Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
The Zayed National Museum will open in December. Photo: ADMO
Abu Dhabi's eagerly awaited Zayed National Museum will open its doors to the public in December.
The landmark attraction – which will serve as a centrepiece of the Saadiyat Cultural District and has been under construction for several years – will celebrate the rich story of the UAE, spanning 300,000 years.
Primed to be the capital's latest architectural marvel, it has been hailed as a fitting legacy for the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The striking structure will house a treasure trove of artefacts that have helped to shape the UAE, including one of the world's natural pearls and five folios from the famous Blue Quran.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, left, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev meet in Abu Dhabi. Reuters
Peace talks between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia took place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was confirmed by their respective governments. It comes after the two nations agreed to a draft peace deal in March.
Mr Aliyev shared pictures of the meeting on X, in which the two leaders are seen shaking hands.
The Azerbaijani government had on Wednesday issued a statement confirming the talks would talk place in Abu Dhabi, "within the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process".
The Armenian government shared a press release after the meeting, saying the parties had discussed " various aspects of the agenda" for establishing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.
Sharjah's historic Faya has received global recognition. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A historic Sharjah archaeological site which has deepened understanding of the country's early human settlements is in the running for a global accolade.
The Faya palaeolandscape – a chain of limestone outcrops called jebels stretching 20 kilometres and formed more than 90 million years ago – is one of 30 areas around the world to be nominated for Unesco World Heritage status.
A final decision is expected to be made by the UN's cultural body between Friday, July 11, and Sunday, July 13.
It is a proud moment for Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who is ambassador for the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination.
"For over 210,000 years, this site has borne witness to the story of human innovation, resilience and adaptation in an arid environment,” she said.
The UAE said on Thursday it remained committed to producing five million barrels of oil per day by 2027 – and aims to increase production capacity to six million barrels per day once that target is met. Read more here
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available. Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus. Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel. Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Sole survivors
Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11 What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time. TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
