Good morning from The National on January 12, 2026.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
Residents across much of Sharjah were left without power after a widespread cut on Sunday.
The loss of electricity was caused by a “localised emergency fault”, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority said on social media. While power was restored across the emirate later in the afternoon, many residents felt the effects of the cut.
Muhammad Anwer, a resident of Sharjah’s Al Taawun area, said supply was disrupted from just after noon to about 3.15pm.
“Although the situation could have been worse because of the mild weather, the incident clearly shows how even a few hours without electricity can impact residents.”
Read the full story here
Dubai opens first phase of major Hessa Street revamp
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed the first phase of a major overhaul of one of the city's most congested areas.
The upgrade to Hessa Street included the opening of a 4.5km section in one direction from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Zayed Road. The number of lanes on the road has now doubled from two to four.
When the project is finished, the road will have four lanes in each direction, and capacity will be increased from 8,000 to 16,000 vehicles an hour in each direction, serving an area of more than 640,000 people by 2030, the RTA said.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, said the Dh690 million project was intended to boost the emirate's road infrastructure network.
The full story from John Dennehy can be read here
How crops are being grown in an eco-friendly way in the UAE desert
With searing temperatures and little rainfall, the UAE offers a challenging environment for agriculture – but an Emirati man has developed a system that offers high yields while minimising water use.
Mohamed Al Nuaimi has been granted a US patent for his cutting-edge design, which combines the growing of crops with the rearing of fish, and recycles water, waste and nutrients.
The set-up created by the Sharjah native is optimised through multiple sensors and artificial intelligence-based monitoring, and needs only 10 to 20 per cent as much water as traditional farming.
Daniel Bardsley has more
Fact of the day
US President Donald Trump will not seek a third term in office, his daughter-in-law told a Dubai audience. Read more here
Today's must-reads
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