Good morning from <i>The National</i> on December 20, 2024. Here is your digest of what is making the headlines in the Emirates. The UAE has made significant strides in women’s empowerment and gender equality, and fulfilled international obligations to protect and promote women’s rights, an independent expert from the UN has said. Reem Al Salem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, highlighted the country’s progress in women’s participation in political and economic spheres, and combatting violence against women and girls. Ms Al Salam warned, however, that there remains a protection gap for some vulnerable women, particularly migrants and domestic workers. The UN official emphasised that while the UAE ranked seventh globally and first regionally in the UN Development Programme Gender Inequality Index 2024, it could make a "major leap" if measures were taken to ensure government protection reached non-Emirati women. Read the full story from Anjana Sankar <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/12/19/uaes-push-to-protect-women-impressive-but-room-to-do-more-says-un-independent-expert/" target="_blank">here</a> Dubai Taxi Company has joined forces with Estonian ride-hailing company Bolt to launch a new e-mobility platform to rival Careem in the emirate. Mansoor Alfalasi, Dubai Taxi Company chief executive, said the new service would offer passengers more competitive pricing as a result of adding more options in the market. So far 12,000 drivers have signed up to the platform, which will provide e-hailing services. Much like Careem offers private hire cars, as well as a cab service through Hala Taxi, Bolt will do the same, with a more traditional taxi service expected in the new year. On Thursday, <i>The National</i> found prices for Bolt and Careem were comparable for a journey from Dubai Marina to Downtown. A high-end London black cab-style limousine service, with electric and hybrid vehicles, is also expected by the end of the year as a VVIP concept. "We will test it out with our customers and, if we see good reactions from the market, maybe we can grow it," Mr Alfalasi told <i>The National</i>. Read Rachel Kelly's full report <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/climate/2024/12/19/london-style-black-cabs-set-for-dubai-as-bolt-launches-competitor-to-careem/" target="_blank">here</a> An airline pilot has been granted joint custody of his young daughter by the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, a move that experts say indicates the emirate's efforts to promote gender equality in parenting. The western father, who did not wish to be identified, said his wife had filed for divorce last year and demanded full custody of their daughter, claiming his job kept him away from home frequently. The pilot initially hoped for an amicable agreement, he told <i>The National</i>. “My job means I travel approximately 14 days a month and it wasn’t fair that I would lose custody because of my job,” he said. “This ruling gives me hope. It proves that being a parent isn’t about how many hours you’re home but about the love, care and stability you provide. I may travel for work but my heart is always with my daughter, and I’m grateful the court recognised that.” Read the full story from Shireena Al Nowais <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/12/19/pilots-custody-case-tests-abu-dhabis-child-welfare-reforms/" target="_blank">here</a> <b>FACT OF THE DAY</b> The average airfare in 2025 is expected to be $380, 1.8 per cent lower than in 2024, according to data from the International Air Transport Association. Find out more about the latest flight price trends <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/video/e0jSrztx/" target="_blank">here</a> <b>THE WRAP</b> <b>FRONT PAGE</b>
