 km/hr, with gusts up to 35 km/hr. Sea conditions will remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
The UAE and Bahrain have launched a pilot "One-Point Air Travelers" project, streamlining travel for citizens between the two countries. The initiative uses pre-departure clearance with biometric verification and data processing to reduce waiting times at Zayed and Bahrain International Airports. It aims to boost tourism, trade, security, and regional integration within the GCC.
The UAE has officially launched the pilot phase of the “One-Point Air Travelers” Project with the Kingdom of Bahrain, marking a significant step toward seamless regional mobility.
Announced on Monday, February 16, the initiative is designed to facilitate travel for citizens of both countries by reducing waiting times and streamlining procedures at participating airports.
The project is also expected to enhance tourism and trade flows, support economic growth, strengthen security stability, and advance infrastructure integration between the two nations, according to a WAM report.
In the UAE, the project is being implemented by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. In Bahrain, it is overseen by the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other relevant entities. The pilot phase currently covers Zayed International Airport and Bahrain International Airport.
Image credit: WAM/Website
How the system works
The “One-Point Air Travelers” Project enables pre-departure clearance for Emirati and Bahraini citizens flying between the two countries. Through advanced electronic connectivity, biometric verification systems, surveillance technologies, e-gates, and sophisticated passenger data processing, travelers’ movements are verified and documented before they arrive at their final destination.
This allows passengers to complete entry procedures at their departure airport, significantly reducing congestion and accelerating arrival processes. Officials say the system will provide a smoother, more secure, and more comfortable travel experience while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Strengthening regional integration
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, director-general of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, described the initiative as a landmark move for the region.
“The ‘One-Point Air Travelers’ Project represents an innovative initiative reflecting the commitment of GCC countries to facilitating passenger journeys and providing a safe and convenient travel experience,” he said.
Al Khaili emphasised the authority’s commitment to expanding cooperation at local, regional, and international levels through electronic connectivity and advanced data exchange systems. He noted that such efforts enhance customer journeys while improving overall quality of life.
He added that the project is expected to increase tourism and bilateral trade between the UAE and Bahrain, as well as across the GCC more broadly. By transforming both airports into key departure hubs, the initiative aims to stimulate travel, tourism, and broader economic activity. It also reinforces customs and security integration, boosts regional competitiveness, and positions both airports as preferred transit gateways.
A model for smart mobility
Mohammed Ahmed Al Kuwaiti, acting director-general of Ports at the Authority, said the One-Stop Travel Project reflects the high level of strategic integration between the two nations.
“It embodies a shared vision to facilitate mobility, enhance the travel experience for citizens, and improve quality of life through smart solutions driven by digital transformation and governmental integration,” he said.
Al Kuwaiti stressed that electronic connectivity and the advance exchange of integrated data ensure accuracy, security, and procedural efficiency while safeguarding privacy and data protection.
He described the initiative as a “qualitative step toward the future of smart mobility within the GCC” and a scalable model for broader regional implementation.
Global Village launches Ramadan family ticket offer with extended hours
Operating hours during Ramadan will run from 5:00pm to 1:00am from Sunday to Wednesday
Dubai’s Global Village has announced a limited-time Ramadan family promotion, introducing discounted entry bundles and extended evening operating hours as part of its seasonal programming strategy.
The multicultural destination is offering four entry tickets for Dhs30, with additional tickets priced at Dhs7.5 each. The promotion will be available exclusively at ticket counters from the first day of Ramadan and is subject to terms and conditions. The pricing initiative is positioned to drive higher family footfall during the Holy Month, traditionally a peak period for evening leisure activity across the UAE.
Operating hours during Ramadan will run from 5:00pm to 1:00am from Sunday to Wednesday, and until 2:00am from Thursday to Saturday.
Ramadan-themed gathering space
In addition to ticket discounts, Global Village has introduced Multaqa Global Village, a Ramadan-themed gathering space with free entry, designed as a communal area for families and groups. The space will host games and offer access to food and beverage options across the destination.
The Ramadan programming lineup includes live entertainment and cultural performances, including the Al Mandoos show on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30pm between February 20 and March 7. A 25-piece Arabian Orchestra will perform daily on the Main Stage for 60-minute sets, alongside traditional musical acts and Ramadan-themed performances.
The destination will also host a special Ramadan drone show on February 20 at 9:30pm, as well as its regular Friday and Saturday fireworks displays at 10:30pm. A daily iftar cannon ceremony will mark sunset during the Holy Month.
