Weekend Digest: Dubai’s next big project, Pakistan passport issues, Abu Dhabi school new rule, UAE midday break and more

It’s been a packed week in the UAE and a busy Eid long weekend, with major updates on visas, education, transport, and safety. Top stories include: Dubai’s next project may surpass Burj Khalifa, thousands of Pakistanis face passport cancellations, and Abu Dhabi schools can pause operations for up to three years. Also covered: a teacher’s son building a pharma empire in the UAE, the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan rail link launch, midday break timings, a viral Dubai Mall dress code video, and a Dh20 million Big Ticket win.

This week’s roundup: a Filipino tycoon to take over a major airport, Virat Kohli faces new legal trouble, and Riyadh pauses motorbike deliveries for upgrades. Here’s your quick update.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, in a conversation with Piers Morgan, hinted at Dubai’s next developments could surpass the Burj Khalifa. He credited the city's rapid rise since the 1990s to visionary leadership, strategic investment, and a clear push to diversify beyond fossil fuels. Read more ➜

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) now permits private schools in Abu Dhabi to suspend operations for 1 to 3 years with approval and strict closure rules. Schools must fulfill legal, financial, and student transfer obligations during closure. ADEK issues Provisional, General, and Accredited licences and can revoke them for non-compliance. Read more ➜

Emirati Mubarak Al Dhaheri from Al Ain won the Dh20 million Big Ticket grand prize after two years of trying. He bought the winning ticket on May 27 at Al Ain Airport and plans to do charity and buy a house. This marks the first UAE jackpot winner in a long time, announced during the Draw Series 275 in Abu Dhabi. Read more ➜

Pakistan is canceling passports of nearly 7,900 deported citizens involved in illegal activities abroad, mainly from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. They are added to a Passport Control List, and travel promoters may face criminal charges. Despite concerns over visa overstays and rising asylum seekers, Pakistan still depends on over 10 million skilled workers overseas for remittances. Read more ➜

Dubai creator Jacquelyn May’s viral video promoting respectful dress at Dubai Mall, in traditional Emirati attire, earned over a million views and praise from Sheikh Hamdan. Prompted by revealing clothing she saw, May urged respect for Dubai’s dress code requiring covered shoulders and knees. The video was praised for promoting cultural respect from a non-Arab expatriate. Read more ➜

Filipino tycoon Sabin Aboitiz’s Aboitiz InfraCapital will take over Bohol-Panglao Airport operations from June 1, 2025, after winning an $81.18 million, 30-year concession to upgrade and expand it. The project aims to boost Visayas tourism by raising passenger capacity to 3.9 million by 2030. This adds to AIC’s growing airport portfolio, including Mactan-Cebu and Laguindingan airports. Read more ➜

Virat Kohli faces a police case in Bengaluru over his pub’s failure to provide a designated smoking area, adding to previous complaints. Meanwhile, on the field, he also made headlines for sledging Punjab Kings’ Musheer Khan during the IPL Qualifier 1. Read more ➜

Vinod Jadhav, Chairman of Sava Group, rose from humble roots in Pune to lead a Dh700 million pharma empire. A $5,000 venture and one classified ad sparked his global success. Now based in Dubai, Jadhav stays grounded, focused on creating 10,000 jobs rather than flaunting wealth. Read more ➜

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will enforce the Midday Break from June 15 to September 15, 2025, banning outdoor work under direct sun from 12:30pm to 3:00pm. Now in its 21st year, the rule aims to protect workers from heat-related risks. Violators face fines of Dh5,000 per worker, up to Dh50,000. Read more ➜

Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan have finalized plans for the Trans-Afghan railway, a 760km rail link connecting Termez to Pakistan via Afghanistan. The project aims to cut cargo delivery times by up to five days and reduce freight costs by 40%, boosting trade and regional connectivity. By 2030, it’s expected to carry 15 million tonnes of goods annually and also ease passenger travel. Read more ➜