Satellite communications operator Space42 has confirmed that all services under its Thuraya Telecommunications Company brand remain fully operational following reports of a missile-related incident in Sharjah earlier on Tuesday.

In a statement shared on X, the company said its infrastructure had not been affected and that operations are continuing as normal.

“Space42 confirms that all Thuraya services and infrastructure remain fully intact. We continue with our mission, with no disruption to customers and partners,” the company said.

The reassurance came after local authorities reported that an administrative building linked to Thuraya in Sharjah’s central region was involved in an incident earlier in the day.

Despite the proximity of the event, Space42 said there has been no impact on its satellite communications network or service delivery.

The UAE’s Ministry of Defence said air defence systems successfully intercepted one ballistic missile and 11 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran, preventing further damage.

The incident is the latest in a series of attempted strikes across the Gulf as regional tensions enter a sixth week.

The reassurance came after local authorities reported that an administrative building linked to Thuraya in Sharjah’s central region was involved in an incident earlier in the day.

Despite the proximity of the event, Space42 said there has been no impact on its satellite communications network or service delivery.

Read more: Sharjah confirms missile incident, two hospitalised

The UAE’s Ministry of Defence said air defence systems successfully intercepted one ballistic missile and 11 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran on Tuesday.

The incident is the latest in a series of attempted strikes across the Gulf as regional tensions enter a sixth week.

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Office spaces in the UAE are experiencing a quiet transformation. Today, workplaces are designed to put people first, prioritising comfort, flexibility, and collaboration over rigid processes. Leading office furniture providers, such as Urban 411 office furniture are helping companies achieve this by offering project-based quoting, which gives detailed cost estimates and potential savings for outfitting an entire office.

Urban 411 is a UAE-based office furniture provider specialising in end-to-end workplace solutions, from supplying high-quality desks, chairs, workstations, and acoustic office pods to supporting full office fit-outs. The company works closely with businesses to plan, furnish, and optimise their spaces through project-based quotations, space planning, and tailored product recommendations. By combining functional design with practical execution, Urban 411 helps organisations create efficient, modern work environments that balance aesthetics, comfort, and performance — whether for a single office upgrade or a complete workspace transformation.

From fixed layouts to flexible spaces

Traditional offices were built to last, with rows of desks, assigned seating, and fixed cabins. While this structure offered control, it often limited flexibility and creativity.

Workplaces today are different. Companies are leaning toward layouts that can vary during the day. Movable walls, modular workstations, and multi-purpose areas make it possible for spaces to change to fit diverse purposes, including focused work, team collaboration, or casual brainstorming.

What happened? Instead of being stuck at one workstation or in one process, employees can work in places that meet their needs at the time.

Prioritising employee comfort and wellbeing

A workspace that supports productivity is also one that cares about wellbeing. Ergonomic furniture, adjustable desks, and supportive seating are no longer optional—they are essential to help employees stay comfortable and healthy throughout the day.

Lighting, air circulation, and even the spatial flow of an office contribute to how employees feel and perform. Offices designed around these principles create environments where people can focus, collaborate, and innovate without unnecessary stress.

Activity-Based Workspaces

A lot of businesses in the UAE are adopting activity-based working (ABW), which means that the office is set up around tasks instead of people.

This could include:

• Quiet areas for chores that need focus
• Open spaces for team work
• Lounges for casual talks
• Office Pods for phone conferences or online meetings
• Activity-based workspaces promote mobility, break up boredom, and facilitate different ways of working. Employees can pick the space that works best for the job, which makes them happier and more productive.

Technology meets design

As technology becomes more common in the workplace, furniture and layouts are changing to keep up. Modern desks and conference spaces are made to work with hybrid collaboration tools, cable management, and seamless connectivity.

The purpose is clear, use technology to help people, not the other way around. When furniture and technology are in sync, workers can concentrate on their tasks instead of dealing with messy setups or slow processes.

Sustainability in modern workspaces

Sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s something we need to do. By doing the following, UAE businesses are making choices that are good for the environment:

• Choosing furniture that will last a long time
• Using modular designs to cut down on waste
• Prioritising energy efficient lighting and materials

Sustainable office design is flexible and adaptive, which means that firms don’t have to replace things all the time and may work toward long-term environmental goals.

Reflecting culture through design

An office tells you a lot about a business. Open design can demonstrate that people are working together and being honest, whereas private or semi-private rooms can show that people are focused on deep work.

For organisations in the UAE that want to hire the best people, the physical workspace has become a subtle but powerful way to reinforce company culture. A well-designed office shows that you care about your employees’ comfort and needs.

The UAE as a hub of innovation

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two largest cities in the UAE, are at the forefront of workplace innovation. The idea is to create environments that are good for people, not to make people work for systems. This applies to all kinds of places, from corporate offices to co-working spaces.

This strategy that puts people first isn’t just about how things look. It’s also about how effectively they work, how quickly they can be done, and how to get people to work together in a corporate world that is changing quickly.

Final thoughts

The future of work in the UAE is clear: workplaces need to be structured around people, not processes. Flexible, comfortable, and purposeful design is becoming the foundation of productive and engaged offices. Companies that embrace this approach will attract top talent, foster collaboration, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving work environment. Workspaces that put people first and genuinely support team performance will define success today and in the future.

Donald Trump has signalled a sharp escalation in rhetoric toward Iran, warning of potentially historic consequences as a 48-hour deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz nears.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

The statement comes after the US president issued a second ultimatum to Iran to fully reopen the critical shipping corridor, a move closely watched by global energy and logistics markets given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump suggested that recent developments could lead to sweeping political change in Iran, adding: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.”

He further described the moment as potentially “one of the most important” in global history, referencing “47 years of extortion, corruption, and death” and concluding: “God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

The remarks mark a significant intensification in tone from Washington, raising concerns across energy markets, shipping operators and insurers about potential disruptions to crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint that handles a substantial share of global oil trade.

The launch of the world’s first commercial upper 6GHz (U6GHz) network and ecosystem was announced at the SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit 2026, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s digital leadership.

Led by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the announcement underscores the UAE’s commitment to next-generation mobile infrastructure capable of meeting the demands of an AI-driven, data-intensive world.

“This launch is not just a technological milestone, it signals the UAE’s dedication to shaping the future of mobile connectivity,” said Eng Saif Bin Ghelaita, representative of the director general of TDRA, during his keynote at the 5G-Advanced & AI Applications for Resilient Economy Forum. The forum emphasised the UAE’s ambition to become a “10 Giga intelligent nation” and its determination to support the U6GHz IMT industry, calling on chipmakers and device manufacturers to participate in the network’s commercialisation efforts.

The initiative marks a significant step forward for the UAE, positioning the country at the forefront of global digital development while showcasing the practical application of spectrum policy in enabling advanced mobile technologies.

Industry collaboration at the summit

The U6GHz commercialisation ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including TDRA, the SAMENA Telecommunications Council, Huawei, du, e&, GSMA, Nokia, HONOR, and Tozed.

Together, they affirmed their commitment to the new ecosystem, reflecting a coordinated effort to accelerate digital development in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.

A parallel session focused on 6GHz policy, technology, and deployment alignment was chaired by TDRA with the policy-dialogue partnership of GSMA. Eng Tareq Al Awadhi, executive director of Spectrum Affairs and chairman of the Arab Spectrum Management Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the spectrum:

“The upper 6GHz band is a key resource for IMT services and future mobile technologies, including 5G-Advanced. It will also form the foundation for 6G. This first dialogue on deployment alignment among various stakeholders is both timely and necessary.”

The session underlined the importance of collaboration between regulators, operators, and technology providers to ensure that U6GHz can be efficiently deployed while maximising its potential for high-speed, low-latency applications.

Empowering digital transformation

U6GHz, spanning 6425–7125MHz and identified by 3GPP as Band n104, provides 700MHz of continuous bandwidth, striking a balance between wide-area coverage and high-capacity performance. Often referred to as the “golden spectrum,” U6GHz is critical as networks evolve beyond traditional downlink-heavy architectures to handle growing uplink demands driven by AI and cloud applications.

The proliferation of AI systems across industries is driving a massive surge in data processing requirements. Networks now face increasing pressure to deliver balanced, high-speed downlink and uplink capacity while maintaining security, reliability, and ultra-low latency. SAMENA Council technology providers estimate that U6GHz can support peak speeds of up to 10Gbps downlink and 1Gbps uplink under 5G-Advanced (5G-A).

This “golden band” is also expected to serve as a critical foundation for the seamless evolution from 5G-A to 6G, with the UAE’s roadmap for 6G already outlined by TDRA. Across sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities, the spectrum will enhance digital infrastructure and empower innovation-driven industries.

From global trials to commercial readiness

The U6GHz industry has recently transitioned from technical trials to large-scale commercial readiness. Infrastructure vendors have showcased compatible products, and ecosystem players are accelerating development to ensure that commercial networks are deployment-ready.

At MWC26, Huawei unveiled a full range of U6GHz solutions, achieving coverage comparable to the C-band and peak speeds of 10Gbps. Global operators including Vodafone, China Mobile, and Brazil’s TIM have completed field tests, laying the groundwork for widespread commercial adoption.

Bocar BA, CEO of the SAMENA Council, emphasised the significance of this milestone:

“With this U6GHz ecosystem launch, the UAE has moved ahead of many markets in transitioning from trials to commercial rollouts. Hosting this milestone during the Leaders’ Summit 2026 allows the industry to foster dialogue, build support for the ecosystem, and signal continuity in collaboration efforts.”

Similarly, Jawad Abbassi, head of MENA at GSMA, remarked:

“The U6GHz ecosystem is now sufficiently ready to support commercial deployment. The band will play a central role in achieving 10Gbps connectivity and serve as an initial spectrum for future 6G networks. The Middle East can leverage U6GHz during the 5G-A phase to gain a first-mover advantage.”

The UAE U6GHz journey

The UAE’s journey to U6GHz commercial launch reflects years of strategic planning and regulatory foresight. Following global consensus at WRC-23, TDRA allocated the U6GHz band for IMT services in 2024, making the UAE one of the first countries to take this pioneering step.

In 2025, e& UAE, in collaboration with Huawei and other strategic partners, completed field trials achieving 10Gbps speeds, setting the stage for Dubai’s “5G-A 10Gbps connection” city initiative. The U6GHz Sail Ceremony officially launched commercial operations, marking the UAE’s formal entry into the U6GHz era and signaling a transformative leap in high-speed connectivity.

Driving the digital future

With U6GHz networks now operational, the UAE is poised to unlock new avenues of digital transformation and cement its role as a regional leader in communications. The deployment will expand high-speed coverage across major cities and economic zones, ensuring residents and enterprises benefit from stable, ultra-fast network services.

The technology also strengthens industry integration, enhancing applications across smart cities, industrial Internet, digital healthcare, and smart tourism. Real-world use cases include remote medical diagnostics, intelligent traffic management, and immersive digital experiences.

International cooperation will be central to the rollout, with the UAE collaborating with global technology partners to promote U6GHz innovation and standardisation. Sharing deployment experiences will further amplify the UAE’s influence within the global digital ecosystem.

By 2028, U6GHz is expected to cover a substantial portion of the population, supporting long-term digital economy growth and preparing the nation for 6G readiness. The launch demonstrates how strategic spectrum allocation, forward-thinking regulation, and collaborative industry initiatives can accelerate next-generation connectivity, positioning the UAE as a model for other markets worldwide.

Etihad Airways has announced a waiver on date change fees for the first amendment on eligible tickets, offering travellers greater flexibility when planning their journeys.

The policy applies to tickets issued on or after March 6 2026 and is valid for travel through March 31, 2027. Under the offer, passengers can make their first date change without incurring the usual fee, although fare differences will still apply. Other charges, including no-show and refund fees, remain unchanged.

The airline stated that the initiative is subject to availability and applies to selected fares booked online, which are offered as special discounts with limited inventory.

Etihad clarified that all fares under the promotion include applicable taxes and fuel surcharges.

However, the final breakdown is displayed during the booking process, and total fare levels may vary depending on fluctuations in tax amounts.

Read more: AirAsia X pushes ahead with Bahrain hub plans, welcomes new chairman

Travellers are required to review individual fare rules for detailed terms and conditions before booking. The airline also noted that certain restrictions may apply, including flight or day limitations, blackout periods, weekend surcharges, peak travel surcharges, and other additional fees.

Airport taxes are subject to change without prior notice and will be confirmed at the time of booking, according to the airline.

“All changes must be made with Etihad Airways via etihad.com or Etihad Airways call centres,” the airline said in its terms and conditions.

Rebooking and fare recalculation rules

Etihad emphasised that in the case of any ticket changes, fares will be recalculated based on the best available fare for the selected route and date at the time of modification.

This means that while the first date change fee is waived, travellers may still need to pay any difference in ticket price if fares have increased. The airline also highlighted that valid visas and travel documents remain the responsibility of passengers.

Etihad Airways confirmed that it is the promoter and solely responsible for fulfilling the offer. The airline added that the promotion is subject to change or withdrawal at any time. In addition, Etihad’s broader terms and conditions, including its conditions of carriage and privacy policy, continue to apply to all bookings made under this offer.

Industry context: Emirates and flydubai issue travel updates

The announcement comes alongside broader travel advisories issued by other UAE carriers, as airlines continue to guide customers through operational changes.

Emirates, in a customer advisory, said it will assist affected passengers by rebooking them on the next available flights where possible. The airline is offering travellers booked between February 28 and April 30, the option to rebook on alternative flights or request refunds.

“We’ll do our best to rebook you on the next available Emirates flight,” the airline said, noting that the policy applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys with onward connections.

Customers who book flights from April 2, are also eligible for one complimentary date change across all cabins, provided changes are made within ticket validity and fare differences may apply.

Emirates advised passengers to use its online tools, including the Manage Your Booking feature and mobile app, to review changes, select alternative flights, and update contact details. Some bookings may require additional support, particularly where itineraries have been partially cancelled or no confirmed flights remain.

flydubai operating reduced schedule

Meanwhile, flydubai confirmed that it is operating flights across its network with a reduced schedule, while continuing to monitor the situation.

The airline said that flight durations and transit times may be longer than usual due to temporary rerouting of some flight paths.

“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” flydubai said, advising customers to regularly check flight status and operational updates before heading to the airport.

Passengers are also encouraged to ensure their contact details are up to date and to check in online between 48 hours and 75 minutes before departure to save time at the airport.

Etihad’s waiver on date change fees reflects a continued emphasis on flexibility in travel planning, allowing passengers to adjust their schedules without incurring additional change charges for the first modification.

However, the airline has maintained that all other applicable rules, fare conditions, and surcharges remain in effect, underscoring the importance for travellers to review booking details carefully before making changes.

As airlines continue to update policies and operations, passengers are advised to stay informed and make use of available tools and support channels to manage their travel plans effectively.