Good morning from The National on December 30, 2025.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
The 2026 budget for Sharjah is up 3 per cent on this year's total of Dh42 billion. Getty Images
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, approved the emirate's biggest budget yet ahead of the new year.
The figure of Dh44.5 billion ($12.1 billion) was agreed on to "foster financial sustainability [and] enhance cultural, scientific and economic prosperity", according to state news agency Wam.
A key facet of the budget was to underline the importance of ensuring security and safety, along with the sustainability of energy, water and food resources.
“The 2026 general budget adopts a three-dimensional approach," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department.
"The first dimension focuses on developing economic and social objectives and strategies to enhance the well-being and prosperity of the emirate's residents."
Residents are urged to seek medical advice if unusual or concerning symptoms develop following a mosquito bite. Alamy
UAE residents were urged to be alert to the dangers posed by mosquitoes after recent wet weather created ideal conditions for the insects to thrive.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention issued a warning that a larger number of mosquitoes in the Emirates could increase the risk of disease being transmitted.
Their numbers increased after periods of rain and UAE residents have noticed an increase following the heavy downpours this month.
A rise in mosquito numbers was also reported in April last year, when the UAE experienced its largest single day of rainfall since records began in 1949.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino speaks at the World Sports Summit in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said an unprecedented demand for 2026 World Cup tickets vindicated his organisation's controversial pricing structure for the tournament.
At the opening of the World Sports Summit at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on Monday, Mr Infantino said Fifa had received requests for 150 million tickets since they went on sale 15 days ago.
"This is absolutely crazy. And what is important and what is crucial is that the revenues that are generated from this are going back to the game all over the world," he said.
Fifa has come in for fierce criticism over the cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Scotland manager Steve Clarke even warned supporters not to risk going into debt just to attend the tournament in North America.
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), EsekaiaDranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), JaenBotes (Exiles), KristianStinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), EmosiVacanau (Harlequins), NikoVolavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), ThinusSteyn (Exiles)
Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.
• Spend less than you earn and save the rest. You can do this by earning more, or being frugal. Better still, do both.
• Invest early, invest often. It takes time to grow your wealth on the stock market. The sooner you begin, the better.
• Choose the right level of risk. Don't gamble by investing in get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk plays. Don't play it too safe, either, by leaving long-term savings in cash.
• Diversify. Do not keep all your eggs in one basket. Spread your money between different companies, sectors, markets and asset classes such as bonds and property.
• Keep charges low. The biggest drag on investment performance is all the charges you pay to advisers and active fund managers.
• Keep it simple. Complexity is your enemy. You can build a balanced, diversified portfolio with just a handful of ETFs.
• Forget timing the market. Nobody knows where share prices will go next, so don't try to second-guess them.
• Stick with it. Do not sell up in a market crash. Use the opportunity to invest more at the lower price.
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To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
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