The United Arab Emirates has ascended to an unprecedented global position, securing the 10th spot in the prestigious Soft Power Index. This remarkable achievement, highlighted by its top rankings as second worldwide in generosity and third in economic growth opportunities, underscores a profound shift in global influence. Yet, the concept of “soft power” often remains abstract, a complex interplay of attraction and persuasion that goes far beyond military might or economic coercion. Understanding the specific mechanisms and strategic choices behind the UAE’s rapid rise is crucial for investors, policymakers, and anyone keen to comprehend the evolving landscape of international relations.…
Author: Fahad Al Sheri
Fahad Al Sheri
Fahad Al Sheri is the resident Tech and Automotive writer at What’s Hot in UAE. Born in Saudi Arabia, educated in upstate New York and the UAE, he brings a global perspective to the region’s fast-evolving tech scene. Based in Dubai, Fahad is passionate about emerging technology, electric vehicles, and next-gen mobility. When he’s not writing or reviewing the latest gadgets, you’ll find him playing padel, catching films at the cinema for that nostalgic movie magic, or exploring the city’s vibrant
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The thought of an unexpected travel restriction can evoke significant anxiety, particularly in a vibrant global hub like the UAE. Many expatriates and visitors find themselves caught in a web of confusion and limited legal awareness regarding the precise nature and implications of UAE travel bans. This often leads to panic, missed opportunities, and a feeling of powerlessness. But it doesn’t have to. This definitive UAE Travel Ban guide cuts through the noise, offering a comprehensive, authoritative, and actionable resource based on expert legal insights. We will equip you with the knowledge to understand the distinctions between civil and criminal…
In an era where travel is an intrinsic part of our lives, the assurance of safety is paramount. Every year, millions of passengers entrust their journeys to airlines, seeking not just efficiency and comfort, but above all, an unwavering commitment to safety. For 2026, the highly anticipated rankings from the global authority in aviation safety, AirlineRatings.com, have been unveiled, offering travelers a definitive guide to the world’s safest airlines. This year, one carrier has truly distinguished itself, rising to the pinnacle of aviation excellence: Etihad Airways, now officially the world’s safest full-service airline. This comprehensive guide will delve into the…
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE? You’re not alone if you’re navigating new territory. The UK’s introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) marks a significant shift in entry requirements, impacting millions of travellers previously exempt from traditional visas. This crucial digital permit, designed to streamline border security and enhance efficiency, has introduced widespread confusion and the potential for travel disruptions for those unaware of the changes. Forget the guesswork and travel anxiety. This article is your definitive, easy-to-follow guide to understanding the UK ETA for Dubai & UAE travellers. We’ll cut…
The specter of how to clear travel bans or an unresolved police case can cast a long shadow, transforming dreams of travel or seamless living into bureaucratic nightmares. Traditionally, navigating these complex legal waters in Dubai often meant countless hours spent traversing city streets, waiting in queues, and grappling with opaque processes. The inconvenience, the lack of real-time updates, and the sheer time investment have long been significant pain points for residents, visitors, and even legal professionals. However, a groundbreaking shift has arrived. The Dubai Police, in an ambitious stride towards digital excellence, has launched an advanced digital platform designed…
Despite an estimated 400 million Arabic speakers globally, the digital realm has long presented a significant void in accessible Arabic content. For years, enthusiasts of Arabic literature, students, and researchers have navigated a landscape marked by scarcity, struggling to find a comprehensive, easy-to-access collection of eBooks and audiobooks. This challenge has limited the global reach and preservation of a rich cultural heritage, leaving many yearning for a digital gateway to the vast tapestry of Arabic storytelling, history, and knowledge. Today, a groundbreaking initiative emerges to bridge this critical gap: the Amazon Digital Arabic Library (ADAL). Launched on January 20, 2026,…
The fight against cancer is often characterized by aggressive treatments that, while life-saving, can inflict severe side effects, indiscriminately harming healthy cells alongside cancerous ones. This pervasive challenge has fueled a desperate, global search for safer, more selective, and effective alternatives. Amidst this quest, natural cancer fighters plants are emerging from traditional medicine into the spotlight of rigorous scientific inquiry. This article moves beyond anecdotal claims to deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of two such botanical powerhouses: lemongrass and dandelion root. We will delve into the peer-reviewed science that unveils their remarkable anti-cancer potential, examining their unique mechanisms of action,…
The Dubai real estate sector has once again captivated global attention, concluding 2025 with an unprecedented Dh917 billion in real estate transactions. This monumental achievement is not merely a number; it is a resounding testament to the emirate’s strategic vision, economic resilience, and its unwavering commitment to fostering a world-class investment environment. This article provides a definitive roadmap for navigating Dubai’s unprecedented real estate boom, offering comprehensive and actionable insights for both new and experienced investors. We will delve into the historic growth, explore the ambitious strategic plans like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Real Estate Sector Strategy…
For many PlayStation fans, the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy holds a special place, yet its fate on modern consoles remains a frustrating mystery. While players eagerly delve into the expansive worlds of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and other current-gen epics, Lightning’s saga feels increasingly “stuck” on the PlayStation 3, an aging console whose games aren’t directly playable on the PlayStation 5. The yearning to revisit Gran Pulse and Cocoon in enhanced fidelity on the latest hardware is palpable, sparking countless online discussions and hopeful whispers. But what if those whispers are starting to be heard? What if the very developers…
The open road, the hum of an electric motor, the promise of sustainable travel – it’s an appealing vision for many in the UAE. Yet, for electric vehicle (EV) owners, especially those commuting the vital route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this vision has often been clouded by a pervasive concern: range anxiety. The nagging question, “Will I find a charger when I need one, and will it actually work?”, has been a significant mental barrier, often relegating EVs to a secondary vehicle status. But what if long-distance EV travel could be as effortless and reliable as refueling a petrol…