News related to
global

Federal reforms regulating industrial hemp are reshaping the treatment landscape for sleep disorders, anxiety and epilepsy across the United Arab Emirates, as clinicians, researchers and regulators map how low-THC cannabis derivatives can be used safely within a tightly controlled system. The changes sit apart from the country’s framework on medical cannabis, which governs products with higher tetrahydrocannabinol content and remains subject to strict prescription and import rules.

The hemp law permits the cultivation, processing and use of cannabis varieties containing minimal THC, typically below 0.3 per cent, aligning the UAE with regulatory models adopted in several advanced economies. Officials say the objective is to unlock therapeutic and industrial value without opening pathways to recreational misuse. For patients, the most immediate implications are for cannabidiol-based preparations, which are non-intoxicating and increasingly studied for neurological and psychiatric conditions.

The policy shift creates new clinical options for people whose symptoms have proved resistant to conventional therapies. Insomnia and generalised anxiety disorder affect a growing share of the population, while epilepsy continues to pose treatment challenges for a subset of patients who do not respond adequately to standard anti-seizure medicines. Cannabidiol, or CBD, has drawn attention for its calming effects on the central nervous system and its role in reducing seizure frequency in certain epilepsy syndromes.

Specialists caution that hemp products are not a panacea. Evidence is strongest for specific childhood epilepsies, including Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, where purified CBD has been shown to reduce seizure burden when added to existing regimens. Research into anxiety and sleep has produced more mixed findings, though small clinical trials and observational studies suggest benefits for sleep onset and stress modulation at carefully titrated doses.

Professor Barnes, a leading authority on cannabis medicine, notes that the global legal landscape has shifted rapidly. Medical cannabis containing higher THC levels is now legal in 71 countries under varying frameworks, reflecting broader acceptance of cannabinoid-based therapies when appropriately regulated. The UAE’s approach, by contrast, draws a bright line between hemp-derived products and medical cannabis, allowing limited therapeutic use while preserving the country’s zero-tolerance stance on recreational drugs.

Regulators emphasise that access will be medicalised rather than commercialised. Hemp-derived therapeutics are expected to move through pharmacy channels and clinical oversight, with product quality, labelling and traceability forming core pillars of compliance. Authorities have indicated that cultivation licences will be tightly issued, with genetics, THC thresholds and testing protocols specified to prevent diversion.

Healthcare providers see an opportunity to expand personalised care. Neurologists and psychiatrists report rising patient interest in non-sedating options that can be integrated with existing treatments. For epilepsy specialists, CBD’s favourable side-effect profile compared with some traditional anti-epileptic drugs is a significant draw, particularly for long-term management. Sleep physicians, meanwhile, are exploring whether hemp-derived formulations can reduce reliance on hypnotics that carry dependency risks.

Industry participants are preparing cautiously. Pharmaceutical distributors and research institutions are investing in clinical studies tailored to regional populations, recognising that dosage, formulation and delivery methods matter as much as legality. Oils, capsules and oral solutions are expected to dominate, given their dosing precision and lower risk profile compared with inhaled products.

Public health experts underline the need for clear guidance to avoid consumer confusion. Hemp products sold globally range from pharmaceutical-grade medicines to wellness supplements of uneven quality. The UAE framework seeks to close that gap by requiring evidence-based claims and physician involvement, reducing the risk of self-medication or exaggerated expectations.

The reforms also intersect with broader innovation goals. By enabling controlled research into cannabinoids, policymakers aim to position the country as a regional hub for life sciences, while maintaining strict ethical standards. Universities and hospitals are already collaborating on protocols to assess safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes in local cohorts.

Food assistance funded by Japan is reaching refugees and returnees in Burundi through the World Food Programme, easing acute hunger pressures in camps and host communities strained by displacement, erratic harvests and rising food costs.

The support targets families who fled violence in neighbouring states and Burundians who have returned after years abroad, many arriving with limited assets and few income options. WFP officials say the funding is enabling monthly rations and nutrition support at a time when humanitarian needs remain elevated across the Great Lakes region.

The programme, implemented by the World Food Programme, prioritises refugees in camps and settlements as well as vulnerable returnees integrated into surrounding communities. Assistance includes staple cereals, pulses and fortified oil, with specialised supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children at risk of malnutrition. Cash-based transfers are also being expanded where markets function, allowing households to choose foods locally and supporting small traders.

Japan’s contribution comes amid sustained displacement into Burundi, primarily from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and a steady flow of returnees following regional diplomatic efforts. According to humanitarian agencies, Burundi hosts tens of thousands of refugees, while returnees often face land disputes, limited livelihoods and overstretched public services upon arrival. Food insecurity has been aggravated by climate variability that has disrupted planting seasons and by global price pressures that have raised the cost of basic staples.

A senior WFP official in Bujumbura said the Japanese funding was critical to stabilising rations and preventing harmful coping strategies such as skipping meals or pulling children out of school. “This support allows us to protect the most vulnerable while we scale solutions that build self-reliance,” the official said, noting that nutrition indicators had shown signs of strain in several camps before the funds were confirmed.

Japan has framed the assistance as part of its broader humanitarian engagement in Africa, with a focus on lifesaving aid and resilience. A representative of the Japanese government said the funding reflected a commitment to human security, adding that food assistance was paired with investments in health, water and education delivered through multilateral partners. Japan has been a long-standing donor to WFP operations worldwide, frequently emphasising efficiency and accountability.

Burundi’s government has welcomed the support, saying it complements national efforts to integrate refugees and returnees while maintaining social cohesion. Officials have encouraged aid agencies to align food assistance with agricultural recovery programmes so that communities can transition from relief to production. WFP has responded by linking rations to community assets projects and by sourcing food locally when possible, a move that shortens supply chains and injects cash into rural economies.

The assistance also intersects with protection efforts led by UNHCR, which coordinates shelter, registration and legal support for displaced populations. Aid agencies say synchronising food distributions with protection services has reduced tensions and improved access for women-headed households and people with disabilities. Monitoring systems track deliveries and outcomes to ensure aid reaches intended recipients.

Analysts caution that funding gaps persist across the humanitarian response in Burundi, where needs compete with crises elsewhere. While Japan’s contribution has stabilised a portion of WFP’s pipeline, agencies say predictable financing remains essential to avoid ration cuts later in the year. Market volatility and climate shocks continue to pose risks, underscoring the importance of flexible programming that can pivot between in-kind food and cash.

Senior officers from Jebel Ali and Al Barsha police stations convened a high-level panel discussion titled Forecasting the Future of Road Safety and Labour Area Security in Dubai, drawing together municipal authorities, transport operators, construction firms and safety specialists. The forum underscored a shift towards anticipatory policing, with emphasis on risk forecasting, targeted inspections and early intervention rather than reactive enforcement alone.

Officials said the initiative reflects mounting pressures on transport networks and worker accommodation zones as Dubai continues to attract investment, logistics activity and large-scale construction. Traffic density around industrial areas, ports and residential labour clusters has risen steadily, increasing the likelihood of accidents involving heavy vehicles, buses and pedestrians. Police data presented at the session showed that incidents in such zones tend to involve multiple risk factors, including fatigue, limited visibility, non-compliance with speed limits and inadequate safety training.

Dubai Police leadership stressed that reducing fatalities and serious injuries requires tighter integration between enforcement agencies and employers. Participants discussed expanding joint patrols in high-risk corridors, using shared data dashboards to flag accident-prone locations, and aligning inspection regimes across transport, housing and occupational safety authorities. The approach aims to close gaps where responsibility has traditionally been fragmented between different regulators.

Road safety featured prominently in the discussions, with officials outlining plans to intensify monitoring of commercial fleets, particularly buses transporting workers to and from labour camps. Technology was cited as a critical enabler, including wider deployment of smart cameras, vehicle telematics and predictive analytics to identify unsafe driving patterns before accidents occur. Police officers noted that automated enforcement must be complemented by sustained awareness campaigns targeting drivers, supervisors and site managers.

Labour-area security formed the second core focus of the panel. Senior officers highlighted the importance of safe living environments in maintaining public order and worker wellbeing. Issues such as overcrowding, poor lighting, inadequate emergency access and weak access controls were identified as recurring vulnerabilities. Dubai Police said coordinated inspections with municipal bodies and civil defence teams would be expanded to ensure accommodation facilities meet safety and security standards.

Private-sector representatives acknowledged that compliance expectations are rising. Construction and logistics firms described increasing investment in driver training, fatigue management systems and on-site safety officers, driven both by regulatory pressure and operational risk. Several companies shared examples of internal monitoring tools that track driver behaviour and working hours, with data shared directly with police units during investigations or audits.

The panel also addressed the human dimension of safety enforcement. Police officials emphasised that communication with workers remains essential, particularly in multicultural environments where language barriers can undermine awareness of rules and emergency procedures. Plans were outlined to broaden multilingual outreach programmes and community policing initiatives in labour zones, enabling faster reporting of hazards and disputes.

From a policy perspective, the discussions aligned with Dubai’s long-term vision of zero fatalities on roads. Police leaders reiterated that while enforcement remains firm, the strategy increasingly prioritises prevention, education and partnership. Forecasting models presented during the session illustrated how combining traffic data, urban planning inputs and employer compliance records can help authorities anticipate emerging risks linked to new developments or shifts in traffic flows.

Experts attending the forum noted that Dubai’s approach mirrors global trends in urban policing, where safety is treated as a shared responsibility across government and industry. The emphasis on predictive tools and integrated oversight reflects lessons drawn from international transport safety frameworks, adapted to local conditions such as high temperatures, heavy freight movement and diverse workforce demographics.

The collaboration also carries reputational and economic implications. Officials said safer roads and secure labour environments underpin investor confidence and social stability, particularly as the emirate positions itself as a global logistics, tourism and business hub. Any sustained rise in accidents or security incidents would carry costs not only in human terms but also through delays, insurance claims and regulatory penalties.

Air India Express has unveiled a limited-period initiative offering discounted rates for pre-booked excess baggage on flights from the Middle East to destinations across the country, a move aimed at easing travel costs for migrant workers, families and long-haul passengers who routinely carry more than the standard allowance.

The airline said passengers travelling on eligible routes can now pre-book either 5 kg or 10 kg of additional baggage at reduced prices when purchasing tickets or managing bookings in advance, rather than paying significantly higher charges at airport counters. The scheme applies to flights operated by Air India Express connecting key Gulf cities with multiple airports, including Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Tiruchirappalli and Tirupati.

According to the airline, the discounted excess baggage option is available only for travel originating in the Middle East and must be secured before the scheduled departure. Passengers booking at the airport will not be eligible for the reduced rates, a distinction designed to streamline airport operations while encouraging early planning.

Air India Express operates a dense network between the Gulf and southern states, serving a passenger base that often includes overseas workers returning home with gifts, personal belongings and household items. Industry executives say baggage fees have long been a sensitive issue on these routes, where standard allowances can fall short of passenger needs.

A senior airline official said the initiative was introduced after feedback indicated that travellers valued predictable, upfront costs more than ad hoc airport payments. “Pre-booked baggage gives customers certainty and reduces stress on the day of travel,” the official said, adding that the airline continues to evaluate pricing structures in response to demand patterns.

The move comes as competition intensifies on Middle East–India corridors, with full-service and low-cost carriers vying for price-sensitive passengers. Airlines have increasingly turned to ancillary services such as baggage, seat selection and onboard meals to boost revenues while keeping base fares competitive.

Aviation analysts note that excess baggage fees represent a significant ancillary revenue stream globally, but also pose reputational risks if perceived as excessive or opaque. By offering discounted slabs for pre-booking, carriers can strike a balance between revenue generation and customer goodwill.

Data from industry bodies show that traffic between Gulf countries and India has continued to expand, driven by labour mobility, tourism and family travel. Seasonal peaks around school holidays and festival periods often see passengers travelling with heavier loads, amplifying the relevance of baggage-related offers.

Air India Express, now part of the Air India Group following its integration with AIX Connect, has been undergoing operational and branding changes as the group consolidates its low-cost strategy. The airline has been inducting new aircraft, expanding its network and revisiting service elements to align with broader group objectives.

The discounted baggage scheme also reflects a wider trend among low-cost carriers to monetise flexibility. Instead of a one-size-fits-all fare, airlines are offering modular options that allow passengers to tailor services based on individual needs, often at lower overall cost if planned in advance.

Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed clearer communication around baggage pricing but stress the importance of transparency. “Passengers should be able to understand what they are paying for and how much they can carry without surprises,” said a travel rights consultant based in Dubai, noting that disputes over baggage charges remain a frequent source of complaints.

Plans to turn India into a major semiconductor manufacturing hub are moving from policy to execution, with four companies scheduled to begin chip production during 2026 and the government setting its sights on becoming one of the world’s leading producers by 2035. The transition marks a decisive phase for a country long dependent on imported chips but now seeking to embed itself in global electronics supply chains amid geopolitical realignments and rising demand for secure manufacturing bases.

The most advanced of the announced projects is the large-scale fabrication facility planned at Dholera in Gujarat, a joint venture between Tata Electronics and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. The plant, cleared with government backing and financial incentives under the Semiconductor Mission, is designed to manufacture mature-node chips used in automobiles, power electronics, consumer devices and industrial equipment. Construction work has progressed through 2025, with commercial production targeted to start the following year, according to timelines shared with policymakers and industry partners.

Alongside the Dholera fab, three other facilities are slated to commence output in 2026, primarily in the assembly, testing, marking and packaging segment. Micron Technology’s ATMP plant at Sanand in Gujarat is expected to be the first major operational unit, focusing on memory products for global markets. Two domestic groups, Tata Electronics and Kaynes Semicon, are also developing advanced packaging facilities, while CG Power, in partnership with Japan’s Renesas Electronics and Thailand’s Stars Microelectronics, is setting up an outsourced semiconductor assembly and test unit in Gujarat. Together, these projects are intended to establish a foundational ecosystem rather than a single flagship plant.

Government officials argue that the emphasis on both fabrication and packaging reflects a deliberate strategy. While advanced-node fabs require decades of experience and heavy capital, mature-node manufacturing and packaging are seen as realistic entry points that align with India’s strengths in engineering talent, scale and cost efficiency. Officials involved in the programme say the objective is to capture value across the semiconductor chain while gradually building capabilities for more complex processes.

Public funding has played a central role. Under the incentive framework, the central government is offering support covering up to half the project cost for approved semiconductor and display manufacturing units, with additional incentives from host states. The total committed investment across approved projects runs into tens of billions of dollars, according to official estimates, making it one of the most capital-intensive industrial initiatives undertaken in the country.

Industry analysts note that the timing coincides with a global rethinking of chip supply chains. Disruptions during the pandemic years, coupled with trade and technology tensions, prompted governments and companies to seek diversified manufacturing locations. India’s pitch combines policy stability, a large domestic electronics market and strategic partnerships with established chipmakers. Executives at electronics firms say the presence of local chip production could shorten supply chains and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

Challenges remain substantial. Semiconductor manufacturing demands ultra-reliable power, water and logistics, as well as a deep supplier base for chemicals, gases and equipment. Skills development is another constraint. While India produces large numbers of engineers, chip fabrication requires specialised expertise built through years of hands-on experience. To address this, training collaborations with overseas partners and academic institutions have been initiated, and several universities have launched semiconductor-focused programmes.

There is also scepticism about the 2035 ambition. Market researchers point out that becoming a “top” producer can be defined in different ways, whether by volume, value or technological sophistication. Countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and the United States dominate advanced-node manufacturing, while China has invested heavily across the value chain. India’s near-term projects focus on mature technologies, which serve vast markets but command lower margins. Supporters counter that demand for such chips is set to remain strong due to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and industrial automation.