UAE new Child Digital Safety Council to protect children

UAE launches Child Digital Safety Council to protect children online

Officials emphasised that digital safety requires a clearly defined distribution of responsibilities among service providers, caregivers and families

Gulf Business

12 February, 2026

UAE launches Child Digital Safety Council to protect children online

Image: Getty Images

The Child Digital Safety Council has convened its inaugural meeting, laying the groundwork for a coordinated national framework to safeguard children and promote balanced development in the digital environment. The initiative brings together relevant entities under a collaborative structure designed to unify regulatory, policy and awareness efforts.

At the meeting, the Council defined its competencies and adopted a governance framework and operational mechanisms to clarify roles and responsibilities. The approach combines regulatory safeguards with awareness initiatives, in line with the Federal Decree-Law on Child Digital Safety.

Sana Suhail, Minister of Family and Chair of the Child Digital Safety Council, commented, “In line with the directives of our wise leadership to protect families and children, this meeting marks a pivotal step towards creating an integrated national framework. Our aim is not only to shield children from growing digital risks but also to empower them to harness the vast opportunities of the digital space, thereby strengthening family bonds and contributing to social prosperity.”

She added, “The Council is working to forge a genuine partnership between government entities, digital service providers, and the community to ensure a safe and thriving digital environment that contributes to building strong generations rooted in enduring national values. This serves as a genuine investment in the safety of future generations and the quality of their digital lives.”

A key outcome of the meeting was agreement to develop a national classification system for digital platforms. The system will assess risk levels, the nature of content and age suitability, while ensuring privacy protection, safe usage standards and the safeguarding of children’s digital rights.

The Council also prioritised social media platforms as its first focus area. This track will be studied further within approved regulatory frameworks to strike a balance between protection requirements, the responsibilities of digital service providers and the role of families in supervision and guidance.

Officials emphasised that digital safety requires a clearly defined distribution of responsibilities among service providers, caregivers and families. Awareness was identified as a central pillar of the framework, with plans to support campaigns, equip families with digital safety tools, promote children’s digital rights and encourage responsible online behaviour.

The outcomes of this phase will be submitted to the Education and Human Resources Council for review and approval to ensure alignment with broader national childhood and family policies.

The Council will continue its work through regular meetings and specialised workstreams in coordination with federal and local authorities and strategic partners, with the objective of establishing a comprehensive digital safety ecosystem that enhances child protection, supports families and promotes positive, responsible use of technology.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from key government entities, including the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Prevention, National Media Authority, Federal Public Prosecution, Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Community Development Authority in Dubai and the Child Safety Department in Sharjah.

The Council’s formation follows the establishment of the Ministry of Family in December 2024 under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Ministry is mandated to develop and implement policies, strategies and legislation aimed at strengthening family cohesion, reinforcing national identity and promoting positive societal values, while addressing challenges such as family stability and demographic sustainability.

UAE online child digital safety council

Saudi cabinet approves high-speed rail link with Qatar

The high-speed railway line spans 785 kilometers, strategically connecting the capital cities of Riyadh and Doha, and will pass through key stations, including Hofuf and Dammam

Gulf Business

12 February, 2026

Saudi cabinet approves high-speed rail link with Qatar

Image: Saudia Press Agency

Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has signed an agreement to build a high-speed electric rail link between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, advancing plans to connect the two Gulf states by rail, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The approval formalises an agreement between the Saudi and Qatari governments to move ahead with the project.

In late December 2025, the two countries signed an implementation agreement for the high-speed electric passenger rail link during the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council in Riyadh.

The signing was witnessed by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

The high-speed electric passenger rail link will connectRiyadh and Doha

The project will involve the construction of a 785-kilometre rail line linking Riyadh and Doha, SPA reported.

The route will pass through major stations, including Al-Hofuf and Dammam, and will connect to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman International Airport and Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.

Trains are expected to operate at speeds exceeding 300 kilometres per hour, reducing travel time between the two capitals to around two hours.

The project is projected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually and generate over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Completion is scheduled within six years.

The rail link forms part of broader efforts to strengthen economic and transport connectivity between Gulf Cooperation Council members.

Read: Saudi Arabia Railways transports 14 million passengers in 2025

Qatar Saudi Arabia transport high speed rail link

Emirates adds Premium Economy to Dublin, Milan, Hong Kong

The first upgraded aircraft will operate flights EK903/904 between Dubai and Amman from April 14 to May 31

Gulf Business

12 February, 2026

Emirates adds Premium Economy to Dublin, Milan, Hong Kong

Image credit: Emirates/Website

Emirates has unveiled a fresh wave of aircraft deployments and cabin upgrades across its global network, expanding the reach of Premium Economy and enhancing product consistency for passengers.

As part of its retrofit programme, the airline will complete the upgrade of its first high-density, two-class A380 by mid-April. The aircraft will be reconfigured into a three-class layout featuring 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats and 437 Economy Class seats.

The first upgraded aircraft will operate flights EK903/904 between Dubai and Amman from April 14 to May 31, before transitioning to Prague on EK139/140 from June 1. By November, Emirates expects all 15 of its two-class A380s to be retrofitted into the new three-class configuration.

From March onwards, additional aircraft upgrades and deployments will take effect across key markets.

Europe and North America

In New York JFK, flights EK201/202 will be served by a four-class retrofitted A380 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April 1, increasing to daily service from June 1.

Zurich will see a four-class A380 featuring Premium Economy on flights EK085/086 from 1 March, lifting capacity to more than 1,500 weekly Premium Economy seats to and from the Swiss city.

Milan will be served by a retrofitted three-class Boeing 777-200LR fitted with Premium Economy on flights EK101/102 from 10 May.

In Dublin, flights EK165/166 will operate with a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR from 25 October, meaning all 21 weekly services to the Irish capital will feature Premium Economy.

Asia

Ho Chi Minh City will receive a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR on flights EK392/393 from May 1, offering more than 600 weekly Premium Economy seats across double daily services.

Hong Kong flights EK382/383 will be upgraded from a Boeing 777-300ER to an A380 from October 1, with a retrofitted A380 featuring Premium Economy introduced from 1 December.

Africa

Entebbe will be served by the new A350 on flights EK729/730 from March 29.

Middle East

Basra flights EK945/946 will operate with a retrofitted four-class Boeing 777-300ER from May 1, introducing Premium Economy across all five weekly services.

Indian Ocean

Mauritius will see a retrofitted three-class Boeing 777-200LR deployed on flights EK709/710 from March 29.

In addition, Emirates will introduce a three-class A380 on flights EK362/363 between Dubai and Guangzhou from October 1, offering First, Business and Economy Class seating.

Tickets are available via emirates.com, the Emirates App, travel agents and Emirates retail stores. WeChat Pay is also accepted on emirates.com. Aircraft deployments may be advanced if refurbishment timelines are brought forward.

Read: Travel smarter in 2026: Emirates lists key rules, advisories for global flyers

Emirates Hong Kong Milan Premium Economy Dublin

Jebel Jais reopens to visitors without entry permit, Sky Tour to resume on Feb 18

Visitors dining at 1484 by Puro, billed as the UAE’s highest restaurant, are required to present a confirmed reservation upon arrival

Gulf Business

12 February, 2026

Jebel Jais reopens to visitors without entry permit, Sky Tour to resume on Feb 18

Image: Supplied

Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, has reopened to visitors without the need for entry permits, easing access to the mountain destination as authorities expand public access and restore attractions.

Jebel Jais temporarily suspended all operations to carry out comprehensive safety inspections and maintenance following the drastic weather conditions experienced across the region between December 17 and 19.

Guests can now drive up the mountain freely and access scenic viewpoints, outdoor activities and dining venues without paying an entry fee.

Visitors dining at 1484 by Puro, billed as the UAE’s highest restaurant, are required to present a confirmed reservation upon arrival.

Red Rock BBQ has also reopened and resumed its full à la carte offering.

Other mountain attractions, viewpoints and leisure experiences remain open to the public.

Jebel Jais’ Sky Tour to open next week

The Jais Sky Tour, a multi-zipline attraction spanning the Hajar Mountains, will officially reopen on February 18.

The experience will operate Wednesdays to Sundays and on public holidays at 9:30am, 11:30am and 2pm, according to the announcement.

The zipline tour is designed for adventure and nature enthusiasts, offering an aerial route across the mountain landscape.

Jebel Jais continues to position itself as an outdoor and leisure destination focused on what it describes as the pillars of “Educate, Energise and Escape”.

Leisure Ras Al Khaimah Jebel Jais Jais Sky Tour

Spinneys net profit for 2025 rises 14.5% to Dhs332m, expands store network

Spinneys opened 13 new stores across the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2025

Neesha Salian

12 February, 2026

Spinneys net profit for 2025 rises 14.5% to Dhs332m, expands store network

Image: Spinneys

Spinneys posted its strongest annual store network expansion to date in 2025, reporting double-digit growth in revenue and profit as the Gulf supermarket chain benefited from new openings, higher online sales and demand for fresh and private label products.

Revenue for the year ended 2025 rose 13.1 per cent to Dhs3.6 bn, supported by like-for-like sales growth, 13 new store openings across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and increased online sales.

Adjusted EBITDA climbed 15.9 per cent to Dhs731m, with the company maintaining an industry-leading margin of 20 per cent, driven by stronger sales of fresh and private label products.

Profit before tax increased 22.4 per cent to Dhs395m, while profit for the period rose 14.5 per cent to Dhs332m.

Spinneys sees double-digit growth in 2025

Sunil Kumar, CEO at Spinneys, commented on the results, saying: “Our strong performance in 2025 reflects the strength of the Spinneys brand as well as the effectiveness of our strategy to deliver high-quality fresh food and convenience across every channel. We achieved double-digit revenue growth while expanding our footprint and enhancing our profitability, demonstrating the resilience of our model and the loyalty of our growing customer base.”

“As we look ahead, we remain focused on advancing our expansion plans in the GCC and Southeast Asia, further growing our digital platforms, and continuing to set new benchmarks for premium grocery retail,” he added.

The board recommended a final dividend of Dhs129.6m, equivalent to 3.60 fils per share. This would bring the full-year dividend to 75 per cent of profit for the year.

The results reflect Spinneys’ continued expansion in its core Gulf markets, as the retailer scales its physical footprint while strengthening margins through product mix and operational efficiency.

Food Retail Spinneys 2025 results

DP World data shows Ramadan-driven spike in staple imports

Operations during the peak period focus on handling a broad range of consumer goods, including packaged food as well as fresh, chilled and frozen products

Gulf Business

12 February, 2026

DP World data shows Ramadan-driven spike in staple imports

Image: DP World

DP World trade data has revealed a consistent pattern of early stockpiling by retailers across the region ahead of Ramadan, with higher volumes of staple goods moving through Jebel Ali six to eight weeks before the holy month begins.

According to WAM reports, an analysis of average import volumes between 2023 and 2025 shows notable uplifts compared with a typical month. Rice imports increase by 25 per cent, onions and garlic by 35 per cent, and nuts such as walnuts, almonds and pistachios by around 15 per cent. Beverage shipments, including juices and soft drinks, rise by roughly 5 per cent.

Ramadan creates a concentrated demand cycle across households in the region. By building inventory early, retailers are able to manage consumption peaks more effectively, avoid last-minute supply constraints and maintain price stability, ensuring shelves remain stocked for iftar, suhoor and family gatherings.

The seasonal build-up extends beyond food. Imports of kitchen and tableware increase by about 10 per cent, while small kitchen appliances rise by 9 per cent, reflecting broader household preparations. Although part of the January uptick is linked to routine post-year-end replenishment, the recurring pattern over multiple years underscores the structural impact of Ramadan demand.

During this period, Jebel Ali functions as a key entry and consolidation hub for goods arriving from Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Europe. An integrated mix of sea, air and land transport enables rapid distribution to markets across the GCC and East Africa, even during one of the busiest times of the year.

“Ramadan is a time when demand rises quickly. What we see each year is customers planning further ahead. By bringing ports, logistics and transport together through Jebel Ali, we are able to move goods early and keep supplies steady as demand increases across the region,” said Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC.

Operations during the peak period focus on handling a broad range of consumer goods, including packaged food as well as fresh, chilled and frozen products. Extended operating hours and tighter coordination across the supply chain have helped protect temperature-sensitive cargo and improve efficiency by more than 25 per cent.

Jebel Ali also plays a critical role in supporting exports ahead of Ramadan. In January and February, date exports rise by nearly 60 per cent compared with a typical month, supplying neighbouring markets across the GCC and East Africa. India, Morocco and Bangladesh were the leading destination markets last year, accounting for 65 per cent of total date export volumes through Jebel Ali Port.

Read: Dubai Food District: Details on DP World’s new food trade hub

DP World Ramadan