After a planning meeting Monday in Abu Dhabi with key leaders in industry, academia, and government, one of the world's largest standards development organizations announced that it would launch its first-ever international chapter later this year. The chapter will be based in the United Arab Emirates. "ASTM International standards are already being used in the Gulf, and the planned chapter is a natural extension of this involvement," said Rashid bin Fahad, Ph.D., a former ASTM International board member. "This addition to our cooperation will benefit all those involved."

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE national railway, held a Board meeting on Sunday, led by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Etihad Rail, during which H.H. approved Package A of the Stage Two tender award. At the ceremony, attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Department of Transport, Chairman of Etihad Rail, the contract was awarded to a joint venture between the China State Construction Engineering Corporation and South Korea’s SK Engineering and Construction. The contracts were signed by Shadi Malak, Etihad Rail Chief Executive Officer, Yu Tao, President and Chief Executive Officer of China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East, and Hyuntae Nam, Vice President of SK E&C.

The Organising Committee of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 has rolled out a massive cultural exchange programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development. The Host Cities Programme, which will continue until 11th March, will facilitate hospitality to 11,000 guests, including athletes, coaches and family members, from 190 countries. Under the programme, the athletes and visitors will be introduced to the UAE's rich culture and history before engaging in the Games. The delegates will spend three days in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, to get a closer look at the Emirati traditions and life in the country.

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD conducted a lecture in the Al Bateen Majlis, titled, "Pioneering and Sustainable Development," which was organised by the Majlis Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, with the attendance of several officials and UAE nationals. Al Suwaidi began the lecture by thanking the wise leadership under President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for their directives and diligent efforts to achieve the country’s sustainable development goals.

The Central Bank of the UAE, CBUAE, warns consumers to be aware that there are malicious phone calls and text messages claiming to be from CBUAE, which are of a fraudulent nature. CBUAE advises not to disclose any information about their bank accounts or any other banking information to the caller. The public should be aware that CBUAE never contacts persons or businesses to inform people that their credit or debit card is blocked. The Central Bank of the UAE reminds consumers of the importance of protecting their bank account information and credit/debit cards from fraud and unauthorised use.