UAE Manufacturing Push: ROX has started local vehicle production in Abu Dhabi, with its first ADAMAS models rolling off an AI-backed plant in KEZAD and targeting 20,000 vehicles in 2027, scaling to 300,000 annually by 2030—supporting “Made in the Emirates” exports. Maritime Skills & Safety: The Ghana Maritime Authority called for tougher seafarer assessment and certification standards, running a one-week regional training with Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia to strengthen competency checks. Livestock & Trade Controls: The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and related products from at least 23 countries, including The Gambia, citing laboratory-confirmed outbreaks. Gambia Energy Costs: Fuel pump prices in The Gambia rose, with petrol set at D109.80/litre, diesel at D120/litre and kerosene at D112.64/litre, blamed on higher international crude and refined product prices. Digital & Innovation Agenda: EFF-Gambia leader Prince Ebrahim Sanyang unveiled plans to build a digital economy—affordable broadband, regional tech hubs, and digitised government services. Connectivity Infrastructure: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated to boost coastal trade, tourism and access, linked to future deep-sea port development. Higher Education Financing: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications on September 15 for interest-free tuition support via an online platform.