Good morning from The National on January 16, 2026.
Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the winners of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025 were selected for "advancing civilisation and building societies".
He honoured the six winners of the Great Arab Minds Award on Thursday. The ceremony, at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, was the culmination of the latest awards, the largest such event in the Arab world.
“We honour Great Arab Minds in recognition of achievements that advance civilisation and build societies," said Sheikh Mohammed. "From the Museum of the Future in Dubai, we reaffirm our support for Arab talent committed to innovation, creativity and excellence.
"We encourage them to continue their journey of achievement and contribution, serving as true role models for younger generations in our region and around the world, inspiring them to shape a better future through science and knowledge.”
Read the full story from Ali Al Shouk here
UAE set for historic first participation in Winter Olympics
The UAE will take part in the Winter Olympics for the first time by sending two skiers to February's event in Italy.
The nation has been represented at the Winter Youth Olympic Games but never at the main event. That will change next month when Alex Astridge and Piera Hudson compete in the Alpine skiing competitions at the 26th Winter Olympics, in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina from February 6 to 22.
The duo's involvement was announced during a media conference held on Thursday morning by the UAE National Olympic Committee in Dubai.
Read more from Andy Lewis here
Dubai resident has arm rebuilt after bug devours his flesh
A Dubai resident is rebuilding his life after being struck down by a rare flesh-eating bacteria.
British entrepreneur Mark Brooks developed necrotising fasciitis shortly after leaving the UK on a flight home to Dubai in 2023.
“The morning after landing in Dubai I got this crazy fever and slept for 13 hours solid. When I woke up in the morning my arm was completely dead,” said Mr Brooks, 54, who is married with three daughters and lives in Dubai Marina.
“If the diagnosis is delayed, people die. They don't take it seriously. If I'd gone to bed that night, I would have died in bed probably, or woken up and been irreparably damaged. I would have probably lost my kidneys and I certainly would have lost my arm.”
Read the full story from Nick Webster here
Fact of the day
Residents of a community known for affordable living in Dubai are now being asked to pay close to Dh1,000 ($272) a month to park a second car outside their homes. Read more here
Today's must-reads
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