The Baby Expo, the Middle East’s first international baby, toddler and maternity event is set to redefine the parenting experience, offering expectant parents and families a one-stop destination for all things related to pregnancy and early childcare.

Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 24th and 25th 2024, tickets for the event are on sale now from https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/family/23470/the-baby-expo with 10% of all ticket proceeds being donated to ‘Gaza in our Hearts’, a Ramadan initiative set up by The Baby Expo Charity Partner, Dubai Cares, to support children and families in Gaza by providing emergency relief such as meals, food baskets, and waterproof and fire-resistant tents.

The event will bring together over 150 premium global mother, baby, and early years’ brands, showcasing 1000s of products for parents and expectant parents to discover, try and purchase and an opportunity to access invaluable education from leading industry and healthcare experts. Spanning across 10,500 square metres, with more than 10,000 attendees anticipated over the course of two days, visitors can enjoy entertainment for all the family, take advantage of show-only exclusive discounts and special offers and engage with like-minded parents, while discovering new support networks for every step of the parenting journey.

Hosted by renowned entrepreneur, media personality and co-founder of The Baby Expo, Kris Fade, the event will welcome famous parents from around the globe including entrepreneur and social media superstar Joelle Mardinian and award-winning comedian Russell Kane alongside his wife Lindsey Kane and their age-defying supplement brand JOLT.

Kris Fade, entrepreneur, media personality, Co-founder and host of Baby Expo said: “I’m excited to host Dubai’s first Baby Expo, offering a unique platform for parents and parents-to-be. We recognise how overwhelming preparing for a baby can be, so we’ve curated a space that brings together industry experts, international brands, new parents and parent-to-be. This unique event provides parents with an immersive experience, offering them access to a comprehensive range of baby-related products and services, and the opportunity to freely ask questions, seek guidance, and confidently navigate their journey into early parenthood.”

With the baby product market expected to grow by 71.4%, reaching US$168 billion by 2032, according to Global Market Insights1, there is huge demand for an event of this scale tailored to the mother, baby and toddler industry in the Middle East. Aiming to transform the industry in the region, The Baby Expo Dubai will provide a platform for the industry players to come together in Dubai every year, for networking, business development, shared learning and industry-wide collaborations.

For brands seeking to reach key players in the Middle East, the event will deliver a Hosted Buyers Programme, providing exhibitors with the opportunity to hold pre-scheduled meetings with key decision-makers from the region’s leading retailers, distributors, pharmacies, supermarkets, e-commerce platforms and nurseries.

Ashleigh Lloyd, Co-Founder of Baby Expo commented: “We’re excited to introduce Dubai’s first Baby Expo this May, uniting global industry leaders in the mother, baby and toddlers’ sector, especially considering the significant growth expected in the baby products market over the next decade. We’ve provided brands with a unique platform to showcase their latest products and innovations, engage in networking opportunities and initiate important discussions on future market trends. Baby Expo also presents an ideal setting to forge large-scale collaborations between like-minded brands and nurture the consumer-brand relationship.”

Celebrity Speakers
In addition to a line-up of high-profile, celebrity parents, The Baby Expo will provide two days of expert speakers, conferences and workshops covering topics ranging from caring for your newborn, life-saving first aid and sleep training to parent coaching, information and tips about giving birth and nutrition. Attendees will gain insights from experts and Mumpreneurs such as Julie Mallon, Kelly Marie Hodgkin, Amanda Jenner, Dr. Elena Andrioti, Dr. Tayara, Maysaa Fahour, Nicola Oliver, Lama Shamseddine and Mira Khleif, who will provide a wealth of information on entrepreneurial and parenting subjects.

Ultimate destination for parents
The Baby Expo will serve as an ultimate destination for parents. Providing a platform to compare products and specifications across various brands and seek advice from industry professionals, enabling informed decisions and potential savings, especially considering the significant expenditures parents make on baby products in the first year alone. More than 150 brands will offer attendees exclusive discounts and special promotions which are only redeemable during the show as well as unveiling new products, innovative technologies and brands tailored specifically for the region.

Fun for all the family
With an array of family-friendly entertainment lined up including Magic Phil, soft play areas, sensory activities, arts and crafts, baby massage sessions, face painting, and games, The Baby Expo has something to offer for all the family. Visitors can also look forward to mystery goody bags filled with vouchers and samples for bump, baby and mummy.

Business Breakfast
For the industry, The Baby Expo will host a business breakfast offering engaging content tailored to elevate the global mother, baby and toddler industry, featuring insights from global brands and the Middle East’s industry leaders from across the sector. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions and interviews the business breakfast aims to unite industry experts to explore future market trends, challenges, and innovations, whilst encouraging industry-wide collaborations.

In collaboration with leading brands in the baby, mother and toddler industries, Baby Expo presents an impressive lineup of partners including Platinum Sponsors Dabdub and King’s College Hospital Dubai; Gold Sponsors Stokke, Nabi, Bimbly and No More Lice; VIP Influencer Lounge Sponsor Cybex; Strategic Partner Fade Fit; Charity Partner Dubai Cares; and App Partner Qidz.

Tickets for The Baby Expo are now available through visiting www.thebabyexpo.com, https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/family/23470/the-baby-expo or in-store at Virgin Megastores across the UAE.

Authorities in the UAE have announced the closure of all roads leading to valleys and mountains as the country braces for severe weather conditions this weekend. The closure will remain in effect until the foul weather subsides.

The impending weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail across the country from Friday evening, March 8, until noon on Sunday, March 10. Areas are at risk of flooding, with strong winds potentially causing low visibility on roads, particularly from Friday midnight to Saturday midnight.

The weather is anticipated to begin affecting regions such as Al Dhafra and Al Ain before spreading to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and beyond. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, with motorists urged to park vehicles away from mountains, valleys, and water bodies.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has issued warnings regarding hailstorms, urging residents to take precautions to safeguard themselves and their property. Those found disregarding safety directives could face fines and penalties, including vehicle confiscation.

Disaster management teams in each emirate will determine whether to implement remote learning in schools and cancel outdoor events scheduled for the weekend. Emergency services, including police, rescue teams, and civil defense, are on high alert to respond to any emergencies.

Last month’s heavy rains and hail prompted widespread disruptions, with schools and offices transitioning to remote work as residents grappled with the aftermath of flooding and property damage. Authorities are urging residents to heed safety instructions and stay updated on the evolving weather situation.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) alongside the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced the return of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2024. The games, sponsored by ADQ, will feature a matchup between the 17-time NBA champion Boston Celtics and the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets. These preseason games are set for Friday, October 4, and Sunday, October 6, in Abu Dhabi.

The Celtics’ lineup boasts talent such as five-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, three-time NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown, 2021 NBA champion Jrue Holiday, and 2018 NBA All-Star Kristaps Porziņģis. Holiday, previously playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, participated in the first NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2022. The Nuggets are highlighted by two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and six-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić, along with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.

This event will be broadcast live in the UAE, across the Middle East, and globally, reaching fans in over 200 countries and territories through television, digital media, and social media platforms. While ticket sales and venue details will be announced later, fans are encouraged to express their interest online for updates and information on special ticket packages that include premium access, VIP experiences, and local accommodations.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 is part of a broader partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which aims to engage fans through NBA Global Games, interactive events, health clinics, and more, all while promoting Abu Dhabi as a prime tourist destination.

NBA coverage has been available in the UAE since the 1987-88 season, with the league maintaining a strong presence on social media and offering a wide range of merchandise to fans in the region through both online and physical stores.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has issued a directive for private schools, announcing that school timings during the holy month of Ramadan should not exceed five hours of instruction time. Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Permits at KHDA, emphasized that schools must conclude classes by 12pm on Fridays.

Al Mansouri expressed best wishes for the education community during the blessed month, highlighting the importance of compassion, patience, and perseverance. The commencement of Ramadan in the country is anticipated to be on 12 March, with slight variations possible due to local moon sightings.

Most schools are expected to collaborate with parents to finalize timings, submitting them to KHDA for approval. Some institutions have proposed a schedule running from 7.45am to 12.45pm Monday through Thursday, maintaining regular timings on Fridays.

The KHDA’s directive aims to ensure an optimal educational environment for students during Ramadan, prioritizing their well-being. It aligns with efforts to instill spiritual values associated with the holy month among enrolled students.

Headteachers have pledged to minimize assessments during Ramadan, focusing on low-stakes evaluations to allow students more time for family and prayer. Additionally, the overlap of almost ten days of spring break with Ramadan for many international curricula institutions is anticipated to further facilitate students in managing their spiritual and cultural commitments.

Sangita Chima, Principal of Amity School Dubai, expressed appreciation for the alignment of the academic calendar with Ramadan, providing students with time for reflection and relaxation. She highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering religious and cultural understanding through diverse spiritual learning opportunities during the sacred month.

Al Nabooda Automobiles L.L.C, the official distributor for Volkswagen in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has announced the official handover of the all-new Volkswagen Amarok to the Dubai Police fleet. With its ground-up redesign, powerful performance and off-road prowess, the Volkswagen Amarok will empower officers to effectively facilitate the safe journeys of motorists across Dubai.

Al Nabooda Automobiles has been a long-term partner of Dubai Police providing the fleet the most advanced vehicles in terms of performance, reliability, and utility. This partnership continues with the handover of the all-new Volkswagen Amarok aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between Government entities and the private sector.

H.E. Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said: “We are delighted to cooperate with Al Nabooda Automobiles, a longstanding national company deeply committed to initiatives that positively enhance Dubai’s image and its position as a top destination for living, working, tourism, and investment. We are confident that these cars will contribute to enhancing both the traffic and security sectors, thereby supporting police operations and achieving the strategic goals of maintaining road safety and community security.”

His Excellency emphasized the General Command of Dubai Police’s commitment to equipping the tourist security patrol fleet with the latest luxury models. These vehicles will not only enhance the security presence of the tourist police but also serve as a bridge between the police, tourists, visitors, and the members of the public.

With impressive on and off-road capabilities, the Amarok can handle the toughest of jobs, making it a dependable workhorse for Dubai Police Officers, boasting a remarkable towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. The Amarok’s maximum payload has increased recently to 1.19 tonnes, making it even more capable in mission critical situations.

K Rajaram, CEO, Al Nabooda Automobiles, said, “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with the Dubai Police adding a new dimension to the fleet this year. On and off-road the Amarok has exceptional levels of performance that will assist officers in their daily duties, while also offering the power and versatility to adapt to unexpected scenarios that call upon its towing and load capabilities. The safe travel of motorists on the roads of Dubai is a priority Al Nabooda and Dubai Police share and we believe the Amarok can play a vital role.”