Good morning from The National on December 26, 2025.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
President Sheikh Mohamed called for Christmas Day to bring peace, joy and harmony. UAE Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed delivered a message of goodwill to millions of people in the UAE and around the world celebrating Christmas.
The UAE leader offered his congratulations as Christians gathered in churches across the Emirates to mark the day and unite in hope for a better future for the world as a new year approaches.
“I extend my warmest regards to all those celebrating Christmas in the UAE and around the world,” he wrote on X.
“May this day bring peace, joy and harmony to you and your loved ones.”
Read the full story here and John Dennehy's report on how the UAE faithful came together to share in the joys of Christmas here
Boxes of Wegovy, made by Novo Nordisk, which will soon be available in pill form in the US. Reuters
The approval of a weight-loss pill has been hailed by doctors in the UAE as a crucial tool in the fight against obesity.
Earlier this week, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the US release of the new version of Wegovy, which was previously only administered by injection.
Medical experts said it opens up access to the drug and improves the health of the public, but said it could not be viewed as a "quick-fix" and must be used under close supervision.
Dr Ali Aldibbiat, a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City, said that since the release, earlier this year, of trial data for the medication, “the anticipation for the oral Wegovy pill has been mounting”.
A driver in Dubai is accused of ignoring a stop light and causing a crash while under the influence of alcohol. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A Dubai prosecutor has warned against the dangers of drink-driving after a motorist was arrested on suspicion of ignoring a red light and crashing into another car while intoxicated.
Two people in the other vehicle were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries after the incident in Naif this week.
Under UAE traffic law, the punishment for drink-driving is a fine ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 and a jail term of between one month and three years.
The police will seize and impound the vehicle, typically for a period of 60 days.
The UAE is preserving the legacy of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, all over the world, with mosques, schools, hospitals and even airports carrying his name. Read more from James Langton here
Name: Thndr Started: 2019 Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr Sector: FinTech Headquarters: Egypt UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi Current number of staff: More than 150 Funds raised: $22 million
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
